Bournville Pages April 2024

At last Spring is here, and with it, lots to do in the garden. Within the pages of this months magazine, you will find local businesses who can help with everything garden related, such as garden maintenance ie driveways cleaned or patios re-laid, tree surgeons, gardeners, brickwork, fencing etc, give them a call now before the season gets underway and they can help you get your garden looking beautiful for the Summer!

Don’t forget the Pride of Longbridge will be taking place on the 13th April at Cofton Park, Rednal, B31 2BQ, from 9am-4pm. This event is to celebrate the great heritage of our local area, while recognising the collapse of MG Rover. This event brings together community, ex-workforce and enthusiasts. Please check social media for any updates before attending on the day.

If you have a few hours to spare, I have a few spots open for delivery people, both in Bournville and also Selly Oak, Edgbaston etc, so if you are interested, give me a call or email me. Also, Weoley Hill Bowling Club, and Bournville Sports Crown Green Bowls Club are looking for new members to join them and you can find more out about that within the magazine.

Until next time,

Wendy

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity Launches

Bike4Life

Ride Out & Festival 2024

Tickets for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s popular Bike4Life Ride Out & Festival, taking place on Sunday 28th April, are now on sale, with more than 600 places sold in the first 24 hours.

Thousands of people from across the region are expected to come together to for the charity’s biggest event of the year, which sees 3,500 bikers join a mass ride out which culminates at a large family Festival at a new venue for 2024 –Weston Park in Shifnal.

Celebrating its 12th year, the Bike4Life Ride Out, sponsored by The Bike Insurer, is once again expected to sell out well before the muchanticipated day. As the event continues to grow, the Ride Out will follow a slightly longer 26-mile route this year to the new home of the Bike4Life Festival. For the very first time, the UK’s biggest convoy of motorbikes will roll into Weston Park in Shifnal.

At the Festival, which is set to attract families, festival goers and the local community, visitors can expect a variety of live music, a food village, artisan market stalls, a kids zone with funfair rides and arena displays.

Tickets for the Ride Out and separately for those just wanting to attend the Festival are now on sale via bike4lifefest.com. The charity is reminding riders to purchase their tickets sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment. The Ride Out will follow the same route from its start point in Meole

Brace Park & Ride in Shrewsbury. Riders will have the open road, as the A5, M54 and A41 will be shut to other road users for the Ride Out to Weston Park.

Emma Wood, head of fundraising and engagement for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “Each year, the motorbiking community comes out in full support of our charity by taking part in our Bike4Life Ride Out. Their presence on the roads on the day not only helps to raise awareness of our service and biker safety, the riders taking part are also raising vital funds to help save lives across the region.

“We are urging anyone who wants to take part in our 2024 Bike4Life Ride Out to purchase their tickets as soon as they can. Ticket numbers are limited to make sure we keep our riders safe so it’s best to book in advance to avoid disappointment. We also have tickets available for our Festival event which this year is being held at the well-known festival venue, Weston Park. The Festival is a great day out for all ages – and you don’t have to be a bike enthusiast to enjoy it.”

Book your tickets here: bike4lifefest.com

For more on Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s lifesaving service visit: midlandsairambulance.com and follow the lifesaving service on social media.

Tendons

by Ms J. Knowles BSc (Ost)

Tendons (sometimes called ‘guides’ by my older patients!) are an essential part of the soft tissue framework of our musculo-skeletal system.

They are smooth white structures that connect muscles to bones and act as a semielastic link between mobile muscles and their bony attachments. They are responsible for allowing movement to happen in a limb when a muscle contracts. As an example, if you decide to bend your arm, your bicep will contract and shorten and the tendon at the far end of the muscle will pull up the bone in your forearm, causing your elbow to bend. Tendons are not usually particularly painsensitive structures but they can be subject to aging and accumulated damage. This is very common in people who do repetitive exercise e.g. running, or in the middle-aged or, in women, around the time of the menopause. The degenerative-type of long-term tendon disease is usually called a ‘tendinopathy” and can result in small tears in the fibres.

Typical examples I see in practice are shoulder “rotator cuff” tendinopathy which causes pain when you raise your arm above shoulder height, gluteal tendinopathy which causes pain on the outer part of the buttock, and plantar fasciitis, sometimes called “policeman’s heel” which results in sharp pain under the heel. In rarer cases trauma can cause the tendon to completely snap and unfortunately this can only be fixed by surgery. I have seen a few cases of spontaneous failure of the bicep tendon in the arm which results in a rather strange deformity of the upper arm as the muscle bunches up giving a “Popeye” look to the muscle.

While looking a little odd, in most cases the other muscles in the arm compensate and take over the function so an operation is not necessary. Tendons have very poor blood supply and are not good at repairing themselves so tendinopathies can take a frustratingly long time to settle down. Doctors sometimes use cortisone (steroid) injections to reduce pain at the site but in most cases time, patience and a suitable exercise regime to increase the strength in the remaining ‘good’ part of the tendon will result in steady improvement and your osteopath can show you how to do this safely.

