Monthly Archives: November 2025

Newsround

A centurion’s celebration aat Sutton Coldfield care home

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A Sutton Coldfield care home resident has celebrated her remarkable 102nd birthday by sharing her timeless advice for a long and happy life.

Joyce McCliskie, affectionately known as Joy, marked the milestone at Care UK’s Mercia Grangeon Lichfield Road, surrounded by her loving family and the care home team.

To honour the special occasion, the team decorated the home with banners and balloons, and the head chef prepared a bespoke birthday cake.

Joy’s secrets to a long and happy life

When asked for her advice for younger generations, Joy’s simple yet powerful secret was: “Stay active, busy and connected with other people.”

Born in Oldbury on 5th November 1923, Joy dedicated eight years of her career to nursing at Birmingham’s Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Her passions for sewing, knitting, and cooking were always shared generously with her family.

Joy met her husband Douglas in their twenties. Together, they built a beautiful family, which now includes two children, four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

An integral member of the community

Since moving to Mercia Grange in 2022, Joy has become a cornerstone of the community. Her fellow residents nominated her to serve as a Resident Ambassador last year, a role in which she excels.

Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, said: “Joy is a much-loved resident, and her calm, cheerful attitude is an inspiration. Celebrating her 102nd birthday was a joy for everyone. Her philosophy reminds us that the key to a fulfilling life is living in the moment and finding joy in the simple things.”

Inspired by Joy’s story? Mercia Grange is welcoming new residents. If you or a loved one is seeking exceptional full-time care or respite care in the Sutton Coldfield area, we invite you to learn more.

Mercia Grange is a state-of-the-art care home offering premium residential, nursing, and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Facilities include a luxury cinema, hair and beauty salon, and a traditional pub, all supporting a vibrant community life.

For information:

Newsround

Art and opera unite at Sutton Coldfield care home

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Audrey Smithem, Alan Blakeley, and Jean Greaves with artist Peter Forbes

From brushstrokes to baritones home hosts artful evening

Care UK’s Mercia Grange care home recently hosted its first-ever art exhibition, creating an unforgettable evening that blended visual art with live opera music for residents, their families, and the local community.

The event at the Lichfield Road, Four Oaks venue, showcased the remarkable artwork of Peter Forbes, a talented local artist who also serves as a valued member of the home’s maintenance team. Guests enjoyed an inspiring display of his work, featuring striking landscapes and expressive portraits, and had the opportunity to speak with Peter about his creative process.

The artistic display was complemented by a live performance from Mezzo-Soprano singer Samantha Oxborough, who captivated the audience with a selection of classic opera songs. The home’s Head Chef prepared a range of canapés and refreshments for all to enjoy.

The event was attended by Councillor Nitish Raut, Deputy Mayor of the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, highlighting the home’s role within the wider community.

Resident Terry Fletcher and her son, Greg Fletcher

A Celebration of Community and Talent

Peter Forbes, the featured artist, commented: “It was a lovely evening connecting with residents and the community over art and music. It was a real privilege to share another passion of mine with everyone. A big thank you to the team and to all those who joined us.”

Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, added: “We’ve loved hosting our first art exhibition and opera evening. It is important for us to connect with the community, and art is an excellent way to craft conversations and build meaningful relationships. Peter does so much for the home, so we were overjoyed to give something back and display his masterpieces.”

About Mercia Grange Care Home

Mercia Grangeprovides full-time residential, nursing, and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care and features 67 en-suite bedrooms, a cinema, a hair and beauty salon, and a pub.

For more information contact:

Rachel Mackay, Customer Relations Manager
Phone: 0121 314 7849
Email: rachel.mackay@careuk.com
Website: www.careuk.com/mercia-grange

Newsround

Community Concerns? Meet your Sutton Coldfield PCSO

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Join Sutton Coldfield PCSO Gill Whittingham for a friendly, informal chat about local matters in the Four Oaks area.

Residents are invited to an upcoming Police Community Surgery. This is your chance to speak one-to-one, about any concerns or issues you may have in your neighbourhood.

