Bournville Pages March 2025 by wendy bird

OUR SERVICES

Boiler Breakdowns

Boiler Servicing

Radiators & Pipes

Tanks & Cylinders

Toilets & Taps

Leaks & Bursts

Showers

Clearing Blockages

Pipework Replacement

Gas

Welcome!

Do you know who I am?

I was trying to prove to Google recently that we are a genuine business. It was so difficult to do, and I felt very frustrated that I needed to provide so much evidence – paperwork, pictures of boxes of magazines and even a video.

Upon reflection though, I know why these checks are in place. You see, if it was easy for a scammer to be verified and appear to be legitimate, you would feel you couldn’t trust any business.

Passwords, fingerprints, face recognition, authorisation codes and even ID documents are all needed to do anything it seems. It’s really tedious but all these checks are there to protect our money and our identity.

Short of not using any technology (is that even possible these days?) we have to live with this. Undoubtedly, modernisation has its downsides, and you might wish for less of it, but there are so many benefits. Imagine no online shopping, only a tethered phone (why were they always in a draughty hallway?) to keep in touch with loved ones and only four channels on the TV for starters.

Of course, in running this (genuine) business, we make extensive use of computers and the internet. But the end result is a printed magazine which is pretty retro really!

It doesn’t matter what format it takes, though; reading and being entertained isn’t going out of fashion, and advertising as a market is growing, so we’ll be around for a while yet.

Until next time,

Curtain Room

Bournville

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

CR

Curtain Room

• Locally handmade curtains and Roman Blinds.

• Rollers, Vertical, Pleated, Wood and Metal Venetian

Blinds are all made2measure.

• Motorisation is available on blinds, tracks and curtain poles.

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

• Bespoke curtain poles and track systems available to order.

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm

Tuesday and Wednesday - Closed

Thursday 9am - 3pm

Friday 9am - 5pm

Saturday 9am - 1pm

Sunday 12pm - 4pm

216 Mary Vale Road, Bournville, B30 1PJ Birmingham,

Mary Vale Road, Bournville, B30 1PJ Birmingham,

Simply Wide Width Collection

‘Visit our showroom to take a look and touch some of these fabrics, in width wide and sheer options, they reveal a new layer of heritage from Morris & Co. With Spring/Summer on the horizon, these sheers offer a glimpse of the outdoors through delicately crafted fabrics in traditional iconic designs’.

Monday 9am - 5pm

Tuesday & Wednesday - Closed Thursday 9am - 3pm

Friday 9am - 5pm

Saturday 9am - 1pm

Sunday 12pm - 4pm

0121 628 2001

0121 628 2001 www.curtainroom.co.uk

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.

Ellis Decoration

Est. 1977

James Ellis

Professi on al P ai nti ng & Dec orati ng S erv i ces

Serving King’s Norton, Rednal , Cofton, Bromsgrove & Redditch

Call for a free no obligation estimate 07301 525 636

 Precision Cleaned  No Mess Vac System

 Cleans Places You Can’t Reach  Camera Assisted

Gutter Repairs

Free Quotations

Office - 0121 475 3627 Mobile - 07813 610609

 Landscape Gardening, Lawn Mowing,

 Hedge Cutting

 Slabbing

 Fencing

 Block Paving, Driveways, Patios

 Painting

 Roofing Repairs/ Re-roofs

 Qualified 24hr Locksmith

 Over 20 Years Experience

 Friendly, Reliable Service  Local Business

Metchley Manor care home, Edgbaston

Friendship café

First Wednesday of every month, 11am - 12 noon

Come along to our monthly friendship café where you can meet likeminded people in the community for a chat over a hot drink and freshly baked treats.

Edgbaston Manor care home, Edgbaston

Open café

First Wednesday of every month, From 6pm

Do you have a loved one in care and would like to get support from a community that are experiencing the same? This valuable support group is for people to freely share their experiences, and to get guidance and support from our experienced team.

Is your Will enough?