So if you suspect your sore tendons need some help, please get in touch!

Curtain Room

Bournville

2001 E-mail: info@curtainroom.co.uk

In a twist of the unexpected, Giles Deacon, the London based couture designer, presents a stunning collection of fabrics and wallpapers in collaboration with Sanderson, with classics sitting alongside opulent new designs.

• Locally handmade curtains and Roman Blinds.

• Locally handmade curtains and Roman Blinds.

• Rollers, Vertical, Pleated, Wood and Metal Venetian Blinds are all made2measure.

• Rollers, Vertical, Pleated, Wood and Metal Venetian Blinds are all made2measure.

• Locally handmade curtains and Roman Blinds

• Motorisation is available on blinds tracks and curtain poles.

• Motorisation is available on blinds tracks and curtain poles.

• Rollers, Vertical, Pleated, Wood and Metal Venetian Blinds - all made to measure

• Fabric ranges: Morris and Co, Sanderson, Kobe, Prestigous, Chess, ILIV and many others.

• Bespoke curtain poles and track systems available to order

• Fabric ranges: Morris and Co, Sanderson, Kobe, Prestigous, Chess, ILIV and many others.

• Bespoke curtain poles and t k syste ailable to de 0121 628 2001

• Bespoke curtain poles and 0121 628 2001

www.curtainroom.co.uk

www.curtainroom.co.uk

info@curtainroom.co.uk

info@curtainroom.co.uk

by Caroline Knight

It’s a great month for gardeners and there’s no time to waste now that things are stirring underfoot. But before you make haste towards the greenhouse, the kitchen garden or the garden shed, don’t forget to stop and stare before the spring flowers fade away.

Bulbs

The UK is home to more than half of the world’s bluebells. They favour ancient woods, but you can plant them in your garden, too. Give them a slightly shady spot in moist but well-draining soil and be sure to choose the native Hyacinthoides non-scripta variety rather than the rather invasive Spanish bluebell, Hyacinthoides hispanica. Keep your eyes peeled for wood anemones too. Anemone nemorosa enjoys growing in the shade and shelter of deciduous trees, where their pure white, low-blooming flowers with golden anthers are as beautiful as just about any bloom you could wish to see.

Cultivated bulbs, including tulips, provide magnificent colours, from the purest of whites to the darkest purple. Not all tulips will come back each year, and they are often treated as an annual. If you want to leave them in situ, give them feed and mulch, and leave the foliage to die down naturally after flowering so that the bulb energy stores are replenished.

The spring flower that most people would never be without is the daffodil. They light up the month like sunshine. They all belong to the Narcissus genus, but we generally refer to those with larger trumpets as daffodils and the slightly smaller flowers as narcissi. Then there is the jonquil, which has clusters of small, fragrant daffodil-like flowers.

Flowering cherry blossom

Look up towards the treetops to enjoy the delights of flowering cherries this month. Some are covered in blousy blossom during April, whilst others celebrate the season more subtly. Prunus ‘Kanzan’ displays pink fluffy clouds of double blossom, while P. ‘Pink Perfection’ is slightly smaller, and its delectable candyfloss flowers last slightly longer than most. Some regard ornamental cherries as ‘one-trickponies’ as the blossom is fleeting – but what a trick to have up your sleeve!

If you are considering planting a flowering cherry, bear in mind that the spread of most Prunus varieties is almost equal to the height. You need to give it room to grow naturally because if you prune it too much, the shape will be distorted. Far better to consider one of the upright, fastigiate varieties such as Prunus ‘Amanogawa’, suitable for small gardens because of its upright shape. Expect it to grow to a height of up to seven metres but with a spread of only two or three.

If you look at your spring garden and feel it is bereft of colour, this is the perfect time to remedy the problem so that you’ll have something much more joyful next year. Gardening is all about thinking ahead whilst enjoying the moment. Just remember that any trees or shrubs you plant now will need watering throughout the drier months ahead.

A life without varicose veins

A simple walk-in walkout procedure for healthy and beautiful legs without varicose veins

Do you experience recurring heaviness in the legs? Do you often have swollen or cramping legs after a long, active, or warm day? You might have started to see veins pop out more visibly. If you are affected by any of these symptoms, you might be suffering from varicose veins, like 40% of the adult population in the UK.

Varicose veins appear when vein walls weaken and valves fail, leading to the pooling of blood and the enlargement of veins. Most importantly, varicose veins do not improve by themselves, with the condition slowly worsening leading to increasing discomfort with time.

The good thing is that you do not need to endure these complications any longer. CEO of Nordic Health Group and UK Vein Care, Thomas Lawaetz, explains that in recent

years, the treatment of varicose veins has undergone a transformation, moving away from complex surgical procedures to refined, quick and patient-friendly techniques. He elaborates that patients are often surprised that they can walk out of the clinic the same day the procedure is performed and typically be back to work the next day.

