Chairman’s Blog

The Chairman’s Blog has been written by Councillor Mark Evans, Deputy Chairman.

Dear Reader,

Welcome and I trust you are well.

I am happy to report that during our meeting held on Monday 20th May, Councillor Vince Merrick was elected and installed as Chairman of Wombourne Parish Council.

Vince is a big character and is well known particularly in the village centre, where he lives with his wife, Emma. His expertise is Police Liaison, a role he fulfils at Parish and District level. We wish him well. We offer him our congratulations and pledge our support during his special year.

Our popular Councillor, Martin Perry, was appointed Vice-Chairman. Martin is also Chairman of our Recreation and Amenities Committee and is, like Vince, a District Councillor. He is currently working hard with our Parish Clerk Rachael, to secure funding to improve and develop our open spaces, including Poolhouse Play Area, Bratch Park and Brickbridge Playing Fields.

On Wednesday 6th June members of your Parish Council attended a service at St Benedict’s Church to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy. This proved to be a powerful experience and included the stories of 3 young people who took part in that event which eventually led to the defeat of the evil that was Nazi Germany. A few wreaths were laid at the memorial in the churchyard at the front of the church. It was sunny and we could hear the sounds of a cricket match being played at nearby Wombourne Cricket Club. The sound of leather on willow, a loud cry of Howzat! We found this very poignant. A gentle reminder if what our freedom means to us in our beautiful village.

An interesting story in relation to D-Day was shared with me by Councillor Dan Kinsey BEM. Our War memorial bears the name of one Lieut H D Brotheridge known to his colleagues as ‘Dem’. Dem at the age of 22, took part in the operation to take, secure and hold Pegasus Bridge. He was the first Allied soldier to be killed on D-Day. Dem originated from Smethwick, but we cannot find out what his connection to Wombourne was. Can any of our readers help? Does anyone know Dem’s story? Any relatives still here? Please get in touch if you can shed some light on this local mystery, I extend this invitation of anybody who knows the story of any of our heroes whose names are inscribed on our memorial.

I would also like to use this feature to mention the actions of a great man who lives in Wombourne, Mr Terry Hunt. He lives in Moises Hall Road with his wife, Gill. He has spent his life devoted to God and helping others. He has been a Christian Missionary in various parts of the world and some years ago decided to settle in Wombourne where he has helped a number of projects particularly in relation to young people.

I regard Terry as a bit of an eccentric. He spends his spare time making models and toys from different materials and then gives them away, to which end he recently spend a considerable amount of money on new tools. Unfortunately, Terry is going blind and cannot use these tools. So, he sold them at a loss and has given the proceeds to a local entrepreneur, Lucy Jackson, who runs a project call Custom Junkie. Custom Junkie describes itself as ‘brightening young lives through custom clothing, arts and crafts’. They deliver art therapy workshops to young people. I was with Terry when he presented Lucy with his gift. It was like the meeting of two minds, devoted to helping others by using those skills with which God has blessed them.

Please be sure to check out this website (Events page) and our social media platforms for details of future events and items of interest. Please get in touch if you need our help. Remember, that is why we are here, to give you advice, help you in times of difficulty and ultimately keep you safe.

Please look after yourselves and stay safe.

Councillor Mark Evans

Deputy Chairman – Wombourne Parish Council

mevans@wombourneparishcouncil.gov.uk

07944 888 700