I don't know about you but I have been making the most of Solihull's Indian Summer. It seems that in this country nowadays we just bypass the British Summer and head straight for the Indian variety but there you go. Nevertheless, several intrepid organisers have been richly rewarded with blue skies at events I have had the pleasure of opening in recent weeks. The other day I officially started the SEWA Solihull bike ride in Tudor Grange Park. SEWA raises money for relief of poverty at home and abroad and is a fantastic cross community organisation. The only problem with starting a bike ride is that you are expected to take part even just for a lap. I am a very keen cyclist but it was something of a challenge to do a circuit on a mountain bike in a suit and best shoes. Everyone had a great time and lots of families took part in a fun event. I really hope the organisers make it an annual event.
The opening of Funfest at the Methodist chapel in Solihull was similarly blessed with fine weather and large crowds. I got a real sense strolling amongst the stalls of the absolutely central role the chapel plays in the life of so many organisations in Solihull. From bee keepers to the local history and photographic society, the variety was amazing. The chapel by the station is a terrific resource for our community and again it was pleasure to be with them on their special day.
But this month hasn't all been fun and fetes as my team have been dealing with a serious issue of flooding in the Fordrove Lane area at the beginning of this month. A freakish rainstorm described as a 1 in a 50 year occurrence, ( what was that I was saying about an Indian Summer?) had inundated numerous houses and it seemed that initially responses were a little on the slow side. However, this has been taken care of and I am very grateful to the council and Solihull community housing for meeting my team and trying to help the people effected.