Nordic Health Group have treated more than 35,000 patients for varicose veins, and they are the leading specialists in Northern Europe. In February they opened their new clinic in Edgbaston, where they are already treating patients with state-of-the-art treatment methods.

“A typical process involves three simple steps. First, a comprehensive consultation is undertaken by one of our top vascular surgeons, including a Duplex Ultrasound Scan. During this session, the surgeon will understand your specific concerns, assess your condition, and create a personalized treatment plan tailored according to your unique needs” says Gary Maytham, Chief Medical Officer.

He further explains that the next step is the treatment itself, this being a quick walk-in walk-out procedure where only local anaesthesia is required. The only sensation a patient typically feels is when the injections for local anaesthesia are administered. The final step is a check-up to ensure that the patient’s legs are once again healthy and free from discomfort.

A classic French favourite, the idea of flambéing crepes arose at the end of the 19th century. Not only do the flames look spectacular, they caramelise the sugar to sweet perfection!

Ingredients

• 70g plain flour

• 1 egg

• A pinch of salt

• 50g caster sugar

• 150ml milk

• 70g soft butter, plus extra for frying

• Grated zest of an orange

• 20g icing sugar

• 4 tbsp orange liqueur

Serves 2

Preparation time

20-25 minutes, plus resting

Cooking time 10-15 minutes

1. Blend the flour, egg and salt in a bowl. Add the sugar and 50ml of the milk, and whisk to form a smooth batter.

2. Melt 50g of the butter in a saucepan. Gradually add the remaining milk to the batter, then add the melted butter and half the grated orange zest. Let it rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours.

3. Heat a crepe or pancake pan over a medium heat. Very lightly grease the pan with a little melted butter. Using a ladle, pour roughly 2 tbsp of batter into the pan and swirl it around so the bottom of the pan is evenly coated. You want to use just enough batter to make a delicate, lacy crepe. Cook for about 45 seconds on one side until golden and then using a palette knife or fish slice, flip the crepe over and cook the other side for about 30 seconds until it freckles. Stack the crepes on a plate as you cook them. It’s best to cover them, so they stay warm and don’t dry out.

4. For the orange crème, mix the icing sugar, the remaining grated orange zest and 20g soft butter in a bowl.

5. Spread some orange crème on each crepe and fold them to form a triangle.

6. Ten minutes before serving the crepes, briefly warm them in an oven preheated to 170°C, fan 150°C, gas mark 3.

7. One by one, sprinkle the crepes with icing sugar in a pan and heat them up. In a separate small, deep pan or a small saucepan, heat the liqueur to approximately 40°C/100°F. Light the liqueur and pour it over the crepes. Serve straight away.

Edgbaston Village: A Haven of Culinary and Cultural Delights

Nestled just one mile from Birmingham City Centre is a hidden gem that is Edgbaston Village. Far more than just a collection of eateries, bars, it represents a thriving hub of culinary innovation, cultural vibrancy, and community spirit. The award-winning bars and restaurants in Edgbaston Village elevate the area to a destination of choice for discerning food and beverage enthusiasts. From quaint cafes serving freshly baked pastries to fine dining establishments offering gastronomic delights, there is something to suit every palate. Whether you’re craving international cuisine or traditional British fare, Edgbaston Village has it all. The culinary scene here isn’t just about satisfying hunger; it’s about embarking on a journey of flavors and experiences. These establishments have gained recognition not just locally, but on a national and international level, drawing visitors from far and wide to experience their exceptional offerings. From expertly crafted cocktails at Baloci or Chapter, wonderful wine at Loki to meticulously prepared dishes at Michelin Starred Simspons, is a testament to culinary excellence.

Beyond its culinary delights, Edgbaston Village boasts a thriving community of independent home interest stores. These unique boutiques offer a curated selection of homeware, decor, and gifts, each with its own distinctive style and flair. Shopping in Edgbaston Village isn’t just about acquiring material possessions; it’s about discovering treasures that reflect individual tastes and personalities.

Adding to the charm of Edgbaston Village is the monthly Artisan Market, a vibrant celebration of local craftsmanship and creativity. Here, artisans and makers showcase their talents, offering an eclectic array of handmade goods, artisanal foods, and unique finds. The market not only provides a platform for small businesses to thrive but also fosters a sense of community and connection among residents and visitors alike.

In essence, Edgbaston Village is more than just a destination; it’s an experience.

Whether you’re indulging in a gourmet meal, exploring independent boutiques, or perusing the stalls at the Artisan Market, Edgbaston Village offers something magical for everyone to enjoy.

Two fantastic markets in Edgbaston Village during April

Saturday 13th April sees the return of the Artisan Market after the winter break. Head down to Greenfield Crescent between 10am - 3pm to discover over 70 stalls extending along the Crescent, as well as those award wining independent neighbourhood eateries and home interest stores. Explore unique handmade gifts, the finest artisan food & drink, arts & crafts plus farmers market with cheeses and fresh bread. There is something for everyone.

