Oct 2014 - My Solihull Knowle & Dorridge by The MY Magazines

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Jasper Carrott OBE Son of the Midlands

Humans of Solihull - HMS Prisons to Dorridge

photograph by www.sevenstarphotography.co.uk

H om e

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The Dragon Fly Tea Room 'Hold A Hand Out' group

Relate - keeping families together

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Dear Neighbours, Hello Again. It’s been a busy few months since the launch of our first issue with a glorious summer and back to school behind us. Solihull is one heck of a busy town with so much going on and in our community pages we’ve brought articles to you we hope you will find helpful. We had a great time at the photo shoot with Jasper Carrott OBE who is a joy to be with. We could have filled pages with his story - what a career! He was awarded his OBE for the millions he has raised for charitable causes - many of which are local ones. Don’t forget to let us have your feedback on the articles and to let us know about you. Enjoy this glorious autumn.

In this issue COVER STORY: Jasper Carrott talks about his new tour

Vintage Solihull

The answer is blowing in the wind

Are you thinking of moving house to be closer to the school of your choice?

The new way to communicate: social media

Community Pages Humans of Solihull

Knowle Camera Club

Julia Parsons

Lions’ Festive Walk

0121 689 0432 juliaparsons@swanpublishing.org www.swanpublishing.org

Fireworks extravaganza

Heronfield Tales: Sooty and Sweep 25

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Also advertise in our sister magazines My Moseley & Kings Heath and My Harborne & Edgbaston. Full advertising rates are published on our website. THE TEAM: Editor Julia Parsons Advertising enquiries Amy Maclean (07712 877 689) Photography Seven Star Photography

Published by Swan Publishing Ltd: 0121 689 0432 Designed by Tickle Me Creative: 0121 366 8876 Printed by Newman Thomson: 01444 480 700

The arrival of Parkgate

Struggling with a relationship? Relate can help

Dragon Fly with a heart

The Lady Taverners

Charitable Christmas market

Regulars What’s on Tutor listing Local clubs and societies Where to eat Health & Beauty Index of advertisers

6 10 12 15 19 30

Jasper - son of the midlands Jasper Carrott OBE is a son of the Midlands, loved and exalted. One of Great Britain’s best known comedians, he grew up here in Acocks Green, married his wife Hazel from Olton at Solihull Registry Office and had his wedding reception in Moseley Village. He is about to go out on a nationwide tour for the first time in sixteen years with his Stand up and Rock show alongside The Bev Bevan Band and Trevor Burton. With over fifty gigs planned across the UK he has four dates at Solihull Arts Complex which are already sold out. But don’t worry you can still get tickets for his appearance at Birmingham Town Hall on 21 October. More details of his tour dates can be found online at www.jaspercarrott.com/live. His extraordinary career has been packed with achievement and success. Did you know, he has written three successful books, had a top 5 chart hit with Funky Moped, and been inducted into the Birmingham Walk of Fame, an honour he shares with Ozzie Osbourne? Jasper received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008 from the British Comedy Awards, performed in the original legendary Secret Policeman’s Ball charity concert for Amnesty International

and has raised millions for charitable causes for which he was honoured with an OBE. He is Patron of the stunning new Birmingham Central Library, has been spotted running in the Knowle Fun Run and been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Birmingham. Jasper co-founded the production company Celador, best known for making the globally successful “Who Wants to be A Millionaire” and appeared in a whole slew of his own TV comedy shows. Oh - mustn’t forget… he’s also a dedicated Birmingham Blues fan. Unbelievably, there’s more but we haven’t the space! Jasper says, “it’s important to me that I provide a complete show that’s good value for money and leaves the audience looking forward to the next time. Working with Bev and Trevor means the pressure of performing is shared rather than solely on my shoulders and when we’ve worked together before it’s been really successful.”

