Solihull Town Centre Chaplains - One of my first engagements in my Mayoral year had been to the AGM of the Churches Industrial Group. Their chaplains go out into the workplace and, although their work is to offer spiritual guidance where needed, it can also be a tremendous asset for people who have just experienced a trauma in their life or where they may be in despair or need help in some other way. They are an important resource in the town centre and, on the Monday morning, I went to the Hub in Touchwood to talk to them about their work in the business community. We had a lively conversation for an hour.
Back in the Civic Centre, I was able to present to Derek Tilford his Civic Award, as he had been unable to join us at the main event last week. Derek has had a long history of helping retired
Derek and his wife, receiving the award
servicemen through his active involvement with SAAFA. Of course, Derek said it was not really him, but the team that is with, and behind him, that does all the work. Of course it is..
Several meetings this week to talk about the project the Mayoress and I have in planning to encourage schools to take more interest in civic affairs. More about that another time….
On the Thursday, the Mayoress and I received Solihull Rotarians and spouses, partners and guests, as a thank you for all their help and support during the year. In the evening, we went to Warwick University to hear students from the North Solihull Federation (Coleshill Heath Primary School, Fordbridge Community PS and Windy Arbor P S) tell us the results of their research into how we should be designing and building our schools. Very impressive presentations and reports they had produced for 10-11 year olds! Something to take note of!
What was Flemings Hotel? An official opening for a superb new homes project on the Warwick Road in Olton, for Solihill Community Housing. Originally a site purchased by a private developer, but following the collapse in the housing market, SCH were able to acquire new social homes for rent and shared equity purchase. The Borough has a long waiting list for homes and we need to see many more projects like this one. SCH is an ALMO (=arms length management organisation). It manages the Borough’s “Council Housing” stock and has proved itself well since it was set up about seven years ago.Now at first sight, our next two events would seem to be a bit contradictory, to say the least. After the opening of the above new project, we went to the studio in the Arts Centre for the official launch of SIAS (Solihull Integrated Addiction Service), the new Borough’s new integrated service to tackle those affected by alcohol or drugs. It brings together all the public and third sector services. When I went to the Bridge in Chelmsley Wood, I was already impressed by the way they were working together and offering individual targeted treatment to those affected, in holistic way. This time, however, I was frightened by the sight of a pickled liver,what happens when you drink too much. There is a message also that a lot of damage can be done by even a small amount of alcohol. But then we were off to the Shirley Round Table Beer Festival, at Camp Hill Rugby Club. Oh dear, how bad that must sound. Except that we do need to apply some common sense to it all. It is the extremes of behaviour that do the damage, and addiction that causes the problem. Tasting good quality beer, of which RT had a lot on tap, is an enjoyable pastime. The message has to be about moderation, as well as, in my opinion, keeping some days of the week when you stay”dry”. RT are great people that enjoy good company, have fun, but help others have fun. Binge drinking, for example, is a practice that bears absolutely no relationship to it.
TS Gamecock - I wanted to know what the Sea Scouts actually did on the water, so to speak. We went to see them train at Olton Mere on the Friday evening. There was Laser sailing, canoes, and even a row boat, for four oarsmen and cox. We went out in the little power boat, to watch the cadets perform, then had a go at the rowing. Chainless, of course. What great opportunities for the young people and fun. This is a very impressive organisation.
Sunday was Meriden Rotary Club’s “Jazz on the Lawn” at Meriden Hall, with the Heart of England Jazz Band, all in favour of CLIC Sargent, supporting children with cancer and their families through difficult times. The weather held for us all and there were many picnics being enjoyed to the sound of good music.
- With Jayne Maugham, President of Meriden Rotary Club
Vice Pres Len Cardwell & Keith McDavid, Pres of Knowle & Dorridge R C, promoting ShelterBox
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