February 2018 - My Harborne & Edgbaston

Amaretto Truffles

iness s u B l a c Lo ! y inside r o t c e r i D e See pag

10 ways to take a break;

46

40,000

Mother’s Day

February / March 2018

Over local readers

MY

&

HARBORNE EDGBASTON

Looking after your mind

CHRISTINE MCVIE

Homegrown talent back with Fleetwood Mac for their world tour

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Food & Drink | Entertainment | Fashion | Home & Garden | Legal & Financial | Health

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MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

In the midst of this wildly unpredictable weather messing with the smooth running of our lives, we have sought out some solace for you in our health feature. There are also some exciting 70’s throwbacks to peruse in our fashion pages, celebrating one of the most iconic decades for music, politics and of course style.

Our cover story this issue is all about the incredibly talented Christine McVie, who hails from our fabulous corner of the world. We look at how she became a fundamental part of Fleetwood Mac with her flair for lyrical composition and the romantic turmoil the band were embroiled in resulting in some truly historic albums. This year sees Fleetwood Mac’s return to the stage in all their former glory as they kick off their world tour.

Bringing it back to our neighbourhood, we have a local feature about the sustainable future of urban growth and how to make it work best for the natural habitats close to us. And as always, we’ve plenty of fantastic local events for you to get stuck into, particularly some answers to what will make your loved ones feel special on Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. We hope you enjoy it!

Ruby & Amy

www.swanpublishing.org @My_Harborne_Edg @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

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MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

CONTENTS

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

iness s u B l e!

Loca ory insid ct Dire e page Se

46

COVER STORY Christine McVie, homegrown star making a comeback 8/9

COMMUNITY ACTIVITY Word on the street 30/31

LEISURE & RETAIL Seventies chic 12/13 What’s on guide 16/17

HOME & GARDEN

LEGAL & FINANCIAL Challenging wills 28/29 Divorce: putting the children first 27

EDUCATION Local Private tutors 25

HEALTH 10 Ways to take a break 19

FOOD & DRINK

Walk-in closet makeover 41

Where to eat 45

Starting your edible garden 35

Tasty treats for your loved ones 23

Boutique style en-suite 37

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LOCAL FEATURE

Why and how to build nature-friendly housing developments

Photograph by David Dunlop

N

ew guidelines have been published showing how new housing developments can be built in a way that provides people with greener, inspirational homes which help to reverse decades of wildlife and habitat decline.

‘Homes for people and wildlife - how to build housing in a nature-friendly way’ is published at a time when the government has recently committed to building a further 300,000 homes a year until 2022. This means that about 36 square miles will be given over to new housing developments annually – that’s an area larger than Brighton & Hove every year*.

The Wildlife Trusts believe that the natural environment must be put at the heart of planning in order to give the government a chance of meeting its commitment to be the first generation to leave the environment in a better state than we found it, and to build new homes and communities that people enjoy living in.

Rachel Hackett, Living Landscapes Development Manager for The Wildlife Trusts says: “A huge challenge lies ahead – thousands of new houses are to be built yet we need to restore the natural world. We’re calling on the

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government and local authorities to build beautiful, nature-friendly communities in the right places. Over the past century we have lost natural habitats on an unprecedented scale.

Yet nature has its own innate value. It also makes us happy and we depend on the things that it gives us. Our new guidelines show that it’s possible to have both, so people can enjoy birdsong, reap the benefits of raingardens which soak up floodwater, and plants that bees and other pollinators need to survive. With good design the costs of doing this are a tiny proportion of the overall cost of a housing development, but represent a big investment for the future.”

Locally Warwickshire Wildlife Trust has been working with other stakeholders to produce guidance documentation on best practice to housing developers with the aim of influencing design at an early stage.

Nationally The Wildlife Trusts are calling for the current focus on numbers of new homes to be replaced by a visionary approach to where and how we build.

Rachel Hackett continues: “We should prioritise places for new housing that are already well served

by infrastructure. We should avoid destroying wildlife sites and locate new houses in places where it can help to restore the landscape and aid natural recovery. It’s possible to create nature-friendly housing by planting wildlife-rich community green spaces, walkways, gardens, verges, roofs, wetlands and other natural features.

These gains for wildlife improve people’s health and quality of life too.”

To find out more about the work Warwickshire Wildlife Trust are doing to create a greener future visit: warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

LEISURE & RETAIL

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and help they need to develop their artistic skills. The curriculum is fun, comprehensive and interesting. Over the course we will explore four different media; pencil drawing & sketching, oil pastel painting and techniques, painting and blending with water colours and acrylics. Step by step tuition in the basic techniques and secrets needed to create beautiful pieces of art.

Still Life To Landscapes By the end of the course, students will have created a minimum of 12 pieces of their very own original art they can enjoy forever, from simple still life and flower studies to beautiful countryside landscape scenes.

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“And if, you don’t love me now You will never love me again I can still hear you saying You would never break the chain” - Fleetwood Mac, The Chain

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MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

Never break the chain

L

egendary band of the 70s and 80s, Fleetwood Mac, are back together for a world tour and are planning to perform the album that both catapulted them to stardom and emphasised their deep and damning fractures, Rumours.

Christine McVie, credited with writing many of Fleetwood Mac’s hit songs, singing and playing keyboard in the group, grew up a mere stonesthrow from Birmingham and received most of her musical training within the city.

Back then she had not yet married Fleetwood Mac bassist John McVie and was still known as Christine Perfect, and any thoughts of being a rock star in America were entirely fantastical. Yet, upon joining the band in 1970, life changed very quickly for McVie. Within four years she was married, had jetted off to the rock and roll capital of the world, welcomed new members Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham and written the band’s first ever hit song ‘over my head’.

Fleetwood Mac were onto a winning formula from the start, they weren’t afraid to pour their personal life into their music, which paved the way to success and some very turbulent times. Rumours was written during a time when all members were going through breakups and divorce, and there was so much raw emotion being weaved into their music. The only song on the album that all five members were credited with contributing to was also their most iconic,

‘The Chain’. This song, more than any, epitomises the internal fracture in the group, while being a testament to their power as a combined force.

Although they went on to produce several more hit albums together through the 80s and 90s Christine McVie finally called it a day in 1998 and has been in semi retirement up until her shocking return to the band in 2014. Now, at last, after a few years easing back into the lifestyle (though not quite as wild as before) and with an impressive side project with Lindsey Buckingham under her belt, the iconic band are back in full force ready for their world tour kicking off this June.

For more information on Fleetwood Mac’s upcoming world tour visit:

fleetwoodmac.com

The ultimatum posed in ‘The chain’ is still as relevant today as it was in the 70s, after all, the chemistry and clashing within the group is what made their music reach so deep. When asked recently about the reformation of Fleetwood Mac, Christine McVie had this to say; “The chemistry was still there. To me, that was the biggest thing: Would the chemistry be there?

