I was told that August would be a quiet month. Yet, the pages of my mayoral diary have been filled to the brim!
August began with a powerful start as we kicked off the West Midlands Women and Girls Fund Gala, in partnership with the Heart of England Community Foundation. The launch of this fund is a vital step toward addressing the unique challenges faced by women and girls in our community.
In the same spirit of community and recognition, I’m delighted to share that Solihull has once again been honoured as a Tree City of the World for the third consecutive year. Yes, I did hug a tree!
I was also invited to mark the launch of a brand-new defibrillator and bleed control kit installed on the outside of Elmdon Church. It was fascinating and inspiring to learn about the dedication and passion of the local groups and people who have worked so hard to ensure public access to such vital, life-saving equipment.
Of course, August wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the memorable Playday organised by Young Opportunities (YO) Solihull. This event has grown into the biggest celebration of play in the UK, and possibly in Europe. I was even asked to skip, and I did—though no photos of that moment, thankfully!
We also had the pleasure of participating in a crucial bridge-building event at the Birmingham Youth Summer Camp (BYSA) held at the Ackers Trust. Children from across our boroughs attended this camp, which has been running for over 23 years. Over 200 young participants enjoyed a summer filled with sports, educational and mentoring sessions, and fun activities like go-karting, laser tag, and tubing. It was an honour to join the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, the Police and Crime Commissioner, and Professor Paul Cadman in presenting awards at the camp.
The Mayor's Parlour has also been a hive of activity, welcoming a wide array of community members. From the Baker’s Shop, who brought in some delightful, iced buns and éclairs, to Friends of Shirley Park, St John Ambulance, and the community representatives from the Solihull Hub, it was a true celebration of the community spirit that makes Solihull so special.
I must also extend my gratitude to Sandals Cottage for hosting a wonderful Interfaith Health and Wellbeing Tea Party. It was a perfect opportunity to understand and learn more about our environment and our neighbours. These moments of connection and learning are what build the strong, inclusive community that we all cherish.
And to round off the month, what a joy it was to attend the Barston Fete, where I couldn’t resist adding yet another cup and saucer to my ever-growing collection. The fete was a delightful reminder of the rich traditions that continue to thrive in our borough, bringing together people of all ages to celebrate our shared heritage.
August may have been expected to be quiet, but it turned out to be anything but. These events and moments remind us all of the vibrant, engaged, and caring community we are fortunate to be part of. As we move into September, I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you, working together to build a brighter future for everyone in Solihull.
And before I forget, please do look out for our Civic Service special edition coming soon – the video is a must-watch!
With gratitude and anticipation,
Mayor of Solihull
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