W / C Monday 25th April

Bonnets at Temple Balsall

Easter Monday and the traditional day for Easter bonnet parades. We were invited to the Lady Katherine Leveson Home at Temple Balsall to do the judging and, as usual, it was very difficult picking just one or two winners out of so many that were very deserving. However, we were pleased to be able to spend time with the residents and talk to them at leisure. The sun was shining and a variety of activities had been laid on for everyone.

Royal Wedding Breakfast Club at Sunrise Living off Dog Kennel Road 

The Sunrise Breakfast Club has been running now for over two years and it was set up to encourage local business people to network within a relaxed surrounding: charity speakers are encouraged, to raise awareness of their particular cause or charity, and over £100 is raised each month in the process for their causes. First of all, however, there was a guestspeaker who gave us a bit of insight into the economy.  Then, it was the turn of the MS Society.  Chairperson Celia and (fellow Meriden Rotarian) Bob, their Treasurer, talked to us all about the work that they do. 100,000 people or more in the UK suffer from MS and the symptoms and problems can vary from person to person, in some cases taking years to develop. The local branch of the MS Society give support to local sufferers, with grants, respite arrangements and days out, among other valuable work that is done.

Workers’ Memorial Day

Workers’ Memorial Day is held on 28th April every year, all over the world, to commemorate those lost in ” accidents ” at work, or through work related illnesses, such as asbestos related conditions. However, it is also there to serve as a rallying cry to remember the living, and as a reminder that a failure to adopt safe practices in the workplace can result in death and injury. There were a number of speakers. The need for greater enforcement was stressed, although the current spending cuts may well make this much more difficult. I spoke of the need for a total culture of safety awareness in the workplace. My management meetings began with the safety agenda at the beginning, and I made sure that I spent one day each week on site visits, which included a strong safety element. I recalled my horror one day at going up a ladder and thinking, if I am worried about this, then so must everyone else. Wreathes were laid, words of remembrance were spoken. The stone memorial itself is in Brueton Gardens.

Street Party at Forest Oak School

When attending the SWANN family day, last week, we had been invited to join the two schools, Forest Oak and Merstone, at their day of celebration and fun. We were also able to look over this sparkling new school, one of the latest in the Borough to be built. Specialist needs are looked after here in the most wonderful way and we felt privileged to be able to meet so many of the students and staff.

Solihull Secondary Schools – Cross Country & Athletics

The beautiful new Smith’s Wood Sports College was the venue for the Awards Evening organised by the Solihull Secondary Schools’ Athletics Association.  The achievements of some of these young people were formidable, not only on behalf of themselves and their schools, but also for the Borough in the Midlands context and even at national level. One award was for six years achievement. The cross country is certainly one of the more demanding types of athletics

Street party in Meriden with the Rotary Club

Nothing mayoral to do on the Friday morning of the Royal Wedding, so we went along to Meriden to help our Rotary Club prepare for a street party at the Queens Head. The Club is promoting two events:-

• “Jazz on the Lawn” at Meriden Hall.  SUNDAY 22ND MAY – A fabulous setting for a relaxed afternoon of music, and fun events, in aid of charity. CLIC Sargent is this year’s charity, giving support for children and their parents whose lives are devastated by cancer
• “Megaride” at the Queens Head, Meriden. This started originally as an event for motorcycle enthusiasts, but has many other attractions as well, including classic cars and is just a good day out for everyone. See the separate poster.

St Alphege Church Fair

The first event of the Saturday: some coincidence, meeting up with a Rotarian from my home town of March, who was one of the two colourful street jesters! St Alphege Church had some inspirational displays of local places, people and culture. One exhibition was of Touchwood, with a theme of how the retail world can give a place for thought for others in the materialistic world in which we live; also a manuscripted linen book setting out a piece of data for every ward in the Borough. We visited for the first time the little Chapel of St Francis, tucked away, with beautiful stained glass windows and design: the rector of the time had filled it with earth to prevent the ravages of Cromwell. Even for those who are not particularly religious, there was some fascinating history and culture on display. Outside,  the Mothers’ Union had a stall with home made cakes and jams. We were all entertained by the Green Man Morris Men.

