South Birmingham 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.

For those residents receiving this magazine for the first time in Edgbaston, I hope you enjoy this well loved local magazine which has been in distribution now for 20 years. If you have any community groups or local associations you would like added onto the Community Pages at the back of the magazine, please get in touch'.

Until next time,

Wendy

It’s more than just an apartment, it’s a whole new lifestyle.

We offer quality facilities to enhance your independence and low maintenance lifestyle. Above all we offer a safe and secure retirement providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

You can even Move for Free - Pop in and discover how great retirement living can be. Commemorate D-DAY 80 th Anniversary with us Events in May

Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm To find out more contact us on

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.

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.

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.

Read Easy Birmingham South West

Reading is a basic requirement of everyday life and a skill we take for granted.

People who struggle with reading may also struggle with writing and have quite limited spoken vocabulary. The National Literacy Trust estimates that in England over 9 million people of working age, more than 16% of the population, have poor literacy skills. The North East (23%) and West Midlands (22%) have the highest percentage of working age adults with very poor literacy.

Those who struggle to read are 5 times more likely to be unemployed; find it difficult to trust others; are less likely to take part in community life; and often have worse mental physical health than others. At Read Easy Birmingham South West we offer free, confidential oneto-one coaching to adults who want to learn to read. A Reader and their Coach meet for half an hour at a time, up to twice a week, in a local library or other public building.

The training I received from Read Easy UK gave me the confidence to ‘give it a go’. It has been a real joy to work with David, my reader. He has not only made great progress but we’ve had some great chats along the way. It’s been a really rewarding experience. I have gained so much from it!”

Read Easy Birmingham South West will grow as fast as volunteers come forward to train as coaches and to help an adult in their community for whom learning to read can be life changing.

As people discover that they can read their selfesteem grows. They realise new opportunities are now open to them. After a year of studying with one of our coaches in Kings Norton library Laura (not her real name) was able to pass her entrance tests to the police force and join up. Fiona, a coach says: “At first, I was anxious about whether I’d be able to teach someone to read. I had never done anything like this before but I need not have worried.

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.

“Each £1 helps support our patients and their loved ones every day - whether that’s at the hospice, in their own homes, or in the local community”

“Your £1 will help us to create special moments and lasting memories”

“Every

“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.

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.

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.

Community Pages

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.

Weoley Hill Wine Circle

We meet at Weoley Hill Village Hall once every 2 months on a Saturday evening at 7.30pm. New members are always welcome, and if you are not sure you want to join right away, you can come along to up to 2 meetings as a guest. If you would like to join the mailing list to find out about future meetings, email Mick Danks: mick_danks@hotmail.com

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.

Cotteridge Misfits Music Ensemble

For adults playing any instruments grade 1-8. Guided by professional leaders, rehearsals, concerts and socials. Register your interest and your first lesson is free. For dates, times and booking info visit: Misfitsmusic.org.uk/c-misfits, or email info@misfitsmusic.org.uk, or call us on 07458 36508

Allens Cross Community Centre

Eat and socialise at our Lunch Club. Toast, 2 course lunch, entertainment and transport. Monday & Tuesday, 10am-1pm, only £10/session.

Call the office on: 0121 478 3310, or email: info@allenscrosscommunity.co.uk

Please call to book your transport if needed.

Rag Dolls WI

Join us at Beacon Church Centre, Whetty Lane, Rubery, B45 9DL. Every first Thursday of the month at 2pm.

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. Cost £2. 0121 475 7521.

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

Kings Heath Cat Rescue

We are desperately in need of volunteers to help support our fundraising team. We get offers of food etc but struggle to collect it, so we would love drivers who could spare the odd hour here and there to get in touch. Any help with events would also be great.

Kingsheathcatclub@outlook.com

Parent Carers Wellbeing Group

Meet other parent carers and talk to a member of the Family Carers Team at Northfield Leisure Centre, B31 2PD, in the Community Room.10am-12pm on the 3rd Thursday of the month. April 18th, May 16th. Free tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided. For more information, call 0121 442 2944

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

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.

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

Community Pages

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

Stone And Wood Carving

Make your own garden sculpture, we welcome people to join us all day on Tuesdays outside in the garden at Selly Oak Quaker Meeting House, B29 6NB. Usually someone with some arts or technical background, no normal teaching but we will help and support newcomers and have tools to use until you want to buy your own. For more details, www.shapeshifters.org uk, or google Shapeshifters Sculpture Group

Pink Sou’westers (originally South West Birmingham LGBT group)

Offer three accessible, affordable, inclusive, non-scene activities and events both online and in person, every month. All LGBT+ people welcome, regardless of age or area of residence. To find out more, contact: pinksouwesters@gmail.com

Rainbow Voices LGBT+ Choir

We rehearse weekly at Longbridge Retirement Village. No audition necessary, all welcome. Two concerts and guest appearances each year. For more information, contact: info@rainbowvoices.org

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