Can we really go ahead and do this?

And it was obvious within the first moment of plugging in the instruments that the magic was still there. It was a fantastic feeling”.

MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

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LEGAL & FINANCIAL

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MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

COMMUNITY ACTIVITY

Wrap Up Brum T

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As the cold weather lingers Judy Dyke at Tyndallwoods Solicitors would like to ask for your support.

St #WrapUpBrum has been adopted by ep BSMHToStep Together Posters A5.pdf ge Birmingham Cathedral in their efforts th er to help those struggling in the cold Po st er s weather. They display donated coats A5 .p df on hangers outside the Cathedral for BSMH Step Together Posters A5.pdf 1 20/12/2017 11:04 1 rough sleepers to collect as and when 20 Donation Collection Point: Judy said: “I created #WrapUpBrum /1 they are needed.

2/ 20 after I noticed the terrible plight that 17 our city’s homeless face as the winter “The homeless people of Birmingham BSMH Step Together Posters A5.pdf 1 20/12/2017 11:04 draws in – I thought I must do someneed your support once again. With thing. We set up Tyndallwoods office BSMH Step Together Posters A5.pdf 1 20/12/2017 11:04 our office at 29 Woodbourne Road, as a collection point and reached Edgbaston B15 8BY as the collection out to local businesses, schools and BSMH asking Step Together point we are thatPosters you A5.pdf kindly 1do-20/12/2017 11:04 the community. The response was nate coats, scarves, hats, socks and incredible and we received over 850 BSMH Step Together Posters A5.pdf 1 20/12/2017 11:04 other items of warm clothing. Items donations.

BSMH Step Together Posters A5.pdf 1 20/12/2017 11:04 donated will then be delivered to local “I am pleased to see that this year charities and give to those in need.”

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s 0 7 The neve

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MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

LEISURE & RETAIL

70s FOR HER What made that decade so special?

A plethra of new musical genres?

Check! The awakening of social consciousness? Check! The 70s seem to represent a turning of the tide in so many areas of life.

Many 70s bands continue to be iconic cultural leaders today. TV and film are still celebrating that facinating era in shows like ‘The Deuce’ and ‘The Get Down’, and in films like ‘American Hustle’ and ‘Anchorman 2’ to name a few.

How to create some classic 70s outfits: Afro + flares + crochet top Fedora + knit jumper + shorts Suede jacket + thigh boots or tassels + tassels.

70s FOR HIM Vintage styles will never die 70’s style can be a little tricky for men when bringing it into a modern setting. It all depends on how flamboyant you are comfortable with being.

The central themes that will keep the look decidedly 70s are the autumnal colours, adventurous knitwear and of course, funky sunglasses... You also can’t go wrong with a pair of rugged leather boots.

There are two distinct directions to go in...

70’s rock star Silk scarf + band tee Jacket with tassels + shades 70’s punk All black, everything + studs Rugged boots + Leather jacket

MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

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LEISURE & RETAIL

M R E T F L A H FEBRUARY Wrap up warm and join us this February half term for some Winter fun in the gardens.

19 – 23 February 2018 There will be lots of fun activities for all weathers such as; Arts & Crafts, Bug Hunting and Story Trails!

For more information please contact reception or visit us at;

birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk/whatson Find us on:

Your support keeps the Gardens growing

BE GOOD AT BEING YOURSELF Unlock your child’s potential with Stagecoach Performing Arts

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Creative Courage For Life

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LEISURE & RETAIL

What’s on February / March 2018

Markets & Fairs

Arts’ Market A fantastic selection from some of the best designer-makers from the region.

Where: mac Birmingham When: First Sun every month Info: macarts.co.uk

Food Market Local artisan and specialist foods Where: mac Birmingham When: Last Sun every month Info: macarts.co.uk

Uni of Birmingham Farmers’ Market Visit the monthly Farmers’ Market in the beautiful surroundings of the University’s campus and browse the range of stalls offering locally sourced, fairly priced and environmentally friendly produce from top quality organic goods to seasonal fare. University of Birmingham Farmers’ market defines “local” as 50 miles from the market.

Where: University of Birmingham When: 10am-3pm Info: birmingham.ac.uk Harborne Farmers’ Market Where: Harborne High Street When: 2nd Sat every month Info: skettsfarmersmarkets.co.uk

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Seasonal Events

Valentine’s Day Treat Indulge in The Highfield’s delicious special sharing dishes, and remember to win over your other half by pre-ordering your chilled bottle of bubbly for the table!

When: 14 Feb Where: The Highfield Info: highfieldedgbaston.co.uk

February Half Term Fun Visit the Gardens for plenty of February Half Term activities, including Arts and Crafts.

Where: Bham Botanical Gardens When: 19 - 23 Feb Info: birminghambotanicalgardens. org.uk Mothering Sunday Treat your Mum to a relaxing day at the beautiful the Botanical Gardens!

Where: Bham Botanical Gardens When: 11 Mar, all day Info: birminghambotanicalgardens. org.uk

Be our Valentine: Amelie Romantic films to stir the heart. Treat your loved one (and yourself) to a romantic cinematic experience for two.

Where: mac Birmingham When: 14 Feb Info: Macarts.co.uk

Easter Egg Hunt Take part in the Botanical Gardens Easter Egg Hunt, between 11.00am and 3.00pm, with a small prize at the end – perfect Easter Sunday fun Where: Bham Botanical Gardens When: 1 Apr Info: birminghambotanicalgardens. org.uk

Family Fun

Little Angel Theatre: Little Red Riding Hood You may think you know the story of Red Riding Hood, but there are two sides to every story - so let’s hear it from the wolf himself! Here’s the story you’ve never heard, of a kind and hungry wolf who strayed from the path and lost his friends. Age 7+ Where: mac Birmingham When: 21 – 25 Feb Info: Macarts.co.uk

Music & Theatre

BRB Sleeping Beauty The Sleeping Beauty is transformed into one of the grandest ballets ever created, with a classical score by Tchaikovsky and choreography by Marius Petipa.

Where: Birmingham Hippodrome When: 13-24 Feb Info: birminghamhippodrome.com

MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

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LEISURE & RETAIL

A sna NE & ARBOR H d n u o in and ar ough TON thr S A B G ED and February March Birmingham Bach Choir: Come and Sing Join Musical Director Paul Spicer and members of the Birmingham Bach Choir in rehearsing choruses from Mozart’s Requiem.

Where: Selly Oak Methodist Church When: 10 Feb Info: birmingham.bachchoir.com

For The Kids

Live Comedy

Jon Richardson: Old Man The British Comedy Award nominee and star of Live At The Apollo and 8 Out Of 10 Cats is embarking on a nationwide tour to complain about the state of the world and offer no solutions.

