Chelmsley Wood charity suffers break-in

A CRUEL thief has targeted a charity which provides vital support for local people with learning disabilities.
Solihull Life Opportunities (SoLO), which is based in Chelmsley Wood, reported a break-in last Thursday evening (November 23).
Under cover of darkness, the culprit had smashed one of the windows at the charity's Walnut Close premises and stole the organisation's new smart TV. It's understood the alarm was raised by neighbours at around 9.30pm.
The crime comes just a few weeks after staff, volunteers and service users had celebrated the launch of the building's new extension, for which fundraisers had drummed up £145,000.
Writing on Facebook following the break-in, a SoLO spokesperson said: "This is a horrible and unfortunate situation and a very sad reflection on our society. Fortunately, nobody was hurt..."
There was an immediate outpouring of sympathy from local people, with Councillor Debbie Evans (UKIP, Kingshurst & Fordbridge) describing the crime as "absolutely heartbreaking."
A fundraising page has been set up to raise £800 towards a new TV, and local residents have also been asked to consider taking part in a reverse advent calendar campaign - putting aside a small donation each day in the run-up to Christmas.
This month's theft is not the first time that SoLO has been targeted. In 2010, burglars had broken a hole in a store room roof and stolen a raft of electronic equipment.
Solihull Police are investigating this most recent incident. If you have any information about the crime, call officers on 101 [quoting crime number 20SH/254023K/17].

Castle Brom takeaway scoops national award

WINNERS: Jay Alom and the Lime Pickle team with host John Bishop

A CASTLE Bromwich takeaway has been named the nation's best - bar naan!
Lime Pickle took home the top prize at this week's British Takeaway Awards.
The team from the Indian eatery were presented with the smart-looking trophy at a star-studded ceremony, which took place at London's Savoy Hotel on Monday evening.
It was a case of third time lucky for Lime Pickle, which had been a finalist at the inaugural event in 2015 and was named the best takeaway in the West Midlands last year.
And the staff were stunned when stand-up comedian John Bishop, who was hosting the 2017 event, announced that they had clinched the national title - receiving more than 1,000 votes from the public.
Lime Pickle owner Jay Alom said: "We are absolutely blown away that Lime Pickle has won Best Takeaway in Britain.
"I would like to say a big thank you to the staff for their hard work day in, day out, ensuring our customers receive the best food and service possible.  We couldn’t have got here without them or our loyal customers. We’re over the moon."
A video shown at the event highlighted some of the work that the Windleaves Road business does within the community, including efforts to support the homeless. Last Christmas Eve, they had paid for ten rough sleepers to stop in a hotel.
A spokeswoman for the British Takeaway Awards said: "[Lime Pickle] encapsulate everything that is phenomenal about this brilliant industry."
The awards were set up to recognise the stand-out businesses in a sector which is worth £9billion to the UK economy. Celebrity guests at this year's gala evening included the chef Ainsley Harriott, model Kelly Brook and Countdown star Rachel Riley.

Venue loses its licence following teenagers' deaths

LOSS: Dylan Booth

A CITY centre venue looks set to close almost two years on from the death of a Chelmsley Wood teenager, who had taken ecstasy at the nightspot.
Dylan Booth, aged 18, had taken the Class A drug during an evening out at the Rainbow club, in Digbeth, where he was celebrating the start of 2016. Following the New Year's festivities he fell ill and was rushed to hospital, where he died a few days later.
On October 30 of this year, another young man - 19-year-old Michael Trueman - had also died after reportedly taking MDMA at the club.
Following the second tragedy, Birmingham City Council's licensing sub-committee yesterday (Tuesday) took the decision to revoke Rainbow Venues' licence.
In its decision notice, the council said: "All in all the sub-committee lacked confidence that personnel at the premises would be able to uphold the licensing objectives, no matter how tightly conditioned.
"There was a clear risk of further crime and disorder, and a risk to public safety, particularly in relation to drugs."
Rainbow Venues has said it intends to appeal against this week's decision.
"We firmly believe that our team took great care, time and passion to create a safe environment for people to enjoy our events," said a statement released today.
"We had very robust policies that West Midlands Police have accepted are more stringent than any other licensed premises in the country.
"As operators we can’t be false. The decision is wrong. We can’t pretend we agree, we can’t promise that drugs will not enter licensed premises; people go to extreme lengths to get drugs into venues, if they succeed over the border, prisons and even Parliament, then they will find a way into a club. They are breaking the law. Are we?"

