Festive fun in Castle Bromwich

YULE be a fool if you miss the Christmas Fair taking place in Castle Bromwich tomorrow (Saturday).
St Mary and St Margaret's Church will be hosting the annual event, with stalls, games and raffles. Hot soup and mulled wine will be among the refreshments.
The fair is open from 11.30am-2pm. Admission is 50p for adults, 20p for primary schoolchildren and anyone younger gets in free.

An evening of winter's tales in Chelmsley Wood

STORIES perfect for a winter's evening are to be told at a Chelmsley Wood venue.

A series of yarns will be entertaining visitors at the Three Trees Centre tomorrow (Thursday) night.

Sharon Carr, Cath Edwards and John Sullivan-Blakeney will all be giving readings.

The event runs from 7.30-10pm, with an interval in the middle. Admission is £3.50 and there will be refreshments on sale.

Trip the lights fantastic in Castle Brom

THE first in a series of Christmas lantern events will be taking place in Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens this weekend.
Visitors can drop in to make their own 'star' and then, when darkness falls, venture into the garden to explore a planetarium amid the plants.
The events will be taking on consecutive Saturdays (December 1, 8 and 15).
The first two events run from 12.30-4.30pm, with the final one in the series scheduled between 1-6pm.
For further details about the highly-anticipated Stars and Shadows events visit the Hall Gardens' website.

Kingshurst driver jailed after fatal crash.

A KINGSHURST man has been jailed following a crash which caused the death of a schoolgirl.
Nicholas Buck had pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, after the bin lorry he was driving collided with a school minibus.
Fourteen-year-old Holly Brown (pictured) suffered fatal injuries - and several of her classmates were hurt - in the crash, which happened in Birmingham last year.
Court heard that the defendant's vehicle had emerged from an intersection on the A38 Kingsbury Road, in Castle Vale, and ploughed into the side of the coach.
Buck, 52, of Kingshurst Way, was today handed a 40 month prison sentence and banned from driving for over five years. He would be required to take an extended retest before being allowed back behind a wheel.
Det Sgt Alan Hands, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "A young girl tragically lost her life as a result of dangerous driving.
"Holly had her whole life ahead of her and this sentence should serve as a reminder of the importance of taking care on the road.
"Although this result will never bring Holly back, I sincerely hope her family find some comfort knowing Buck is behind bars and we continue to do all we can to make the roads safer."
Holly, a pupil from John Taylor High School, in Barton-under-Needwood, in Staffordshire, had been on a school art trip. Twenty other students had been on board at the time of the crash, which happened on July 7.
The family had paid tribute to the teenager, who had a twin sister, Emma, during today's hearing at Birmingham Crown Court.

Castle Brom Indian beats local rival to clinch top award

A CASTLE Bromwich takeaway has been crowned the best in the West Midlands.

Chutney Express, in Hurst Lane, was up against the cream of curry houses and chip shops from around the region - including local competitor Lime Pickle.

And it was announced this month that the Indian eatery had been named the 'Best Takeaway' by the British Takeaway Awards.

Winners from 12 different regions around the UK were recognised at London's swanky Savoy Hotel earlier this month. 

Former Dragons' Den judge Sarah Willingham, who began her business career in the restaurant trade, and Just Eat boss Graham Corfield were among the panel appointed to pick the winners.

North Solihull had the bragging rights, with two of the five finalists based in the area.

Aside from Chutney Express and Lime Pickle, the shortlist included Cafe Balti Birmingham, based at The Radleys, Sheldon, and two chip shops (Mr Chips, in Stourbridge, and Fiddlers Elbow Fisheries, in North Herefordshire).

Scouts stage festive event in village

A CHRISTMAS Fayre will be taking place in Marston Green this afternoon.
This year's festive event will be held at the Scouts HQ, behind the Village Hall, in Elmdon Road.
Visitors can enjoy a whole range of stalls and games and pop in at Santa's grotto.
Homemade cakes will be on sale and there is also the chance to make popcorn on an open fire.
Admission is 50p for adults and children get in free. Drop in from 2-4pm.

Cooks Lane housing scheme set for approval

CONTROVERSIAL plans to build eight new homes in Kingshurst are expected to be rubber-stamped next week.
Council officers have recommended that the care scheme, at 214 Cooks Lane, is approved - despite concerns about homes being packed in and limited access for vehicles.
Back in September, councillors had agreed to defer a decision on the development until further details about the parking arrangements had been provided.
Kingshurst and Fordbridge councillors David Cole (Lab) and Robert Hall (Ind) had both spoken at the meeting to raise concerns about the proposal.
Coun Cole told the decision session that the plans were "ill-thought out" and likely to lead to tensions with existing residents.
Discussions about the development of the land have dragged on for more than a decade, during which time a number of different proposals have been brought forward.
The latest version of the scheme is intended to provide supported living for people with disabilities.
Following the decision session a couple of months ago, Sandant Care Ltd has agreed to incorporate extra parking spaces into its plans.
The firm has argued that the facilities should be "more than sufficient", given that the residents won't drive and the majority of the company's carers use public transport.
The planning committee will consider the updated plans on Wednesday (November 28).