Where: Birmingham Hippodrome When: 10 Mar Info: birminghamhippodrome.com

Stay in the loop!

Morgan & West: more magic for kids Time-travelling magicians Morgan & West return to the stage with a marvellous magic show full of crazy capers for the young, old, and everyone in-between! Ages 5+ Where: mac Birmingham When: 25 Feb Info: macarts.co.uk

Wedding Fairs

The Big Wedding Open Day 30+ Exhibitors. This stunning Birmingham Manor House could be your perfect Venue. You can’t miss this show! Highbury Hall have covered everything!

Where: Highbury Hall When: 18 Feb Info: facebook.com/highburyhall Botanical Gardens Wedding Fair 50 exhibitors, FREE ENTRY / PARKING, stunning tours and show round of this venue as well as amazing show offers. Champagne reception and canapes.

Where: Bham Botanical Gardens When: 11 Feb Info: birminghambotanicalgardens. org.uk

Dara O’Briain Dara is one of the most recognisable faces on British TV, as host of the hugely successful Mock The Week, Star Gazing Live, Robotwars and Go8Bit. Catch one of the most charismatic, intelligent, fast-talking and downright funny live performers working today in this brand new show for 2018.

Where: Birmingham Hippodrome When: 1-3 Mar Info: Birminghamhippodrome.com

Charity Events

Let’s Danceathon Birmingham St Mary’s ‘Let’s Danceathon’ is back, in which participants will dance for six hours straight to a number of different styles, including BollyTone, SwingTrain and Clubbercise. All funds will go towards the Hospice, which provides vital care to local families living with terminal illness.

Where: King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys, Kings Heath When: 3 Mar Info: birminghamhospice.org.uk

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.

• Live music • Live theatre • Charity events • Conservation • Cinema screenings • Art exhibitions • Craft workshops • Courses • Festivals • Special offers • Markets & street food ...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 HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

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HEALTH & WELLBEING Counselling Psychotherapy Supervision

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MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

HEALTH & WELLBEING

10 Ways to Take a break Our lives move at a pace that often feels out of our control and makes our minds feel cluttered and frantic, but there are many small activities that can restore an easier pace and provide some clarity through the chaos.

Here are a few for you to try whenever stress is getting the better of you...

1. Watch the stars 2. Sit in nature 3. Colour with crayons 4. View some art 5. Find a relaxing scent

6. Learn something new 7. Write a letter to a loved one 8. Listen to music 9. Engage in a small act of kindness 10. Take a bike ride

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MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Luxurious New Care Home Opening March 2018 in Edgbaston Sometimes it’s the smallest things that can matter the most. And it’s those wonderful little details that can make a care home worthy of the name The Select Collection.

To find out more, call 0121 314 7322*

Pebble Mill Care Home, 2 Mill Pool Way, Edgbaston B5 7EG

0121 314 7322*

bupa.co.uk/care-homes

*Lines are open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday.

For training and quality purposes, we may record or monitor our calls.

MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

BOURN VIEW CARE HOME BOURNVILLE’S FINEST

Bourn View is a care home with a difference, a place where each and every resident can make a valued contribution to our caring community and a positive choice about their quality of living.

Restaurant quality dining served in elegant surroundings | Our very own dedicated cinema room Nutritious and seasonal menus designed to contribute towards a healthier lifestyle Beautifully decorated rooms all with en-suite showers | Relaxing hair salon/barbers Sunny landscaped gardens with lawns, flowerbeds and a water feature with visiting ducks Stimulating Well-being Programme with regular entertainment and events and free transport provided for day trips to local places of interest

0121 4182751 | Search ‘Bourn View Care’ online or

Bourn View Care Home 47 Bristol Road South Bournville | Birmingham B31 2FR

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MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

6

EDUCATION

MOTHER’S DAY AMARETTO TRUFFLES

Show your mother how much she means to you this Mother’s Day with homemade irresistably delicious Amaretto truffles!

Ingredients:

M M M M M M

125g Dark Chocolate 5tbsp Double cream 2tbsp Maple Syrup 40ml Amaretto Cocoa Powder Freeze dried rasberries - optional

Method: 1. Bring cream slowly to the boil in a saucepan.

2. Place the broken up chocolate, syrup and Amaretto in a bowl and pour the cream over.

3. Stir gently to dissolve the chocolate.

4. Leave to cool.

5. When the mixture is set, use a spoon to scrape teaspoon sized balls.

6. Use your hands to roll them into balls, then roll them in cocoa powder.

Now all you have to do is hand them over to mum before you end up scoffing them all!

MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

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EDUCATION

Day Nursery & Pre-School Open 7am-7pm all year round.

Places available for 2-5 year olds Ofsted registered with experienced, qualified staff to hand.

Brand new, purpose built on the beautiful grounds of Lightwoods House & Park.

Company director, Lydia Browning has won the Business Manager award with Sandwell Council 4 times, 2008, 2010, 2015 & 2017

Funded places welcomed! 15 hours ELT (2 year old funding) 15 & 30 hours NEF (3 & 4-year-old funding). Choose a verity of sessions for your funding, term time and all year round.

20% off your first week’s childcare fees only redeemable with this voucher, subject to availability. Voucher also valid at Lola-Belle’s (Tipton) and Smarty Pants (Lye). Voucher excludes Smarty Pants (Tipton) Valid until Dec 2019

Lightwoods House, Adkins Lane, Bearwood, Smethwick B67 5DP Call 0121 439 5885 or email lydia.browning@yahoo.com www.smartypantsnursery.com Visit us to book your childs place, parking is available on Adkins Lane. Enter via the blue gate leading to the park. We are the third door on the left.

‘Smarty Pants at Lightwoods House’

Our other settings include:

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MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

EDUCATION

Unrivalled opportunities

BCS Sport BCS Sport BCS Sport 27/11/2017 09:27

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T: 0121 410 6800

BIRMING HA M

THE BL UE

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The Blue Coat School Founded by the Church of England in 1722

thebluecoatschool.com

An Independent Co-educational Day School and Nursery for ages 2 to 11 years The Blue Coat School Birmingham Ltd., Somerset Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B17 0HR.

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

Sharon Wall

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

Contact Sharon on 0121 449 4423 sharonmcwall@gmail.com http://sharonwall.com

Private and Small Tuition Group

Saturdays 1-3pm, 11+, GCSE Science, Maths, English Revision / Support Group classes held in Harborne / Edgbaston www.sg-tutoring.com Contact: Sarah Grocutt BSc (Hons) Dip. Ed QTLS on 0767 482 510

Kerry Spencer

English, History and 11+ (Maths & English) Tutor All abilities, ages and levels taught.

Lessons provided in your own home during the week and weekends.

Brilliant results.