Marston Green man faces prison over charity fraud

A FORMER charity boss from Marston Green has been warned he faces jail after admitting his part in defrauding Birmingham Dogs Home of hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Simon Price, 53, of Somerton Drive, has pleaded guilty to 10 counts of fraud by abuse of position, dating from his stint as the charity's chief executive.
His former partner Alayna Price, 39, who had been the home's commercial manager, admitted five counts of the same charge.
Today (Wednesday) the pair were warned by a judge at Birmingham Crown Court that they should expect custodial sentences for their actions - which saw huge sums of money defrauded over the course of four years.
It's understood that the financial irregularities came to light last year, with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirming that they would press charges last month.
Judge Avik Mukherjee acknowledged that the estranged couple - who have since separated - were of previous good character, but said they nonetheless faced severe punishments.
"For my part, I can't see an alternative end to this case other than significant custody for both of you," he said.
The Dogs Home was founded in the late 1800s and was based in Birmingham city centre for well over a century. Two years ago, a new purpose-built facility opened near the village of Catherine-de-Barnes, Solihull.

Arrest in Chelmsley over alleged loan shark activity

A MAN was arrested in Chelmsley Wood today (Tuesday) on suspicion of illegal money lending and money laundering.
The 56-year-old was detained as part of ongoing efforts to root out those who are allegedly operating as loan sharks.
The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT), working alongside Solihull Council's Trading Standards team and West Midlands Police, executed a warrant at an address on the estate.
Paperwork, electronic devices and an undisclosed quantity of cash were seized at the property.
The suspect is currently in custody and being questioned by IMLT officers.
In September, a report in The Guardian revealed that illegal loan sharks continued to target deprived areas, seeking out those struggling to make ends meet.
If you’ve been issued a loan with no paperwork or are receiving threats over a loan you have already paid off, you can get in touch with the IMLT on 0300 555 2222.

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Parking makes more than £2million for Solihull Council

SOLIHULL Council raked in £2.26million in parking charges in the last financial year, new statistics reveal.
This figure represents revenue brought in from standard car park charges and penalties issued to those who ignore restrictions.
The figure for 2016/17 was up from £1.87million in the previous 12 months and is the first noticeable rise in the borough for three years.
According to a league table collated by the RAC Foundation, Solihull lies 93rd out of 353 councils in England when it comes to the amount of money it made over the course of the year.
The Local Government Association (LGA) insisted that funds are put back into essential transport projects, although the RAC Foundation believes that taxpayers should ask for more detailed information about how local authorities spend the cash.
The league table shows that London dominated the list in terms of the sums of money raised. In Westminster, which is top of the pile, the surplus from parking revenue was an eye-watering £73.2million.
Solihull's position put the borough slightly below the likes of Harrogate and Worcester, but just ahead of Cheltenham, Coventry and North Tyneside.

Deer friends descend on Smith's Wood

REAL-life reindeer have swapped the slopes of Lapland for Smith's Wood.
The animals will be at the Christmas Fair, taking place at Auckland Hall today (Sunday).
A Santa's Grotto, craft stalls and face painting will be among the other highlights. The event is free and runs from 10am-1.30pm.