There are many milestones people pass through in their lifetimes – buying their first home, getting married, having children, paying off the mortgage etc.

We seem to spend our lives trying to create wealth and enjoy living, whilst simultaneously saving money and planning for the future.

Eventually, once more years have passed by, one can then be faced with a different situation. The house is paid for, the children have (hopefully!) ﬂown the nest, and now one needs to think ahead towards retirement planning.

Nowadays the world of ‘retirement’ is a realm of unknown – sometimes it may involve becoming a hands-on grandparent or even, a carer for one’s own parents, effectively having to carry on ‘working’, preventing us from enjoying those golden years and spending those hard-earned

savings. Or unfortunate situations with poor health can affect us at that later stage of life. For many of us, there is a good chance of living well into our eighties, so will our savings be enough to keep us? Or, on the other side of the coin, will a future inheritance and inﬂation on house prices mean that our savings are more than enough, and in fact, one suddenly finds their family are going to be paying a huge inheritance tax bill?

As Abraham Lincoln one said, ‘Nothing is certain except death and taxes’ and this is certainly true. If we could all have our own crystal ball, it would make life a lot easier.

A good Estate Planning Consultant can help you to navigate through all these questions and unknowns, working out the best way to set things in place for the future.

At LPA Angels, we are here to help you figure it out. We offer a friendly yet professional service and our aim to help you have peace of mind for whatever may be around the corner.

Providing Lasting Power of Attorney, Will Writing and Estate Planning services

Lasting peace of mind for you and your loved ones

What are Lasting Powers of Attorney and why are they among the most important legal documents you could make?

How would having a professionally written Will save money and stress for your loved ones?

What is a Family Asset Protection Trust? How could it safeguard your home for your future generations?

Contact the LPA Angels for a

Contact Julia or Ed Fleetwood, members of the Society of Will Writers, on 0121 472 0644 or e-mail enquiries@lpa-angels.co.uk

Visit our website: www.lpa-angels.co.uk.

A family business because family matters

By Caroline Knight

Even if the weather is freezing, there’s optimism in the air now it’s March. The sap is flowing, shoots are showing promise and things are happening in the garden.

Best of the bulbs?

Daffodils are, undoubtedly, the flower of the month. They radiate joy, with an appearance as sunny as the yellow globe we all hope to see in the sky.

But can you just plant daffs and leave them to look after themselves? After all, clumps of daffodils often spread and get better every year. In most cases the answer is yes. You need only snip off the flowering stalk once the blooms have faded, to prevent the plant making seed at the expense of putting energy back into the bulb. Leave the foliage to die down naturally for at least six weeks so the greenery can continue to photosynthesise.

The most common reason for daffodils to come up ‘blind’ (without a flower) is that there isn’t enough energy within the bulb. Another reason daffodils might not thrive is lack of sunlight. Pop them in a sunny position for best results. Sometimes you might be fortunate enough to have so many daffodils that you will want to dig up some of the bulbs and re-plant elsewhere.

One of the earliest to flower is Narcissus ‘Rijnveld’s Early Sensation’. It often blooms in early winter, followed by the aptly named N. ‘February Gold’ and ‘Early Bride’, together with the easily recognised dwarf, N. ‘Tête-àtête’. In March there should be hundreds of different varieties nodding their welcome. Lateflowering varieties look their best at the end of April, including Narcissus jonquilla, Narcissus poeticus, Narcissus ‘Thalia’ and ‘Bridal Crown’. Spring flowers

In addition to bulbs, including tulips, there are shrubs and perennials in flower during early spring. Hellebores love this time of year, with varieties flowering from Christmas through to April. They are happy in a shady spot but dislike extremes such as very dry or extremely wet soils, or full sun.

Rhododendrons and Azaleas are also bursting with blousy blooms, and this shrub is invaluable for providing flowers from December to June –depending on the variety. They like ericaceous – or acidic – soils, as do Camellias, heathers, blueberries, and some hydrangeas. If you’re not sure of the pH of your own soil, which reveals where it falls on the scale of acid to alkaline, there are simple testing kits available. Or simply look around your neighbourhood to see what grows well.