When: Thursday, 27th November 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Where: The Cosy Coffee Shop, Clarence Road

No appointment is necessary—just drop in. I am here to listen and to help.

We can discuss:

  • Community Concerns: Your observations about anti-social behaviour, speeding, or other local issues.
  • Personalised Crime Prevention Advice: Get tailored tips on how to better secure your home, vehicle, or personal property.
  • Local Updates: Hear about what we’re doing in your area and how we can work together.

This is an informal and confidential opportunity for you to help shape the policing priorities in our community. Your input is invaluable.

Four Oaks PCSO Gill Whittingham

Newsround

Sutton BMet students celebrate at graduation ceremony

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BMet (Birmingham Metropolitan College) which includes Sutton Coldfield College, James Watt College and Matthew Boulton College, honoured the outstanding achievements of its graduates, students, and staff at its annual graduation ceremony, held at the iconic Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

The celebratory event was attended by graduates, their families and friends, and BMet staff. It featured special guest appearances from the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal, MBE, JP, and award-winning athlete Jamie McAnsh, who delivered an inspiring keynote speech to motivate the new graduates.

Recognising Excellence: A Night of Awards

Alongside the formal graduation proceedings for Higher Education (HE) students, the ceremony saw 48 awards presented to deserving students, staff, and employer partners. These accolades celebrated a wide range of accomplishments.

Key awards presented included:

  • Academic Excellence Award
  • Inspirational Student Award
  • Outstanding Engagement Award
  • Innovation in Curriculum Award
  • Student Support Champion Award

The Resilience and Determination Award was proudly sponsored by the Morgan Hunt Recruitment Agency. In addition, Fellowship Awards were given to employers Roxanne Blackwood from fashion brand Kimmiu, and Louise Pinnington and Karen O’Donovan from Edge Creative, in recognition of their invaluable support in helping BMet students progress in their careers.

The event was further brought to life by two captivating performances from Performing Arts students from BMet’s Sutton Coldfield College.

Award Winner Spotlights

Karen Hemmings, Department Manager for Early Years at BMet, graduated with a Leadership Certificate in Post Compulsory Education (Cert Ed) and also received the Resilience and Determination Award.

“I’m very excited about being at this awards ceremony,” Karen said. “It means a lot to me to have achieved what I have at this later stage of my life. The support I have received whilst studying has been invaluable from teachers, as well as family – some of which are here with me today! I’m so thankful to everyone who has helped me along the way.”

Elijah Lewis graduated from his HND Cloud Networking Course and achieved an Inspirational Student Award.

“I’m so very happy to be recognised for my hard work and it has been a long time coming!” Elijah commented. “It feels like a testament to all my efforts. My action plan of studying computing at BCU is now one step closer and I feel I am on the path to securing a career in Cyber Security.”

Roxanne Blackwood, Founder and Creative Director of Kimmiu, received a Fellowship Award for her work in championing BMet and developing employability skills for students.

“Winning the award today is a huge honour in what has been a mutually beneficial journey,”Roxanne stated. “As well as helping learners on their career paths, I have learnt how to tailor my work in ways that can be meaningful and motivating to a target group of people. I have personally grown a lot and developed during my time working with BMet.”

Explore Higher Education at BMet

Their HE provision includes:

  • Foundation Degrees
  • Higher Level Apprenticeships
  • Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs)
  • Higher National Certificates (HNCs)
  • Higher National Diplomas (HNDs)

To find out more about the range of higher education courses at BMet, visit the official BMet website.

Newsround

Join the festivities at Sutton Coldfield’s second Christmas Market

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Sutton Coldfield visitors afre in for a magical Victorian-themed Christmas Market on The Parade in Sutton Coldfield, when it returns for its second year across two festive weekends in December.

After listening to visitor feedback, this year’s market has been condensed into two vibrant, four-day weekends to ensure a fantastic atmosphere and a bustling, fully occupied artisan marketplace.

Market dates and opening times

The Sutton Coldfield Christmas Market will take place across two weekends and will be  officially opened by MP Sir Andrew Mitchell on December 11th at 4pm.

