Local police will be hosting a number of surgeries over the coming days, giving residents the chance to raise local concerns and receive crime prevention advice.
The first will be held at Four Oaks Baptist Church on Tuesday 13th October 2026, between 10am and 11am, where PCSO Gill Whittingham will be available to speak to residents.
The second will take place at Four Oaks Tennis Club, Hartopp Road, B74 2QR, on Wednesday 14th October 2026, between 7pm and 8pm, again with PCSO Gill Whittingham.
The third will be at Harvest Fields Centre, Harvest Fields Way, B75 5TJ, on Thursday 15th October 2026, between 7pm and 8pm, and will be held with Councillor Harry Parmer.
Across all three events, residents are invited to come along and have a chat about any issues in the area or to get practical crime prevention advice.
Fundraisers teed up a £20k plus charity donation at a recent Sutton Coldfield event. The Moor Hall Golf Day for BLESMA brought together 104 golfers for a special day of golf and fundraising.
The charity day has raised an incredible £20,655.64 for BLESMA – the Limbless Veterans (formerly the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen’s Association) – with further donations expected to increase the final total.
Held on September 29, the event united golfers, veterans, supporters and local businesses at the club. It was organised by a team with close personal links to the Armed Forces and to BLESMA’s work supporting injured veterans.
A golf day close to the organisers’ hearts
Several organisers have served in the Armed Forces and lost friends and comrades in recent conflicts. They understand only too well the importance of BLESMA’s work to support injured veterans.
Their fundraising began last year when a team completed the Three Peaks Challenge, raising more than £5,000. This year, they set themselves an even bigger challenge – staging their first charity golf day in just three months.
104 golfers swing in
With Moor Hall’s course in superb condition and the weather playing its part, 104 enthusiastic competitors – including nine BLESMA members – enjoyed a fantastic day. The event included on-course challenges and Beat the Professional, followed by excellent food and hospitality in the clubhouse and a hugely successful evening of fundraising.
A big thank-you to supporters
Alex Trigg, one of the organisers, a Moor Hall member and a Veteran, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who made the day possible – our players, sponsors, donors, volunteers and everyone who gave so generously.
“We are also incredibly grateful to Moor Hall Golf Club and its members. The response throughout the day was overwhelming and has given us a wonderful foundation to build on for the future.”
Building a lasting partnership
The organisers now hope the Moor Hall Golf Day will mark the beginning of a lasting relationship between BLESMA and Moor Hall Golf Club, supporting the charity’s work for limbless veterans for years to come.
PCSO Gill Whittingham to host open surgery in Four Oaks
Sutton Coldfield, UK – Residents of Four Oaks and the surrounding Sutton Coldfield areas are being invited to meet their local policing team this Friday.
The West Midlands Police has announced that PCSO Gill Whittingham (ID 30809) will be holding a dedicated Police Surgery at the Four Oaks Baptist Church.
This is a prime opportunity for locals to engage directly with their Neighborhood Policing Team (NPT) regarding community safety and local concerns.
Details at a glance
Date: Friday, 2nd October 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Four Oaks Baptist Church, Sutton Coldfield
Host: PCSO Gill Whittingham (Birmingham Sutton Four Oaks)
What to expect
The surgery is designed as an informal drop-in session. According to the official notice, attendees are encouraged to “come along and have a chat.”
Sutton Coldfield’s Gracechurch Centre has confirmed its Christmas opening hours for 2026, giving shoppers key dates for late-night shopping, Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and the New Year period.
The shopping centre announced its festive schedule on Instagram, advising shoppers to plan ahead as Christmas approaches.
A spokesperson for the centre said: “Planning your festive shopping? Here are our Christmas opening hours to help you make the most of the season.”
Christmas opening hours
Date
Opening Hours
December 3
Late-night shopping until 7pm
December 10
Late-night shopping until 7pm
December 17
Late-night shopping until 7pm
December 19, Saturday
9am–5.30pm
December 20, Sunday
10.30am–4.30pm
December 21
Late-night shopping until 7pm
December 22
Late-night shopping until 7pm
December 23
Late-night shopping until 7pm
December 24, Christmas Eve
9am–5pm
December 25, Christmas Day
Closed
December 26, Boxing Day
9am–5.30pm
December 27, Sunday
10.30am–4.30pm
December 28
9am–5.30pm
December 29
9am–5.30pm
December 30
9am–5.30pm
December 31
9am–5.30pm
January 2
9am–5.30pm
January 3, Sunday
10.30am–4.30pm
Late night shopping
For shoppers looking to beat the Christmas rush, Gracechurch Centre will offer extended late-night shopping until 7pm on several key December dates:
December 3
December 10
December 17
December 21
December 22
December 23
These extended hours are ideal for picking up gifts, festive essentials and last-minute Christmas purchases in Sutton Coldfield.
Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Year hour
On Christmas Eve, Gracechurch Centre will be open from 9am to 5pm, though individual store hours may vary.
The centre will reopen on Boxing Day, December 26, from 9am to 5.30pm. The same hours will apply on December 28, 29, 30 and 31.
Sunday opening hours during the festive period are 10.30am to 4.30pm, including December 27and January 3.
For the New Year period, January 2 will run from 9am to 5.30pm.
Check individual hour before travel
Gracechurch Centre has advised that individual retailer opening hours may vary. Shoppers should check directly with specific stores before travelling.
“We look forward to welcoming you this festive season,” the spokesperson added.
Sutton Coldfield’s first-ever Literary Arts Festival is happening tomorrow, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026, and the town is invited to join a weekend celebrating creativity — with free daytime events, family activities and a special evening of live jazz.
A weekend celebrating creativity
The historic inaugural festival promises a packed programme of literature, music, art and performance across two days, with free daytime events for visitors of all ages.
Families are encouraged to bring children along to the Kids’ Corner, where little ones can get creative with crafts and colouring throughout the festival.
Special evening entertainment
On Saturday 12 September, the celebrations continue into the evening with a special night of live jazz, music and performance featuring the Louis Connor Jazz Band.
Whether visitors join for an hour or make a whole weekend of it, the festival offers a chance to discover something new and be part of something special for Sutton Coldfield.
Event details:
Dates: Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026
Daytime events: Free
Evening events: Saturday 12 September (tickets required)
Tickets for the evening event are available now.
Give Me The Night: George Benson’s Greatest Hits Live
Looking ahead to later this month, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall is also preparing to welcome Nat Augustin for an unforgettable night of soul, jazz and R&B on Friday 25 September 2026.
The five-star show, titled Give Me The Night, brings the greatest hits of George Benson to the town hall, taking audiences back to the classic era with soulful vocals and an outstanding live band.
The setlist includes beloved classics such as Give Me the Night, Never Give Up on a Good Thing, Love Times Love, Turn Your Love Around, On Broadway, In Your Eyes and Feel Like Making Love.
VIP experience available
Music fans can make their evening extra special with a VIP Lounge Package, which includes:
Entry to the lounge up to 60 minutes before the show
A guaranteed table before the show and during the interval
A complimentary drink
Event Details:
Date: Friday 25 September 2026
Doors & Lounge Bar: 6.30pm
Show Starts: 7.30pm
Tickets: £31 per person | £46 VIP
Tickets are still available and can be booked now.
West Midlands Police have renewed an appeal for information one year after the body of an unidentified man was discovered in Sutton Coldfield, as detectives remain committed to solving the mystery surrounding his death.
The man was sadly found deceased at an address on Grange Lane on 27 August 2025. Despite conducting an extensive and thorough investigation, officers from the Major Crime Unit have been unable to identify the deceased man or establish the full circumstances of his death.
Investigation remains active
The case is being treated as an active investigation, and the man’s death is currently being treated as unexplained. As part of their ongoing enquiries, detectives have recovered a photograph during searches of the address, which they believe could be key to identifying the deceased.
The photograph appears to have been taken some time ago, and the man pictured in it is believed to have links to the Sutton Coldfield and West Bromwich areas.
Police appeal for public’s help
Detective Inspector Matt Marston, from the Major Crime Unit, has issued a fresh appeal to the public for help.
“One year on, we remain absolutely committed to getting answers, and we believe someone out there might be able to help us. The man’s death is still being treated as unexplained, and we will actively consider any new information provided to us. I would urge anyone who recognises the man in the picture, or who has any information that could help us, to please get in touch.”
How you can help
West Midlands Police have urged anyone who recognises the man in the photograph or who has any information regarding the case to come forward. Information can be provided directly to police by calling 101 or via the Live Chat function on the West Midlands Police website, quoting log number 1152 of 27 August 2025.
Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
In a powerful show of community support, Amazon in Sutton Coldfield has donated 1,200 hygiene kits to Soroptimist International of Sutton Coldfield – a gesture that bolsters the charity’s ongoing Standing Up for Women and Girls initiative.
This generous contribution will deliver essential hygiene products to local women and girls facing hardship, ensuring they have access to basic dignity and care during difficult times.
Supporting women throught community action
Soroptimist International of Sutton Coldfield is part of a global network of volunteers dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls through education, empowerment, and grassroots community action. The Standing Up for Women and Girls programme provides practical, hands-on support—including access to hygiene essentials—for those navigating challenging circumstances.