What's on in Solihull... October / November Markets & Fairs

Solihull Farmers’ Market

fabulous flavours. When: 3 - 4 Oct Where: Mell Square Info: 0121 285 1370, www.solihullbid.co.uk

Fresh locally grown produce on your doorstep. When: 3 Oct & 7 Nov Where: Solihull High Street Walking with Lions Info: www.skettsfarmers The Knowle & Dorridge Lions Club invites you to markets.co.uk join them for their annual festive walk starting at Solihull Christmas Baddesley Clinton. Market When: 28 Dec Traditional craft stalls Where: Baddesley Clinton offering candles, Info: www.knowleand jewellery, handmade dorridgelions.com/walk gifts, decorations and wooden toys, and the al Special Needs fresco German bar will Charity Quiz Night be serving up plenty of Gluhwein and bratwurst! A lovely evening out supporting the efforts When: 29 Nov - 22 to raise funds for the Dec 12pm - 11pm Green Lane Playgroup. Where: Mell Square Info: www.solihull.gov.uk When: 21 Nov, 7pm Where: St Phillip’s Church Hall, Dorridge B938DX Fine and Local Info: 07952 939309 Food Fayre rosemary@theholden Locally sourced food and family.co.uk produce from a range of top quality suppliers. Charity Night - with When: 18 Oct, 15 3 course meal and Nov, 9am - 5pm Where: Solihull High Street entertainment Info: www.solihull.gov.uk Three course dinner with entertainment at Hogarths Hotel in aid of Solihull Solihull Big based Brain Tumour UK. Taste Festival When: 24 Oct Live music and al fresco Where: Hogarths Hotel, dining in Mell Square Four Ashes Road, Dorridge filling the town Info: 01564 779988 with sizzling smells and

Charity Fun

Nightlife & Live Events Mugenko Taiko Drummers

The drummers conjure up thundering rhythms on a range of instruments the largest of which are the size of a small car. When: 15 Oct Where: Solihull Arts Complex Info: 0121 704 6962, www.solihullnews.net

Live music is good for the soul! At Oneill’s you can catch live music Thursday through to Saturday every week. Thursday nights are open mic night, and on Friday and Saturday carefully picked live bands perform all evening. When: Thursday, Friday, Saturday - every week Where: O’Neills, Poplar Road, Solihull, B91 3AB Info: 0121 7113761

Andy Zaltzman: Satirist for hire Zaltzman, the Britishbased half of the global hit topical podcast The Bugle, takes this uniquely interactive new show on the road, giving audiences a chance to have the issues they care about satirised to order. When: 11 Oct

Where: Solihull Arts Complex Info: www.solihullarts complex.co.uk

The Vicar Of Dibley by Theatre 28 A stage play by Ian Gower and Paul Carpenter adapted from the original television series. When: 18 Oct Where: Solihull Arts Complex Info: www.solihullarts complex.co.uk

For the Kids Solihull Fireworks

It’s going to be the biggest display for miles and it’s free! There will be entertainment and refreshments available to purchase. All donations are greatly appreciated (ideally £1 per person) When: 1 Nov Where: Tudor Grange Park Info: info@roundtable fireworks.com

Halloween Spooks Dress in your scariest outfit and enjoy some spooky fun. Suitable for children aged 4+ When: 27 Oct 10.30am - 12.00pm Where: Brueton Park Info: www.sollihull.gov.uk

To list your event near Solihull, Knowle & Dorridge FREE email info@swanpublishing.org 6

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Photograph by Oliver Maclean

Sharon Wall teaches local clarinet student Graham Maclean

The answer is blowing in the wind The distinctive tones of the clarinet have inspired musicians through the ages. Imagine the sound of Prokofiev’s cat walking through your home with Peter looking out for the wolf. This need not be a fantasy - if you want it badly enough - with good lessons and plenty of practice that cat will walk through your home! If you, or your son or daughter, want to learn the clarinet then you are lucky to have close at hand one of the most highly qualified clarinet teachers in the county. Sharon Wall offers one to one as well as group teaching, coaching and also performs at a professional level. She has been coaching the Birmingham Schools’ Symphony Orchestra for 30 years and managing it for the last five. Her wealth of experience includes playing in the English Symphony Orchestra for 22 years, freelancing with the CBSO, Birmingham Royal Ballet and other chamber and orchestra groups as well as teaching at Warwick University and King Edward VI Foundation schools.

