June 2016 - My Solihull, Knowle & Dorridge by The MY Magazines

June/July 2016

SOLIHULL,

KNOWLE & DORRIDGE Your award winning local community magazine

Talking sports journalism with

On your bike! With Solihull Lions

Solihull mums & dads

Gary Newbon

Keep your finger on the pulse

Madonna & Guy Richieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s custody battle

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Editors Welcome

SOLIHULL,

KNOWLE & DORRIDGE June/July 2016

In this issue Welcome Back Neighbours & Readers, We hope you like the new look of our magazine. It was a joy to meet Gary Newbon with his talented lovely wife. And our Human of Solihull, Annette Hulme - whose simple idea borne of her own need, has become an essential tool for many of Solihull’s grateful parents.

Cricket season’s in full swing

Madonna’s custody battle

19 Human of Solihull: Annette Hulme 21 Vintage Solihull 25 Understanding strokes

Regulars 15

11 What’s on 17 Where to eat 21 Tutor listing

See page 27 for advert rates & sizes Reach out on social media and tell us what you’d like to see in future issues!

15 Nettle Season - yumm

Julia Parsons

The Team Editor Julia Parsons Advertising Amy Watson Design Ruby Watson

COVER STORY: Gary Newbon

14 Heart of England bike ride

Till the next issue - have a wonderful mid-Summer.

07831 395029 juliaparsons @swanpublishing.org www.swanpublishing.org

22 Clubs & Societies 26 Business directory

27 Advertising information

Photo on cover by www.sevenstarphotography.co.uk

Photography by www.sevenstarphotography.co.uk

Gary Newbon

In an interview with Julia Parsons

A life in sport journalism

This journalist, interviewer and broadcaster epitomizes ‘sports’ and ‘football’. He’s lived and breathed it for the last 52 years of which 48 have been in TV but interestingly in our discussion he revealed it was his relationship with the late Brian Clough that meant a great deal and a memorable incident in 1999 with Alex Ferguson, manager of Manchester United. Gary tells the story: “They were losing 1-0 to Bayern Munich in Barcelona but in the stoppages Man U scored twice and extraordinarily - won. I interviewed Alex straight after the end of the match and I’d say he was in a state of shock - his mind had gone blank. He shook his head and said… ‘Football, bloody hell’. That has gone down into legend.” Gary lives in Solihull, having raised his family here – a daughter who has followed him into journalism and twin boys – all with successful careers. He met his wife Katie 42 years ago in the newsroom at ATV. There’s plenty on the internet about Gary’s distinguished career from newspapers in Fleet Street to becoming Deputy Head of ITV sport and Controller of Sport for Central Television for 23 years and there are many top familiar names who can thank him for being the catalyst for their career beginnings. Ask Gary about his opinion on a youngster today following in his career footsteps and he shakes his head. It’s so different now with the demise of newspapers and regional TV. But he recommends work experience and attitude - accepting being the gofer

and being resourceful. Taking media studies courses can lead to disappointment. It’s a tough world to get into now.

He feels football has changed, affected by the market forces created by money - thanks to TV fees and demanding sports agents. Now in his early 70s, Gary is undeterred at the travelling required to get to work at Sky Sports. He is currently presenting Sporting Heroes, a series in which Gary interviews in-depth, the legends of sport. Does he want to retire? - does he heck! He loves his work and life is good whilst he can continue in the sports world he’s passionate about. An extended version of this article is available at our online site: www.swanpublishing.org

Pop-up Shop!

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to raise funds for local charity Solihull Mindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s horticulture project We will be selling lovely gifts for your home and garden, including planted pots and hanging baskets using plants grown at the project, locally produced craft items. and homemade cakes and cream teas.

11am-3-30pm, July 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd at our project site which is off Station Road in Knowle - past Arden School, opposite Purnells Way, look out for the signs! Reg. charity no. 516058

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Cricket season in full swing! Holding the title of the second most popular sport in the world shows how eager we are (as a predominantly cold and wet country) to get back into the game.

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that over at Edgbaston Stadium they’re gearing up for a 2016 to remember. Major match tickets are selling fast - act now if you don’t want to miss out! It’s not just adults who have all the fun, cricket is massively popular with kids and there are plenty of opportunities for them to discover this great sport in the local area. Moseley Going to a cricket match is such an exhilarating experience when you really commit to the occasion. For those eager few who are just out for a great time but aren’t so savvy on what the game’s about, all you need is a bit of the lingo. We’ve put together some cricket terminology that should help you out - or at least get a few laughs:

Baggy Green - Green cricket cap that’s been worn by Australian test match cricketers since around the turn of the 20thC. Cart-wheeling stump - When the ball hits a stump with enough force to cause it flip endover-end before landing.