Football afternoon – Solihull Moors F C vs. Gainsborough

Our first visit to the Club and I gather the first visit of any Mayor to support the local team that have done very well this season and were at one point close to being promoted to the Blue Square premier league.  The Mayoress and I both very much enjoyed the game in comfortable surroundings.  The Club is a local asset and I would hope would get more support from the community and the public. I was  very pleased to present, on behalf of the Club and supporters, two cheques to charity: Acorns Hospice, and to the Prostate Cancer Charity. The former manager, Bob Faulkner, was lost to this disease and I was privileged to meet his wife who helped with the cheque presentation.

W / C Monday 18th April

Not a very busy week, quite a relief after the last one. The first engagement was on the Tuesday and we represented the Borough in Birmingham at the installation of the new Sheriff of West Midlands, Mr David Grove OBE. Onn the following day,  we attended the Smiths’ Wood Family Celebration Day, organised by SWANN (Smiths Wood Are Neighbourhood Network). This was a very worthwhile event, dedicated to improving neighbourhood engagement, to help make sure that the Regeneration programme actually delivers what people want. There were some fun activities for the community and for children, but also some very informative displays by fire officers, park rangers, the Royal Navy recruitment team, youth service police and several of our officer advice teams.

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Opening of the Therapy Garden at Solihull Hospital

This project started about ten months ago, when Senior Nurse Rachel undertook the task of trying to improve an under-utilised patch of land outside the Stroke Ward, for a garden to help those who had suffered a stroke become rehabilitated. Maybe a bench or two. Maybe. Ten months later, over £30,000 has been raised and there is a therapy garden that combines colour, beautiful planting, water feature, artistic timber work in spectacular fashion.

Whilst we were at the hospital, the Mayoress and I spent a lot of time talking to those that had suffered and the improvement that was visible, after appropriate treatment, was very marked.  After a stroke, victims lose the loss of many of their bodily faculties, depending upon how quickly after the stroke they are reached and treated. The setting of this garden will be vital in the rehabilitation process, but will also be a helpful place for relatives and friends to spend a few moments, when visiting, which can be a very traumatic time for them also. Everyone we spoke to said how wonderful the staff are. During our visit, we also became acquainted with another charity “Pets as Therapy”. Obvious really, I suppose.

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Good Friday – the Walk of Witness

Across the country, on this day, people take part in this act of worship, following the cross, in an act of witness to their faith. This was the turn of the Mayoress and me; after a hymn and prayers outside St Alphege, we walked to Mell Square, in brilliant sunshine, for more hymns, a dance display and prayers, then went back to St Alphege, retiring to the Oliver Bird Hall for coffee and a hot cross bun. I am afraid my thoughts were not just on faith but on the course of life today, as we walked past open shops, shoppers and a roundabout. Someone said to me that, whatever one’s belief in spiritual matters, it is concerning that for so many the new god is a material one, the need to buy to feel better, and the cult of self.

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St George’s celebration in Dudley Town Centre

We went for a couple of hours during the morning to support one of our nearby Mayor’s civic events; a very traditional celebration, in many ways, but one that was very rich in culture and history as well. The town hall was open for viewing, where there was a large number of historical displays. I was interested in a map, marking (with red spots) the places in Dudley that were involved with the glass making industry in the nineteenth century. Well over one hundred. The celebration was officially opened by the Mayor of Dudley, there were the usual patriotic songs and music led by Maggie O’Hara, followed by a day long programme of events, including marching bands, Sherwood legends, Morris dancing, and George and the Dragon. Dudley does have some fine buildings and heritage.  Dudley Castle stands over the town and you can actually see it from the Mayor’s seat in the Council Chamber, if a committee room door is left open.

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Easter at Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens

A beautiful sunny day to pay a visit. The volunteers all do a sterling job in maintaining and improving this marvellous piece of heritage. The flowers in the Lady Bridgeman Garden were looking pretty and the apple tree orchard was in blossom, with many historic varieties of my favourite fruit.

 However, judging Easter bonnets is bound to be always a tough call for the Mayoress and me, but the beautiful setting of Castle Hall Gardens in the sunshine all helped to make this a really charming event. . Many people had obviously spent a lot of time making some really pretty bonnets and hats.

