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Delivered FREE to 10,000 homes in Knowle & Dorridge
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Solihull’s New Tenants: All They Need Is Love
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l Loca s nes i s u B tory c e r i D 17 Solihull 60’s band The Applejacks From escaping fans to mowing the land
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Human of Solihull Mike Fisher: 31 Engineer+volunteer+H2o = energy
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Hello again friends ...old and new! And welcome to the birthing of our new look magazine - we’ve had a baby - magically divided ourselves into two parts. This has happened because we felt each area of our borough has it’s own distinct personality and this way we can highlight that. My Solihull Central and My Knowle & Dorridge are the result. Initially a lot of the content will be mirrored in each magazine as are the front covers but as time progresses we will be able to reflect more content from each location. We are, according to national newspaper surveys - one of the happiest and best places to live in the UK. In this issue we are pleased to welcome Birmingham Dogs Home to our area. The tragedy of the little lives entrusted to their care will touch the toughest hearts. Keep warm and enjoy seeing spring bursting forth all around us.
Julia Parsons
07831 395029 juliaparsons@swanpublishing.org www.swanpublishing.org www.facebook.com/ swanpublishing @MYSolihull
In this issue COVER STORY: Birmingham dogs home
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The Applejacks - Solihull legends
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Lusting after a lush lawn?
Changes to inheritance tax law could affect you 17 Meditation for brain health
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Human of Solihull: Mike Fisher
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Green bowling - popular for centuries 25 Vintage Solihull
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Say it with flowers
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Dr Louise - Allergy or intolerance? 29 Polio - can we destroy it?
For advertising rates and sizes see page 35 Also advertise in our sister magazines My Solihull Central, My Moseley & Kings Heath and My Harborne & Edgbaston. THE TEAM: Advertising Editor Photography
Amy Watson Julia Parsons Seven Star Photography
Published by Swan Publishing Ltd: 0121 689 0432 Designed by Digital Glue: 0121 399 0065 Printed by Newman Thomson: 01444 480 700
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Regulars Restaurant listing
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What’s on
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Clubs & Societies
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Local business directory
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Rebecca and Nick Clarke have had both rescue dogs
How to be a real hero We decided to make a dog instead of a human our cover story; the vulnerable lives entrusted to us for care. When they end up on our streets, somehow they’ve been failed and highlighting this in our magazine whilst introducing you to the wonderful site built for them, held the interest we look for in a story. Walking around this excellent facility pulls on every emotion and heart string. When each dog is looking at you with bewilderment and fear in their eyes, rescuing them is all you want to do. On the day I went to meet the staff and take photos, I was introduced to a couple donating a sizeable cheque. They were from the Clarke family, Rebecca and Nick, both dog owners, who had come all the way from Oldbury. Their family run a transport company and this year, instead of sending out Christmas gifts, they used the money for charity, and as they’d both had rescue dogs, Birmingham Dogs Home was their chosen recipient. The dogs here are strays many of whom were abandoned and picked up by the council off the streets. There is no ‘back story’ to tell you. But you know these dogs’ history hasn’t had the love and care they deserve. The dogs are held and paid for by Birmingham Council for 7 days to see if an owner claims them and after that - they become the responsibility of the Home who will do their best to resolve health issues and rehoming. There are 128 kennels and the facilities of the new home compared to the old
building near Digbeth are exemplary with underfloor heating and dedicated outside exercise areas. Staff were apparently moved to tears when dogs, who hadn’t seen grass or somewhere to run around for months, were released into the new yard. The Dogs Home needs donations of all dog related items which includes fabric washing powder - but more than anything - help financially as the new building took them way over budget. They are running a terrific scheme where your name can be engraved and kept in perpetuity if you buy a brick that will be incorporated into a wall or path. by Julia Parsons
If you want a loyal, loving companion you will find one here. But we’re warning you - it’s not easy to choose just one to be a hero to. You can find more information at www.birminghamdogshome.org.uk or contact them on 0121 643 5211.
