West Midlands Police have confirmed that a 72 year old man has been arrested after a Velo steward was injured in a suspected road rage attack in Rubery this morning (Sunday 12th May).
The steward – a 59 year old man from Plymouth – suffered a suspected fractured hip after allegedly being deliberately driven at at the junction of New Inns Lane and Cross Farms Lane during the 100 mile road cycling event.
A 72-year-old Northfield man was later arrested in Bromsgrove.
Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police on Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk (8am – midnight) or to call 101 any time. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org Please quote log 936 of 12/5.
He managed to make it to the JobCentre Plus at the junction of Bristol Road South for help.
A West Midlands Police officer from Birmingham’s Organised Crime Unit was inside the job centre, carrying out enquiries when he heard screaming outside.
He went out to to find a crowd of people gathered around the victim, who had collapsed due to significant blood loss from eight knife wounds.
The officer called in an armed unit patrolling nearby to carry out emergency fast aid.
He was then quickly able to track down CCTV footage showing the victim being marched across a car-park to a grassed area and the offenders returning moments later without him.
The machete found on Richardson
The officer direct response officers to search key locations in the local area and the two 16 year old suspects, Sadiki Richardson and Delayni Woodcock, were arrested in Longbridge. Richardson was stoll carrying the bloodstained machete used in the attack.
Both offenders are now 18 years old and while Richardson admitted wounding, Woodcock pleaded innocence but was found guilty after trial. Both were sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday (13th May). Richardson, from Kings Heath, was jailed for eight years four months while Woodcock, from Druids Heath, was sentenced to 10 years eight months.
Four teenagers were arrested in Longbridge town centre after the stabbing in Tessall Lane
The officer who facilitated the arrest received a commendation from the force.
Inspector Al Teague from the Birmingham Organised Crime Unit, said: “The judge praised the officer’s work on the day and said had it not been for his swift intervention the victim could have died and the offenders escaped.
“This was a vicious attack which we believed was as a result of an argument shortly before. The student suffered very serious slash wounds and there were fears his injuries could have been life threatening at the time.
“The officer knows the area well and through his line of work has a good understanding of where people with gang links operate. We soon had the suspects in custody and they have rightly been handed very long custodial sentences.
“These are young men who were just 16-years-old at the time. They will now be spending many years away from society and have seriously jeopardised their life prospects – it should act as a warning to anyone who thinks getting involved with gangs is an attractive proposition.”
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Michelle Woolgrove, said the young victim showed tremendous bravery in speaking out and that his testimony helped secure a conviction.
She added: “He has the physical scars for life but is also being helped to overcome the psychological impact of being involved in such a shocking incident.
“He is on a very long road to recovery but hearing the sentences passed on these two offenders is a great starting point. I wish him and his family my best wishes for the future.”
A Weoley Castle woman has been banned from keeping animals for life after her pet chihuahua was found starved to death on Christmas Eve.
After concerns were raised by a member of the public, RSPCA Inspector Herchy Boal went to the home of Diane Johnson (39), where she found a carrier bag containing the body of ‘Princess’ dumped in a rabbit hutch in her garden. It is believed the underweight dog had been dead for around two weeks.
The body of Princess was found in a carrier bag
Insp. Boal also found two other severely underweight chihuahua-type dogs inside the home – ‘Belle’, a tan dog, and ‘Minnie’, a white dog.
The surviving dogs were signed over to the RSPCA, along with Minnie’s ten-week-old puppy. They were nursed back to health and have since been rehomed.
At Birmingham Magistrates Court on Thursday (16th May), Johnson pleaded guilty to one offence of causing unnecessary suffering to Princess and one offence of failing to meet the needs of Minnie and Belle.
In mitigation, the court heard Johnson had family difficulties at the time of the offences.
The magistrate handed Johnson a lifetime ban from keeping any animals, as well as an 18-month community order – including a 40 day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement. She was also required to pay costs of £200 and an £85 victim surcharge.
Inspector Boal said: “Poor Princess died of starvation and must have suffered terribly over a long period. It is awful to think of the suffering she must have gone through.
