g n i n n i w d r a w a The
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
MAGAZINE MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL
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 ni ter is
W
HACKS
HOST THE HOTTEST AUTUMN PARTY UNLEASH THE POWER OF
THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS
LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY INSIDE
40,000
Over local readers
See page 30
FOOD LIFESTYLE • EVENTS • HOME & GARDEN CENTRAL, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019 1 & DRINKMY •SOLIHULL
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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 SOLIHULL CENTRAL, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
Contents
AUGUST & SEPTEMBER TOP STORY 10/11
FESTIVE GIFT FAIR: WIN TICKETS! LEISURE & RETAIL
16/17
LITTLE BLACK DRESS
13/15
WHAT’S ON GUIDE
?
FIND GREG THE GNOME TO WIN FAMILY DAY OUT! HOME & GARDEN
26/27
CREATING YOUR CHRISTMAS HOME
18/19
HOT TIPS FROM BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS LOCAL INTEREST
20
ANDY STREET BACKS VOW TO SAVE SOLIHULL STATION LEGAL & FINANCIAL
21
WILKES: THE BANK OF MUM AND DAD EDUCATION
25
TUTOR LISTING PAGE HEALTH
LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY ON PG
30
7
LOOKING AFTER MIND BODY AND SOUL FOOD & DRINK
28
EASY AND DELICIOUS ONE-POT PASTA
29
MILK PUNCH
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019
5
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 Our reader survey found...
51%
EDITOR’S WELCOME
Hello Neighbours!
amywatson@swanpublishing.org
0121 689 0432
Ruby Prosser
Designer & Editor
rubywatson@swanpublishing.org
0121 689 0432
54% 74%
Look in MY Magazine
Have used
Have been
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MY Magazine
reading about it in MY Magazine
FIRST when they
Amy Watson
Managing Director
a business or service from
to an event after
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
6
Julie Wilkins Advertising
juliewilkins@swanpublishing.org
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
07914 145 638
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 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.
BODY Pamper youself... • exfoliate dead skin • trim your nails • massage your muscles • bathe in scented oils • put petals in your bath Get some endorphins! • go for a morning jog • do some morning star jumps • find a home workout on Pinterest • go swimming
SOUL 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. Follow these simple practices and the winter won’t be quite so rough on your mind, body and soul!
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, 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.
8
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 SOLIHULL CENTRAL, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
HEALTH & WELLBEING
The Orchards is situated in the popular residential area of Shard End, east of Birmingham. This friendly, purpose-built care home offers nursing care. At HC-One, kindness is at the heart of everything we do and our care services are tailored to the preferences of each individual. Offering: • Nursing care • 9.7 carehome.co.uk average user rating • Short breaks and long term care packages • Hobbies and interests programme W hc-one.co.uk • Delicious home-cooked T 0333 999 8592 meals E careline@hc-one.co.uk A 164 Shard End Crescent, Shard End, Birmingham, West Midlands, B34 7BP
Introduce yourself? Want your business to meet the neighbourhood? Your ad should be here! Visit swanpublishing.org or call 0121 689 0432
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
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
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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 SOLIHULL CENTRAL, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
LEISURE & RETAIL
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 SOLIHULL CENTRAL, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
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LEISURE & RETAIL
12
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, 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 15 >>>
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
13
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 SOLIHULL CENTRAL, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
LEISURE & RETAIL ... continued from p13
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 SOLIHULL CENTRAL, 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 SOLIHULL CENTRAL, 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
www.dawnmarriottstylist info@dawnmarriottstylist.com 07725 538 829 Dawnmarriott_stylist Dawn Marriott Stylist
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
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&
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.
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, 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
*
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.
*
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.
* *
Prune rambling and climbing roses. Take hardwood cuttings from deciduous shrubs.
* * * * *
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 SOLIHULL CENTRAL, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
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West Midlands Mayor Andy Street backs candidates vow to save Solihull Station from closure “As someone who grew up in Solihull I completely understand residents’ concerns over rising crime in the area – by making this commitment to keep the police station open, Jay has shown that he understands those concerns too. “We have had some good news nationally on policing recently and I think Jay as Commissioner would provide more good news locally, with his focus on working positively for a better deal.”