Sharon teaches her students, who range in age from 7 to 77, in her lovely music room in her home in Moseley. She teaches from first notes right through to diploma and professional playing standards and has seen endless pupils go on to music college and university. Sharon said: “I came to Birmingham as a student and was fortunate to be taught by Martyn Davies of the CBSO. I made Moseley my home as a professional clarinettist and music my life. “Nothing gives me more pleasure than to see and hear the progress my students make and to inspire them and spur them on.” If you would like to enquire about clarinet lessons please call Sharon on 0121 449 4423 or email sharonmcwall@blueyonder.co.uk

A Selection of Clubs & Societies in and around Solihull Citizen's Advice Solihull Borough The Priory, Church Hill Rd, B91 3LF 0121 705 2212 Solihull Active www.solihullactive.co.uk 0121 704 6000 Solihull Society of Arts Recorded Music Circle 0121 705 1041 Solihull (Historic) Athletics Club www.solihullathletics.co.uk Solihull Society of Arts www.solihullarts.co.uk Silhill Bridge Club 01564 782232 Knowle Camera Club www.knowlecameraclub.co.uk Solihull Canoe Club 0843 289 5272 Solihull Choral Society 0121 705 0311 www.solihullchoral.org.uk Solihull Cycling Club secretary@solihullcc.org.uk Solihull Film Society 0121 704 4354 Solihull Local History Circle 0121 706 2345 www.solh.org.uk Solihull Ladies Football Club www.solihullladiesfc.co.uk Solihull Ladies Lunch Club 01675 533 500 Mumsnet Solihull www.local.mumsnet.com/solihull 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 Philatelic Society www.solihullphilatelicsociety.org.uk Solihull Photographic Society www.solihullphotographicsociety.com Knowle Ramblers knowleramblers.tripod.com Solihull Riding Club 01564 770180 Solihull Rock Choir Malvern Hall Brueton Av B91 3EN 01252 714 276 RSPB Solihull Group www.rspb.org.uk/groups/solihull Solihull Day Time Stamp & Postcard Club 01564 776879 www.solihullphilatelicsociety.org.uk Stitch Solihull Workshops at Notcutts 0121 314 6888 Solihull Swimming Club www.solihullswimmingclub.co.uk Solihull Tennis Club Marsh Lane B91 2PF. Tel 0121 705 9302 www.solihulltc.co.uk Solihull Central University of the Third Age U3A sol.centralu3a@gmail.com Solihull Water Polo Club www.solihullswimmingclub.co.uk/waterpolo Solihull Women's Institute 0121 705 1285 Solihull Victim Support 0300 303 1977 www.victimsupport.org.uk West Midlands Bridge Club www.westmidbridge.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: info@swanpublishing.org

Advertising enquiries: 689 0432 | info@swanpublishing.org | www.swanpublishing.org

Are you thinking of moving house to be closer to the school of your choice? If so, Wilkes Partnership solicitor, Amanda Holden, has a few words of advice. People often move house to be within the catchment area for good schools. In the second of our ‘meet the team at Wilkes’ series we talk about this issue with Amanda who heads up the conveyancing team at this Solihull law firm. Amanda’s advice is to firstly be aware that your application to enrol your children in a school, in a new area you are moving to, will, subject to the school’s admissions criteria, normally only be considered once you have completed on your purchase. She says, “for a variety of reasons people can find themselves moving to a new area during the summer holidays. They are then reliant on all people within the chain being available at the same time to exchange contracts and complete, which can be tricky in peak holiday time. “We are often asked to provide a letter to the council’s admission team confirming our client’s property ownership status so that they can secure a place in the school of choice for their child.

“It is wise to start the whole process as soon as possible, putting your house on the market early, because it can sometimes take a number of months to find a suitable buyer. Clients should also be aware that the sale and purchase will only go as fast as the slowest person in the chain.” Wilkes offers their clients an efficient, friendly service in the community, by qualified staff, where they can see somebody face to face who will handle their sale and purchase from beginning to end. If you would like any advice on property conveyancing you can contact Amanda Holden at The Wilkes Partnership to discuss in person - aholden@wilkes.co.uk The Wilkes Partnership LLP Stanton House, 54 Stratford Road Shirley, Solihull, B90 3LS 0121 733 8000 | www.wilkes.co.uk

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Where to eat The Agrabad Finest Balti Restaurant 884 Old Lode Lanew Solihull, B92 8LW

A guide to the best places to eat in and around Solihull

Miller Carter Bar & Grill Steakhouse Tanworth Lane, Shirley B90 4EA 0121 744 1905