Call or text: 07891 055 220

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MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

25

BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES

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MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

LEGAL & FINANCIAL

Putting the children first D

Anna Taylor

uring a divorce this is often a principle that can be forgotten but should remain a couple’s first priority says Anna Taylor, family law solicitor at Tyndallwoods Solicitors.

The relatively low media coverage of celebrity couple Jamie and Louise Redknapp’s divorce highlights this necessity with great clarity. Their split has been largely handled behind closed doors and Louise is reported as saying: “My priority and our priority is our children and protecting them and keeping as much of it as private as possible and loving them and putting them first and that’s what we’re focusing on.”

But when there is the pain, grief and betrayal that often goes hand in hand with divorce situations, putting the children first is understandably often not as easy as it seems. And that’s where mediation comes in.

Anna Taylor is also an accredited family mediator and says: “At Tyndallwoods we take a conciliatory approach to assisting our clients through this difficult time in their lives.”

w www.tyndallwoods.co.uk

Anna advises clients on divorce matters and also acts as a family mediator for couples with the primary aim of helping them to reduce their legal costs, as well as the stress and pressure on both the parents and the children involved.

Anna says: “before a judge will make a decision with regards to children or financial settlement they usually require couples to have at least tried mediation before resorting to the court and therefore effectively a stranger making decisions about their children and money. However, mediation often does not work where domestic violence or coercive control is a factor in a marriage. In these cases the mediator is able to provide a document stating that mediation is not an option allowing either party to commence court proceedings.

“In general, where mediation is working, you can expect an initial appointment for each party separately (known as a mediation, information and assessment meeting - “MIAM”) and then a meeting with both parties

Tyndallwoods Solicitors

together. This is often followed by a further one to two meetings to settle matters relating to the children and two to four meetings to settle financial matters. Mediation costs are usually shared which means an outcome can be reached in the most economical way possible for both parties.

“At Tyndallwoods our aim is to help both parties maintain a relationship for the future so that they can continue to co-parent effectively and ultimately share in their children’s achievements by attending future events together such as their children’s graduations, weddings and other celebrations without animosity.”

If you would like to speak to Anna about divorce or mediation matters please contact her on 0121 693 2222 or ataylor@tyndallwoods.co.uk

f facebook.com/tyndallwoodssolicitors t @Tyndallwoods

MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

27

LEGAL & FINANCIAL

Fraudulent Calumny Challenging Wills and Poisoned Minds As legal advisors, we routinely encourage people to make a Will to ensure their assets will pass as they want on death. However, as the spotlight has recently shone on claims against estates and in the wake of headline-grabbing cases like Ilott v Blue Cross, we are often asked: “What is the point of making a Will, if that Will can be challenged after my death?”.

A straightforward question, which yields a complex answer. Will challenges are legitimate claims as long as they are founded upon established legal grounds.

But that does not mean that they are easy to win, and they must be proved by evidence of fact.

What Is Fraudulent Calumny?

Calumny comes from the French word ‘calomnie’ and broadly means deception.

Add fraud, the meaning of which we are all familiar with, and a rough and ready translation can serve as: ‘deliberate deception’.

28

The courts, in the case of Re Edwards in 2007, gave a wonderfully descriptive definition of what a Will challenge founded on fraudulent calumny looks like, saying: “The basic idea is that if A poisons the testator’s mind against B, who would otherwise be a natural beneficiary of the testator’s bounty, by casting dishonest aspersions on his character, then the will is liable to be set aside”.

An Example Peter plans to include his two sons, John and David, in his Will. John, however, succeeds in poisoning his father’s mind against David by reference to false facts or events. As a result, David is excluded from Peter’s Will. In this case, David is likely to be successful in challenging Peter’s Will on the grounds of fraudulent calumny.

A Recent Case in the Courts Last year the case of Christodoulides v Marcou was heard, involving a Cypriot family and two sisters who fell out over their mother’s Will. One of the sisters, Niki, was

MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

VWV.CO.UK

One form of legally-established Will challenge, featuring of late in the courts, sounds as if it’s come straight from the pages of a Dickens novel. Fraudulent calumny cases are well established, but what does fraudulent calumny mean?

LEGAL & FINANCIAL

found by the court to have deliberately poisoned her mother’s mind against her sister, Andre, in a number of ways. Niki’s actions constituted a campaign of deception, most notably in that Niki persuaded her mother that Andre had taken large sums of money from her mother’s bank account. As a result, the mother excluded Andre from her Will, where she had previously intended to include her.

The court ruled that Niki had deliberately deceived her mother and Andre succeeded in her challenge to her mother’s Will. What did this mean for Andre? The mother’s last Will was set aside, (declared invalid) and as there were no former valid Wills, the mother’s estate was divided up between Niki and Andre equally, in line with the statutory intestacy rules which govern estates where no Will exists.

what will be achieved in bringing any form of Will challenge (not just those brought in fraudulent calumny) before embarking upon one. The question must always be asked: what result will a successful challenge produce? This will depend upon whether former Wills existed and what their provisions were.

If you believe that a Will has been affected as a result of deliberate deception, or you have other concerns about the contents of a Will, it is essential to seek specialist advice to assess your prospects of success.

Please contact Michelle Rose for specialist advice on 0117 314 5246 or at

mrose@vwv.co.uk

The Outcome of Successful Cases You should always examine carefully

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

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

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

“VWV’s superb team has a real emphasis on client care.” Legal 500 vwv.co.uk

MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

29

COMMUNITY ACTIVITY absolutely delighted to have been appointed as the next Headmaster of Hallfield School.

WORD ON THE STREET

“Hallfield has an excellent reputation and a distinguished history. I am particularly pleased that Mr Batchelor and Mrs Oliver will be assisting me as Deputy Heads as I work with the governors, staff and parents to lead Hallfield into a very exciting future.”

Here we bring you the low down of local happenings, all the stuff you need to know. To contribute to next issue’s WORD ON THE STREET page please email info@swanpublishing.org or call us on 0121 689 0432

Local Business Woman Adds Another String To Her Bow with The Great British Entrepreneur Awards The Strings Club director Amy Cunningham, states “I am really honoured to have won this amazing award. Myself, my head office team plus everyone who works for The Strings Club have worked incredibly hard over the past 5 years - and to be recognised for this is wonderful. With a £1000 loan from The Princes Trust, I started this business 5 years ago because I believe every child should get the opportunity to be inspired by music. Winning this amazing award for what we have achieved in those 5 years makes me very proud and spurs me on to achieve even more in the next 5!”

For more information about Hallfield School visit Hallfieldschool.co.uk

Hallfield School announce appointment of new Headmaster Governors of Hallfield School have announced the appointment of a new Headmaster. Keith Morrow, currently Headmaster at The Elms School in Long Eaton in Nottingham, will take on the headship role at Hallfield School from September 2018.

