Residents of Monkspath are welcome to use this page to provide information and express views on local issues.

Posted Thursday, May 8, 2008
Cyclesolihull is arranging one of their Community Cycle Rides from Monkspath on Saturday 17 May, leaving from Shelly Farm shops at 2 pm. It will be a 10 mile ride via Earlswood Lakes and Ilshaw Heath with a refreshment stop. It is suitable for all types of cyclist and there is no need to book - just turn up for a pleasant ride in the countryside with a few other people. Further details from www.cyclesolihull.org.uk
Steve

Posted Monday, May 5, 2008
LADIES NIGHT at Monkspath School on Thursday 8th May.  All welcome.  Many different tables.  Only £2.50 entrance, on the door.  PTA fundraiser.  Doors open 8pm.
Joanne Exeter

Posted Monday, March 24, 2008
It is Monkspath Schools 21st Birthday this year and on 12th April the Mayor of Solihull and Malcolm Stent will be attending a huge celebration at the school between 2-6pm.  We would like to invite anyone from the original 1986 class to attend - if you are one or know where they are please contact us so we can send them an invitation.  Of course all other ex pupils/teachers are very very welcome. 
Jo, Monkspath School PTA

Posted Monday, October 29, 2007
Hi I have a job interview in the area .... it's at the far end of Highlands Road in Monkspath Business park -it looks like a good job - but I don't drive and am concerned about getting there.... I see the 5 bus is the only one that goes there - but it only runs twice a day. Is there any other route that goes nearby. If I get the job I would be looking to live in central bham and commute in. I think there is a bus to the end of the road - but it doesn't look very regular to me. It's an IT job so I am likely to work irregular hours. If I moved to solihull centre would it be easy to get to work? Really appreciate any advice.  Thanks
Steven

Posted Monday, October 1, 2007
With regards to some earlier postings about the 'shelly farm pub', great news, it has finally been bought out & thay have done a fine job on the re-furb, it's now known as 'The Farm', & it has finally achieved its full potential, the old bar area is now a Sophisticated  cosy bar/lounge area, with great selection of drinks/wine etc, amazing decor & funky chilled out music, & the old barn area is now a large open plan restaurant & bar area, the food is amazing and the bar in there is outstanding, it plays louder music than the old bar section & is open till 1am on a friday & saturday, with a mix of people in there, well worth a look if your in the area.
John
Click here to post your review of The Farm  - Ed

Posted Monday, July 30, 2007
I am Japanese. I am planning to move to Solihull with my wife. I have heard that there are several Japanese families living in Monkspath. Does anybody know that if is right information? Or does anybody know in which area some Japanese families live?
Keita Kitada

Posted Monday, July 23, 2007
Are there any plans for the development of the Dave & Busters, Stratford Rd., this building has been vacant for some years now?
M Bateman-Smith

Posted Thursday, April 19, 2007
Great news about the Shelly farm being brought out by the Orange tree chain, if its true anyway, its such a dive in there, I wonder what they will do with the Barn area?? it would be great to see it made into a modern bar /restaurant with some music for the younger people who live in the area, it would do really well !!
John

Posted  Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Thank God!!  I have heard a rumour the The Boot / Orange Tree chain have bought The Shelley Farm!  This should improve the area around there no end and turn a dreadful rundown place into a well needed new pub.
Jules B

Posted  Thursday, February 1, 2007
Can anyone give me any information on Monkspath Hill Farm, once situated where the A34, M42 junction now sits? I have recently been looking at www.old-maps.co.uk and have discovered the farm, it isn't mentioned anywhere it seems. Thanks
Derek Bayliss

Posted Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Seeking details of First World War Internment Camp at, or near, Monkspath.  Can anyone help with details.
Nic (Derby)

Posted Monday, December 11, 2006
Does anyone know what happened in Touchwood on Saturday evening.  We were evacuated from the cinema around 7.30pm and Touchwood was empty with police around.  ??? 
Jo

Posted Monday, October 23, 2006
I'm tracing one of my ancestors, Sir Cornelius Chambers, who lived at Monkspath Priory between the wars.  Does it still exist and if so, what form is it in now?  Is it offices, flats, etc?  If anyone could send me a photo, I'd be grateful!
Jo Chambers

Posted Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Mrs Heep, You may also be interested to know that Monkspath School take children from 3 years in their Monkspath "Monkeys" day care.  Contact Leslie Pinner at the school for more info.
M Jones