0121 743 7883

Beeches Bar & Grill Hampton in Arden, B92 0AH 01675 442277

Metro Bar & Grill Warwick Rd, B91 3DX 0121 705 9495

ZiZi Italian Poplar Rd B91 3AB 0121 704 5030

The Lazy Cow Steakhouse Warwick Rd, Solihull B91 3DA 0121 704 1567 Wagamama Japanese Touchwood B91 3GS

Phonlic House Chinese Knowle, B93 0HT The Thai Village Restaurant High Street Knowle B93 0LF 01564 771595

The Punchbowl Lapworth, B94 6HR 01564 784 564

0121 711 7075

Missoula American & Healthy salads High Street Solihull B91 3SX

Red House British Carvery Hermitage Rd Sollihull B91 2LP 0121 711 8856

0121 705 7422

The Malt Shovel at Barston B92 0JP

Bella Venezia, Italian Knowle B93 0JU

01675 443223

0121 722 2099

01564 779806

The Orange Tree Chadwick End B93 0BN

Spice Club Warwick Rd B91 3DA

Loch Fyne Seafood Knowle B93 0JU

01564 785364

0121 711 7070

01564 7322750

The Boot Inn at Lapworth B94 6JU

The Farm, British Shelly Farm off Monkspath B90 4EH 0121 711 7273

Luna Rosa Spanish/Italian Knowle, B93 0LE

01564 782 464

01564 739 395

The White Lion Inn Hampton in Arden B92 0AA

Longfellows Restaurant, British Catherine de Barnes, B91 2TJ

Knowle Indian Brasserie B93 0LY 01564 776 453

015644 442833

Zengz Asian Vegetarian Old Lode Lane B92 8JE

0121 705 0547

Pavarotti Italian Solihull Ice Rink, B92 8JN 0121 743 3222

Janito British Continental Fusion Knowle, B93 0JU 01564 779802

The Little Owl Country Pub Restaurant Bickenhill Parkway B401QA 0121 781 0331

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Social Media - what does it mean for magazines like My Solihull? Change can be scary, but it is necessary and inevitable. Heraclitus over 2,500 years ago already knew that when he said his famous quote: “Nothing is permanent, but change.” When the internet started to expand its reach, some ‘gurus’ years ago claimed that printed media was dying and they couldn’t be more wrong. The only thing that has changed is the way that we communicate with the media. Social media has changed the way we communicate and it is a great tool for community magazines like ours to build relationships and engage with the local community. 5 breath-taking facts about social media. • More people have access to a mobile phone than to a toothbrush • 1/3 of British teenagers are on Snapchat • The fastest growing demographic on Twitter is 55-64 year olds • 72% of all internet users are now active on social media • 80% of UK Twitter users are active on mobile devices

Our community magazine has been nominated for an award in this year's Magazine Publishers Awards for our social media activity. Join the conversation on Facebook to see what’s going on in the area: concerts, offers, activities. Feel free to share your community event or activity on our Facebook page. Receive live updates about the area and share your stories with us on Twitter @My Solihull

Great tips on how you can use social media for your business, community or to reach your personal goals at http://bit.ly/solihull

Looking for a way to earn some EXTRA MONEY? Want to work from home and decide on your own hours of work? Love living in Solihull, Knowle or Dorridge and want to do something good in your community?

If your answer is yes to these three questions then we want to talk to YOU! We publish this gorgeous community magazine with a skeleton crew and need more people to help grow the magazine and make it even

bigger and better than it is now. If you have a background in sales and would like to get involved then call us NOW.

0121 689 0432 or

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photograph by www.sevenstarphotography.co.uk

HUMANS OF SOLIHULL A Dorridge pharmacist tells us about his career Mr Balbir S Bhogal, MRPharmS PgDipHCP Medicine always intrigued me and was my motivation to study Pharmacy. I qualified 30 years ago, an anniversary I celebrated in July and over this joyful period, developed my expertise. My journey has been within the NHS and private hospitals, management of many community pharmacies and for a brief time I worked within HM Prison Service. Over the years Pharmacy has changed considerably, from manual assembly of medicines, to more patient focussed clinical care and an increase of Pharmacists with specialities. IT and technology have significantly improved our efficiency. For many years there were more jobs than Pharmacists but this has changed mainly through the opening of new university schools of Pharmacy and increasing numbers of students choosing this as their career. Now, getting a job as a pharmacist means a graduate has to be exceptional but it’s worth it as it will provide a good living standard. I have been managing a busy dynamic Pharmacy in the heart of Dorridge for over five years and