Employee-led donation makes a difference
Mya Vadan, an employee at Amazon’s Sutton Coldfield fulfilment centre who helped coordinate the donation, said: “We’re delighted to support Soroptimist International of Sutton Coldfield and the incredible work they do for women and girls in our community. We hope these hygiene kits will bring real comfort to those who need them most.”
Bożena Benton, from Soroptimist International of Sutton Coldfield, added: “On behalf of our team, thank you to Amazon for this generous donation. Access to basic hygiene products can transform the lives of women and girls in crisis, and these kits will allow us to continue our vital work across the local area. It was also a pleasure to visit the fulfilment centre and meet the dedicated team behind this donation.”
A boader commitment to UK communities
This donation is just one example of how Amazon supports local communities through employee volunteering and charitable giving.
Amazon also co-founded the Multibank initiative with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The West Midlands Multibank, launched this year in partnership with Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC), has already redistributed more than 12 million surplus goods to over 800,000 families across Wales, Scotland, Greater Manchester, London, Tees Valley, and Birmingham. This year alone, the Multibank expects to deliver 1 million orders to families nationwide.
Sutton Coldfield Town Council has announced the return of its acclaimed Soul of Sutton Photography Competition for a third year. This free-to-enter contest invites local amateur photographers to capture the people, places, and moments that define life in the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield.
Aligned with World Photography Day 2026 and this year’s global theme, “HOME,” the competition encourages entrants to showcase their personal interpretation of home – whether through a beloved park, a historic landmark, the bustling high street, a cherished community event, or an everyday scene that tells a story.
Who Can Enter & Age Categories
The competition is open to amateur photographers who are residents, pupils, or students of Sutton Coldfield. Entries are divided into two age groups:
13–17 years
18 years and over
Participants may submit up to five photographs. The submission deadline is midday on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, with winners announced on Monday, 21 September 2026.
Prizes and recognition
Winners in each category will receive One4all Gift Cards:
1st Place: £100
2nd Place: £50
3rd Place: £25
Beyond the prize, winning images will be prominently featured across the Town Council’s website, social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X), and marketing materials. Selected entries may also be considered for future exhibitions, giving photographers excellent exposure.
Why enter? – A message from the mayor
Councillor Nitish Raut, Mayor of the Sutton Coldfield, shared:
“I am delighted that the Soul of Sutton Photography Competition is returning. Previous entries have beautifully captured the spirit of our Royal Town—showcasing not only its stunning landscapes and heritage but also the deep pride our community feels for the place they call home.
“This year’s ‘HOME’ theme offers everyone a chance to share their unique perspective. I strongly encourage all eligible residents to get involved and help celebrate what makes Sutton Coldfield such a special community.”
Before and after. Top Willow and Isla before the haircut and below the twins looking smart with their new shorn locks
Seven-year-old twins became ‘super hairoes’ when they had their knee-length hair cut for charity, inspired by a TikTok video they watched over a year ago. Willow and Isla have raised over £4,000 for cancer charities by donating their never-before-cut hair to The Little Princess Trust.
The big day: A carnival atmosphere
Last weekend, the Oscott Social Club on Witton Lodge Road was transformed into a magical carnival—and the stars of the show were the twins.
A community comes together
The fundraising event was nothing short of spectacular. Organisers turned the social club into a family-friendly fun day featuring:
Food and gift stalls offering treats and treasures
Face painting that turned children into butterflies and superheroes
Bouncy castles that kept the youngest guests bouncing with joy
Raffles with dozens of prizes donated by local businesses and supporters
Dozens of prizes were up for grabs, and the turnout was overwhelming. As the scissors snipped through 12 inches of hair from each twin, they remained brave and smiling throughout, embodying the “super hairoes” nickname their proud mother had given them.
The fundraising results
The day was a resounding success:
Fundraising Milestone
Amount
Raised on the day
£1,100
Total raised overall
£4,000+ (and still counting)
Original target
£1,400
Target status
Exceeded by nearly 300%
The twins smashed their original goal of £1,400 – enough to fund two wigs for children battling cancer. The final total now sits at over £4,000, with donations continuing to pour in.
The charity: The Little Princess Trust
The twins donated their beautiful knee-length hair to The Little Princess Trust—a charity that provides real-hair wigs to children and young people who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment and other medical conditions.
Why their donation matters:
It costs £700 to make a single wig for a child
With both twins donating 12 inches each, they aimed to fund two wigs (£1,400)
They raised enough to fund nearly six wigs with their £4,000+ total
The charity relies entirely on public donations to provide both hair and hope to families facing the trauma of childhood cancer.