Having worked as a violinist and teacher for over 10 years, Amy Cunningham set up The Strings Club in 2012 to offer a range of high-quality musical experiences for children aged four to 11. The music education company has grown from strength to strength and now operates within seven locations offering thousands of opportunities for children to enjoy high quality musical experiences every year.

Keith will be the 14th Headmaster to lead the independent school in Edgbaston in its 139 year history. He will be taking over the helm from the Acting Headmaster Richard Batchelor and Deputy Head Mrs Anne Oliver who will both remain at Hallfield School as Deputy Heads.

Mrs Oliver will also retain her responsibility as Head of Pre-Prep and EYFS.

For further information on The Strings Club visit thestringsclub.org

Speaking of his appointment, Mr Morrow said: “I am

30

Tuneless Choir Launching in Edgbaston A Tuneless Choir is being set up in Edgbaston for those who can’t sing in tune but love to do it anyway.

Those who join won’t be under any pressure to hit any particular note or improve their singing, so will be able to relax and enjoy themselves no matter how they sound.

The choir is being set up by Karen Powell who says “I previously worked as an entertainment officer on cruise ships and ran a choir for the passengers. I got chatting to a customer at work who turned out to be a very keen member of Sutton Coldfield Tuneless Choir and told me all about it. I went along twice and both times I loved it – there was such a welcoming atmosphere - so I decided I must set one up locally.

To get involved visit:

tunelesschoir.com/edgbaston

MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

COMMUNITY ACTIVITY announced a campaign to gain more funds to support the increasing number of teenagers who will need help in 2018.

What Will Make The Difference To Your Life This Year?

Come & Sing with Birmingham Bach Choir Birmingham Bach Choir’s annual Come And Sing event offers singers an opportunity to rehearse with one of the West Midlands’ leading choirs.

Under the direction of celebrated conductor Paul Spicer, 2018’s Come And Sing explores choruses from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s rousing and mournful Requiem (or to give it it’s full name, Requiem In D Minor).

Requiem was commissioned in 1791, the same year Mozart completed his famed opera, The Magic Flute, and the same year he died, at the age of just 35.

The afternoon workshop takes place on Saturday 10 February 2018 at Selly Oak Methodist Church, Langleys Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 6HT from 2pm. Tickets £14 (or £16 with music hire), including tea and the choir’s famed home-made cakes!

A new coaching programme, Go Do Life, was launched in January at a time when many people reflect and look to make life changes.

Go Do Life is a new venture developed by the highly successful team behind Entrepreneurial Spark, the organisation which has coached over 2000 start-up and emerging businesses in the UK by focusing on developing the entrepreneur’s mindset. They are now taking the tools and methods that have been so effective with entrepreneurs to a wider audience, helping people achieve extraordinary goals by expanding their thinking and changing their behaviours.

For more details on the programme and how to join, please visit godolife.co.uk.

Details / bookings: birmingham.bachchoir.com

Birmingham Counselling Charity Launches Campaign In Its 50th Year As statistics around mental health reveal a growing need for more counselling, a 50 year old charity, Open Door Counselling, has

In the last year, Open Door Counselling received just under 1,500 referrals from Forward Thinking Birmingham and GPs with three quarters of these going on to attend counselling with the charity.

The charity provides one to one Person Centred counselling to young people aged 12 to 25 years experiencing mental health problems and emotional distress.

For more info on Open Door and how you can support the charity in its vital work, please visit: opendoorcounselling.org.uk

Wrap Up Brum As the cold weather lingers Judy Dyke at Tyndallwoods Solicitors would like to ask for your support.

Judy said: “I created #WrapUpBrum after I noticed the terrible plight that our city’s homeless face as the winter draws in – I thought I must do something. We set up Tyndallwoods office as a collection point and reached out to local businesses, schools and the community. The response was incredible and we received over 850 donations.

“The homeless people of Birmingham need your support once again. With our office at 29 Woodbourne Road, Edgbaston B15 8BY as the collection point we are asking that you kindly donate coats, scarves, hats, socks and other items of warm clothing.”

MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

31

COMMUNITY ACTIVITY

Just as you like it.

Everyone is different. That’s why at the Hive Café, you get to pick and mix from our tasty options, so everyone can relax and enjoy breakfast, lunch and drinks. Just the way you like it.

Grab and go options also available.

Café now open From 7.30am Monday to Friday From 9am Saturdays

We’re round the corner from Selly Oak station on Bristol Road.

Tel: 0300 3309260 Textphone: 0300 3309252 Email: info@touchbasepears.org.uk Website: touchbasepears.org.uk

Developed by Sense. Charity number 289868

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MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

HOME & GARDEN

MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

33

HOME & GARDEN

Trust in Blue handymen

R

etired police officers with a passion for indoor and outdoor maintenance are taking up tools to provide peace of mind to people and businesses in Harborne, Edgbaston and the local area, tackling the ongoing problem of finding a trusted and reliable handyman.

Typically police officers retire after 30 years service and many are still eager to continue playing an active and productive role in their communities. All Trust in Blue handymen are required to prove themselves capable and experienced in home maintenance works before joining the network and all are interviewed and Enhanced DBS (CRB) Checked.

34

For more info visit trustinblue.com and bookings can be made online or by calling freephone

0800 255 0255 Managing Director, Nick Orde-Powlett, hopes that the company’s unique and rigorous selection process will bring security and peace of mind to people in the area: “Our vetting process is second to none. All of our handymen are friendly retired police officers with many years working in the local community under their belt – they understand peoples’ concerns and fears better than anyone else and they genuinely care.”

Jake Stevenson, Trust in Blue Handyman, states: “Having served as a police officer I am aware there are a small number of trades people who are out to take advantage of clients

and I understand it is sometimes daunting for them to allow a stranger into their homes.

“We understand peoples’ fears and we will provide a professional and trustworthy service at a fair price that is agreed prior to any work being carried out. As a company we will do the smaller jobs that some builders and tradespeople are not prepared to do.

“However for me it is not all about doing the work and rushing off, sometimes it’s about sitting with the older clients and having a cup of tea and a chat with them. We are also able to offer advice on other topics such as crime prevention.”

MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

HOME & GARDEN

I

Tips to start your own Edible Garden

t’s hard not to be affected by the pressures and anxieties of world politics and one major issue on a lot of people’s minds is what the future looks like for the UK’s trade deals.

But instead of waiting to find out what is being decided for us it’s a great time to see what we can do for ourselves, time to try the ‘edible garden’.

Growing your own food is just one of many ways to become a self sustaining household, and it can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

It’s also a great way to cast any doubt or suspicion out of your mind about the conditions your food was grown in and the chemicals it was exposed to. Anyone who has tried their hand at growing fruit, veg or herbs can tell you it’s not rocket science so don’t be put off by past failures with house plants! We live in a climate that is very kind to many varieties of edible plants.