Posted Friday, September 22, 2006
In reply to Mrs Heep requesting good pre-school and toddler groups on Monkspath.  Look no further than the groups who operate from the Shelly Farm Community Centre Farmhouse Way (by the primary school)! Contact Mary Ayres on 0121 744 0253 for pre-school and she'll be able to put you in touch with the toddler group too.
Viv Payne

Posted Monday, September 11, 2006
I am moving to Monkspath at the end of October and i have two children ages 2 1/2 and 1. Can anyone recommend a good pre-school and toddler group? Many thanks
Mrs Sarah-Jane Heep

Posted Monday, September 11, 2006
Since jan 2006 i have been trying to get the council to put some sort of fence or bollard system outside the school, reason being is i have had a few run inns with people parking on the yellow lines and pavement, as i have a pushchair and sometimes have to go to the shops after collecting my daughter, i have spoke to MRS W J HUTCHINSON and she has had a barrier errected as a result of people using school carpark to drop and pick up. someone will get hurt one day and it might be your child!!!!,please back me and the school by contacting the council to view our thoughts, many thanks. 
Mr C

Posted Monday, September 4, 2006
Just to let you know that there is a youth group nearby - Shirley Sea Cadets - based on Cadet Drive (Off Haslucks Green Rd) Shirley, it is open to anyone aged 10 - 18. They meet every monday and Friday 7pm - 9.30pm. You can do a whole range of activities from Sailing, canoeing, power boating, seamanship, drill, first aid, shooting, D of E and just so much more.
I had a daughter who attended and she made so many friends whilst she was there, she went on so many weekends away, camps, and learnt a vast array of skills - the best thing is that there is literally something for everyone
People are crying out for things that are organised properly and I can't fault this particular unit!
Mrs F

Posted Monday, July 10, 2006
Replying to both Felicity (14 April) and Trish (28 March) with their views about wanting/needing a Youth Group at the Shelly Farm Community Centre for the youth of Monkspath etc to use.  I have lived here on Monkspath for the past 22 years and have brought up my two children to be fine young people.  There were two very successful youth groups here on Monkspath for a number of years which my children attended and enjoyed a great deal. The clubs for 7-11 yr olds and 12-15/16 year olds both met at the Centre and were started by members of Trinity Church and were run by volunteers up until about 2 years ago.  Unfortunately, they both closed when the leaders were unable to continue to give up their time due to other family commitments and the fact that there was no one out there in the community who came forward to take over from them.  As a former leader in both youth groups I can vouch for their success and the need for them to operate again.  If there is anyone out there who wishes to take on this vital role I can assure you that I have loads of equipment which I am storing at my house to do with the youth club which you can use...I could do with regaining the space it is taking up in my house!   
Viv Payne

Posted Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Long lost cousin in America thinks Monkspath & Umberslade the most hidden spots in England.  I am visiting Warwickshire on or about 1 June. It would be nice to know where these places are. County Council has not responded.
Al Stults

Posted Friday, April 14, 2006
Replying to Trish 28th March 06, I agree, it is getting a bit rough with the kids hanging around, and with the Shelly Farm being so anti people, we need a youth\community centre to direct our children in the right direction.
Felicity

Posted Wednesday, April 5, 2006
'Jane' 20 March responding to C.H. of 2 March has made a serious accusation with regard to Shelly Farm Pre-School staff.
To set the record straight. We do not and never have had notices in our possession to put on cars and the staff do not park in the disabled bay.  The Centre car park is  used by parents at the school and people attending the dentist and the staff cannot, therefore, be held responsible for anyone else who parks in this bay. We are also not responsible for people who park in the 2 disabled bays in the main car park.
'Jane' states that these notes are "threatening", whatever that means as we have never seen one of these notices. If anyone has a notice put on their windscreen we suggest that they hand it over to the appropriate authority, either Solihull Council or the Police to deal with.
Mrs Mary Ayres
Pre-School Leader
Shelly Farm Pre-School

Posted Tuesday, March 28, 2006
I have lived on Monkspath/Hillfield for 10 years now and love it.  However, it does seem to be getting a bit rough now with kids hanging around and graffitying all over the place.  Now that the Shelley Farm is so anti children, well anti anybody infact, I think a youth club in the Community Centre might be a good idea.  Anybody agree?
Trish

