SOLIHULL Council is inviting residents, businesses and visitors to take part in a variety of events during Armed Forces Week and show support for serving personnel, reservists, veterans and cadets.
From a vintage afternoon tea to demonstrations by cadets, the programme runs from Monday June 22 to Sunday June 28 and offers something for everyone across all ages.
Highlights include a vintage afternoon tea in Poplar Way on Thursday June 25, a guided Military History Trail in the town centre, led by the Council’s archivist and local studies librarian and a variety of music throughout the town centre on Armed Forces Day Saturday June 27.
The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Sardul Singh Marwa MBE JP, said: “Armed Forces Week is a time to remind ourselves of the dedication of the men and women who serve our country selflessly, often in the most challenging circumstances.
“It is an opportunity where we can express our respect for serving personnel, veterans and their families too.”
“The Council is inviting residents to take part in a variety of events during Armed Forces Week. Located in Mell Square and Touchwood in partnership with community groups, the programme runs from June 22 t0 28 and offers something that we hope all ages will enjoy.”
The full details of all the events taking place across the week include:
Tommy Tea – Tuesday June 23 from 2pm until 6pm at Elmwood Family Hub, 37 Burtons Way.
Get together with the local community to enjoy a cuppa and slice of cake during the afternoon.
Hosted by the Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE) every event helps to bring people together and raise vital funds for veterans facing hardship, homelessness, and isolation.
Celebrating Reservists in the workplace – Wednesday June 24
On Reserves Day, Reservists wear their uniform in their civilian life and we are asking employers to thank our Reservists for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to serving our country.
Whether you are a large organisation, small business, charity or self-employed, show your support by holding a workplace talk, organising an event or just publicly showing your support to celebrate Reserves Day.
Businesses and organisations can visit the Employer Toolkit for more ideas.
Vintage afternoon tea – June 25 from 11am until 3pm in Poplar Way
Enjoy tea and cakes in the company of veterans and current serving military personnel. Singer Helen Pearson will entertain guests, performing twice at midday and 1.15 pm.
No booking is required and refreshments are available to purchase.
‘Our Freedom: Then and Now’ display on Friday June 26 from 11am until 1pm and 2pm until 4pm on Poplar Way.
Our Freedom: Then & Now is a UK-wide project which marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. On display are poems and photographs which have been created by residents of Knowle with poet Emily Holtom and photographer Stephen Burke.
Military History Trail – Saturday June 27 from 10am until 11.30am from The Core Library
Join Tracey Williams, Solihull Council’s archivist and local studies librarian, for a Military History Trail.
The 90-minute guided walk of Solihull town centre visits 11 sites of military interest, allowing their fascinating wartime stories to be discovered.
The tour is free to attend but advance booking is advised, contact The Core Library on [email protected] or 0121 704 6977 to book a place.
Art at the Heart – Saturday June 27 from 1oam until 3pm in Touchwood
Get involved in creating a community mosaic and add your touch to this celebratory artwork in honour of Armed Forces Day. Open to all ages and free to attend, no booking is required.
Solihull Air Training Cadets – Saturday June 27 from 11am until 2pm on the High Street
Solihull High Street will be lined with craft stalls and music performance spaces. Head for the gazebo outside Metro Bank where Air Cadets will showcase their work, talk to prospective new recruits and give an overview on the activity and benefits of being within the Corps.
Ashby Little Big Band – Saturday June 27 from 12.30pm, 1.45pm and 3.30pm on the High Street
The Ashby Little Big Band is one of the UK’s premier vintage swing orchestras, renowned for their renditions of Glenn Miller classics and other big band legends. Let the music move you at three 45-minute performances during the afternoon.
Solihull Choir Festival – Saturday June 27 at 1.30pm at Theatre Square in Touchwood
Anya Small and West End Voices will be encouraging shoppers to singalong to their favourite tunes from the musicals, as part of the Solihull Choir Festival’s Community Sing for Armed Forces Day.
