Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust awards £33k grant

Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, which exists to enhance the quality of life for individuals in Sutton Coldfield, has recently awarded an additional three-year grant of up to £33,659 to New Heights.

The award-winning charity provides support services for domestic abuse victims in North Birmingham including Sutton Coldfield, and the new funding is set to allow its free, specialist, domestic abuse services to continue until 2025.

With the current cost of living crisis, the demand for domestic abuse services is at an all-time high, with new research revealing that one in four women will suffer some form of domestic abuse in their
lifetime .

New Heights was founded in 2004, began delivering support to victims of domestic abuse from 2012 and over the past decade has pushed to ensure that the needs of vulnerable people in the Erdington and Sutton Coldfield Constituencies are met.

The charity is run by a diligent team of around 100 volunteers, a small staff team and twelve elected trustees.
In 2019, New Heights was awarded its first three-year grant by Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust (SCCT) to help in supporting with individual and group therapy sessions.

After a successful three years, supported by the Trust’s grant, New Heights re-approached the Trust last October following which it was awarded its second grant.
The grant has allowed the charity to continue to provide a wide variety of discreet support services including a Domestic Abuse Counselling Service, The New Heights Community Café, training for volunteers and advisors and a telephone ‘befriending’ service.

The benefits of the Trust’s grant, along with the hard work of the New Heights’ team have been evidenced in the below results:

• A total of 895 domestic abuse survivors have been provided with free support services
• A total of 1,667 counselling sessions were delivered between May 2021 and April 2022
• A total of 751 clients have been provided with one-off, advice, support and information

Sean Flynn, New Heights Chair, commented: “With support from the Sutton Coldfield CharitableTrust, we have been able to expand the delivery of free counselling support to probably the most vulnerable people in Sutton Coldfield – those who are victims of physical, emotional, sexual, financial abuse and/or coercive control.

“It’s so important we enable them to get to a position where they see themselves as survivors ratherthan victims of domestic abuse.”

Clare Haines, Grants Manager at Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, added: “We are so pleased to announce that we have awarded New Heights an additional grant for the next three years to help
financially support the incremental services that they deliver to domestic abuse survivors across North Birmingham.

“With new research revealing that domestic abuse referrals are rising, the Trust believes that it’s vital to continue to support charities, such as New Heights, which are helping to support the individuals that need it in the borough of Sutton Coldfield.”

Anonymous quotes from individuals who have benefitted from New Height’s specialist domestic abuse counselling include:

“Counselling has given me the confidence to deal with daily events, for the first time I am able to put myself first without feeling guilty or thinking I don’t deserve it. It’s helped me believe in myself, value and feel better about myself.” 
    
“My self-esteem and mental health have improved. It has been really helpful to be able to share my experiences, to be believed, understood, respected and not judged”.   

“It was excellent. Not sure how I would have coped without having it.”   

For further information about Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust and how to apply for grants, please visit: http://www.suttoncoldfieldcharitabletrust.com/alms-houses.htm, or to find out more information on the services that New Heights provides, please visit: http://new-heights.org.uk/.

