Solihull Council’s magazine for residents Winter 2018

Your | Winter 2018 1 Recycling and rubbish Christmas collection arrangements

Over Christmas and New Year some There will be no collections on recycling and rubbish collections will Tuesday 25 December, Wednesday be affected. 26 December or Tuesday 1 January.

Residents whose collection day is a Normal collections will resume from Thursday or Friday will not Wednesday 2 January. be affected. Details of alternative collection For those who have collections on a arrangements for these days are Tuesday or a Wednesday, the shown below. collections will be affected.

Affected collection day – Tuesday Alternative collection arrangements

Tuesday 25 December – recycling and rubbish Friday 21 December – recycling Saturday 29 December – rubbish

Tuesday 25 December – rubbish Saturday 29 December – rubbish

Tuesday 1 January – recycling and rubbish Saturday 29 December – recycling and rubbish

Tuesday 1 January – rubbish Saturday 29 December– rubbish

Affected collection day – Wednesday Alternative collection arrangements

Wednesday 26 December – recycling and rubbish Wednesday 2 January – rubbish (extra will be taken) Wednesday 9 January − recycling and rubbish (extra recycling will be taken)

Wednesday 26 December – rubbish Wednesday 2 January – rubbish (extra will be taken)

Please make sure that all extra tree suppliers offer take-back For more information including what rubbish is bagged. There is no limit schemes for used Christmas trees can be recycled, extra rubbish on the amount of recycling that so please check with the supplier collections, opening hours for is collected. when purchasing. People can also Bickenhill Household Waste take used trees to Bickenhill Recycling Centre and how to Please ensure that rubbish and Household Waste Recycling Centre. dispose of various Christmas items, recycling is out by 7am on visit www.solihull.gov.uk/ collection day. Please be aware that Bickenhill wasteandrecycling Household Waste Recycling Centre The Council will be unable to collect will close early at 2.30pm on real Christmas trees from the Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. kerbside this year. Some Christmas

2 Your Solihull | Winter 2018 Welcome to the Winter have turned their passion for walking I would like to take this opportunity to Recycling and rubbish edition of Your Solihull along the borough’s footpaths into wish you all a very Merry Christmas making them more accessible and and a healthy and happy New Year. Christmas collection arrangements With the colder weather upon us welcoming for people to use. This time of year does sometimes we’ll be making sure our vulnerable mean that people feel lonely or and older residents keep warm and Elsewhere, on pages 8 and 9 read isolated, especially older people and well. The winter warmth helpline is about our local unsung heroes who those living with health conditions. available once again for people to have been presented with Civic Why not embrace the season of call if they need help with staying Honour Awards in recognition of all good will and call in on them to say warm this winter. Find out more they do within Solihull to make it a hello or stop for a cuppa and chat? about this valuable service on page better place. 7 and how one local resident has I hope that you enjoy this edition of already benefited. As always, there are plenty of events Your Solihull – please let us know to enjoy over the festive season. what you would like Many people across the borough Read more about what’s happening us to feature in volunteer their time to help improve on page 14. You can also find details future editions. our local area which is really of things to do in the borough over pleasing to see. On page 10 the next three months in our ‘What’s Nick Page discover how a group of ramblers On’ section on page 15. Chief Executive

Contents

4-7 8-9 10 11 12 13 14 News Civic Solihull Wildlife Falls Fairtrade Events Honours Bramblers Prevention

Follow Solihull Council on

Facebook Twitter Snapchat Instagram

Email [email protected]

Cover image: Christmas carol singers Your Solihull | Winter 2018 3 Vélo visits Solihull News

The UK’s second biggest closed The event is also an important charity General entries have sold out, but road cycling event returns to the fundraising platform; in 2017 over Vélo & Midlands 2019 region on Sunday 12 May 2019. £2 million was raised for charities has reserved places for residents including Cure Leukaemia, NSPCC, to join in. All abilities are welcome... Bigger and better than before, an Alzheimer’s Society and Queen and lycra isn’t compulsory! Please epic new 100 mile route will take Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, email [email protected] for 17,000 riders on an unforgettable which all remain as headline charity information. More info at journey through the . partners in 2019. www.velobirmingham.com

Starting in the heart of Birmingham City Centre, the new and improved route will travel through the heart of the 2021 Capital of Culture, Coventry, over the cobbled roads surrounding the historic Coventry Cathedral.

