April 2020 - My Solihull Central by The MY Magazines

SOLIHULL CENTRAL

MAGAZINE MY APRIL/MAY 2020

LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY PAGE

VEGAN RECIPE FROM

B13 BESPOKE CATERING

SELF ISOLATION GUIDE BOOSTING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

FOOD • APRIL EVENTS • HOME & GARDEN SOLIHULL CENTRAL, / MAY 2020 1 & DRINK •MYLIFESTYLE

14-16 School Road, Yardley Wood, B14 4BJ

Houses • Gardens • Oﬃces • Sheds • Garages Full and part properties cleared and tidied

0121 663 1565 we also need donations of furniture Please support our charity by calling for collection of furniture, electrical items, bric-a-brac and clothing Betel UK has been helping restore broken lives for over 22 years, help us continue to heal the hurting. furniture@notts.betel.uk • www.betel.uk • reg. charity no. 1081462

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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, APRIL / MAY 2020

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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, APRIL / MAY 2020

STORY TIME WITH Wednesday 15th APRIL 2020 11.30AM – 3.30pm

For more information or to purchase general admission tickets, please visit: birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

Find us on:

Your support keeps the Gardens growing

Ballet Theatre UK present Sense and Sensibility Join Ballet Theatre UK as they delve into the romantic world of Jane Austen with their classical adaptation of Sense and Sensibility at Solihull’s Core Theatre on Wednesday 27 May, with performances at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Set to a glorious score, true to the era, this ballet captures the essence of a true period drama combining the tribulations of young love with stunning classical ballet, and beautiful costumes. Solihull’s Core Theatre is an ideal venue for small scale ballet as no-one is further than 14 rows from the front, with great sightlines and ticket prices a fraction of the big venue, big name ballet companies. This makes it an ideal introduction

to ballet for new dance fans, and a treat for their loyal supporters. TICKETS: £18.50 (£17.50 concessions, £12.50 children) from thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk online anytime or call Box Office: 0121 704 6962 (9.30am – 3pm Mon to Sat, 10am start Weds) Answer phone operates out of hours and during busy periods.

WIN TICKETS!! We have a pair of tickets to giveaway to one lucky reader! To enter the prize draw simply go to swanpublishing.org/competitions before 31 April and complete the simple form.

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, APRIL / MAY 2020

Contents

APRIL / MAY 2020 COVER STORY BUSINESSES ADAPTING IN THE FACE OF 9 COVID-19 LEISURE & RETAIL YOUR GUIDE TO 10/11 SPRING FASHION! SELF-ISOLATION 13 GUIDE HOME & GARDEN 28/29 COLOUR HARMONIES HOT TIPS FROM BHAM BOTANICAL 19 GARDENS LOCAL INTEREST ANDY STREET: Â£15 BILLION 27 TRANSPORT VISION EDUCATION 15 TUTOR LISTING PAGE HEALTH

LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY ON PG

BOOSTING YOUR 20 IMMUNE SYSTEM FOOD & DRINK DELICIOUS VEGAN 16/17 RECIPE

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, APRIL / MAY 2020

We are writing this in the middle of March, just as the Coronavirus is starting to hit the UK, and the news is changing daily. Coronavirus is now at the forefront of most peope’s minds but as working from home becomes the norm, as people travel less and stay around their local neighborhoods more, then perhaps we should explore the potential positives around this. Positives that we can already see, are that local communities are starting to rally round more than usual. There are offers of help to those who are isolated, especially the elderly and vulnerable, in case they need any deliveries or errands run. Perhaps more people will start to understand how good it is to support their local shops and communities. Buying locally keeps money in the community and keeps local businesses alive, so please pick up the phone and continue to support them through this difficult time! And knowing you’re helping a local business rather than a faceless corporation gives the feel-good factor. So as we sign off, we hope you keep healthy and safe, and that life does not become too restricting for us all. Remember to keep washing your hands, look out for your neighbours where you can, and we hope that community spirit will get us through!

