Solihull Council’s magazine for residents Spring 2020 2 Your | Winter 2019 Welcome to the spring hope it’ll help people make new As always on pages 14 and 15, you edition of Your Solihull friends and not feel isolated. Read can find details of things to do in more about this exciting project on Solihull in our ‘What’s On’ section With the lighter nights and hopefully page 12. and the many events taking place warmer weather approaching, I in our parks. This includes a special hope many of you will be getting out Having a conversation is good for commemoration event to mark 75 and about to enjoy the wonderful everyone’s wellbeing and with the years since VE Day. surroundings Solihull has to offer. As a rise of ‘chatty cafés’ in the borough, keen cyclist, I am really pleased to see I hope this will encourage people to I hope that you we’re offering new opportunities for start them. It’s great to see different enjoy this edition adults to learn to ride a bike. Find out organisations getting on board with of Your Solihull – more on pages 8 and 9. this regional initiative to provide a safe please let us know place for people to meet up and have what you would The improved weather also means a chat over a cuppa. Learn more on like us to feature in that we’ll be able to progress work page 11. future editions. on our new armed forces community garden in Hillfield Park. This is fantastic This year we will be gearing up for Nick Page news for the borough as the garden three elections in May, so make sure Chief Executive will provide a place of relaxation and you’re registered to vote. Read more reflection for the serving military, about what you need to do and what veterans and their families. We also you’ll be voting for on page 6.

Contents

4-7 8-9 10 11 12 13 14 News Transport Fostering Chatty café Armed forces Spring clean Events round-up garden

Follow Solihull Council on

Facebook Twitter Instagram

Email [email protected]

Cover image: Gabrielle, Kaden and Amber, St Anthony’s RC Primary School Your Solihull | Spring 2020 3 Get active with leisure discounts News

Solihull Council and partner Everyone The card gives a 30% discount to Centre. It also gives people aged 75 Active have launched a new leisure people in receipt of certain benefits and over free membership off-peak card to help people on lower incomes off-peak at North Solihull Sports and free entry to foster carers and stay active. Centre and Tudor Grange Leisure other carers when they are with the children and adults they care for. Children in care and care leavers get free membership until they reach 25.

Pat Smith, aged 78, said: “I’ve been doing aqua aerobics three times a week for five years. I was really pleased when I found out about the new leisure card as I will save a lot of money.”

John Tandy, aged 80, added: “I have a really bad back so the aqua aerobics class is brilliant as I don’t feel any pain when I do it. The leisure card means I can go every week for free.”

For full details including off-peak times and benefits that are eligible, visit North Solihull Sports Centre, Tudor Grange Leisure Centre or go online at John and Pat at Tudor Grange Leisure Centre www.everyoneactive.com/centre

Phase 2 of School Streets Vélo is coming Play a part in #WM2041 under consultation

Vélo Birmingham & Midlands is Parents of children at Widney Junior, Everyday choices make a huge returning to the region on Sunday St Andrew’s Primary and Marston difference to the planet’s climate. 21 June. Green Junior schools, along with residents living close to these schools, Combined Authority Following a similar route to last are currently being consulted about is currently seeking people’s views year, organisers have made some the introduction of the Council’s on proposals to improve the region’s small changes to improve the rider innovative School Streets scheme. climate efforts and become carbon experience and minimise the impact neutral by 2041. of road closures. Representations will be considered over the coming weeks and if the To find out more about #WM2041 The new route will avoid the north proposals are given the go ahead, the and to have a say go to www.wmca. of the borough. Other changes are schools will see the scheme start org.uk/climatechange near Chadwick End and Illshaw after Easter. Heath. A new diversion has also been The deadline for sharing views is introduced to the south of Knowle For more information visit www. midnight on Thursday 12 and Dorridge. solihull.gov.uk/schoolstreets March 2020.

View an interactive map of the route here: www.velobirmingham.com

4 Your Solihull | Spring 2020 Bins with a difference News

Two special bright yellow cigarette bins are being trialled on Station Drive, Olton and Marston Drive in Kingshurst.

