Festival fun for Knowle and Solihull

TWO major events are set to entertain residents in Knowle and Solihull in the coming weeks.

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Britain in Bloom event tomorrow

SOLIHULL will launch its bid to win Britain in Bloom in Mell Square tomorrow.

It has qualified for the national competition and the event will feature make a bird box, face painting, nature information and art from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Residents will also be enter their garden into the Solihull Garden Competition. Click here for more.

Click here for more about the borough's Britain in Bloom bid.

Email your news and events to news@thesilhillian.co.uk

Star gazing in Dorridge tomorrow

ASTRONOMY experts are inviting residents to a star gazing event in Dorridge Park tomorrow night.

Knowle Astronomical Society says Saturn will be visible at the event, to last for about two hours from 7.30pm.

Anyone who has a telescope is encouraged to bring it. Weather permitting, check here beforehand.

Karren Brady pulls out of fun run

TELEVISION star and former Birmingham City FC chief Karren Brady has pulled out of starting Knowle Fun Run.

The village resident said she was double booked at a wedding. Her appearance at the May 16 event had already been made public by organisers.

A spokesman for Mrs Brady told The Silhillian: “A close friend of hers has decided to get married on the same day as the Knowle Fun Run and Karren has no choice but to attend her friend’s wedding, as I am sure many people will understand.

“As much as Karren would like to be in two places at once, it’s simply not possible, although she will be attending the Fun Run later in the day.

“As soon as she heard of the wedding she gave notice to the organisers.

“Karren continues to be a supporter of the Knowle Fun Run and has made a donation to her charity, Teenage Cancer Trust, one of the charities due to benefit from this year’s event.”

She was due to give out the trophies at the event, which begins and ends at Arden School and is organised by Knowle & Dorridge Lions.

A statement from organiser John Heard said: “This is the first time in 10 years we have been let down by any of our celebs, let alone after we have publicised their involvement.”

It said: “We are of course disappointed, as I’m sure many runners will be.

“We shall now be looking for a replacement to continue the tradition of having a well-known face to send the runners on their way.

“Anyone with any ideas who we should now approach please get in touch via email.”

The organisers can be contacted at 2010@knowlefunrun.org.uk.

Mrs Brady shot to fame when appointed as manager director at the club in 1993, aged 23.

She left last year and is now vice-chairman of West Ham United, a newspaper columnist and forthcoming judge on the Apprentice with Sir Alan Sugar.

Previous VIPs include Midlands Today newsreader Sarah Falkland and comedian Jasper Carrot.

Karren Brady is fun run VIP

TELEVISION star and former Birmingham City FC chief Karren Brady will be the guest VIP at this year’s Knowle Fun Run.

The 40-year-old will start the May 16 run from Arden School and present the trophies.

Mrs Brady, who lives in Knowle, said: “I’m thrilled to be involved in this May’s Fun Run.”

Organisers Knowle and Dorridge Lions said: “It’s always difficult to find someone new. They do have a life as well and like to spend their Sundays with their families

“Which is why this year we are especially pleased to announce that Karren Brady has agreed to join us and send all the runners off in style.”

She shot to fame when appointed as manager director at the club in 1993, aged 23.

She left last year and is now vice-chairman of West Ham United, a newspaper columnist and forthcoming judge on the Apprentice with Sir Alan Sugar.

Previous VIPs include Midlands Today newsreader Sarah Falkland and comedian Jasper Carrot.

'Noughties' exhibition starts tomorrow

AN exhibition on events in Solihull between 2000 and 2009 begins in the town tomorrow.

The Farewell To The Noughties! exhibition looks at ‘some of the interesting happenings in the Solihull borough during this time’.

Click here for more details about the exhibition, at Solihull Arts Complex.

Month long closure for Solihull road

BROAD Oaks Road in Solihull will be partly closed from tomorrow for an expected month for sewer main replacement works.

It will be closed from the junction with the Warwick Road to number 20 Broad Oaks Road from 8am.

Solihull Metropolitan Council has given Severn Trent Water permission for a closure to February 21.

Diversions will be signposted. Emergency services will not be able to use the closed road.

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Boxing Day walk in Knowle

THE Knowle Society is holding a walk on Boxing Day.

Meet at the Guild House at 11am. Refreshments will be provided and the walk is mostly over fields and two to three miles.

Cheap train tickets over xmas

LONDON Midland is offering cheaper train fares over the Christmas period. Click here for details.

Crafts in the park today

A WINTER WONDERLAND workshop will be held in Brueton Park, Solihull today.

Sessions are at the Parkridge Centre from 10.30am to 12pm and 1pm to 2.30pm. Costs £3/£4.

To book or for more information call 0121 704 0768.

Crafts in Solihull today

Christmas crafts will be in the High Street, Solihull today.

Christmas event in park tomorrow

A CHRISTMAS event will be held in Brueton Park tomorrow (Sun Dec 13).

Father Christmas, a treasure hunt, carols and brass band will be in the park between 12pm and 3pm.

Canal talk in Knowle tomorrow

A TALK on canal history and heritage will be held at Knowle Village Hall tomorrow morning (Mon Dec 7).

Roger Butler will give the illustrated talk, organised by The Knowle Society.

Good Food Show at NEC from tomorrow

THE BBC Good Food Show Birmingham is at the NEC from tomorrow to Sunday. Click here for details.

Crafts at Dorridge Park

RESIDENTS are invited to Dorridge Park tomorrow to learn about traditional crafts.

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council has organised the event, to feature crafts such as wood turning, basket making and logging.

A heavy horse which helps with woodland management will also be there.

"Uncensored" poetry evening tomorrow

THEATRE goers are warned that a council-backed poetry competition to be held tomorrow night in Solihull will be “uncensored”.

The 8th Annual Poetry Slam stand up poetry competition will be held at Solihull Arts Complex Studio at 7.30pm.

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council’s website says it for over 16s only and warns: “PLEASE NOTE: Poetry content is uncensored.”

Some 12 poets will face judges and the audience reaction with a “head to head” final.

Tickets £6.50 and £5.50 concessions.

Vince Cable coming to Solihull

VINCE Cable is to address Solihull and Meriden Liberal Democrats.

The party’s shadow chancellor and deputy leader will be the guest speaker at its annual dinner at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel on Thursday.

He was party leader from October to December 2007 ahead of the election of Nick Clegg.

More than 100 party members are expected to attend, including Lib Dem Solihull MP Lorely Burt.

The local party said in a statement: “Mr Cable has earned respect from all quarters for his commentary throughout the recession, and was voted as the most popular choice for Chancellor of the Exchequer in a national opinion poll.

“Vince will outline his party's prescription for economic recovery and will also deliver a rallying call for local members ahead of Lorely Burt's re-election campaign next year.”