Sunday 28th April sees the return of the Garden Market for it’s second year. Greenfield Crescent will come alive with all things garden. We will have around 20 stalls, including Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Winterbourne Gardens, displaying plants & seeds, flowers & pots and wonderful garden ornaments. Get that outdoor space ready for summer BBQ’s and gatherings. 10am - 3pm.

www.edgbastonvillage.co.uk/artisanmarket

@EdgbastonVillage

@EdgbastonVillage

Grey - a classic and timeless look for the kitchen

Grey has been one of the most popular colour choices in the kitchen for some time now, and for good reason. It is such a versatile colour that works well in both a modern or traditional style, making it suitable for many homes.

With so many shades of grey, the look can be soft and warm or bold and dramatic.

Grey is also perfect for a two-tone look, especially when using a contrasting darker shade with a lighter one. A dark grey island can make a real statement in a kitchen, or try making the base units a darker shade than the wall cabinets. Grey also works well with other colours such as green or blue. A soft sage, or moody blue can make your kitchen original and sophisticated.

Grey also works beautifully with wood. Wood flooring, worktops or even wood grain cabinets to add a touch of design flair and interest.

Shaker style kitchens in grey offer a modern twist on a traditional style and are one of our most requested kitchen designs.

Alternatively a modern minimalist, handleless slab door in grey is cool and sophisticated.

A grey kitchen will stand the test of time and can be updated with splashes of colour and new accessories with ease.

Why not visit our showroom and browse at your leisure for inspiration and discuss your project with our friendly, knowledgeable design team.

“Where saying goodbye means everything”

Whether sudden or expected, bereavement can be a traumatic experience; that’s why you’ll always find someone to talk to at Mortons. We’ll advise and guide you through all the arrangements, respecting your wishes every step of the way.

Whatever style of funeral you’re looking for; Direct Cremation, Traditional or Contemporary funeral or somewhere in-between, you can put your trust in us.

♦ All plastering work undertaken –specialising in ceiling repairs

♦ All plastering work undertaken –specialising in ceiling repairs

♦ Coving

♦ Coving

♦ Interior and exterior painting and decorating

♦ Interior and exterior painting and decorating

♦ Bathroom & Kitchen fitting

♦ Bathroom & Kitchen fitting

♦ Ceramic wall and floor tiling

♦ Ceramic wall and floor tiling

♦ Wooden flooring – hardwood/ laminate

♦ Wooden flooring – hardwood/ laminate

♦ New Loft Hatches, Carpentry

♦ New Loft Hatches, Carpentry

♦ Minor electrical works

Serves 6 Preparation time 20-25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1kg lean boneless lamb shoulder, cubed

• 2 bay leaves

• 4 sprigs fresh thyme

• 1 onion, peeled and cut into quarters

• 1 leek, roughly chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed

Cooking time 1 hour 30 minutes

A hearty all-in-one dish, this stew can be cooled and kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, then reheated slowly until piping hot. Perfect for supper on a chilly spring evening!

1. Place the lamb into a large pan with the bay leaves, thyme, onion, leek, garlic, seasoning and water, to cover.

2. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer over a low heat for 1 hour, skimming regularly, if required. Remove from the heat and cool slightly.

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1.2l cold water

• 200g baby carrots, scraped, and halved if large

• 200g baby turnips, scraped, and quartered if large

• 200g baby onions or shallots, peeled

• 200g baby or small leeks, halved

• 200ml white wine (dry or medium)

• 200ml good, hot lamb stock

• 200g dwarf or French beans, trimmed

• 200g frozen peas or petit pois

• 2 tbsp freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley or chervil

For more recipe inspiration, cooking tips, nutritional information and more, visit www.simplybeefandlamb.co.uk.

3. Transfer the lamb to a large, ovenproof casserole dish and strain the vegetable liquor over the lamb. Discard the vegetables and herbs.

4. Add the baby carrots, turnips, onions or shallots, leeks, white wine and lamb stock. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

5. Add the dwarf or French beans and cook for a further 3-4 minutes, then add the frozen peas or petit pois and cook for a further 2 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked.

6. Season and garnish with the herbs and serve with plenty of crusty bread to soak up the juices.

A large selection of meats for your BBQ freshly prepared on the premises. Please order for BBQ requirements, roasting joints - beef, lamb, pork and poultry, burgers, sausages and patties.

A large selection of meats for your BBQ freshly prepared on the premises. Please order for BBQ requirements. Roasting joints, Beef, Lamb, Pork and Poultry, Burgers, Sausages and Patties.

All meat is prepared to a very high standard on the premises.

All meat is prepared to a very high standard on the premises.

Full traceability from field to the fork. Come and visit Steve and Staff who have a wealth of experience and noted for their friendly service

Full traceability from field to the fork. Come and visit Steve and Staff who have a wealth of experience and noted for their friendly service

We also stock Lashford Sausages

We also stock Lashford Sausages.

~ We Aim To MEAT Your Needs! ~ Special Dietary Requirements ie, gluten free, additive free, catered for.

~ We Aim To MEAT Your Needs! ~ Special Dietary Requirements ie, gluten free, additive free, catered for.