These are the borough’s first “Ballot Bins” which tackle the problem of cigarette butt litter. Funded by Love Solihull, the Council’s environmental initiative supporting local communities, the bins have been shown to reduce this type of litter by almost half.

Each bin displays a question and two answers. Smokers vote by putting their cigarette butt in the slots underneath their preferred answer. The litter stacks up behind the glass front, showing the more popular answer.

Chris Dunster, Chair of Solihull’s Talking Rubbish Steering Group which Chris with the ballot bin in Olton represents local litter picking groups, explains more about this quirky People are encouraged to come up If anyone is looking to stop smoking initiative: “It’s a fun way to encourage with something brief and light-hearted and needs support, go to www. people to bin their butts. Love Solihull that people can vote on. The results solihull.gov.uk/stopsmoking came up with the first question but will be published on Facebook – look we’d like suggestions from the local for the Olton Literary Litter Pickers or community in future.” Kingshurst Litter Pickers.

Council tax now online

Every year Solihull Council uses about Information about the new Council There are two steps to signing up. 320,000 sheets of paper to send out Tax Account will be included in the First, create a customer account on council tax information. That figure 2020/21 bill which households are set the Council website. In future this is set to drop as residents can now to receive shortly. can be used to access other online create an account to view their details Council services when they are added. online and sign up for paperless billing. Second, sign up for the Council Tax Account.

Once registered, residents can check their balance, make payments, set up a direct debit and switch to paperless billing.

Anyone wanting to sign up before their council tax bill arrives can do so by visiting www.solihull.gov.uk/ counciltax

Go online for a Council Tax Account Your Solihull | Spring 2020 5 Street Charter sets the standards News

Solihull Council has updated its Street Kenneth from the Solihull Vulnerable she was pushing him in his buggy. At Charter to support vulnerable road Road Users Group explains: “It is easy the end of the day, every pedestrian is users who have difficulty seeing or to dismiss the Street Charter as only a vulnerable road user, so this is vital hearing approaching traffic, or may for the benefit of those with a disability. for us all.” have decreased mobility. But when my guide dog and I had to walk into a busy road to get round a Read the Solihull Street Charter at The charter highlights good practice car parked on the pavement, so did www.solihull.gov.uk/improving- for local businesses and residents as my grandson and his mother when access well as the Council’s own services. This includes encouraging business owners to consider how advertising boards and street furniture (such as seating and bins) on pavements can cause difficulties for vulnerable road users. And residents are asked to be considerate when leaving their bins out.

Developed in partnership with the RNIB, Solihull Vulnerable Road Users Group and Solihull Association for the Blind, the Charter outlines the Council’s offer and commitments to planning, development and management of roads, walkways and pedestrian areas. Kenneth with his guide dog Klodo and the updated Street Charter

Get ready for the elections

Crime Commissioner (for the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner).

In order to vote in these elections, residents must be on the electoral register. If people voted in the last election and personal details have not changed, they will still be registered to vote.

To register, go to www.gov.uk/register- to-vote – applications must be in by midnight on Tuesday 21 April. Voting takes place on 7 May If in doubt about registration, check This year residents will be able to vote (for local Solihull councillors), Mayoral with Solihull Council’s Electoral Services in three different elections on Thursday (for the Mayor of the West Midlands team on 0121 704 6042 or email 7 May. These are the local elections Combined Authority) and Police and [email protected]

6 Your Solihull | Spring 2020 Cash boost for bereavement charities News

Since 2013, bereavement-related Solihull Council is part of the Institute Hood and Woodlands cemeteries, charities in Solihull have benefited of Cemetery and Crematorium the metals are sent to the ICCM. They from a share of £67,000 – money Management (ICCM) Recycling of recycle them and turn the value of the raised by the Council from recycling Metals Scheme. This means that recycled materials into money, which metals from cremations. when cremations take place at Robin is given to the Council.

Solihull Sands is the latest beneficiary of the scheme, receiving £8,000 to support families who have experienced stillbirth or a baby dying shortly after birth. It is the local branch of the national charity, specifically supporting people living in the borough.

Liz is a volunteer ‘befriender’ at Solihull Sands, helping people through this sad and difficult time. She said: “We are delighted to receive this donation. It will make a huge difference to the work we do and the support we provide to families going through bereavement.”

