AROUND THE COUNTI E S COUNT Y NEWS APRI L 2 0 2 5


INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY INSPIRED EVENT HAILED HUGE SUCCESS


In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025 and with its theme, Accelerate Action, Together, She Rises was a powerful gathering aimed at driving forward change for women facing complex needs, bringing together key stakeholders including women’s services, charities, government representatives and professionals from mental health, domestic abuse, homelessness and criminal justice sectors.


Women driven by a desire to help women was the focus of a conference in Warwick on Friday (March 7th), organised by local charitable organisation The Esther Project.


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Keynote speakers included Lianne Kirkman, founder of The Esther Project alongside event co-organiser Deputy Lieutenant of Warwickshire Clare Sawdon. Other speakers on the day were Hannah Thomas, founder of Cherished; Michelle Smith, a district judge and a Judicial college tutor and Judicial mentor; Dr Matt Home, CEO of Willowdene Rehabilitation; Dr Tom McNeill, CEO of the Birmingham-based JABBS Foundation; and Kellie Ziemba, CEO of Coventry-based Kairos Women Working Together. Invited guests included Lord Lieutenant Tim Cox, and current High Sheriff Rajvinder Kaur Gill and Deputy Police Crime Commissioner Emma Daniell.


IRISH MUSIC FUNDRAISER DELIGHTS SOLIHULL SHOPPERS AT TOUCHWOOD


On Saturday 15th March, shoppers at Touchwood Solihull were treated to a three-hour traditional Irish music charity event, raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support and The Brain Tumour Charity.


The event, which raised £1,041 in just three hours, was organised and run by Meridian musician and vocalist David McGrath and his band of amazing volunteers.


Marketing Manager at Touchwood, Lucy Burnett, said: “David’s events at Touchwood are always a calendar highlight for us. From getting our shoppers into the dancing spirit and spreading cheer around the Centre, to raising money for these amazing charities, it’s an event that shouldn’t be missed.


“We are delighted with the funds raised and look forward to many more musical moments at Touchwood in the future.”


David and the volunteers were on hand to provide the musical treat for the ninth year running at Touchwood, celebrating St Patrick’s day while dancing and chatting with shoppers. “There were so many highlights for us, it was amazing!” said McGrath. “The Mayor of Solihull was fabulous, helping with the vocals and dancing with visitors.


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“It was also very emotional as some people recounted to us their personal battles with cancer or family losses, and remembered how much some of their loved ones enjoyed the traditional songs we were singing from Black Velvet Band to Danny Boy.


“This is the ninth occasion that the Civic Office of Solihull has supported our fundraiser, and we are extremely grateful to all our Mayors over the years. We would like to extend a massive thank you to the shoppers, Mayor, staff at Touchwood and the amazing volunteers for another great day which will live in our memories for a long time.


“We’ll be back next year celebrating a decade of Irish musical melodies at Touchwood!”


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