Fundraisers invited to join charity event

Fundraisers are being invited to join St Giles Hospice’s wild and wonderful Safari Solstice Walk this summer on Saturday 17 th June in Lichfield.
Safari-themed fancy dress is encouraged for this unforgettable 10k adventure around the streets of Lichfield City Centre, starting and ending at Lichfield Rugby Club.
The event is open to everyone, and St Giles is encouraging participants to fundraise as much sponsorship as possible from friends, family and colleagues, to help fund care for local people, and their loved ones, living with a terminal illness.
One person looking forward to this year’s event is Helen Saunderson from Lichfield, who took part in last year’s Solstice Walk, raising an incredible £1,000.
Helen and her family have supported St Giles for many years and have also taken part in several of the hospice’s cycling events.
Helen said: “You just hear the words ‘St Giles’ and want to help out to ensure the service is there for everybody. One day it could be you, or somebody you know that needs them. We thought the event last year was amazing and found the Moment of Reflection before the walk incredibly moving and emotional.”
Encouraging people who are thinking about signing up for this year’s walk, Helen said: “Just do it. It was a really good experience, and quite magical!”
The event kicks off in style with a welcome party at 6pm, including face painting, hair styling, live music and food and drink to get everyone in the Safari Solstice spirit. The welcome party culminates with a Moment of Reflection, with everyone joining
together to release bubbles into the sky to remember loved ones.
The Solstice Walk begins at 8pm, with a 10K route around the historic city of Lichfield as the sun begins to set, with participants being welcomed back across the finish line at Lichfield Rugby Club and presented with a special Solstice Walk medal.
Following the walk, the ‘sunset celebration’ will continue until late into the evening.
With live music and a fully licensed bar, it’ll be the perfect end to an amazing night.
Entry is £16 for adults (16 years and over) and £12 for children (15 years and under).
Children are welcome, but under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information or to sign up to this year’s St Giles Hospice’s Safari
Solstice Walk visit http://www.stgileshospice.com/solsticewalk
From set up to set down this event wouldn’t be possible without the help of volunteers. If anybody would like to help out at the event they can contact
volunteer@stgileshospice.com

Hundreds set to attend Chamber of Commerce event

Sutton Coldfield’s biggest networking event of the year is returning – with hundreds of delegates expected to attend. The Royal Business Fair, hosted by Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce, takes place at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall on Friday 30 June (10am to 3pm).

With around 40 exhibitors and hundreds of delegates in attendance, it is the perfect opportunity for businesses to raise their profile, discover new business opportunities and grow their sales and client base.

The event will also feature two seminars delivered by experts from the business community and a Speed Networking session.

Phil Arkinstall, president of the Sutton Coldfield Chamber, said: “We are very excited to be holding our annual business fair for the second year running at the Town Hall.

“It’s a great opportunity to showcase your business by having a stand or to see what brilliant businesses are out there if attending as a delegate.”

Businesses have until 5pm on Monday 20 March to book an exhibition stand.

How to join

Join us at our biggest networking event of the year! Whether you are looking to build your network, promote your business, find new suppliers or increase your knowledge, the Royal Business Fair offers you the best platform in The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield to do all those things under one roof. The Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce will look to welcome a significant number of business contacts, from across the Greater Birmingham region to this event. With a seminar programme and a large exhibition space, this event will provide the perfect opportunity for delegates and exhibitors to showcase their businesses.

WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?

👫 New connections
👆  Raise your profile through networking and our app
🌎 Open your eyes to new opportunities and collaborations
📈 Grow sales, customers and client base

AGENDA

• 10:00am: Expo Opens 
• 10:30am-11:15am: Seminar 1 (speaker to be announced) 
• 11:45am-12:30pm: Seminar 2 (speaker to be announced)
• 2:00pm-2:45pm: Speed Networking
• 3:00pm: Event Close

EXHIBIT

Early bird stands are on sale until 5pm on Monday 20th March

Above, a sculpture and a colour frieze from the marbles collection

The British Empire has a notable history including a mastery of plundering treasures from around the world. 

The most notable of which are the Parthenon Marbles, also known as the ‘Elgin Marbles’, and the others? Well, just go and have a walk around the British Museum and you will get the picture, where thousands of ‘acquired artefacts’ are on display.

The three most prominent are the marbles, Hoa Hakananai’a, and the Benin Bronzes which are wanted back by Greece, Easter Island and Nigeria respectively. 

But there are also numerous Egyptian treasures on display including the fabled Rosetta Stone.

It could be argued that the august institution, the British Museum, could have its collar felt for receiving stolen goods.

Should the Old Bill  be investigating a series of high-value heists, over a period of centuries, given they are not having a great time of it at the moment? While it could be difficult to track down the initial thieves, let’s face it they would be dead, there is still a lot of receiving stolen goods going on. 