All of the materials recycled are only processed with the written consent of Liz with the donation for Solihull Sands each bereaved family.

Learning about the bulbs and the bees

School children across the borough across the borough. As well as Wildlife Ways is a £16.8 million have been planting bulbs as part of bringing a splash of colour in the project – part-funded by the European Wildlife Ways – a project which aims spring, the crocuses, daffodils and Regional Development Fund. to make Solihull greener for the benefit snowdrops will support pollinating For more information visit www. of people and wildlife. insects, such as bees, which have wildlifeways.co.uk been in decline in recent years. Pupils from Monkspath Junior & Infants, St Anthony’s RC Primary, St Augustine’s Catholic Primary and Yorkswood Primary planted the bulbs with help from staff from the Wildlife Ways project and Solihull Council in Babbs Mill Park, Hillfield Local Nature Reserve and Tudor Grange Park.

The bulb planting activities gave the children the chance to learn about bulbs and the environment – and have some fun too.

In its first year, Wildlife Ways has Gabrielle, Kaden and Amber from St Anthony’s RC Primary School in Babbs Mill Park already seen 2.7 million bulbs planted Your Solihull | Spring 2020 7 Strategy gets people moving Special

Cycling and walking are recognised as wide cycling and walking strategy is from this will be used to help shape important ways to reduce congestion, currently being developed. the emerging strategy. improve air quality and enhance physical and mental health. In February a draft summary of the To find out more about the Solihull document along with a questionnaire Cycling and Walking Strategy Both have the real potential to was shared with Solihull residents. visit: www.solihull.gov.uk/ enhance the vibrancy and special solihullconnected character of Solihull. The questionnaire sought to better understand some of the barriers to Let’s take a look at what is already To support the borough’s climate cycling and walking and help identify being done to encourage cycling and change agenda and transport strategy some priority areas for investment in walking in Solihull... ‘Solihull Connected’ – a new borough- cycling infrastructure. The feedback

Step into Solihull

Solihull Active offers a range of walks New volunteers are needed for the For more information go to: depending on people’s current level of walking programme. Anyone who www.solihullactive.co.uk/ activity. Find out more about the Step enjoys walking and can regularly walking-in-solihull into Solihull walking programme here: attend sessions could help existing www.solihullactive.co.uk/walking-in- volunteers to lead walks across solihull the borough.

Making ways to get around

One of the ways the Council is trying The £16.8 million project – part- to encourage people to walk and cycle financed by the European Regional more is by making it easier and Development Fund – has already more enjoyable. created nine kilometres of shared paths. Over the next couple of years Wildlife Ways started in earnest a year another 14 kilometres of cycle routes ago and part of the project aims to and shared paths will be made. encourage people to walk and cycle across the borough. It’s doing this by This is in addition to giving wildlife a enhancing existing paths and creating much needed boost through planting new shared paths. trees and flowers and improving open spaces.

Find out more at www.wildlifeways.co.uk

8 Your Solihull | Spring 2020 Gearing up to cycle

Free cycling activities are on offer at a to take my daughter out and get her support from the qualified instructors new Bike Hub, based at North Solihull cycling too.” Sarah’s confidence is building Sports Centre, thanks to the Active each week. Communities initiative led by Solihull Sarah admits her first attempt at Council and The Active Wellbeing cycling was ‘shocking’ because she Learn to Ride sessions take place Society in Birmingham. had no balance and had never been on Thursdays at 1pm. For more on a bike before. “It can be quite information search ‘adults learn The weekly Learn to Ride sessions embarrassing as an adult to admit to ride’ on Facebook or email and leisure rides are aimed at you can’t ride,” she adds. “But you’re [email protected] beginners, people wanting to increase never too old to learn.” And with their cycling confidence and those The Bike Hub is delivered by the Big who don’t usually get the chance to Bike Project and funded by cycle. The Active Wellbeing Society is Sport . looking to train volunteers within the local community to enable groups to access the equipment.