Vehicle crime increases three fold in parts of North Solihull

VEHICLE crimes have more than tripled in some parts of North Solihull, the latest crime stats show.
Figures for the year to date reveal that there have been 128 offences in Castle Bromwich (compared with 42 over the same time-frame in 2016). In Smith's Wood, there have been 95 incidents so far this year, up from 29 over the equivalent period last year.
The most common type of crime in this category involves items being stolen from cars and other vehicles.
Total recorded crime has increased across the borough, with the latest figures revealing almost 1,500  more offences in the year to date.
While increases in vehicle crime have been most notable in the two wards identified above,  the rise in robberies has in fact been most dramatic in neighbourhoods south of the Coventry Road (including the highly rural ward of Meriden). Burglaries too have tended to be concentrated in more affluent areas.
Types of crime where the number of offences has fallen include domestic violence (down from 912 to 859) and Class A drug matters (just 19 have been recorded in the year to date, although this may be in part because of reduced use of stop and search powers).
You can read the full report by the Safer Solihull Partnership here.

Our Say: November

Raffle prizes requested for school dinner with a difference

THE CTC Kingshurst Academy will be hosting its annual senior citizens' Christmas dinner next week.
The Cooks Lane school is holding a raffle as part of the evening and has asked anyone who has suitable prizes to send them to the school.
The annual dinner, set to take place on Friday, December 1, is now in its 14th year. Last year more than 170 local pensioners attended the meal.

Castle Brom school chef to take on the best in the region

A COOK from Castle Bromwich Infants School will be battling it out for the chance to compete for the coveted title of National School Chef of the Year.
Christopher Townshend is one of eight competitors from around the West Midlands who will be strapping on their aprons for the regional heats of the competition on December 5.
The winner of this will then have the opportunity to progress to the national finals.
School Chef of the Year takes place every 12 months, with the competitors given 90 minutes to rustle up a main course and a dessert which would win the approval of the most difficult to please 11-year-old.
To make the competition even harder, the ingredients must cost no more than £1.30 per head.
Solihull has a proud history in the competition. Back in 2014, Christopher was highly commended for the ‘superhero meatball’ (meatball encased in dough served with sweet potato gnocchi, salad and roasted red pepper relish) he served up to judges.
And last year, Jose Davies Kochakkadan - from Marston Green Infants Academy - made it all the way to the national finals.

Inquest into Chelmsley Wood grandfather's death concludes

A CHELMSLEY Wood man took his own life just hours after a mental health team deemed he was "not at serious risk", the Birmingham Mail reports.

Safe and Sound in Smith's Wood

SMITH'S Wood's next "Safe and Sound" event will be taking place at Auckland Hall this week.
The meeting - offering residents the opportunity to discuss crime, the environment and safety on the estate - is to be held on Thursday (November 23).
All welcome between 7-9pm.

Horse work and hot food in Meriden Park

HOOF AND TAIL: Tan Tan the horse clears timber during a previous
Oaks and Shires event at Yorks Wood

TRADITIONAL woodland crafts and children's activities will be on offer in Chelmsley Wood next weekend.
The Oaks and Shires event will be taking place in Meriden Park on Saturday (November 25).
Visitors can also look forward to hot food and find out about the valuable role that horses play in maintaining the nation's woodland.
The event will run from 11am-3pm.

Chelmsley Wood chef supports Children in Need

A CHEF born and raised on Chelmsley Wood has auctioned off a cooking masterclass for Children in Need.
Radio WM listeners could bid for the chance to have Michelin-starred Glynn Purnell come to their home and cook a meal for two.
The auction took place yesterday evening, with the winning bid of £1,500 made by a Balsall Common man. All proceeds will go to the BBC's charity appeal.
Other lots up for grabs included the chance to meet classical singer Katherine Jenkins during her visit to Birmingham next month and a round of golf with former football manager Ron Atkinson.

