Tamworth Blog

There have been reports from other parts of Staffordshire that chalk or other marks are being left on gate posts or gates. There are either circles, squares or just a squiggle for someone to spot where a type of person lives. These signs were used by the Romany families years ago, and maybe used as just a guide or for something more sinister.

If this happens to you please make a record of the mark and of who has called at your door. Call 0300 123 4455 and tell the person what has happened. Remember if they have not made an appointment, don’t let them in…

Stormforce 10

Drayton Manor Park will this weekend be holding a fun day in aid of the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat institution) this Sunday 5 July.

As well as Stormforce 10, which proudly boasts the RNLI name all year round, the park will play host to a real inshore lifeboat and the RNLI’s Stormy Sam.  Over the weekend, fund-raisers will be around the park encouraging people to support the charity which provides 24/7 lifesaving services across the country.

To coincide with the activities at the Theme Park, members of the RNLIs Storm Force child membership scheme will gain entry to the park free of charge and all other family members will get entry for the discounted rate of £10.

Drayton Manor Park have been supporters of the RNLI since Stormforce 10, the parks water chute ride, themed to mimic a lifeboat situation, introduction in 1999.  During the last ten years money raised by the park has funded the purchase of two inland rescue boats with a third not to far away.

Audrey Farr, Senior Fundraising and Appeals Manager, RNLI, said of the events this weekend:

“We are a charity that receives no Government funding, so are always grateful for donations of any size. Drayton Manor’s ongoing support has made a huge difference to our capabilities and allows us to continue to offer 24-hour assistance to the public.”

Colin Bryan, Managing Director of the theme park, comments:

“The RNLI does such a fantastic job to protect people on the UK’s coasts and seas, that we are delighted to provide support in whichever way we can. I hope that this year’s fun day will see many Storm Force members enjoying a day out at Drayton Manor and the public giving generously to the charity.”

Philip Dolman

A Tamworth man who raped a woman in her home has been jailed.

Philip Dolman, aged 46, was sentenced to five and half years in prison by a judge at Stafford Crown Court.

Dolman, of Frederick Court, Glascote, had denied raping the woman but was found guilty following a three day trial.

The court heard how Dolman forced himself on the woman after visiting her at her home in Amington last December.

The alarm was raised by neighbours who heard her screams for help and called police. Dolman was later arrested at his home.

Detective Constable Garry Bainbridge, of Tamworth CID, said Dolman argued that sex between the two had been consensual – but the jury dismissed his claim.

“This woman was put through a terrifying ordeal at the hands of a man who decided to take advantage of her,” he said.

“The prison sentence given in this case should serve as warning that police take such incidents extremely seriously and will do all they can to bring offenders to justice.”