Riders will then travel through Solihull and Warwickshire’s stunning countryside, panoramic views, picturesque villages and iconic climbs, cheered on by tens of thousands of residents lining the streets, before heading off back to Birmingham via Quinton.

As well as growing the event, organisers are aiming to make it one of the UK’s most female friendly sporting events by increasing the number of women taking part to 50% by the time Birmingham hosts the Commonwealth Games in 2022. Andy gears up for the race

Apply now for a school place Temporary pool closure Extended access to GPs

Parents of children living in The swimming pools at Tudor Evening and weekend appointments Solihull, who were born between Grange Leisure Centre are at GP surgeries are now available for 1 September 2014 and 31 August temporarily closed until March 2019. all registered patients across Solihull. 2015, can now apply for a reception school place. This is for an essential maintenance GP, nurse, and healthcare assistant project to resolve an ongoing appointments can now be accessed Applications are also open for issue with the poolside tiling. Other on weekdays until 8pm, weekends, children transferring from an infant to upgrade work will also be carried and bank holidays, from extended a junior school. out – giving users a much improved access hubs. experience when the pools reopen. Apply online at To book an evening or weekend www.solihull.gov.uk/pp before the All other areas of the centre will appointment, contact your closing date on 15 January 2019. remain open as normal – including GP practice. the newly-refurbished gym. Find out more about this new For more information, see Everyone service here. Active’s FAQs page here.

4 Your Solihull | Winter 2018 Help reduce suicides News

People are being encouraged to sign the ‘Solihull Zero Suicide Pledge’ as part of the Council’s action plan to reduce suicides in the borough.

Natalie Duxbury explains why she has signed the Pledge: “I lost my best friend to suicide in 2015; in circumstances still to this day none of us understand or will ever get over.

“I was so naive with regards to suicide, until that day rocked our Natalie encourages others to sign the pledge world forever. The ripple that suicide casts is devastating not just for The Pledge has a link to online “Mental health is fixable; suicide families, work colleagues and friends training and support to help people isn’t. I encourage people to take but for everyone that knows spot the warning signs in others and the Pledge and training so they are that individual.” signpost them to help. aware of the warning signs.”

The Pledge is all about looking Natalie added: “We need to Individuals and organisations can after family, friends and colleagues, normalise the subject of mental sign up to the Solihull Zero Suicide becoming more aware of any health and in particular suicide, so Pledge at concerning changes and asking that people aren’t afraid to speak solihull.mylifeportal.co.uk/zerosuicide if they are ok. Quite often a simple openly about how they truly feel on conversation and signposting those the inside rather than the day-to-day in need to local services can make a facade they project and get very real difference. good at. Report crime online Residents can now report all non- A Live Chat facility is now available It is managed by the same highly emergency crime and incidents on the force’s website, meaning that trained contact handlers so the online for the first time – thanks to instead of calling 101 people can public can be confident they will a new service launched by West receive exactly the same service by receive the help they need – only Midlands Police. visiting WMP Online. quicker. The average Live Chat is being answered in just a few minutes.

Live Chat also brings huge benefits to the deaf community and for vulnerable users who feel uncomfortable reporting crimes over the phone. And it offers real time language translation, enabling visitors to chat in their own language.

Access the Live Chat facility at www.west-midlands.police.uk

Log on to live chat Your Solihull | Winter 2018 5 Solihull remembers News

To commemorate the centenary of In tribute to those who gave their legacy left by those who fought the end of the First World War this lives in WW1 and other conflicts and died. year, many events and exhibitions since, a series of ‘There but not have taken place across there’ Tommy statues have been The Council has installed permanent the borough. unveiled in Solihull, symbolising the statues at Robin Hood Cemetery and Woodlands Cemetery, which people are welcome to visit.

Residents are also invited to see the Solihull Remembers exhibition at The Core, which features the names of all the Silhillians who were involved in the conflict and details some of their stories.

Visit the displays in the Heritage Gallery on the first floor of The Core until 2 February 2019.