Solihull Council takes action following fiery public meeting

SOLIHULL Council has said it has taken steps to smarten up Kingshurst Parade following concerns that the shopping precinct was becoming a magnet for crime and anti social behaviour.
Fears that people didn't feel safe on the Parade were among the issues raised during a packed public meeting during the summer.
There was an outpouring of anger about the handling of crime and cuts in local services during the event, which took place at St Barnabas Church on August 17.
Next week, Councillor Tony Dicicco, who was among the representatives from the police and Solihull Council who were invited to answer residents' questions, will be updated on the action that has been taken thus far.
Gillian Crabbe, the council's community safety and partnerships manager, said that lighting had now been upgraded on the Parade.
Efforts have also been made to clean up graffiti and remove fly-tipped waste both on the precinct itself and to the rear of the shops and flats.
In response to concerns that there wasn't enough for young people to do, the council and its partners have also commissioned a bespoke boxing programme for the Kingshurst area.
Ms Crabbe said: "All of issues raised at the meeting have been considered.
"Some have been resolved, whilst others require longer-term consideration. Work will continue to improve the environment and opportunities that exist for the community of Kinghurst."

Charity's Chelmsley store turns 35

CHILDREN’S charity Barnardo’s has celebrated 35 years in Chelmsley Wood.
The branch in the town centre first opened its doors in the early 1980s - an era when Margaret Thatcher was Prime Minister, Blackadder had just made its TV debut and wearing a seat belt had finally become compulsory.
Since then the shop, which is the charity's oldest in the West Midlands region, has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to support vulnerable children and young people.
In the past 12 months alone, more than 7,700 bags of donations were received from supporters.
Yesterday (Tuesday) staff and volunteers from the charity cut a specially-made cake to celebrate the anniversary.
Barnardo’s manager Robyn Phillips said: "We have a fantastic team aged from 20-years-old up to 74-years-old, and the longest-serving supporter has been with us for an astonishing 30 years!
"We’ve received all sorts of items ranging from tins of dog food and a used toothbrush to Tiffany bracelets worth several hundred pounds.
"People offer whatever they can to help us and we wouldn’t be able to operate without their support."
The Barnardo’s store is open Monday-Saturday from 9am-5pm and on Sundays from 10am-4pm.

Community champions receive Civic Awards

UNSUNG heroes from North Solihull were among those recognised at the borough's Annual Civic Awards last month.

Andy Warmington, who set up the hugely successful Chelmsley Squash Academy and Stella Aston, who has been a member of Castle Bromwich Singers for the past 50 years, were among those honoured.

Andy, whose efforts since 2010 have encouraged more than 4,000 youngsters to get involved with the racket game, was recognised for his contribution to local sport.

Stella meanwhile, who won the Creative Arts category, has been a member of the Singers ever since they were first set up in 1967.

A judging panel of councillors, officers and representatives from community groups picked out the winners, who were invited to meet the Mayor of Solihull, Coun Stuart Davis, to be presented with their awards.

The Mayor said: "I am very lucky that I get to meet all these inspiring Solihull residents, the evening was truly one of the highlights of my Mayoral year. 

"I was delighted to be able to thank the winners for their dedication, hard work and enthusiasm into making Solihull a brilliant place to live."

• Read our interview with Stella in this month's edition of Other Side of Solihull.

Alcohol Awareness Week in Chelmsley Wood

A SUPPORT team will be holding an event in Chelmsley Wood to coincide with Alcohol Awareness Week.
The "market place" will be visiting the Three Trees Centre on Friday, November 17.
It is one of several events being organised by the Solihull Integrated Addiction Service (SIAS).
A spokesperson for the group said: "We are using this opportunity to start a conversation with our local community, around problematic alcohol use to help break the cycle of silence and stigma that is all too often experienced by families."
Meriden's MP, Dame Caroline Spelman, has given her backing to the campaign.
"Whether on a night out, enjoying a meal or relaxing at home, it is important that alcohol is consumed responsibly," she said.
"For that reason, I am proud to lend my support to SIAS’s Alcohol Awareness Week campaign in order to highlight the risks associated with drinking too much alcohol and to raise awareness of the excellent support services they offer locally to help people beat alcohol and substance addiction."
While alcohol will be the main focus of the event, SIAS will also touch upon the help available to those struggling with drugs, gambling and other issues.
The session, which will include afternoon tea, is scheduled to run from 2-4pm.
Email the team to book your place.

Fact box:

• An estimated 595,000 adults in England are alcohol dependent and in need of specialist treatment. 
• Alcohol is linked to more than 60 medical conditions.
• Alcohol is estimated to cost the NHS £3.5 billion annually.