If you’d like to start from a positition of greater education there are courses popping up all the time at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Winterbourne gardens and more, but for those ready to dive right in, we say “Go for it!”, trial and error is after all a highly effective method of learning.

Annuals Annual plants are plants with a life cycle that lasts only one year. They grow from seed, bloom, produce seeds, and die in one growing season. They then need to be replanted each spring.

Perennials A perennial plant or simply perennial is a plant that lives for more than two years.

Here are some great food yeilding plants for beginnners that aren’t particularly needy to get you started.

1. Herb Garden

Annuals: Basil, Coriander, Dill Perennials: Chives, Sage, Thyme, Mint, Rosemary.

2. Vegetable Patch

5 key tips to set you off right • Start small • Get good soil • Choose easy crops • Label your crops • Stay on top of weeds

Annuals: Garlic, Potatoes, Sweet Peas, Beetroot, Beans, Tomatoes Perennials: Salad Leaves, Onions, Globe Artichokes, Asparagus.

3. Fruit Bushes & Trees Perennials: Apples, Rhubarb, Figs, Blackberries, Raspberries, Strawberries, Blueberries.

Get in touch to show us your home grown crops on Twitter and Facebook, and don’t be embarrassed, the more unique and misshapen the better!

MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

35

HOME & GARDEN

Dimension

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

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

Moseley-based Architect russell hobbis architects www.russell-hobbis.co.uk

Woodbridge Road, Moseley

Call Tom Russell for a free consultation

on 0121 442 2002 or 07729 721 907

Evans Landscapes A family run Business

Driveways & Patios Crazypaving Slabbing Brickwork Fencing Blockpaving Decking Turfing Garden Clearances

A quality, reliable service at excellent prices. For a FREE

quote call Rich 0121 444 3662 07583 395 018

evanslandscapes@hotmail.co.uk

www.evanslandscaping.co.uk

36

Your Local Trusted Electricians £30 off On orders over £100

Our Services include: Full Rewires Part Rewires LED Lighting Inspection and Testing Electric heating Shower installations Alarms CCTV TV Aerial's Entertainment Systems Landlord Certificates Wi-Fi Controlled home

Hi, We are a local electrical contractor ready to complete all your electrical needs! Give us a call for a quote, No job is to small!

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Call Mark for a Quotation!!

Office: 0121-243-8069 Mob: 07747-031989 www.elecserviceltd.co.uk mark@elecservicesltd.co.uk

MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

HOME & GARDEN

Boutique Style En-Suite From Roman Bathrooms

s

imon and Liz were looking for a company to refurbish the family’s en-suite bathroom and were delighted when they found Roman Bathrooms.

“My wife Liz and I did our initial research, and Roman Bathrooms stood out for their professional approach,” he says. “Once we’d met the staff, they brought all our vision to life and we knew it was the company to make it all happen.”

Their brief was to knock the existing dressing room and en-suite into one, to create a room with a ‘boutique hotel’ feel. It was to feel spacious but homely and had to contain a large walk-in shower, twin sinks and a large mirror.

Roman Bathrooms owner, Caroline went to visit and measure up and then produced a CAD design that Simon

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and Liz immediately loved. “She just ‘got it’”, he says. “Then it was just a question of working through the finer details, down to the taps.”

“When it came to the installation of the new en-suite, Simon and Liz were thrilled with the approach of the workmen” Simon said, “There was just no mess.

Every day, they arrived on time, worked really hard, then spent the final 30 minutes doing a clean-up. It was wonderful – we were able to live completely normally. In fact, the entire process was scarily smooth and of course, we’ve recommended Roman Bathrooms to several people since then.”

0121 561 4374 www.romanbathrooms.co.uk

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110 - -111 High Street, Blackheath, Birmingham, B65 0EG 110110 110 111 - 111 110 -High 110 111 High -110 111 Street, -High 110 111 -110 Street, High 111 110 - Street, High 111 -Blackheath, High 111 Street, - Blackheath, 111 High Street, Blackheath, High Street, High Street, Blackheath, Street, Blackheath, Birmingham, Street, Blackheath, Birmingham, Blackheath, Birmingham, Blackheath, Blackheath, Birmingham, Birmingham, B65 Birmingham, Birmingham, B65 0EG Birmingham, B65 Birmingham, 0EG B65 0EG B65 0EG B65 B65 0EG B65 0EG B65 0EG 0EG 0EG Telephone 0121 561 4374 info@romanbathrooms.co.uk Telephone Telephone Telephone Telephone 0121 Telephone Telephone 0121 Telephone 0121 561 Telephone 561 0121 Telephone 4374 561 0121 4374 0121 561 4374 0121 561 info@romanbathrooms.co.uk 0121 4374 561 0121 info@romanbathrooms.co.uk 4374 561 info@romanbathrooms.co.uk 4374 561 561 4374 info@romanbathrooms.co.uk 4374 info@romanbathrooms.co.uk 4374 info@romanbathrooms.co.uk info@romanbathrooms.co.uk info@romanbathrooms.co.uk info@romanbathrooms.co.uk

MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, DECEMBER / JANUARY 2017/18

37

LEISURE & RETAIL

FREE VALUATIONS Via our website www.biddleandwebb.com Or call 0121 455 8042

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Realised £25,750

Realised £5,500 Realised £2,100

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MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

Harborne / Edgbaston version

HOME & GARDEN

Established in 1974

Experts in high efficiency heating A family-run business working in Harborne & Edgbaston for over 40 years Most new business comes through referrals and existing clients A reputation for: professional approach,

attention to detail, quality of delivery

Boiler installations Boiler breakdowns Boiler servicing

Woodburning stoves

Landlord gas safety certificates Radiators & valves Underfloor heating Unvented hot water cylinders Gas fires

01675 481010

General plumbing

steve@stevenrbarnes.co.uk www.stevenrbarnes.co.uk

MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

39

HOME & GARDEN

Your advert could be

HERE from only £40pm Prices subject to VAT

Call now on: 0121 689 0432

Ironing, dry cleaning & domestic cleaning Quality ironing, dry cleaning and domestic cleaning at competitive rates Flexible collection and return service Fully insured, experienced staff

Give your free time a boost!

Opening hours: 8.30-5.00 Mon-Wed 8.30-6.00 Thu-Fri 9.30-1.00 Sat

158 Gordon Rd (corner of Station Rd)

Near Harborne High Street

B17 9EY

0121 428 4442

www.domesticcleanersharborne.co.uk

TKR Property Services Roofing and chimney repair Lead roof-work, flashings Gutters / fascia / soffit - all aspects Painting & decorating (int & ext) Fence work / garden clearance

Local small jobs welcome!

Hall Green, B28

0121 628 0156 0798 972 7235 • Serving Moseley and surrounding areas since 2006 • References available • Discounts on interior painting Nov-Feb

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Fed up of poor quality service?