“There is never an excuse to leave any animal starving in this day and age, then after Princess died she was dumped like rubbish in a carrier bag and left in a rabbit hutch outside.”
She added: “The other two dogs could have suffered a similar fate had it not been reported to us.
Two emaciated dogs rescued by the RSPCA
“This enabled us to take the other dogs away from this situation and in RSPCA care, where they were able to get back to a healthy weight and I am delighted that they have now been re-homed.”
If you suspect animal neglect or cruelty, please the RSPCA cruelty line on 0300 1234 999 or visit the RSPCA website. If you are struggling to meet the need of animals in your care, please contact the RSPCA or a local animal rescue charity for help.
Train passengers are being reminded that work begins on the new multistorey Park and Ride facility next to Longbridge Station this weekend, with the car park set to be closed for around 12 months.
As part of a commitment to reduce the number of cars on the roads and improve air quality, Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) has invested a further £10 million in expanding Park and Ride provision across the region this year. This investment builds on the 8500 spaces already installed over the last 20 years at the cost of around £17 million.
Longbridge Park & Ride today | Photo Rob Meese
The Longbridge Park and Ride is set to close this Sunday (19th May) and reopen next spring.
Work had already begun today, with cycle racks being removed.
Details:
Closure: Longbridge Park and Ride will CLOSE from Sunday 19th May 2019. Please do not leave your car overnight on Saturday 18 May 2019– any cars left overnight will receive a £100 fixed penalty notice to cover the cost of moving the vehicle.
Reopening: Completion and reopening is expected in Spring 2020
Alternative Park & Ride: The save-a-space option will be available at Northfield Park and Ride (B31 2PY).
Alternative parking at Longbridge: The mulsti-storey car park in Longbridge town centre (M&S) offers all day parking at £3 per day (levels 3 & 4 only). More info
Cycle Parking: The secure cycle hub outside Longbridge station remains open throughout the works. Cycle parking is free and accessible 24/7 via smart card. Racks are covered, keeping your bike dry and huns are covered by CCTV. Apply to use
A 250 year old oak tree will have to be felled after a fire in its trunk on Sunday (19th May).
Firefighters from Ladywood were called to Cannon Hill Park to the tree fire, which was some distance from the road for access.
When they arrived, the tree trunk had been hollowed out by the blaze.
Firefighters from @LadywoodFire responded to this last night in Cannon Hill Park – a fire in the trunk of a 250-year-old oak tree. Sadly, the tree will now need to be felled. pic.twitter.com/XMCbp7EVi7
Following an appeal for contributions, locals have come together to fill a time capsule which was buried at the site of the new Cofton Village Hall last Thursday (16th May).
Contributions to the capsule were made by many, including The Cofton Village Hall Trust, Lickey Primary School, Pride of Longbridge and Cofton Hackett Brownies. Residents of the new development in Longbridge and Cofton with family history linking to the renowned former Austin and MG Rover car plant also contributed.
Contents
The contents of the capsule include drawings by schoolchildren, nostalgic posters featuring cars manufactured from the Longbridge plant in its Austin heyday, leaflets from local businesses, photographs of the area and the Area Action Plan, which is the original document detailing St. Modwen’s plans to regenerate the area.
Children from Lickey Primary School with village hall trustees Kath Stanczyszyn & Rev Sheri Gidney; and St Modwen’s Chris Newsome
Building community
The Rev Sheri Gidney, a local resident and chair of trustees of Cofton Village Hall Trust, said: “Longbridge has undergone a huge transformation in the last 13 years with new homes, shops, restaurants and offices created in the area. We wanted to take a moment to pause and appreciate the great progress that has been made. The completion of the new village hall in Cofton Hackett this summer will be a huge milestone, helping us strengthen an already strong community bond.”
Chris Newsome, Development Director at St. Modwen, added: “Longbridge and Cofton Hackett are very special places and the residents and businesses have been incredibly supportive as the areas have undergone significant change. We’re pleased to be delivering initiatives that boost the sense of community and will continue to work closely with all parties as we move into the next phase of development in Longbridge.”
