Solihull's Mayor pays tribute to Chelmsley Wood

SOLIHULL'S new mayor – who has lived in Chelmsley Wood for almost 50 years – has spoken of her pride in the area.
Labour councillor Flo Nash (Kingshurst & Fordbridge) was elected at a Full Council meeting a couple of months ago.
In an address to the chamber, she described Chelmsley as “a fantastic place to live” and reflected on how the estate had changed over the many decades she had lived there.
“We came here many years ago ... when we came there was absolutely nothing here,” she said.
“We had no schools, no shops, no doctors, no chemist and I think we walked about three miles to the nearest Post Office.
“Over the years we’ve actually gained so much in the community ... and I think, to be truthful, people don’t realise what we didn’t have and what we’ve got now and we should appreciate these things.”
Speaking about how much the north of the borough has gained, she made mention of the new care home at Chelmund’s Cross and the area’s homeless hub.
“We’ve got so many things going for us ... let’s remember Chelmsley Wood is a fantastic place to live, it’s a great place to bring up your children...”
Coun Nash had moved on to the newly-built estate with her husband Alan, who she had met at 16 and married just a few years later.
The couple became well-known in the community and have been involved in a raft of charities and community groups.
Over the years, the mum-of-three has served on both Chelmsley and Fordbridge Town Councils, was a board member of St Leonard’s Day Centre and a school governor at both St Anne’s and Bennetts Well.
Coun Jim Ryan (Con, Bickenhill) paid tribute to the retired retail worker.
“Flo is a community champion ... she stands at the side of those at the bottom of the economic ladder, who stand [on tip toes] wondering where their next meal will come from.
“Flo says it as it is, she speaks her mind. And in her year of office, she will travel across the West Midlands, she will meet VIPs from every walk of life, but she will remain true to her values.”
She is uniquely qualified for wearing the chain of office, having previously served as Mayoress when Alan was Mayor in 2003/04.
“I was standing at the back a bit, but it’s my turn now,” she said.
Mr Nash, who will serve as Mayor’s Consort, is a former member of the Irish Guards and black cab driver. He had been a borough councillor in the same ward as his wife until a few years ago.
As is customary, the couple have nominated charities for their year of office, choosing to support the cancer ward at Birmingham’s Children’s Hospital and the West Midlands branch of the Alzheimer’s Society.