g n i n n i w d r a w a The
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
MAGAZINE MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE
WIN TICKETS
TO THE FESTIVE GIFT FAIR!
Find out how the festive season is kicked off right and enter for your chance to win
HALLOWEEN
g n i m o c s i er int
HACKS
HOST THE HOTTEST AUTUMN PARTY
40,000
Over local readers
W
UNLEASH THE POWER OF
THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS
LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY INSIDE
See page
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FOOD • LIFESTYLE • EVENTS • HOME & GARDEN MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019 1 & DRINK
Get There and Back for just £2.50 return after 6:30pm
Bring your night to life with an Evening Return. Buy your tickets online, in-app, or in person at the station.
#EveningReturn
Select routes only, please visit wmr.uk/eveningreturn
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
Solihull’s Luxury New Care Home OPENING THIS WINTER Fountains Care Home will offer bespoke residential, dementia and respite care as well as ample living spaces, a daily life-enrichment programme of activities and choice in delicious and nutritious meals. We look forward to welcoming you to our Marketing Suite – opening this autumn.
01215 148 369 www.barchester.com/Fountains 1355 Stratford Road, Shirley, Solihull, B90 4EF Concierge service • Choice of lounges • En-suite rooms • Café Spa bathroom • Hair and beauty salon • Minibus • Wi-fi
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
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Complete antenatal education Hypnobirthing
Pregnancy and post-‐natal yoga Post-‐natal mum & baby yoga
Group and private courses with fully-certified practitioner available across Solihull, Warwickshire & West Midlands
Learn more and book your classes: 0 7 4 8 3 2 1 3 1 8 6 / 0 1 5 6 4 7 9 11 5 1 w w w. s o p h r o s y n e b i r t h . c o m info@sophrosynebirth.com
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
Contents
AUGUST & SEPTEMBER TOP STORY 8/9
FESTIVE GIFT FAIR: WIN TICKETS! LEISURE & RETAIL
12/13
LITTLE BLACK DRESS
11/19
WHAT’S ON GUIDE
?
FIND GREG THE GNOME TO WIN FAMILY DAY OUT! HOME & GARDEN
28
CREATING YOUR CHRISTMAS HOME
25/27
HOT TIPS FROM BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS LEGAL & FINANCIAL
18
WILKES: THE BANK OF MUM AND DAD
20/21
VEALE WASBOROUGH VIZARDS: NO FAULT DIVORCE EDUCATION
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TUTOR LISTING PAGE HEALTH
LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY ON PG
30
15
LOOKING AFTER MIND BODY AND SOUL
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019
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Deluxe Window Cleaning
Your local Window Cleaner
Tel: 01332 0121 6841711 Mobile: 07531 07415 612992 346584 881138 Mobile: Web: www.deluxewindowcleaning.co.uk
Web: www.windowcleanersderby.co.uk Email: Info@deluxewindowcleaning.co.uk Email: Steve info@windowcleanersderby.co.uk Pritchard
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
Winter is coming... but not before we have had our fair share of Autumn with the delights of bonfire night and Halloween around the corner. And let’s face it - it’s time we started to think about Christmas. To celebrate the anticipation of this magical time of year we have ten pairs of tickets to the Christmas Festive Fair at the NEC to giveaway! All you need to do is hop over to our website and enter your details for a chance to win. Since we started our local reads page we have been impressed with the amount of local readers who are published authors. This issue we highlight Motorcycling the Ultimate Therapy and we have a copy of the book to give away to one lucky reader. If you have a book up your sleeve let us know about it and we would be delighted to help spread the word. So now it’s time to curl up on the sofa with a nice cup of tea and enjoy the rest of the magazine.
Bye for now,
Ruby, Amy and Julie www.swanpublishing.org @TheMYMagazines @amyMYMag email info@swanpublishing.org
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Find Greg!