Posted Monday, March 20, 2006
Replying to CH disabled parking at community centre.  I am afraid you are not the first.  The preschool staff in the community centre have these notices to put on cars.  They should be more understanding.  Their own staff and parents of children attending there regularly use these spaces without any concern for disabled people needing it.  Parking can be a real nightmare around this area at school times but these sort of threatening notes are just not necessary.  Don't give up! Not all of us have the same attitude!!
Jane
 

Posted Friday, March 3, 2006
I agree with Kinga, a pub next to a school on a housing development like Monkspath should be warm and welcoming to families.  It used to be a great place to go and lots of families frequented there.  The licensee has ruined it with his awful attitude, the food is dreadful and the place is now a dump.  We all go the the Cheswick.
Felicity

Posted Thursday, March 2, 2006
Last Friday morning I parked my car in the main car park outside Shelly Farm Community Centre when taking my son to Monkspath Nursery. As I am a disabled blue badge holder, I used one of the disabled parking spaces and displayed my badge clearly. When I returned to my car, I was very upset to find a handwritten note on my windscreen to the following effect:
 "Please do not park in these spaces.
You are not disabled.
Your badge holder will be reported."
 It is true that I do not have a visible physical disability. I actually suffer from Ulcerative Colitis. This is an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) with symptoms such as bloody diarrhoea, acute stomach pain, sudden urgency to go to the toilet and very frequent visits to the toilet. There are many times when I have not made it to the toilet in time!
As I'm sure most people are aware, obtaining a disabled badge is not easy and there has to be a good case for having one. Therefore, I was deeply offended by the note on my windscreen and if the person who put it there had only spoken to me I would have had a chance to explain. I fully understand that many badges may be misued, but this was not the case this time! Remember, disabilities come in many guises!
C. H.

Posted Monday, February 13, 2006
Please could you help with the following: I am trying to locate a venue to hold about 25 people including children where I can hold my sons 2nd bday party and I am trying to find out if Monkspath Community Hall allows the use of its venue?
Many Thanks
Lisa

Posted Monday, January 16, 2006
Kinga, I'm not sure whether you are referring to The Fieldhouse, but the only pubs I know next to a school in Monkspath are the Shelly Farm and Barn. If that's the place you mean, then you should try going again because the Barn is extremely kid-friendly and even has a playground in the garden.
Walter

Posted Friday, December 16, 2005
I just moved to monkspath from Hong Kong.  And i just luv it!!!!!!!!!!
Atisha

Posted Wednesday, December 7, 2005
I live in Monkspath have done now for over ten years and I have seen many changes speed cameras yes they are a good idea but do they really need as many as thay have and also the speed bumps on Shelly Cresent what a waste of time money and resources havn't the council got anything better to do with our taxes that we work for and pay speed bumps were put in place because of the school but if anyone is aware of the situation on Shelly Crescent at school time how anybody is able to speed down that road with all THE PARENTS THAT PARK THEIR CARS there cluttering up the area nice one if there's any parents that are reading this why don't you use the shelly farm car park I mean at the end of the day that's what it is for isn't it but let me guess that's to hard  because they carn't get a space or they stuck in traffic trying to get out well I stuck in traffic because you park on the roads so why not just use the car park THANKYOU.
Apart from the above Monkspath is a nice area to live in very clean let's keep that way.
Mr Hughes

Posted Monday, October 31, 2005
I am planning to move to Monkspath area.Could anyone tell me if it comes in the same catchment area for schools as Hillfields. Also please let me know if the area is safe and has easy public transport facilities to birmingham
Victor

Posted Monday, October 31, 2005
Hi, monkspath is a lovely area and we are really pleased with every aspect except one. we have landscaped our garden but find neighbouring cats spoil the show ever so often. surely there must be some way of solving the problem? the cat's pooh not only stinks but is a fine recipe for diseases like toxoplasmosis and with children playing about it is concerning. i am sure there are others sharing the same concern.
Sam

Posted Wednesday, October 19, 2005
I have lived in Monkspath for 7 Years. And you would think that a Pub next to a school on an housing estate full of kids, would let children in BUT THEY DONT. BOYCOTT THIS PUB AND THE  GAFFERS. WHAT A JOKE. Lets hope they go soon..yeha.
Kinga

Posted Wednesday, August 24, 2005
I have just moved out of monkspath due to a relationship breakdown... although i'm relieved!!  firstly, as i realise i had made a bad judgement (my choice of men!} & also, my son suffered terribly with nightmares & followed me everywhere whilst inside the house... he was terrified to be alone. I put it down to many things, sadly, i didn't really listen to him. I have since spoken to someone who spent all her life living in monkspath & has shared with me her experiences, which match my sons details of his nightmares exactly. she also assures me that her friends (also monkspath residents) have witnessed the same. Anyone who has also seen anything out of the ordinary or a little scary, please reply.
Jill