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The Applejacks - Solihull Legends If you know someone over 60yrs old - mention the song title “Tell Me When” to them and they’ll start singing it. A mega hit in 1964 for The Applejacks from Solihull. Memorable too for Megan Davies, the female bassist, as in those days it was unusual to see a girl playing an instrument in a band. The Honeycombs though had broken the mould a year earlier when they had the hit “Have I The Right” - with a girl drummer. The group formed in 1961 and were the first successful band from Solihull. They were: • *Al Jackson (vocal) born Harry Llewellyn Jackson on 21 April 1945, Birmingham • *Martin Thomas (lead guitar) Baggott born 20 October 1947, Birmingham • *Philip Peter Cash (rhythm guitar) born 9 October 1947, Birmingham • *Megan Kelso Davies (bass guitar and vocal) born 25 March 1944, Sheffield, Yorkshire*Gerald Ernest Freeman (drums) born 24 May 1947, Solihull • *Dan Gould (piano and organ) born 23 March 1947, Solihull
Applejacks recalls how it all happened. “We knew each other from the cubs and scouts, except of course Megan who was a guide but her dad was our scout leader. We started playing together - 3 guitarists, a drummer and pianist but no-one knew how to play the bass - so Megan volunteered and learned to play from scratch.” Martin Baggott and Don Gould went to Tudor Grange, Phil Cash to Lyndon. He remembers back… “The band got a gig playing every Monday night at Solihull’s Civic Hall. We were still at school. The manager of The Civic knew someone already established in the music business who knew Mike Smith at Decca Records who invited us down to London to make a demo. He liked what he heard and signed us to a deal”. Phil remembers the moment when “Tell Me When” first took off. “My dad came in and
Continued on page 9
Phil Cash, the rhythm guitarist with The
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The Applejacks Continued from page 7 woke me up late at night. He’d heard it played on the radio.” The single quickly sped up the charts and the band were given an ultimatum by Decca Records - education or career. Naturally, they chose the latter. Phil clearly remembers the day he left Lyndon school. “I couldn’t get out because there were hundreds of fans/girls outside the front gates. So I had to turn my scooter around and make off out the back fields. It was quite scary. Someone nicked the mirror off my scooter and I never saw my satchel again”. The single’s success was followed by numerous TV appearances on shows like ‘Thank Your Lucky Stars’ where the band became friends with the Beatles who they met during a rehearsal.
John Lennon and Paul McCartney provided The Applejacks with the song, ‘Like Dreamers Do’ which the band released as their next single. Speed forward to 2010 and the only time the band have re-formed was to fund raise for St.Mary’s Church, Hobs Moat where they used to rehearse. Demand for tickets was phenomenal. Nowadays only Phil remains in Solihull - he bought Chris’ Mowers business from the original owner and now repairs lawnmowers in Knowle and the last time The Applejacks met up? Harry (Al) Jackson their lead vocalist - who now owns a successful fly fishing business in Wales - celebrated his 70th birthday and invited everyone. A merry time full of memories shared. Anyone know who pinched that satchel?
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What's on
A snapshot of what’s on around Knowle & Dorridge in February & March
Info: sbutcher@arden. solihull.sch.uk or contact Sharon on 01564 732610
Markets & Fairs
Charity Events & Volunteering
Bentley Heath Country Market
This market has a wonderful range of goods, St George’s day all home-cooked, handsponsored walk made and home-grown. “you’ll never walk Where: Bentley Heath alone’ When: Every Friday Info: www.bigbarn.co.uk 5k Saturday stroll around Brueton park, to help alleviate loneliness in Fine & local older people. food fayre Sample the best of locally Where: Brueton Park sourced food and produce When: 23 Apr Info: 0121 704 7842 from a range of top www.ageuksolihull.org quality suppliers. Where: Solihull High Street When: 20 Feb Info: www.solihull.gov.uk
Rhododendron control
Rhododendron is pretty but it kills the natural vegetation, including bluebells, and stops new Brand new vintage antiques trees from growing, help remove these fair - up to 150 indoor invasive shrubs. exhibitors in a fantastic Where: Dorridge Wood exhibition centre in the When: 21 Feb heart of the Midlands. Info: www.woodland Where: Cranmore Park trust.org.uk Exhibition Centre When: 2 Apr Info: www.thebestof.co.uk This Enchanted
Cranmore Park Vintage and Antiques Fair
Evening