All you need to do to enter our prize draw for the perfect family day out at Birmingham Botanical Gardens is find Greg the pesky gnome who is hiding somewhere in our pages. Enter through the website swanpublishing.org
Julie Wilkins Advertising
juliewilkins@swanpublishing.org
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
07914 145 638
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WIN
TICK
ETS!
Enter at s by 31 wanpublis chanc st Octobe hing.org r for y e to w o i n t i c kets t ur Festiv o e Gift t Fair! he
The
14th -17th November
Festive Gift Fair An Aladdin’s cave of sparkling stalls offering more choice, more variety and more fun than the High Street, and it’s all under one roof!
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
Get into the Christmas spirit at
The Festive Gift Fair Thursday 14th – Sunday 17th November at the NEC, Birmingham 9.30am-5pm will be amazing the children. The outrageous Panto Dame will be causing havoc around the hall. The fabulous CHRISTMAS BAND will be performing throughout the day. And with their Motown-style Christmas harmonies, THE BASETONES will have you toe-tapping as you shop.
This ever popular 4-day November Fair is a cracking start to the Christmas season for those in the know! It’s an Aladdin’s cave of sparkling stalls offering more choice, more variety and more fun than the High Street, and it’s all under one roof. No other Christmas fair in the UK has as much entertainment in one hall to get you straight into the Christmas spirit… The Grinch will be up to his antics. Father Christmas will be mingling. The Stilt Jazz Band will be legging it up the aisles! The UK’s largest snowman
Christmas is all about family, friendships and … food! Make a beeline for the FOODIE stalls, where you will discover mouth-watering treats from cheese to chutneys, spices to spirits, puddings to preserves, chocolates to Champagne, beer to brownies, popcorn to Prosecco and hampers to hog roasts! Back by demand are many favourite stallholders including Magical Story, The Perfume Shop, the Cheshire Cheese Company, Condessa Welsh Liqueurs and Garland Enterprises. In addition, this year’s Festive Gift Fair will be welcoming over 100 NEW stallholders. Be inspired and get your festive preparations off to a flying start. Join us with your friends and family for a fun-filled, fabulous day CHRISTMAS SHOPPING at The Festive Gift Fair.
Tickets available on-line from just £6 per adult (plus fulfilment fee)
BOOK YOUR TICKETS at festivegiftfair.co.uk or by calling
0844 581 0808.
(calls cost up to 7p per minute from a BT landline, plus your phone company’s access charge).
festivegiftfair.co.uk
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
LEISURE & RETAIL
What’s on pt1 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
Monthly Markets & Fairs
Seasonal Events
Solihull Farmers’ Market Fresh locally grown produce Where: Solihull High Street When: First Friday every month Info: solihullfarmersmarket.org
Fine & Local Food Fayre Locally sourced food and produce from top quality suppliers. Where: Solihull High Street When: Third Saturday every month Info: solihull.gov.uk/events Bentley Heath Country Market A cross between a farmers’ market and a craft fair all under one roof. Where: Bentley Heath Hall When: Every Fri 9.30am - 11.30am Info: facebook.com
Christmas Craft Fair This occasional market returns with a festive flavour. Where: High Street When: 2 Nov Info: solihull.gov.uk
The Festive Gift Fair An Aladdin’s cave of sparkling stalls offering more choice, more variety and more fun than the High Street, and it’s all under one roof! Where: NEC, Birmingham When: 14 - 17 Nov Info: festivegiftfair.co.uk
Haunting Halloween Take a scary walk around the park to meet Smelly Nelly the witch and her monstrous friends. Wear the most horrifying Halloween outfit for a chance to win a prize in the fancy dress competition! Bring a torch and warm clothing. Book in advance Where: Brueton Park When: 27 Oct Info: solihull.gov.uk Wickid Workshop & Terror Trail Follow the spooky trail! There are prizes for the most horrifying outfits! Where: Elmdon Park When: 31 Oct Info: solihull.gov.uk
Classes
Vicki Gorman Weekly Art Classes for adults who want to learn or develop drawing and painting skills. All abilities and ages welcome. Where: The Core Courtyard Gallery When: Thursdays and Fridays Info: vicki_kilgour@yahoo.co.uk
Diwali Festival of Light Activities There will be rangoli patterns, henna and jewellery, shadow puppetry. You could learn how to put on a sari, or sit back, relax and soak up some traditional music, dancing and stories. Where: Core Theatre When: 1-2 Nov Info: thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk
Olton Christmas Tree Lights Switch On Annual switch on event where the local community gather at Olton library and then go to the local church for further celebrations Where: 169A Warwick Road, Olton When: 23 Nov Info: 0121 706 3038
Christmas in the Park Father Christmas is making a special appearance in the park so come and visit him in his grotto to receive a small gift! Other entertainment includes a festive treasure trail around the park and a Christmas craft activity at the Parkridge Centre. Entrance costs £3 per child. Where: Brueton Park When: 1 Dec Info: solihull.gov.uk Festive Fun Meet Father Christmas in the park! Follow the festive trail to his grotto and receive a small gift! Face painting and a Christmas craft activity is also available on site. Entrance costs £1 per child and £1 per face paint. Where: Meriden Park When: 7 Dec Info: solihull.gov.uk
CONTINUES ON PG 19 >>>
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
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LITTLE BLACK DRESS The LBD marked a significant moment of liberation: women were free from the traditional restrictive clothing of the century before, and during a time simple and affordable was key, the simple black dress soon became the outfit of choice allowing women to look elegant without breaking the bank.
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
FASHION
The magic of the LBD This issue Dawn Marriott shares her expert advice on why the little black dress holds so much power, and should be your festive go-to! And since then the LBD has gone from strength to strength and today no wardrobe is complete without a Little black dress (or two) and the reason this dress had worked so well for decades is that nothing oozes style more than a well fitted black dress. The classic LBD will never be out of fashion, weather it be low neck, long sleeve or backless its style remains classic and timeless.
With Christmas fast approaching and the talk of party season already underway, you may find yourself wondering what to wear for those festive gatherings, my advice would be ……The LBD. The little black dress has become somewhat of a wardrobe staple. It started its journey in 1926 when the world famous Gabrielle Coco Chanel created her first LBD for a VOGUE feature named “the frock the world will wear” although women had been wearing black dresses for centuries, Coco Chanel’s design gave a new sense of fashion to the black silhouette. By the 1930s the LDB had been accepted into mainstream and the Flapper dress was born.
But fashion has moved on and there are no hard fast rules about what the LBD should look like today– new styles on the block mean that there is a style and shape to suit everyone. If you fancy a take on the Coco Chanel classic this season I have listed 5 of my favourites from the high street: 1. If you want something a little more feminine try a long floaty version of the LBD; & Other Stories beaded ruffle dress at £129. 2. A shorter smock shape is perfect if you don’t want a fitted style; try Mint Velvet for their V- neck smock dress at £89. 3. The shift dress is versatile, and can be left loose or belted. Try Reiss for their Myra Wrap shift dress at £185
4. One of my favourite styles that suits most shapes is the wrap midi dress; visit Zara for their Satin effect kimono £45.00 5. For a timeless classic LBD silhouettes try LK Bennett Liya Dress at £125. If fashion is more your thing try incorporating the season trends when buying your LBD. The catwalks were full of fabulous fabrics for AW19 such as organza, satin and leather, making the perfect dress for a fashionista! Whichever LBD you decide on ensure it fits well in the right places and is of good quality, it will then stand the test of time as one of your wardrobe staples – after all, the LBD isn’t just for Christmas!
x Dawn
DAWN MARRIOTT PERSONAL STYLIST & IMAGE CONSULTANT
www.dawnmarriottstylist info@dawnmarriottstylist.com 07725 538 829 Dawnmarriott_stylist Dawn Marriott Stylist
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
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AWA R D W I N N I N G E S TAT E A G E N T
John Shepherd Collection exclusively covers the most prestigious ÂŁ1 million plus luxury properties across Warwickshire and the West Midlands. Led by a select team of experienced local staff, we take pride in ensuring each and every property we market is presented to the highest standard. Collection offer many services tailored to suit personal needs and work with clients to achieve their desired end goal.
