February 2019 - My Solihull Central

&

February / March 2019

40,000

Over local readers

MY

SOLIHULL CENTRAL

HANNAH MOLLOY

Local dog trainer, tells us about her experiences on Channel 4’s new show;

Puppy School

10 Healthy eating tips for youthful skin

All you need is love!

A round up of this season’s special days

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siness u B l a c o L inside! y r o t c e Dir e See pag

46

Food & Drink | Entertainment | Fashion | Home & Garden | Legal MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 & Financial | Health

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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

Though the new year prompts fresh starts and opening a new chapter in our lives, we can be forgiven if we haven’t got around to it until now. After all, February and March are when the flowers start to come out and they seem to mark the end of our winter hibernation.

This issue we caught up with a wonderful Brummie, Hannah Molloy, who amoung her many accolades (as local dog whisperer and creator of Pawfect Dogsense) is an expert on Channel 4’s new show Puppy School. Hannah has given us an exciting insight into what we can expect on the show.

Our local reader and contributor, Emily Wilcox, has covered all the best days coming up over the next couple of months and has one resounding message for them all... to celebrate yourself, and find love for yourself, because you’re pretty great!

Happy reading

Ruby, Amy and Julie

www.swanpublishing.org @MySolihull @SwanPub

If you have an idea for a future article please let us know by emailing

info@swanpublishing.org

EDITOR’S WELCOME

Hello Neighbours,

Amy Watson Managing Director amywatson@swanpublishing.org

0121 689 0432

Ruby Prosser Designer & Editor rubywatson@swanpublishing.org

0121 689 0432

Julie Wilkins Advertising juliewilkins@swanpublishing.org

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

’

CONTENTS

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

ess usin de!

B l i Loca tory ins c Dire ee page S

30

COVER STORY Hannah Molloy: Local dog expert on Channel 4’s Puppy School 6/7

COMMUNITY ACTIVITY Word on the street 29 Andy Street: Solihull transport changes 8

LEISURE & RETAIL Time for a spring clean: Declutter your wardrobe 14/15 What’s on guide 12/13

HOME & GARDEN Getting creative with smart lighting 23

LEGAL & FINANCIAL Broken promises and property rights; Where do you stand? 24/25

EDUCATION Local private tutors 28

HEALTH Healthy eating for healthy skin 10

FOOD & DRINK Where to eat 19 Delicious recipes: Sweet Potato & goats cheese tart // Bourbon Punch 17

Sign up to our Hello Weekend mailer for weekly updates on local events, courses, festivals, competitions, volunteer opportunities and much more.

Join by clicking ‘sign up’ on our facebook page.

Creating your garden’s ‘vibe’ 21

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

5

Puppy School;

How to train your

human!

Hannah Molloy is a canine behavioural therapist and dog trainer who runs a company in Birmingham called Pawfect Dogsense. Recently she was asked to be part of Channel 4’s new 3 part show, Puppy School. We caught up with Hannah to find out more about it...

You’ve got some exciting things coming up in March?

So yes, I am about to feature as one of the experts on Channel 4’s new show Puppy School!

Tell us more about the show...

So, Puppy School is a show that is gonna look at why people get puppies.

Everybody has a dog for different reasons and that’s something I see every day when I’m working. The Puppy School environment is a really unique place where people from lots of different backgrounds can come together and learn about dogs, so what we tried to do with Puppy School is teach people about positive training and really look into the stories of the contributors and the reasons why some of these people have got puppies. So yeah it’s going to be a really compassionate look at the ownership really.

Well that sounds like an interesting take on it, so what are some of the reasons people get dogs then?

There are lots of reasons that people get dogs, and I’m not going to give you any spoilers because people are looking forward to watching (the show) when it airs. But I mean, if you think about the ages and stages of people, there are loads of reasons. Maybe you are just retired and you want a new project and you’ve got a bit of an empty nest and

6

Hannah Molloy the kids have moved away and you’d like something to focus your energy on. Sometimes people will get them because they’ve had a really difficult situation happen in their life and having a puppy and raising a puppy is a really lovely way of getting back out into the world and just taking life with both hands again. So it’s been really beautiful to watch some of these stories develop.

I think you’re gonna laugh as much as you are gonna cry, and there’s some really beautiful and sometimes quite sad stories.

So the show is called Puppy School and it’s airing in March, but we don’t know the dates yet?

No, don’t know yet, so you’ve got to keep your ear to the ground and Channel Four will announce when the programme is ready to go out. You know I’m waiting just as much as you are to find out when it’s going to happen!

We’ve completely finished filming it now and people are working really hard to make a great show out of it which I don’t think is going to be difficult because we’ve had some really great people and some amazing stories, and we’ve got three experts. The beautiful thing about Puppy School is you’ve got me, you’ve got a lovely trainer called Oli Juste and another trainer called Katie Patmore, and between the three of us we’ve got a sort of smorgasbord of experience.

About 100 years worth of training experience, when you add it all up.

So did you completely agree on everything?