Fundraising
As the construction of the village hall nears completion, The Cofton Village Hall Trust is raising money to make it ready for public use. St. Modwen has paid for the building and fittings, but funds for contents and start-up costs must be raised locally.
At least £40,000 is needed and the trustees are working hard to secure grants, as well as organising community fundraising activities. The Trust has recently secured a grant of £10,000 grant from the Big Lottery’s Awards For All scheme and is asking for donations to help make the hall fully functional.
Runners of all ages are invited to participate – and raise funds for Acorns Hospice – as the world’s foamiest family fun run comes to Birmingham for the first time this summer.
Previously held at other West Midlands locations, this year Longbridge’s Cofton Park will host the Acorns Bubble Rush – a 5km course through multicoloured bubbles – on Saturday 20th July.
Funds raised will go to Acorns Children’s Hospice who care for children and support for their families across Birmingham and the West Midlands.
Rachel Farrington, Acorns Events Officer, is urging people to sign up now and take advantage of an early bird ticket offer which ends on Sunday 9th June.
She said: “We’re so excited to bring Birmingham’s first ever Bubble Rush to the city this summer – it promises to be a day to remember! It’s a popular event so I’d encourage everyone to sign up now and avoid disappointment.
“It doesn’t matter whether you’re a runner or not, you can take the course at whatever pace suits you – zoom through at lightning speed, or float slowly along with the bubbles, whatever works for you!”
There will also be merchandise and accessory stalls, a free Bubble Rush t-shirt and finish line medal.
Rachel added: “The Bubble Rush is not only heaps of fun – every penny raised will make a real difference to the children and families we support. It costs Acorns about £27,000 every day to fund our care, so events like Bubble Rush are vital to help us continue our work.”
Acorns provides specialist palliative care to children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions across Birmingham and the West Midlands, and support for their families.
In the past year, the charity has provided care to more than 870 children and over 1,140 families, including those who are bereaved.
Be a bubbler!
Early bird tickets for Acorns Bubble Rush are now available, priced £18 for adults (16+), £9 for children (3-15 years). Family tickets (2 adults + 2 children) are also available, priced £49.
Tickets cover the cost of the event, but every pound raised in sponsorship goes directly to supporting local children and families. Star Bubblers who raise £100 or more for Acorns will also be entered into a prize draw to win a family pass to Alton Towers.
A landmark Grade II listed former pub in Northfield has been put up for sale.
For sale sign at the former King George V pub | Photo Rob Meese
Interested parties will have to stump up £1.25 million to purchase the former King George V pub at the corner of Tessall Lane and Bristol Road South.
King George V Pub
The King George V public house was built un 1935 for Mitchell and Butlers, designed by John Burgess Surman in a Jacobean domestic revival style. Rendered in brick with ashlar plinths, mullion windows, gables and arched doorways, the public house was Grade II listed in 2001 due to its features.
As well as the building’s exterior, the interior still had some interesting original features at the time of listing, especially on the first floor. These include a timber queen-post roof with curved braces and mouldings, wall-panelling, a barrel-vaulted ceiling and original stone fireplaces – one even having a moulded plaster heraldic lion and dog above.
When listed, The King George V was described as: “a good example of a large Birmingham road house.”
The Emerald
After the turn of the millennium, with ‘The George’ no longer a pub, the building was used as as a popular Chinese restaurant, and is still referred to by many as “The Emerald”.
King Khan controversy
Most recently the building was the King Khan’s Indian restaurant, with the owner causing controversy in 2014 after failing to reach an agreement to continue to be home to the King George V Bowling club, which had been based at the site since it was opened in 1937. This affected the popularity of the restaurant and it rebranded as the Old King George Balti House in 2016. However, the building was out of use by the beginning of 2017.
Recent planning applications
For sale sign at the former King George V pub | Photo Rob Meese
Since the restaurant’s closure, owners have submitted three applications for change of use to a care home – all of which were withdrawn before being put before planning committee.
In February this year, submitted plans for a KFC drive thru restaurant were also withdrawn after a KFC outlet opened nearby in Longbridge town centre at the beginning of January.
For sale
The 1.17 acre (4,743 sq m) site and buildings is listed freehold for £1.25 million.
