Good Morning Solihull 👋
Today we're looking at plans to give one of Shirley's long-empty landmarks a new lease of life, celebrating the unsung heroes who make Solihull special, and sharing a brilliant opportunity for local schools to get their hands on free fruit trees.
Plus, we've found an affordable afternoon tea in Meriden, a magical charity shopping weekend in Knowle, some fantastic local sporting results and a rather unusual FREE festival involving mushrooms!
Whether you're planning a family day out, catching up with friends or simply looking to enjoy a good cuppa, we've got you covered.
Let's get into it.
— Max
📰 Local Solihull Update
🏡 Could Shirley's Former Morrisons Get a New Lease of Life?
After sitting empty since 2019, the former Morrisons supermarket on Stratford Road in Shirley could finally be transformed under new redevelopment plans.
Developer MACC Group has submitted proposals to demolish the vacant supermarket and car park, replacing them with an 89-bedroom care home and six new houses. The care home would feature a cinema, gym, hair salon, communal lounges and landscaped gardens.
It's not the first attempt to breathe new life into the site. An earlier, larger development was refused planning permission, but the revised proposals have reduced the building's height and removed the previously planned apartments.
The application is now being considered by Solihull Council, with residents invited to submit their views by 29 October.
What do you think — would this be a welcome change for Shirley?
✨ Solihull Community Spotlight ✨
🏆 Could You Nominate Solihull's Next Unsung Hero?
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to make Solihull a better place?
Nominations are now open for the 2027 Solihull Civic Honours Awards, celebrating the incredible people, volunteers, charities and community groups who make a real difference across our borough.
Whether it's a neighbour who's always lending a hand, a dedicated volunteer or a local charity doing amazing things, there are several award categories recognising those who deserve a little extra appreciation.
⏰ Nominations close Monday 16 November, with winners celebrated at a special awards ceremony in March 2027.
Know someone who deserves a little recognition? Why not forward this email to a friend or family member and encourage them to nominate a local hero?
🍓 Free Fruit Trees and Strawberry Plants for Solihull Schools!
Here's a lovely opportunity to make Solihull a little greener!
Veolia's Orchard scheme is back, offering local schools and community groups the chance to receive five free fruit trees or ten strawberry plants to create their very own growing spaces.
Six Solihull schools have already benefited from the scheme, with 20 fruit trees and 20 strawberry plants planted since 2022.
It's a brilliant way to get children outdoors, learning about nature and growing their own fruit, while helping local wildlife too!
⏰ Applications close Friday 20 November, with successful applicants receiving their plants in spring 2027.
🍽️ Where to eat in Solihull
🫖 Afternoon Tea from £21.95 — Marco Pierre White, Meriden
Fancy treating yourself to a proper afternoon tea without spending a fortune? Tucked inside The Manor Hotel in Meriden, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse is serving traditional afternoon tea from just £21.95 per person.
Expect delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, plus a selection of cakes, pastries and teas. If you're feeling fancy, you can upgrade to Prosecco Afternoon Tea for £27.95pp or Champagne for £31.95pp.
A lovely shout for a birthday treat, afternoon with friends or simply an excuse to enjoy some tea and cake.
📍 The Manor Hotel, Main Road, Meriden, CV7 7NH
⏰ Available daily
☕ The Two Mugs — Shirley's Independent Breakfast Spot
Here's a Shirley café worth adding to your weekend breakfast list.
Run by twin sisters Natalie and Rebecca, The Two Mugs on Haslucks Green Road is an independent café serving homemade breakfasts, lunches and plenty of good coffee.
The menu has something for everyone, from a full English for £9.50 and pancakes from £6.50 to loaded avocado toast, freshly made sandwiches and homemade cakes.
They even have a coffee loyalty club where you can earn a free coffee after eight stamps.
A lovely spot for a relaxed breakfast, a catch-up with friends or a coffee stop while supporting a local independent.
📍 126 Haslucks Green Road, Shirley, B90 2EH
What’s on in Solihull
🔮 Spellbound Charity Shopping Weekend — Marie Curie, Knowle
Fancy a little magic this weekend? Head to the Marie Curie shop on Knowle High Street on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October for Spellbound, a special shopping event filled with celestial homeware, gothic fashion, Harry Potter-inspired treasures and unusual gifts. There'll also be guest stalls offering candles, wax melts and tarot readings. Entry is FREE, and it's a lovely way to support a brilliant charity while discovering something different.
🚶 Free Wellbeing Walks for Over 50s — Across Solihull
Looking to get outdoors, meet new people and enjoy a little fresh air? Age UK Solihull's Strollers & Striders walking groups offer friendly, gentle walks at various locations across the borough. The walks last around an hour, follow mostly flat routes and move at a comfortable pace, so everyone can join in. The next Solihull walk is Wednesday 21 October at 10:30am, meeting outside Tudor Grange Leisure Centre at 10:15am. Free to join, with the chance for a friendly chat and refreshments afterwards!
🍷 Cheal's New Monthly Wine Club — Knowle
Wine lovers, this one's for you! Cheal's in Knowle is launching its new monthly wine club on Saturday 17 October, from 12 noon, bringing together great wine, delicious food and good company. Guests will enjoy a guided tasting of six wines with wine expert Pawel, followed by a three-course lunch paired with three glasses of wine, plus tea and coffee to finish. Tickets are £95pp (excluding service), with limited spaces available. A lovely treat for anyone who enjoys discovering something new!
