Christmas is coming. I can hear the cries of ‘but it’s still November!’ coming through the screen, but lots of lights have been switched on around the borough already, on high streets and in front gardens, and I’m happy to see the festive mood getting under way.
I have been prompted to start talking about Christmas a little earlier than usual though, because it is Small Business Saturday tomorrow. I couldn’t miss the opportunity to urge you, if you are able to, to support the fantastic shops all across Solihull as you do your Christmas shopping.
When you buy something from one of the online giants, that money goes out of our community but when you buy from an independent shop, it helps keep a family business going and supports their suppliers, who may well be local themselves. You might also find you come across some really unique and interesting gifts by popping into some local businesses.
I mentioned that there are already some Christmas lights on, but there’s still a few events to come locally including the Shirley Light switch on, Dorridge, Hampton, Catherine de Barnes and Cheswick Green to come. There’s a handy list here. The last few years seem to have seen an increase in the number of Santa’s Sleighs touring towns and villages they’re such a lovely thing for community spirit, they raise money for local charities and projects but really get the kids excited for Christmas (not that they need much help with that).
Before we reach Christmas itself, there’s still a fair bit of business as usual to be done. I’m excited to attend the Solihull SEND Awards on Tuesday. Led by Solihull Parent Carer Voice and supported by us at the Council, they’re fast becoming a real highlight of the calendar. We take the time to celebrate the achievements of children and young people with SEND, and also to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of those who support them. I’ll talk more about this next week and give you some details of some of the winners, one thing I do know is that Jamie, one of our brilliant members of staff, is reprising his role as host so it promises to be a special evening once again.
We hosted the Solihull Landlord Forum yesterday, which was a great success. You can read more about it here. I know my colleague Cllr Mark Parker, Cabinet Member for Housing, was pleased to welcome so many landlords and managing agents to the event. The private-rented sector plays such an important role in meeting our local housing need, which is why it's important to work collaboratively and host such events to provide advice and support. We've had some great initial feedback and I look forward to seeing the Forum return in 2026.
Last, but by very no means least, I have to thank everyone involved in organising the Solihull Stride Squad glow walk on Wednesday. It was amazing. I was so pleased to see so many people out in Malvern & Brueton park for this fantastic occasion. They were walking as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, and they really lit up the night to show their solidarity with women all over the world. The community spirit on show whenever I join the Stride Squad is incredible, the work they do to support each other is inspiring. Even if you missed the glow walk, you can join them on their usual walks.
Thanks for reading, enjoy your weekend, I hope to see lots of you in Shirley tomorrow for the big switch on!
Karen