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BUSINESS ADAPTING IN THE FACE OF COVID-19 In the coming weeks and months many of us including our small business neighbours are going to face extremely difficult times. Now more than ever before we are all aware of the importance of supporting our local community and our local economy. As a magazine we want to do everything within our power to support our readers and our advertisers. To this end we will be sharing useful information on our facebook page and helping local businesses get the message out if they are making any changes to their working practices in light of the threat of Coronavirus. If you are a local reader then please subscribe to our free online magazine and like our FB page and follow us on twitter and instagram if you want to keep up with local announcements. If you are a local business with a message for your customers whatever that may be and whether you advertise with us or not please feel free to share via our social media channels. To subscribe for free to our online magazine all you need to do is go to our homepage swan publishing.org and scroll down to the bottom left where there is a simple form to complete. The situation is changing constantly and new support groups are appearing each day. We will do our best to keep you as well informed as possible. Keep safe and remember to wash your hands.

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, APRIL / MAY 2020

FASHION

This issue Dawn Marriott shares...

Your fashion forcast for summer 2020

At last spring has arrived and we can start to peel off some of those winter layers. Spring 2020 sees an array of colour popping across the high street, in particular, hues of orange and blue. The1970s returns with the iconic 70’s prints featuring on blouses and dresses along with the bootleg jean - think Farah Fawcett for the ultimate 70’s girl vibe. Shirts and blouses play a big part this season from puff sleeves to frills, silks to denim. Anything goes as long as it’s a blouse! Then moving into summer we see the trusty shorts make an appearance, but fear not they have returned in the knee length Bermuda shape rather than the hot pants! And the heeled sandal has an overhaul with the thonged heel being the season’s newcomer. With so much on offer this season I’m going to share with you my favourite key trends and shapes, that will give your wardrobe an instant update and if you are lucky you may even own a few already!

Cardigans

The humble cardigan is back with a vengeance, the classic wardrobe staple has had an update, with the oversized Boxy cardigan being a firm favourite. Worn alone as a jumper with a silk cami underneath or over last summer’s maxi dress for an immediate seasonal update. Try adding a belt to a longer cardigan to give it a new shape. Layering up for spring has never been so stylish.

The Blouse

Blouses and shirts featured heavily on the catwalk, in all shapes and sizes. From puff sleeves, to lace and frills and crisp cottons to floral prints, the blouse is a possibly this season’s biggest player. Wear it back to almost anything for that day to night wearing. Try a luxurious silk blouse, slightly oversized for the ultimate spring statement.

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, APRIL / MAY 2020

Polka Dots

Polka dots were around last year and continue for SS20. The obvious black and white spots are still very important, but the high street is now awash with coloured spots in pastels and brights. Wear a spotty shoe or bag if you want to go gently or embrace the spots head to toe.

Denim

This season sees denim step up to the plate. Denim skirts are important, think knee length or maxi over the mini. Jeans have become more relaxed and the boot cut jean sees a return for that 70’s vibe. Wide leg, boyfriend and the relaxed fit styles are all available for those who want to move out of skinnies. Double denim and even triple denim (if you are brave enough) all have a place for spring/summer too.

Safari Girl

There is an injection of safari inspired fashion right across the high street. Channel your inner safari girl in everything from shirts and shorts to jackets and belts. Release your wild side with a safari jacket that can be worn for any occasion. Wear it with jeans, dresses, skirts over blouses and T-shirts. A safari jacket is the ultimate spring summer staple. And remember if you are buying into a new trend, do your research and plan your outfits. This way you will know exactly how you’re going to get your wear and money’s worth out of each new item. Finally try to buy good quality that will stand the test of time. Throw away fashion does not last and will need replacing much quicker – wasting your money and creating a longterm problem for the planet.