More or less! Yeah! Often. To be honest the fundamentals of what we believe in are the same. We all believe in positive training, we all believe in setting dogs up to succeed and reinforcing behaviour more than punishing it. Because the science shows that rewarding positive behaviour works. Punishment is a tricky one, if you punish a dog it might be a short fix to deal with a problem but long term you’ll probably find that the punishment will need to increase. Whereas if you keep reinforcing good behaviour that’s gonna stick because it’s worth it for the dog or for the person, so we all believe in positive reinforcement.

Because it gives them the motivation to do the right thing?

Exactly, yes. It’s finding what that individual dog wants to do or wants to work for - or the person. You know, people are trainable in just the same way by providing access to those rewards.

You say people are trainable in the same way, is it the people that you’re training rather than the puppies, in Puppy School?

Yeah! (laughs)

So Puppy School is really Puppy Owner School?

Exactly, 100%. You know, human beings have had dogs for like 20,000 years and I think sometimes we forget that a lot of these dogs had jobs originally that we’re not really giving them access to anymore. Being a pet is probably the hardest job a dog can do because they’re expected to sit at home, be petted and chatted to all day and so more often than not, teaching the owner how to set the dog up to succeed is actually what we do... it’s human training!

Find out more about Pawfect Dogsense at: www.pawfectdogsense.com Contact on: 07837 377 273 Find out more about Channel 4’s Puppy School at: www.channel4.com

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Andy Street, Wes

t Midlands mayo

r

Solihull transport changes will be just the ticket says West Midland mayor West Midlands Mayor Andy Street says 2019 will see major new transport plans that will get Solihull moving.

M

the borough. Not only have we protected the vast majority of services in Solihull, we have developed new and innovative services too.”

Mr Street, who grew up in Solihull, said a revamp of bus services, an innovative ‘sprint’ service and a refurbishment of the town’s much-loved railway station are all on the cards.

“We have just retendered some of the local bus services in Solihull,” explained Mr Street, who heads the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

“We will see a new locally-based operator take over and we expect it to be a more reliable, efficient service.

“The WMCA will be spending an extra £200,000 supporting bus services in

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Mr Street explained the innovative new ‘Sprint’ route would provide a rapid bus service from Solihull to Birmingham.

“The consultation on this new route – carried out with the borough council – is now complete,” he said. “We will see real progress on this service over the next year, as we want to get it in place before the Commonwealth Games.”

And a £20million revamp will see Solihull’s much-loved railway station, which was built in the 1930s, given a brighter future.

“I’m also looking forward to seeing the work that the Friends of Solihull Station carry out to look after the station. They are a great example of the community spirit that defines Solihull.

“My parents still live in Solihull and I’m proud to say I was raised as a Silhillian.

I understand the unique character that sets Solihull apart from the rest of the region,” he added.

“I think Solihull can go from strength to strength in 2019.”

“Silhillians have a real fondness for this station,” Mr Street said. “I’m now really looking forward to seeing proposals for what the refurbishment should look like.

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

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10 tips for youthful skin

I

t’s no new phenomena that humans are unhappy with the effects of ageing. Our forefathers searched for the fountain of youth, the philosopher’s stone, and the elixir of life. It seems as though we continue their persuits in many unhealthy ways, but at least we have also discovered the healthy ways of doing so. Here are 10 foods / drinks that help prevent premature skin ageing (other than plain old water) when introduced as a regular part of your diet.

1. Avocado Healthy fats Vitamine E

6. Olive oil Catechins Polyphemols

2. Blueberries Antioxidant Antinflamatory

7.Nuts Healthy fats Vitamine E

3. Green Tea Catechins Polyphemols

8. Flaxseeds Antioxidant Antinflamatory

4. Kale Healthy fats Vitamine E 5. Watermelon Antioxidant Antinflamatory

9. Cocoa Catechins Polyphemols 10. Avoid: sugar processed carbs deep fried foods alcohol

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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

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Sustainability problems with

fitness resolutions

Helpful tips to keep you motivated in the long winter months

by Nick Hootton, Lifelong Wellbeing

1. “I find achieving my goals boring”.

By 2 weeks in, a lot of people have lost their motivation. To maintain enthusiasm make sure the goals you set are realistic, and that you enjoy the methods used to achieve them.

3. “I feel too self- conscious trying new things”.

one area, i.e. diet, mixing a variety of Pictured above, Caroline exercise methods along with lifestyle Hutton Martineau Gardens changes willof help you maximise your watches Andyyou Street, CBE results whilst giving a greater sense of achievement.

Mayor of the West Midlands

Stereotypes such as “Only men should do weights to get strong” and “women should stick to cardio to lose weight” are prehistoric. Sustainable goals are about finding what you enjoy.

If you would like to of getJo in Malone touch with Nicholson Nick Hootton you can call him on London.

07837 006 625 or email info@lifelongwellbeing.co.uk

into a balanced diet keeps you on track.

2. “ I struggle not being able to eat my favourite foods”.

4. “I don’t think the effort I put in is worth the results I get”.