A mother’s pride and gratitude
Shaunah Henderson was overwhelmed by the support on the big day:
“My babies did something amazing. They had their first ever haircut and donated to The Little Princess Trust charity. I could not be prouder of the girls. I was overwhelmed by the turnout for the funday. To those who came, I can’t thank you enough. It meant the world, and a special thank you to my family. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
A promise sparked by compassion
While the big day was unforgettable, the story of Willow and Isla’s generosity began over a year ago with a simple scroll through TikTok.
Willow was sitting next to her mother, Shaunah, when they came across a video of a little girl with no hair.
“Willow was curious and asked why she didn’t have any hair,” her mother explained. “I just told her she was poorly, and that made her hair fall out.”
Willow’s response was instantaneous and heartfelt:
“Aww, that’s ok little girl. I will give you some of my hair.”
Her mother admitted: “I honestly felt like my heart was about to burst out my chest.”
A journey of resilience: Born fighters
The twins’ act of generosity is even more remarkable given their incredible backstory. Willow and Isla were born three months premature, weighing just 1lb each—small enough to fit in the palm of a hand. They spent 17 weeks in the hospital fighting for survival.
“They came out fighting,” their mother says proudly.
Now living with autism, the twins have retained that resilience and they have channeled it into an act of generosity.
How you can help
The twins have inspired hundreds, but The Little Princess Trust still needs support to provide wigs for the thousands of children facing cancer every year. You can support their mission by:
Donating to their JustGiving page
Sharing their story on social media
Spreading awareness about childhood cancer and hair loss
Police in Sutton Coldfield say they are stepping up their crime prevention activities as part of an ongoing commitment to keeping local communities safe. Officers from the Four Oaks and New Hall Neighbourhood Team are focusing on high-visibility patrols, community engagement, and targeted action against vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour,
Here is a roundup of activity, incidents, and crime prevention advice.
1. High-Visibility Patrols
Officers have conducted increased patrols in the retail areas of Mere Green, Walmley, and Wylde Green this week. The focus has been on deterring shoplifters and reassuring local businesses. The teams remain visible and engaged across the local high streets.
2. Crime Update: Vehicle Thefts
Four Oaks has recorded zero burglaries or vehicle thefts this week, which is positive news. However, the neighbouring New Hall area has unfortunately seen a spike in vehicle crime:
Cover Croft (Sunday 26th July, 00:36): Theft of a Blue Land Rover Defender and a White BMW 116. Method unknown.
Weaver Avenue (Thursday 30th July, 22:00): Theft of a Grey Mitsubishi. Method unknown.
Maybrook Business Park (Wednesday 29th July): Theft of a Black Triumph motorbike.
Keyless Entry Warning: Residents who own keyless entry vehicles are urged to store their keys in a Faraday pouch. It is important to check the pouch regularly to ensure it is still working, as thieves use relay devices to capture key fob signals from inside homes. Pairing a Faraday pouch with a visible deterrent, such as a steering wheel lock, is strongly recommended.
Residents are reminded to lock all windows and doors, even when at home. Keys should never be left in doors, particularly if a property has a cat or dog flap, as thieves can use tools to hook keys through these openings. Before heading out, residents are encouraged to make their homes look occupied, for example by using timer switches for lights or leaving a radio on.
4. Community Engagement: Surgeries
Drop-in surgeries were held this week at the Cosy Coffee shop and St James Church in Mere Green. Officers spoke with residents about local issues and provided tailored crime prevention advice. The teams appreciated the opportunity to engage face-to-face with the community.
5. A Big Thank You to Street Watch
Thanks are extended to the volunteers in Sutton Park, Walmley, Dunton Close, Harvestfields, and Wylde Green Street Watch groups. These volunteers have been out on patrol, speaking to local residents, and reporting any issues in the areas they cover.
Get Involved: The teams are actively looking for more volunteers in the Sutton Coldfield area. Anyone interested in helping to keep their street safe can email streetwatch@westmidlands.police.uk or reply to this message.
6. Dealing with Anti-Social Behaviour
Walmley: A Community Protection Warning was served on a beggar in Walmley who had been causing significant issues for local businesses and residents. The situation will continue to be monitored.
Sutton Park: Following reports of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB), officers from the Four Oaks and Erdington Neighbourhood Teams, along with the Neighbourhood Crime Team, conducted foot and bicycle patrols in Sutton Park this week to ensure it remains a safe environment for all visitors.
Stay Safe and Stay in Touch
The neighbourhood teams hope residents have a peaceful week ahead. The community is reminded that reporting suspicious activity helps build a clearer picture of local issues. Anyone with concerns is encouraged to get in touch.