Tel: 0121 458 1598

Email:

info@organicbutchersbirmingham.co.uk

247 Mary Vale Road, Bournville, Birmingham, B30 1PN

www.organicbutchersbirmingham.co.uk

Recommended on BBC Good Food Guide, Rick Stein Local Food Heroes. West Midlands Winner In The British National Sausage Competition

Noted for its friendly, personal service, Bournville’s best kept secret!

PIERCE POLK REAGAN TRUMAN TYLER

Everyday spending

With qualifying cards, you just use them for your everyday spending and you’ll get a percentage cashback or points that you can turn into discounts.

Amex offers the best deals for higher spenders, or consider a Chase current account, where you’ll earn 1% back on everything you spend with most retailers. Asda and John Lewis have cards that give you extra points when you shop directly with them, although you’ll also see a lower credit for shopping elsewhere.

Cashback services

There are many cashback services, where you sign in to the site and visit the retailer’s link to qualify. This can give you a few per cent return – every penny is worth having –but with offers, sometimes as high as 20%.

Consider signing up for more than one. TopCashBack.co.uk, Quidco, KidStart and Complete Savings are worth looking at, although with the latter it’s ‘invite only’ – you’ll see a pop-up invite after shopping at eBay, Argos, Trainline etc.

It’s particularly important to be aware of the terms before paying for any premium cashback. For example, Complete Savings is £15 per month, and they give more money back than most. You only need to make one purchase a month of any amount to reclaim your membership fee, but if you forget, it will cost you.

Understand the downsides

Finally, you’ll sometimes find that price comparison sites such as PriceSpy or PriceRunner can uncover deals that’ll save you more money than any cashback deal.

Did you hear about the short fortune teller who escaped from prison? He’s a small medium at large.

How many DIYers does it take to change a light bulb?

One, but it takes two weeks and four trips to the hardware store.

I was born in a bungalow and I’ve lived there ever since. Storey of my life.

My teachers told me I’d never amount to much since I procrastinate so much.

I told them, “Just you wait!”

Albert Einstein was a really nice guy. But his brother Frank was a monster.

I’ve often wondered if baby deer are left or righthanded. Turns out they are bambidextrous.

Italy is organising a big historical race at the Coliseum for a good cause. It’ll be a huge charioty event.

By Katherine Sorrell

The ideal

is comfortable and made to last for years. We outline how to make the right choice. Sofas are a key element in any living room, as they are the focal point, the largest item and sometimes the most eye-catching, providing the colours, textures and patterns with which everything else is coordinated. So, how can you ensure that you’re choosing a sofa that’s attractive, durable and value for money?

The right size and shape

Don’t crowd the room with an overly grand sofa, or choose one that’s so tiny it gets lost. Dimensions depend on how many people will need to fit on it, plus what suits you in terms of support: the seat depth and back height should allow you to be neither too slumped nor too upright. If you like to sit upright with good support, choose a high back with not too deep a seat and firm cushions; those who like to sink in will prefer a deeper-seated model with low arms and softer cushions.

How long will it last?

Generally, more expensive sofas are more durable and comfortable. Traditional upholstery has a solid hardwood frame plus webbing, coiled-steel springs and hand-stitched hair-andfibre stuffing. More common is foam filling, of varying quality. Cushions will have variations of foam, polyester fibre and down, going from firm to very soft.

Gather as many details as possible, then remove your shoes and try a variety of sofas out. Bounce gently on the seat and lean heavily on the back – you shouldn’t feel the frame digging into you and it should only ‘give’ a little. Ensure cushions aren’t floppy, overstuffed or with overly tight covers, and all seams should be straight, evenly stitched and not puckered.

Choosing fabric

The right upholstery fabric will enhance your sofa or armchair, complement the room and wear well. It’s generally advised to match smaller patterns with smaller furniture, using large patterns only on bigger pieces A small, flat fabric swatch looks very different to a piece of furniture so, if possible, request a ‘returnable’ sample to place in situ. Some fabrics have a ‘nap’, which can alter the colour depending on the angle, so check this.

The Martindale Test gives a ‘rub count’ that measures fabric durability. For general domestic use, the count should be 15,000 to 25,000. Heavy, smooth and closely woven fabrics are usually the most hard-wearing. Stain treatment protects against accidental spills and removable washable covers are ideal if you have children or pets.

sofa

This convivial corner sofa suits the size and shape of the room. Ferdinand large corner sofa in natural plain pistachio, £4,525, arloandjacob.com.

Food Addiction – You Are Not Alone

Many of us may have had this experience before, where we have set off to have just 2 biscuits to find the packet gone in the day. However, for some of us, this can be far more intense, for example, the whole packet eaten in one sitting.