Feel you’re being ripped off?

Concerned about the ability of the engineer?

Can’t get the engineer to come back?

Try our repair/installation service Broken cooking appliances: Hob, ovens, hot plates, griddles, Bain Marie’s and many more.

Broken heating appliances: Boilers, water

heaters, gas fires and many more.

Broken shower: Mains fed, gravity fed or fully pumped. Domestic or commercial. Gas, electric or LPG.

Try the company that cares, with no hidden charges.

We’re committed to customer satisfaction.

Contact us by email or phone: enquiries@dafservices.co.uk 0121 523 5620 07836 653 464 www.dafservices.co.uk

MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

HOME & GARDEN

Walk-in closet makeover!

Y

ou could have the most fabulous collection of clothes and accessories but without proper organisation it’s likely 2/3rds of it will get lost and forgotton at the bottom of the pile. Of course, a walk-in closet isn’t exactly a novelty concept, but perhaps the ways you can realistically make it happen will be news to you. There are many ways to encorporate a walk-in closet into your home, we have picked our three favourites to explore their potential...

1. Box Room Having a guest room is a great convenience for that one week of the year when you have someone to stay, but what about daily convenience for the other 51 weeks? If you can bear the thought of putting guests up on a sofa-bed downstairs, the box room could be doing so much more for you.

2. Large Master bedroom If the space in your bedroom easily accommodates all the wardrobes and drawers you need but the feng shui is all wrong, there is an answer. It is such a waste of a large room to clutter it up with too much furniture, but

closing off a space can allow you to make the most of two spaces. Your bedroom can be clean, clear and simple while the new space you’ve created can be organisational bliss.

3. Loft Conversion If your shopping habits have brought you to a point of chaos, where a few square meters of storage space just won’t cut it, you could claim the unused and unloved space above your head. It’s an easy sell if your cascading clothes are encroaching on the effeciency of daily life, not to mention if it’s a hobby that hasn’t won you any popularity awards, what’s the phrase? “Out of sight, out of mind!”

If you have any great storage solution ideas to share with us get in touch on Twitter and Facebook and we’ll share them with our followers.

MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

41

HOME & GARDEN

Able Chimney Sweep

www.ablechimneysweep.co.uk Chimneys swept and unblocked

Established 1978

*

Clean and efficient - no mess

Roofing & Building specialists

*

Same day service *

Fully insured *

Certificates issued Contact:

Geoffrey Waldron

0121 449 6218 07790 039 533 geoffreywaldron @yahoo.com

Over 30 years experience as roofing specialists

www.jmsroofing.co.uk

stic & dome ercial comm our

0121 442 4942 07967 494 391

ry Call fo mate sti e e e fr

email Jude@jmsroofing.co.uk

6 The Hawthorns, Woodbridge Rd, B13 9DY

Outstanding service from a premier roofing & building contractor!

18 Cadbury Rd, Moseley, B13 9BH

Advertisement Feature

Here’s to 2018!

by David Biddle of Biddle & Webb

I

t’s always worrying to tempt fate, but this is the most excited the team and I have been about Biddle and Webb’s future since my dad died twenty years ago. Now our ability to sell anything from wine to property and retail returns has become our strength. Our live bidding system is a revelation for many of our corporate customers who rely on transparency.

We have brought these corporate skills to our new probate solicitors who have found that we can save them time and money. Firstly we have started property sales and have sold several houses up to £700,000 mainly from deceased estates. We can value

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and clear, not only the contents, but all so clear and clean the house before it is sold. We can also sell cars in our commercial auction.

This year we opened a valuation office in the Jewellery Quarter due to buoyancy in Jewellery and Watches.

However what excites me most is the staff. It’s a family business with a friendly atmosphere. We’ve always wanted to make Biddle and Webb a positive experience for everyone and I hope if you’ve had time to read this you will come and visit and see what we’re trying to achieve.

Biddle & Webb

0121 455 8042 Icknield Square Birmingham B16 0PP

MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

HOME & GARDEN

HERITAGE JOINERY & MAINTENANCE SERVICES

DRIVEWAYS • LANDSCAPING PROPERTY REPAIRS

Bespoke Domestic and Commercial Joinery.

• Traditional Doors • Restoration Work • Fitted Furniture • Timber Windows • Decking

Why not invest in a new driveway or patio to enhance the appearance and add value to your property?

Approved Drives and Landscapes offer a range of services to help improve all areas of your home, including;

Clay & Block Paving • Tarmacing (red or black) • Patios • Brickwork Slabbing • Gravel • Landscaping • Fencing Property Repairs • Roofing Repairs • Driveway Maintenance (Pressure cleaning & sealing - weed free) Contact Us

T. 0121 702 1456 or 0121 371 0105 M. 07748 577687 michael.central@icloud.com Trinity Park, Concorde House, Solihull, B37 7UQ

Get in touch today for your FREE quotation!

• Shop-fitting • Carpentry • Maintenance

• Stained Glass Windows & Repairs

contact ROY on

07976 763 165 Contact ROY on

07976 763 165

Email: enquiries@heritage-joinery.co.uk www.heritage-joinery.co.uk Email: enquiries@heritage-joinery.co.uk Find us on Facebook

Robert Rampton

Electrician - NAPIT, Part P Approved - Fuse board changes - Rewires / New Installs - Fault Finding / Repairs - Inspection and Testing - Periodic Inspections - Landlord’s Certificates - Fire / Smoke Alarms

Tel: 07505 130298 7, Seaton Grove, Moseley, B13 8PD

Your advert could be HERE from only £25pm Prices subject to VAT

Call now on: 0121 689 0432

MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

43

HOME & GARDEN

‘Shocking’ Increase in Burglaries Across The UK F

igures released by UK Crime Stats show that in November 2017 there was one burglary every minute in the UK. That’s almost 40,000 burglaries reported across the country during that time. That works out as almost 90 extra burglaries in the month compared to the same period the year before.

However, there are measures that can be used to make sure homes are safe and secure. West Midlands Police recommend several ways to protect your home, including having an alarm system installed.

Crime Reduction Manager for West Midlands Police, Mark Silvester, said: “One of the main benefits of intruder alarms is that they create noise and the last thing that a burglar wants is to be seen or heard. That makes them very effective. They also provide a visible deterrent on the outside of your property.”

Mark added: “Burglars target homes where there are no visible signs of protection such as alarms or security lighting.”

James Moreton from SmartInstall, which offers a range of easy to use smart home security devices that send text messages and calls if they detect an intruder, said: “All the research shows that burglar alarms are an effective tool. Police state that homes with no security measures in place are five times more likely to be burgled – which is a shocking statistic. Having a SmartInstall alarm installed could dramatically reduce your chances of falling victim to intruders”.