Please call to arrange a free market appraisal. Your property is OUR PRIORITY.
6/8 Drury Lane, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 3BD.
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t. 01564 786 633 e. collection@johnshepherd.com w. johnshepherd.com MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
HEALTH & WELLBEING
LOOKING AFTER
MIND BODY & SOUL
As the days grow colder and shorter the decrease in vitamin D can have damaging effects on our mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing. Here are some simple practices that can keep you sustained through the winter.
MIND
BODY
SOUL
Declutter. Write a list of everything you need to do in the forseeable future, take all of the noise out of your mind and put in onto that list. Turn your focus to the present moment.
Pamper youself... • exfoliate dead skin • trim your nails • massage your muscles • bathe in scented oils • put petals in your bath
Be kind to yourself. Tell yourself encouraging things, in your head and out loud! Give yourself a hug! Listen to music that energises your soul. Make time every day to do some reading.
Get some endorphins! • go for a morning jog • do some morning star jumps • find a home workout on Pinterest • go swimming
Follow these simple practices and the winter won’t be quite so rough on your mind, body and soul!
Based in the Harbore and Edgbaston Area!
£35 per 60 minute session or
Initia session!
0783 700 6625 info@lifelongwellbeing.co.uk www.lifelongwellbeing.co.uk
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IR S T
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
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HEALTH & WELLBEING HEALTH
|
07815 460786 01827 892952
Focus on Fingers Dupuytren’s Disease Put your hands in our hands Do you have bent fingers? Are you constantly poking your eye with your finger or struggling to get your fingers into gloves or pockets? If you answered yes, then you may have Dupuytren’s disease. Dupuytren’s disease is a benign disease of the hand and digit causing your finger to bend down towards the palm. It mainly affects the ring and little fingers and you can have it in one or both hands. Symptoms usually appear over a period of time and eventually your finger may get stuck in the bent position. The origins of the disease date back to the Vikings (the disease is also commonly known as Vikings disease) and it was first identified by a Military surgeon and French anatomist, Barron Guillaume Dupuytren. It has a strong genetic predisposition to those of Scandinavian or Northern European descent. There are minimally invasive treatments for Dupuytren’s which have a proven record of rapid rehabilitation and return to work, with high patient satisfaction. The Midland Hand Clinic, lead by Mr G Shyamalan, Consultant Hand Surgeon, has been gaining popularity as a locally based, easily accessible service. We pride ourselves on our friendly and professional service and we work closely with all our patients before, during and after treatment to provide expert advice on protecting and caring for all aspects of hands.
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Midland Hand Clinic lead by Mr G Shyamalan FRCS NHS consultant hand surgeon. All patients welcome whether you have private medical insurance or you are self-paying. Ask us about our self funding prices for minor hand surgery.
Hand Clinic PA: Pam Dziubany Email: pdziubany@hotmail.com Call: 07815 460786 - 01827 892952 www.midlandhandclinic.com
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
HEALTH & WELLBEING
Quality care in your own home
Bluebird care (Solihull) is a privately owned local business operating only in the Solihull Metropolitan borough area, with offices in Shirley. Our main aim is to deliver high quality care to vulnerable people in their own homes, so that they can remain as independent as possible and remain in the familiar surroundings that they love. Our service is available 365 days per year and from a half hour to 24 hours per day. In addition all of our carers are trained in Dementia and Alzheimer’s. We provide personal care, for example, washing, bathing, toileting, dressing, getting into bed and getting up in the morning, administering medication. Bluebird care also provides home care such as help with ironing, cleaning, cooking, shopping etc. We can also provide companionship services for people, for instance reading to them, playing board games or taken to a show or a favourite venue. Our personalised service is provided by very highly trained carers who are recruited locally.All of our carers are CRB checked and multi referenced to give you peace of mind. Our aim is to give you the same care staff so that they can get to know you as an individual and really know what matters to you.