Interested parties can find out more and arrange to view by visiting the AMT Commercial website.
The family of a man killed in a collision in Frankley Lane in the early hours of yesterday morning (Wednesday 22nd May) have paid tribute to a ‘dearly loved son, brother, uncle and grandson’.
23 year old Kieron Mason from Northfield was sadly pronounced dead at the scene after the VW Polo he was driving was involved in a collision with a taxi at around 1am.
His family are receiving support from specialist West Midlands Police officers and have today released a statement paying tribute to Kieron.
They said: “Kieron was a really happy, care-free lad who was the life and soul of any party.
“He was devoted to his family and was a dearly loved son, brother, uncle and grandson, who will be sorely missed.”
Two passengers from the Polo and the taxi driver and his passenger were also taken to hospital but their injuries were not life-threatening.
Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police on Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk (8am – midnight) or to call 101 any time. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org Please quote log number 99 of 22 May.
Firefighters saved a pair of endangered spider monkeys from a fire in their enclosure at a Birmingham conservation park late last night (Thursday 23rd May).
West Midlands Fire Service crews from Bournbrook and Aston were called to the fire at Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park in Pershore Road, next to Cannon Hill Park. The two Colombian Black Spider Monkeys, Rosie and Gucci, were saved, thanks to their assertive fire-fighting efforts.
Colombian Black Spider Monkeys are Critically Endangered in the wild, mainly due to a loss of habitat through deforestation in Central America. Several hundred survive in zoos and conservation parks around the world.
Once the fire was out, crews remained at the park to assist staff to secure the damaged enclosure and investigate the cause.
In a statement on their Facebook page this morning, park staff said: “Some of you may have heard the news already but we had a severe fire that has destroyed our spider monkey exhibit. Luckily both Rosie and Gucci are fine. Huge thank you to the Fire Service and Police and staff who were on site immediately and dealt with the issue.”
West Midlands Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a bus in Kings Norton last night (Thursday 23rd May).
The National Express West Midlands number 49 bus suffered severe damage to the top deck after seats were seemingly set alight at around 10.30pm.
Firefighters from West Midlands Fire Service attended the incident at the Nortune Close stop in Wychall Lane.
Thankfully, no-one was injured in the incident.
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The fire caused severe damage to the top deck of the 49 bus in Wychall | M Barraclough
Damage to the bus following the fire | J S Cunningham
Damage to the bus following the fire | J S Cunningham
Damage to the bus following the fire | J S Cunningham
Bus recovery following the fire | J S Cunningham
Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police on Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk (8am – midnight) or to call 101 any time. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org Please quote crime reference number 20BW/122471E/19.
A fundraiser has been launched to raise money towards a new home for a pair of endangered spider monkeys after their enclosure was destroyed in an arson attack late on Thursday (23rd May) night.
West Midlands Fire Service crews from Bournbrook and Aston were called to the fire at Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park in Pershore Road, next to Cannon Hill Park.
The two Colombian Black Spider Monkeys, Rosie and Gucci, were saved, thanks to their assertive fire-fighting efforts.
West Midlands Fire Service today confirmed that the fire was suspected to have been caused by arson.
Rosie & Gucci’s enclosure after the fire |Click to enlarge
The park remained closed to the public today while staff assessed the damage. The internal accommodation and most of the external enclosure have been destroyed by the fire.
Colombian Black Spider Monkeys are Critically Endangered in the wild, mainly due to a loss of habitat through deforestation in Central America. Several hundred survive in zoos and conservation parks around the world.
Rosie and Gucci are currently being housed at Dudley Zoo until a new enclosure can be constructed for them.
Staff have set up a Go Fund Me page for those wishing to help them rebuild Rosie and Gucci’s home.
Anyone with information on the arson is asked to contact West Midlands Police on Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk (8am – midnight) or to call 101 any time. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org
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Rosie & Gucci | Photo @westmidsfire
Rosie & Gucci's enclosure after the fire |Click to enlarge
Photo @Lee_bakerFRS
The Colombian Black Spider money is Critically Endangered in the wild
Rosie & Gucci | Photo Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park
Officers from West Mercia Police are appealing for information after a disturbance in which a teen may have been injured with a ‘sword’ yesterday evening (Tuesday 28th May).