Don’t miss the astonishing yellow splash of Forsythia, which should begin to bloom later in March, depending on the weather. Also look out for Bergenia, known as elephant’s ears, an indispensable evergreen groundcover which sends up the most glorious flower spikes of pink, red, purple and white, according to variety.

Fabulous Forsythia

Find COMPAniOnSHiP And COnneCTiOn At Cofton PARk MAnoR, YOur WArM

And WelCOMing CAre HOMe in Cofton HACkE tt

At Cofton Park Manor, we believe that life here is about more than just care – it’s about companionship, shared moments, and building lasting connections. Every day is an opportunity to be surrounded by friends, create new memories, and enjoy the support of a closeknit community where you’ll always find a friendly face.

We know that companionship and community are essential to a fulfilling life. That’s why we focus on creating an environment where you can thrive, whether by enjoying activities with others, discovering new passions, or simply spending time with people who share your interests and bring joy into your life.

For those moments when you seek peace and reflection, Cofton Park Manor also offers quiet spaces to unwind. Our beautiful gardens, cosy corners for reading, and tranquil spots are always there when you need a break. But rest assured, when you’re ready for a chat or to share a laugh, the warmth of a friendly companion is never far away.

Our award-winning Homemakers are more than just caregivers – they are companions who take the time to understand your needs and provide support, kindness, and connection. Whether it’s through a warm smile, a heartfelt conversation, or lending a hand, they are always there to ensure you feel cared for and valued.

Cofton Park Manor is more than just a care home; it’s a place where you can enjoy the companionship and support of a vibrant community. Our home offers residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short breaks. We also feature the Monument Suite, a smaller, intimate space that provides a supportive environment for those who are beginning their journey into assisted living, whilst still being part of our lively community and all the experiences it offers. At Cofton Park Manor, you’re never alone. You’re always surrounded by people who care, who celebrate life with you, and who are here to offer you the companionship and connection you deserve. Come and experience our warm and welcoming home for yourself. Contact our friendly team to book your tour today on 0121 826 1455 or email enquiries@hamberleycarehomes.co.uk

Cofton Park Manor, 466 Lickey Road, Cofton Hackett, Birmingham B45 8UU

Ingredients

Unlike a traditional crumble that ideally needs to be eaten freshly baked before it goes soggy, this topping will stay crisp and can be made well ahead of time. Serves 4

For the crumble topping

• 50g walnut halves

• 130g unbleached plain ﬂour

• 80g demerara sugar

• 1⁄4 tsp ground cinnamon

• A pinch of sea salt

• 90g non-hydrogenated margarine, chilled

For the fruit base

• 500-600g fresh fruit, prepared weight (depending on the season, you can use mangoes, pears, apples, peaches, cherries or plums)

• 125ml water

• 6 tbsp agave or maple syrup

• 1⁄4 tsp bourbon vanilla powder or ground cinnamon

• 2 tsp lemon juice

Method

Preparation time 20-25 minutes

Cooking time 35-40 minutes

Recipe extracted from

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, fan 160°C, gas 4 and line a baking tray with parchment. Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes (you can also toast more nuts than you actually need, to use them as a snack). Take the nuts out of the oven, let them cool and then coarsely chop them.

2. In a bowl, combine the ﬂour, sugar, cinnamon and salt. Add the margarine and rub it into the dry ingredients until you get a ﬁne crumbly consistency without big pieces of margarine left. Now add the chopped walnuts. Spread onto the prepared baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, stirring it every 5 minutes to prevent uneven baking. Allow to cool and then store in a tightly closed jar.