What are they? 

The Parthenon Marbles are a series of sculptures that were originally part of the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Greece, each displaying events and legends of Greek history. 

The burning question is should they be returned to their rightful homes.

Yes, says Greece in the case of the marbles, which should be housed in the Acropolis Museum in Athens. No says the British Museum and the UK Government. 

It “would open the gateway to the question of the entire contents of our museums”, Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan said in a BBC interview recently.

She added that it would be, “a very slippery slope to go down”. She described the sculptures as “assets of our country”. Losing the ‘Elgin marbles’, according to this kind of formulation, would lead to a kind of asset-stripping of the British soul.

Yeh, right. So pilfered, plundered or stolen goods from other cultures should become part of the British soul? 

There are many groups and authors who believe the marbles should be repatriated, including the British Committee for the Reunification of the Parthenon Marbles (BCRPM), whose chair is Dame Janet Suzman.

She was not impressed with Donelan’s comments and said: “How embarrassing that the Culture Secretary referred to them as ‘Elgin Marbles’ after the man that forcibly removed them from a building that has withstood two and half millennia of history including many wars. 

“Mercifully the British Museum refers to them as the Parthenon Sculptures but George Osborne has also called them ‘Elgin Marbles’ even Mary Beard, does that and her excuse? To differentiate them from those in Athens.”

Returning to the dubious British soul quote.

Did not the attraction of the American dollar lead to the iconic, if not the most iconic, bridge over the River Thames sold? 

The original London Bridge now spans a river in Arizona. It was sold 50-odd years ago and now sits in Lake Havasu City in Arizona. Selling our heritage more like.

What would Donelan be saying if some European aristocrat was able to spirit away, let’s say the Crown Jewels. After a period of time, they reappeared in a foreign museum? Let’s say the Louvre in Paris.

What would we say then?

Would it be: “If we bring the Crown Jewels home, it would be a slippery slope to go down and that particular country would be stripped of what had become their assets?” I doubt it.

According to the British Museum by the early 19th century, the Ottoman Empire had been the governing authority in Athens for 350 years.

Lord Elgin was the British Ambassador to the Ottomans and was granted permission to be able to draw, measure and remove some figures that might be lying on the ground.

Between 1801 and 1805 Elgin removed the best sculptures, about half of the remaining surviving sculptures from the ruins of the Parthenon. 

All of Elgin’s collection of antiquities was then transported to Britain. His actions were investigated by a Parliamentary Select Committee in 1816 and found to be legal, prior to the sculptures entering the collection of the British Museum by Act of Parliament.

The museum maintains that its acquisition was a legal act of preservation. 

The sad thing is, the museum is unable to display them all. It is reported that the museum has around eight million objects in its collection, of which around 80,000 are on display at any given time.

These antiquities should be returned to their rightful homes and as a gesture of goodwill, we could donate some British treasures to take up permanent residence in those countries.

How about the likes of Nigel Farage, John Cleese, Prince Andrew and Katie Hopkins?

They could, perhaps, be joined by the likes of interview genius Richard Madeley or Jeremy Clarkson, Piers Morgan, Laurence Fox, Noel Edmonds or Jeremy Corbyn. Perhaps that would be too much to inflict on anyone. Too much of a cultural shock if you like.

But returning these antiquities would right so many wrongs. Having visited Athens, the Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum there seems no better home for them

Dame Janet added: “In Athens stands a fine building especially built to house them, and this year, on 20 June, the Acropolis Museum will celebrate its 14th anniversary.

“Now is the time to make a grand and generous gesture to the Greek people who in distant times laid the foundations of our modern democracies and who informed our artistic heritage. What a fabulous birthday present that would be.”

Boldmere Junior School has secured £1,000 worth of building materials and a coaching session for pupils after claiming the top prize in the 2022 Selco Six4Schools campaign.