For Food Addicts, we find that we eat ‘healthily’ in front of others but eat to excess when alone; food calling to us as we try to resist. We may lie about what we’ve eaten to get more, or steal food or money to buy food. We may have also eaten food that wasn’t fully cooked or eaten food straight out of the oven and burned our mouths; we have sat waiting in anticipation for the meals to be over so we can have the leftovers. We have eaten so much that we feel sick and go to bed crying feeling shame, guilt, and remorse – to firmly say “tomorrow I will not do it again” and by morning it is all forgotten, and we start the cycle again. The lengths that we go to, to get the food also has a negative effect on our lives, late for work because we needed our morning fix to face the day, irritability because the kids won’t stay in bed so we can eat alone, lies told so we can go out alone in the car to eat and more. There were occasions where, we did manage to stop for a while, but the withdrawal symptoms start, irritability, anger, nausea, headaches, dizziness we reach for the food to make it all go away. Or we get past the withdrawal stage and we lose the weight and then start to eat some of the foods we had put down and all of a sudden it is out of control again and weight piles on often with extra – if this sounds like you – you are not alone.

Overeaters Anonymous (OA) has helped thousands of us. There are face to face meetings and online support available 24 hrs per day. There are no diet sheets or scales. People from all walks of life who have the lived experience and are learning to live with food addiction and recover from it, meet online to confidentially share experiences. Sharing is not expected, and many people attend meetings to listen and to be reassured they are not alone with their experiences. Those who do get involved find relief and understanding with the people they meet there. If you think you might have a food addiction try out: OA’s 15 question quiz and if you would like to access their free support.

Free to attend the only membership required is a desire to stop compulsively eating - Nearest meeting place:

Monday 6:30-7:30pm

Warstock Community Centre

1 Daisy Farm Rd, Yardley Wood, Birmingham B14 4QA

Consider trying out 6 different OA meetings to see if it may help www.oa.org – “find a meeting”.

Solicitors For Later Life Planning Solicitor For Elderly Legal Solutions For Those Wanting To Achieve Peace Of Mind In Later Life

Brevitts Solicitors, are a family practice based in Oak Tree Lane, Selly Oak. They specialise in helping clients to arrange their affairs to secure peace of mind in later life. This includes legal estate planning, wills, probate, trusts and a suite of elderly care solutions for clients and their families, to put in place arrangements to assist and support them should they need it.

Brevitts Solicitors knowledge and experience enable them to overcome the myths relating to ageing. They understand and take into account, seeking to accommodate the various challenges people may face. They advise on how to mitigate the concerns of the mind or physical disabilities, which may accompany the ageing process, conscious of the social and health impact of later years and how these can be anticipated and supported.

Brevitts Solicitors expertise helps to provide a personal and client focused experience. They aim to put clients at their ease, whilst simplifying the complex and sensitive issues that we all need to address when resolving legal issues.

Brevitts Solicitors client consultations are offered, face to face in their office or client’s own home, if clients prefer, or are unable to attend the office. They also use online meeting software, either at the office or in the client’s own home, to enable family members to attend and provide support.

Advice And Support They Offer

Estate planning using Wills - simple to complex, Trusts and lifetime giving

Probate and the administration of estates with or without Wills

Trust & their administration - created in their lifetime or under a Will

Advice on financial responsibility and funding for long-term care

Powers of Attorney, including Lasting Power of Attorney for Property and Finance and Health and Welfare

Court of Protection - applications deputyships, statutory Wills etc

Preserving assets in for the future of your family

The provision of home care, Residential and nursing home contracts

Initial consultation in support of any of the above, start from £95 plus VAT for Will and LPA advice and increase if more complex and specialist advice is required. However, if you instruct Brevitts within three months of their initial advice to take matters forward, this fee or part thereof, will be deducted from your final bill.

Call us today on 0121 472 4131 or email Georgie@brevittssolicitors.co.uk

Jane is also available for group talks. These are packed with interesting advice and the chance to ask questions.

7. Unscrupulous person who knows how to circumvent difficulties (7,6)

8. Selecting what seems best of various styles or ideas (8)

9. River which flows through Bristol (4)

10. Russian artificial satellite, the first to orbit the Earth (7)

12. Text of a song (5)

14. Capital of Bolivia (2,3)

16. Sidney ___, star of the 1967 film To Sir, with Love (7)

19. Basic rhythmic unit in a piece of music (4)

20. Water ice on a wooden stick (8)

22. Window screen made of horizontal strips that overlap when closed (8,5)

Down

1. Elegant and stylish (4)

2. One who rules during the absence of a monarch (6)

3. Positive (7)

4. Bring out or develop from latent or rudimentary existence (5)

5. Yellow songbird (6)

6. Racial extermination (8)

11. Component of blood, essential for clotting (8)

13. The Netherlands (7)

15. Deer’s horn (6)

17. Dessert of sponge, jelly, fruit and custard (6)

18. Tony ___, former prime minister (5)

21. Utter a pig-like

Do you have a bike that’s broken? A teddy bear that has lost its stuffing? Clothes that need repairing? Take it along to your local Repair Café. Repair Cafés are volunteer-run not-for-profit events, usually once a month, where people can bring broken household items and get them fixed for free. They can donate if they wish, which helps fund the Repair Café, and any excess goes to charity.

