Police issue warning about leaving cars unattended

Police in Sutton have warned drivers not to leave their cars unattended with the engine running on frosty mornings. For the last couple of mornings, we’ve all woken up to cold mornings – and cars that need defrosting. 

There has been a spate of car crime in the Sutton area over the last couple of years.

A police spokesperson said: “Please remember it’s really important you don’t leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running – even though it might feel tempting. 

“Criminals can take the opportunity to steal high value vehicles in this way as normally their advanced security technology makes it difficult. 

“We know sometimes people think they’re being security conscious by locking the door of the car with a spare set of keys, while leaving the other set in the ignition. However, thieves can still smash a window in order to drive away in your vehicle. “

Over the last few cold days we’ve seen an increase in vehicles being stolen as they were defrosting or had been left to warm up. 

The spokesperson added: “As the colder mornings have only just arrived, and we’ll be expecting more over the coming months, we want drivers to get into a good habit of keeping their vehicle as secure as possible. 

“No matter how late you are running, you should never leave your vehicle running as you nip inside the house to collect your bag or drink a last sip of coffee. We know this happens and opportunist criminals know this happens. “

Car insurance policies are often invalid when cars are stolen in this way – the owner is deemed to have been responsible for the theft. You could be left out of pocket as well as without a car. 

It only takes a few seconds for someone to jump in and drive away.

The police advice is always to stay with your car as it defrosts and use de-icer spray or a scraper to speed up the process. You could also sit inside your vehicle while the heater de-mists the windscreen. 

The slow symphony of autumn in Lanzarote

If you are one of those lucky people who can enter into autumn without any haste or stress, Lanzarote is waiting for you with open arms. In October the wind and the summer hustle and bustle die down, and a new secret island emerges. Here are some suggestions to make the most of it.

Centres for Art, Culture and Tourism: emotion in its purest form

Lanzarote’s Centres for Art, Culture and Tourism (CACTS) are a symbol of the island’s environmental awareness. Autumn is an almost magical time in these spaces, which were conceived by César Manrique for the enjoyment of all humankind. If you like art, you will love discovering the MIAC Castillo de San José gallery. The Casa-Museo del Campesino meanwhile is perfect for fans of ethnography and local gastronomy. For lovers of botany or geology, a visit to the Jardín de Cactus and the Cueva de los Verdes is an absolute must. And, of course, the two crowning jewels also await you: Montañas del Fuego and Jameos del Agua. No matter how many times you enjoy a coffee surrounded by their unique beauty, the experience is still breathtaking.

Markets. Think ahead to Christmas

Get a head start on your Christmas shopping and surprise your loved ones this year with unique, local and sustainable gifts. In the artisans’ square of the Casa-Museo del Campesino you will find diverse examples of local craftsmanship. Spoiler alert: anyone who tastes products originating from this volcanic land will fall in love with them for life. Gift choices include wines, fig jams, cactus liqueurs, mantecados, Janubio salt… Lanzarote farmers have sustainability written into their DNA and it shows in their products. You can find them every Sunday in the street market in the historic centre of Teguise or in the more secluded market of Mancha Blanca, as well as on Saturdays in the craft market in the main square of Haría and in Arrecife, in the narrow streets surrounding the Church of San Ginés. Each market represents a real cultural immersion in the village where it is held. Take the opportunity to mingle in the lively atmosphere around the stalls, and don’t be surprised if you end up in the middle of a Canarian parranda.

Treat yourself to a special day at the beach

The Atlantic waters rarely give the island’s coasts a break, but October is the calmest month on the island’s beaches. Remember to protect yourself from the sun, and then surrender to the pleasure of walking barefoot on the sand of Famara, Papagayo or Puerto del Carmen. Discover the natural swimming pools of Punta Mujeres, a charming village in the north of the island; cross El Río and discover the beaches in the natural park of La Graciosa; or simply relax in small urban coves such as Playa Honda, Playa Blanca and El Reducto, with promenades lined with small café terraces. The choice is as varied and vast as the ocean that surrounds us. Believe us when we say your beach experience will be truly rejuvenating.

Hiking at your own pace

Take our advice: walk along one of the trails that wind through the extraordinary nature found on the island. Your body and mind will thank you for it. The temperature is perfect at this time of year, there are trails of all levels of difficulty, and the reward is well worth the effort. It may take you a while to recover from the sight of the breathtaking landscapes revealed by the trails that are scattered all across the island. Just remember to keep in mind the fragility of the terrain you are hiking in and always respect all signs and directions. Charge your mobile phone, share your location, put on some good footwear, and enjoy.