Sarah from Kingshurst has been along to the free Learn to Ride session for adults. She explains: “I can’t drive so I thought I’d give the sessions a try. When I’m better at this I want

Sarah learning to ride Your Solihull | Spring 2020 9 Fostering milestone for Solihull woman

Susan, 63, has been fostering for in. This shows them that I trust them “I have been approached by many Solihull Council for three decades and, and they respect me for that, which different fostering agencies but I’ve along with her partner Bob, has cared gets us off to a good start.” never been tempted to stray from the for hundreds of the borough’s looked Council. I feel safe and supported and after children. Abdul Malikzada, 27, who was have a great working relationship with fostered by Susan said: “Susan took the fostering team – this has been Talking about how she came to care of me when I needed it the most consistent during my 30 years as be a foster carer, Susan said: “My and made me into a caring, sensible a carer.” mother fostered children after I had person. When I came to the UK 13 left home. I was training to become a years ago I had nothing and no-one. When asked if she’ll continue police officer and saw a poster about She gave me so much love.” fostering, Susan commented: “If I fostering in the police station. I realised still have as much enthusiasm as I that looking after children was what I Thomas Randall, 38, who was also do today, I’ll keep going until I’m 70! wanted to do in life.” fostered by Susan added: “Massive Being a foster carer has been the congratulations to Susan on most rewarding role I could have In recent years, Susan’s placements celebrating 30 years as a foster carer. imagined and I would thoroughly have tended to be teenage boys, and I had the privilege of being raised by recommend it to anyone considering she says she wouldn’t have it any her and she made me the gentleman I starting that journey.” other way: am today.” If you think you could foster for Solihull “All they want is for someone to care Susan says that her staying power is Council, please call 0121 788 4253, for them and provide them with a nice largely due to the support that she has visit www.solihull.gov.uk/fostering home environment. I always give them received from Solihull Council over and sign up to the Stay Connected a key to my home, no matter what the years: bulletins at www.solihull.gov.uk/ circumstances they have come to me stayconnected

10 Your Solihull | Spring 2020 Foster carer Susan Chatter and natter

Owen with Amy Hubbard from Solihull BID, at the Chatter & Natter table

Conversation is important for Manager of Paramo Lounge, explains The scheme is looking for more cafés everyone’s wellbeing. Research by why they got involved and how the across the borough to sign up. To find Age UK shows that keeping socially scheme works. the nearest Chatty Café or to join the active helps maintain good physical scheme go to: and mental health and also supports “We support a number of initiatives thechattycafescheme.co.uk thinking skills. to help community connections and our staff are encouraged to talk to Local high streets and cafés are customers so it’s easy to do this. It What to do at a Chatty Café places that bring people together. But costs our business just £10 a year and sometimes people need a bit of help we got a welcome pack with Chatter • Look for the Chatter & to make new connections. & Natter posters, stickers and signs. Natter table and sit there. We always have one Chatter & Natter The Chatty Café scheme is table near the front door but not • Stay and have a drink. encouraging businesses to offer everyone notices the blue sign which ‘Chatter & Natter’ tables, providing explains more about the scheme. • It’s not about making people with somewhere to have a friends. It’s just about conversation. So far, 15 local cafés “I talk to people who use the table having a conversation. have signed up, supported by the and see if they’ve come in for a chat. West Midlands Mayor and Solihull BID. One day two older ladies came in separately, sat at the table and started Paramo Lounge on Solihull High Street a conversation. That’s what we’re hosted the local Chatty Café launch hoping to see more of.” last year. Owen Dobson, General

Foster carer Susan Your Solihull | Spring 2020 11 Garden gets the green light

Elaine, Albert and Lloyd on the site where the armed forces community garden will be created

