If I had to sum up Solihull, I’d say it was a volunteering town. So many Silhillians go above and beyond to make our community such a fantastic place to live and raise a family.
Many of the services, societies, and sports clubs that we need and enjoy couldn’t run without the hundreds of residents who give so generously of their time, energy, and expertise – and not a week goes by without at least one story of brilliant charity fundraising in the local paper!
Of course, I probably have a slight bias when it comes to Solihull. But there’s no arguing with this summer’s Birthday Honours list, which saw no less than four Silhillians recognised and rewarded for their contributions to community and national life.
Take Meryl Homer, who received an MBE for services to early-years education after 24 years of service to St Alphege Pre-School. Then there’s Graham Scutt, who was awarded the British Empire Medal for a literal lifetime of service to Camp Hill Rugby Club.
Or Beryl Moppett, who also received an MBE for services to the community after two decades of diverse and effective charitable work. I’ve seen this first-hand whilst helping to promote her local jobs club.
They are each an example of how much good we can do when we take the time and effort to give back to our community, and I hope they will serve as an inspiration to others.
Finally Alexander Murray, the Chief Superintendant of the West Midlands Police and formerly police commander for Solihull, was awarded an OBE for services to ‘evidence-based policing’. This is fitting recognition of a career dedicated to the development of an effective, modern, and scientific police service.
I was very grateful to be able to highlight his contributions to better policing across the country when I recently called for a fairer funding deal for the West Midlands Police in Parliament.
Originally published in the Solihull Observer, 04/07/17.