Demonising food groups is what kills motivation, fitting your favourite meals

With the time and effort you are dedicating, instead of focusing on just

cut the ribbon with Charlotte

Please visit the Martineau Gardens website for more information: martineau-gardens.org.uk/ visitor-information’

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

11

LEISURE & RETAIL

What’s on February / March 2019

Markets & Fairs

Solihull Farmers’ Market Fresh locally grown produce Where: Solihull High Street When: First Friday every month Info: solihullfarmersmarket.org

Fine & Local Food Fayre Locally sourced food and produce from top quality suppliers.

Where: Solihull High Street When: Third Saturday every month Info: solihull.gov.uk/events Bentley Heath Country Market A cross between a farmers’ market and a craft fair all under one roof.

Where: Bentley Heath Hall When: Every Fri 9.30am - 11.30am Info: facebook.com

Seasonal Events

Hogarths Valentine’s Dinner Looking to impress your loved on this Valentine’s? Why not take them to Hogarths Solihull and enjoy a meal in their recently refurbished Brasserie. Hogarths’ splendid Cocktail Bar and Brasserie offers award winning service that’s won them not one but two AA Rosettes.

Where: Hogarths Hotel When: 14 Feb Info: hogarths.co.uk Mother’s Day at Hogarths Set in twenty seven acres of beautiful woodlands and landscapes grounds. Hogarths provides a wonderful place to treat your mother to a delicious 3 course lunch or afternoon Tea. Where: Hogarths Hotel When: 31 Mar Info: hogarths.co.uk

The Take That Experience The Take That Experience have toured for over a decade wowing audiences everywhere with amazing voices, replica costumes and trademark crisp and precise dance routines beloved by fans of Take That. All the classics from 90s to the present day including Pray, Patience, Relight My Fire and also feauturing some of the best Robbie Williams hits like Angels.

Where: Core Theatre, Solihull When: 7 Mar Info: thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk

Queen Tribute Amazing tribute act to the worlds number 1 band, taking into close consideration the lighting, costumes, makeup and mannerisms that bring this band to life.

Where: Hogarths Hotel When: 31 Mar Info: hogarths.co.uk

Music Festive Fine & Local Fayre Christmas version of this market.

Where: Solihull High Street When: 15 Dec Info: solihull.gov.uk/events

Classes

Vicki Gorman Weekly Art Classes for all abilities.

Where: The Core Courtyard Gallery When: Thursdays Info: vicki_kilgour@yahoo.co.uk

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Someone Like You: The Adele Songbook A stunning live concert performance, celebrating one of our generations finest singer-songwriters.

Where: The Core Theatre, Solihull When: 14 Feb Info: thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk

The Greatest Showman Tribute The show includes remarkable vocalists lead by its very own Greatest Showman who will take you on a journey through the amazing soundtrack.With brilliantly choreographed dance routines, authentic costumes and a medley of singalong hits, this show will make you feel you’re part of the show.

Where: Hogarths Hotel When: 22 Feb Info: hogarths.co.uk

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

LEISURE & RETAIL and s to do in g in th f o ot gh A snapsh OLIHULL throu S d aroun & March February

For The Kids

Nature Families Drop in sessions for babies and toddlers, for messy and sensory play both indoors and outdoors.

Suitable for children aged 0-4.

Entrance costs £3.50 per child.

Where: The Parkridge Centre When: 18 Feb, 10:30am, 1:30pm Info: solihull.gov.uk

Tiny Den Building Why should den building be just for the older kids? Head out and help to make dens for teddies and maybe even a toddler or two.

Suitable for children aged 2-5.

Entrance costs £3.50 per child.

Where: The Parkridge Centre When: 19 Feb Info: solihull.gov.uk

Frosty Faries & Wintery Wizards Help the frosty fairies in the magic woods, and have a go at making a wintry wizard magic potion. Suitable for children aged 2+. Entrance costs £3.50 per child.

Where: The Parkridge Centre When: 19 Feb, 12:30pm - 1:30pm Info: skettsfarmersmarkets.co.uk Den Building Would you be able to survive outside this winter? Find out as you discover how to make a survival

den in the woods, to keep warm and sheltered away from the cold. Suitable for ages 5+. £3.50 per child.

Where: The Parkridge Centre When: 19 Feb Info: solihull.gov.uk Where: The Parkridge Centre When: 20 Feb Info: solihull.gov.uk

Volunteering Hedgelaying Get involved in hedge laying and help to create a living fence which encourages new growth. For more information visit solihullcv.org.uk.

Where: Brueton Park When: 17 Feb, call Dave on 0121 459 1697 for times Info: solihull.gov.uk

Stay in the loop!