3. Before serving the crumble, wash, peel, stone and cut your fruit into wedges. In case the fruit is very ripe and soft (this is especially the case with mangoes, peaches, apricots and pears), just blend them into a puree in a food processor or blender with the remaining ingredients. If the fruit is only fairly ripe or slightly under-ripe, put it in a saucepan and add the water (it should go 1 cm up the side of the pan), syrup and the vanilla or cinnamon. Cover, bring to a boil, lower the heat to the absolute minimum and simmer for 10 minutes, or longer if you want very soft fruit. Next, mix in the lemon juice.

4. Take a dessert glass and layer it generously with tablespoons of the fruit, then 3 tbsp of the crumble topping. Repeat with three other glasses and they’re ready to serve!

‘My Vegan Kitchen’ by Dunja Gulin, published by Ryland Peters & Small, price £16.99, with photography by William Reavell © Ryland Peters & Small.

● All plumbing alterations, improvements and installations.

● Central Heating repair, pump & radiator replacement.

● All electrical installations, re-wiring, showers, etc.

● Full bathroom fitment and expert tiling service.

● All estimates are free.

● Responsive,

Have you ever wanted to keep chickens?

These friendly birds have become really popular over recent years, meaning many people are switching from buying super market eggs, to keep their own hens.

Fresh Start for Hens is a not for profit organisation run entirely by volunteers, who rehome ex-commercial laying hens as well as any cockerels needing a home.

The egg industry, regardless of whether the hens are free range, barn kept or caged, send their hens for slaughter at 72 weeks when they become non viable for the farmer to keep. At around this age, hens go into ‘moult’ which is when they replenish their feathers and egg production stops while their energy goes into growing new ones. It can take 8 - 12 weeks before they start laying again.

FSFH work with farmers to prevent them going for slaughter. As layers, rather than birds reared for meat, they would normally end up in cheap meat products or as pet food.

FSFH hold re-homing days where volunteers open Collection Points (CP) across the country, so that people can collect hens to rehome.

There are many cogs in the FSFH ‘machine’ it all starts with our Chief Chicken liaising with farmers to book in when their flock is due to retire. Volunteer CP’s, drivers and admin all work behind the scenes to coordinate the logistics, to ensure the hens can get from their farm to the right home.

Rehomers have to submit pictures of their coop so that they can be approved before choosing a date and venue for collection and submitting a minimum donation per hen.

On the day of the rehome, the Farm Team get there in the early hours, as the hens are sleepy, and are less stressed being caught. Everyone has a job to do to ensure each hen gets on a van. FSFH NEVER leave a hen behind. The drivers then drive the length and breadth of the country to drop off the hens at each of the CP’s.

Once the hens arrive at the CP, they are unloaded and let out of the crates to be checked over and to stretch their wings. After a breather and some food, rehomers arrive to collect their hens, who will live out their life as a pet.

For more information on FSFH or to reserve your hens, please visit our website www.freshstartforhens.co.uk

our feet are our ﬁrst point of contact with the world, and yet too often we cram them into illﬁtting shoes and leave them until last when it comes to self-care.

From athlete’s foot to ingrown toenails, there are a variety of issues that can crop up as a result of poor foot care. So, what can you do to – literally – put your best foot forward, and how can you resolve any issues should they arise?

Our feet are our ﬁrst point of contact with the world, and yet too often we cram them into ill-ﬁ tting shoes and leave them until last when it comes to self-care. From athlete’s foot to ingrown toenails, there are a variety of issues that can crop up as a result of poor foot care. So, what can you do to – literally – put your best foot forward, and how can you resolve any issues should they arise?

Prevention is better than cure, so the best place to start is with your choice of shoe. A good pair of shoes should support and protect your feet, and allow natural movement when walking. Look for breathable fabrics, roomy toe-boxes, cushioned soles and low heels. Although wearing high heels once in a while won’t do much harm, long-term use has been linked to ingrown toenails and even arthritis.

Once you’re wearing the right shoes, keeping your feet in good condition should be fairly straightforward. Applying a moisturiser or foot cream daily will help prevent cracking, and using a pumice stone or foot file will tackle any hard skin that often appears around the heels. It’s also important to check your feet regularly for cuts, sores, redness or swelling – especially if you’re diabetic. This is because raised blood sugar levels can often lead to a reduction in blood supply to your feet, which means that cuts and sores may take a while to heal.