raised my family here for the last seventeen. Interacting with customers, GPs, consultants and nurses has been immensely rewarding. Customer recognition through personal thanks is always appreciated. I may ask a patient to let me know how they got on with the advice I’ve given for their treatment, as feedback is important and I often hear, “I’m glad I checked with you before making an appointment with the GP as you’ve answered the question,” or I’ve been told the advice I gave, “did the trick.” I study at home and am required to attend meetings and conferences regularly to keep up to date with knowledge and developments in my field. Future plans for this pharmacy with many new developments is exciting and will bring increased benefits to the pharmacy’s customers. I have never regretted choosing this gratifying career which I feel passionate about, whilst being able to contribute to peoples’ healthcare.

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Say Cheese Knowle Camera Club was formed over fifty years ago and welcomes photographers of all ages and standards, from those who have just started to enjoy the hobby to experienced photographers who participate in external exhibitions. This is a thriving, small but active club with a varied programme including presentations by well known local photographers and training evenings. Once a year there is a “shoot-out” in a local town, the photographs from which become a competition at a later date. More experienced members offer one to one mentoring to other members.

They meet at Dorridge Methodist Church on most Thursdays. Your first two meetings are free… and if you go along to try it out you will be made very welcome.

For more information about Knowle Camera Club please contact Tony Albutt on 01564-782175 or go to www.knowlecameraclub.co.uk

Above all, the group is friendly and keen to enjoy photography.

Walking with lions The Knowle and Dorridge Lions Club invites you to join them for their annual festive walk on Sunday 28 December starting at Baddesley Clinton.

This is a free community event to help you walk off that Christmas pudding whilst helping to raise funds for worthy causes. Make a donation to their nominated charities; Arthritis Research, Solihull Young Carers, Knowle Football Club and other local causes, or get your walk sponsored for these or your own personal worthy charity. There is a choice of a four, seven or ten mile circular sign-posted route all passing one or more local hostelries. Put it in your festive calendar now and be sure to invite your friends too. Full details can be found at www.knowleanddorridgelions.com/walk Also, now is a good time to make a note of the date for next year’s Knowle Fun Run - Sunday 17 May and the Heart of England Bike Ride is in July. Find out how you can support the Lions by calling 08458 335 894.

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Firework Extravaganza Every year people in Solihull can enjoy a fabulous display of fireworks set to music, and this years’ is bigger and better than ever. It’s at Tudor Grange Park on Saturday 1 November with Free Radio putting on an entertainment stage, novelty gift stalls from local school PTAs (who get to keep all their proceeds); catering from the sea cadets and others - all working together to make this the ‘must-see, must-be-at’ community event of the year, safe in the knowledge that all the contributions go to cover the costs of the fireworks and benefiting local good causes. Round Table has been organising the Tudor Grange Fireworks display for many years and for those who don’t know, it is a young-men’s club with members aged from 18-45yrs old with the goals of making friends, raising money for charity and generally being supportive of each other and the local community. It’s not a secret organisation with special handshakes and wild initiation ceremonies. It’s simply a group of like-minded guys experiencing new things and

giving something back to the community. It is also non-religious, non-political and non-sectarian. In 2009 as the recession bit, the first fireworks display was put on for the community, free to attend and relying on voluntary contributions on the gate to pay its way. Every year sees over £5,000 of fireworks taking to the sky in what has become the largest free to attend community event in the Borough. Last year it was estimated there were over 12,000 people!

The Round Table urgently need volunteers so get in touch via info@roundtablefireworks.co.uk if you can help. You’ll have a great time. Set the diary date and you will get to see one of the best displays for miles.