Hit the pedals without the rush

You have no excuse: you’re still fit enough to get on your bike and you’re in the right place to take up this healthy exercise. The island is home to many winding lanes and paths, but if you are not exactly Induráin, the best option is the road that links Costa Teguise and Puerto Calero, running parallel to the coastline. You can get on the road from any point and cycle at your own pace, enjoying the sea views while passing through the coastal towns on this part of the island. Take a break in one of the café terraces along the route, and you are sure to want to incorporate this daily routine into your holiday. Remember to take sunscreen and a bottle of water with you and get ready to mingle with the morning and evening strollers along this bustling promenade.

Charming corners

By the end of the day, you will be looking for a quiet evening to discuss the various excitements of the day. In Lanzarote, we love to get together around a table in one of the charming corners that reflect the island’s beauty. In the Charco de San Ginés you will feel like a true islander, because the locals have made this picturesque inlet full of small boats a favourite gathering point. But in fact, when the weather is this fine, any corner of the island is a good place for a chat. The promenades of Playa Honda, Puerto del Carmen or Playa Blanca are perfect for ending the day with dinner or a light bite. Or if you prefer the inland villages, try some local Canarian cuisine in the island’s teleclubs. There is nothing more comforting than fish croquettes. It is unlikely there will be any left on your plate, but if there is, ask for them to be packed up to go.

You’ll be grateful for this advice when you’re on the flight back to reality. 

The metal fencing and barred doors around the Bracebridge are a bleak view for people walking or cycling in Sutton Park.

The popular restaurant and kiosk overlooking Bracebridge Pool has been a popular eatery for years, with the hugely popular kiosk also a halfway house for walkers, dog walkers and cyclists traversing the area.

Following its sudden closure in October, the venue is set to reopen under new ownership with a renowned chef at the helm.

The restaurant and kiosk closed with a Facebook message saying they were closing with a ‘heavy heart’.

The Brough family, current owners of the restaurant, announced its closure caused consternation among regular users. However, they have accepted an offer for the restaurant.

If and when the venue reopens, with will be a welcomed moved for park users.

One of Sutton Coldfield’s most iconic restaurants which cl,osed suddenly last month, could reopen under new ownership and with a renowned chef at the helm.

The Bracebridge restaurant in Sutton Park and its associated kiosk closed with a Facebook message saying they were closing with a ‘heavy heart’.

The closure caused consternation and upset among regular users, but the current owners, the Brough family, has said they have accepted an offer for the restaurant which overlooks Bracebridge Pool in Sutton Park.

The Bracebridge Facebook page said: “We have some great news to announce, following our closure we have accepted an offer for the Bracebridge from an independent restaurant group with a well known critically acclaimed chef.”

The statement added that the group has a handful of ‘amazing restaurants’ recognised by Michelin and AA in the Midlands and North West of the country.

The current owners are at the initial stages of the legal process and hope to complete soon.

It is unclear what was the reason for the closure, but the hospitality industry has been suffering a torrid time, first with the pandemic, staff shortages and then rocketing energy prices, putting pressure on profits.

The statement added: “In the coming weeks you may find their team in and around the local area, so please say ‘Hi’ as they are a nice bunch and are looking forward to meeting you all.”

The news has been welcomed on Facebook and messages include:

• Big news, I look forwards to having my normal walk route back 
• I really hope they keep the kiosk open and the benches outside for dog walkers.
• Fantastic news! It would be awful for such a lovely spot to close down…
• Thank goodness. The restaurant and cafe have been there forever. I would work there on a Saturday & Sunday in the late 70s 

There is still time to join the Mayor of Sutton Coldfield channel. He is inviting junior and infant schools in the Royal Town to Promote Community Involvement and Safety in and around schools 

Schools play an integral role in every community, and since children eventually grow up to become members of those same communities, it is crucial that children understand the importance of establishing good and harmonious relationships with their surrounding communities.

A connected school community of students, teachers, leaders, parents and local residents have a real opportunity to learn from each other, together in a collaborative environment, inside and outside the classroom.

Every year, the Mayor has the opportunity to come up with a different challenge, designed to engage with young people and the wider community. Through the Mayor’s Challenge scheme, Councillor Tony Briggs would like schools and their local community to join forces to promote community involvement and safety by providing funding of £700 to carry out a project or exercise that creates community cohesion, while broadening children’s education.

Examples of recent community involvement with schools in Sutton Coldfield include:

To apply for the 2023/24 Mayor’s Challenge, each primary school should complete the application form they receive in the post or via email, setting out their ideas about how they would use their £700.

Deadline for all applications is Friday 17th November 2023 with grants being awarded in early January 2024.