Veterans and their family members, It will involve turning a barren Local resident Elaine Butler, President local schools and other members of patch of land into a usable outdoor of and Birmingham the community will soon benefit from space that will be unique to the Royal British Legion County, has a place of remembrance and reflection borough. There will be seating areas, been a strong supporter of the bid for in Hillfield Park. planters, disabled access pathways, funding. She added: “The Royal British herbaceous borders, colourful plants Legion is here to help members of the The Council has been awarded and tall grasses. Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air £20,000 to create an armed forces Force, veterans and their families every community garden thanks to a grant D-Day veteran Albert Price lives near day of the week. We have listened to from the Armed Forces Covenant to the park in Monkspath. He said: the needs of these people and their Fund Trust. “This is really wonderful news. I shall feedback has been incorporated into look forward to seeing the garden take the garden design. This garden will As well as being a peaceful sanctuary, shape and walking down to the park be a huge benefit to the whole armed it is hoped the garden will also be to enjoy the new surroundings.” forces community so I’m delighted somewhere to help people overcome that it is being created in one of our isolation, as it will provide a welcoming Lloyd Bagshaw is currently a Senior local parks.” place to meet up and interact Warrant Officer with the Army Reserve with others. and is a keen advocate of helping Ground work on the garden will take military personnel with their physical place over the next few months with The Council’s environmental initiative and mental needs. He thinks the the planting set to commence in the Love Solihull drafted the garden’s garden will be a huge benefit saying: summer, weather permitting. initial concept, with support from the “These people put their lives on the Royal British Legion, local veterans line for our country, so it’s important Keep an eye out for updates on the and serving personnel, army medical we support them. I personally know project by following Solihull Council teams and local community groups. that having a place to relax and reflect and Love Solihull on Twitter will be most welcome.” and Instagram.

12 Your Solihull | Spring 2020 Get involved with the #GBSpringClean

It’s that time of year again – the Great During last year’s #GBSpringClean it’s a great way to socialise and it British (GB) Spring Clean is back! Solihull Council supported 49 also removes hazards for wildlife. volunteer groups, community groups, With 2,000 bags done here at Castle This spring clean is on a slightly larger parish councils and businesses to lead Bromwich Litter Pickers we’re very scale than cleaning behind the sofa on their own litter picks. Since then keen to help with this campaign and though; with the campaign for 2020 the Love Solihull team has supported hopefully we’ll be hitting 3,000 encouraging people to get out and even more community groups to bags soon!” about in their community to help keep establish regular litter picks in the country beautiful as we head their community. Love Solihull also supports groups towards summer. who are wishing to litter pick on a One of these groups is the Castle regular basis throughout the year. The campaign, organised by Keep Bromwich Litter Pickers, who have They can help any groups that want to Britain Tidy, will take place from 20 just picked their 2,000th bag of litter get involved and can offer assistance March until 23 April. In 2019, over in just over two years. This is an with the organisation and promotion of 563,163 people nationally, including amazing achievement and shows their events, or with a loan of equipment. 175,055 students, volunteered their commitment to keeping the borough time to take part – the biggest clean. They meet at the Crafty Cow If anybody is interested in setting up number ever. craft shop on The Green in Castle their own litter-picking event please Bromwich every Monday at 1.30pm. get in touch with the team for more The Council’s Love Solihull team details by emailing is proud to be taking part in Ian Whittle from the group said that [email protected] #GBSpringClean for another year, they were “delighted” to be involved which aims to inspire people to with the #GBSpringClean campaign: work in partnership with community “The Spring Clean campaign is so organisations, businesses and schools important in cleaning up our borough. Elaine, Albert and Lloyd on the site where the armed forces community garden will be created to collect litter from Britain’s streets. Litter picking helps our environment,

The Castle Bromwich Litter Pickers in action Your Solihull | Spring 2020 13 GoA cracking crackers line thisup of Christmas events Events