Dawn x

www.dawnmarriottstylist info@dawnmarriottstylist.com 07725 538 829 Dawnmarriott_stylist Dawn Marriott Stylist

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, APRIL / MAY 2020

PHOTO CREDIT PAUL KNAPMAN

Have you always wanted to learn to play the flute? Or are you looking to develop your playing? - by Helen Mills, Blenheim Rd, Moseley

The lovely sound of the flute has universal appeal to youngsters and the young at heart, and lends itself to many different styles of music, be it Classical, jazz, folk and rock. As well as the challenge of learning a new skill, there are many positive benefits to be gained as it utilizes and stretches many physical and mental abilities. Playing the flute can develop breath control, strengthen the diaphragm and surrounding muscles, help sharpen up co-ordination between eye, brain & fingers, and aid concentration, keeping those little grey cells well and truly active. With children, the whole learning process can in addition encourage perseverance, discipline, working collaboratively when playing socially - all transferable skills - and help build up confidence through the gradual curve of achievement. Those who already play will know the satisfaction of developing as a musician, becoming more technically proficient

and the enjoyment of the hugely rewarding expressive outlet it provides. As an activity, it can be an absorbing and welcome distraction from everyday stresses which can give back so much pleasure, with the added potential for musical social interaction. A worthwhile skill - for life! Having taught the flute for many years, I have had the privilege of nurturing many budding flautists by helping them improve and develop their music making, along with musical discovery through playing. Here is what some of my current pupils say: “I took up the flute to develop different skills from those I used at work and was astonished at how it flushes all the work-related stress from your brain.”

Lessons are paced to suit each individual and include piano accompaniment along with occasional informal social playing opportunities. Learning is more accessible than you may think. Advice is available on acquiring an instrument.

Grade 5 Theory tuition Helen also provides an intensive shortterm course towards attaining this qualification which is not just a requisite of doing some higher grade practical exams but also a very useful way of broadening musical rudimentary knowledge. It can also positively help and support GCSE music studies. Helen has a high success rate for this course. If you’d like more information please call

449 2135 / 07711 908212

“Helen’s teaching is always enthusiastic, passionate and she has made me incredibly determined to be the best flute player I can be. Thank you Helen!” “Playing the flute has literally been a life-saver for me, giving me something positive to do each day during cancer treatment.”

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, APRIL / MAY 2020

WHAT TO DO AT HOME

At the time of going to print, everyone with a fever and/or persistent dry cough has been asked to self-isolate, with their household, for 14 days. Those in at-risk groups have also been advised to stay at home for 12 weeks. We are all being asked to start social distancing. This might have changed by the time you receive this magazine, so please check for updates at www.gov.uk In these strange and confusing times, there are suddenly a huge number of us with a lot of time on our hands. Many will be spending that time alone, which can be difficult and leave us feeling lonely. We wanted to give anyone in self-isolation a useful list of ideas to keep busy, creative, calm and connected in the weeks ahead.

Occupy the mind and body in self-isolation Whilst some of us are used to keeping occupied by ourselves, it can be hard to get used to. We’ve gathered a few of our favourite suggestions for solo activities at home.

Keep busy: • If you have work you need to do, create a daily list and take regular breaks. • Do some gardening. • Remind yourself of some fun card or board games. • Learn a new skill like knitting or baking. • Read a book. • Binge watch a box set or watch a film. • Review your finances to keep a healthy budget . • Make a project of decluttering a room.

Feel calm: • Practice mindfulness techniques. • Do some light exercise or yoga. You will be able to find useful YouTube videos to follow and you may be able to access online classes via your local gym. • Stick to a routine so you can relax in the evening and sleep well. • If you can access fresh fruit and veg, make sure you eat some daily. • Pamper yourself. Try a facemask, do your nails or take a long bath.

Stay connected: • Make regular phone or video calls to relatives and friends, or start a WhatsApp group. • Check in with elderly or vulnerable relatives. • Play online games such as Scrabble. • Catch up on overdue correspondence.