Once you’re wearing the right shoes, keeping your feet in good condition should be fairly straightforward. Applying a moisturiser or foot cream daily will help prevent cracking, and using a pumice stone or foot ﬁle will tackle any hard skin that often appears around the heels. It’s also important to check your feet regularly for cuts, sores, redness or swelling – especially if you’re diabetic. This is because raised blood sugar levels can often lead to a reduction in blood supply to your feet, which means that cuts and sores may take a while to heal.

When it comes to foot care, toenail trimming is key. The trick here is little and often. Experts recommend trimming your nails every six to eight weeks, cutting them straight across using clean, sharp clippers. The best time is when you’re just out of the bath, but be careful not to cut them too short. Ingrown toenails are often the result of overtrimming, and besides being extremely painful, in extreme cases, may need an operation to resolve.

the best solution, but it’s also important to keep your feet clean and dry in-between treatments.

Some foot ailments can be slightly more bothersome, however. Ledderhose disease is a rare condition that causes connective tissue to build up and create hard lumps on the soles of the feet. The growths aren’t cancerous but they can cause pain, especially when walking. Home remedies include wearing soft shoe inserts, stretching, massages and anti-inﬂammatory drugs, but doctors might also recommend surgery in more serious cases.

Although chiropody becomes more important as we age, taking good care of our feet also gets harder as we lose ﬂexibility. If you’re experiencing any aches, pains or symptoms in your feet, visit your local chiropodist who will be able to help diagnose any issues and advise next steps.

Athlete’s foot is another common foot problem, caused by walking barefoot in communal spaces such as gyms, showers or swimming pools. This fungal infection usually starts between the toes, causes signiﬁcant discomfort, itching and pain, and can even spread beyond the feet if not treated. Over-the-counter fungal creams are the best solution, but it’s also important to keep your feet clean and dry in-between treatments. Some foot ailments can be slightly more bothersome, however. Ledderhose disease is a rare condition that causes connective tissue to build up and create hard lumps on the soles of the feet. The growths aren’t cancerous but they can cause pain, especially when walking. Home remedies include wearing soft shoe inserts, stretching, massages and anti-inﬂammatory drugs, but doctors might also recommend surgery in more serious cases.

Healthy Happy Feet

Foot care within the comfort of your own home.

Nail Trimming and Reduction

Ingrowing Toe Nails

Removal of Corns and Callus (Hard Skin) Cracked Heels - Diabetic Footcare

Fully Insured

Your feet are in safe hands

Rebecca / Richard DipFHP

07878 746544

07981 888919

When it comes to foot care, toenail trimming is key. The trick here is little and often. Experts recommend trimming your nails every six to eight weeks, cutting them straight across using clean, sharp clippers. The best time is when you’re just out of the bath, but be careful not to cut them too short. Ingrown toenails are often the result of over-trimming, and besides being extremely painful, in extreme cases, may need an operation to resolve.

“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, whether direct cremation, traditional, contemporary, or somewhere in between, you can put your trust in us.

Teriyaki and Lime-Glazed Chicken Wings RECIPE

PreParaTion Time:10 mins

Cooking Time:40-45 mins

ServeS: 4

ingredienTS

• 2 tbsp rice flour (or substitute baking powder)

• 900g chicken wings - pat dry with kitchen paper

• 4 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 garlic cloves - finely diced.

• Thumb-sized piece of ginger - finely chopped.

• 4 tbsp light soft brown sugar

• 1 tbsp cornflour

• 1 lime - zested and juiced.

• 2 spring onions -sliced.

• 1 red chilli - remove seeds and chop finely.

• Jasmine rice to serve.

me Thod

1. Preheat the oven to 220C/200C fan/ gas 8.

3. spread the coated wings across the baking tray in a single layer. Bake for 20 mins.