Theatre

• Live music • Live theatre • Charity events • Conservation • Cinema screenings • Art exhibitions • Craft workshops • Courses • Festivals • Special offers • Markets & street food

The Shy Manifesto 17 year old Callum is proud to be shy and he thinks you should be too, because what this noisy, crazy world needs is a bit more self-restraint. The Shy Manifesto is a bittersweet comedy drama about a boy who is fed up of being told to come out of his shell. The show takes places in the Studio and is suitable for ages 12+ Where: the Studio at The Core Theatre When: 28 Feb Info: thecoretheatresolihull

New events will keep popping up throughout the next couple of months and details may change, that’s why we send out our weekly ‘Hello Weekend’ email to let you know the very latest info.

...All straight to your inbox every week, with links to websites where you can buy tickets / reserve places.

Sign up via our Facebook page

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

13

DAWN MARRIOTT This issue we are joined again by personal stylist and image consultant Dawn Marriot who is imparting more of her fashion wisdom in our pages. What better time than spring to have a proper declutter and find out about how to organise our wardrobes?

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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

Are you ready for a

wardrobe The 6 golden rules 1- Plan your wardrobe by season.

Ensuring you only have clothes suitable for the current season in your wardrobe ensures everything is wearable and saves on space. For Example, chunky knits and winter coats can be safely packed away for summer

If your wardrobe is busting at the seams yet you still hear yourself cry, “ I have nothing to wear?” it’s time for a Wardrobe Detox. This Edition I’m going to share with you my 6 golden rules to de-clutter and organise your wardrobe in time for spring.

A cluttered space of any kind can bring chaos, frustration and obstruction both physically and mentally to our lives and home.

Clutter can have a detrimental effect on our mental and physical health. In fact, some psychologists are starting to recognize that having a clean, organized home is an essential part of the wellness equation.

This applies to our wardrobes too.

Having clothes stuffed in drawers and crammed onto rails can have a negative effect on our energy and well-being.

Not being able to see what we have can slow down our thought process and push us into making the wrong outfit choices.

I’m going to share with you my golden rules on how to detox, de clutter and re-gain control of your wardrobe, helping you to save time and money, as well as feel less anxious and become more confident in what you wear.

detox?

6- Support sustainable shopping. By being clear about exactly what it is you need each season you can invest in key items that will last. Longer. No more impulse buys or throw away fashion, be kinder to the environment by buying less but better quality.

It’s time to free yourself and your wardrobe!

2- Try everything on. This can take some time but it is worth the effort.

Work through your entire wardrobe. If anything no longer fits or is ripped or stained don’t keep it. Sort into piles to sell, charity and re-work (a good tailor can help with broken zips or length shortening) All of your clothes should make you feel fantastic when you put them on.

3- Create new outfits. Try things

on together that you might not have considered before and have some fun!

If you like what you see snap a photo to remind yourself how to wear it.

A good capsule wardrobe consists of well fitting quality pieces that can be worn in various ways. Having less to work with is actually a better way to manage your wardrobe, ensuring you get wear out of each and every item.

4- Get Organised. Use good quality

hangers and ensure everything is hanging– what you can’t see you can’t wear. Hang by style type creating clear categories within your wardrobe. This makes outfit selection a whole lot easier.

Take it a step further and colour code within category (This is not for the faint hearted!) Garment care is also key.

Ensure jacket covers and dust bags are used to protect things from damage.

This will prolong the life of your favourite items.

If you would like some help managing your wardrobe and creating a new style for yourself please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Dawn X

DAWN MARRIOTT PERSONAL STYLIST & IMAGE CONSULTANT

5- Accessories and shoes. Don’t forget about these, a pair of shoes or handbag can be an outfit maker or breaker. Ensure accessories, scarves, belts, shoes and bags are grouped together and easily accessible. They are a vital part of outfit planning.

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

15

Jonathans

in the Park

“Come along to experience the ambience and the taste of yesteryear�

Jonathans Victorian Restaurant TEAROOM BY DAY, RESTAURANT

BY NIGHT Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Tea, Coffee & Cakes, world class wines, beers and spirits seven days a week from 10am

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY EVENINGS Jonathans Restaurant Traditional Great British Fine Cuisine From 7pm 0121 420 1888

Lightwoods House, Bearwood, B67 5DP | 0121 420 1888

FREE PARKING www.jonathansinthepark.com

Irish nights at Jonathans

Y

ou can now see world class live Irish music whilst enjoying traditional Irish food at Jonathans in the Park every Wednesday and Thursday evening.

The world famous Two Pats perform on Wednesdays and a trio of the finest Irish trad players headed by flute champion Patsy Moloney perform on Thursdays.

On Friday and Saturday evenings you can experience the tastes and yesteryear ambiance of the original Jonathans Victorian Restaurant.

Jonathans in the Park opened in the stunning Lightwoods House situated in Lightwoods Park on Hagley Road, in October 2017 as a tearoom by day

16

and restaurant by night and launched their Irish nights in October last year.

They cater for everything from breakfast, brunch, lunch, barista coffees, teas and cakes to afternoon tea, evening meals, weddings, celebrations and seminars.

Jonathans in the Park follows in the footsteps of the famous Jonathans Restaurant on the Hagley Road/ Wolverhampton Road junction which was open from 1978 to 2008.