Raising money for St Table Top Sale To take a stall at this very James’ Place foundation, popular event it is £8 and enjoy an evening of broadway and west for a clothes rail it is £5. Entry is 70p for adults and end classics. Where: Solihull Arts children are free Complex Where: Arden Academy, Station Rd, Knowle, B93 0PT When: 13/14 Feb Info: www.solihullarts When: 20 March, 10.30 complex.co.uk –12.30
Knowle male voice choir concert
bears, then play some fun games with your teddy Save the date for a night of bear. Suitable for children aged 4+ song in aid of soLO. Where: Brueton Park Where: Dorridge When: 19 Feb Methodist Church Info: www.solihull.gov.uk When: 5 Mar Info: www.solihullsolo.org
Children in need variety show
Live music & dance
The Harmonie Concert Band present this show in Doctor Feelgood and Eddie aid of Children in need. Where: Shirley Methodist & The Hot Rods The very best of rock, Church rhythm and the blues. When: 9 Feb Info: www.thebestof.co.uk Where: Solihull Arts Complex Ali Baba and the Four When: 5 Mar Tea Thieves Info: www.solihullarts Join the fun and silliness in complex.co.uk the panto-style show in An evening of the laid back intimate Dirty Dancing studio space. Now in its record breaking Where: Solihull Arts 6th year this tribute show Complex is a 5 star homage to the When: 12/13 Feb greatest movie soundtrack Info: www.solihullarts of all time! complex.co.uk Where: Solihull Arts Complex When: 19 Mar Info: www.solihullarts Den building Can you make the perfect complex.co.uk
Family fun
survival shelter? This session is both fast and fun! Suitable for children aged 4+ Where: Brueton Park When: 16 Feb Info: www.solihull.gov.uk
Teddy bear picnic for tots Hear the story of goldilocks and the three
Quill With Bev Bevan as a permanent member, Quill is about to reach new heights! Where: Solihull Arts Complex When: 24 Mar Info: 0121 704 6962 www.solihullarts complex.co.uk
To list your event near Knowle or Dorridge FREE email info@swanpublishing.org 11
Lusting after a lush lawn this spring? With spring on its way at last and the nights getting longer you want your lawn looking its best for all those beckoning garden parties and barbecues. So here are a few handy words of advice from local lawn-care specialist Phil Harrison of Lawnscience. Unfortunately, as the grass wakes up after its winter snooze, so do the weeds. Dandelions, buttercups and daisies can quickly take over as summer approaches, so start your lawn care regime by tackling them with an appropriate weed killer. Once the weeds have been sent packing, it’s time to fertilise your grass, building its strength and getting it lush and green for the summer. But be
If you'd like to know more Please call Phil Harrison, Lawnscience Solihull, on 07917 004 450.
careful - using the wrong products, or using them incorrectly, could leave your grass weak and patchy. Lawnscience have access to top products used by professional football clubs and golf courses that aren’t available in the shops. Plus, their expertise comes with a satisfaction guarantee and free ongoing lawn care advice. If you’re serious about your lawn, then save yourself time and money by giving them a call.
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Where to eat
A guide to the best places to eat in and around Solihull
The Agrabad Finest Balti Restaurant 884 Old Lode Lane Solihull, B92 8LW
Janito British Continental Fusion Knowle, B93 0JU
0121 743 7883
Khana Peena Bangla Cuisine 1039 Stratford Road, Hall Green, B28 8AS
Beeches Bar & Grill Hampton in Arden, B92 0AH 01675 442 277
Bella Venezia Italian Knowle B93 0JU 01564 779806
The Farm British Shelly Farm off Monkspath B90 4EH 0121 711 7273
The Finest Catch Shirley A family Fish & Chips Restaurant 1097 Stratford Road Solihull, B90 4EB 0121 745 1755
The Forest Restaurant At The Forest Hotel 25 Station Approach, Dorridge, Solihull, B93 8JA 01564 772 120 2 Rosetttes
01564 779 802
0121 777 3961
The King’s Arms 2110 Warwick Rd Knowle Canalside. 01564 771 177
Knowle Indian Brasserie B93 0LY
The Orange Tree Chadwick End B93 0BN 01564 785364
Pavarotti Italian Solihull Ice Rink, B92 8JN 0121 743 3222
01564 776 453
The Lazy Cow Steakhouse Warwick Rd, Solihull, B91 3DA
Red House British Carvery Hermitage Rd Sollihull B91 2LP
0121 704 1567
The Little Owl Country Pub Bickenhill Parkway B401QA 0121 781 0331
Loch Fyne Seafood Knowle B93 0JU 01564 732 2750
Luna Rosa Spanish/Italian Knowle, B93 0LE
0121 706 8674
01564 739 395
Hillfield Farm Family pub classics, traditional carvery with children’s play area. 2 Cranbrook Way, Shirley, B90 4GT
01564 779929
The Punchbowl Lapworth, B94 6HR 01564 784 564
Happy Heart Cafe 26 Richmond Road, Olton, B92 7RP Some organic, local produce, live events
Minh’s Chinese 8 Station Road, Knowle, B93 8HH
The Malt Shovel at Barston B92 0JP 01675 443 223
Metro Bar & Grill Warwick Rd, B91 3DX 0121 705 9495
0121 711 8856
Thai Brasserie 52 Station Road, B91 3RX 0121 704 0353
The Thai Village Restaurant High Street Knowle B93 0LF 01564 771 595
Wagamama Japanese Touchwood B91 3GS 0121 711 7075