W / C Monday 11th April

The week commenced with detailed briefing meetings on the activities of our Arts and Library services and some ideas on how we could collaborate more with our French twin town Cholet, which has already produced some very valuable exchange ideas between a large number of schools.   In the Parlour, we received Swedish visitors from the “greenest town in Europe” (Vaxjo). Relations between a whole number of schools in Solihull and Vaxjo have been thriving in recent years.

Aston University Convocation

This was the AGM of the convocation and it was very interesting to hear the reports of the university’s activities during the year and how it was coping with the financial climate, 10% having been taken out of costs.   Research work is massively important for them.  Whilst the university will be charging the maximum £9000 allowed, they are also active in offering help to the less financially provided students. There is an important emphasis placed on employability and I was delighted to hear that eveyone is offered a language course, free of charge, because employers want that. The green and renewable agenda is big business, as you would expect, and it is evident that the university has a thriving “entrepreneurs” society

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Cholet 

Our twin town has about 65,000 inhabitants and is situate about thirty miles south of the Loire river. The Mayor had been invited to visit Solihull, but due to a number of work commitments (he is also a depute / elected member in the French parliament), he was not able to come. I was therefore invited to make a visit to Cholet, in order to continue the good progress that was being made in collaborative activities.  I went with the Mayoress, with no officer support otherwise.  It was non-stop from the moment we arrived until we left, apart from an hour to walk into the town to buy a hat on the Saturday morning before we left, to be told by the hat seller that we had just been on breakfast television.  I tried to do most of my work and speeches in French, apart from the Cultural presentation, which I insisted be done with a translator, to ensure nothing important was lost.

We had arrived on Wednesday 13th April at 6.15pm. There was a small reception at 6.45pm with the Cholet team, followed by dinner, when we talked about the programme and what was expected of it.

On the Thursday, an addition was fitted into the programme, with a 9am question and answer interview for the Cholet website.  We then met  at a local business school with six members of the Rotary Club of Cholet Mauge, to discuss a  work exchange  project.  A visit to the official Rotary meeting followed, at which I gave a speech about Solihull and the possibility of links. Afternoon with a couple of members being shown Saumur and a tourist project.

On the Thursday evening, we joined the Mayor and colleagues for a visit to the teams involved in the carnival float construction. They have a couple of warehouses dedicated to this!  Then, we went to launch the cycle race for the Carnival and I officially  lifted the flag to start the race. We walked along the course to talk to spectators and cyclists and then welcomed the winners to the stage at the finish,  at about 10.30pm.  (The race is about 90k, 50 laps around the town, with 100+ participants).  It is interesting to see the massive support that the municipality and local people give to their carnival.

On the Friday morning,  we met at 9am in the Civic Centre to discuss cultural issues and how we could collaborate more. I did a presentation and then the Cholet team did their own presentations, which were long, comprehensive and  impressive. We looked round the multi-media library. They seem to have most things on-line. I think Sheila and I managed to front the Solihull side very well and the Cholet team seemed delighted and proud to have us there.   At 11.30am, we attended the official reception at the Hotel de Ville. Speeches by the Maire, the Regional Government representative, then myself. Some of this seems to have been televised. In the afternoon, we visited the visual art building, ludotech (games library), Conservatoire, Museum of Art and History, the building site of the beautiful new theatre Saint Louis.  These were all again very impressive facilities. In the evening, we joined M Bourdouleix at the Basketball match, which sadly Cholet lost. Apparently, the team is funded by the municipality, the players being professional. After the game there was a supper in an enormous marquee, with about 600 attendees. I was again asked to say a few words, which caused a moment of panic, as I was not sure that my French was up to another impromptu talk with no preparation, but I kept it short and the function ended at 10.30pm.

There have to be good possibilities of further collaboration.  In the arts field, they have amazing facilities. The conservatoire, for example, must be a great place to work and study. We really ought to explore further the areas of joint working on music, drama, dance and art. There  was great interest in the need to get children and young people involved in arts, as a means of avoiding anti-social behaviour and to increase inclusion.  The ludotech was a fascinating concept, a library of toys and a place for parents and minders to come with their children.  In the museum, there was an elaborate exhibition of the history of French schools. We also saw a couple of art exhibitions, one was actually painted cardboard, cheap, but effective. Education could be the real winner. The French put such an emphasis on students having employer and language experience and there is no shortage of people wishing to come to England to study.   We returned to Birmingham on Saturday, a long journey and arrived home in the evening

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ANZAC Commemoration Service

On Sunday morning (17th April), we went to represent the Borough at the annual ANZAC Commemorative Service at the Commonwealth Military Cemetery at Brocton in Cannock Chase. We laid a wreath.  Large numbers were in attendance.  Apart from the casualties on the battlefield that subsequently died of their wounds here, it seems the biggest killer was the influenza epidemic. One of the many gravestones took my notice: that of a sixteen year old soldier. Normally, the rank would be described, but instead, the stone just said “boy”.  A veteran who joined me as I was looking at this said that he had never ever seen that description before.