Soap star booked for Chelmsley's "big switch-on"

CHELMSLEY Wood's Christmas lights will be officially switched on tomorrow (Saturday).
Ex-Emmerdale and Waterloo Road actor Adam Thomas has been booked to flip the switch at this year's event.
There will be stilt walkers, live music and prize giveaways at the shopping centre from 12noon onwards. And visitors can also look forward to performances from the finalists of the Chelmsley's Got Talent contest.
The festive display will be turned on at around 4pm.

Free family event in Chelmsley woodland

MANE EVENT: A heavy horse at work at a previous Oaks and Shires
afternoon, in Yorks Wood.

A FAMILY event is taking place at a popular beauty spot this weekend.
The Oaks and Shires afternoon will be held beneath the trees of Alcott Wood Local Nature Reserve, in Chelmsley Wood.
Visitors can meet one of the horses which helps play a vital role in maintaining our woodlands.
There will also be a demonstration of traditional woodland crafts, such as willow weaving, birds of prey on display and marshmallow toasting.
Once again, the Green Man - a figure with close ties to English folklore - will be regaling visitors with stories and songs.
The free event takes place on Saturday (November 24), from 11am-3pm.

Drugs factory discovered in Marston Green

SCORES of cannabis plants seized in Marston Green have been taken away to be destroyed.
Police were called after a drugs factory was found inside the Exeter Drive address on Monday (November 19).
Chelmsley Wood Neighbourhood Team had revealed the discovery on social media, describing it as a "large" operation.
It's understood that the drugs had been found by a workman visiting the property and that the system was spread through several rooms.
Both the plants and the equipment which had been used to cultivate them have now been removed from the home.
Police enquiries continue. Anyone with information about the factory should call officers on 101.

Reindeer event in Chelmsley Wood cancelled

PLANS to bring live reindeer to Chelmsley Wood shopping centre have been cancelled amid animal welfare concerns.
The venue, which had planned the free family event in the run-up to Christmas, said it had received scores of complaints.
In light of the response from residents, it was confirmed yesterday that next month's visit would not be going ahead.
A statement on the centre's Facebook page said: "Although the reindeer would have been well looked after and would have been in a large shop unit away from crowds and noise, we appreciate that this may still cause upset to some people.
"The reindeer were booked through a small charity whose sole aim is to enrich and enhance the lives of youngsters and their families living with illness, disability or lack of opportunity.
"We are still going to honour our donation to them, as they rely entirely on donations to run the charity.
"We apologise for any disappointment."
Reindeer have appeared at a number of previous Christmas celebrations around the local area and a similar event was in fact held at the shopping centre in 2017.
However, recently-released secret filming by the charity Animal Aid, which allegedly showed the animals being kicked and shouted at in Kent, has seen venues around the UK cancel appearances. Events in Leeds, Guildford, Sevenoaks and Hastings have also been axed.
Animal Aid has called for an end to "captive reindeer events".
A spokesman said: "These semi-wild animals would naturally roam vast stretches of the tundra.
"Their complex needs cannot possibly be met in captivity."
The Chelmsley Wood event had been pencilled in for December 8; one of several activities planned for the festive period.
The decision was broadly supported by customers commenting on social media, although it is understood some families have expressed disappointment that the event won't be going ahead.

Meeting to discuss Clopton Crescent plan

CONTROVERSIAL plans for land in Chelmsley Wood will be discussed at a public meeting next month.

Solihull Council has deferred a decision on disposing with a site in Clopton Crescent and two others in nearby Smith's Wood.

The decision to hold fire followed a backlash from local residents and concerns about previous consultations.

Now the proposals for the Clopton site will be discussed at a meeting of Fordbridge Town Council.

It is set to take place at the Fordbridge Centre, in Nineacres Drive, on Monday, December 3. The session starts at 7.30pm.

Babbs Mill death not being treated as suspicious

THE death of a woman, whose body was found in Babbs Mill Lake earlier in the week, is not being treated as suspicious.
A passer-by had made the discovery early on Thursday morning (November 15) and emergency services sealed off the scene.
Residents visiting the Kingshurst beauty spot confirmed that police had taped off an area next to the water, after being alerted at around 7.45am.
The woman has not been formally identified by the authorities.
Police have confirmed that the matter has now been referred to the Birmingham and Solihull Coroner.

Robbers target pensioner in late night attack

AN ELDERLY woman suffered a terrifying ordeal when robbers attacked her outside Marston Green home.
The 78-year-old was woken by a bang after a group of offenders apparently forced entry through a downstairs window.
The had scoured the property and stolen a handbag. After being roused, the pensioner had looked out and saw the item lying on the drive.
When she went to retrieve it, she was attacked by three men.
Solihull Police said: "This was a terrifying experience for the woman, who was left needing hospital treatment for her injuries.
"She has been left frightened in her own home. We are urging anyone who may have any information or who has witnessed anything to come forward."
The incident happened on Monday, October 15, with the break-in taking place at around 3.45am.
If you have any information please call Solihull Police on 101.