The life stories of Silhillians who served in WW1 can also be read on the Solihull Remembers website: solihulllife.wordpress.com

Tommy statue at Woodlands Cemetery

Subscribe for digital

For people who are reading this To sign up, simply go to www. Residents can sign up to receive copy of Your Solihull in printed solihull.gov.uk/stayconnected and email bulletins about other Council format, remember there is the choose the ‘Your Solihull’ topic. services too. opportunity to sign up for an electronic copy to read online.

This move into the digital age means that residents can receive their own individual copy of the magazine, which will be sent straight into their email inbox.

The Council is always reviewing what it does in order to offer value for money to local tax payers. Now it has the means to send the magazine digitally, the print run has reduced to make a saving.

Read Your Solihull online

6 Your Solihull | Winter 2018 Keep well this winter News

Winter can be a tough time of practical assistance to residents at has made a life changing difference year. With wet, windy weather risk from the cold. It’s not just for to us. I am very ill and if I don’t keep and plummeting temperatures, it’s those who are older or unwell but warm it makes my condition far important to remember that help is for anyone who needs help staying worse. When our boiler broke down always at hand in Solihull. warm this winter. we were given an electric blanket and heaters for each room. We also Solihull’s Winter Warmth Helpline Christopher explains how he and his had help getting funding for our offers free advice, information and wife Patricia have been helped: “It new boiler.”

Trained advisers can advise on debt and bills, benefits and grants, energy efficiency and can help find a tradesperson for emergency repairs. The Helpline can also supply emergency heaters if the central heating breaks down and there is a vulnerable person in the home.

Set up by Solihull Council and Age UK Solihull the Helpline is available on 0121 704 8080, 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

More information and top tips for keeping warm this winter can be found at: solihull.mylifeportal.co.uk/ winterwarmth Christopher happy to be warm this winter Save money by switching Switch ‘n’ Save is a scheme which Solihull Switch ‘n’ Save last year and To register with Solihull Switch finds cheaper gas and electricity saved around £300 a year. The ‘n’ Save visit www.solihull.gov.uk/ by using the power of whole process is really easy so I switching or call 0121 704 6000 collective bargaining. would recommend people try it and before 11 February 2019. Residents see how much money they can will find out after 25 February if they Solihull Council has managed the save too.” can get a better deal. scheme since October 2015 and has saved residents a staggering £619k – averaging £268 per household per year.

The next round of switching opens on 4 December 2018 and it’s free to register to find out if the scheme can save people money, with no commitment to switch.

Local resident Peter Ogden said: “I switched energy suppliers with Peter Ogden and Dexter

Your Solihull | Winter 2018 7 Solihull Civic Honours 2018

In October the borough’s unsung people who have helped to make the The winners were invited to receive heroes were recognised at the community better. The judging panel their awards from the Mayor of eighth Solihull Civic Honours of councillors, officers, community Solihull, Councillor Flo Nash, and the awards ceremony. group representatives and sponsors award sponsors. The ceremony also were then left with the tough task featured a performance by Sing! - a Over recent months Solihull of reviewing the nominees and community choir from Bentley Heath. residents were invited to nominate selecting this year’s winners.

Dr Chithra Ramakrishnan - The Mayor’s Award sponsored by Touchwood Dr Ramakrishnan is the Founder and Artistic Director of ShruthiUK. She is recognised for her exceptional care whilst dealing with people with dementia, autism and other health issues. She also actively engages, educates and empowers socially deprived and underprivileged women and children to experience Indian dance and encourages a healthy lifestyle.

Mohammed Rashid - Community Involvement Award sponsored by Birmingham Airport Mohammed has been a Parish Councillor for 17 years in total, serving 10 in Smith’s Wood and the last seven years in Castle Bromwich. His nomination recognised how he goes above and beyond what is expected of a Parish Councillor. He is well respected by all the community for his kindness, support and tirelessly helping those in need at home and overseas.

Friends of Damson Parks Group - Community Involvement Award sponsored by Xoserve The group was started six years ago because local people were tired of the park having no formal pathways. After much hard work, in April 2018 the group achieved their ambition and there is now a public footpath all around the park, which is widely used by many people in the community. The committee has also installed flower beds and a sports wall.