Zengz Asian Vegetarian Old Lode Lane, B92 8JE 0121 722 2099
ZiZi Italian Poplar Rd B91 3AB 0121 704 5030
0121 733 8810
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LIME TREE VILLAGE
Retirement living at its best Lime Tree Village is one of the region’s longest established age-exclusive developments, tucked away in mature parkland close to Dunchurch, near Rugby. Resident-exclusive facilities include restaurant, bar, library, function room, snooker room and outdoor croquet/ putting lawn and boules area. A further phase of independent living properties is currently being built – The Polo Field – providing new build options too.
Join our Coffee Morning on the first Friday of the month from 11am-12noon. Please call 01788 211799 to book.
Lime Tree Village, Thurlaston Drive, Dunchurch, Rugby CV22 7SA. Call 01372 383950/01788 211799 or visit www.limetreevillage.co.uk
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Two recent budget changes and a court decision that affect us all Changes within the 2015 Summer Budget introduce an additional inheritance tax allowance for residential properties. If you own a property with your spouse or civil partner and wish to leave it to each other and thereafter your children, this will affect you and potentially reduce your overall inheritance tax liability. The Finance Act 2015 allows the surviving spouse/civil partner of a deceased ISA holder to inherit the deceased’s ISA benefits rather than have them converted to a savings account with no particular tax advantages, thereby increasing the amount of interest the survivor can benefit from tax free. Finally, a recent decision in the Court of Protection where a lady was allowed to die because she had “lost her sparkle� highlights having the right people appointed as your attorneys. If a situation arises where a person lacks capacity, for a health or financial decision, most people would want to choose who should make such a decision.
Ellie Holland The Wilkes Partnership
If you have any questions about lifetime planning and the benefits that it brings to family and friends, please contact Ellie Holland or Ann-Marie Aston of The Wilkes Partnership on 0121 733 8000.
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Meditation For Brain Health Recharged And Refreshed It’s the latest craze, Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney, Angelina Jolie, Sting and Eva Mendes are just a few of the celebrities who meditate daily… even bankers in London are embracing mindfulness and meditation. The benefits are far reaching. It calms the nervous system which deals with stress, anxiety and depression. Research has shown meditation increases focus and problem solving skills, making it relevant to everyone from high flying business executives, hairdressers, teachers, parents and children alike. Amazing… and free! So why isn’t everyone doing it? Well… although it’s actually a simple skill to learn, it requires a different understanding of ourselves. We are taught to try harder, be better and strive for perfection. By meditating successfully, we stop judging ourselves by others standards and learn to shrug our shoulders. A still and quiet mind is the state we achieve when we let go of the melee of thoughts firing in all directions in our heads like a lit sparkler. Whilst meditating you are quietening these, giving your brain electrics space, order and downtime. It’s rare that we sit in silence, without a complex mental dialogue happening. A worry about the future, a hurt felt or concern about what someone else thinks of us will distracts thoughts, allowing focus to slide away when truly, it is impossible to change the past and mithering about something yet to happen is damaging and pointless... you simply can not control how other people act. The ability to Be 100% yourself, without judgement or opinion is a powerful strength. The confidence of being comfortable with You - hugely rewarding. Meditation helps us live in the present. We may be surprised at how much easier and more cope-able life
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feels and how this is reflected in those close to us. Meditating keeps our brains healthier. by Kirsty Garland
Kirsty Garland has worked as an acupuncturist in Solihull for the last 13 years. Kirsty runs day workshops and teaches visualisation and meditation both on one to one and in groups. For more details phone Kirsty: 07919 367985 or go to www.kirstygarland.co.uk
Mike Fisher - a force of energy Living in Dorridge, our Human of Solihull has lived a life of achievement and now works to enhance our borough. As a member of the environment group of The Knowle Society Mike is involved in a four-year project to plant bulbs in verges of the gateway roads into Knowle. With the assistance of Solihull Council, Year 1 has seen 40,000 bulbs planted. Glorious.