W / C Monday 4th April

More delightful visits from groups of children from St Alphege School began the week, the early part of which was actually dominated by my last complete meeting of Full Council, which was a long one, as expected, with another use of the casting vote.

One matter that I have become involved in is the Solihull Festival Trust, originally as Mayor, although officially he would properly be patron only. A number of people feel that a town, the size of Solihull, should have a bigger festival. Solihull Rotary have done a magnificent job over the years and organise some of the events themselves. It is felt that the Solihull Partnership could have a greater role. It is hoped that progressively more events can be run and that “Festival fortnight” could be a major entry in the calendar, as well as be an attraction for the town and the community, and be of great cultural and educational value.

The Mayoress and I visited a rock and pop event, organised by Solihull Music Service, at the Solihull Moors Football Club, to hear more of our young people display their music talents. The Music Service do a great role in helping our young people gain self confidence and experience working in groups.

On the Thursday, a quick call into the Lady Katherine Leveson Primary School in Temple Balsall to say goodbye to Anne Byrne the Head; her last day  - she will now be moving to take up a position in my native Fenland.    A reception for the Past Mayors followed in Civic Suite and it was good to see many of my predecessors, some of whom I had never met before.  Darleston Town Hall was the venue in the evening for the Mayor of Walsall’s Charity Variety Show. The building had been recently refurbished and boasts a splendid pipe organ which dominates the stage. We were entertained by Jack Williams on Xylophone, Beryl Briscoe, the Black Country Nightingale, Mervyn Jones, the organist with comedian compere Doug Parker.

W / C Mon 28th March 2011

The week commenced with a discussion over tea with Magda Bloom and her husband. She had been such a moving speaker at the Holocaust Memorial Day event and had given a graphic account of her persecution by the Nazis, who murdered her family. She  had talked at length of her dreadful time in concentration camps (including Auschwitz)and railway journeys.   The evening talk about ShelterBox is covered elsewhere in this Blog.

Baddesley Clinton

On the Tuesday, we were invited to attend the AGM of the National Trust, Solihull Centre, which does vital work in support of the NT properties at Baddesley Clinton and Packwood, as well as NT activities elsewhere. These are two of our favourite places and it was good to hear that so much is being done locally to support them,  and add that extra attention and work.  We had an interesting talk by the Head Gardener of Packwood on the restoration of the kitchen garden, of which I had been unaware, as well as the problems caused by badgers to the (Sermon on the) Mount. An amazing alternative home was constructed for them nearby, part of which was funded by this branch of the NT.  Anyone interested in the National Trust would do well to look at what the Solihull Centre does. They hold a number of activities locally, but they are a productive way of knowing more about the NT and the local properties.

Packwood House

Some of the Apostles, listening to the sermon

Different view of Packwood

The first of three groups from St Alphege Infants School visited us on the Wednesday and it was as enjoyable as ever explaining to them about the Council and civic life. More excellent questions from the students and clever responses to those I posed to them.   We then went

to Woodlands School, who were hosting a creative curriculum open day, proudly showing off their work to parents. Each term, they adopt the theme of a country to study. Last term it was China and we were treated to a lively theatrical production in the hall by the children. I was relieved to see the conversion of the mean and selfish Jade Emperor to a much better person. Currently, they are studying Nepal and have an exchange of correspondence and photos with a school over there.  The children showed us all their lovely art work and served us with drinks and home made cakes. A very colourful event!

