Pre Metro was proud to support the fifth Stourbridge Military Vehicle Parade over the weekend. Organised by Stourbridge Shuttle driver David Spruce, the parade brought people into the town centre to see the vehicles and support the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

Now in its fifth year, the parade has grown thanks to the work of its organisers and the support it receives from across Stourbridge. We’d like to thank everyone who helped put on this year’s parade, as well as those who came along and supported the appeal.

For us, the weekend also showed why it matters to give local events a place where people can hear about them. A town centre parade is hard to miss on the day, but many smaller events and fundraising appeals depend on word of mouth. The Shuttle is part of the daily routine for people travelling to work, heading into town or changing trains at Stourbridge Junction. As we move into the new year, we’d like to use that everyday connection to help local groups reach more people.

We’re exploring how the vacant area at the end of platform one at Stourbridge Junction could become a dedicated Shuttle space with a community noticeboard. The idea is to give local organisers and charities a place to share upcoming events, fundraising appeals and opportunities to volunteer. Passengers waiting for the Shuttle could see what’s coming up in town and find the details they need to take part.

Supporting the parade is one way we can back the people who give their time to Stourbridge. A noticeboard at the Junction would give those same organisers, along with smaller groups across the town, a place to share what they’re working on throughout the year.