Ran in conjunction with Club Sponsor Selco Builders Warehouse, the initiative saw schools across Warwickshire and the wider region get access to adult tickets for all Vitality Blast group fixtures at Edgbaston last summer at a discounted rate.

With each adult ticket purchased, schools earn £6 cashback to be reinvested towards the education of local children, as well as the chance for the top prize. And the good news is that the scheme will be back again for 2023.

Every school that sold more than 20 tickets were entered into a draw to win the building materials and coaching session from Bears seamers Olly Hannon-Dalby, Craig Miles, and Central Sparks wicket-keeper Abbey Freeborn.

Matt Sadler, Boldmere Junior School head teacher, said: “We were delighted to have won the draw to receive this fantastic prize.

“A lot of our pupils love playing and going to watch cricket, so they were thrilled to welcome two Birmingham Bears and one Central Sparks player into the school to pick up some important tips and skills.

“The prize of building materials from Selco is also a massive boost to us. We will use the £1,000 to help us construct a sheltered outdoor area where children can head for reading sessions and other learning activities.”

Last summer, Bears players Hannon-Dalby, Chris Benjamin, Jake Lintott and Thea Brookes launched the scheme with Selco Builders Warehouse at Woodthorpe Junior and Infant School in Kings Heath, earning £168 cashback through Six4Schools.

Carine Jessamine, marketing director of Selco, said: “We have been long-term partners of Warwickshire County Cricket Club and Birmingham Bears and, as well as promoting the cricket side of the sponsorship, are always looking for opportunities to engage the local community.

“The Six4Schools campaign was a perfect fit as it not only helped inspire the next generation of cricket fans to attend matches and grow their love for the sport, it also allowed us to support a school local to Birmingham Bears to enhance their facilities.

“Boldmere Junior School was certainly a fitting winner, and we are delighted to help provide materials to create an outdoor space for the pupils.”

Six4Schools is back for 2023 and schools can register now by clicking here. Adult tickets sold through the unique link of a participating school are priced at £15, offer a saving of up to £10 per ticket.

Alongside this, parents can secure under 16 tickets for only £5, while under 5s go free.

T&Cs apply. Tickets must be purchased in advance of the fixture date. Offer is not valid for Vitality Blast Off and Worcestershire Rapids local derby.

Join Sutton Coldfield’s Big Open Weekend on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th March 2023

Free activities are on offer during a special open weekend at Sutton Coldfield’s major leisure centre. Residents can take part in activities, taster sessions, classes, friendly advice, special offers and more.

Come and take a look around, try various activities and meet our fantastic team – they will be on hand to answer all of your enquiries.

You don’t have to be a member of our leisure centre or have visited us before to get involved in our Big Open Weekend, so why not bring your friends and family along too?

Please check the booking details for activities below – some need booking in advance.
We look forward to seeing you soon.

Fitness activities

Synergy Classes – Saturday 11th March 
Circuit class on the gym floor. An exercise mix of kettle bell, medicine ball, TRX, battle ropes and more based around the stations of the Synergy frame.

• 12:00-12:30
• 13:00-13:30
• 15:00-15:30
• 16:00-16:30

BOOK ONLINE

Synergy Classes – Sunday 12th March
Circuit class on the gym floor. An exercise mix of kettle bell, medicine ball, TRX, battle ropes and more based around the stations of the Synergy frame.

• 12:00-12:30
• 13:00-13:30
• 15:00-15:30
• 16:00-16:30

BOOK ONLINE

Swim activities

Diving Class – Saturday 11th March

Learn how to dive in our 3.8m diving bay; from the springboard, platform and off the pool side.
Participants should be 8-15yrs old and must be able to swim 25 meters and be confident in deep water. Please wear Normal swim wear

Session times:

• 12:00-12:30
• 12:30-13:00
• 13:00-13:30
• 13:30-14:00

Deep Water Diving Bay

BOOK ONLINE

Pool Party – Saturday 11th March

Come and see what we offer in our pool parties.  Splash around with your younger children in our Neptune Parties in the teaching pool and have fun in our new Aqua run/Splash party in the main pool with your older children.