More school visits followed on the Thursday, starting with Dorridge Junior School. We were given a tour by two of the House Captains, who fulfilled their duties in such an eloquent and enthusiastic way.  Then it was School Assembly, where the school choir combined first class singing with very clever artistic hand and facial expression and movement. The Head and teachers must be so proud of their school and their students. Then we were off to Balsall Common Primary School for the dress rehearsal of their “Oh What a Knight!” .  We could not attend their live performance, because of other commitments, but it really did not matter, because the show was as good as a live one, with lots of word play, beautiful costumes, colour and singing. This was a year 4 production.  Of course, there was a bad Black Knight, who was defeated in the end by the heroism of Watt Cobblers, son of Mrs Cobbler, baker to the King of Camelot. Their headstrong Princess Alice was also a heroine.  The cast was large and included a dragon, mirror, many courtiers and townsfolk, giving many children a chance to shine. W(h)at fun for them.

Another school visit  on Friday, to officially open the new Foundation Suite of the George Fentham Endowed School in Hampton in Arden. We were given a tour round the school, the new building integrating nursery and reception facilities and were treated to some delightful singing by some of the youngest pupils. Mothers were presented with big Mother’s Day badges and they had one for me also. I unveiled the plaque.

A notable and encouraging feature of our school visits this week is the extent to which our children in Solihull are being given a good taste of other countries and cultures, costumes and faiths.  A lot of art, colour and creative work is on display, as well as the attention being given to the basic learning needs. Enthusiasm is everywhere. Reading and books of course played a major part, which leads me to our next engagement, the Awards Ceremony for the Children’s Book Award Scheme, held in the Arts Theatre and studio.

The idea is simple. Three books, chosen by library staff and school librarians are bought by ASDA (well done ASDA!) and sent to every local authority school in the Borough. There is a Blog for children to add their reviews and comments and the ceremony included a prize to children for the best reviews. The three books chosen were “Sparks” by Ally Kennen (shown book signing with me), “Warrior Sheep” by Christopher and Christine Russell, and “Crowfield Curse”   by Pat Walsh. Pat had broken her leg and could not attend, but the other two did and gave some very interesting talks about their writing,as well as answered questions. Pat did send in an account that was read out and in fact won the award as the winner of the Solihull Children’s book award. It was really heartening to see the theatre crowded by representatives of so many schools, and so many book lovers.

The final event for us of the night was back in the Civic Centre for launch of Citizens Advice Solihull Borough, the new charity that has taken over the role of the three CAB’s, Shirley, Chelmsley Wood and Solihull. The organisation may be a new one, but the great work goes on by the excellent staff and team of 130 volunteers. Both of the Borough’s MPs were present, as indeed was Solihull’s former MP John Taylor who was one of the founder members of the original Shirley CAB.

Daffodils in Lavender Hall Park, Balsall Common

Look back to the Blog in Autumn and you will see a group of us planting bulbs in various places, including Balsall Common. Six months on, this is the result! The pictures show just two of the five areas we planted.

ShelterBox Founder, Tom Henderson, talks about….dignity

The Town Hall at Stratford on Avon was the venue on Monday 28th March for a meeting organised by the Stratford upon Avon Rotary Club,  to give non-members a taste of Rotary, and to give us all another injection of inspiration by Rotarian Tom Henderson, founder of ShelterBox.

Tom Henderson set up ShelterBox over ten years ago now, with the backing of his local Rotary Club, Helston Lizard and I have now heard him speak on several occasions.  Seeing aid workers throw bread off the back of a lorry at those who had lost everything in a natural disaster made him decide that there had to be a better way.  Shelter, warmth, comfort…but also dignity were needed. To use Tom’s own words – “You cannot just do nothing“.   So he set up ShelterBox.  Now amongst the top 1% of charities in the country, it provides emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies for families around the world who are affected by disasters,  at the time when they need it most. The ultimate objective of the Charity is to provide emergency shelter for half a million every year.

The solution Tom adopted is as simple as it is effective. A “Big Green box” includes a custom designed tent for a family of up to ten people, thermal blankets, ground sheets, mosquito nets (where needed), water purification equipment, tools, a multi-fuel stove, cooking and eating utensils,even the children have been thought about with a children’s pack with crayons, pens and colouring book. The box can and is adapted for individual situations, depending upon need.