Find out more about your local clubs here: Hampton & Solihull Cricket Club www.hamptonandsolihullcc.com Solihull Municipal Cricket Club www.solihullmcc.co.uk Solihull Blossomfield CC www. solihullblossomfield.play-cricket. com West Warwickshire Sports Club www.westwarwicks.co.uk

Cherry - Name for the ball, usually used by Australians. Daisy cutter - When a ball rolls along the pitch or bounces more than two times.

Flash - to wield the bat aggressively. Rabbit - a particularly incompetent batsman. Be sure to tweet us any funny (or helpful) ones we missed out! Written by Ruby Watson

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Madonna’s custody battle

Madonna has recently been granted permission to end the British legal action over the custody of her 15 year old son, Rocco, highlighting an issue faced by many divorcing and divorced parents. Local family law specialist Sian Kenkre of The Wilkes Partnership sheds some light on the issue. The singer is in dispute with her ex-husband Guy Ritchie over where the teenager should live. Hearings have been held in both New York and London, but Madonna recently asked London’s High Court to bring the English proceedings to a close. The Judges on both sides of the Atlantic have implored the parents to reach an amicable solution. “Disputes over a child’s living arrangements are always difficult”, says Sian “both practically and emotionally, particularly when parents live in different countries. Despite heavy media coverage, disputes such as this are increasingly commonplace as the world grows smaller and many parents live overseas. Internal and international relocation cases are occurring frequently. “It may seem simplistic to suggest that parents should reach agreement. There are often many reasons that a couple may not be able to communicate. Cases such as these cry out for lawyers to be creative and find ways to work to a solution. There are many methods that can be used – mediation using specialist mediators or a collaborative approach avoiding entrenched litigation.

“As a parent myself I understand the intense feelings involved. In my view forcing a teenager to live with one parent against their wishes can cause resentment. The courts will take a child’s wishes and feelings very strongly into account if they are able to express them with a level of maturity and be reluctant to go against them. “It is important to bear in mind that the arrangements for Rocco were put in place when he was only 8 years old and he has now evolved into a young man who like most teenagers won’t be pushed around with Court orders. “It is essential for parents to take early advice from a family law specialist who is a member of Resolution and dedicated to resolving family disputes in a constructive and amicable way.” If you need advice on custody matters contact Sian Kenkre at The Wilkes Partnership skenkre@wilkes.co.uk

or 0121 733 8000 / www.wilkes.co.uk

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What’s on guide A snapshot of things to do around Knowle & Dorridge in June & July.

Markets, Fairs & Festivals Solihull Carnival Celebrate the carnival with the Lions. Free entry – charity donations welcome. Where: Tudor Grange Park When: 11 Jun, 12.00pm to 5.00pm (Funfair from 9 June) Info: solihulllionsclub.org.uk

Birmingham and Solihull Jazz & Blues Festival With bands and musicians from the UK, Czech Republic, France, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Holland, Canada, India, Hungary and the USA. Where: 60 venues including Mell Square When: 15 - 24 July Info: www.visitbirmingham.com

Fine & Local Food Fayre Sample the best of locally sourced food & produce Where: Mell Square, High Street & Mill Lane When: 18 Jun & 16 Jul Info: skettsfarmersmarkets.co.uk

Vintage & Antiques Fair Clothes, Accessories, jewellery, homewares vinyl and glass. Where: Cranmore Park Exhibition Centre, Shirley When: 9 Jul, 10am-4pm Info: www.b2bevents.info

Farmers Market A tempting range of local produce sourced from within a 30 mile radius of Solihull. Where: High Street and Mill Lane, Solihull, B91 0NA When: First Friday every month Info: www.skettsfarmersmarkets. co.uk

Charity Events

Midsummer Craft Market Discover the work of local artists and jewellery designers, as well as artefacts from overseas. Where: High Street, Solihull When: 8 & 9 Jul 9.00am-5.00pm Info: solihull/gov.uk/events Majestic Jazz Celebrate the Queen’s official birthday with a concert in the park. Refreshments and homemade cakes at Elmdon Church, or take a picnic. If wet weather the concert will be in the church. Where: Elmdon Park When: 12 Jun, 2.00pm-4.15pm Info: solihull.gov.uk/events

Solihull Mind’s Pop Up Shop Home and garden gifts sale in aid of charity Where: Solihull Mind’s horticulture site in Knowle, down the bridle path opposite Purnells way, off Station Road When: 2, 9, 16, 23 Jul Info: contact@solihullmind.org. uk. Sponsored Walk The annual sponsored walk in aid of National Osteoporosis Society. Baroness Burt of Solihull will start the walk. Where: Shirley Park When: 16 Jun Info: www.nos.org.uk/solihull

Clubs & Gatherings Knit and Natter Knitting items for premature babies to be sent to Malawi.