Support local businesses Without footfall, businesses – especially smaller, family-run companies - will be looking for ways to keep going in the most challenging circumstances. There are a few things we can do as customers to lighten their load – why not get in touch online and see what they can offer?

Get creative:

1. Pay your invoices! If you have any outstanding payments due to local services or trades, please make sure you pay them without delay.

• Keep a diary of your experience of the illness or time in isolation. • Pick up a pencil, paintbrush or needle and create something. • Take the extra time to slow-cook meals. • Play or learn a musical instrument. • Write a poem, blog, short story or start your memoirs.

2. Buy a voucher. If you have a birthday or special event coming up, why not buy a gift voucher from a local shop, café, restaurant or pub to be used once we are all back to normal? You could mark Father’s Day with the promise of a slap-up meal and help a local venue with their cashflow.

3. Shop local. Use smaller, independent stores and food delivery services if possible, instead of larger supermarkets. Everything seems to be telling us that they are the best-stocked! 4. Offer sponsorship. You could support a local business by offering to sponsor them if they are not eligible to claim government help/insurance. Help vulnerable people in the community If you’ve got the ability to support people in need in our area, there are a few different ways you can offer help. Volunteering is a great way to boost your mood and help prevent people getting isolated. If you need assistance due to self isolation, here’s some local groups:

Cooperation Birmingham COVID-19 Mutual Aid, Fundraising for working class and precariously employed to survive away from work, fund care homes,giving tennants and renting businesses rent relief and more @coopbrum on Twitter, sign up to their forum at: forum.cooperationbirmingham.org.uk

Birmingham Community Solidarity Coronavirus Response (find on Facebook) planning to run a food delivery service for people in isolation.

Solihull/Shirley/Chelmsley Wood COVID-19 Mutual aid group (find on Facebook), organising to support the most vulnerable.

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, APRIL / MAY 2020

EDUCATION

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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, APRIL / MAY 2020

& TREEWORKS 01564 820 170

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, DBS Checked Blenheim Road, Moseley Tel: 0121 449 2135

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

Laurence Dalton Learn More 4 A* B.A.P.G.C.E. English Tutoring

Specialising in GCSE language and literature Contact: www.englishgcsetutor. co.uk / 07525 206 388

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

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, APRIL / MAY 2020

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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, APRIL / MAY 2020

Dukka Spiced Quinoa and Puy Lentils, Wild Garlic, Jersey Royals, English Asparagus

Serves 4

Ingredients 250g Jersey Royals 1 bunch English Asparagus 100g Wild Garlic 200g Mixed Beets (raw) Wood sorrel Red veined sorrel Popcorn shoots 200g Puy Lentils 200g Mixed Quinoa 100g Edamame Beans Cold pressed rapeseed oil For the Dukka â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2 tsp Sunflower seeds 2 tsp Pumpkin seeds 2 tsp Sesame seeds 2 tsp Linseed 2 tsp Hemp seeds 1 tsp Cumin seeds 100g Roasted peanuts, lightly crushed Cold pressed rapeseed oil 1 tsp Dried oregano 1 clove Garlic

Method In a pan add all the seeds and toast, add a little rapeseed oil and crushed peanuts, set aside. Bring the Puy lentils and Quinoa to the boil and simmer for around 25 minutes till tender, 5 minutes before the end of cooking add the edamame beans. Add 2 tblsp rapeseed oil, the garlic, dried oregano and dukka. Boil the potatoes in salted water, drain and set aside. Trim the asparagus. Peel and dice the beetroot, season with salt and pepper and a touch of Rapeseed oil, place on a tray and roast in the oven at 180c until tender. When cooked place the wild garlic in the tray and wilt in oven for 2 minutes then remove from oven. In a griddle pan char the asparagus, cut the potatoes in half lightly oil and season and char like the asparagus. Combine all the hot ingredients on the plate and garnish with the micros, both sorrels and popcorn shoots.