Pictured above, Patsy Moloney

For more info on events at Jonathans in the Park visit:

jonathansinthepark.com or call:

0121 420 1888

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

SWEET POTATO & GOATS CHEESE TART 3 tbsp olive oil 2 medium red onions 5 tbsp balsamic vinegar 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled, cut small 1 tsp chilli flakes 1 pack ready to roll puff pastry 1 pack goats cheese 1 egg, beaten, for glazing 1 tsp thyme 2 cloves garlic METHOD Step 1 Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/ gas

6. Place cut up sweet potato onto

a baking tray and drizzle over

half of the oil. Season with salt

and pepper, dust over the chilli

flakes and shake the tray before

placing in the oven for 20 mins.

Remove after 10 minutes to

shake the tray and return to

the oven for the remaining 10 minutes.

Step 2

Chop the onions and put them in a frying pan with the remaining oil on a low heat for 10 minutes.

Add the chopped garlic, after five minutes add in the balsamic vinegar. after 5 minutes remove from the heat.

Step 3

Check that the sweet potatoes are softening and turning lightly brown and take them out to cool.

Step 4

Using butter or oil grease the baking tray for your tart and place the pastry inside draping over the edges. Try to evenly spread the onions across the base of the pastry, and then add in the sweet potatoes. roughly cut the goats cheese into cubes and scatter evenly across the top and sprinkle with thyme.

Step 5

Fold the edges of the pastry in on itself and lightly coat the pastry with the beaten egg. Then place the tray into the oven for 20 - 30 minutes or until pastry is risen and golden brown.

Serve warm with a rocket salad. This is a great dish to freeze in portions and have a delicious easy meal ready for whenever.

AMARETTO BOURBON PUNCH

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS 2 cups bourbon 2 cups ginger ale 1 cup amaretto 1 cup simple syrup 1 cup fresh lime juice 1/2 cup orange juice 1/4 cup cherry juice orange & cherry garnish METHOD Step 1

Combine the bourbon, ginger ale, amaretto, simple syrup, lime juice, orange juice and cherry juice in a pitcher and stir. Taste and adjust flavour to your preference i.e. more amaretto for sweeter taste, more bourbon for heavier stronger taste.

Step 2 Cut up orange into slices and add

into the pitcher. Add the cherry

garnish to each glass as you serve.

17

It must be

Love

W

e’re already a couple of months into 2019.

Since Christmas and New Year, the sun has risen a few dozen times and the entire world hasn’t stopped bustling about. We whizz straight through the calendar, but there are a few days - the ones tucked delicately into February and March - that are quite important. And they’re all connected in a way you might not have noticed. But it’s something that they each contain wholeheartedly, something that should fill every single day, whether that’s a national holiday or a standard Tuesday.

Love.

Valentine’s Day is the obvious choice.

Dedicating a full twenty-four hours to reminding those you love just how much they mean to you. Each Milk-Tray chocolate tastes a little sweeter. Every red rose blooms a little brighter. It’s a day that honours the little things done for the largest, most important souls in your life.

(14th Feb)

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Written by local reader, Emily Wilcox

Mother’s Day. A day for potentially the very first love of your life. To all you mamas out there, you’re smashing it.

(Psst, to all you papas, you are too.

And you brothers and sisters, aunties and uncles, friends and co-workers. To everybody. Smashing it). (31st March) Pancake Day. Perhaps a little less obvious. Otherwise and originally known as Shrove Tuesday – dedicated solely to stuffing your face before fasting throughout Lent. This is an innate type of love.

The love of filling up your bellies until you pass out on the sofa. And whether or not you’re giving up something for Lent, you have every right to enjoy this day. The day of the Pancake. A global treasure. (5th March)

power we hold within us. To strive for happiness and nothing less. To love each and every little part of ourselves.

Our fingertips, our home, our affinity for Dairy Milk, our obsession with Peaky Blinders. To cherish every particle of stardust that is woven together to make us. (17th Feb) Because every single person wandering this planet, no matter what day of the year it is, is brimming with love.

For somebody. Or something. Or somewhere. Or all of the above.

And above all, I hope you’re madly in love with yourself.

You should be. You’re pretty great.

St Patrick’s Day. An Irish love overflowing onto these West Midlands streets.

Wherever you venture off to celebrate; whether it’s for a pint at Solihull’s traditional Irish pub, O’Neill’s or a simple Wagamamas beside the Bullring, there will be a patriotic green haze in the air.

(17th March) World Human Spirit Day. It is essentially the ultimate act of self-love. This day is a reminder to take care of not just our bodies – which we should adore every day of the year – but our souls, too.