Experiencing knitters and beginners welcome. Where: St Stephen’s Church Centre, Coppice Road When: Meeting weekly Info: patrical57@hotmail.com

Live Entertainment Summer Ball The Old Silhillian’s Association Summer Ball. Open to all. Dancing to a live band with 4-course dinner. Where: Silhillians Sports Club, Warwick Road, B93 When: 2 Jul, 7.30pm Info: www.ball@silhillians.net / 01564 777680 The Tempest Outdoor performance of one of Shakespeare’s best loved plays by Heartbreak Productions. Where: Brueton Park, B91 3HA When: 19 Jul Info: thecoretheatresolihull. co.uk Pedal Car Racing Competative fast and furious pedal car racing. Where: Tudor Grange Park, B91 3LU When: 24 Jul, 10.30am-5pm Info: pedalcarracing.info/solihull Glyndebourne Opera: Il Barbiere Di Siviglia Rossini’s classic comedy, conducted by Enrique Mazzola. Where: Cineworld, Touchwood When: 21 Jun Info: www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/solihull

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FREE divorces in Solihull Divorce is never easy.

We all know the prospect of divorce and separation can be a challenging time for you and your family, but with the right approach and support it doesn’t have to be difficult. Divorce offers many the chance for a fresh start and a happier outlook on life. So, it’s surprising that in a recent study (published in 2014), QualitySolicitors found 89% of those surveyed were worried about their general direction in life after their divorce - something they’ve termed the ‘Divoid’. The survey revealed that 2/3 of parents have concerns about the impact of their divorce on their children’s emotional future, 50% are worried about their living arrangements and 1/3 fears loneliness. Sam Kent from QualitySolicitors Davisons explains how it’s all a matter of making the right choices for you and your situation. 1.Keep things amicable As hard as it might be, don’t make life difficult for each other, now or after the divorce, all it will achieve is bitterness. Things will always be easier if you can get along. 2. Consider your new financial future This is the perfect time to re-asses your finances make an appointment with a financial advisor to review your current products, policies, pensions and savings. you might have joint arrangements

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with your ex which may need to be amended or changed for ones more suited to your new life. But whatever you do, don’t rashly cancel vital policies (like life or home insurance) and make sure your ex knows how important this is too. 3. Discover a new you Get out there and do the things you’ve always wanted to do. Don’t use your divorce as a reason to mope around. lnstead meet up with old friends, start exercising, enrol on a course or go on holiday with friends. Not only will you enjoy yourself, but you’re likely to make new friends in the process. 4. Think positive Vour divorce is bound to leave you feeling blue at times, it would be a worry if it didn’t, but don’t dwell on it. Yes, at times things are going to be difficult, but they will get better and you will get through it. Don’t forget, you’re not alone. 5. Take your time As tempting as it may be, rebound relationships rarely work at this fragile time. You might instead want to consider dating someone that isn’t necessarily for the long-term. This can be a good way of helping you move on and give your confidence a real boost.

If we deal with your matrimonial financial matters we will not charge you for advising about your divorce.

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Heart of England bike ride

Heart of England Bike Ride – Sunday 17 July 2016 – Packwood NT House Knowle and Dorridge Lions hope you will join them for this year’s 11th Heart of England bike ride from Packwood House National Trust property around the beautiful Warwickshire countryside on Sunday 17 July. Gear up, get your friends and family together and take on the challenge of the 12, 18, 30 or 60 mile routes, and help raise funds for the British Heart Foundation. Organiser Lion Paul Wheatley says: “This ride seems to be quietly going from strength to strength with over 700 participants last year, raising over £19,000 for charity, all at the same time. After the bike ride, food will be available to purchase from the Lions BBQ and there is free entry to Packwood House and gardens. It’s a great day out for everyone!”

Discounted advance entry costs £10.00 Adults, £5 Children on the day an entry fee of £15.00 Adult and £7.50 Children applies. More details and register online via

www.knowleanddorridgelions.com/bikeride

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Herbalist

Jenny Jones

Nettles...

they’re not all that bad really To make a soup you will need: A large saucepan of nettle tops 3 tbsp butter 3 tbsp plain flour 1 ltr vegetable stock 150ml cream Plenty of salt and pepper

Do you feel a little jaded after spending the winter indoors wrapped up against the cold? Now is the time to think about boosting your energy. But don’t visit your pharmacy – go into your garden instead. We are going to pick some nettles! Nettles were a very important crop in the past. They were not only used as a medicine, they were also made into material, rope and used for dying (they make a lovely yellow/ green dye). They contain useful amounts of iron and calcium and at this time of year nettles are young and tender and can be used to make a restorative tea and a lovely soup.