Officers from the Hagley and Rubery Safer Neighbourhoods Team are investigating a report of an incident in Beacon Close, just after 8.30pm, where a group of teens – aged around 16 to 17 years – were seen fighting.
It was reported that one of the teenagers appeared to have a ‘large sword-like weapon’ but may have been a pole.
Several officers attended and, when disturbed, the youths all ran off in the direction of Meadowfield Road.
One youngster appeared to be bleeding heavily.
Anyone with information is asked to contact West Mercia Police by calling the 101 number. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org Please quote incident number 0722s 280519
A renowned actor from Birmingham revisits a former Northfield psychiatric hospital as he examines his own mental health history for a BBC documentary.
Almost 30 years ago, as a young actor in London, David Harewood [Homeland; Supergirl; Blood Diamond] had a psychotic breakdown and was sectioned and hospitalised at the age of 23.
In the UK, psychosis will affect roughly one in a hundred people. This deeply personal and immersive film sees David piece together what happened to him. He has made the film to help himself and other people explore and understand the misconceptions around psychosis.
David Harewood and his mother visit the former Hollymoor Hospital site
In the documentary, David Harewood: Psychosis & Me, the actor retraces his journey into breakdown to try and better understand a period of his life which – although he has always acknowledged – he admits he has never examined deeply.
The film sees David reconnect with the people who witnessed his decline and revisit key places in his own story – including the site of the former Hollymoor Hospital in Northfield where he was a patient on a secure ward.
David Harewood asks his mother to fill in the gaps during a visit to the former Hollymoor Hospital site
Alongside David’s exploration of his own story, he also meets people going through mental health crises today. David spends time with combined emergency NHS mental health and police triage team in Birmingham as they respond to 999 calls to treat people in distress.
He also meets people who are living with psychosis and spends time with two inspirational young people from an Early Intervention drop in group in Solihull.
An historic Longbridge workers’ village is under threat as Birmingham City Council look to remove its conservation status.
History
The Austin Village is a unique collection of red cedarwood prefabricated bungalows, imported from Michigan, USA by Lord Herbert Austin during the First World War.
The village was constructed in 1917 – interspersed with occasional brick built homes as fire breaks – to house Austin Motor Company workers who were supporting the war effort, making munitions and vehicles at Longbridge.
Originally intended to be temporary, the homes were recognised by Birmingham City Council as permanent structures in the 1960s and still stand over 100 years after construction, being proudly and lovingly cared for by residents.
Heritage
In the centenary year of the village in 2017, residents worked with photographer Stephen Burke and artists Ampersand Projects on a Heritage Lottery funded project to examine the stories and history of the village, building an archive on a website theaustinvillage.com
Conservation status and Article 4
The homes are protected by conservation status which The Austin Village Preservation Society (AVPS) won in 1997, supported by English Heritage (now Historic England).
An add on directive to the conservation status –Article 4– caused some disagreement over the years between residents, who currently have to seek planning permission for any alterations to the front of their properties. Removal or modification of Article 4 would allow for some modifications to the homes with more modern materials – for example: double glazing, cladding etc. This would mean that residents could better, and more affordably, preserve the buildings.
To this end, the AVPS had asked the council to examine the possibility of a removal or modification to Article 4.
However, the council has proposed that, after removing Article 4, the village will also be stripped of its conservation status.
The AVPS chair Chris Pollard said: “The Austin Village Preservation Society promoted keeping the conservation status whilst modifying Article 4, for this area, to allow residents to maintain their homes to an acceptable standard at a suitable cost. This would mean that the status would highlight the historical significance of the area, whilst making it an appropriately affordable place to reside.
“This Village is an epitaph for The Great War, a pivotal moment in our country’s history that should not be forgotten. It is for this reason that the conservation status was awarded.”
Northfield Cllr Olly Armstrong (Labour) said: “I am really sad to hear the Austin Village may lose its listed heritage status. It’s a beautiful area and community, and I truly hope this doesn’t lead to the gorgeous homes and land being pulled down and broken up.”