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West Midlands Police say burglary rates have increased recently in parts of the region - in line with the national trend. Criminals are focusing on homes with poor security to steal jewellery, phones and tablet computers - all of which are easy to sell on - or cash.

James says: “A Smart Home Alarm from SmartInstall is easy to use and great value for money. Starting from just £349, the system is fully installed and demonstrated to the customer by one of our friendly engineers. The SmartInstall technical support team are then on hand for you should you need any further help – and the feedback we have had has been outstanding!”

“The SmartInstall service was excellent, the installation team left my house without any mess having fitted the system and shown me how to use it. It’s so easy to use with the app and remote controls.”

P.S. Dorridge, West Midlands.

“Real value for money and so easy to use. We added extra motion detectors to our order, as well as a CCTV system for the front and back of our house.”

E.V. Moseley, Birmingham.

“Quick and professional service from start to finish. Great value for money too. Not to mention the peace of mind we now have that our home is protected.”

M.M. Stourbridge.

For more information, call SmartInstall on

0121 634 8081

to speak to a local expert.

MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

Where to eat

A guide to the best places to eat in and around Harborne & Edgbaston

Akbar’s

Indian 184 Hagley Road Edgbaston, B16 9NY Tel: 0121 452 1862

Blue Piano

Harborne Kitchen

The Kings Head

Henry Wong

The New Inn

Modern British 175-179 High St Harborne, B17 9QE Tel: 0121 439 9150

Gastro Pub Hagely Road Harborne, B17 8BJ Tel: 0121 277 4130

South East Asian 24-26 Harborne Road Edgbaston, B15 3AA Tel: 0121 454 6877

A La Carte Cantonese 283 High St Harborne, B17 9QH Tel: 0121 427 7666

Gastro Pub 74 Vivian Road Harborne, B17 0DJ Tel: 0121 426 3373

Buonissimo

The Highfield

Sabai Sabai

Italian 1 Albany Road Harborne, B17 9JX Tel: 0121 426 2444

Gastro Pub 22 Highfield Road Edgbaston, B15 3DP Tel: 0121 227 7068

Cafe Boutique

Johnny Wong’s

Don Diego

The Junction

Mediterranean 26 High Street Harborne, B17 9NF Tel: 0121 449 9618

Chinese / Takeaway 197 Hagley Road Edgbaston, B16 9RD Tel: 0121 456 4333

Thai 286 High St Harborne, B17 9PT Tel: 0121 426 2866

Simpsons

Modern French 20 Highfield Road Edgbaston, B15 3DU Tel: 0121 449 4498

Turners

Mediterranean 8 Chad Square Hawthorne Road Tel: 0121 448 6460

Pub / Restaurant 212 High St Harborne, B17 9PT Tel: 0121 428 2635

Fine Dining 69 Hight St Harborne, B17 9NS Tel: 0121 426 4440

Fiesta Del Asado

Lychee Garden Cantonese Takeaway 189 Hagley Road Edgbaston, B16 9RD Tel: 0121 454 2221

Umami

Indian 25 Lordswood Road Harborne, B17 1RP Tel: 0121 427 8773

The Garden House

The Plough

Valentinos

Argentine 229 Hagley Road Edgbaston, B16 9RP Tel: 0121 455 9331

Pub Restaurant 160 Hagley Road Edgbaston, B16 9NX Tel: 0121 454 8315

Pub Food 21 High St Harborne, B17 9NT Tel: 0121 427 3678

Italian 73 High St Harborne, B17 9NS Tel: 0121 427 2560

MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

45

Local Business Directory

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

Antique Valuations

Biddle & Webb

Architect

38 36

Russell Hobbis Architects

Art Class

7

The Seasons Art Class

Bathrooms

37

Roman Bathrooms & Tiles

Builders’ Merchants

EH Smith 34

Building & Construction JMS Roofing & Building 42 Care Home

22 21

Bourn View Care Home Pebble Mill

Carpentry & Joinery

Heritage Joinery & Maintenance

Charity

Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice

43 11

Childcare / Nursery

Smarty Pants @ Lightwoods House

24

Childrens Activities

Stagecoach Edgbaston

Chimney Sweep

Able Chimney Sweep

Chiropodist

New Steps

Choir

14 42 20

Got 2 Sing 15

Cleaning & Ironing

Clean & Tidy

40

Computer Support

My I.T. Guy 26

Credit Control

UK Central Credit Management

Day Care Centre

Sense

Domestic Appliances

Macphersons Appliances

Electrician

Elec Services & Maintenance Robert Rampton Electrician

Entertainment

Moseley Folk

Fireplace Showroom

MD Services

26 32 4 36 43 2 33

Gardening & Landscaping Betel UK Garden Treeworks 47 Central Driveways Ltd 43 Dimension Driveways & Landscapes 36 Evans Landscapes

36 JH Garden & Property Services 43

Gardens

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Handyman

Trust in Blue

Healthcare Services

Dr Foot Clinic Midland Hand Clinic

Painting & Decorating Phil Murray Decorators TKR Property Services

Plumbing

DAF Plumbing & Heating Steven R Barnes & Son

Psychotherapist

4 40 40 39

18

TKR Property Services

40

Kam Nijjar Therapy

Roofing School

Blue Coat School

25

Smart Alarm Systems 44 & 48

SmartInstall Limited

Solicitor

Hadgkiss Hughes & Beale Tyndallwoods Solicitors Veale Wasbrough Vizards

Stairlift Specialists

Stairlift Express Ltd

Undertaker

A Natural Undertaking

Windows & Doors

Bartley Glass & Windows Ltd

10 27 28/29 20 4 47

14 34 19 18

Disclaimer - All advertisements delivered by the MY Magazines are published in good faith. We do not accept responsibility for the accuracy of such advertisements, nor is any kind of warrenty endorsment expressed or implied by such publication. We specifically disclaim all and any liability to advertisers, readers and users of any kind, for loss or damage of any nature whatsoever and however arising, whether due to inaccuracy, error, omission or any other cause and whether on the part of the MY Magazines, our agents or any other person.

46

MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

HOME & GARDEN

& TREEWORKS 01564 820 170

MY HARBORNE & EDGBASTON, FEBRUARY / MARCH 2018

47

FULLY INSTALLED SMART HOME ALARM SYSTEM FROM ONLY

INCLUDING INSTALLATION

CALL NOW ON

£349

0121 634 8081

Protect your home and family

• Latest smart technology • Professional installation • Receive alerts to your phone • Control your system remotely • Outstanding customer service • Pet friendly • Simple to use Smart CCTV also available

CALL NOW on 0121 634 8081 or visit SmartInstall.com

‘

essional Quick and prof to finish. t ar st om fr service money too. r fo e lu va at re G the peace Not to mention have that w of mind we no ected. our home is prot Mike Morgan

’