Posted Monday, July 18, 2005
MONKSPATH ROTARY CLUB meets every Tuesday evening (19.30hrs) at The Forest Hotel, Dorridge.  Members come from all local areas including Hockley Heath, Earlswood, Monkspath etc. If anyone is interested in coming to one of our meetings (we also have a meal) contact Rtn. Peter Perkins on 01564 782997 & have a chat

Posted Monday, February 14, 2005
I am 15 i used to be in trouble a lot now i spend my time flying with the R.A.F. and Air Training Corps. But why do people my age still go round destroying this great area?
Jordan

Posted Tuesday, August 31, 2004
FUNDRAISING FOR LIAM SPELLMAN BN 19/12/01 WHO LIVES IN MONKSPATH
My son Liam is autistic. I have recently come across a program that has been known to help autistic children develop. It is called the 'son-rise program'. The only problem is it's extremely expensive and to be able to take Liam to the Option Institute in America it's going to cost me £21,000 (this doesn't even include travel). I need fundraisers, sponsors, anyone who is willing to help. Can you help? If so, please ring me : Sonia Spellman on 0121-744-4894 or 07951-819983 THANK YOU !
Sonia Spellman

Posted Monday, August 30, 2004
SHELLY FARM COMMUNITY CENTRE, FARMHOUSE WAY, MONKSPATH.
We opened our doors in 1994 and to celebrate our 10th year, we are holding an afternoon of FREE & FUN activities for all the family on SATURDAY 25 SEPTEMBER from 2pm - 4pm. Amongst events planned are a bouncy castle, mobile play area (for under 5's), beat the goalie.  We shall also have demonstrations and displays from groups who use the Centre. A prize draw and balloon release will also be taking place. Look out for your leaflet in the September issue of 'Look Local' who are the main sponsors for this event.
We look forward to seeing you on 25 September.
Mary Ayres, Chairman

Posted Tuesday, August 10, 2004
I am a daily user of the park in Monkspath, having both a dog and a two year old.  As a dog owner I am expected (which I do not mind in the least) to pick up my dog's waste - otherwise face a fine.  However, when I walk around the pond area (both on the path and on the grass), I am expected to walk through the daily waste that is deposited there by the ducks and geese.  Not once have I ever seen Solihull Council attempt to clean this area, and to my knowledge the only time it becomes slightly clean is when it has been raining.  So for all my efforts in cleaning the park after my dog, this becomes a complete waste of time when I have to bring back to my own home, waste left by the ducks and geese!  I am surprised the Council have never done anything, given the amount of people who use the park - can they not take a leaf out of their own book, and look at how well kept Brueton park is!
Justine McCallum

Posted Monday, April 12, 2004
Why can't we have wheely bins for our rubbish? Using unsightly bin bags that get attacked by magpies, cats and ants is not the most hygienic and safe option. Why are we so far behind our European neigbours when it comes to rubbish!
Haidee Smith

Posted Monday, March 22, 2004
I am trying to find out the history behind Monkspath Hall.  I have just moved into the building and I am very keen to find out its heritage. Any information would be greatly received.
Louise Connolly

Posted Tuesday, March 15, 2004
i am doing history coursework on the changes in solihull between 1750 and 2004. if you have any information about this subject please could you let me know.
Alex

Posted Wednesday, November 12, 2003
I am looking for some interesting articles about the history of Monkspath to include on Monkspaths schools web site, can anyone help please?
Ron Finch (Monkspath School)

Posted Tuesday, August 5, 2003
I've just moved to the Monkspath area. It would be nice to see a bit on local history i.e. Origin of name and some interest.
Ted

Responsible 15 year old willing to baby-sit most nights. Monkspath area. £3 per hour
Kathryn Willman

Posted Sunday, May 18, 2003
I am trying to find any info on a family called Buckley who lived at a Monkspath Priory before the Great War.
I believe a big fire took place at the Priory from which Mrs Bucklet had to be rescued. Any information on this or the family themselves would much appreciated
Pat Quirke

Posted Thursday, May 1, 2003
I used to live in Monkspath and the park is great try to get better pictures.
Jenny

Monkspath W.I.
Meetings held  3rd Monday of each month Shelly farm Community Centre at 7.30pm
Telephone 0121 705 6896