Other Side of Solihull Page 3 JUNE
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TRIBUTES have poured in for a much-loved Marston Green woman, who died after being attacked in her own home earlier this month. Retired teacher and churchwarden Anne Dunkley suffered fatal head injuries during a disturbance on Friday, June 5. Her nephew, Gareth Emery, 24, has been charged with murder. Friends and neighbours have been left shell-shocked by the pensioner’s death; the 67-year-old was well known in the village and described by those who knew her as “a pillar of the community.” Following the tragedy, bouquets were piled outside Mrs Dunkley’s Elmdon Road address, while parishioners at St Leonard’s Church gathered for two remembrance services. Hundreds of people, including many of the pensioner’s former pupils, left message of condolence on the St Leonard’s Facebook page. Mrs Dunkley was a longstanding member of the congregation and had been a church warden for seven years.
Anne Dunkley and, right, flowers have been left at the Elmdon Road home Dave Alexander wrote: “A huge, tragic loss to the whole community. Anne will be greatly missed, and fondly remembered in our hearts our minds and our prayers.”
Fury at failure to act on crossing petition WORRIED mums and dads are urging Solihull Council to install a crossing outside a special school in Smith’s Wood. Parents are angry that the local authority is yet to act on a petition presented last year, which raised concerns about the safety of children attending Merstone School. Locals are worried that the lack of a crossing on Windward Way is putting pupils at risk. While the council conceded that it would be appropriate
to build a zebra crossing, the authority is struggling to find the money to complete the project. Green Party councillors have now backed parents’ calls for action, with fears that the plans will not be implemented until next year at the earliest. A Solihull Council spokesman said: “The council is exploring future funding opportunities for the crossing and will continue to liaise with parents, councillors and representatives from nearby schools.”
Emma Betts said the death of such an inspirational woman was a “tragic loss.” “[She] was a fountain of knowledge and was always available to share her knowledge or experience or to lend a helping hand.” As well as teaching at Fordbridge Community Primary and Hatchford Primary in Chelmsley Wood, many locally knew Mrs Dunkley from her long involvement with the girl guides. Donna Llewelyn said: “I’ve grown up knowing Anne. I met
her when I was about seven in brownies, then into guides. We had so much fun doing all the activities set for us. “A lovely, wonderful lady who is going to be missed by so many people. You were always there to help others - so passionate with everything you did.” Emery, of Clinton Road, Shirley, has also been charged with assaulting a 38-year-old man. Appearing at Birmingham Magistrates Court he spoke only to confirm his name and address and was remanded in custody.
Denise’s just desserts for charity A SUPERMARKET worker will be taking a dip in a bath of custard this month to raise vital funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Denise Danks, from Chelmsley Wood’s Asda store, is raising money for the charity in memory of a young woman from Marston Green. Journalism student Tahlia Banks, 20, died of cystic fibrosis in April this year and the store is keen to raise awareness of the condition – which affects over 10,000 people in the UK.