apprenticeship at Berk Chemicals. As his career progressed he ended up with Plessy where he met a sales rep who became a good friend. 25 years later, they joined together as part owner directors of an engineering company in the West Midlands.
Many driving, cycling, on the bus or walking will enjoy the mass of Spring floral colour without being aware of how much people power it takes - assuming we are simply blessed by nature.
Some time ago Mike met Fay Palmer from Warwick, a practising professional dowser covering health, geopathic stress, gardening and agriculture. She has the gift of seeing energy in the form of auras and orbs (visit www.fay4dowsing.com to find out more). As an engineer, the subject of energy fascinates, particularly the skill of dowsing. Being a scientific sceptic, he was intrigued but after a couple of hours practicing, he realised there was something to it.
Mike retired five years ago from the company he part-owned in the West Midlands that made circuit boards. He is also a member of the Ramblers Association, creating, maintaining and clearing footpaths and erecting gates and footbridges, amongst many other duties. One of his favourite places to walk his young spaniel Rolo is in the George Fentham Recreation park off Shadowbrook Lane in Hampton in Arden. In 1690 George Fentham, a wealthy Birmingham businessman left an amount in his will to benefit his place of birth - Hampton in Arden. The Trust was set up to administer his bequest. One of the benefits has been the creation of wonderful playing fields and parkland where care of The Arboretum is another of Mike’s endeavours. Mike’s origins were in Leytonstone, East London - his Dad was a butcher but it was an inspirational Headmaster who set Mike on his career course helping him find an
It’s a fun hobby, seeing the dowsing rod’s reaction to water, energy and ley lines. A walk is never dull for him as he carries a dowsing rod with him whenever possible.
Volunteering work keeps this country afloat. If you too would consider contributing your time, then The Knowle Society, Ramblers Association, Open Spaces Society and many others, would love to have you on board and think of the gratification you’d feel when those bulbs open into flowers…
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A Selection of Clubs & Societies in and around Solihull Arden Bridge Club 0121 745 1389 www.bridge webs.com/arden Arden Tennis, Squash, Gym & Social Club 0121 704 9451 www.solihullarden.co.uk Blythe Barracudas swimming club - Lessons & competitions www.blythebarracudas.com Dorridge Flower Club: 01926 484598 www.southmidlandsnafas.org.uk/dorridge Heart of England Speaking & Leadership Club in Knowle Info: www.heartspeakers.org.uk Knowle Astronomical Society’ www.knowleastro.org.uk Knowle Camera Club www.knowlecameraclub.co.uk Knowle & Dorridge Ladies Circle wwwladiescircle.co.uk melaniemeadwell@hotmail.co.uk Knowle & Dorridge Lions 08458 335894 www.knowleanddorridgelions.com Knowle Flower Club 01564 775899 Knowle Probus Club 01527 529363 www.knowleprobus.org.uk member@wiles38.freeserve.co.uk Knowle and Dorridge Racquets Club www.knowleanddorridgeracquets.co.uk Knowle and Dorridge Running Club www.knowleanddorridgerunningclub.org.uk Knowle Male Voice Choir (KMVC) kmvc14@gmail.com. www.knowlemalevoicechoir.org.uk Knowle Scottish Country Dance Club 01564 779 853 Knowle Women's Institute Mrs Pat Bedward 01564 770485 mbpbknowle@talktalk.net Silhill Morris Dancers www.silhillmorris.weebly. com 01564 778270 diplock912@virginmedia.com Solihull (Historic) Athletics Club www.solihullathletics.co.uk Solihull Archaeological Group 0121 783 8517 www.sites.google.com/site/solihullarchaeology Solihull Blossomfield Townswoman's Guild 0121 705 7226 Catherine de Barnes Art Society of Arts patricia.ritchie@mypostoffice.co.uk Solihull Central Badminton Club Tel: 01564 777495 stevearms@gmail.com Solihull Canoe Club 0843 289 5272 Solihull Chandos Choir www.solihull chandoschoir.org CYCLE Solihull Provides routes on minor rds;
