During October, Solihull Council held its annual Civic Honours Awards, celebrating Solihull’s most outstanding citizens.
From April-June, the public were able to nominate an individual or group for their work in the community. There were eight categories, with eleven awards given out in total. Awards were sponsored by Birmingham Airport, Crowne Plaza, John Lewis, Lucent Financial Planning, JLR, Birmingham Business Park, Correla, DM & Co., Blossomfield Rose, Touchwood and Resorts World & NEC.
The event was a great success, with council representatives, including Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of the Council, and the Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Mrs Diana Holl-Allen MBE in attendance.
The Mayor said,
“It was an excellent opportunity to reward such well-deserving people, who work hard to help their community. I’m proud to represent such kind, generous residents who truly care about the people around them. Congratulations to all the winners and enjoy your moment to shine”.
The 2023 Civic Honours Award Winners in full:
Cathy Stoll - Individual Community Involvement Award, sponsored by Birmingham Airport
Since its formation in 2010, Cathy has been both treasurer and chair of the Solihull Shopmobility charity. Solihull Shopmobility offers people with disabilities a free service to help them access shops and facilities. The service is based in Touchwood and is available to anyone who may have long or short-term mobility issues. As a wheelchair user herself, Cathy recognises the challenges in shops for those with disabilities. Cathy has proudly helped people in her community for 13 years, ensuring that the service provided to customers is of a consistently high standard.
Doreen Brayley - Individual Community Involvement Award, sponsored by Crowne Plaza
Doreen has been a fundraiser for more than 36 years, raising over £42,000 for charities including Birmingham Dogs Home, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Heartlands Neo-natal unit, where Doreen’s fundraising has helped supply essential medical equipment. She has used a variety of methods to generate funds including collecting donations of clothes, bric-a-brac, toys, and household items. A lunchtime supervisor for 42 years, Doreen has been selfless in her work and is thoroughly deserving of this award.
B37 Updates - Group Community Involvement Award, sponsored by John Lewis
B37 Updates is a Facebook group with 30,000 members who are the voice of the B37 postcode. The group provides support for members to update them on events and issues in the area. The volunteer administration team, led by Jessica Village, provides the latest updates alerting residents to local crime issues, fundraising opportunities, and community events. B37 is an asset to the community, and is keeping its residents better connected.
Berkswell and Balsall Common Luncheon Club - Group Community Involvement Award, sponsored by Lucent Financial Planning
For nearly 40 years, Berkswell and Balsall Common Luncheon Club has provided two-course meals every Monday at the Methodist Church in Balsall Common for people to meet in a friendly, welcoming space. Led by Helen Smallman and a fantastic group of volunteers who prepare food, games, and even lifts to help everyone access the club, the club provides support and comfort for those who need it and is committed to serving the community and helping residents.
Friends of Langley Hall Park - Community Environment Award, sponsored by JLR
The Friends of Langley Hall Park have been dedicated to looking after the only public park within Olton ward. The planting of trees to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the desilting of the pond, the planting of spring bulbs and the construction of the duck houses has made Langley Hall Park a wonderful place to visit. Members of Friends of Langley Hall Park continue to do daily litter picks, as well as regularly reporting anything and everything that is of concern to users of the park. The work of the Friends has ensured the area has a community-orientated feel for everyone who cares about the park and the surrounding area.
Norman Pritchett - Community Environment Award, sponsored by Birmingham Business Park
Norman is truly dedicated to keeping his local Marston Green community tidy, carrying out litter picks every single Friday. Going above and beyond, over the past two years, the 80-year-old has taken on the removal of litter from an extensive hedge running along Brooklands Way (part of the Marston Green Park - Kingfisher Project). Working alone, his community spirit really shines through with the concern, care and dedication he shows to his local area.
Vstreet - Creative Arts Award, sponsored by Resorts World & NEC
David has been key to bringing Solihull’s history to a new audience via the use of 3D and virtual reality (VR) technology. His extensive and generous volunteer work has included:
- A recreation of a 1940s Solihull High Street from the Council’s archives as a 3D digital model, resulting in Solihull Virtual High Street 1948 animation. This premiered at an event in The Core Theatre in 2021 and included a model of the Manor House as an augmented (AR) experience.
- Teaching library staff new skills and the possibilities of 3D modelling technologies. As a member of Core Creatives, he has also volunteered to coach and mentor other creatives in the borough who may want to learn to use the relevant software.
- Facilitating library staff in securing funding from The National Archives to further develop the Solihull Virtual High Street model as part of celebrations to mark the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
- Recreation of the High Street animation as a 360-degree VR experience, the purchase of VR headsets for the library service, and a special Virtual Reali-TEA event involving a free afternoon tea/local history event for carers and those cared for.
The VR experience continues to be a resource for use in library and local history promotions and will be used as part of council bids for further funding to develop Solihull’s visitor offer and enhance residents’ understanding of local history.
None of this would have been possible without David’s generosity in volunteering his time and expertise.
Further information and VR videos can be seen here Solihull Virtual High Street 1948 – Solihull Life
Ryan Hulance - Inspirational Young Person Award, sponsored by Correla
Ryan Hulance is an 11-year-old Solihull resident and with his own passion and innovation, he has decided to tackle both environmental issues and food poverty. Ryan collects empty aluminium drink cans that would otherwise be discarded as litter. He washes them, crushes them, weighs them in for scrap value and with the money he makes he buys food for the Solihull Foodbank Network. Ryan is the first resident to host a foodbank donation station at home and through his efforts he has gained 550 followers on his Facebook page.
Noah Anderson - Making a difference for Young People Award, sponsored by DM & Co.
Noah has been a mentor at Carers Trust - as a young carer himself, Noah has volunteered as a peer mentor and a befriender to ensure that young people who have caring responsibilities are listened to and helped. 18-year-old Noah has been involved in residentials and fun activities for carers across the borough, providing support where he can. As an ambassador for young carers, Noah has taken part in raising awareness, and hopes to continue in supporting and improving the lives of carers in Solihull.
Betty Trow - Sport Award, sponsored by Blossomfield Rose
Betty Trow has been supporting Solihull Gymnastic Club for 50 years. Helping young, aspiring gymnasts to become coaches, she has volunteered as secretary and treasurer of the club, making her an essential part of the club administration. Encouraging young people from ages five and over to take part in sport and to ensure the club operates effectively, Betty is a dedicated, inspirational role model in the sports club, always offering a helping hand to all members.
Dele Adebola - The Mayor’s Award, sponsored by Touchwood
Since Dele retired from a 21-year career as a professional football player, he has worked tirelessly in the local voluntary sector. He founded Strike9T in 2016, aimed at generating change within the local community, and encouraging young people to engage in sport, enrichment, play and education. The aim is to provide children of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds with access to high-quality equipment and coaching without any social or economic barriers. Dele was instrumental in setting up and running 120 free holiday camps for children in deprived areas. Strike9T also delivers 25 hours of youth work a week, which directly helps hard to reach young people in Solihull.