The aim is to get the first shipment of boxes to a disaster area within 2-3 days (it can be only 24 hours), where it is met by a SRT (=ShelterBox Response Team). The SRT ensures the boxes are distributed to those most in need. When a disaster strikes, the ShelterBox team in Helston decide quickly, an hour will do, as to what their response will be.  They make full use of Rotary clubs and contacts in affected areas, to determine what aid is needed and how they are to get it delivered.  The 1.3m Rotarians worldwide are a useful ally to have.  The charity has now helped with 100 disasters in 75 countries, providing shelter for well over a million people.

An example of just how they react to an emergency situation was when the Burma disaster happened a few  years ago.  Using local Rotary contacts, and virtually sitting on the embassy doors, until they opened in the morning, they were on the ground in Burma, whilst other aid agencies were still trying to get through the red tape. Their message to the authorities in the affected country is simple- “we can deliver help where it is needed, and we have the track record to show”.  The charity was very prominent in Haiti and was very quickly on the ground in  Japan (see pictures), but they have been active in most of the major disasters recently.

A couple of questions. How long do the tent and equipment last? It is designed to give the essential needs for six months, but is often in use for very much longer, if the local authorities are not able to put other facilities in place quickly enough.    So what was the easiest country to work in? China. The authorities cooperated and made things happen.  The most difficult? Oh dear, the US.   In fact, it seems some of the tents sent there, to help with Hurricane Katrina, are still being used.

ShelterBox is anxious to develop contacts with Schools and organisations such as Scout Groups and their web site has a lot of information and resources for those that are interested. They rely strongly on the Rotary family, but are trying to broaden their network. The need is so great for their product, for which they have become so expert, led by that genius, Tom Henderson.

Just look at the website and see the story and pictures at first hand.

www.shelterbox.org/

W / C Monday 21st March

A visit on Monday from students of the Lycee Renaudeau in Cholet, our twin town in France.  The visit was all in English, this time, and we did our usual job showing round the Chamber and parlour.  In France, they do not seem to have a chain of office for the Mayor, nor the robes, and of course their Mayors are the equivalent of our elected ones and serve office for several years, so the difference in systems has to be explained.   On the Tuesday, we attended the AGM of SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors Airmen and Families Association). It was very impressive hearing the Chairman talk of the work their volunteers do and how they will help any individual in need who has served in the Armed Forces and their dependents. The organisation celebrated its 125th anniversary last year. Last year they raised over £140,000 in support of requests for help from both north and south of the Borough.   In the afternoon, we also had a visit form the Consul General of India; then, there was a visit to the Rotary Club of Meriden, where my son Robert gave an excellent talk and presentation on the subject of Horatio Nelson and the battle of Trafalgar.

The Mayoress attended Abbey Farm in Atherstone on the Wednesday to support the Mayor of North Warwickshire’s charity. We then went to a performance of “Oliver” by the Peterbrook Players. The cast seemed to be enormous, but it was a very competent, more importantly enjoyable work. Richard and Kelly Tye were the joint directors: their first musical, but they have done well. The tickets were all sold out for all performances

Marie Curie launched their fund raising appeal for their new Solihull and West Midlands Hospice on the Thursday and the event was held in the Council Chamber, with very good attendance.  £7m needs to be raised by April 2013 to complete the appeal. Everyone knows how important the local hospice is, but we had a very moving account by a well spoken young lady, who told how Marie Curie had cared for her brother in the last months of his life.

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The Mayor of Solihull’s Ball for All

The Mayor’s Ball for All took place in Saturday 26th March and well over 400 people attended at the Motorcycle Museum.. Nmbers were a little down on the previous year, but it seems enjoyment was up, according to all reports and hopefully we will have raised a lot of money for Macmillan Cancer Support and other Mayoral charities.  T S Gamecock provided a guard of honour for my entry and then the sea cadet drill team gave an excellent display. They recently came second out of over eighty teams in the district competition,narrowly missing a place in the national final.  The whole evening went very well and the Charity Committee did a really great job in putting it all together. To my complete surprise, I was presented, in front of the whole audience,   with a Paul Harris Award, by Jane the President of my Rotary Club (Meriden), which made me very proud.

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The Sunday saw two events. Firstly, a visit to the EBYDS (English Bowls Youth Development Scheme) School of Excellence National Final at the Bowls Centre in Brick Kiln Lane. We saw juniors compete and they were amazingly good. Apart from a typical bowls game, of trying to get the bowls nearest the jack, they also had some Skills competitions. They were so accurate and it was very interesting seeing them all perform.