Method Wearing long rubber gloves, collect nettle tops and, if necessary wash and pick through them. You will need a good amount as they wilt down, very much like spinach. Cook the rinsed nettles without adding any more water until thoroughly softened, (as soon as you heat the nettles the sting disappears). Drain off all liquid thoroughly and add this to your stock. Make a roux by melting the butter in a saucepan and slowly adding in the flour. Keep stirring over a low heat for 2 minutes

and then begin to slowly add the stock mixture. Put the roux and nettles in a liquidizer and blitz until smooth. Season to taste. To make nettle tea you will need: Fill your cup with nettle tops having bruised them by squeezing them first. Then pour on boiling water and leave to steep until you have a good colour. Sweeten to taste if that’s your choice – but no milk please! Two cups a day will give you a good amount of iron and calcium. Jenny Jones is a retired fellow of The National Institute of Medical Herbalists. After practicing for 30 years she become a Trustee of the Herb Society and helped train future herbalists as a tutor at the University of Central Lancashire. Jenny has agreed to write more of her wonderful articles for our magazine.

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Where to eat

A guide to the best places to eat in and around Knowle & Dorridge

Beeches Bar & Grill Modern Brasserie Marsh Lane Solihull, B92 0AH Tel: 01675 422 277

The Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Arm Modern British Food 2110 Warwick Rd Knowle, B93 0EE Tel: 01564 771 177

The Punchbowl Pub Food Mill Lane Lapworth, B94 6HR Tel: 01564 784 564

Bella Venezia Italian 1628 High St Knowle, B93 0JU Tel: 01564 779 806

Knowle Indian Brasserie 160 High St Knowle, B93 0LY Tel: 01564 776 453

The Red House Pub Food & Carvery Hermitage Rd Solihull, B91 2LP Tel: 0121 711 8856

The Farm Inn Gastro Pub Farmhouse Way Solihull, B90 4EH Tel: 0121 711 7273

Loch Fyne Seafood High St Knowle, B93 0LE Tel: 01564 732 750

The Thai Village Thai 1594-1596 High St Knowle, B93 0LF Tel: 01564 771 595

The Forest Hotel Gastro Pub Farmhouse Way Solihull B90 4EH Tel: 0121 711 7273

Luna Rossa Spanish & Italian 5 St Johns Close Knowle, B93 0LE Tel: 01564 739 395

The White Lion French & British Hampton-in-Arden Solihull, B92 0AA Tel: 01564 442833

Happy Heart Cafe Organic local 26 Richmond Road, Olton, B92 7RP Tel: 0121 706 8674

The Malt Shovel Gastro Pub Barston Lane Solihull, B91 3DX Tel: 01675 443 223

Zengz Asian Vegetarian Old Lode Lane B92 8JE Tel: 0121 722 2099

Janito Restaurant Continental Fusion St Johns Close Knowle, B93 0JU Tel: 01564 779802

Orange Tree Gastro Pub Warwick Rd Solihull, B93 0BN Tel: 01564 785364

Zizi Italian 10 Poplar Rd Solihull, B91 3AB Tel: 0121 704 5030

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Human of Solihull

Annette Hulme - Founder of Solihull mums and dads Our special person this issue has changed people’s lives in this Borough. It’s a challenge being a parent and thanks to Annette, the founder of a community Facebook page called Solihull Mums & Dad’s - the task of child-raising here is easier. At the moment there are 3,492 Facebook members on her site with more asking to join daily. Posts range from those seeking recommendations for a party venue and face painter - to finding a cranial osteopath for a newborn. There are plenty of first hand suggestions and opinions for everything relevant to parenting, from the other members. But it’s not a commercial venture so you won’t find companies advertising themselves or people pushing services and goods. If they try to post, they’re quickly removed. Annette grew up in Hampton in Arden and went to the George Fentham Primary School. Then onto the Arden School in Knowle and University, graduating with a degree in Marketing. She is now the Marketing Manager for London Midland train company - a job she’s held since 2004. When pregnant with her first son 5 years ago and attending post-natal classes, many

of the other expectant mums in the group wanted to stay in touch and continue to meet every week. So a group of about 10 formed. Eventually some returned to work and Annette in order to keep the friendship group going, set up a Facebook page called simply ‘Solihull Mums & Dads’. And it grew through personal invites, ideas for days out and word of mouth. New mums have come into the area, found advice on schools, toddler groups etc and friends have been made. Currently with a 6 week old baby as well as her lively 5-yr-old son and a husband doing shifts, Annette has plenty to cope with so shares the administration of the Facebook page with friends Danielle Collinson and Stacey Lintern. There are thousands of Silhillians who will want to join in to say an immense Thank You of gratitude to Annette for her modern day gift that enhances this community. Written by Julia Parsons

www.facebook.com/groups and search for ‘Solihull Mums & Dads’