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has thrown his support behind an army captain who wants to be the region’s next Police and Crime Commissioner – and has pledged to keep Solihull Police Station open if he is elected. Mr Street, who heads up the West Midlands Combined Authority, is backing Jay Singh-Sohal, who actively serves as a captain in the Army Reserves and has been selected as the Conservatives’ candidate for next May’s PCC election. Mr Street said: “I am delighted that Jay has been selected as candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner.
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Captain Singh said: “I am committed to keeping Solihull Police Station open if I am elected as West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner. I’ve already heard much concern from Solihull residents about crime locally, which in the past year has gone up by an alarming 11%. Julian Knight MP and I are in agreement that we need to maintain strong community policing in Solihull,” he said. “This erosion of a permanent neighbourhood police presence will cause nothing but continued problems for local law enforcement and community assurance.” Captain Singh-Sohal, 36, who was raised in Handsworth and now lives in Sutton Coldfield, was selected soon
after the Prime Minister’s announcement that an additional 20,000 police officers would be recruited across the UK. The Birmingham-born British Sikh, who is a strategic communications project director at M&C Saatchi, was previously a local journalist at ITV Central and producer at Sky News. Mr Singh-Sohal also said he would change the approach of the PCC, avoiding political posturing to “get on with the job” locally, while working positively with Government to secure more resources. “I am not a professional politician and this is the first time I am standing in order to make a difference,” he said. “I know residents want to see party politics put aside and for us to just get on with the job of making the West Midlands a better place to live. “I would take a similar approach to the West Midlands Mayor Andy Street and work in a positive, pragmatic and professional way to secure more resources from Government and target them where they are most needed,” he added. Keep up to date at
www.fb.com/andy4wm
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
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.
“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 SOLIHULL CENTRAL, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
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& TREEWORKS 01564 820 170 We can
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
LEISURE & RETAIL
THIS ISSUE’S LOCAL READS Enjoy this issue’s recent release from a local author...
MOTORCYCLING: THE ULTIMATE THERAPY NEIL D. LAW If you feel your life has hit the buffers or you are trapped on a hamster wheel that only seems to gather speed, you are members of a popular club. Membership rules: Your brain must resemble jelly, and you feel like a failed circus juggler performing in the dark.
Enter the prize draw at swanpublishing.org by 31st October to WIN your own copy of Motorcycling: The Ultimate Therapy!
Motorcycling: The Ultimate Therapy evolved from a personal journey and is a road map explaining how to clear the fog and gain clarity in our lives. It demonstrates how we can become the air traffic conroller, giving clear and explicit instuctions of the pilot sitting in the cockpit of our minds; detailing how stepping back more can be achieved by doing less and how confidence through knowledge can increase self belief, self esteem and decision making. Kindle Price: £3.50 Paperback Price: £4.50 Hardback Price: £11.99
ABOUT THE AUTHOR A dedicated mimialist and accidental humourist, Neil lives with his partner Helen and their two pugs, Billy and Bella. His career path resemles a patchwork quilt, varied and interesting; travelling extensively; meeting facinating and prosaic people along the way. Previously a guitar player and songwriter in his spare time, he took up motorcycling in 2001 the freedom of which keeps him sane in an increasingly insane world. He turned to writing in 2015 and is busy writing a second book in his Ultimate series, with a third bubbling enthusiastically on the back burner!
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
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THE MY MAGAZINES
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• We are delivered free to 160,000 local readers. Contact us today • We deliver to more homes than any other magazine in the region. to find out more! • We spread out our editorial to help your advert get noticed. 0121 689 0432 • We keep our costs competitive, and our quality high. 07914 145 638 • We have amazing testimonials for generating business for advertisers. MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019 info@swanpublishing.org • We offer a FREE no-obligation ad design critique service. www.swanpublishing.org
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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
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
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
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
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HOSTING
FESTIVE PARTIES
If you’re anything like me then the festive season is drawing you in like a bright glittering, fairy-lit beacon. And the most beautiful things about it is we wont even try to stop it! Bring on the cheesiness, and the unadulterated joy, bring on the copious consumption of delicious things, and bring on the parties! - Written by Ruby Prosser
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
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!
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
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LEISURE & RETAIL
Simple & Delicious Tomato Pasta Bake NO-BOIL ONE-POT PASTA!