Pudsey's pedallers pass through Marston Green

TEAM RICKSHAW 2017: The six young riders with One Show presenters
Matt Baker and Alex Jones

THE BBC's Rickshaw Challenge travelled through the streets of Marston Green yesterday (Saturday).
One Show host Matt Baker is joining a group of inspirational young people on a 500 mile cycle ride between London and Glasgow.
The team of riders take it in turns in the pedal rickshaw, which is scheduled to arrive in the Scottish city on Friday (November 17).
Yesterday was the third day of the nine-day challenge, taking the party from Banbury, in Oxfordshire, up to Cannock.
The local leg of the route saw the team travel along Bickenhill Road, Station Road and Holly Lane, with them then heading out of the village towards Tile Cross.
In the past six years, The Rickshaw Challenge has raised more than £16million for the Children in Need appeal.
This year's riders - all of whom have been supported by the charity's projects - include 18-year-old Liv, who previously lost her father to pancreatic cancer, Luke, 17, who has cerebral palsy, and Ben, 16, who helps care for his older sister - who has a rare neuro-degenerative disorder.
To find out more about the 2017 event, visit Team Rickshaw's website.

We shall remember them: Remembrance Sunday events

RESIDENTS of North Solihull will gather to remember the fallen at a series of Remembrance Sunday events.
In Marston Green, a service at St Leonard's Church (from 10am) will be followed by a parade to the Garden of Memory.
There will be a short ceremony at the site, followed by the traditional two minutes' silence when the village clock strikes 11.
Residents will also be paying their respects in Castle Bromwich, with a procession wending its way to the village war memorial. Castle Bromwich Parish Council said the event would be a "fitting tribute" to those who had given their lives in conflicts past and present.
The nearby Hickory's Smokehouse confirmed they would be serving complimentary teas and coffees in the restaurant following the parade.
For details about the road closures scheduled for tomorrow, please visit the Solihull Council website.

Police appeal following collision in Hurst Lane North

POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a collision in Castle Bromwich yesterday (Thursday) morning.
It is alleged that a mini moto bike mounted the pavement in Hurst Lane North, struck a vehicle and was left lying in the road.
The rider, who was apparently injured in the collision, had fled - but was seen by a PCSO who had been called to the scene at around 11.30am.
Other officers arrived and a 17-year-old was arrested. It has since been revealed that the bike had been stolen from an address in Chelmsley Wood on Wednesday.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to call Solihull Police on 101, quoting log 880 of November 9.

Fayre choice in Castle Bromwich

IF you're hoping to pick up a Christmas present or two, a festive craft and gift fayre is taking place in Castle Bromwich this weekend.
The event will be held at St Mary and St Margaret's Church Hall on Saturday (November 11), with stalls selling a range of handcrafted items.
Refreshments and homemade cakes will also be on sale and there will be an opportunity to enter a raffle, with all proceeds going directly to the church.
The fayre is open from 10am-2pm. Admission is free.

Care home opening completes Chelmund's Cross development

RIBBON CUTTING: Coun Bob Sleigh, leader of Solihull
Council, Gordon Sanders, from Runwood Homes, Mayor of
Solihull, Stuart Davis, and cabinet member Karen Grinsell.

A BRAND-new residential and nursing home based in Chelmsley Wood officially opened its doors today (Wednesday).
The completion of Chelmund’s Court, a 73-bed facility for older people with dementia, marks the final phase of the multi-million pound Chelmund's Cross Village Centre.
Councillor Karen Grinsell, the cabinet member for adult social care and health, attended the event and said the home was "a wonderful addition" to Solihull.
"As the population of older people in the borough grows, so too does the demand for high quality care and support services," she said.
"The new home is in response to the consistent challenge this causes the council when trying to find affordable care within the borough.
"It will enable people suffering with dementia to remain part of the borough where they have lived and worked and most importantly, be close to their loved ones."
Gordon Sanders, chief executive of Runwood Homes, said: "Now that the new home is operational we will be working with our partner, Solihull Council, to ensure that local needs can be met.
"Some really effective community links have already been made with voluntary organisations and NHS bodies."