4. While the chicken is cooking, make the teriyaki glaze. into a small pan add the soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sugar and 150ml water. Cook over a medium heat for 4-5 mins until the glaze is bubbling and slightly thickened. mix two tbsp of the glaze with the cornflour, then pour the mixture back into the pot, whisking continuously. simmer for 2-3 mins until thickened. squeeze in the lime juice.

5. Remove the chicken from the oven at 20 minutes and tip them into a bowl. Reserve a few tablespoons of the glaze and pour the rest over the wings, making sure they’re well coated. spread them over the baking tray again and return to the oven for another 20 mins.

6. When they’re cooked, remove from the oven, top with the reserved glaze, then sprinkle with the lime zest, spring onions and chilli. serve with fluffy jasmine rice.

2. Line a large baking tray with grease proof paper. Place the dry chicken wings in a large bowl. sprinkle over the rice flour or baking powder and mix well with your hands until the chicken wings are coated. season well with salt and pepper.

Arden Chimney Sweeps

A professional, reliable and friendly chimney sweep service based in the West Midlands, offering...

• A powered sweeping system

• A smoke check and Certificate of Chimney Sweep upon completion

• Chimney / flue inspections, cleaning and certifying

• Fitting of wood burners and chimney liners

Whether you have an open fire, a woodburning stove or an Aga/Rayburn, we can offer advice on how to safely heat your home.

For advice and appointments please call Andy Kirby on 07974 087 549 or email andy@ardenchimneysweeps.co.uk

Change one letter at a time (but not the position of any letter) to make a new word moving from top to bottom.

BULL

GREENFINCH JACKDAW JAY LAPWING MAGPIE PHEASANT REDSTART REDWING ROBIN ROOK SISKIN STARLING SWALLOW SWIFT TAWNY OWL WAXWING WREN

St Francis Youth & Community Centre

Sycamore Road, Bournville B30 2AA

All our groups and classes are run during term time, September 2024 - July 2025.

Community Coffee Mornings

Join us for our weekly drop in Art group 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: Sam Clifton, St Francis Centre on: 0121 472 7215 Ext 1 or email: enquiries@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.

Kings Norton Farmers Market

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

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.

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

Arts & Crafts At Hub On The Green

Wednesdays 2pm-3.30pm, free weekly art classes, drop-in, no booking required, everything is provided.

Stirchley Community Market Spring

Stirchley Baths, Saturday 15th March, 10am - 3pm

Save the date, we can’t wait to see you there!

Take The First Step, Men Walking And Talking

Quinton Walk, in front of Co-op, Quinton road West, B32 2RE

Every Thursday @ 7pm.

Beanboy Spaces Disability

Community Group

Friday, Woodlands Park Hall, B30 1HA.

Activities to try, non judgmental, accessible and inclusive, support for carers and parents, no pressure, free to be you, the real you!

£5 per child, parent/carer/siblings £2 each.

5-10 years: 5pm-6.30pm, 11-18 years: 7pm-8.30pm

River Rea Voices

The Village Hall, Longbridge Village, 2 Austin Way, B31 2FZ

Do you like singing and would like to join a fun and friendly singing group?

First session free, why not come & try out, all songs taught by ear, no experience required. For more info ring: 07734 950333, or email: riverreavoices@gmail.com

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, dog walking to lunch 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://kingsnorton.u3asite.uk/

Bournville Sports Crown Green Bowls Club. Established 1896

Our club has two Crown Bowling Greens, large clubhouse and car parking situated in lovely surroundings at the Cadbury Girls Grounds, entrance next to 150 Mary Vale Road, Bournville B30 2DH. With league or social bowling available seven days a week through the season March to October new members are always welcome to come along and give the sport a try. Our fully qualified Safeguarding Officer’s, Coach’s and Referee are able to help and advise what ever your needs. We arrange internal competitions and social events, also for the winter months a team to play indoor short mat games. 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.