Thought for a Friday: The Smith's Wood apostrophe

THIS week I thought I’d highlight something that’s often forgotten and sometimes downright ignored… The apostrophe in Smith’s Wood.

Yes the sprawling wood that once stood on the housing estate belonged to a man named Smith. Or possibly someone who was a smith. One way or another, I’ve lost count of the amount of times that the apostrophe has gone missing.

From signs and websites and even documents put out by official bodies like the council. In fact I even asked a few years ago if there were plans afoot to follow Birmingham’s policy and roll out a blanket ban on the punctuation mark being painted on borough roadsigns.

Solihull insisted that it would not be imitating the second city; that the apostrophe wasn’t in peril. That hasn't stopped it being dropped with increasing frequency, in fact some people do away with the space mark as well and insist on christening the area Smithswood. This is a bit bizarre as no one ever talks about Bentleyheath or Cheswickgreen. 

Perhaps I sound pedantic, but let’s not forget how easily the Norton was taken from the King or how the Acocks family were robbed of their Green. Make no mistake that the same could happen in Smith’s Wood.

Two arrested after teenager is hurt in Chelmsley Wood fight

TWO men have been arrested after a 14-year-old boy suffered head injuries during a fight in Chelmsley Wood.

Police were called to the disturbance in Bosworth Drive yesterday (Wednesday) evening, at around 6.20pm.

The teenager was taken to hospital to receive treatment and discharged a few hours later.

However, the road remained closed for three hours while detectives investigated.

Two men, aged 30 and 37 from Shirley and Yardley respectively, have been arrested on suspicion of assault.

Police inquiries continue. Anyone with information about the fight or who saw what happened should call officers on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Free digital media workshops get underway in North Solihull next month

BOOST: Digital media skills could give young people the edge
in an increasingly competitive jobs market

A SERIES of digital media workshops will be starting in Chelmsley Wood next month.
The weekly sessions, aimed at 15 to 24-year-olds, will be held at the Bosworth Community Centre over nine weeks.
Running on Wednesday evenings, the free events will cover topics including blogging, podcasts, journalism and social media; skills that could prove invaluable in helping young people find work.
The workshops, organised by the Ashram Housing Association, get underway on July 23 (7.00-8.30pm).
You can register at tinyurl.com/hybridmag. For more information call Simeon Bright on 0121 770 8570 or email simeon.bright@ashramha.org.uk

Marston Green couple who tackled armed burglar receive police bravery awards

BRAVERY: Lesley Scudamore receives the medals from
Chief Constable Chris Sims (right) and
Met Police CommissionerSir Bernard Hogan-Howe

A COURAGEOUS couple who tackled a knife-wielding burglar in Castle Bromwich have received national bravery awards.
Peter and Lesley Scudamore, both aged 42, had confronted and attempted to apprehend the crook, who had ransacked the home of an elderly war hero.
Lesley's cheek was slashed in the struggle and the burglar, Justin Irvine, was able to struggle free.
But the husband and wife, from Marston Green, were still able to provide police with a detailed description, which helped officers to track down the thief.
The drama had unfolded in Ronald Grove, a quiet cul-de-sac near Green Lane, in April 2012.
The Scudamores were dropping off a relative in the road at around teatime, when they noticed an elderly neighbour's window had been smashed.
Moments later, Irvine emerged from the address laden with items - including pocket watches that the pensioner had carried through the Second World War.
The plucky pair tried to block the burglar's escape. Peter, who walks with a stick, had grappled with the thief and both men fell to the floor, with Lesley trying to help pin the man to the ground. Irvine managed to get loose and run away despite their valiant efforts.
Following the skirmish, Lesley needed four stitches for the knife wound. But despite the ordeal, the couple were composed enough to tell police about a distinctive red blemish on the burglar's cheek.
This description led police to Irvine, who was discovered with his hands still covered in blood and the watches on his person.
In recognition of their efforts, the Scudamores were nominated for Police Public Bravery Medals and Lesley collected their awards at the Association of Chief Police Officers ceremony last week.
Det Con Chris Burt said: “They both acted bravely to protect the property of a vulnerable neighbour, a man in his 90s, and were determined the burglar wouldn’t get away with what were items of huge sentimental value.
“Undoubtedly this was a shocking incident for them and it would have been understandable had their minds gone blank when trying to provide officers with a description of their attacker. They thoroughly deserve their bravery medals."
Irvine, 34, of Halesowen, later admitted two counts of wounding and was jailed for five years by Warwick Crown Court.

Police appeal after late night attack on cab driver in Smith's Wood

POLICE are appealing for the public’s help to trace the gang of men who attacked a taxi driver and ransacked his vehicle in Smith’s Wood.

The cabbie was driving along Barle Grove in the early hours of May 25 when four men came running out of Clare House.

One of the group asked if he was there to collect them, but the driver explained he was on his way to picking up a fare in the city centre.

At this point they became aggressive, reaching inside the vehicle to repeatedly punch the 42-year-old and shouting racist abuse.

Fearing for his safety, the man got out of his car and fled, leaving the men to ransack the cab. They stole his cash bag, sat nav and mobile.

The victim managed to flag down another taxi a few streets way and was driven back to the scene. But by the time he arrived his attackers had gone.

Det Con Lucinda Wilson, who is investigating the late night robbery, said: "This was a violent and very unpleasant attack on a lone man who was simply doing his job.

"He was punched several times to the face and was so scared that he left his car and possessions as he ran to get away from his attackers.”

Police have released CCTV images of the men they want to speak to in connection with the attack. All four are white males in their mid to late 20s. Three of the group were around 5ft 9, while their accomplice was slightly taller, around 5ft 11, with a heavier build and tattoos.

A 47-year-old man was arrested on May 29 and remains on police bail in connection with the incident.

Anyone who recognises the men or has any information about the crime, should call officers on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Peter Pan performance brings curtain down on arts festival

AN OUTDOOR performance of a classic children’s book will bring Image Fest to an end tomorrow (Tuesday).

In a fitting finale to North Solihull’s arts and heritage festival, Peter Pan will be performed in the leafy surroundings of Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens.

The show, by Heartbreak Productions, brings the famous tale bang up to date – in this version the Lost Boys are a group of modern-day teenagers who find themselves whisked off to Neverland.

The performance has been organised by the Image Fest team and Castle Bromwich Hall Hotel.

The show starts at 7pm. Tickets are £8 (£5 concs, or £20 for a family ticket). Call the box office on 0121 704 6962.

Family fun day in Kingshurst

CLEVER canines and a bungee trampoline will be among the highlights at a family fun day in Kingshurst.

There will also be a climbing wall, table top sale and refreshments at The Pavilions, Meriden Drive, this afternoon (Sunday, June 22). Events run from 1-5pm.