...Making the most of the bounty that spring brings us and marrying them all together to make a super tasty Vegan dish that stands strong on its own or as part of a meal with other dishes

The dish can also be served as a cold salad and with the addition of pan fried Halloumi or crumbled Feta.

Enjoy! - Stuart Brown, B13 Bespoke Catering

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, APRIL / MAY 2020

IT’S TIME

to get stuck in, in the garden! and gradually reduce them over the coming weeks. It’s also a good idea to use a proprietary spring fertiliser, which will help to prevent weeds and moss. There’s lots to do in April, so here are a few tasks you can do for the month: n Finish sowing tomato seeds indoors ready to plant out. If you’re struggling for growing space, buy ready-grown tomato plants and grow them on.

We’ve had a fairly mild winter so you might find plants growing apace in your gardens at the moment. April and May are busy months in the gardener’s calendar as the borders burst into life and the days get warmer – it’s certainly action stations for all of us working across the different sections of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens! April is all about sowing and growing – we’ll be keeping on top of lawn maintenance to make sure our lawns are strong and healthy for the growing season and can withstand the footsteps of all of our visitors. It’s likely you’ve already managed to mow the lawn once or twice already, but make sure you keep the lawnmower blades higher now

n Continue to sow all hardy and tender seeds under cover – take care not to expose them to frost. n Keep an eye on your seedlings. As soon as they have their first ‘true’ or adult leaves (the pair after the cotyledons or ‘seed leaves’) put them in pots or modules of their own. n If your greenhouse is heated, plant your summer hanging baskets with plug plants, and keep them under cover until all risk of frost has passed. n Pinch out the tips of fuchsia shoots and sweet pea plants to encourage bushy plants this summer. n Now the soil is warming up, sow hardy annuals in finely cultivated soil. n Start to apply slow release fertiliser around beds and borders.

May is the month for rapid change in the garden, when everything grows so quickly – especially the weeds, it seems! We regularly check our borders and keep on top of weeding by running a hoe around them to help keep them in check; it’s a good habit to get into. If you’re growing summer bedding plants, don’t plant them out until the risk of frost has passed – usually the end of May in this region – but start to ‘harden off’ any you have grown. The process of cooling greenhouse-grown plants means they will become acclimatised to cooler temperatures before they are moved to their permanent position outdoors. Other jobs to attend to this month are: n Ventilate greenhouses during the day to avoid overheating. n Check fritillaries and lilies regularly for lily beetles – remove them carefully. n Feed daffodils and other spring flowering bulbs with a high potash feed and leave the foliage to completely die down before removing it. n Prune early flowering shrubs by removing a third of the old wood from the base, to encourage new growth.

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, APRIL / MAY 2020

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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, APRIL / MAY 2020

BOOSTING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

1. Vitamin C Vitamin C is a fiesty little vitamin, whose main goal is to protect your immune system and make your vital organs strong and healthy. Here are some foods rich in vitamin C... Broccoli, lemons, caulifour, kale, kiwi fruit, orange, papaya, red green or yellow pepper, chilli peppers, sweet potato, strawberries, blackcurrents, fresh thyme and tomatoes.

2. Vitamin D The intake of vitamin D directly reduces the risk of catching flu! (along with many other health benefits). The body makes vitamin D when it is exposed to ultraviolet rays of light from the sun, but that’s not the only way to get it. Here are some of the foods rich in vitamin D... Milk, eggs, cereal, butter, white mushrooms, orange juice, oatmeal, goats cheese, salmon, sardines, tuna, and tofu.

3. Superfoods These are foods that are thought to be ‘nutritionally dense’, a generous smattering of these in your diet goes a long long way. Here’s where to find them...