PMJ House, Highlands Road, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands B90 4ND T: 0121 7117435 E: solihull@bluebirdcare.co.uk www.bluebirdcare.co.uk
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
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The Bank of Mum and Dad
It is a familiar scenario to many family lawyers. House prices and lower loan to value borrowing means that a large deposit is a must for many of the younger generation to get on the housing ladder. Often, fortunate young couples are given a substantial sum of money towards a home, sometimes even a home by their parents. Fast forward to unhappier times and in the event of a marriage breakdown parents may wish to protect their monies and to prevent any of those funds going to the other party. Frequently parents will argue that monies or assets gifted were a loan to be repaid, according to Sian Kenkre family law specialist at The Wilkes Partnership. “Family courts are rather sceptical of such claims”, says Sian. “Usually if money or an asset is given as a gift then legal ownership transfers to the recipients. In a divorce scenario the gift, however valuable, will be included as part of the matrimonial assets to be shared.
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“Whilst no parents wish to plan for the failure of a marriage it is prudent planning to have a formal legal document recording whether the donating party has a legal interest. All too often in the event of a divorce there can be a dispute about who owns what. If so, family members can be joined to the financial proceedings so that the court can decide. Such proceedings can be hugely costly, stressful and time consuming. “A further consideration is that monies loaned can be considered a ‘soft debt’ by the court with the view taken that the lender may not ask for repayment if not for the divorce. “The best advice if making a loan to a family member is that it is essential to have a formal loan agreement or charge registered against the property securing the loan at the time the contribution is made.”
The Wilkes Partnership LLP Stanton House, 54 Stratford Road Shirley, Solihull, B90 3LS
0121 733 8000 www.wilkes.co.uk
If you need advice on divorce matters contact Sian Kenkre at The Wilkes Partnership skenkre@wilkes.co.uk
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
LEISURE & RETAIL ... continued from p11
What’s on pt2
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
Music The Band of West Midlands Fire Service The band have been busy rehearsing for their next spectacular event, Music from Stage & Screen! An evening of music from well known films and bands such as The Beatles and Les Mis! Where: Shirley Methodist Church When: 5 Oct Info: facebook.com
The world famous Elvis show A regular sell out in Solihull, direct from the West End, world-leading Elvis performer Chris Connor stars in this huge 2 hour production with his 12-piece energetic live band, ‘The Steels’, and backing vocals by ‘The Sweet Harmonies’! Where: The Core Theatre When: 24-25 Oct Info: thecoretheatresolihull
One Night in Dublin Join in the fun at Murphy’s pub where house band The Wild Murphys will be performing great Irish songs by The Pogues, The Dubliners, The Fureys, The Saw Doctors and many more. Where: The Core Theatre When: 14 Nov Info: thecoretheatresolihull
Hobbies
For the kids
Halloween Pumpkin Needle Felting In this workshop,you will be given step by step instructions on how to felt cute little pumpkins, which will make excellent decorations for your Halloween celebrations. Where: The Core Studio When: 12 Oct Info: thecoretheatresolihull
Santa in Love Santa will be available after the show to meet your little ones and give them a present, so don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the smiles! Where: The Core Theatre When: 20 - 24 Dec Info: thecoretheatresolihull
Youth Arts Workshop Young people will be encouraged to develop their personal style and confidence using a wide range of media and materials. Subject matter will be developed in collaboration with the young people attending, to allow them to explore youth culture and the things that matter to them. Where: The Courtyard Gallery When: 7 Nov Info: thecoretheatresolihull
Comedy
Geoff Norcott: Taking Liberties The star of BBC2’s Live At The Apollo, The Mash Report and his own forthcoming BBC Radio 4 special, Geoff has had a run of three sell out Edinburgh Festival shows and a much acclaimed tour. Where: The Core Theatre When: 16 Nov Info: thecoretheatresolihull
Mini Beast Hunting Make your own web and find some creepy crawlies hiding out in the deep dark woods. Suitable for children aged 2+ Where: The Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park When: 29 Oct Info: solihull.gov.uk
Autumn Colours How many colours can be found in nature? Look closely as the colours start to change, try bark rubbings and make a leafy lantern to take home. Suitable for children aged 2+. Entrance costs £3.50 per child. Where: The Parkridge Centre When: 30 Oct Info: solihull.gov.uk
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
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LEGAL & FINANCIAL
Are We Getting Closer to a No Fault Divorce?
