In her weekly column for the Solihull Observer, Council Leader Cllr Karen Grinsell looks ahead to the summer holidays, celebrates the borough’s award-winning parks, and reflects on a very special centenary in Malvern Park.
The summer holidays are here!
Well done to all the pupils who have worked hard at school this year, and a big thank you to all the teachers who do so much for our children and young people year after year. I hope everyone enjoys their hard-earned break.
There’s plenty of things to do during the summer holidays in Solihull. This week we launched our Here2Help summer campaign, which includes free activities for children who get benefits-related free school meals and low-cost activities for all through the Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF). Here2Help also includes information about financial support available to families and links to wider support.
There’s a huge range of summer activities available, including Ice Skating (good if this heat continues!), arts and crafts, coding and gaming and specially designed activities for children with additional needs and/or disabilities so there’s bound to be something to suit every child or young person.
There’s plenty of fun for all the family to be had in Solihull Town Centre too this summer. We’ve got Summerfest this weekend, the Touchwood beach is back – as is The Core Outdoor Theatre. There are family cinema screenings in The Core itself too, a Mell Square food market and various classes and workshops throughout the holiday. There’s a comprehensive round-up here, so take a look and make some plans, there’s something for everyone.
One thing you don’t have to plan in advance is a trip to the park. We’re proud to have 21 Green Flag parks and green spaces in Solihull. This is the highest number in the region and recognises quality, well-maintained parks and open spaces. We had 19 Green Flag awards last year, and all those were retained. This year Widney Manor Cemetery and Blythe Valley Park joined the list. It’s a testament to our commitment to providing high quality green spaces for our residents to enjoy, and to our excellent parks team and all the volunteers who help to keep these places looking their best.
One of our largest parks, Malvern Park, opened 100 years ago. I was there on 10 July to commemorate the exact centenary, as The Mayor of Solihull and I placed a time capsule to be opened another 100 years into the future. It was a pleasure to meet the great granddaughter of Councillor Horton, who way back in 1924 helped to secure the parkland for public use.
Finally, it was devastating to see England knocked out on Wednesday, I know the whole country has been behind them and it’s been great to see packed pubs and people gathering to watch the matches. Only 692 days until Euro 2028!
Thanks for reading, enjoy your weekend.
Karen
Cllr Karen Grinsell is leader of Solihull Council and writes for the Observer every week.