Summer School Activity Weeks 2016

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If you are a local tutor and would like your details printed here email: info@swanpublish please ing.org Built in 1871, after the 1870 Education Act, at the cost of ÂŁ508 3s 9d. and confirmed as a Parochial School only after urgent correspondence with the Charity Commissioners. Originally intended for 200 children, it was soon enlarged to take 300 pupils. In the 1970s after much heart-searching over the future of the old building, which was deteriorating rapidly, having lain empty and redundant since 1966 it was eventually adapted for British Legion sheltered housing in the early 1980s and named Paterson Court after Colonel Paterson, a past chairman of the Knowle Branch. Most of the frontage was retained, with the centre section replaced by an arch leading to modern flatlets at the rear.

The Victorian school in Kenilworth Road occupies the site of an earlier school erected in the 1840s on land given by the Lord of the Manor.

Go to website for extended version of this article. Information provided by Mrs Elaine Warner, chairman of Knowle Local History Society. www.knowlehistory.org.uk

Clubs & Societies

Our community is rich and diverse and there is something for everyone, whatever your interests may be. Blythe Barracudas swimming club Lessons & competitions www.blythebarracudas.com Dorridge Flower Club 01926 484 598 www.southmidlandsnafas.org.uk/dorridge Knowle Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Cafe Tel. 07827 940 844 www.solihullcarers.org Knowle Art Group www.freewebs.com/knowleartgroup Knowle Astronomical Society www.knowleastro.org.uk Knowle Bridge Club 01564 776 498 / 205 363 www.bridgewebs. com/knowle

Knowle Musical Society www.knowlemusicalsociety.co.uk Knowle Parish Council www.kpc.org.uk KPC’s The Marriage Course: relationshipcentral@kpc.org.uk Knowle Probus Club 01527 529 363 www.knowleprobus.org.uk Knowle and Dorridge Racquets Club www.knowleanddorridgeracqets.co.uk Knowle Ramblers Group www.knowleramblers.tripod.com Knowle Scottish Country Dance Club 01564 779 853

Knowle Camera Club www.knowlecameraclub.co.uk

Solihull Speakers Club www.solihullspeakers.co.uk

Knowle & Dorridge Ladies Circle www.ladiescircle.co.uk melaniemeadwell@ hotmail.co.uk

Knowle Women’s Institute 01564 770 485 mbpbknowle@talktalk.net

Knowle & Dorridge Lions 08458 335 894 www.knowleanddorridgelions.com

West Midland Bird Club 0121 705 8507 solihull@westmidlandbirdclub.org.uk

Knowle Flower Club 01564 775 899

Ye Olde Knowle Bowling Club 01564 775 887 www.ykbc.co.uk

Knowle Local History Society www.knowlehistory.org.uk knowlehistory@ yahoo.co.uk

Solihull Symphony Orchestra www.solihullsymphony.org.uk

Knowle Male Voice Choir www.knowlemalevoicechoir.org.uk kmvc14@ gmail.com Knowle Male Voice Choir www.knowlemalevoicechoir.org.uk kmvc14@ gmail.com

Solihull Embroiderers Solihullembroiderersguild.blogspot.co.uk Solihull Down syndrome Support Group lizwilliams193@hotmail.co.uk If you know of a club or group that is not listed here but should be, please get in touch to let us know: juliaparsons@swanpublishing. org

Is your eyesight letting you down? Here’s an event you can’t miss Queen Alexandra College

As we get older we may need more help with our eyesight than our optician can provide. If this sounds familiar, you need to visit SIGHT VILLAGE, an exhibition of the latest products and services for people experiencing failing eye sight. SIGHT VILLAGE exhibitors have all the products, services, technology and support you’ll need to see, read and work more easily - and every event is completely free to visit!

BIRMINGHAM 19th & 20th JULY 2016 19th 10.00am - 4.00pm 20th 10.00am - 3.00pm

For more information visit: www.qacsightvillage.org.uk Or call the organiser, Queen Alexandra College on: 0121

428 5041

E-mail: sv@qac.ac.uk HEADLINE SPONSORS