Giv e yo eve ur bo ryth dy ing to fi ght it need

Dark leafy greens, berries, green tea, eggs, nuts and seeds, and legumes (beans, lentils, peas, soya beans...), mushrooms, sweet potato, avocado, salmon, tumeric, ginger, olive oil and garlic.

this

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, APRIL / MAY 2020

LEGAL & FINANCIAL

Is your Will more than

3 years old?

If so, then according to Eleanor Holland, from The Wilkes Partnership in Solihull, you could be missing out on the Residential Nil Rate band that was introduced in 2017 and has increased each year since then - now amounting to up to £350,000 when a property is passed from spouse to spouse and then onto descendants. It was anticipated that the Conservative Government would increase the ordinary Nil Rate Tax Free band in the budget in March. But this didn’t happen and it has remained the same since 2017 at £325,000 per person. However, the Residential Nil Rate band that was introduced that same year has increased each year since then and increases to £175,000 per person as of 6 April 2020. The Residential Nil Rate band is an additional benefit for people who pass on a property in their Will. It doubles

when the property is passed onto a spouse and then can be utilised by the beneficiaries if the property is passed onto descendants which can include step-children. Even if the property is sold in order to downsize and/or pay for care fees it would still be eligible for the Residential Nil Rate band. The main concern is where a property has been put into a discretionary Trust, a mechanism which has been used in the past to protect the asset in case of the beneficiaries going through divorce or separation. A Discretionary Trust is not considered to be a descendent and therefore does not qualify for the Residential Nil Rate Band.

If you would like any more information about this or any other Wills or Probate issue, please contact Eleanor Holland at The Wilkes Partnership to discuss in person eholland@wilkes.co.uk

The Wilkes Partnership LLP Stanton House, 54 Stratford Rd Shirley, Solihull, B90 3LS 0121 733 8000 www.wilkes.co.uk

If your Will puts your property into a discretionary trust, or if it was written before April 2017 we would strongly advise that you have it looked at again to ensure that you aren’t missing out on this significant tax free benefit.

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, APRIL / MAY 2020

07815 460786 01827 892952

Hand Problems Be Your Own Hand Detective

Do you feel symptoms of pain, clicking, numbness or tingling in your hands? Have you noticed any signs of hand lumps, swellings, or muscle wasting? If you answered yes to any of the above, you may be suffering from a hand condition and should seek medical attention.

Common Hand Conditions Carpal Tunnel – Common symptoms include tingling and numbness in the thumb, index and middle finger, with occasional thumb muscle wasting. Trigger Finger – Signs of finger locking and clicking are seen - the finger may flick up from a bent position. Dupuytren’s Contracture - A thickening of skin in the palm and fingers are experienced, along with a fixed bending of the fingers meaning hands cannot be placed comfortably flat on a table. Arthritis of the Thumb – Signs include a general dull ache around the thumb base, which may mean sufferers struggle to open tight jars. The thumb position may change. If you detect any signs or symptoms of a hand condition, let the Midland Hand Clinic help you to reach the correct diagnosis and receive the right treatment!

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

25/02/2019 09:55

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, APRIL / MAY 2020

FOOD & DRINK

Spring has Sprung Written by Stuart Brown of B13 Bespoke Catering The cold and wet is hopefully behind us and the bright shoots of spring are driving us all forward with energetic zeal. Which leads us to the fantastic British produce that is available right now. Some of you need look or should I say smell no further than the bottom of your garden or whilst you are out for a walk. What’s that I then I hear you say? Wild Garlic, that beautiful fragrant short-lived crop that is bountiful at this time of year. Spring heralds two of England’s food heroes, the humble potato in its most Regal form, Jersey Royals, quite simply the best potato in the world, available from March through to July. A pricey addition to a meal at the beginning of the season at £8.00/kg, but soon they reduce to an affordable price. And now to the real jewel amongst English vegetables, Asparagus “gras”, Wye Valley Vale of Evesham asparagus at that, just stunning. Officially the season starts on St George’s day, very apt on our national day and Evesham celebrates this with the British Asparagus Festival. But early cuttings of gras are available from mid March, again at a price premium, but this becomes more affordable as the season goes on. As you will see I have combined these three ingredients to create a colourful nutritious dish in the featured recipe. britishasparagusfestival.org jerseyroyals.co.uk wyevalleyproduce.co.uk/