organises free rides w/leader & back marker. www.cyclesolihull.org.uk Solihull Cycling Club secretary@solihullcc.org.uk Solihull & District Orchid Society 01295 788159 LaeliaM@aol.com Solihull & District, Soroptimist International Club sisolihull@yahoo.co.uk www.si-solihull.org.uk Solihull Flower Club www.southmidlandsnafas.org/solihull Solihull Indoor Bowls Club 0121 709 2233 www.solihullindoorbowlsclub.co.uk Solihull Karate & Self Defence Club www.TheEKO.eu Solihull Ladies Probus 0121 705 3118 mollywindle42@me.com Solihull Ladies Football Club www.solihullladiesfc.co.uk Solihull Lions Club 0845 300 197 www.solihulllionsclub.org.uk Solihull Local History Circle 0121 706 0204 artist4you@btinternet.com Solihull Model Flying Club www.smfc.co.uk 0121 705 7459 Solihull Mountaineering Club 0121 744 1468 or 07776 492009 Solihull Open Gardens www.solihullsopengardens.com Solihull Petanque at Blossomfield Club www.blossomfieldclub.co.uk/solihull_club_de_ petanque: Barry Cox 01564 730151 Solihull Photographic Society www.solihullphotographicsociety.com Solihull Society of Arts Recorded Music Circle 0121 705 1041 Solihull Rotary Club at West Midlands Bridge Club www.1060.org.uk/solihull RSPB Solihull Group www.rspb.org.uk/groups/solihull Solihull Singing For Pleasure 0121 704 4006 Solihull Speakers Club www.solihullspeakers.co.uk Mtgs held at Downing Hall, Knowle. Solihull Society of Arts - Art Section 0121 706 5042/4379 Solihull Swimming Club www.solihullswimmingclub.co.uk Solihull Symphony Orchestra www.solihullsymphony.org.uk 0121 745 5548 Solihull Water Polo Club www.solihullswimmingclub.co.uk/waterpolo Solihull Women's Institute www.solihullwi.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 22
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& Installation charges may apply. Prices correct at time of print but can be subject to change. See in store for full details. Copyright Euronics 2015.
Local Private Tutors Helen Mills
Flute & Intensive Grade 5 Theory
BMus; GBSM Hons; ABSM Over 30 years Flute teaching experience. All abilities, ages & levels taught. Excellent results record. ALSO Aural Training Member of ISM Blenheim Road, Moseley
Tel: 0121 449 2135
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lard Jennifer Gus.uTCilL AR CM ABSM Lic.mus(France) L.M
Piano Tutor
n home. Lessons in your ow loma level dip to r From beginne cal cti pra d an ry eo Th ngs Heath Whitland Drive, Ki
Tel: 0121 603 4322
David Parman Solihull Maths Revis
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A specialist provider of maths tuition and revision courses
www.solihullmathsrevis
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If you are a local tutor and would like your details printed here please email: info@swan publishing.org
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For all your heating, gas and multi-fuel requirements
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Work with NCS The Challenge this summer
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Salary: up to £1,540 per 3 week programme Location: West Midlands Length of role: short term, flexible contracts from 3 days up to 14 weeks between June and September
Paid positions available for people at every level of experience including 18+ college students & graduates wanting to work with young people through to experienced Project Managers. The Challenge is a fast-growing social enterprise programme that brings together young people from different backgrounds, builds their confidence, and challenges them to make a difference in their local community. A single programme lasts three weeks and includes outdoor activities, skill development and community service.