Friends of Solihull Station - Community Involvement Award sponsored by Hogarths Hotel & Restaurant This group was formed in October 2016 and ranges in age from 21 to mid-70s. Over the last two years they have made a huge difference to Solihull Station and its community. Their aims for the future are to provide a sustainable project for the cleared, disused platform that includes art/ sculpture and establish a higher profile in the community and with rail users.

Lee Fletcher - Making a Difference for Young People Award sponsored by Genting Arena Lee has been outstanding in creating facilities at the school where he works, Kingshurst CTC. He has been instrumental in the construction of a mock WW1 trench on the school site, which thousands of school children have been able to visit. He also established the school as the first Children’s University Learning Destination in Solihull.

8 Your Solihull | Winter 2018 Special

Stephen and Caroline Bickerton - Creative Arts Award sponsored by NEC Group Amateur dramatics company Peterbrook Players has put on productions at The Core for over 30 years. Stephen took over as Chairman when the company was in difficulty and has driven it onward with care, attention, passion and love. Throughout, he was supported by his wife, Caroline. After they were nominated for this award, Stephen passed away from skin cancer. The award was presented to Caroline and their children.

Mikey Akers - Inspirational Young Person Award sponsored by Kate & Co Mikey has grown up with verbal dyspraxia. This condition left him unable to make himself understood to anyone outside of his family until he was eight years old. At age 13, he set up Mikey’s Wish to raise awareness of verbal dyspraxia. He also raises money to support other children with additional needs. He does this by selling merchandise, holding non-school uniform days, cake sales, and pub quizzes. He has raised over £8,000 so far.

Samuel Bowden - Inspirational Young Person Award sponsored by Specsavers Samuel became a young carer at the age of 10. He helps his family care for his brother, who has ADHD and autism. Samuel, who has Tourette’s, spends his spare time as a Peer Mentor for Carers Trust Solihull. He is involved in other community based activities including supporting families of children with autism, and is a young leader at his local scouts group.

Val and Tony Shaw – Sport Award sponsored by DM & Co Val and Tony have dedicated over 42 years to Solihull Swimming Club for the Disabled. Beginning as volunteers they have gone on to be committee members, trustees and patrons. They remain active with the weekly sessions by helping out in the pool, acting as stewards and assisting the lifeguards. They also arrange events for members including away days, holidays and parties.

Paul Archer - Sport Award sponsored by Midland Eye Paul has been a coach at Solihull Amateur Boxing Club for over 18 years. He is an exceptional Head Coach and is also fully qualified as a judge and referee. Through his outstanding commitment to coaching boxers, Paul has instilled the ethics of discipline, respect, and fairness to his charges. He has also extended a warm welcome to many young asylum seekers in temporary housing in the area.

Your Solihull | Winter 2018 9 Doing it the right way

A group of local residents with a From installing kissing gates and Bypass towards Old Berry Hall. passion for walking on the borough’s repairing fencing to cutting back Since then, they have continued to beautiful footpaths are now helping hedges and litter picking, they do meet up once or twice a month to to maintain them too. whatever is needed to make the carry out clearance work which they footpaths tidier and more accessible discover needs doing while out on Solihull Bramblers, part of the Solihull for people using them. their walks. Branch of the Ramblers Association, meet up each month and carry The group have been together for One of the group’s most recent out different types of work to help over seven years – their first outing projects has been clearing the improve public rights of way. was clearing a path from the Solihull footpath and installing a kissing gate at Hob Lane, Barston.

Adam Pearce, a founding member of the group, explains: “We love walking in Solihull and elsewhere, but sometimes some of the paths across country can be a bit tricky to navigate. This is where it all started. We realised that we could do something to help improve them.

“When we come across an overgrown area or see a fence that needs repairing, we report it to the Council and discuss whether it’s a project we can take on.

“Sometimes we need to work with the Rights of Way staff on construction projects like gates and bridges, but sometimes we can just go out by ourselves, take our shears and trim back any overhanging branches.

“It’s great to be able to do our bit for the community while getting out in the fresh air and socialising with people. No matter how big or small the job is; it’s a real sense of achievement when we’ve finished and seeing the difference it’s made.”

