I was honoured this week to take part in the official opening of a memorial garden at Plantsbrook School in memory of student Louis Watkiss, whose tragic death last year provoked such an outpouring of sympathy and sadness across the Royal Town.
This wonderful memorial garden, which was designed along a Japanese theme by Louis’ classmates, was made possible by donations and support from across the community.
The event was very moving, and saw Louis’ family, along with staff and students from the school, officially unveil this wonderful, peaceful spot where his classmates can sit during quiet moments and remember not only what a great friend he was, but the many things he did during his short life to enrich the lives of others.
I once again expressed my condolences to the Watkiss family on behalf of the whole of Sutton Coldfield, and my gratitude to the school for what they have done to honour Louis’ memory.
Twiglets Nursery
I enjoyed visiting Twiglets nursery on Carhampton Road in Falcon Lodge this morning. Councillor Richard Parkin and I were given a tour of the premises and had we a chat with members of staff headed by Elaine Elwell.
The nursery aims to provide a creative learning environment so that every child is nurtured in the best way possible at a vital moment in their development. It is a very happy place indeed.
Twiglets is extremely popular and still has a few funded and non-funded places available. Nursery education funding is available to those eligible which in some cases pays 100% of the cost. For more information, please get in touch with Twiglets on 0121 378 051 or email info@twigletsprivatenursery.co.uk.
Bishop Vesey School
On a visit to Bishop Vesey School this afternoon, I joined head Dominic Robson and students from Year 7 to discuss international development as part of their PSHE curriculum which encourages an important Vesey school value of global citizenship.
For me it was a moving moment as I told these superbly motivated and engaged young people about sitting in a school classroom in central Somalia just 24 hours ago listening to a class of young women talking about the extraordinary challenges they face in their everyday lives.
Supporting Local News
This afternoon I had a meeting with the Local Television Network (LTVN) to discuss the importance of local television provision for us in the Royal Town. We discussed the importance of everyone being properly informed about local issues amidst the dominance of national news coverage on TV. LTVN supports local journalists, reports local stories and provides training to budding journalists and those looking into careers in the media. LTVN broadcasts local news in the Royal Town on free-view Channel 7.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Royal Mail asks its customers to post early for Christmas due to CWU strike action
Royal Mail is asking its customers to post their mail earlier than usual for Christmas this year as a result of the ongoing strike action by CWU.
The Company is bringing forward its Latest Recommended Posting Dates for domestic and international mail to help manage any impact from planned strike action by the CWU during the festive season.
The CWU intends to take further industrial action on 9, 11, 14, 15, 23 and 24 December. The changes to Latest Recommended Posting Dates are designed to help the Company keep mail moving in the run up to the Christmas period when mail volumes are higher.
Ministerial Visit to Somalia
This week I spent two days in Somalia which is a country on the brink of famine. I saw how Britain is helping desperate communities where a million children are severely malnourished, and many of whom face starving to death as a result of one of the worst droughts on record as well as rising food prices resulting from the war in Ukraine.
I also saw how Britain is helping beat back the al-Shaabab terrorists – who pose a huge threat in the country - through our diplomatic and military endeavours. I have always argued that foreign aid is in our national interest because it helps bring about stability overseas that is linked in with our own security. Somalia is one of the most striking examples of how aid and security go hand in hand.
Read more on this issue here: Andrew Mitchell warns large numbers in Somalia could die - BBC News
Cracking Down on Illegal Protests
Yesterday the Prime Minister, Home Secretary, and Policing Minister met with police leaders, as the government commits to cracking down on disruptive, illegal protests.
The right to protest is something we will always protect in this country, but this should not stray into disrupting people’s lives – such as recent protests which have prevented people from doing their jobs, getting to school, and saving lives.
Yesterday, the Prime Minister, Home Secretary, and Policing Minister met with police leaders to give their full support to cracking down on those protests and discuss if they require more powers or guidance about how to further address these guerrilla tactics we have seen.
Those breaking the law should feel the full force of it, and as the government progresses with its Public Order Bill the Police will continue to receive the support they need to clamp down on illegal protests.
Mobile Housing Recycling Centres in Sutton Coldfield:
- Mon 05/12/2022 St. Andrews Road B75 6UG 07:00 12:00 Sutton Trin
- Tue 06/12/2022 Fourlands Avenue B72 1YY 07:00 12:00 Sutton Wylde Green
- Wed 07/12/2022 Longley Avenue B76 9AL 07:00 12:00 Sutton Walmley & Minworth
Christmas Community Games on Monday 19th December:
