UNSUNG heroes were honored at the tenth Solihull Civic Honours Awards, which returned for the first time since before the pandemic.
The winners were invited to receive their awards from the Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Ken Meeson, and to meet representatives from local businesses and organisations.
There was also music from local performing arts group Stagecoach Solihull.
Silhillians were invited to nominate people who have helped to make the community a better place.
The judging panel, consisting of councillors, officers, representation from community groups and the main sponsor, Touchwood, were then left with the tough task of reviewing the nominees and selecting this year’s winners.
The Mayor said: “After a three-year hiatus, it was wonderful for us to be able to host the Civic Honours Awards once again. The event truly is one of the highlights of the mayoral year.
“It was a pleasure to meet so many inspirational people and to hear their stories of commitment and service. I thank them for their enthusiasm, dedication, and hard work.
“I would also like to thank the many other, outstanding nominees who did not receive an award this year. As is always the way with such a process, unfortunately, not everyone can be a winner.
“Their devotion does not, however, go unnoticed, and I trust that with the continuation of these awards they will receive the recognition they deserve.”
The 2022 Solihull Civic Honours winners in full:
Stephen Carr – Individual Community Involvement, sponsored by Birmingham Airport.
Stephen is a local historian who has promoted Elmdon and Solihull heritage for many years and hopes to spark that enthusiasm in others with his Young Archaeologist Workshops and free History Walks.
Stephen has also led efforts to restore the Elmdon Hall water pump which is currently waiting to go on permanent display in Elmdon Park.
Steve Goodchild – Individual Community Involvement, sponsored by Crowne Plaza Solihull.
When the Covid vaccine rollout Steve called on the members of Knowle and Dorridge 41 Club to join him as car park marshalls for all clinics that form part of Balsall Common Surgery.
He was then contacted by Blossomfield surgery and provided the same service there.
And he continues to provide this service for booster clinics.
Happy Mamas Solihull – Group Community Involvement, sponsored by John Lewis Solihull.
Jemma Paterson launched the peer support for new mums to talk openly about how they feel, the ups and downs of early motherhood and can be directed to services that can provide professional support.
Ordinary Magic – Group Community Involvement, sponsored by Lucent Financial Planning Ltd.
The non-profit organisation, offering mental health and wellbeing support to children and families across Solihull.
They aim to reach the children who are ‘unreachable’ and to ensure they offer early intervention at school or in a safe place, supporting brilliant young minds and helping them on the road to a resilient future.
Clean and Green – Community Environment, sponsored by Birmingham Business Park.
The group lead events like litter picking, river course clearance and improvements, wildlife appreciation as well as flower and tree planting in the north of Solihull.
Sing! Bentley Heath Community Choir – Creative Arts, sponsored by Resorts World Arena.
Since it began in 2010 the community choir has sang in churches, care homes and hospitals across the borough.
It has also raised around £30,000 for local charities.
The Buck-it Boys, Bazzie Hines and Joshua Hines – Inspirational Young Person, sponsored by Correla
The boys have been collecting old pens from schools, businesses, Solihull Council and libraries to recycle them and exchange them into money.
They then donate the cash to charities, including the NSPCC, Childline and Matt`s Mission, so pens no longer go into landfill and instead help vulnerable children.
Art at the Heart CIC – Making a Difference for Young People, sponsored by DM and Co.
Mukesh Kumar and Kamaljit Suman have made a huge difference to many youngsters in Solihull by encouraging creativity in the visual arts sector.
They orgnaise art courses for young people at the Core and wider events in Solihull, such as a celebration of Holi.
David Vaux and Paul Jaques – Making a Difference for Young People, sponsored by MACC Care.
The keen amateur historians who have amassed a substantial collection of memorabilia from the World Wars.
They show their collection to raise awareness of the futility of war and how it should be avoided at all costs where possible.
Altair Trampoline Club, Emma and Jon Wall – Sport, sponsored by NEC Group.
In recent years, Altair has survived due to the generosity of Emma, Jon and other volunteers who have topped up the club’s takings out of their own income, enabling the club to run with fees which the community cannot afford.
The club, which runs across Chelmsley Wood, Kingshurst, Shard End and surrounding areas has been successful in coaching both regional and national champions, not only younger gymnasts but also adults – with the oldest current member still competing nationally at 71 years of age.
Solihull and Small Health Athletic Club – Sport, sponsored by Specsavers Solihull.
The volunteer-run club caters for all people, of all ages and abilities in amateur athletics and has members taking part at competitive leagues as well as area, county and national championships across all athletic disciplines.
Elaine Butler – The Mayor’s Award, sponsored by Touchwood.
Elaine is the regional chair for the Royal British Legion and has spent many years dedicated to the Legion and its veterans.
She worked tirelessly to bring about the Armed Forces Community Garden in Hillfield Park, which was constructed in spring 2022 and is now a focal point for reflection and pride in Armed Forces personnel, both past and present.