Cllr Debbie Clancy (Cons, Longbridge and West Heath) said: “Austin Village is well known in our Community not only for its historical value but for the residents who have lived there for many years.
“Residents old and new may hold different views on whether they are in favour of retaining the Conservation status with Article 4 Directive or consider it is no longer needed. On whichever side of the debate it has always been clear that Austin Village is a really special place to live.
“Whilst the necessity for modern materials may have been used to upgrade properties, my concerns have always been for the protection of the sense of community in the village and I would want to avoid any relaxation of planning rules leading to major developments that threaten that.
“Birmingham City Council has for some time been reviewing this Conservation status and it will be no surprise to many residents that the City’s proposal to remove its status has still not been concluded and a reflection on the City Council’s previous lack of meaningful engagement with the residents.”
Have Your Say
A petition has been started against the removal of the conservation status and you can read more information from Chris Pollard (AVPS) and SIGN THE PETITION ONLINE
Alternatively, you can send your views in writing to Julie Shaduwa, Principal Conservation Officer, Directorate of Inclusive Growth, Planning and Development, PO Box 28, Birmingham, B1 1TU no later than 20th of June 2019
She was passionate about her work – caring for mums and babies – and was a much-loved member of the hospital family.
Amy’s family want to keep her passion for patient care alive by raising money for the Birmingham Women’s Hospital Charity – a vital cause which aims to improve patient services for the hospital’s women, babies and families. The charity helps to provide services that the NHS are unable to cover but that can make a huge difference to patients, such as welfare services to support patients through difficult times and conversations and the research and development of cures, treatments and new technology.
They are hosting a charity ball in her memory on Saturday 20th July at Manor Hill House in the picturesque Worcestershire countryside at Upton Warren, near Bromsgrove.
Amy’s Flamingo Fling is set to be a glamorous affair, with guests invited to don ball gowns and black ties, and enjoy a three course meal, dancing, entertainment and a charity raffle with amazing prizes.
The Shimell sisters: Emily, Amy & Lucy
Amy’s sister, Emily said: “We will always remember our Amy and we have chosen to do so this year with a charity ball, open to all who want a fun night with amazing prizes to be won.
“Amy absolutely loved her job as a Nursery Nurse at Birmingham Women’s Hospital, she was completely passionate about the babies and women in her care and so we have tried to continue that care with fundraising for Amy’s hospital family. [So Amy will be] forevermore an angel to her babies.”
The family are also asking businesses to support them, with donations of prizes for the charity raffle or the sponsor of reception drinks, entertainment etc. If you can support them in any way, please email Lucy.
All are welcome to Amy’s Flamingo Fling. Tickets cost £50 and can be purchased online.
Jordan’s family, friends and supporters from across the city came together at the vigil at the Knife Angel on Tuesday | Photo courtesy Worth Unlimited EBNS
In a show of community strength and togetherness, the family and friends of a teen who was killed in Harborne last month held a vigil in the shadow of the Knife Angel sculpture in Birmingham on Tuesday (28th May) after walking in to the city centre.
18 year old Jordan Moazami from Quinton sadly died at the scene after being stabbed in Tennal Road on the evening of Wednesday 24th April.
Shortly after his murder, in tribute to Jordan, who was a keen footballer and boxer, his family said: “Our beautiful baby boy. There’s a piece of us that’s gone and that can never be replaced.
“We love you so much. Sleep tight.”
Community role model
Youth & Community workers Steve Hirst and Wesley Firkins from Rise Community Sports was Jordan’s mentors for two years. As a result, Jordan became a qualified sports coach and mentor himself. A role model to young people on the Welsh house Farm estate in Quinton, Jordan had been employed by Rise for around 18 months, coaching youngsters and teaching sports in schools.
Steve Hirst (centre) leads Jordan’s family, friends & community on the walk to the Knife Angel vigil | Photo courtesy: Safe Spaces for Young People / Dan Smith Photography
Walk and vigil
Through his role at Safe Spaces for Young People and with the support of Jordan’s family, Steve organised a vigil at the temporary Knife Angel installation in front of Birmingham City Council House on Tuesday evening (28th May).