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, APRIL / MAY 2020

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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, APRIL / MAY 2020

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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, APRIL / MAY 2020

WEST MIDLANDS MAYOR ANDY STREET SAYS £15BILLION

PLAN WILL HELP CONNECT SOLIHULL PEOPLE West Midlands Mayor Andy Street says his new £15billion transport vison for the region includes huge investment for Solihull which will create exciting new connections for residents. As part of his plans Mr Street, who serves as the current Mayor of the West Midlands, wants to open eight new Metro lines and 21 new rail stations across the West Midlands by 2040. On the Metro, Andy wants to build over 150 miles of new lines and around 380 new stops, and, in addition to the trams running on roads and on rail lines, he wants to have sections of the line running underground, using ‘cut and cover’ tunnelling to allow traffic to drive above the Metro line where there is not enough space on narrower roads. Mr Street, who grew up in Solihull, said: “The transport changes outlined for Solihull and Shirley are tremendously exciting. A new Metro line will create a new ‘Shirley central’ stop directly linked to Solihull town centre, as well as stopping at Robin Hood Island on its way to Birmingham.

“Another new Line will provide a direct Metro link between Solihull and Sheldon, opening up the east of Birmingham and the wider region. Where necessary, this line could go underground to ensure the minimum of disruption. “Then there’s the Midland Metro line, which will reach out to Chelmsley Wood before joining the new HS2 interchange, and all the connectivity that will bring for residents. “In recent years we have made great progress completing the Metro extension to Centenary Square on time and on budget, and bringing the plans for the new rail stations to life in South Birmingham and the Black Country.

To illustrate the ambition behind his plan, Mr Street has produced a Tube-style map showing all of the new lines, stops and services. In Solihull, the new Lee Woods Metro line will create new stops at Robin Hood island and Shirley Central, before linking directly into Solihull town centre. There will be a direct Metro Line between Solihull town centre and Sheldon. Where the road is narrow, lines could go underground using the ‘cut and cover’ method seen in New York. Finally, the existing Midland Metro Line will extend to Chemlsey Wood, before reaching the HS2 interchange.

“But now is time for the next stage of ambition. This plan will connect communities which haven’t had Metro or rail lines for decades, and restore pride in the West Midlands.”

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, APRIL / MAY 2020

Our home feature is now in the very capable hands of Jessy Kauldhar, of L’atelier Kauldhar Ltd, giving you some real industry knowlege on how to make the most of your home...

HOME & GARDEN

Jessy’s career, spanning 20 years, began in construction as a cost consultant, with the last decade being spent in the Middle East working with interior design companies on VVIP projects. It is during this time, that her passion for interior design began. In 2019, having returned to the U.K., Jessy’s desire to combine her skills in cost consultancy with her passion for interior design, came into fruition with the creation of L’atelier Kauldhar Ltd.

“I’ve always been a creative person, and although I also have a very analytical mind which served me well in my academic studies and career, the passion for creativity remained strong. Transitioning my career into interior design was therefore a very natural progression. I help my clients, who have very demanding lifestyles, eliminate the stress they feel about not having the time, or know-how, to re-design and renovate their home interiors to a luxurious, high quality, professional standard. I do this by providing an all-encompassing service covering the interior design, procurement, commercial and project management of the works from inception to handover. To accommodate the needs of my clients who are unable to meet in person, I provide also eDesign services.”

COLOUR HARMONIES

n this article, I will talk about colour, as it is one of the first elements we think about when we consider designing and decorating our homes. Colour is an obvious starting point, as it’s so visible and has the power to invoke emotions and affect moods. Getting it right, is essential. Here are three simple but very effective colour harmonies that can be easily put together at home.