For those of you that have been following the proposed developments in the law, you will be as pleased as us to hear that we are moving ever closer to the concept of a no fault divorce. That said, Parliament decided in 1996 that a no fault divorce was appropriate, yet we are still waiting. The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill 2019 is excellent news for all those that have been campaigning for a change of the current divorce laws. What Does the Current Process Look Like?
This must be proved by the petitioner by establishing one of the below five facts: • Adultery • Desertion • Unreasonable behaviour • 2 years separation with consent • 5 years separation without consent
The current divorce process, as it stands, begins by one party petitioning for divorce by filing an application with the court. They in turn will be the ‘petitioner’. The divorce petition is served on the other party (the ‘respondent’) and they are required to file an acknowledgment of service.
Whilst clearly some of the facts are more likely to cause conflict than others, the opinion is why should parties have to justify their divorce? If their relationship has broken down and there are no prospects of reconciliation, surely that should be enough.
A divorce petition will be filed on the ground that the relationship has broken down irretrievably.
Having effectively dealt with the divorce petition, in simple terms, the parties will then proceed to Decree Nisi (the first stage of divorce) and
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Decree Absolute (the final stage of divorce). What Changes Will the Reforms Bring? The government’s objectives are to ensure that the decision to divorce is a considered one, and in short allow for the opportunity to reconcile and to reduce family conflict in circumstances where it is often inevitable. Following the new reform the government plans to: • Remove the five facts (mentioned above) and allow couples to divorce solely on the basis that their marriage has broken down irretrievably • Allow couples to give notice and apply jointly, thus reducing the feeling of confrontation when one party must petition against the other
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
LEGAL & FINANCIAL
WWW.VWV.CO.UK • Remove the ability of one person to contest a divorce. Whilst the number of contested divorces is low, this option does not serve the interests of either party. • Introduce a minimum timeframe of six months from petition to Decree Absolute to allow for sufficient opportunity for reconciliation. • Modernise the language used so that it is easier to understand. The ‘petitioner’ will be the ‘applicant’, Decree Nisi will be referred to as ‘conditional order’ and Decree Absolute will be referred to as a ‘final order.’ When Will the Changes Happen? It all depends on Parliament having the capacity to review the proposals. However what we can say is that the Bill received its second reading on
25 June 2019 and the Public Bill Committee met on 2 July 2019. No amendments were made to the Bill and this has now been referred back to the House of Commons where the Bill will have its report stage (where the whole House will review the Bill) and its third reading (which is ordinarily the final opportunity to decide whether to pass or reject the Bill), on a date to be announced. We will update you as and when we have further information.
If you would like any advice in relation to any matters concerning divorce, please contact Lucy Barr on 0121 227 3715 or at lbarr@vwv.co.uk.
