One thing I like to do with this column is take the opportunity to keep you informed about some of the amazing voluntary and charitable work that goes on all around us here in Solihull.
Last week I highlighted the outstanding success of the Tommy Godwin Sportive, and I also recently wrote about the hundreds of people who volunteer to pick the rubbish from our streets all across the borough.
So sticking with the theme, this week I’d like to draw your attention to another group whose efforts do so much to give visitors and home-comers a warm welcome: the Friends of Solihull Station.
The original group was set up in 2016 and has since inspired similar groups across town – most recently the Friends of Marston Green Station, the sixth group. Their original goal was to clean up and beautify the disused platform at Solihull station. I’m sure that many of you who use the station will have appreciated the lovely new flower boxes they have installed too.
Although offered valuable support by Solihull Council, such groups could not survive without local residents prepared to donate their time and energy free of charge, as well as the support of local businesses who make donations to purchase equipment. They really embody what we can do when the whole community pulls together.
Similar groups also take care of our parks, as well as tidying up our streets, and together they all help to make sure that Solihull shows its very best face to the world. We owe all involved a debt of thanks for everything they do to make our town such a special place to live.
One thing I’ve found is that a lot of these efforts can fly under the radar. I’m always interested to learn more about community initiatives across Solihull, so if you or somebody you know goes above and beyond to make life in our town better than please don’t hesitate to get in touch with my office and let me know.
Originally published in the Solihull Mail, 16/05/19.