If people would like to join the group they can contact the Solihull Bramblers. Visit www.solihullramblers.org.uk for more information.

Discover the many designated walks in Solihull by visiting www.solihull. gov.uk and searching ‘walks’.

Les, Mike, Helen and Adam at Hob Lane

10 Your Solihull | Winter 2018 Walk on the wild side

Work is underway to make Solihull this, the quality and health of our Local resident Cheryl Hunt said: “The greener and give woodlands some woodlands would decline. work done at Elmdon Park earlier much needed love and care thanks this year for the Habitat and Nature to two projects taking place across Building on this success, work also Improvement Project has made such the borough. starts this winter on Wildlife Ways. a difference. The paths have been This is a three year programme to improved and some of the trees The Habitat and Nature Improvement connect up and improve existing have been cut down, letting in much Project continues apace with eight routes, allowing wildlife to flourish needed light for the wildflowers to more woodlands being managed and encouraging people to walk and grow. This is wonderful for walkers over the winter. Traditionally cycle across the borough. and wildlife alike – even in the rain!” woodland management has used heavy horses and tools, The programme will improve 69km of Find out more about the Habitat but given the scale of the work existing footpath and cycle networks and Nature Improvement large machinery will be used to and introduce 23km of new footways Project at socialsolihull.org. get things done before birds start and improved access for cyclists. uk/peopleplacenature or email nesting. The project will ensure [email protected] better conservation for 121 hectares Routes will be planted with native of habitat, including woodlands, wildflowers and trees and link to For more about Wildlife Ways, sign grasslands and wetlands - that’s existing green spaces. This will up for email bulletins by visiting about 200 football pitches! be via shared footpath/cycle ways www.solihull.gov.uk/stayconnected wherever possible. The project will and selecting ‘Wildlife Ways’ or email Initially the woodland management also improve the range and quality [email protected] work may look quite severe, but it of wildlife in 56 hectares of parks is necessary in order to protect the and open spaces for the benefit of Both projects are part-funded by the long term future of the wood and its everyone - that’s another 90 European Regional trees, plants and animals. Without football pitches! Development Fund.

Cheryl out walking in Elmdon Park

Your Solihull | Winter 2018 11 Reduce the risk of falling

Liz Tomkins is feeling safe in her fantastic service that I didn’t know Here are some top tips: home for the first time in three existed for people who are not social years. And it’s all thanks to support housing tenants. It literally made me 1: Be safe at home. 6 out of from Solihull Community Housing’s feel safe. Everyone needs to know 10 falls happen in the home or Wellbeing Team. about the Home Hazard checks!” garden. Be aware of trip hazards such as clutter, worn carpets Mrs Tomkins, 69, is unsteady on her Mrs Tomkins’ situation is a familiar and loose rugs, poor lighting, feet and has poor eyesight. It’s been one. A third of people over the damaged driveways and dangerous for her to get around the age of 65 and half of those over loose paving. house, especially when having a 85 have a fall every year. Falls can shower as she was holding onto the cause serious injuries and long term 2: Be Active. Regular exercise shower head. complications. However, a large can improve balance, muscle number of falls are preventable and strength, mobility and help After several falls she contacted there are plenty of things people can maintain bone strength. Solihull Community Housing to do to reduce the risk of falling. ask for help. They carried out a 3: Tell someone. Even near Home Hazard Assessment and For more information about misses, loss of balance and trips recommended equipment to help preventing falls download this leaflet are important warning signs. Mrs Tomkins around the house. or visit Solihull MyLife Friends, family and GPs can They also fitted grab rails in the provide help and support to bathroom and outside the back door. Click here for information about make sure a fall doesn’t Solihull Community Housing’s happen again. Mrs Tomkins said: “I am absolutely Wellbeing Service or call thrilled with the work carried out and 0121 717 1515. 4: Have regular health checks. can’t praise the staff enough. It’s a Eyesight and hearing tests, medication reviews and foot care help ensure that people remain steady.