Death Cafe comes to Chelmsley Wood

A CHELMSLEY Wood-based venue today played host to a 'Death Cafe'.
The Three Trees Centre described the session as "an open conversation, with no agenda or set questions."
It stressed that the two-hour event - during which tea and cake was served to visitors - wasn't intended to be macabre nor to be considered a counselling or support group.
Rather it was inspired by a movement started in London around six years ago, with the intention of encouraging discussion of issues relating to death and dying - which are often seen as taboo.
More than 5,000 events have since been organised around the world.
You can find out more about the Death Cafe project at their official website.

Ex-chief executive of dogs' home appears in court

A FORMER charity boss from Marston Green has admitted defrauding Birmingham Dogs' Home of hundreds of thousands of pounds, ITV reports.

Can you help North Solihull's hamper appeal?

THE team organising this year's Christmas hamper appeal are hoping for another show of support from the local community.
Last year more than 350 boxes were distributed to elderly and vulnerable residents in North Solihull.
This winter, Coleshill Heath School and Fordbridge Community Primary will be taking the lead in collecting food stuffs.
Individuals are also welcome to get involved by filling a small box, decorating it and including a card for the recipient
Collection points are up-and-running at the following locations:

• The Onward Club, Helmswood Drive, Chelmsley Wood (Mon- Fri, 10am-3pm)
• The Coventry Building Society, Maple Walk, Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre (10am-3pm)
• Bickenhill and Marston Green Parish Council Office, Cricket Ground, Bickenhill Road, Marston Green (Mon-Thurs, 10am-3pm)
• Bosworth Drive Community Centre, 291a Bosworth Drive (10am-3pm).

If you would like to get involved, hampers should be handed over by December 9, giving time for local organisations to deliver them before Christmas.

Police act after struggling to respond to calls

A SENIOR police officer has admitted that West Midlands Police had struggled to deal with the volume of calls being made to its non-emergency 101 number.
Frustrations about getting through to a call handler to report an incident had previously come up at public meetings held in Kingshurst and Castle Bromwich earlier this year.
In a report prepared by Solihull Council's Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Panel, which met last month, it was noted that the 101 service - which receives an average of two or three calls every minute - had been "tested to the limit" over the summer.
Superintendent Simon Inglis, from Solihull Police, acknowledged that the difficulties of coping with demand had meant some callers had been made to wait longer than the force "would have wished".
Members of the Scrutiny Panel noted residents' frustration about response times, which are seen as especially important given the previous decision to close many stations, including Chelmsley Wood, to the public.
Supt Inglis said that the force had, in recent months, recruited extra staff to cope with the workload and that service had improved as a result.

Chelmsley fireworks this Saturday

THE always popular Bonfire Night event will be taking place in Chelmsley Wood this weekend.
This year’s fireworks display will be held on the field at the junction of Berwicks Lane and Helmswood Drive on Saturday, November 4. Gates open at 6pm, with fireworks to start at 7pm.
Organisers have confirmed that there will be a burger van, children's rides and a number of stalls.
Admission is free but donations to the charities Dementia UK and Global Make Some Noise will be welcome.
For more information please contact clerk@chelmsleywood-tc.gov.uk

Chart star fulfils promise to perform at fan's wedding

SINGER-songwriter Craig David agreed to perform at a local woman’s wedding, after she tweeted him every day for a year.
Super-fan Sophie McEvoy, from Marston Green, tied the knot with Richard McCausland in Tenerife and the singer turned up as promised to serenade the newly-weds.
Twenty-seven-year-old Sophie had previously been told by friends and family that she had no chance of persuading the artist to perform at her big day.
But undeterred the office worker, who got engaged last year, proceeded to send daily requests to the star.
Mr David finally confirmed he would be there during an appearance on an Australian radio show.
Tweeting after the event, the performer said it had been “an absolute pleasure” to attend the wedding celebrations.