Thereafter, we went to St Alphege Church to the St George’s Day Parade and service attended by the many sections of the Solihull Scout Association. The banners were all very colourful and I read the lesson, the Gospel according to St Matthew 22:34-40

W / C Monday 14th March

Our first event of this week was a visit to  T S Gamecock in Shirley. The drill team are competing in the District Finals and the situation is very tense. The record of this team is very strong in previous years’ competitions and we were invited to inspect and watch them go through their paces.  Some excellent drill routines were on display. Of course these cadets do a whole range of activities and we were pleased to be shown round the centre, to look at some of these. Very many practical skills are being taught to the young people. There are junior and senior sections and it appeals to a wide range of interests, with very many outdoor opportunities, certainly not all of a seafaring nature

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On the Wednesday, we were paid a visit by the School Council of Langley Primary School and they were shown around the Civic Centre by the Mayoress and me. We are getting used now to the excellent questions that are asked by the young people and the teachers and parents must be very proud of their children.

We then went off to the AGM of the Solihull Stroke Club. This was our second visit to the club and it was my job to preside over the meeting, then we were invited to have lunch, as they do each week. This  event is a very important one to those affected by the devastating consequences of a stroke and the club provides other wonderful social activities and support.

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HSBC have had a branch in Shirley since 1936 and I was invited to a business to business function, to celebrate their 75th birthday. Several of their clients were there, including Cottons (Chartered Accountants), the Wright Way, beauty and holistic care clinic, Forever Living, with some interesting aloe vera products.  I commended HSBC’s initiative in trying to promote business in this way.  Whilst I was there, I said how important it was that business do what it can to help us out of the recession, and how we also needed a greater business involvement in the north of the Borough and the regeneration that was going on there.   Then back to the Civic Centre for a Citizenship ceremony.

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Whilst at the Solihull Partnership Assembly, some months ago, I met some of the students from Langley Primary and Secondary School, and Reynalds Cross School. They had formed a Community School Council and our visit to their meeting on the Thursday was the result of the discussion we had then.  We were guests of honour, but also tried to help in the Council’s discussions. I shared with the Council members the thoughts of the Mayoress and me about the Junior Chain – more, later, on this.

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Then back to the Civic Centre for a meeting to review final preparations for the Ball for All on 26th March.

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Nuneaton & Bedworth held its civic dinner and reception on the Friday night and it was our honour to join Mayor Cllr Don Navarro and Jennifer at this.  His brother and two sisters and other family members had flown in for the occasion from various parts of the world, including Trinidad and Toronto. They were all very proud of Don’s achievement, as are we.

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T S Gamecock held its fund raising car wash on the Saturday morning and we drove our (private) car over to Shirley to support them and bought a burger to eat whilst the team washed the vehicle.

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In the evening we visited the Chairman of Warwickshire for her “at home” reception, in the Judges Chambers in Warwick. We had a look round the former Crown Courts and cells, and saw what was the original jail in previous centuries: basically a round hole, with a grill at the top. Very unpleasant.

W /C Monday 7th March

Fairtrade Event in the Civic Suite

This was an event hosted by the Council, aimed at raising the profile of Fairtrade, which is much more than just about Fairtrade products, excellent though they are .  A wonderful lady from Ghana had joined us; her job is to produce shea butter. We had talks about how we can better sell the concept of Fairtrade; there was a film by Lyndon School on the work they had done.  Ideas were shared, we all learned more about the concept. I did my usual nag about the need to improve marketing and branding.  Fairtrade is summed up, in my view by a couple of words – decency & respect. Giving those in other parts of the world a decent living and opportunity to better their lives, at little expense to ourselves. Secondly, a bit of basic respect for others and their right to have a few of the things we take for granted.  Yes, there were some wonderful products on display; I could not resist the chocolate, and our excellent catering staff gave an example of some great chilI

Visit from the Moving On Club

About fifteen members visited us at the Civic Centre on the Tuesday.  The club, consisting of former carers of dimensia sufferers,  meet regularly and enjoy social visits, all designed to help you move your life on.  Amongst other topics, we discussed the problems faced by the elderly in the light of the cuts that were taking place and how a number of clubs and groups were facing difficulties.