Mrs Tomkins at home

12 Your Solihull | Winter 2018 Ready, steady, bake!

Why not join Diya Pal and other Fairtrade campaign. The borough To find out more about the cake-off brilliant bakers and passionate has had Fairtrade status since 2010. competition, Fairtrade Award and pâtissiers from across the borough Over 25 businesses in Solihull have the Fairtrade campaign please go to to battle for the coveted Fairtrade joined the Fairtrade campaign, which www.solihull.gov.uk/fairtrade cake-off crown? ensures farmers and workers from the developing world are treated Diya’s favourite recipe This year’s competition date is 23 fairly. February 2019 when contestants Rich chocolate torte bring along their creations to the Diya, a dedicated cake maker and Serves 10 Gallery at The Core for judging. All Fairtrade supporter, urged fellow the cakes have to have a minimum of cake makers to chill their butter, sift 170g Fairtrade dark chocolate two Fairtrade ingredients. their Fairtrade flour and get baking! (70% cocoa) 75g unsalted butter There is also a Fairtrade Award. “Baking is a lovely thing to do 4 eggs This is given to the entrants who and the result makes people very 30g plain flour present information about Fairtrade happy. Using Fairtrade ingredients 1 tsp Fairtrade ground ginger in an interesting and engaging way. just means I know the farmers and This can be anything from posters, producers are getting a fair deal, so Decoration: booklets to poems that accompany everyone is happy. Handful of raspberries the cake entries. Icing sugar “Join in the fun and start practising Fairtrade cocoa powder Now in its sixth year, the competition for next year’s cake-off now!” aims to raise awareness of the Prep time: 20 mins Cooking time 15 - 20 mins

1. Preheat oven to 180˚C. Grease a 9 inch cake tin and line it with greaseproof paper.

2. Break up chocolate and put it in a heatproof bowl with the butter. Set bowl over boiling water. Leave to melt. Then remove from the heat and stir until smooth.

3. Meanwhile beat the eggs and sugar until mixture has increased in volume.

4. Add the chocolate mixture and fold it in. Gradually sift the flour and ground ginger, folding it in until well combined.

5. Turn the mixture into the prepared cake tin. Bake for 15 - 20 mins or until top of cake feels firm to touch. Leave to cool in the tin.

6. Remove the cake from the tin and peel away lining paper. Decorate the cake with raspberries, icing sugar and cocoa powder. Former cake-off winner Diya

Your Solihull | Winter 2018 13 ‘Tis the season Events

Join Leyla, Sally, Mandy, Rachel and Ben for carols in the park

Have a merry little Christmas in Wolf Entertainments presenting their Christmas would not be complete Solihull at these festive events. first at The Core – Sleeping Beauty. without a market, which this year Performances start on Friday 14 takes place in the town centre Father Christmas will be making December through to Sunday 6 from Wednesday 19 to Sunday 23 a special appearance in Meriden January. There will also be a special December. Solihull Festive Feast, Park on Sunday 2 December from relaxed performance to welcome organised by Solihull BID, features a 12pm to 3pm. Take part in a festive theatre fans who may find the usual range of food and drink stalls as well treasure trail and craft activity before experience uncomfortable, such as a free outdoor cinema. Visit meeting him in his grotto to receive a as people on the autism spectrum, www.solihullbid.co.uk for small gift. No need to book, entrance those with dementia or other more details. £1 per child. conditions. Find out more and book tickets at And finally, join fellow residents for Christmas in the Park returns for www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk a carol service in Shirley Park on another year on Sunday 9 December Christmas Eve. Organised by Solihull from 12pm to 3pm at Brueton Park. From 17 November Santa will be in Christian Fellowship (pictured above) Visit Father Christmas in his grotto his magical grotto in Touchwood. the outdoor carol service starts at and receive a small gift. The event Taking residence until Christmas 5.30pm (meet on the terrace of The includes a festive treasure trail, craft Eve, he will be showering the Bridge) – wrap up warm and bring activity and a carol service from region’s lucky boys and girls with lanterns, torches and singing voices! 1pm. Reduce queueing time by early Christmas gifts. Children booking a time slot in advance on dreaming of a white Christmas will To find out more about events taking 0121 704 8000 - £3 per child. also be able to play in the fake snow place in Solihull visit throughout the Christmas season, www.solihull.gov.uk/events or sign up Did someone say panto? Oh yes as the Snow Pit opens its doors in to receive regular email bulletins at they did! This year marks the start Poplar Arcade. Visit www.solihull.gov.uk/stayconnected of a new era of pantomime in www.touchwoodsolihull.co.uk to find Solihull with award-winning Little out more.