Martin, Ken, Kerrie, Karen and Nicola get ready for the VE Day celebrations

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of with refreshments also available at Dizzy Duck Race is at Babb’s Mill VE Day, Solihull Council, along with the Rugby Club, Royal British Legion Local Nature Reserve (LNR) on local businesses and community and elsewhere on site. Visitors can Wednesday 15 April. Pick a duck groups, is having a party – and bring picnics and enjoy the street party and follow its progress along the river everyone’s invited! The event takes atmosphere. Entrance to the event is as it races towards the finish line. place in Shirley Park, Saturday 9 May, free with charges for some attractions. Registration starts from 10.30am and 12 noon – 7pm, with contributors the race starts at 11am. It is £1 per including Shirley Lions, Royal British In April, two Easter events return to person per duck, with prizes for the Legion, Camp Hill Rugby Club, the keep children entertained during the first three finishers. Friends of Shirley Park and Extracare. school holidays. For more information visit www. Entertainment includes performances The Easter Egg Hunt at Elmdon solihull.gov.uk/events. Alternatively, from bands and artistes throughout Park moves from its usual date of why not subscribe to the Stay the day; an event arena with dance Good Friday to Thursday 9 April, Connected news bulletin for regular and military displays; children’s 11am – 3pm. Follow the trail to updates on events taking place in activities; community stalls; treasure win a chocolate egg and enjoy Solihull? Simply visit www.solihull.gov. trail around the park and 1940’s entertainment including rides, Punch uk, click on the Stay Connected icon themed demonstrations and and Judy shows, face painting and at the foot of the home page, follow workshops. The Mayor of Solihull will crafts. Entrance is £2 per child and the the instructions and select ‘Events’, officially open the event. event takes place by the car park on along with any other topics which may Tanhouse Farm Road. be of interest. Digbeth Dining Club will be serving the finest locally-produced street food,

14 Your Solihull | Spring 2020 What’s On Dates for the diary

March April May

Don’t Panic! Parkridge Centre events Robert Wilkinson’s Funfair The Core Theatre The Parkridge Centre, Brueton Park Meriden Park Thursday 5 March Weekdays from Monday 6 – Friday Thursday 7 – Sunday 10 May 7.30pm 17 April inclusive Weekdays, 4pm – 8.30pm The nation’s only tribute to the long Various times Sat & Sun, 1pm – 8.30pm running hit comedy television series, Join Warwickshire Wildlife Trust at Rides for all ages, chances to win Dad’s Army. Ideal for all audiences, these Easter events, suitable for prizes and refreshments. £1 per this light-hearted, laugh-along, sing- children aged 0-6. Entrance is £4 person admission – children’s rides along comedy show is a sure fire per child. For more information cost £1 each and adult rides except hit with audiences young and old. email [email protected] the bumper cars are £1.50. For more Tickets: £21 or to book tickets go to www. information email robertwilkinson888@ warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk gmail.com Grassland Management Brueton Park LNR Spring Craft Fair VE Day celebrations at the Sunday 8 March High Street and Mill Lane, Solihull Core Theatre Times to be agreed Saturday 25 April Friday 8 May, times tbc Join the Conservation Volunteers 9am – 5.30pm Street party-themed activities for this in maintaining local green spaces This market showcases the work of specially created VE Day holiday, on alternate Sundays. For more local artists and jewellery designers, including music from The Boogaloo information, visit www.solihullcv. as well as artefacts from overseas. Babes, plus food and much more! For org.uk or to register, either email Clothing, garden furniture and street accurate timings and full details, visit Martin, Ken, Kerrie, Karen and Nicola get ready for the VE Day celebrations [email protected] or ring Dave food are also available. For more www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk Fernie on 0121 459 1697. information, visit www.sketts.co.uk The Woof Run Wild Food Foraging Digbeth Dining Club Brueton Park LNR Elmdon Park Malvern Park Sunday 17 May Saturday 21 March Saturday 25 April 12 noon – 3pm 12 noon – 3.30pm 12 noon – 7pm Organised by St Basil’s, this sponsored Session includes introductory talk, Digbeth Dining Club returns to obstacle course for dogs and their foraging walk and light lunch. Cost is Solihull, offering the best local street owners features numerous wet and £50 per adult, £25 per child aged 12- food traders, fully stocked bars and muddy challenges. Registration is £10 16 and free for under 12s. For more resident DJs playing all day! For more per dog with proceeds going to St information and to book visit information and to book tickets, visit Basil’s. For more information visit www.wildfooduk.com digbethdiningclub.com www.stbasils.org.uk/solihullwoofrun

Markets The Farmer’s Market is on the High Street and Mill Lane in Solihull town centre on the first Friday of each month, 9am – 5pm. 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 about www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk visit www.solihull.gov.uk/events events across the borough sign up at email [email protected] www.solihull.gov.uk/stayconnected or call the box office on 0121 704 6962. Your Solihull | Spring 2020 15 16 Your Solihull | Spring 2020