Our very essence and core. To allow ourselves a moment to remember the

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

Where to eat

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

The Agrabad

Balti 884 Old Lode Lane Solihull, B92 8LW Tel: 0121 743 7883

Aroma

Hillfield Farm Pub

The Forest

Pub Food 2 Cranbrook Way, Shirley, B90 4GT Tel: 0121 733 8810

Hotel Restaurant 25 Station Approach Dorridge, B93 8JA Tel: 01564 772 120

Indian 100a Widney Rd Solhull, B93 9BN Tel: 01564 777 613

Hotel Restaurant Four Ashes Rd Dorridge, B93 8QE Tel: 01564 779 988

Hogarths

The Punchbowl

The Beech House

The Malt Shovel

The Red House

Steakhouse 727 Warwick Rd Solihull, B91 3DA Tel: 0121 242 7730

The Farm Inn

Gastro Pub Barston Lane Solihull, B91 3DX Tel: 01675 443 223

Pub Food Mill Lane Lapworth, B94 6HR Tel: 01564 784 564

Pub Food & Carvery Hermitage Rd Solihull, B91 2LP Tel: 0121 711 8856

Met Bar & Kitchen Waters Restaurant

Gastro Pub Farmhouse Way Solihull, B90 4EH Tel: 0121 711 7273

Modern European 680-684 Warwick Rd Solihull, B91 3DX Tel: 0121 659 8062

Fine Dining Floor 1, Resorts World B40 1PU Tel: 0121 273 1238

Fukuoka

Japanese 373 Stratford Rd Shirley, B90 3BW Tel: 0121 439 6262

Orange Tree

Gastro Pub Warwick Rd Solihull, B93 0BN Tel: 01564 785 364

The White Lion

Happy Heart Cafe

Pavarotti

Little Italy

Organic 26 Richmond Rd, Olton, B92 7RP Tel: 0121 706 8674

Italian 2 Hobs Moat Rd Solihull, B92 8JN Tel: 0121 743 3222

French & British Hampton-in-Arden Solihull, B92 0AA Tel: 01564 442 833

Italian 156-158 Stratford Rd Solihull, B90 3BD Tel: 0121 293 1987

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

19

Dimension

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T: 0121 733 1463 (Solihull) T: 01926 827 645 (Kenilworth, Warwick, Leamington) T: 01789 270 869 (Stratford) M: 07799 428 557 E: info@dimensiondriveways.co.uk W: www.dimensiondriveways.co.uk

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3

IDEAS FOR CREATING YOUR GARDEN’S VIBE...

Vibrations are the sensations we feel when our bodies are experiencing our surroundings. The vibrations of music, of conversation and on a much more subtle level, the vibe of a setting. Our favourite places to spend time give us pleasing feelings often for reasons we can’t exactly put our finger on, so we have rounded up 3 top tips for creating a wonderful vibe in your garden.

Written By Ruby Prosser

1. Contrast

2. Invitation

3. Focal point

Contrast gives your garden a burst of life and creates a beautiful setting that needs to be lived in. A great way to achieve this is to paint your wall or fence and to introduce a climbing plant with vibrant contrasting flowers that seem to jump out at you.

Aside from the occasional impulse to frolic through the flowers, there’s nothing more inviting in a garden than a comfy seat. Keeping a few pretty cushions especially for outdoor use will make it impossible to refuse even in the chilly winter months.

Having something attractive to gaze at is always an appealing proposition. This can be achieved in many ways, a water feature, a large piece of garden art, something mesmerising or thought-provoking to keep you ruminating for hours.

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

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Have you got creative with

Smart Lighting?

Y

ou step into the bathroom after a long exhausting day, ready for a shower. You say ‘rainforest setting’, and the lighting turns to a gorgeous tropical green. Through the calming hum of running water you hear the distant sounds of toucans, macaws and capuchin monkeys echoing through the air. This is the house of the future. The very close future.

As in, you could go out and make it happen later today.

Smart lighting is any lighting that can be connected to and controlled by a smartphone or smart device.

Smart lighting has opened up so many exciting opportunities for us in the home, from offering better security measures, being more eco-friendly with tighter control of our energy consumption, to creating ambiances so beautiful you feel like you’re living in a romcom or your favourite snapchat filter.

with changes in the weather, triggering outdoor lights when it gets dark, giving you choices of thousands of colours to make your house parties extra special and so much more. Gives a whole new meaning to the words ‘living room’, right?

Imagine an ambiance setting for each household activity making it all the more enjoyable. How about a romantic low light for dinner? A mystical pink light for storytime?

With smart lighting, you can create your own bespoke light settings, and decide to change them whenever by voice command or set them to change automatically at certain times of the day.

There are so many more creative uses to be discovered, it’s still such a new technology. It seems as though the only limitation is your own imagination!

Written by Ruby Prosser

These are not just bulbs. They are a system, a network, who communicate with one another and are capable of keeping you up to date

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

23

LEGAL & FINANCIAL

Broken Promises and Property Rights – Where Do You Stand?

As private client solicitors, we have seen a steady rise in the number of proprietary estoppel claims brought in recent years.

What Is ‘Proprietary Estoppel’?

An Example

Broadly, this principle enables the courts to decide whether an individual has acquired a right to property because of promises made to them in the past, which they have relied upon to their detriment, in the absence of a written agreement.

Michael has two adult children, Jane and Mary. Michael becomes seriously ill and promises Jane that if she moves in with him and becomes his fulltime carer, she will inherit the family home on his death.