Age & session times:

• Neptune Parties, age 0-5
• 14:15-15:15
• 15:30-16:30
• Small pool ratios are 1:2 for children aged 0-7 years.
• Teaching Pool

Aqua run/Splash Parties, age 4+

• 14:15-15:15
• 15:30-16:30

Main pool supervision ratios are 1:1 for under 4s and 1:2 for 4-7 year olds.

BOOK ONLINE

Swimming Lessons – Sunday 12th March
Taster beginner and improver swimming lessons for children aged 4yrs – 12yrs old. Within this lesson they will learn basis water skills that will build water confidence which is essential when learning to swim.

• 12:00-12:30
• 12:30-13:00
• 13:30-14:00
• 14:30-15:00
• 15:30-16:00

Teaching Pool, Stages 1-2
Main Pool, Stages 3-4

BOOK ONLINE

General activities

Gymnastics – Saturday 11th March

For both boys and girls. Encouraging agility, balance and coordination using a wide range of equipment including, beams, bars, trampette, floor, air-trax, springboards and vaults with qualified instructors.
Structured classes where children are grouped into age and ability.

School ages:
4-7years: 2:00-2:45pm
4-7 years: 3:00-3:45pm
8-11 years: 4:00-4:45pm

Children should come in comfortable clothing, shorts/leggings/tee shirts, bare feet.
Courts 3 & 4

BOOK ONLINE

Pre-School Gymnastics – Saturday 11th March

For both boys and girls. Jumping, rolling, balancing, swinging, encouraging balance and coordination. using bars, beams, vaults, springboards, soft play and climbing equipment.

Ages & session times:
6 months-18 months – 9:30-10:15am
18 months-2.5 years – 10:15-11:00am
2 – 4 years – 11:00-11:45am
2 – 4 years – 11:45-12:30pm

Children should come in comfortable clothing, shorts/leggings/tee shirts, and bare feet.
Studio 5 (Creche)

BOOK ONLINE

Mini Ninjas – Saturday 11th March

Jumping, rolling, Swinging, encouraging balance, coordination and stamina, gross motor skills. Using Blocks, vaults, mats, bars.

3 – 4 years: 12:45-1:15pm

Children should wear comfortable clothing and bare feet.

Studio 5 (Creche)

BOOK ONLINE

Trampolining – Saturday 11th March

Fun structured activity to improve balance and coordination using large trampolines, ran by our qualified and experienced instructors.

Ages & session times (Courts 1 & 2):
9-16 years: 3:00-3:45pm
4-8 years: 4:00-4:45pm

Children will need to be in comfortable clothing and wear socks.

BOOK ONLINE

Dance – Saturday 11th March

Mixed styles, freestyle and routines all abilities.

Ages & session times (Dance Studio):
4-8 years: 1:30-1:45pm
4-8 years: 1:45-2:30pm
8+ years: 2:30-3:15pm

Please wear comfortable clothes and trainers.

BOOK ONLINE

Ju-jitsu – Saturday 11th March

Come and try this Japanese martial art, develop combat skills using grabbles, submissions and Judo throws. Overall fitness levels will be developed, coordination, flexibility and strength all improved. With a fully qualified and experienced instructor.

Ages & session times (Court 5):
5-12 years: 1:00-1:45pm
5-12 years: 2:00-2:45pm
13+ adults: 3:00-3:45pm

Comfortable clothing and bare feet. 

BOOK ONLINE

Parkour – Saturday 11th March

Free running, flips & tricks. Moving, running, jumping and climbing in our specially designed Parkour room.