Applications Now Open To apply online simply visit
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Green bowling popular for centuries Apart from the benefits of enjoying fresh air, bowling is a wonderful pastime that can be played with all generations of a family. Many see crown green bowling as an activity for only the senior members of our community. Nothing can be further from the truth. One of the most established clubs in the UK, Ye Olde Knowle Bowling Club in Dorridge is a truly “family” club catering for all ages and abilities. What can be better on a sunny afternoon or evening, than companionship shared, enjoying bowls in a lovely setting and finishing off with a pint in the club bar. Members of bowling clubs also enjoy a comprehensive social events programme throughout the year giving the opportunity to meet and socialise
outside of the bowling season and is truly a family focused, all-inclusive, all year round activity. Ye Olde Knowle Bowling Club has a friendly membership so go along and join up. www.yokbc.co.uk
Vintage Solihull Do you remember Touchwood Hall? This is likely to be the only colour photograph of this building. The door was apparently always left open in the early 20th century, with a chair in the hallway so that any passing weary traveller could pop in and rest! The son of the household – Clement Martineau – died of wounds in May 1918 as a German prisoner of war in Belgium, and the story is told that his mother kept a lighted candle in the window of his hall in his memory. The hall was compulsorily purchased by the council before being demolished in 1963. Solihull Library’s Archives Department have some of the original deeds. Touchwood Hall photograph by John Arnold
25
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A Floral Bouquet Present your sweetheart with a bunch of fascinating facts about our favourite Valentine’s Day flowers. 1. Tale as old as time… The oldest fossilised remains of a rose were found in Florissant, Colorado and have been estimated to date from 35 million years ago.
than twenty miles from Birmingham city centre. The award winning Rose Labyrinth at Coughton Court in Warwickshire contains over 200 varieties. (www.coughtoncourt.co.uk)
2. Ancient associations Roses have been associated with romance for thousands of years since being linked to Aphrodite and Venus, the goddesses of love in ancient Greece and Rome.
7. Perfume It takes approximately 60,000 roses to produce one ounce of the rose oil used in perfumes. Bulgaria produces around 70% of all rose oil in the world.
3. Growing old The oldest living rose bush grows up the wall of the Cathedral of Hildesheim in Germany and is believed to be up to 1000 years old.
8. Hips Rose hips, the fruit of the rose, are one of the richest plant sources of Vitamin C. The fine hairs inside the hip are used to make itching powder.
4. National symbol The rose was adopted as the national flower of England by new Tudor King Henry VII in the 15th century. He combined the red rose of Lancaster with the white rose of York to symbolise the country’s unity after the Wars of the Roses.
9. One small step… In 2002, a miniature rose called ‘Overnight Scentsation’ was sent into space so that scientists could study the effects of low gravity on its smell.
5. A thorny issue Technically, roses don’t have thorns, they have prickles. Thorns have deeper roots in a plant’s stem, but prickles attach at the surface and are more easily removed. 6. Rose gardens One of the UK’s best rose gardens is less
20. The price of love The most expensive rose in the world is the Juliet Rose, which was launched at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2006. Breeder David Austin spent 15 years and over £3 million developing it, but you can pick up a bouquet for your loved one this Valentine’s Day for around £90.