Need Legal Advice? We offer a personal service to meet your needs: • Buying or selling a house • Estate administration • Family, divorce & children
• Lasting powers of attorney • Personal injury • Wills & inheritance tax
Contact Rachael Armstrong at rarmstrong@vwv.co.uk or on 0121 227 3726.
vwv.co.uk
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
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LOOKING FOR IT SUPPORT? • Expert and Friendly • Computer Support and Training • To Your Door
NetClicks provides high quality, IT support, computer repairs and training.
Introduce yourself? Want your business to meet the neighbourhood?
Contact Chris for friendly support and guidance without the jargon
www.netclicks.ueniweb.com
Place an advert here. Visit swanpublishing.org or give us a call on 0121 689 0432
07505 094 686 net_clicks@outlook.com
Local Private Tutors Helen Mills
Flute & Intensive Grade 5 Theory BMus; GBSM Hons; ABSM Over 30 years flute teaching experience. All abilities, ages and levels taught. Excellent results record. ALSO Aural Training Member of ISM Blenheim Road, Moseley Tel: 0121 449 2135
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Sarah Nation
Maths & English tuition Key Stages 1 & 2 (age 5-11) Highly experienced local tutor, qualified primary school teacher. DBS checked. Tel: 0121 446 6468 sarah.nation@btinternet.com
Hazel Buller BSc
Guitar Tutor All ages, abilities and levels taught. Lessons provided in your own home or Solihull. Special rates for JLR emloyees. DBS Certified. hazelbuller.co.uk Tel: 07847 557 765
Sharon Wall
Clarinet Teacher GBSM (Hons) ARCM ABSM PGCE Highly experienced teacher with excellent success rates from beginner to diploma level. Contact Sharon on new number: 0121 493 8793 sharonmcwall@gmail.com sharonwall.com
ting Your Lis e could b
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
Dimension
Groundworks & Driveways • Clay & Block Paving • Tarmacing • Patios • Brickwork • Slabbing • Gravel • Landscaping • Fencing • Property Repairs • Roofing Repairs • Driveway Maintenance
MOPHEADS DOMESTIC CLEANING & IRONING
SPRING CLEANS AVAILABLE NOW Regular cleans. Removal cleans. Builders cleans. or just the in-laws are coming cleans.
T: 0121 733 1463 (Solihull) T: 01926 827 645 (Kenilworth, Warwick, Leamington) T: 01789 270 869 (Stratford) M: 07799 428 557 E: dimensiongroundworks@icloud.com W: www.dimensionpathways.co.uk
Washing collected ironed & returned. Service washes. Dry cleaning. Simple alterations.
Curtain cleaning service. We will take your curtains down, get them dry cleaned and put them back up.
HOUSE CHECKING SERVICE AVAILABLE Tel:-0121 605 2322
LOCAL COMPANY - NOT A FRANCHISE www.mopheads.co.uk - mail@mopheads.biz
170 Yardley Rd. Acocks Green. Birmingham. B27 6LR
& TREEWORKS 01564 820 170 MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
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HOME & GARDEN
Furniture Commissions Undertaken Wardrobes, Home Studies, Media Units, Bookcases & Cabinets, Bespoke Furniture, Traditional & Contemporary Designs
01564 782732
Introduce yourself? Want your business to meet the neighbourhood? Place an advert here. Visit swanpublishing.org or give us a call on 0121 689 0432
www.pmfurniture.co.uk
14-16 School Road, Yardley Wood, B14 4BJ
Houses • Gardens • Offices • Sheds • Garages Full and part properties cleared and tidied
0121 663 1565 we also need donations of furniture Please support our charity by calling for collection of furniture, electrical items, bric-a-brac and clothing Betel UK has been helping restore broken lives for over 22 years, help us continue to heal the hurting. furniture@notts.betel.uk • www.betel.uk • reg. charity no. 1081462
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
&
REDS, GOLDS BURNISHED BRONZES
Autumnal colours are a joy, whether you are enjoying a walk in the Gardens or are enjoying the view of your own outdoor space.