Knowle Operatic Society – Beauty and the Beast

The second performance and the team seemed to have it mastered. A fine production and the costumes were elaborate and colourful. Afterwards, backstage, I could see the limited space that the cast and stage team had for all they had to do. What is always so impressive is the enthusiasm of everyone taking part. But then it is not so surprising really: I would be equally enthusiastic and proud if I had been able to take part in something as impressive. Well done, team.

Wednesday 9th March  - Quit smoking day

On rather a cold day, I joined three of the Care Trust team outside the ASDA store in Chelmsley Wood, to promote the “No Smoking Day” - time to quit.  I spoke to a number of passers by and hope that some of them will give the habit up, or encourage others to do so. There were some really good messages on display, e.g. about how soon your body benefits from quitting smoking: like the halving of nicotine and carbon monoxide levels within your blood, within eight hours of giving up smoking.  But I thought carbon monoxide was the stuff that came out of car exhausts and would kill you; what’s it doing in your blood then? oh, I know, killing you. One message is how quitting saves money: my message is the number of years it takes off your life.

Solihull Secondary Schools Sports Federation Awards

Now this is an organisation that really encourages our young people to be active and achieve! I was pleased to present trophies and awards to a large number of young people, selected for their exceptional sporting achievement…. and were they exceptional. The winners were placed on a role of honour, originally started in 1977. They had all seen success at regional, district, national level, some even representing their country. This was another humbling experience for me to see how talented and successful they were: but also enthusiastic  - and they are supported by equally proud parents. What a good job the Federation does in the Borough.

Solihull Discovery Walks

The AGM took place at the Civic Centre on Thursday morning and the Mayoress and I were again on duty explaining a little about the office of Mayor and the Civic Centre. This organisation is a very interesting one. Ok, they do go out on many lovely walks in the Borough, but also elsewhere, including some very unusual ones – hence the name “discovery”. Listening to their programme, it all sounded like a bit of an adventure to me. The club is part of the SMBC Leisure Activities and indeed has an active membership. One of their forthcoming events is entitled “Springtime in Staffordshire”; looks like Cannock Chase, to celebrate the winding down of winter!

Solihull Carers visiting the Civic Centre

A small group of carers visited the Civic Centre on the Friday. One was a Normandy veteran and talked about his role on Juno Bridge, getting tanks ashore, then helping airman who had been shot down to get back and be able to fight again. Makes me feel I have lived a very sheltered life.

Crufts

A totally different experience for us: unusual because we are cat people and have never owned a dog. There were some beautiful dogs on display, although also a few puzzles; one looking rather like a large mop – not sure which end was which? I was told 28,000 dogs visit the show, 21,500 to be displayed. 210 breeds; 1200 dogs from overseas, from 35 different countries. The NEC is a big factor in the local economy and this show must be one of the biggest.

Mock trials at Solihull Magistrates Court on Saturday

Awesome is not a word I lightly use, but that is just how I would describe the efforts of the young people from the four schools that took part in these mock trials. There always has to be a winner, but they will all have derived enormous benefit from the experience. The scene was a person being tried for  assault. Teams from four schools took part in prosecuting, defending, playing the parts of magistrates and court usher. A lot of young talent on display.
Launching Britain in Bloom at Notcutts Garden Centre
Daffodils were out in bloom at this event and some  beautiful plants were there. This was an event organised by the Parks team who did their usual excellent job promoting what Solihull has to offer.

Bible reading in relay

Whilst attending the Women’s World Day of Prayer, I had heard of this being organised in Lyndon, and I offered to do a section. Difficult to fit my free time into the schedule, but we managed it just before going out to Shirley and I read three chapters of Matthew, 13 – 15: parables, and loaves and fishes.

The AD Band A concert at Shirley Methodist Church. This wind band was formed in 1976 as a youth ensemble, but is now a community wind band with over 50 members from teenagers to octogenarians. They perform twenty or so concerts each year, often for charity, and are very popular: well, good bands always are. I did wonder about their choice of musicians at one point: during the break, it was suggested by their Musical Director that I could play an instrument (which I do not). I thought this was a joke.  Then in the second half, I was invited to play the Thunder Drum, in a performance of Johann Strauss’ “Thunder & Lightening”. A large tube, with a coiled wire in it; this you shake vigorously, to produce the thunder. It was good fun.