The events operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and visitors can usually enjoy a slice of cake and a cuppa while the repair takes place.

They are the brainchild of Martine Postma. She organised the very first Repair Café in Amsterdam on 18 October 2009. Its success prompted her to start the non-profit Repair Café International Foundation. Today, there are over 3,000 Repair Cafés worldwide. At the time of writing, they repair over 54,000 items per month and have over 45,000 volunteers.

© Repair Café International Foundation

If there isn’t a Repair Café in your area, you could start one, as Chris Murphy did.

Chris first heard about Repair Cafés from a friend in 2019 and decided to set one up in Royal Tunbridge Wells. He now oversees one of the largest Repair Cafés in southeast England, with over 25 repair stations and 75 volunteers. For more information, visit www.repaircafe.org.

Feeling anxious or depressed?

NHS Talking Therapies can help

I’m one of the many trained NHS clinicians here to help you with your mental health.

If you’re struggling to cope with feelings of depression, excessive worry, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress or obsessions and compulsions, your GP can refer you or refer yourself at nhs.uk/talk

Community Pages

St Francis Youth & Community Centre

Sycamore Road, Bournville B30 2AA

All our groups and classes are run during term time Sept 23 – July 24.

Community Coffee Mornings

Join us for our weekly drop in Art Café for the over 50’s.

Every Monday 10.00am – 1.00pm during term time £3.00 each for anyone who wants to be creative among friends, sketching, painting, sewing or any art form welcome. We also have a selection of books which you can browse through or drop in for some ‘me’ time and enjoy our filter coffee and extensive range of teas. Everyone welcome.

Take a Look at Our Leisure Groups/Classes

Choose from: Art Appreciation, Creative Writing, Calligraphy, Drawing & Portrait Painting, Dance for all ages, Reading for Pleasure, Yoga and Knitting.

For more information contact: Alison Smith, St Francis Centre on: 0121 472 7215 Ext 1 or email: alisonsmith@stfranciscentre.co.uk

Bournville Radio Sailing and Model Boat Club

The club provides facilities to race or build RC yachts, power boats and scale models. A full calendar of events is available throughout the year. The club meets at the following times:

Tues 10.00 to 13.00 - Models and powerboats, Wed 10.00 to 13.00 - Radio sailing

Thurs 10.00 to 13.00 - Models and powerboats, Sat 10.00 to 13.00 - Juniors

(Please check for availability)

Sun 10.00 to 13.00 - Radio sailing, Sun 13.00 to 16.00 - Models and powerboats

Taster sessions take place on Wednesday and Sunday at 12.30pm when boats can be supplied. Please contact Andrew Hines on 07581 513899 or 0121 449 6178. See the Club’s website at: www.bournvillersmbc.org

Better still, why not just come down to Valley Parkway and try out a boat.

Northfield Arts Forum

Dementia Café

Join NAF every Tuesday for an afternoon of creative activities designed for people living with dementia, and their carers. Tuesday 2pm-4pm from Jan 30th at the NAF shop, Northfield Shopping Centre. B31 2JU

Digital Literacy

In connection with Northfield Community partnership and Digital Literacy Project.

Monthly digital drop in, at Northfield Library, 77 Church Road, Bham B31 2LB. Enhancing the digital skills of citizens within the Northfield constituency. On Thursdays 10.30am-12 noon, 11th April. Contact Cheryl on 07761 943032 .

Kings Norton Farmers Market

Join us on the 2nd Saturday of the month on Kings Norton Green.

Weoley Hill Crown Green

Bowling Club

Situated in beautiful surroundings in Fox Hill, B29 and provides for social bowing during the season from April to October, and monthly social meetings during the off season.

In house and interclub competitions are a regular feature and the club has two teams active in the Over 60’s South Birmingham League.

Mondays and Friday’s afternoons are regular afternoons, 14.00 – 16.00 hours are Men’s group days and similarly Ladies days meet Tuesdays and Thursday. Other times available for all members.

Currently there are vacancies for new members. No previous experience is necessary as the club has qualified coaches.

More information is available from the club website: www.whbc.org.uk

Alternatively contact:

Neil Wright - Men’s Captain: 07562 724867 or Eileen Bird - Ladies Captain: 07860 374700

Better still, why not visit on one of the regular afternoons as appropriate to meet us and get a firsthand experience.

Kings Norton & District u3a

Are you interested in making new friends and expanding your interests, and are no longer in full time work? Then why not join us? Our members come from all over the area including Bournville.

We run monthly speaker meetings and a wide range of interest groups, from languages and dog walking to lunch/theatre groups (about 65 groups are available to join). If you are undecided whether to join, you can attend a speaker meeting for £3.

