The Mayor's Office

The Mayor and Mayoress 2010 - 2011

Mayor of Solihull

Councillor Ian Courts

Born in the Isle of Ely, Ian attended March Grammar School, before gaining an Exhibition Scholarship to Trinity Hall Cambridge to study Law. Ian’s father ran a small shoe shop, but sadly passed away whilst he was in the sixth form. He was articled to a London firm of solicitors in 1971. After qualifying, he left to join the John Laing Group in 1974, initially as a solicitor, but then went into management and stayed with the firm for over 30 years until retirement in 2004.  For several years Ian was a part-time lecturer and Visiting Fellow at Reading University, retiring in 2009.

Ian began working in the Midlands in the early 1990's, moved to Balsall Common in 1997 and was elected to the Council in 2003 to represent Dorridge & Hockley Heath Ward. Whilst a Member, Ian has chaired Overview & Scrutiny and most recently served as Cabinet Member for Economic Development & Regeneration. He has had particular interests in planning, the environment and climate change.

Ian's personal interests include the natural world and birdwatching, history and historical buildings, as well as photography.  He also enjoys travelling and experiencing different cultures and languages.  He is a regular, albeit an "inconsistent" golfer.  A Rotarian for over 25 years, Ian and Sheila are both members of the Meriden Rotary Club and are involved in a number of charitable activities.

Ian met Sheila in his final weeks at university and they have been married now for 35 years, with one son Robert. In 2006, they lost their daughter, Katherine, in whose memory they established a woodland in Lavender Hall Park, Balsall Common.

Mayoress of Solihull

Sheila Courts

Sheila was born in Cambridge and lived in the village of Stapleford, attending the local village college, becoming head girl. On leaving school, she trained as a nursery nurse and then as a nursery infant teacher and has had a particular interest in special needs education. She has also had sporting interests (including scuba diving) and was responsible for PE at her last school. This has continued now and she is a regular golfer and swimmer. Having herself become a Rotarian a couple of years ago, Sheila and Ian have both been actively promoting Shelterbox, the overseas relief charity. Through Rotary, they have been very involved in hosting students from overseas. Sheila also does voluntary work with a local Balsall Common School and is very interested in the National Trust and wildlife.