14 Your Solihull | Winter 2018 What’s On Dates for the diary December January February

Scrub Control Paul Jones and Dave Kelly The Girl from Tiger Bay Sunday 9 December Wednesday 16 January, 7.30pm Thursday 7 February, 7.30pm Babbs Mill Local Nature Reserve The Core Theatre The Core Theatre Join the Conservation Volunteers Enjoy a live acoustic set from the Telling the unique story of Dame in managing the scrub in Babbs founding members of The Blues Shirley Bassey’s incredible rise to Mill. For more information visit Band. As well as performing their stardom and her magical career www.solihullcv.org.uk or to register own original material, there will spanning 65 years. Using powerful email [email protected] be music from some of the greats live performance, narrative and including Howling Wolf, John Lee footage, this is a truly unmissable Fine and Local Food Fayre Hooker and Sonny Boy Williamson. show. Tickets: £17 Saturday 15 December, 9am-5.30pm Tickets: £22 High Street, Solihull town centre Dad’s Army Radio Show Pick up some Christmas treats and A Viennese Strauss Gala Tuesday 12 February, 7.30pm gifts as this monthly market makes Tuesday 29 January, 7.30pm The Core Theatre a festive appearance. Offering The Core Theatre Based on the classic BBC sitcom seasonal arts and craft items, as well Recreating the romance of the by Jimmy Perry and David Croft, as top quality produce from home Viennese Festive season, this two actors play 25 characters in this and abroad. popular show features some of the brilliant staging of three classic radio great operettas of the Strauss family, episodes based on favourite scripts Shoppers Haven Kalman and Lehar, including Die from the original TV series. Christmas Outdoor Cinema Fledermaus, The Merry Widow and Tickets: £18 Monday 10 − Saturday 22 December, many more. Tickets: £21 Various times, Mell Square, Solihull Let’s Hang On town centre Gaelforce Dance Thursday 21 – Friday 22 February, Bring the family and make a day of Wednesday 30 January, 7.30pm 7.30pm, The Core Theatre it at the ‘Shoppers Haven’, where The Core Theatre This critically acclaimed production Christmas classic films will be shown A spectacular mix of traditional highlights the prolific career of in an outdoor marquee. Drift away in and contemporary Irish dance ‘Rock n Roll Hall of Famers’ and nostalgia with Miracle on 34th Street music, this show expertly weaves still one of the most successful or laugh out loud at Home Alone, intricate choreography, thundering bands in pop history, Frankie Valli there are movies to suit all tastes and rhythms, enchanting melodies and & The Four Seasons. Prepare to ages. Free to attend. Find out more a compelling storyline into a stirring be blown away with breath-taking at www.solihullbid.co.uk tale of love, passion and tragedy. vocal performances and outstanding Tickets: £22 musicianship. Tickets: £24

Markets The Farmer’s Market is on the High Street and Mill Lane on the first Friday of each month, 9am – 5pm, and the Fine and Local Food Fayre takes place in Mell Square on the third Saturday of each month, 9am – 5.30pm. For more information visit www.sketts.co.uk

For The Core Theatre events visit To find out more about park events To receive regular email bulletins www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk or visit www.solihull.gov.uk/events about events across the borough email [email protected]. sign up at www.solihull.gov.uk/ uk or call the box office on stayconnected 0121 704 6962

Your Solihull | Winter 2018 15 Don’t be a chlam-idiot You could have the most common STI in the UK* and not know it

Get tested FREE with Umbrella

 Solihull Clinic  Chelmsley Wood  You+ Umbrella at Boots, Primary Care Centre Chelmsley Wood 7 Mell Square, 34 Crabtree Drive, Shopping Centre, Solihull, Birmingham, Birmingham, B91 3AZ B37 5BU B37 5TT

Or order your self-testing kit online umbrellahealth.co.uk/yoursol

*Source FPA 16 Your Solihull | Winter 2018