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Heronfield Tales: Sooty & Sweep Two fledgeling jackdaws were recently rescued by Heronfield Animal Rescue. This is their story. A lady, living in Darley Green, kept trying to light a fire in her hearth but smoke was billowing back into the room. Frustrated with all the dirt and soot, she called a chimney sweep. He arrived and started to poke around, when a great cloud of soot and muck came down on him together with the cause - a bird’s nest with two pink, featherless baby Jackdaws. The lady took them straight to Heronfield Animal Rescue in a shoebox. Mitch Withey who runs the place had never had to rear birds so young before. A heat pad was found and tins of a special diet speedily collected from the vets. The birds were named Sooty and Sweep. After a few weeks of Mitch’s careful attention, they were moved into an aviary outside where they continued to thrive to adulthood. This summer Mitch released them together. Half an hour later - Sweep returned. And has

not left Heronfield since. He knows where his food is and safety too. However, Sooty hasn’t been seen - having possibly found a mate. Mitch runs Heronfield Animal Rescue, which was formed more than 50 years ago by his father. Mitch said, “together with volunteers, many on work experience coming from local colleges, we look after injured wildlife and discarded pets at our friendly farm on the edge of the canal just outside Knowle, where there are now more than 300 animals and birds.” With ever increasing food costs and veterinary bills, donations are greatly appreciated. There are tea rooms, a small shop and lots to see. Check on-line for visiting times and directions: www.heronfieldark.org.uk and visit their Facebook page too www.facebook.com/HeronfieldArk

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The arrival of Parkgate Transformed from dreary, ugly car park to vibrant community hub In May, Shirley Town Centre was rejuvenated when Parkgate opened. This much anticipated £85 million shopping, leisure and residential development brought a vibrant new centre to the town occupying land once a forlorn car park, a small area of scrubland and an empty Territorial Army site. Shiny new shopping opportunities, colourful cafes and restaurants and a gym, are set around two handsome squares – Town Square and Trinity Place – linked by tree lined malls, served by a free 500 space car park. As the Parkgate proposals evolved alongside an extensive community consultation, the developer, Shirley Advance’s design team created a striking construction meeting the needs of local people and groups, as well as attracting quality shops. Shirley Baptist Church, Royal British Legion, First Shirley Scout Group, Solihull Christian Fellowship, Camp Hill RFC and Shirley Library have all been rehoused within the complex.

Shirley Park looks wonderful having benefitted from around £1 million worth of improvements. Check out the dog agility centre and keep fit exercise equipment. Did you know there are 34 new townhouses and 22 new apartments with balconies giving the occupiers enviable views over Shirley Park? Overall, a total of 123 new homes will be built, including 51 extra care affordable apartments, which will be operated by Solihull Care Housing Association. As with all change, there was vigorous opposition to Parkgate. Now, the scheme has been widely applauded, having brought a striking urban central vista to a shopping area challengingly divided by the busy four lane A34. And what about that eyesore on Haslucks Green Road; otherwise known as the old Powergen site? Change is afoot there too between Asda, Shirley Advance and Solihull Council with residential plans and accommodation for the elderly. Watch this space and keep reading MY Solihull, Knowle & Dorridge for future news!

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Struggling with a relationship? Solihull’s RELATE can help you Everyone experiences difficulties in their relationships from time to time - it’s how you handle these which makes the difference. Relate can help. Relate has over 70 years’ experience unravelling the tangles of relationship difficulties, providing counselling for individuals and couples, sex therapy, family counselling and young people’s counselling. Many things can affect a relationship… for example; unresolved arguments, break ups, affairs, sexual problems, divorce, step-families, health or money worries, balancing work and home, retirement, or even a new baby. Relate provides a safe, confidential space. The counsellors are highly trained and experienced with helping you find the best way forward. What some people have said about their experience with Relate: • “I came away feeling confident about the future.” • “Our counsellor really listened and helped us to use our strengths to move forward.” • “Our Counsellor quickly grasped and understood our problems and guided us through the areas of our relationship we needed to work on.”

And a few encouraging statistics about Relate’s service: • At the end of counselling 90% of clients understood their problem better and were more able to deal with it. • 91% of clients with children with a behaviour/drug problem said Relate’s help had a positive effect. • 95% of clients rated Relate services as good or very good. Remember, the sooner you seek help, the sooner you can get your relationship back on track. When communication becomes strained - make an appointment. The Solihull service in Malvern Park Lodge is near the town centre with a bus stop and car park just a few minutes walk away, and offers daytime and evening appointments.

