This month has been bustling with activity, starting with a vibrant celebration outside The Core at Touchwood, where new communities came together in a colourful display. The event featured a delightful mix of traditional and modern festivities from Hong Kong, Ukraine, India, Afghanistan, and beyond. The air was filled with the joy of diverse cultures sharing their unique traditions, foods, and music, beautifully reminding us of the strength and richness that diversity brings to our community.
One of the month’s highlights was the launch of the Mayoral charities: Marie Curie, OASIS Mental Health Support (formerly Solihull Mind), and SoLO. These fantastic organisations are close to my heart, and I am committed to fundraising for them throughout the year. I’m planning various activities such as biking, hiking, cake baking, and raffles to support these causes. Although I was asked to abseil, I decided it wouldn’t look too good in chains! If you’re interested in taking part, or have any ideas for other fundraising activities, please let me know—every bit helps!
The Solihull Choral Society’s performance was another highlight, blending the sacred and the profane in a magical showcase of opera and Anton Bruckner’s sacred music, conducted by Oliver Walker. The performance was truly incredible and a testament to the Choral Society’s talent.
In remembrance of those who have served, we proudly flew the flag for Armed Forces Day, a poignant occasion to honour the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting our country. It was a powerful reminder of the invaluable contributions and sacrifices made by our armed forces, both past and present.
Another memorable event was the beautiful ballet performance of The Tales of Peter Pan by Solihull Young Dancers. During my speech, I quoted J.M. Barrie, the author of the original Peter Pan, who said, “The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.” This quote resonated deeply as I watched the magical performance, reminding me of the power of belief and the importance of maintaining faith in our dreams and abilities.
I also enjoyed the wonderful stage performance of Hi-di-Hi at the Shirley Centre. The show was a delightful trip down memory lane, filled with laughter and nostalgia. The talented cast brought the characters to life with enthusiasm, making it an evening to remember. Hi-di-hi, ho-di-ho!
Our rich borough history was celebrated with the 350th anniversary of the Foundation of Lady Katherine Leveson in Temple Balsall. Established in 1674, Lady Katherine Leveson’s foundation continues to impact education and care. It was inspiring to see the lasting influence of her vision.
Arden Academy’s annual Network Arden Celebration was another highlight. This event thanked volunteers and local businesses for their role in connecting classroom learning with career opportunities. I spoke about how local businesses, education, and communities can collaborate to provide valuable work experience for young people. The evening showcased the importance of community in shaping future generations.
The Family Hubs programme officially opened with a launch event at Elmwood Family Hub. Elmwood, Evergreen, and Riverside Family Hubs are now supporting children, young people, and families across Solihull. I had the honour of cutting the ribbon, marking a significant milestone in our community's support for families.
I also had the opportunity to meet with the Bishop of Birmingham during the induction of Rev’d Tony Rindl, where I warmly welcomed him to Solihull. It was a special moment of community and faith coming together to celebrate new beginnings.
Before I forget, I encourage all local residents to knit or crochet poppies for a Remembrance Sunday installation at St. Alphege Church this November. Solihull Parish is spearheading this initiative, inspired by the renowned ceramic poppy installation at the Tower of London, to commemorate the First World War centenary. We hope this display will bring us together and honour those who served.
Lastly, we had a wonderful civic service, which will be featured in its own special publication and visual presentation. Each event, whether mentioned here or not, contributes to the vibrant tapestry of our "urbs in rure"—a perfect description of Solihull. This balance of urban and rural living is vital, allowing us to enjoy the benefits of both while preserving our borough’s natural beauty, tranquility, and community spirit. This month has truly celebrated community, charity, and tradition in Solihull. I look forward to continuing this journey and creating more memorable moments with all of you
With gratitude and anticipation,
Mayor of Solihull
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