Achromatic Colour Harmony By definition, an achromatic colour is one which is devoid of hues and saturation. In layman’s terms, this simply means whites, greys and blacks. It is an extremely versatile colour harmony which appeals to all. The colour combinations are endless, and depending on the tints, shades

and tones selected, the finished look will either be crisp and cool, or soft and warm. Achromatic colour schemes can be used in rooms of all sizes. Small rooms look spacious when whites dominate and are accented with greys and blacks. Larger rooms look cosier when dark colours dominate and are balanced with lighter colours. Here is a beautiful example of a warm achromatic colour scheme that will appeal to men and women.

Monochromatic Colour Harmony A monochromatic colour harmony is based on a single colour. By adding whites, greys and blacks to lighten, mute and darken the selected colour, various combinations are created. These colour schemes invoke feelings of calm and restfulness, and

are therefore ideal for bedrooms. Classic examples are the pinks and blues seen in kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bedrooms. Classic Blue, Pantoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Colour of the Year 2020, when used in a monochromatic colour scheme, is a great choice for living rooms. It is incredibly versatile as the final look can vary from dramatic, to peaceful and serene. In this example, a blue monochromatic palette has been used to create a calm interior with the use of muted blues for a neutral base, and rich blues as accents. Velvet fabrics and throws have been used to soften the overall look.

Analogous Colour Harmony An analogous colour harmony is created using any three colours that sit alongside each other on the colour wheel. Although similar to monochromatic colour schemes, analogous colour schemes result in greater colour nuances and contrasts, of which many examples exist in nature.

Typically, one colour is selected as dominant and the other two used to enrich the overall colour scheme. Colour combinations can include reds to oranges, yellows to greens, blues to violets. Analogous colour schemes work best when paired with neutrals and the 60-30-10 rule is applied, i.e. 60% of the colour used is neutral, 30% is the accent colour, and 10% is the pop of colour. In this example, three purples have been selected from the colour wheel. Each colour is used to enrich the other, whilst creating an overall look and feel of peace and serenity. To learn more about these colour harmonies, as well as others, please read the Colour Series articles on my website at:

latelierkauldhar.com

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, APRIL / MAY 2020

Local Business Directory Bike Shop

Bike Pro Racing

Charity

Cancer Research UK 7

Cleaning & Ironing Mopheads

Roofing Rawlings Roofing Solutions

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Edgbaston High School 14

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Betel UK Garden Treeworks Dimension Driveways & Landscapes

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Clearly Better Windows 25

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Retirement Properties Churchill Retirement Living

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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, APRIL / MAY 2020

NEW RETIREMENT APARTMENTS FOR SALE IN SHIRLEY

Last few remaining! Our retirement apartments at Woolmans Lodge are selling fast, so now’s the time to visit us and see how good retirement living can be. Make the first move towards Churchill Retirement Living today – you’ll be surprised how easy it can be.

WOOLMANS LODGE Solihull Road - Open Tuesday to Saturday - 10am to 5pm. CALL TODAY TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

0121 514 9798 Visit churchillretirement.co.uk

• Lodge Manager • Owners’ Lounge with coffee bar • Guest Suite for friends and family • Landscaped gardens • 24-hour support • Video entry system • Free parking • Lift to all floors

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, APRIL / MAY 2020

Dimension Groundworks & Driveways

Clay & Block Paving • Tarmacing • Patios • Brickwork • Slabbing Gravel • Landscaping • Fencing • Property Repairs Roofing Repairs • Driveway Maintenance

Solihull:

T: 0121 733 1463 Kenilworth, Warwick, Leamington:

T: 01926 827 645 Stratford:

T: 01789 270 896 M: 07799 428 577 32

E: dimensiongroundworks@icloud.com MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, APRIL / MAY 2020 W: www.dimensiondriveways.co.uk