For more information, or an appointment telephone 0121 643 1638 email info@relatebirmingham.co.uk or go to www.relate.org.uk

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photograph by www.sevenstarphotography.co.uk

Dragon Fly with a heart Many people pass by the Dragon Fly Tea Rooms in Solihull’s Brueton Park - and some might stop for a quick cuppa or to buy a Bonio for their dog (where else can you do that?) but they won’t have any idea of the wonderful beating heart of support this cafe has become to many in the Solihull community. Since the tea room opened 12 years ago, folk have entered - couples and singles - to seek company, enjoy a chat, scrumptious cakes and heartwarming food. So much so, there is now a group that meet for coffee every other day. If someone is in trouble or a loved one dies, the group is there to support the partner left behind. No-one need sit on their own. People come and go but there is always the “Hold A Hand Out Group” who come to mull over life from about 10:30am onwards every other day. At the same time, people can relax on their own with coffee and newspapers. On Friday mornings mothers and toddlers meet, so a new mother, perhaps feeling a little isolated, can always enter the fragrant

warmth of the cafe and find others to swap stories and share child raising advice with. A dainty little lady came to the cafe every day for many years for company and to chat. She suffered from Altzheimer’s but never had a problem finding her way there. Regardless of the weather, without fail, she wore a fur hat and her family always knew where to find her. Eventually time took the lady but her memory is kept alive annually when the family meets at the cafe to remember her. In just a single day young and old from newborns to centenarians are catered for. Within the Dragon Fly Tea Room beats a community heart set in a lovely location that does Solihull proud…

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The Lady Taverners Giving Young People with special needs ‘a sporting chance’ Many have heard of The Lord’s Taverners which began life in 1950, formed by a group of actors including Sir John Mills and Jack Hawkins. The name originates from Lord’s… the Cricket Ground and Taverners…the pub where the idea for the charity was conceived. But not a lot of people are aware there is also The Lady Taverners. The Lady Taverners, whose president is Angela Rippon, plays a major role within the Lord’s Taverners - the UK’s leading youth cricket and disability sports charity - with HRH The Duke of Edinburgh as its patron. Money raised by the organisation is mainly spent on special green mini buses, sensory rooms and special play equipment.

The members come from all walks of life, have very varied careers and enjoy having fun.

For more information please go to the website www.lordstaverners.org or contact Ann Keepax – Chairman of the Midlands’ Regional Lady Taverners by emailing contact@lordstaverners.org

Quality time with Father Christmas Over a hundred local children with special needs will get to visit Santa in his magical grotto at the Christmas Market at Earlswood Garden & Landscape Centre.

The visitors are given a gift from Santa, as well as a lunch box and mini disco at no cost to the children or schools. This thoughtful event has been organised in conjunction with Solihull Rotary Club. Brett Sheridan, Earlswood’s Marketing Manager said, “we believe that providing the children with a personalised experience, in comfortable surroundings and without long queues, enables them to relax and open up with Santa, whereas they may not do so if visiting during normal opening hours. “Seeing the joy on the children’s faces and the superb feedback received from teachers and carers makes organising the visits worthwhile and we hope to continue for many years.” The Garden Centre’s Christmas Market starts on 21 November running for 5 weekends until 23 December. Visit Earlswood Garden Centre’s Facebook page online: www.facebook.com/ EarlswoodChristmasMarket or telephone 01564 702314 for more information.

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Index of Advertisers Architect Brophy Riaz & Partners Arts Centre mac

Gas Showroom MD Services

Graphic Design Tickle Me Creative

School Edgbaston High School for Girls

Solicitors The Wilkes Partnership

Theatre mac

Tutor Listing

Health & Beauty Page 19

Builder 2nd Generation Building Services JMS Roofing & Building

9 16

Cinema mac

Mortgage Specialist Acclaimed Mortgage Consultancy 18

Clubs & Societies

Painting & Decorating Krean Property Maintenance 9

Web Design Tickle Me Creative

Photographer Seven Star Photography

Weight Loss Healthy Weight

Plastering Alan Halford

Restaurant Guide

Roofing JMS Roofing & Building

Conservatories & Orangeries Finesse Windows Ltd 2 The Harborne Sash Window Company 17 Dog Sitting Holidays for Dogs 16 Equity Release Specialist Acclaimed Mortgage Consultancy 9

Windows & Doors Finesse Windows Ltd The Harborne Sash Window Company Wood & Laminate Flooring Value Floors

2 17

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