  • Weekend 1: Thursday 11th – Sunday 14th December
  • Weekend 2: Thursday 18th – Sunday 21st December

Opening Hours:

  • Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
  • Sundays: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

What to expect

Located on The Parade, the market will feature:

  • Over 60 Unique Stalls: Browse a wide selection of artisan gifts, handmade crafts, seasonal food, and festive treats from local traders.
  • Festive Victorian Theme: Stallholders will be dressed in period costume, creating a charming and immersive experience.
  • Brightly Lit Gazebos: The market will be beautifully illuminated, providing a warm and vibrant atmosphere after dark.
  • Live Family Entertainment: Enjoy stilt walkers, a walk-in snow globe, and visits from Father Christmas and his elves.
  • A Less Crowded Alternative: Discover a unique and more relaxed shopping experience compared to the larger Birmingham Christmas Market.

Free parking available

Enjoy Free Festive Parking!
To make your visit easier, Sutton Coldfield Town Council is funding free parking in all Birmingham City Council-owned car parks in the town centre:

  • After 4pm on Thursdays and Fridays
  • All day on Saturdays and Sundays

Address: The Christmas Market is located on The Parade, Sutton Coldfield, B72 1PH.

Support local this Christmas

The Sutton Coldfield Christmas Market is a partnership between Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BIDand LSD Promotions (organisers of the Stratford-upon-Avon Christmas Market). The goal is to boost footfall and support the local economy.

“While you’re here, please support our local businesses in Sutton Coldfield town centre.” – Michelle Baker, BID Manager.

Newsround

Golden Grooves revives 60s and 70s classics

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Music and community spirit at Sutton Coldfield retirement community

The unforgettable sounds of the 1960s and 70s filled a retirement community in Wylde Green, as residents enjoyed a special performance from singer Jane Francis and her ‘Golden Grooves’ show.

The event perfectly captured the vibrant, community-focused lifestyle enjoyed by homeowners at Broadleaf House Retirement Community.

A nostalgic and upbeat afternoon

The afternoon was a celebration of timeless favourites, with Jane Francis effortlessly switching between the iconic hits of the two decades.

The performance was a delightful blend of music, memories, and conversation, with familiar tunes sparking stories and happy recollections among the guests. The energy was so infectious that several homeowners couldn’t resist taking to the dance floor.

An interval for afternoon tea, freshly prepared by the on-site chef, added to the warm, sociable atmosphere.

Music: The heartbeat of community

Jane shared her joy in performing for the community, stating, “I love seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter when people recognise a song that takes them straight back to a happy memory. Every audience has its own personality, and that makes each event so special.”

She later added how lovely it was to visit such a friendly, welcoming community at Broadleaf House.

Alexandra Johnson, Sales and Marketing Director for Adlington Retirement Living, said: Events like this capture the community spirit that’s at the heart of Broadleaf House, where homeowners and visitors can share great company, conversation and entertainment.”

Community in later life

The sense of community was echoed by homeowner Rob, who moved to Broadleaf House recently. “Moving here was one of the best decisions I have made in later life. It has both physically and mentally improved my life in many ways,” he said.

“I have made many new friends and am socially engaging with people on a daily basis. There is always something going on—from movie nights in the restaurant and weekly cinema visits to coffee mornings and organised days out. Life here can be as full or as relaxing as you choose.”

Retirement Living

Broadleaf House offers a perfect blend of independence and security for those aged 60 and over. The community features:

  • 57 age-exclusive apartments: A range of one, two, and three-bedroom designs.
  • Vibrant communal spaces: Including a homeowners’ lounge, coffee lounge, on-site restaurant, hair salon, therapy room, and activities studio.
  • Beautifully maintained private gardens: Providing a tranquil setting for relaxation.
  • Friendly 24-hour on-site team: Offering peace of mind and support.
  • Optional care packages: Tailored personal care for added independence.
  • Advanced home features: A sophisticated emergency call system and secure video entry.

If you or a loved one are considering retirement living in Sutton Coldfield, a range of beautifully furnished show apartments are open to view daily at Broadleaf House on Birmingham Road from 10am to 5pm.

For more information or to book an appointment, call 0121 817 8680 or visit the website at adlington.co.uk.