🍄 Birmingham Fungi Festival — Highbury Hall & Park
Fancy something a little unusual this weekend? Head to Highbury Hall & Park on Saturday 17 October, 12–4pm, for the second annual Birmingham Fungi Festival! Discover the fascinating world of mushrooms with family-friendly activities including a mushroom treasure hunt, storytelling, printmaking, creative workshops and a fungi-themed makers' market. General admission and drop-in activities are FREE, with some specialist talks and guided walks separately ticketed. Perfect for nature lovers and curious little explorers!
🎨 Solihull CEP Tea Party — The Core Theatre, Solihull
Calling all teachers, youth workers and community group leaders! Head to The Core Theatre on Friday 23 October, 1–4pm, for the fourth annual Solihull Cultural Education Partnership Tea Party. This FREE afternoon brings together local artists, creative organisations and education professionals to share ideas, discover workshops and explore opportunities for young people. Expect creative taster sessions, networking, the chance to win free workshops for your school or organisation, and plenty of complimentary tea and cake!
⛸️ Disney On Ice: Discover the Magic — bp pulse LIVE, Birmingham
Get ready for a magical family adventure as Disney On Ice returns to bp pulse LIVE from 28 October to 8 November, with performances on selected dates! Join Mickey Mouse and friends as they explore the worlds of Frozen, Moana, Coco, Aladdin and Toy Story, with spectacular ice skating, aerial stunts and plenty of Disney favourites along the way. There's even a mischievous appearance from Stitch! Tickets start from £18 plus booking fees, making it a lovely half-term treat for little Disney fans.
⚽ SOLIHULL SPORTS
🏆 Moors bounce back with victory over Everton youngsters
A welcome boost for Solihull Moors on Tuesday night as they beat Everton U21s 1–0 at Damson Park in the National League Cup, thanks to a late own goal. The result follows a difficult 5–0 league defeat at Worthing last weekend. Next up is a big FA Cup fourth qualifying round clash away at Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday 17 October, 3pm, with a place in the first round proper at stake.
⚽ Knowle FC extend unbeaten league run and stay top!
The Robins continue to impress! Knowle FC enjoyed a brilliant 6–2 cup victory over Blackstones on Saturday before drawing 1–1 away at Daventry Town on Tuesday, with Talib Copeland getting the goal. They remain unbeaten and sit top of the United Counties League Premier Division South with 26 points from 10 games. Next up is a home clash against Moulton on Saturday, 3pm, at the Robins' Nest.
🏉 Three from three for flying Bees!
Birmingham & Solihull Bees are enjoying a fantastic start to their rugby season, making it three consecutive league wins with an entertaining 48–31 victory away at Bromsgrove II. The Bees ran in eight tries and have now scored an incredible 162 points in just three league games, putting them top of the table! They travel to Woodrush this Saturday, 17 October, for a 3pm kick-off.
🏒 Barons remain top after dramatic weekend
Another action-packed weekend for Solihull Barons! The ice hockey side secured a hard-fought 4–3 away victory over Telford Tigers 2 on Saturday, before narrowly losing 4–3 to Hull Jets after a shootout at Planet Ice on Sunday. The Barons remain top of the NIHL Moralee Division with 22 points from nine games. Next up is an away trip to Deeside Dragons on Sunday 18 October, with face-off at 5:15pm.
🏑 Six of the best for Old Silhillians Ladies!
A fantastic performance from Old Silhillians Ladies' 1st XI, who recorded an emphatic 6–0 victory over the University of Warwick 2nd XI at Copt Heath on Saturday. The result continues their excellent start to the hockey season, which has already included an 11–0 win over Bromsgrove and an 8–2 victory against Olton & West Warwicks. The team travel to face Barford Tigers this Saturday.
✈️ SPONTANEOUS GETAWAY?
🇵🇹 Porto, Portugal — £75 RETURN
Birmingham → Porto
📅 Tuesday 20 → Friday 23 October
✈️ Ryanair
💰 £75 return
Three nights of colourful riverside streets, incredible Portuguese food and a cheeky glass of port for just £75 return? That's a very tempting midweek escape! 🍷☀️
🇫🇷 Paris, France — £38 RETURN
Birmingham → Paris Beauvais
📅 Friday 13 → Sunday 15 November
✈️ Ryanair
💰 £38 return
A romantic weekend in Paris for less than £40 return? Croissants, cosy cafés and a stroll along the Seine are calling! 🥐🇫🇷 Just remember Beauvais Airport is around 90 minutes from central Paris, so factor in the transfer.
THE QUICK LOCAL CHECKLIST (so you don’t get caught out)
• Bin collections: https://digital.solihull.gov.uk/BinCollectionCalendar/
• Council news + updates: https://www.solihull.gov.uk/news
• Travel disruptions (West Midlands): https://disruptions.tfwm.org.uk/
Thanks for reading Solihull Spotlight 💙 let’s chat again on Sunday! Hit reply and tell me what you want more of next week: family, events, food, deals, walking routes, live music, sport, or hidden gems.
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