INGREDIENTS 100g tinned tomatoes 10 cherry tomatoes halved 1 onion diced 2 tbsp oregano handful of fresh basil 2 cloves garlic chopped 2 tbsp olive oil 300g vegetable stock 50g parmesan 50g mozzarella 100g Pasta Salt & Pepper to taste
METHOD 1. Pre-heat oven to 200 degrees C. 2. Add all ingredients to the oven dish (keep some parmesan for garnish) and mix well, ensure all pasta is coated in the sauce. Cover with tin foil and put in the oven for 30 mins. 3. Take out to stir and check pasta. Add the mozzarella and return it to the oven without tin foil for a further 15 mins. 4. Remove from the oven and serve with a garnish of parmesan and a sprig of fresh basil.
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
INGREDIENTS
THE EGGNOG
ALTERNATIVE...
40ml Bourbon 15ml Dark Rum 5ml Vanilla pinch of Nutmeg pinch of Cinnamon 60ml Milk METHOD Add all ingredients save for the garnish to a shaker tin with ice and shake. Strain into a lowball glass and add fresh ice. Garnish with grated nutmeg and cinnamon.
Milk Punch MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
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Local Business Directory Antenatal Support
Sophrosyne Birth
9
Arts Centre
Midlands Arts Centre 12
Care Home The Orchards
Choir Ex Cathedra
9 3
Cleaning & Ironing Mopheads
25
Computer Support Net Clicks
4
Gardening & Landscaping
22 Central Driveways 31 Dimension Driveways & Landscapes 25 Resin Drives 32 Betel UK Garden Treeworks
Healthcare Services Midland Hand Clinic
Property Maintenance JH Garden & Property Services
22
Shutter Doors
Garolla Shutter Doors 4
Solicitor
The Wilkes Partnership 21 Veale Wasbrough Vizards LLP
Transport West Midlands Rail
20/21
14
Tutor Listing Tutor Kumon Solihull
Windows Cloudy 2 Clear
25
4 3
Window Cleaner
Deluxe Window Cleaner
2
Upcycled Furniture 8
Betel UK
2
Would you like to recommend a service you found in the MY MAGAZINE? Or are you a local business who has had some great feedback? If so, get in touch! You can call us on 0121 689 0432 or email amywatson@swanpublishing.org
Disclaimer - All advertisements delivered by the MY Magazines are published in good faith. We do not accept responsibility for the accuracy of such advertisements, nor is any kind of warrenty endorsment expressed or implied by such publication. We specifically disclaim all and any liability to advertisers, readers and users of any kind, for loss or damage of any nature whatsoever and however arising, whether due to inaccuracy, error, omission or any other cause and whether on the part of the MY Magazines, our agents or any other person.
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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
SPECIALISTS IN BLOCK PAVING, TARMACING AND LANDSCAPING
Clay or Block Paving • Tarmacing (red or black) • Patios • Brickwork • Slabbing • Gravel • Landscaping • Fencing • Property Repairs • Roofing Repairs • Driveway Maintenance • Facias • Soffits • Guttering (Pressure cleaning & sealing - weed free)
ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED
FOR 5 YEARS
No deposits taken - No subcontractors used Check out samples of our work on our website
www.centraldrivewayslimited.com CALL US FOR YOUR FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE
T: 0121 702 1456 M: 07748 577 687 Email: michael.central@icloud.com 1310 Solihull Parkway, Birmingham Business Park, Solihull, B37 7YB - 75 Station Road Kenilworth CV8 1JD
MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
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Revive your drive with Resin Drives Combine extra parking space with stunning kerb appeal.
Give your outdoor space the ‘wow’ factor with landscaped pathways.
Why Choose Resin? • Completely porous and puddle free • Hardwearing, durable and weed-adverse • 10 times more environmentally friendly than concrete • Slip resistant, wheelchair friendly and excellent tyre traction
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Why Choose Resindrives.co.uk? • Highly skilled installation team • No subcontracting • Multiple colour schemes & styles to choose from • Over 10 years experience
For ultimate kerb appeal add a state of the art garage door, maintenance-free composite fencing or a realistic artificial lawn
CALL TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE AND SURVEY
0800 007 5733 www.resindrives.co.uk
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Approved Materials & Systems Cert No. 18/5476
*Resindrives.co.uk is a trading name of resindrives.co.uk ltd. Authorised
and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN743675) We are MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019 a credit broker and not a lender, we offer credit facilities from a panel of lenders. Finance subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.