North Solihull's MP speaks out on Brexit deal

ON a day of political turmoil Meriden MP Caroline Spelman has given her backing to the proposed Brexit deal announced by the Prime Minister.
Dame Caroline, who voted Remain in the 2016 referendum, waded into the debate about the terms of the draft agreement that the Government had reached with Brussels.
The proposals have prompted a flurry of resignations from the Conservative frontbench and mounting speculation that Theresa May could face a vote of confidence within days.
But as Tory colleagues condemned the deal, Dame Caroline tweeted that it was a better option than no deal at all, which she argued would cause "great uncertainty".
"This deal will help protect jobs in our region which exports principally to the EU," she said.
"I respect the huge effort made by the PM and fully support the deal she has secured to deliver Brexit."

Corsa cannibals strike again in Smith's Wood

SO-called Corsa cannibals have struck again in North Solihull.
A vehicle was targeted in Wolseley Close, Smith's Wood, in the early hours of Tuesday morning (November 13).
Thieves had prised a piece of the bodywork off the car (pictured above) under cover of darkness and officers are appealing for help to trace the culprits.
And within the last few hours it was confirmed that the cannibals returned to the estate last night, with another car having been targeted in Marcos Drive.
The incidents are the latest in a string of incidents of cars being stripped of bonnets, grilles and headlights.
If you have any information about the latest thefts call Solihull Police on 101.

Expectant mum pushed over by Marston Green robbers

ARMED men pushed a pregnant shop worker to the ground during a robbery in Marston Green last Friday (November 9).
Terrified staff at Norwich Express, off Norwich Croft, were confronted by the gang during the tea-time raid on the shop.
Police said that around three masked men had entered the premises at around 5.15pm, with at least a couple carrying firearms. The offenders fled the scene with cash and cigarettes stuffed into a sack.
The pregnant woman was left shaken after being shoved over, but was otherwise unhurt and checks have suggested there are no immediate concerns about her unborn baby.
Following on from the robbery, two vehicles - a white Ford C-MAX and a white VW Golf - were recovered nearby. They are believed to have been linked to the gang.
While the men's faces were covered, one of the robbers was described as white, skinny, and around 5ft 7ins tall. He was wearing a grey hooded jacket with dark bottoms and had fresh scratches on his face.
Det Insp Kerrie Martin, who is leading the investigation, said: "Clearly this was a terrifying ordeal for those involved, made all the worse by the fact that one of the victims is pregnant.
"Thankfully, she was not seriously injured. But I’d urge those who may know the identity of the people responsible to examine their conscience and think how they would feel if a loved one of theirs was pregnant and subjected to such an awful ordeal.
"Similarly, I’d urge anyone who saw the cars in the area, or who may have been offered cigarettes for sale which they suspect were stolen, to call."
Detectives are now trawling CCTV and carrying out other enquiries in an attempt to track down the culprits.
Anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

North Solihull marks 100 years since WW1's end

RESIDENTS around North Solihull today came together to mark the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day.
Remembrance events were held around the local area, with services to commemorate the fallen in Marston Green, Castle Bromwich and Chelmsley Wood.
The laying of wreaths at memorials had an added poignancy, a century on from the end of the First World War.
After more than four years of fighting, which had claimed the lives of millions, including more than 800 Solihull residents, the conflict officially ended at 11 o'clock on November 11, 1918.
This evening, people from across the borough are expected to attend a short service at Elmdon Church's war memorial (at 6.40pm).
The nearby beacon will be lit at 7pm by Mayor of Solihull, Coun Flo Nash. It is one of around 1,000 flames which will be kindled around the country.

Stained glass tribute to "much missed" villager

STUNNING PIECE: The church's
memorial window. Picture from
St Leonard's Facebook page.

MUCH-loved Marston Green woman Anne Dunkley has been honoured with a stained glass window.
The colourful pane has been installed in the porch of St Leonard's, where the local resident was well-known as a churchwarden.
The death of the 67-year-old, a retired teacher, had sent shockwaves through the local community three years ago.
Last October, Reverend Penny Harrison said that St Leonard's had wanted to create a lasting memorial to the mother-of-two.
Following a fundraising campaign, the window was fitted and last Sunday the Bishop of Birmingham, David Urquhart, had performed a dedication.
In a post on Facebook, the church said: "Thank you to all those who contributed financially to the window, it is a really stunning piece of art for a much missed special person.
"The window is in the porch by the entrance and wonderfully catches the sunlight."
The Parochial Church Council had spent around 18 months discussing the design of the window, which incorporated images representing the pensioner's involvement in various aspects of village life.
The piece was designed and installed by stained glass artist Ester Naylor.
Mrs Dunkley had previously been a deputy headteacher at Hatchford Community Primary School, in Chelmsley Wood, and was also well-known for her association with the scouts and guides.
She had died in June 2015 after being attacked at her home in the village. Her nephew, Gareth Emery, was subsequently jailed for life after admitting manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

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.