While the focus was around Jordan, the vigil was also a significant stand against all knife violence, with young victims across the city.
Jordan’s family, friends and community gather to walk to the vigil | Photo courtesy: Safe Spaces for Young People / Dan Smith Photography
Around 160 people – family, friends, community, young and old – walked from “Jordan’s Spot” in Tennal Road to Victoria Square in the city centre, carrying banners and blue heart balloons.
The group gathered at the Knife Angel sculpture along with other young people and supporters who had walked from around the city to join together for the vigil.
At the vigil, speakers – including Jordan’s younger brother and cousin – spoke of their love for Jordan and spoke out against knife crime.
Over 200 people gathered for the vigil | Photo courtesy: Safe Spaces for Young People / Dan Smith Photography
‘Forgotten places’
Steve spoke to the crowd of over 200 people, saying: “What has happened this evening is people have come from forgotten places: from places that our society […] say are no good. That nothing good comes from those places.
“If Jordan would want anything from this moment now, I’m convinced he would want us to make a stand and show this city, show this country, that these places have people with real heart, with real spirit, and more than anything, love.”
‘Put down the knife…’
Jordan’s nan also addressed the gathering. She said: “It’s about time young people […] realised – when you take a knife and you stick it in somebody, you don’t know what artery you’re going to hit […] Then, too late. You end up taking away something from someone – precious – that you can’t give back.”
And she appealed directly to young people to end knife crime. She said: “So what I want you all to do now – for Jordan’s sake – every one of you young boys in here; black, white, whatever colour you are…
“Please […] talk to each other, get some education, do something constructive: put down the knife, and save a life. Please.”
Make a stand
When asked if the Welsh House Farm community had any plans to combat knife crime in Jordan’s memory, Steve said that although no firm plans had yet been the community is certainly determined to continue to rally together to make a stand and see change.”
Knife Angel
Knife Angel in Victoria Square | Photo by @jayjayjetski on Instagram
The 27ft Knife Angel sculpture was made at the National Ironwork Centre from over 100,000 knives collected from knife amnesty bins. Some knives used in crimes were also added.
The project has been supported by 43 police forces across the UK, alongside victim’s families – including Joshua Ribera’s mother Alison Cope – and anti-knife crime campaign groups.
Some of the knives are inscribed with messages from those who have lost loved ones, while others bear messages of regret from those who have committed crimes and now campaign against knife crime.
The inspirational and poignant work is on display in Victoria Square until Wednesday 5th June.
Police are investigating after a 15 year old boy suffered a stab injury during an incident in Frankley yesterday evening (Saturday 1st June).
The incident happened in Holly Hill Road – close to the Brightstone Road junction – just before 9pm.
A West Midlands Police spokeswoman confirmed today that a15 year old boy sustained a chest injury during the incident. She added that the teenager’s injuries were not life-threatening.
[UPDATE] A 16 year old boy has been arrested in Frankley on suspicion of wounding. He remains in police custody.
Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police on Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk (8am – midnight) or to call 101 any time. Please quote log 2663 of 01/06/2019.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org
A Smethwick man has today received a 30 year jail sentence after carrying out a string of rapes and sexual assaults in one day last October.
JAILED: Shawn Bennett
29 year old Shawn Bennett was accused of two counts of rape – including rape of a girl under the age of 16 – as well as eight other counts of sexual offence, two counts of assault, theft and one threat to kill. A jury at Worcester Crown Court were unanimous in their guilty verdict.
Bennett’s horrific crimes took place on Monday 22nd October 2018.
In the afternoon, he held a woman at knifepoint in her Redditch home, where he assaulted and raped her.
Later that same afternoon, Bennett followed a girl of just 14 as she got off a bus in Redditch. He pulled her into bushes, threatening to kill her and assaulted and raped her.
Finally, Bennett travelled to Rubery, where he made suggestive comments to two females before trying to drag them into bushes. Disturbed, he made off – stealing a mobile phone – but was quickly apprehended by police nearby.
Today (Thursday 6th June) Bennett was sentenced to 30 year in prison, and must serve a minimum of 16 years. He was also placed on the sex offenders register.