by Alexandra Taylor
27
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photography by: www.sevenstarphotography.co.uk
Allergy and intolerance – what is the difference? Dr Louise Newson I have had several patients who’ve spent small fortunes being tested for different food intolerances, often by a blood test or hair analysis. They have come to me despondent, as their symptoms have not improved despite changing diets, sometimes drastically. Many people are being incorrectly diagnosed with food intolerances or food allergies. Although both cause unpleasant symptoms, the treatment is very different for an intolerance compared with an allergy. Understanding the difference is important. Allergies are caused by an abnormal immune reaction to a substance such as pollen or a peanut … whereas an intolerance does not involve your body’s immune system. Allergies can be life-threatening… whereas intolerances are not. People with allergies cannot even have very small quantities of the substance they are allergic to … whereas those with an intolerance can often cope with small amounts of the substance they are intolerant to. An allergy is usually lifelong … whereas many people have food intolerances for a short period of time which can improve on their own. Lactose intolerance is a common example. Lactose is present in milk and some other foods. It is broken down into sugar in the gut by a special enzyme called lactase. Children and adults may get a temporary lactose intolerance
after a diarrhoea illness. Avoiding cow’s milk for a few months usually improves symptoms. Testing for an intolerance is different to an allergy test which measures the immune response to a suspected substance usually done by skin testing (which causes a small reaction in your skin) or blood test (which measures the immune reaction in your blood). However, it has not been possible to design a test that will accurately diagnose intolerance. Blood tests are usually entirely normal even during an intolerance reaction. Many blood tests offered privately to test for tolerances are not clinically proven. So it’s down to detective work. Keep a food diary. Relate the symptoms you experience to foods you have eaten. Never be tempted to follow a diet for a suspected intolerance unless it has been approved by a professionally qualified dietician. It is very important that you eat a varied, balanced diet. Dr Louise R Newson is a part-time GP in Solihull and has written medical books including training courses and knowledge updates for GPs. Additionally she is an editor of and writer for many medical publications. louise.newson@me.com
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Polio Myelitis can we destroy it forever? By 1988, polio had disappeared from the US, UK, Australia and much of Europe but it remains prevalent in more than 125 countries including Pakistan and Afghanistan. There are many who remember growing up in this country with the fear of being incarcerated in an iron lung for sometimes years unable to move anything from their neck down and needing the assistance of this tomb like piece of machinery just to keep breathing. Eliminating polio - the terrifying scourge of the world on a par with today’s Ebola in the ferocity of speed of contamination - has been one of the key causes of The Rotary International organisation together with some high profile philanthropists like Bill Gates who has poured billions into immunisation programmes. It’s been one year now since the last case of polio in Nigeria and Africa. A cause of celebration but not of relaxation as vigilance is always needed. Here are some startling facts and figures for the generations who have grown up free of the knowledge and fear of how prevalent polio was in the UK. The dosage most people will be familiar with now, is in a sugar cube. In 1916 the US toll nationwide was 27,000 cases of paralysis and 6,000 deaths. Epidemics worsened during the century:
in 1952, a record 57,628 cases of polio were reported just in the United States. Polio (also called infantile paralysis) is most often associated with children, but can affect teens and grown-ups as well. Between 1949 and 1954, 35 percent of those who contracted polio were adults. Despite the availability of vaccines polio remains a threat. In 1947, 7,500 were paralysed with 707 acute cases and 79 deaths in the UK as late as 1961. Despite several trials of different vaccines it was not until 1962 that Britain switched to Sabin’s OPV vaccine. by Julia Parsons
Polio eradication - is a global priority for you, me and our children… never forget it. For more information - go to www.time.com/3971057/ nigeria-polio-eradication
31
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WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO THE ROTTERS’ CLUB AT THE REP! Wednesday 6 April, 7.30pm Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing 1970’s Birmingham, the story follows a group of friends as they advance through the minefield of typical teenage worries, but who are unable to avoid the impact of the social changes occurring around them. To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question: In what decade does The Rotters’ Club take place? a. 1960s b. 1970s c. 1980s
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COMPETITION - WIN TICKETS
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Win a pair of tickets to see The Remarkable Tale of Rotters' Club Competition Ad - PF2.indd 1 Canterbury Tales at Solihull Oliver Twist Arts Complex on Thurs 24/3 Six of the best loved tales, told in a variety of styles, by a three-man cast using drama, verse and physical theatre. Unsuitable for under 12s or scholars of the Late Middle Ages!
The Canterbury Tales
Q: Who wrote Canterbury Tales? a) Chaucer Closing date b) J K Rowling 18/3/16 c) Stephen King Enter via www.swanpublishing.org
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Thu 10 Mar, 6pm at mac birmingham
Who wrote the novel Oliver Twist? a. Enid Blyton b. Charles Dickens c. Roald Dahl Email your answer to info@swanpublishing.org by Sun 21 Feb. www.macbirmingham.co.uk
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Local Business Directory Arts Centre mac Birmingham
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Gardening Services Betel UK Gardens & Treeworks Lawn Science Solihull Ltd
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Property Maintenance All Aspects Property Maintenance 2 Six Star Property Services 13 Retirement village Inspired Warwick Retirement Village Lime Trees
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Solicitors The Wilkes Partnership Quality Solicitors Davidsons Solihull
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Summer Job Opportunities NCS The Challenge
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Tree Surgeons Betel UK Gardens & Tree Works
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