It’s that time of the week again when We Love Brum gives our lovely readers the round-up of the most interesting stories from the local area.
Mobility Scooter Incident on Aston Expressway
An elderly woman driving a mobility scooter on Birmingham’s 50mph Aston Expressway sparked alarm earlier this week. A recovery truck driver spotted her weaving through traffic and used his vehicle to shield her from danger while alerting police. The elderly woman was incredibly fortunate the truck driver was present, and with that kind of luck on her side maybe she should take advantage of her lucky streak by giving something such as the Irish Lottery a go.
The woman was safely escorted off the road near Dartmouth Circus. West Midlands Police thanked the driver and National Highways for activating safety measures, including traffic warnings. Officers reminded the woman about scooter safety and confirmed her well-being. Readers have praised the driver’s quick thinking, calling him a “hero” who deserves recognition for his actions.
Free Christmas Meals for the Homeless in Birmingham
Redcorc Bar in Digbeth, Birmingham, is hosting a free meal event for the city’s homeless on 17 December. The bar will provide 60 hot meals, including turkey, vegetables, roast potatoes, tea, and coffee, from 15:00 to 18:00 GMT. Soft drinks will also be available.
The initiative, supported by marketing agency FK Creative and non-profit Diver’s Community CIC, aims to offer more than food—it seeks to create a warm, welcoming space for those in need. Chris Redmond of Redcorc emphasised the importance of reminding the homeless community that they are not forgotten.
Kayleigh Whittaker, co-founder of FK Creative, highlighted that the event also serves to listen to individuals’ stories and connect them with support services. Attendees can enjoy their meals at the venue or take them away if preferred. The turkeys have been generously donated by local butchers.
Figures from Shelter reveal that over 16,000 people in Birmingham were living in temporary accommodation last year, underscoring the urgent need for such initiatives.
Zayn Malik’s Heartfelt Tribute to Liam Payne
Singer Zayn Malik paid an emotional tribute to his late former bandmate Liam Payne during his performance in Wolverhampton, Payne’s hometown, on 29 November. The heartfelt moment was part of Malik’s debut solo tour, Stairway to the Sky, which has included performances in cities like London, Manchester, and Leeds.
During the Wolverhampton show, Malik said: “Rest in peace. I hope you’re seeing this, we’re in your hometown tonight, Wolverhampton. This is for you, Liam.” A screen behind him displayed, “Liam Payne 1993–2024. Love you, bro,” alongside a pink heart.
Payne tragically died on 16 October after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. Fans shared their emotional reactions online, expressing heartbreak over Malik’s tribute and applauding the bond between the former One Direction members.
Each of these stories highlights compassion and community, from providing festive meals to helping those in need, protecting vulnerable individuals, and honouring cherished memories.