Ages & session times:
4-8 years: 1:30-2:15pm
9-12 years: 2:15-3:00pm
4-8 years: 3:00-3:45pm
12-16 years: 3:45-4:30pm

Comfortable clothing and trainers recommended.

BOOK ONLINE

Pre-School Gymnastics – Sunday 12th March

For both boys and girls. Jumping, rolling, balancing, swinging, encouraging balance and coordination. using bars, beams, vaults, springboards, soft play and climbing equipment.

Ages & session times:
6 months-18 months – 9:30-10:15am
18 months-2.5 years – 10:15-11:00am
2 – 4 years – 11:00-11:45am
2 – 4 years – 11:45-12:30pm

Children should come in comfortable clothing, shorts/leggings/tee shirts, and bare feet.
Studio 5 (Creche)

BOOK ONLINE

Mini Ninjas – Sunday 12th March

Jumping, rolling, Swinging, encouraging balance, coordination and stamina, gross motor skills. Using Blocks, vaults, mats, bars.

3 – 4 years: 12:45-1:15pm

Children should wear comfortable clothing and bare feet.

Studio 5 (Creche)

BOOK ONLINE

Gymnastics – Sunday 12th March

For both boys and girls. Encouraging agility, balance and coordination using a wide range of equipment including, beams, bars, trampette, floor, air-trax, springboards and vaults with qualified instructors.
Structured classes where children are grouped into age and ability.

School ages:
4-7years: 1:30-2:15pm
8-11years: 2:30-3:15pm
4-7years: 3:30-4:15pm

Children should come in comfortable clothing, shorts/leggings/tee shirts, bare feet.
Courts 3, 4 & 5

BOOK ONLINE

Trampolining – Sunday 12th March

Fun structured activity to improve balance and coordination using large trampolines, ran by our qualified and experienced instructors.

Ages & session times (Courts 1 & 2):
4-8 years: 1:30-2:15pm
8+ years: 2:30-3:15pm
4-8 years: 3:30-4:15pm

Children will need to be in comfortable clothing and wear socks.

BOOK ONLINE

Parkour – Sunday 12th March

Free running, flips & tricks. Moving, running, jumping and climbing in our specially developed Parkour room. 

Please wear comfortable clothing and trainers.

Ages & session times:

4-8 years: 1:30-2:15pm
9-12 years: 2:15-3:00pm
4-8 years: 3:00-3:45pm
12-16 years: 3:45-4:30pm

Squash Courts 1& 2

BOOK ONLINE

Free Parking available throughout the weekend.

Businesses across Sutton Coldfield are being encouraged to support a scheme which promotes engagement between the business community and local schools.

The Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce Business and Education Scheme is an initiative designed to create better links with education by allowing businesses to give advice, support and opportunities to young people.

The scheme was announced by Sutton Chamber president Phil Arkinstall at last Friday’s Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth and Cannock Chase Chambers of Commerce annual dinner and awards.

Mr Arkinstall (pictured), who is managing director of Ark Media and chair of Governors at Plantsbrook School, built his business by giving graduates and school leavers opportunities to enjoy a career in video production.

He is keen to help future generations and is calling on fellow Chamber members to offer time and support to the scheme.

He said: “The success of Ark Media is down in a major way to the input, hard work and skill of young people learning their trade and we know historically many other companies in the area have enjoyed similar success with the quality of young people in Sutton Coldfield.

“Our campaign, the Sutton Coldfield Chamber Business and Education Scheme plans to canvass the availability and offers local businesses can supply to schools throughout the area and once that data has been collected share with the relevant organisations.”

Sutton Coldfield Chamber members will receive a questionnaire to provide information on their potential support for the scheme, in the hope it increases opportunities for young people to learn about the world of work.

The Sutton Coldfield Chamber’s Next Generation sub-committee – which includes Anna Jackson and Kay Burton-Williams of Sutton Coldfield College, Gary Phelps of Gary Phelps Communications and Steven Hannaford of Burley Browne, will be helping to promote the scheme through their connections.

