Remembrance, Ribbons and Reflection
As November draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a month that has been both profoundly moving and inspiring. It has been a time of remembrance, ribbons of connection, and heartfelt reflection—a vivid reminder of the strength, resilience, and spirit of our borough.
We began with remembrance. Across the borough, poppies were worn with pride for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. At Touchwood, I joined volunteers and shoppers as our community came together to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice. That small red flower, pinned close to our hearts, carries an immense weight of gratitude and unity—a symbol that transcends generations.
The borough itself became a living tribute, adorned with knitted poppies cascading across lampposts, railings, and community spaces. From Olton to Knowle, every stitch was a labour of love, each display a powerful message of unity. Walking among these tributes on Remembrance Day was profoundly humbling—a poignant moment to pause, reflect, and honour. Lest we forget.
November also brought the vibrant celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights. This joyous occasion illuminated not only our borough but also the values of hope, unity, and the triumph of light over darkness—values that resonate deeply in our daily lives.
In the Civic Suite, I had the privilege of hosting the 16 Days of Activism event, a powerful and poignant gathering. Seeing so many people come together to stand against violence and honour those affected was both moving and inspiring. These 16 days hold profound significance, shining a light on the global effort to raise awareness, challenge injustice, and demand a world free from violence. Together, we shared messages of hope, placing them on a tree as a symbol of our collective commitment to equality and safety for all.
One of the most inspiring events this month was the Interfaith Walk, a journey of shared understanding and unity. From the Synagogue to the Mosque, to St. Alphege, the Methodist Church, and back to the Parlour for tea and sandwiches - through the tranquil beauty of Brueton Park, this walk celebrated the strength found in diversity. Our differences are not divisions but threads that weave together the rich fabric of our community.
November also shone a spotlight on climate action, led by the vision and courage of our borough’s young people. From the Greener Schools Awards, supported by our wonderful local businesses, to the model COP29 simulation in the Council Chamber, their commitment to safeguarding our planet was truly inspiring. These young leaders embody the hope and determination we need for a sustainable future.
A moment of immense pride came with celebrating Paddy Doyle’s incredible 900th career title world record at the Knowle British Legion. Completing a gruelling 13km cross-country speed march with a 45kg military-weighted backpack, Paddy demonstrated unparalleled resilience and determination. His achievement is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder of what is possible with discipline and courage.
A lighter moment came at the NEC, where I attended both the Classic Antiques Fair and MCM Comic Con. At one, I marvelled at timeless treasures; at the other, I narrowly escaped extermination by a Dalek while boarding the TARDIS and crossing paths with Stormtroopers. Meeting my favourites from Horrible Histories added a delightful touch of humour to an already eclectic day!
We ended the month with light, love, and reflection. From the Christmas lights switch-on to the Marie Curie “Lights to Remember” service, our borough sparkled with hope and remembrance. These moments reminded us that, in the glow of festive lights, there is space for reflection—for holding dear those we have lost and looking forward with hope in our hearts.
We began with remembrance, and we ended with remembering. November has been a month to treasure—filled with shared memories, inspiring achievements, and acts of unity that bind us together. As we step into December, let us carry the spirit of November with us, embracing the power of community, connection, and compassion.
With warmest regards and heartfelt gratitude,
Shahin Ashraf, MBE
Mayor of Solihull
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