Tamworth Blog

Snatch Land Rover

A Tamworth mum has won the first round in her legal battle to open an investigation into the use of the Snatch Land Rovers in Iraq.

Susan Smith who lost her 21 year old son, Philip Hewett on July 16 2005 in the Al Amarah region when his Snatch Land Rover was victim to roadside bomb attack. Private Hewett of the 1st Battalion Staffordshire Regiment, was one of three soldiers who died in the attack.

Mrs Smith was given permission to seek a High Court Judicial review into the vehicles use in Iraq and Afghanistan, although Mr Justice Mitting refused her leave to challenge a Ministry of Defence decision not to hold an inquiry into present and future deployment of Snatch Land Rovers – a decision he described as “unimpeachable” in the courts.

Her cause is supported by families who have likewise suffered a loss due to similar incidents.   She said after the hearing:

“I am delighted. It is only the first stage, but I tam just glad that someone is listening.”

Ministry of Defence lawyers though argue that the inquest into Private Hewetts death was adequate as an investigation.

Helen Pawley-Tuft, presents Malcolm Faulkner of Birmingham Children's Hospital's Community Fundaraising Manager with a cheque

Drayton Manor Park recently donated £9,436 to Birmingham Childrens Hospital after the park held a Family Fun Weekend in June as part of the hospitals Red Balloon Appeal.

Over the weekend families who presented a special voucher were able to enter the park for £15 per person with £7 from each ticket being donated to the appeal.

Drayton Manor have been supporting the Red Balloon appeal for many years and this cheque follows on from last years after the charity concerts in the parks big top theatre.

Colin Bryan, Managing Director of Drayton Manor Park:

“We are delighted at the amount of money raised from the Family Fun Weekend in June. The Birmingham Children’s Hospital does a wonderful job for unwell children and their families when they need it most, so we are proud to support the charity and I hope that the funds will make a real difference to many lives.”

The Red Balloon Appeal is assisting to help improve facilities throughout the hospital, as well as support efforts to to build a brand new Renal Unit  to treat children with Kidney disease.

Malcolm Faulkner, Community Fundraising Manager, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, added:

“We are extremely grateful for the support Drayton Manor has given us over the years. The Family Fun Weekend, in particular, is a hugely popular fundraising event because it allows people to enjoy a day out, whilst generating valuable funds for the charity.”

A much loved Tamworth teachers life has been celebrated in a Tamworth school last week after he died suddenly in May from Cancer.

Derek Lawson who taught for 15 years at Belgrave High School then spent 18 years teaching at Three Peaks Primary School (formerly the Dales) had a special assembly held in his honour last week.  Headteacher Wendy Lees paid tribute to her former colleague, paying attention to his dedication to his profession.

Mr Lawson, who had a love for sports was a keen supporter of the Paralympics and the special assembly was attended by Paralympian Ricky Balshaw, who won a silver medal for dressage in the equestrian event the Games in Hong Kong last year.

His wife Jayne, who attended the assembly with their two children Rachel (22) and Andy (26) spoke of Dereks wish to support the paralympic movement.  Speaking to the Herald she said:

“He was very keen on encouraging children in sports and the British Paralympics,

“He always said to the children ‘you can do it’, and he encouraged disadvantaged people to take part in sports.

“He was a tremendous sportsman himself, and competed at international level in the discus.

“He also played volleyball for Tamworth and was in the first 11 hockey team.”

During the Assembly Ricky was presented with a cheque by Jayne for £500 and both the family and school are honor Derek by raising as much money as possible to help athletes compete in the 2012 Paralympics.

Story contributed too by Paulette.

A burger - Photo: Craig Grobler

A Malvern man has been ordered to pay £10 compensation to a Tamworth takeout after convincing a member of staff that he had been given the wrong change.

Nathan Capwell lied about how much change he was given by the worker at the restaurant after lying about the amount of change he had been given and arguing to the member of staff gave in.  Staff soon realised after reviewing CCTV footage of the incident.

Nathan Capwell pleaded guilty to fraud by false representation, during his hearing at Worcester Magistrates court.

Magistrates sentenced Capewell to serve a 12-month community order with a drug rehabilitation requirement and supervision. He was also ordered to pay £10 compensation to the takeaway in Tamworth, Staffordshire.