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
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HOME & GARDEN
Cullen
17 Whitacre Rd, Knowle cullenplumbingandtiling@gmail.com
Tel: 07896 862 916 Established in 2005
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
HOME & GARDEN
GARDENING TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS at Birmingham Botanical Gardens ready-mixed sand. Finish off by giving the grass an autumn fertiliser. It’ll look a bit sad for a couple of days, but your lawn will thank you. There are lots of other things you can get on and do, whether that’s preparing your garden for next year or ensuring the borders continue to thrive for a few weeks longer. Here are some of the tasks to do in October:
Tree leaves look fabulous when they turn from green to gold, but not so much when they fall and cover your lawn. Raking the leaves is one of the main jobs for many gardeners this month, but it’s a great work out – no need to go to the gym! – just make sure you bag them up as they will turn into fantastic leaf mould. Once the leaves are all raked up, give your lawn some much-needed TLC. Use a fine tine rake to lift moss, grass clippings and other debris. The lawn is likely to be compacted, so get a garden fork and push it deeply into the grass and give it a good wiggle – do this every 10-15cm or so – and then brush in some
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Collect seeds to ensure a crop of flowers next year – pick the ripe ones from your plants, make sure they are dry and store them in an envelope that is clearly marked up and dated. Put all your envelopes into an airtight tin and store in a cool shed or garage.
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Tidy up the borders and add a good quantity of mulch, whether that’s spent mushroom compost, leaf mould (from the leaves you collected last year!), manure or bark chips.
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Prune rambling and climbing roses. Take hardwood cuttings from deciduous shrubs.
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Lift and divide perennials to get a bigger display next year. Clean and disinfect your greenhouse. Take your tender plants into the greenhouse and keep them well ventilated to reduce the risk of disease. Change your hanging baskets and pots so you have a beautiful colourful display over winter – ivy, primula, winter pansies, cyclamen and heathers all look stunning! Prepare for spring and summer displays: there’s still time to sow bulbs such as daffodils, tulips and alliums and you can also sow plenty of seeds, including sweetpeas, hollyhocks and aquilegia, in the greenhouse.
Enjoy autumn in the garden – it’s never a bad time to be out in the fresh air.
MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
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HOME & GARDEN
Christmas Cheats! GAMES
MUSIC
DECORATIONS
Santa limbo This Christmas edition of limbo involves a rather rotund impediment, a nice round santa’s belly made by shoving a pillow up your jumper or many, many delicious things down your throat! This hilarious twist on the classic game will have you falling all over the place trying tirelessly to stay agile with a bodacious santa bod.
The classics When it comes to Christmas it seems like everyone is after that nostalgic recreation of the classic cosy wintery vVctorian scene. You know, just after Scrooge sees the error of his ways and goes frolicing down the road to buy the prize turkey for his poor employee (spoiler alert!). That’s when only the carols will do, if it came out after 1960, respectfully, get it out of here!
Christmas bow This game involves stealth and slieght of hand, with just the right amount of deviousness! Everyone competes for a prize of your choosing, to stick as many bows on other guests as they can without them noticing! If they catch you, it doesn’t count! Each person has a different colour of bows so you can count them up at the end and crown the winner.
The new classic If you do feel it’s time for something new, we have improved upon tradition (in so many ways, I can’t even begin to get into it!). Think Michael Buble, Seth Mcfarlane and Zooey Dechanel and it’s a wrap. But of course throw in some Mariah Carey too, for good measure!
The first snow We have been promised a snowy one this year, and after the previous few blizzard Christmasses it seems like a safe bet, but who can wait? If you can’t, then it’s time to play weatherman and make the first snow appear in your special little corner of the world. Using transparent string, cotton wool and a little PVA glue you can create a beautiful steady snowfall that lasts the enitre festive period. Hang your snowfall in the windows for a magical snowy scene!
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
HOME & GARDEN
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MY KNOWLE & DORRIDGE, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
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