Jane quits her job and moves in with her father to care for him. When Michael passes away years later, his will leaves the family home to Jane’s sister, Mary.

Jane may be successful in bringing a proprietary estoppel claim, against her late father’s Estate.

In order to succeed in such a claim, three essential criteria must be met: • a representation, assurance or promise made to them • reliance upon it • detriment suffered as a result of reasonably relying upon it

A Recent Case The case of Habberfied v Habberfield was heard in Bristol earlier this year and involved a family farm and, as is often the case, a breakdown in family relationships.

>>

24

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

LEGAL & FINANCIAL

WWW.VWV.COM Lucy, one of four siblings, began working full time on the farm in 1983 at the age of 16. She worked up to 87.5 hours per week and received very low pay, based on her parents’ assurances that she would eventually inherit the farm.

In 2013, following a fight with her sister, Lucy left the farm. When her father died in 2014, he left the whole of his interest in the farm to Lucy’s mother.

What Should You Do if You Find Yourself in a Similar Situation?

Lucy successfully brought a proprietary estoppel claim against her mother. The court found that various representations had been made to Lucy over an extended period. These assurances were ‘an operative cause’ of Lucy working long hours for low pay and holiday, and not pursuing her own dairy farming business. The farm was valued at approximately £2.5 million and Lucy was awarded a lump sum payment of £1.17 million as compensation rather than awarding her the whole farm to fulfil the promise.

If you find yourself in this situation our advice is that you should try to achieve a legally drafted agreement setting out the arrangement, however difficult, rather than have to rely on bringing hugely expensive court proceedings later down the line, with an uncertain outcome.

In a family relationship based on trust, it is often very hard for an adult child to demand their parent to commit a promise into a legally binding written agreement.

As a result, proprietary estoppel is a notoriously complex area of law and outcomes can be difficult to predict.

To speak to a specialist solicitor, please contact Michelle Rose, at award-winning law firm VWV on 0121 227 3700 or at mrose@vwv.co.uk.

VWV - Award Winning Private Client Law Firm Instruct specialist lawyers who offer a personal service to meet your needs

• • • • • • • •

Wills & inheritance tax planning Lasting Powers of Attorney Estate administration Challenges to Wills Family, divorce & children Conveyancing Personal injury Family business

“VWV’s superb team has a real emphasis on client care.”

For further details, please contact us on 0121 227 3700 or at rarmstrong@vwv.co.uk

vwv.co.uk

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LEGAL & FINANCIAL

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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

LEGAL & FINANCIAL

Solar panels may not be as advantageous as you thought when selling your home Conscientious homeowners wanting to reduce their carbon footprint by installing solar panels could encounter unforeseen difficulties when they come to sell their house, warns local conveyancing solicitor Amanda Holden of The Wilkes Partnership. In addition buyers need to be aware it might be difficult to get a mortgage on a property they have set their heart on with solar panels on the roof.

When solar power government incentives were introduced in 2010, start- up companies cashing in on these generous feed- in tariffs offered homeowners free installation and low energy bills in return for a 25-year lease of the air space above their roof. These companies then received the feed- in tariffs themselves for the period of the lease after which the ownership of the panels and roof returned to the homeowner who would then receive the feed- in tariffs themselves.

after 31 March this year. If you are hoping to get in quick with plans to meet this deadline then be careful that you are fully aware of what you are entering into. The 25-year leases are registered against the title to the property regardless of who owns it and you will have to find a buyer willing to take on the remaining years of any existing lease. Even if your buyer is happy their proposed mortgage lender may have additional requirements in this respect.

In 2013 the Council of Mortgage Lenders and the Building Societies Association introduced a contract for solar panel companies to enter into with stringent rules put in place to ensure that any damage to the property would be repaired. However anyone having solar panels installed in this way in those interim three years are not protected by this contract and may find it difficult to sell their home.

If you are determined to do your bit for the planet in this way then be sure to familiarize yourself with all of the implications. Your solar panel provider will need to obtain permission from your mortgage company to grant consent for the lease of the air space above your roof. Even if you own your home outright then you should still seek legal advice before agreeing to such a lease otherwise you could be compromising your ability to sell.

Installation costs have now gone down dramatically and so have the feed- in tariffs. These will in fact be abolished altogether for solar panels installed

If you would like any advice on this issue please contact Amanda Holden at The Wilkes Partnership aholden@wilkes.co.uk

The Wilkes Partnership LLP Stanton House 54 Stratford Rd Shirley, Solihull B90 3LS

0121 733 8000 www.wilkes.co.uk Amanda Holden

Partner The Wilkes Partnership LLP Stanton House 54 Stratford Road Shirley, Solihull B90 3LS Email: aholden@wilkes.co.uk Direct Dial: 0121 733 4307

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

27

Introduce yourself?

Want your business to meet the neighbourhood?

Your ad should be here!