For more information, visit out website at: https://u3asites.org.uk/kingsnorton/welcome

Bournville Artisan Market

Bournville Village Green

Third Sunday of every month, 10am - 3pm

Sunday Rea Valley Group

Event By Friends Of Rea Valley Stirchley

Love Our River Rea ? Join us every 4th Sunday of the month from 2pm - 4pm and help us to keep the River Rea clean and tidy. Litter picking, light gardening duties, clearing pathways/debris etc. Sunday 28th April 2pm, Sunday May 26th 2pm

Meet up at the Riverbrook entrance to Ten Acres Park, Stirchley, 11 Avebury Road, B30 2UJ

Weoley Youth Group

Elim Church on Weoley Castle Square.Term time, Mondays 4.30-6.00pm. Weekly drop in youth club. Food, refreshments, games, sport, boxing, dance, art and crafts, relaxed after school chill out with the team. Ages 10-16,

Northfield Notes Community Choir

Northfield Choir brings together people in the local community who love to sing. Singing together is great fun and can also be life changing, contributing to general health and well-being. Our repertoire is varied including pop, gospel and some more traditional songs, all uplifting and guaranteed to put a smile on your face ! The choir offers friendship, a relaxed setting and the chance to learn new skills to be shared and enjoyed through local performances. We meet on Thursday 6.30pm-8.00pm at Holloway Hall, Northfield, B31 1TT and it starts on the 8th September. Contact Janice Paine on 07756 026025 or email: j.e.paine@blueyonder.co.uk

Shenley Seniors 50+

We are a very friendly and social group who meet to have fun and interact, and enjoy a packed programme of activities! Join us every Thursday from Noon-2pm at Shenley Court Hall, 200 Green Meadow Road, B29 4ED, 0121 475 7521.

Kings Norton Photographic Society

We meet at the Tennis Club on Grange Hill Road, Kings Norton, B38 8RE, starting at 8pm and finishing at 10pm on three Wednesdays most months. This year our season starts on 18th October 2023 and runs through to 1st May 2024. New members with an interest in photography are most welcome to join our friendly group. For more information please contact Dave Wall, Chairperson on 0121 458 2562 , email: dave.walluk@virgin.net, or Bill Walton, President on 07850 026557, or email; billy.vegas@blueyonder.co.uk

Selly Park Garden Club

We usually meet on the second Tuesday of the month in the Parish Centre, St. Stephens Church, Serpentine Road, Selly Park at 7pm. No membership needed, talks start at 7.30pm, admission is £3 which includes refreshments. We have a great program on a variety of interesting topics lined up for the next year starting in September. Everyone welcome.

Bournville Sports Crown Green Bowls Club

Established 1896.

We have now relocated all of our bowling activities on not one, but two new crown bowling greens with a large club house and more facilities including ample car parking situated off Mary Vale Road (next to 150) on the Cadbury Ladies Recreation Grounds B30 2DH.

Community Pages

With league or social bowling available 7 days a week in several leagues during the season, March to October, there is plenty of opportunity to come and join us no matter if you are an experienced bowler or someone that would like to bowl with little or no experience at all, age is immaterial and new members are always welcome. We also have several internal competitions and social events. Why not come along or contact us for more information,

Website: www.bournvillesports.uk

Email: secretary@bournvillesports.uk

Phone Bryan Bennett Club

Secretary: 07799 954805

Barbara Hanlon Membership

Secretary: 07855 602014

Birmingham Hospice Singers

Birmingham Hospice Singers is a ladies choir formed in 2013 for the purpose of raising funds for Birmingham Hospice. Its repertoire is varied and the choir perform two concerts a year and so far have raised over £22,000 to support Birmingham Hospice in its work providing end of life care across Birmingham. The choir’s current Musical Director is planning to retire and the choir is seeking a replacement. The choir meet on Friday from 7pm-9pm at Birmingham Hospice Selly Park. If you are interested in this role, or for further information, contact the Choir Secretary via the Hospice’s Fundraising Department on 0121 465 2009 or email on fundraisevol@birminghamhospice.org.uk

Kings Norton History Society

We meet at Ashford Hall, St Nicholas Place. Doors open at 13.45pm and the talk starts at 2.15pm. Annual membership from September £25, visitors for single talks £5. These fee’s are to cover the cost of the room hire and speakers expenses. To contact the Society Chair: hartwellclive@gmail.com

April 29th - Keith Clenton - ‘Lost Industries and Businesses in Birmingham’

May 20th - Mike Byrne ‘The Bull Ring’

Smokey2 Country Music Club

Park Hall, Silver Street, Wythall, B47 6LZ

Celebrating 50 years of live country music. Everyone is welcome at our shows and we are a very friendly crowd. Admission is generally £8 on the door . As well as a full bar we do have tea and coffee on sale. All the proceeds of our raffle and the refreshments are paid into our charity fund which this year will support the RNLI in its 200th year.

13th April - Cliff Weston 11th May- Nigel Slater

Meet Jeff Sandbrook…

A local roofing specialist with 50 years experience and 15 years service at N. Bird & Son

All roofing work undertaken by Jeff and the team, except chimneys… that would be Jeff’s Dad!

beyond our expectations and he always behaved professionally and honest.” Alan Hawkins, via Trustatrader