Tribute concert for raid victim
A memorial concert honouring a Midland sub-postmaster's son killed while trying to protect his family from robbers is to be held.
Hundreds are expected at Fairfield, near Stourbridge, for the tribute to Craig Hodson-Walker.
It will be at the village recreation ground on July 5 with all cash raised donated to charities chosen by his family. More than 15 musical and comedy acts have been lined up for the event – to be called Fairfield Festival.
It has been organised by landscape contractor Kevin Pearson, a 49-year-old trombonist with the Blackwell Concert Band, based in nearby Catshill, where he lives.
Mr Pearson said: "I was born in Fairfield and went to school in the village.
"The shop where he was killed was my sweet shop when I was a child.
"I have family and friends still living in the village and we were all shocked by what happened. I wanted to do something to honour him and try and boost community spirit.
"I hope the village will come out and support it." The 2pm-10pm event includes the West Mercia Constabulary Band, Fairfield Folk band, cover band Next Tuesday, Bromsgrove-based rock band Trigger, soloist Dan Robinson, samba band Someone at the Door and the Shirley Pipe Band.
It is hoped that members of Mr Hodson-Walker's family will attend. They chose the RSPCA and Bromsgrove-based group Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer to benefit.
Mr Hodson-Walker's parents returned to work at Fairfield General Stores and Post Office this week. Mr Hodson-Walker, 29, was shot in the chest in a raid at the store, run by his family, in January.
Volunteers staffed the store since it re-opened three weeks after the shooting. More than 150 people offered to help – although only 15 were needed.
Belbroughton Parish Council is supporting the festival and gave permission for the recreation ground to be used. Mr Pearson wants sponsors and volunteers to help on the day.
Anyone interested can call him on 07776170827 or email kevin@kpearson2. wanadoo.co.uk