Bennett was sentenced to 30 in prison and must serve a minimum of 16 years and sign the sex offenders register.
Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Bailey from West Mercia Police said: “Bennett is an extremely dangerous sex offender who spent the day of Monday 22 October carrying out these horrific crimes.
“I would like to reassure the community that this is an isolated incident, and crime of this nature is extremely rare in Redditch and the whole of West Mercia.
“His actions have had a huge impact on his victims, who showed great courage in working with police throughout the investigation and trial. All four women’s bravery has ensured today’s outcome and I hope that following the sentence, they can all start to rebuild their lives.
“I also want to commend the hard work of all of the investigating officers involved who have worked tirelessly on this case.
“I hope this conviction will provide reassurance to other victims of sexual offences, giving them the confidence to report their ordeal in the knowledge that they will be listened to and supported. Police will always investigate and do everything in their power to bring offenders to justice.
“If anyone has been affected by this case then I encourage them to come forward and make a report to police.”
Advice from West Mercia Police
Anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence is encouraged to report the incident to police, where specially trained officers will help victims with care and sensitivity, and will work to get the right result for them with their wishes in mind. If you are a victim of a sexual offence you can report it to police on 101. In an emergency always dial 999.
Alternatively, there are many agencies you can approach for help, guidance or support which offer a variety of services. Please see the Stop Rape Now website for more information and for a list of the agencies available in your area.
Anyone who is a victim of any sexual assault and feels they may need support contact West Mercia’s Victim Advice Line. It is a free, independent and confidential support service. People can call 0800 952 3000 or visit Victim Advice line and do not have had to have reported the offence to the police.
Some of the comfort aids Midlands Crafters 4 Breast Cancer provide free of charge
A local woman has been awarded as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List this year.
Joanna on BBC Breakfast talking about Knitted Knockers a few years ago
Joanna Dervisoglu from Northfield is to receive the British Empire Medal for her services to women following mastectomy surgery.
After knitting prosthetic breasts for US based charity Knitted Knockers, Joanna was approached by a post-mastectomy patient from Somerset Kay Coombes. They decided a UK branch was needed and Joanna founded Knitted Knockers UK in 2014.
The 100% cotton knitted prosthetic breasts are around 5 times lighter than silicone counterparts, slip easily into a bra and are breathable and more comfortable on the skin for women who have undergone breast surgery.
‘Knitted Knockers’ are lighter and softer on the skin after breast surgery
Gaining a lot of support over the last 5 years, Knitted Knockers UK has grown across the country with many local groups and individuals knitting or crocheting hundreds of knockers a month.
The charitable organisation distributes the prostheses to women post mastectomy or lumpectomy free of charge.
As well as providing knitted knockers – for every day or swimming wear – MC4BC also provide other items for women and men undergoing treatment for or recovering from breast cancer.
Colourful seamless cotton beanies knitted with love by MC4BC members
These include stuffed heart shaped support pillows, chemo beanie hats and knitted cotton washcloths.
On receiving her award from the Queen Joanna said: “I am honoured to have been awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queens birthday honours list 2019.
“Although I am the person receiving it, the award belongs to all those who have ever knitted a knocker, a wash cloth, chemo hat or made a post mastectomy cushion.
“More importantly, I also accept it for all those women and men, past and present who have faced the huge challenge of breast cancer, the treatments and the aftermath.”
A former teaching assistant, Joanna is now project manager at the New Starts charity in Frankley and a unit leader of 1st Frankley Rainbows and 271st Birmingham Brownies.
When she’s not working, guiding or knitting knockers, she carries out other volunteer roles in the community, such as cooking at Longbridge Foodcycle.
Our congratulations to Jo, who we hear is busy picking out a new hat….!
Find out more
If you are interested in finding out more about MC4BC you can:
pop into the MC4BC Knit, Natter and Info Day at the Community Hub, John Lewis, Grand Central, Birmingham between 11am and 4pm on Sunday 9th June 2019. [MC4BC hold regular drop-ins at John Lewis and M&S in Birmingham city centre. Keep an eye on their web page or facebook for future dates]
