Family's tribute to Chelmsley grandmother killed in collision

A GRANDMOTHER killed in a collision this week has been named as Jean Stilgoe - who had lived on Chelmsley Wood for more than 50 years.
The 79-year-old, who died a few hours after the crash on Tuesday evening, was described as a "loving" member of the community.
Ms Stilgoe (pictured) had suffered the fatal injuries in the collision with a Ford Focus, which happened on the Chester Road.
She had been taken to hospital but passed away a few hours later.
A statement from her family said: "Jean was a loving, caring and dedicated wife, mother and grandmother.
"She was involved in community projects ranging from being an Akela with the local cubs to most recently performing with the Three Trees Community Centre Ukulele Band and Choir.
"Jean possessed a joy for life that was infectious and she will be sadly missed by her family and her many friends."
The driver of the Ford Focus remained at the scene and is helping Solihull Police with their enquiries.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, which happened around 5.45pm, can call officers on 101.

Statue pays tribute to First World War victims

NOT FORGOTTEN: The statue in Woodlands
Cemetery. Photo by @SolihullCouncil

A STRIKING statue of a First World War soldier has been installed at Woodlands Cemetery.

The life-sized figure was unveiled beside the war memorial at the site, near Chelmsley Wood, earlier this week. 

Mayor of Solihull, Cllr Flo Nash, was invited to the special ceremony, with wreaths laid and a moment taken to remember those who gave their lives in the conflict. 

It is one of three Tommies being placed by Solihull Council ahead of Remembrance Sunday.

Standing six foot tall, with a rifle in hand and a bright red poppy on its chest, the metal silhouette is part of a national art project - There, But Not There.

Councils around the country had been encouraged to purchase the figures, which had already been placed around some of Britain's most recognisable landmarks.

This year November 11 has an added significance, as it is 100 years since the guns fell silent on the Western Front.

The weekend's Remembrance parades will bring the curtain down on a series of commemorations, marking a century since Armistice Day.

St Mary and St Margaret's, in Castle Bromwich, will be among the churches sounding the bells for the occasion.

And in the evening residents from around the borough are expected to gather to watch a beacon being lit in Elmdon Park.

79-year-old woman dies following Chelmsley Wood collision

A CHELMSLEY Wood pensioner involved in a collision with a car yesterday evening has died, police have confirmed.
The 79-year-old, who has not been named, had suffered serious injuries in the incident, which happened in Chester Road.
Eyewitnesses reported paramedics attending to the woman at the scene and she was rushed to Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
However, officers confirmed this afternoon that she had died a few hours after the collision, which happened at around 5.45pm.
The driver of the Ford Focus involved had remained at the scene and is helping the force with their enquiries.
PC Michelle O’Brien, from West Midlands Police, said: "Our thoughts remain with the family of this lady and we are supporting them at this traumatic time.
"We are still in the early stages of establishing what happened and would ask anyone with information; or was in the area and has dash cam footage to contact us."
Anyone with information about the collision should call officers on 101.

Chelmsley road closed following teatime collision

AN ELDERLY woman is believed to have suffered serious injuries following a collision with a car earlier this evening.
The pensioner was rushed to hospital following the incident on the Chester Road, near Chelmund's Cross.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing paramedics attending to the stricken pedestrian.
Police said that a stretch of road had been closed in both directions following the crash at around 5.45pm. They had urged drivers to avoid the area, with reports that traffic was stationary.

West End star set to raise the roof at Chelmsley venue

WEST End star Nathaniel Morrison will be taking to the stage for a one-off show in Chelmsley Wood next weekend.
The actor and singer, originally from Birmingham, has previously appeared in hit shows including Jersey Boys.
His performance is part of this year's Black Train Music Festival and Nathaniel will be joined by local singer Liam Price - winner of the Solihull Rising Star competition. The pair will be supported by a live band.
The show is set to take place on Saturday, November 10 at the Three Trees Centre. Doors open at 7pm, with the performance to start at 7.30pm.
Tickets are £8 each and available on 0121 582 0767.

CCTV appeal following car key burglary

POLICE are appealing for help tracing a man they want to speak to in relation to a car key burglary in Marston Green.
The crime was committed in Farndown Avenue last Friday (October 26). This week a CCTV image was released of a man who had used the victim's bank card at a nearby petrol station shortly after the theft.
Anyone with information should call Solihull Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Fireworks fun in North Solihull

CELEBRATE Bonfire Night at one of the organised displays taking place in North Solihull.

A number of gatherings will be taking place in the coming days, including:

• Chelmsley Wood Annual Fireworks: The popular event is organised and sponsored by the Town Council. It will be staged tomorrow (Saturday) on the playing field behind the Onward Club. Gates open at 6pm, with the display to begin at 7pm. There will be stalls, inflatables, children's rides and refreshments available. Entry is free, although there will be a bucket collections for Marie Curie Cancer Care and Prostate Cancer UK.
• Kingshurst: The 184th Scout Hut will be hosting a family event tomorrow (Saturday) at their HQ in Bassetts Grove, Kingshurst. Gates open at 6.30pm, with the bonfire to be lit at 7pm. There will be a raffle, hot food and a licensed bar. Entry is free. 
• Coleshill Fireworks: The annual bonfire and fireworks will be held at Coleshill Memorial Park this evening (Friday). There will be fair rides, stalls and a Guy Fawkes competition. Gates open at 5.30pm. Admission is £3 for adults, while under 16s get in free. More information on the schedule is available at the Coleshill Carnival website.

Around 1,000 people are expected to attend a sell-out event at Castle Bromwich Hall Hotel. 

The charity display will be raising money for Matt's Mission - which arranges family trips and gifts for youngsters with life-threatening illnesses and disabilities. Tickets for tonight's celebration were quickly snapped up, with organisers announcing they had all gone more than a week ago.

If you are having a display at home, make sure to follow health and safety guidelines and remember to check your woodpile for hedgehogs before setting it alight.