The results of the questionnaire will be published in the coming weeks.

Members can complete the questionnaire now.

Both bodies pledge to continue supporting local people together

St Giles Hospice and the Cancer Support Centre are pleased to announce that both organisations will continue to support local people together at the St Giles Hospice site on Lindridge Road in Sutton Coldfield.
Andrew Harkness, Chief Executive at St Giles Hospice, said: “St Giles Hospice has had an ongoing relationship with the Cancer Support Centre for 11 years, and we are pleased to share that both organisations have signed a new lease agreement for up to another 12 months”.
“The new lease allows both charities to continue to provide important services which are beneficial for our communities in Sutton Coldfield, whilst balancing the significant cost of living challenges faced by both organisations.
The new lease forms a key part of both organisations plans to support as many people and communities as they can through their services.
Trevor Saadi, Chair of Trustees at the Cancer Support Centre, said: “Charities like ours and St Giles Hospice play a crucial role in supporting patients, and their families, living with illnesses such as cancer. We are delighted to have agreed a new forward to continuing to serve our local
communities.”

To find out more about both organisations, visit: http://www.stgileshospice.com or
http://www.suttoncancersupport.org

Voices raised for festive season: Sutton Coldfield Community Choir performing

Charitable trust award hits the right note for singers

Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, which exists to enhance the quality of life for all in Sutton Coldfield, has granted funds to Sutton Coldfield Community Choir (SCCC), allowing them to ‘survive’ post-pandemic and amidst the current cost-of-living crisis.

The Trust has a heritage going back almost 500 years and offers a broad range of grant categories to benefit Sutton Coldfield and its residents. The emergency grant was awarded to SCCC under the relief of need category which the Trust offers to support the relief of hardship across a range of factors such as youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or another disadvantage.

SCCC received a grant worth £3,000 to help with purchasing essential new equipment, as well as a full term of room rental for the choir to rehearse in.

Ann Regan, Communications and Concert Manager of SCCC, said: “During the Covid-19 pandemic, we were unable to rehearse for twelve to eighteen months and couldn’t recruit new members during this time – we were worried we were going to have to fold the choir.

“Like many organisations during the pandemic, we lost membership, but we have been working hard to ensure that we keep going – especially during the current climate.

“People need activities like this, to support both themselves and others. It’s important to gather people together as a friendship group, and our choir thrives off being a sociable choir that is inclusive, and people can come and just enjoy themselves.

“Our choir is open to singers of all abilities, but it’s not just a choir – it’s something for the community to participate in and benefit from. We’re so thankful to Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust for allowing us to continue our group and giving something back to the local community, and we’re also looking for new members if anyone would like to get involved.”

Each year, SCCC picks to support a local charity of its choice and raise money throughout the year to donate the total to their chosen charity.

The choir fundraises through a variety of different activities and events such as concerts, raffles, cake sales and regular quiz nights.

The most significant events of the year are summer and Christmas concerts, where the 50 strong choir, pianist and choirmaster perform to raise money for their selected charity.

Last year, SCCC chose to support a small charity called Acacia, the services of which are available to parents and guardians in Birmingham who are experiencing pre and postnatal depression and anxiety.

In 2021 the charity of choice was Midland’s Freewheelers, a group of retired motorbike enthusiasts who deliver blood and vital medication – the choir raised £3500 through fundraising.

For further information about Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust and how to apply for grants, please visit: http://www.suttoncoldfieldcharitabletrust.com/alms-houses.htm, or to find out more information on the Sutton Coldfield Community Choir, please visit: suttonmusicservice.org.uk/singing/sutton- community-choir/.

For further information about Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust and how to apply for grants, please visit: http://www.suttoncoldfieldcharitabletrust.com/alms-houses.htm, or to find out more information on the Sutton Coldfield Community Choir, please visit: suttonmusicservice.org.uk/singing/sutton- community-choir/.