Visit swanpublishing.org or call 0121 689 0432

Local Private Tutors Helen Mills

Flute & Intensive Grade 5 Theory BMus; GBSM Hons; ABSM Over 30 years flute teaching experience. All abilities, ages and levels taught. Excellent results record.

ALSO Aural Training Member of ISM Blenheim Road, Moseley Tel: 0121 449 2135

28

Sarah Nation

Maths & English tuition Key Stages 1 & 2 (age 5-11) Highly experienced local tutor, qualified primary school teacher.

DBS checked.

Tel: 0121 446 6468 sarah.nation@btinternet.com

Hazel Buller BSc

Guitar Tutor All ages, abilities and levels taught. Lessons provided in your own home or Solihull.

Special rates for JLR emloyees.

DBS Certified. hazelbuller.co.uk Tel: 07847 557 765

Sharon Wall

Clarinet Teacher GBSM (Hons) ARCM ABSM PGCE Highly experienced teacher with excellent success rates from beginner to diploma level.

Contact Sharon on new number: 0121 493 8793 sharonmcwall@gmail.com sharonwall.com

ting

Your Lis e could b

here

r and cal tuto are a lo u details u o y If like yo se email: would a ere ple hing.org h d printe ublis

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

swanp

info@

WORD ON THE

STREET THOUSANDS OF HOMES ON THE HORIZON IN SOLIHULL It is currently calculated that more than 15,000 homes are needed in the period up until 2035, in order to address the borough’s local need and help meet the shortfall across the wider region.

NEW ARGENTINIAN STEAK RESTAURANT OPENS Solihull is now home to sensational steak - thanks to the opening of Fiesta del Asado in Stratford Road.

The new 100 cover restaurant, owned by the Lasan Group has opened inside a former M&S foodhall near to the Parkgate development in Shirley.

The main focal point of the new eatery is the glamorous horseshoe shaped bar perfect for pre-dinner cocktails.

It certainly feels upmarket - with a decadent fun decor thanks to colourful seating, plush furnishings and gold lighting.

The restaurant area has pretty pink and blue seating, as well as cosy booths.

It is the second Fiesta del Asado to open in the region - the first one was opened in Hagley Road, Edgbaston, in 2012 serving up steak and malbec in rustic Argentine parilla style surroundings.

YOUNG SINGERS - YOUR CHOIR NEEDS YOU! AC Academy Solihull is on the lookout for new recruits aged 7-16 to join its popular after-school choir. Young singers of any ability are welcome and there are no auditions. What’s more, it’s free!

The choir meets weekly on Thursdays from 4-5pm and has recently moved to a new venue at The Loft, West Mall in Chelmsley Wood.

Led by a qualified trainer from the nationally-acclaimed choir and music education charity Armonico Consort, the children learn a wide range of music – from chart-topping hits, to popular musicals and classical favourites – in a fun and engaging way. All the sessions are accompanied by a professional pianist.

AC Academy Solihull is run in partnership with Solihull Music Service which enables the sessions to be offered free of charge.

For more info and to book contact Ann Hannan ahannan@armonico.org.uk 07587 700740 or visit armonico.org.uk/ ac-academy.

TO FEATURE A LOCAL INTEREST STORY ON THIS PAGE CONTACT

info@swanpublishing.org

The draft sets out a strategy for providing the housing, although some of the proposed locations for development are already the subject of controversy.

In January cabinet approved a sixweek consultation with residents.

More than 1,700 responses were received during the last exercise two years ago and heated debate is expected in the weeks ahead.

Cllr Ian Courts, cabinet member for managed growth, said it was widely accepted there was “a desperate need for new housing”, but he wanted local people to help shape development.

“This type of report, this type of consultation, this type of process generally draws quite a lot of criticism, objections and the rest of it,” he said. “And that is natural because it’s very important and it affects people’s lives.

“But I just want to actually thank officers at this particular moment for the work they’ve done ... because I think there’s a genuine intent there to try and demonstrate how we think things should go forward.”

Full story: birminghammail.co.uk

MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

29

Local Business Directory

Support your local community = Supporting your local economy + Watching our neighbourhood thrive!

Arts Centre

mac Birmingham

11

Care Home

Heartlands Care Home 10

Conservatory Insulation

22

Green Space Ltd

Credit Control

UK Central Credit Management Ltd

26

Events

12 Richard Strange of Doctors of Madness 28 What’s on guide

Fitness Instructor Lifelong Wellbeing

11

Gardening & Landscaping

Betel UK Garden Treeworks Central Driveways

JH Garden & Property Services Resin Drives

9

Midland Hand Clinic

Interior Design

23

Home Pages

Local Tutors Tutor Listing

28

Restaurant

Jonathans in the Park 16

Smart Alarm Systems

4

SmartInstal Ltd

Solicitor

The Wilkes Partnership 27 Veale Wasbrough Vizards LLP

24/25

Theatre 31

2

Dimension Driveways & Landscapes

Healthcare Services

20 20 32

Birmingham Hippodrome

Windows & Doors

Cloudy2Clear

10 31

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MY SOLIHULL CENTRAL, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019

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