Volunteers and staff on the catwalk for charity fashion show which raised over £2400

Delighted models and audience members alike were all smiles when a charity fashion show hit the catwalk in Lichfield on October 23.
Volunteers and staff from St Giles Hospice, which has a base and charity shops in Sutton Coldfield, took to the catwalk on the eveningto model a range of pre-loved clothes and accessories in front of a crowd of more than 100 people at The George Hotel in Lichfield.
The show was an exclusive ticketed event supporting the hospice, showcasing seasonal, sustainable fashion to celebrate 40 years of St Giles Hospice. All the clothing and accessories throughout the night were donated and after the show, audience members had the opportunity to purchase the outfits alongside other items in the pop-up shop.
St Giles has been providing care to local people, and their loved ones, living with a terminal illness since 1983.
Rebecca Sykes, Volunteer Model, said: “I had a great time getting out of my comfort zone and onto the catwalk. The fashion show focussed on promoting sustainable fashion, showcasing the amazing options that shopping second-hand can provide, all whilst supporting an organisation that does vital work caring for local people in my community. It was fantastic, and I can’t wait to get involved again!”

Hospice spokesperson Emma Yates said: “We are overwhelmed by the amazing support we received for our first ever fashion show – we even had a sell-out crowd!
“Everyone said they had such a fun evening, and really enjoyed the whole event from the fashion show and of course being able to purchase the items on the catwalk.
“As St Giles celebrates its 40 th anniversary, our charity fashion show was a celebration of St Giles Hospice Shops and every shopper, donor, and volunteer in our local community who has supported us throughout the past 40 years.

“A huge thank you to everyone who attended, to our wonderful volunteer models, the businesses who kindly donated raffle prizes – MGF Structural, Up Shop, Mankind Menswear, Trudie’s Sweet Shop, Love 2 Dream, L’UMO Menswear, Florist of Lichfield and ES Jewellery; and of course, The George Hotel Lichfield, for kindly providing us with a venue space free of charge.”
If you would like to find out more about St Giles Hospice and our retail shops, visit http://www.stgileshospice.com/charity-shops

Shock at sudden closure of popular park restaurant

Mystery surrounds the sudden closure of one of Sutton Coldfield’s most famous and picturesque restaurants.

The Bracebridge restaurant in Sutton Park and its associated kiosk closed suddenly this week with a Facebook message saying they were closing with a ‘heavy heart’.

It is unclear what reason for the closure, but the hospitality industry has been suffering a torrid time, first with the pandemic, staff shortages and then rocketing energy prices, putting pressure on profits.

The full Facebook message said: “It’s with a heavy heart that we have had to close the doors of The Bracebridge & The Kiosk. It’s a very emotional time for the Bracebridge family and staff. We want to say a huge thank you to our loyal customers and friends who have supported us over the years.

“We are in the process of cancelling bookings and refunding deposits. Loyal visitors expressed their sadness at the loss of the Bracebridge, following their shock announcement.

An independent restaurant sitting on the edge of Bracebridge Pool it is owned by the Brough family and on its website owner Claire Brough said: “We’re proud of our independent, family oriented business. We all feel like family, it’s a feeling we wish to share with our guests.”

People have spoken of their shock in Facebook messages at the closure of the restaurant, and the hugely popular kiosk, always popular with walkers and cyclist in the park and a spot to have a well earned drink or a quck snack.

Messages included:

• Pretty sure The Kiosk saved a few peoples lives in lockdown
• Thats’ a shock, its such a good location and restaurant. I imagine the price of the food, energy prices and all your other costs have taken their toll.
• I’m so sorry to hear this guys and will never forget the great summers we’ve had on Sutton Coldfield’s best live music terrace! I wish the whole team all the best for the future X
• So sorry to hear this 
• Noo! So sorry to read this, fabulous place! Good luck for the future 

Chamber elects new president

A new president has taken over over at Sutton Coldfield leading business organisation. Naeem Arif has been electednew president of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Arif, a director at United Carpets, was confirmed as successor to Ark Media chief executive Phil Arkinstall at the Chamber’s annual general meeting at The Townhouse.

Having grown up in Sutton Coldfield, Mr Arif attended Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School and also represented the Royal Town’s hockey and cricket clubs – becoming chairman of the latter in 2008.

The father-of-four has also written a series of books examining how businesses convert and retain customers through good customer service.

Mr Arif vowed to use his two-year term as president to encourage collaboration and drive more trade within the town, under the name of ‘Team Sutton’.

He said: “We are a thriving and dynamic region which is much more than just the town centre.

“We have Boldmere, Mere Green, Peddimore, Walmley, Four Oaks, Wylde Green, Reddicap, Roughley, Trinity, Vesey, Minworth – each contributing to our local economy and the attractiveness of people wanting to live here and do business with us.

“We will always promote all the local businesses in our region, giving them support wherever we can, and we will push this narrative as much as possible.

“When we buy local, we aren’t just investing in products and services; we are investing in our neighbours, friends, and families. We are investing in the future of everyone in Sutton Coldfield.”

Kate Curry, owner and director of Mere Green-based creative design agency The Curry Design Studio, has been confirmed as a vice-president of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber. She joins existing vice-president, communications expert and former newspaper editor Gary Phelps.

The Chamber also welcomed Sean Cremins of Insight6 to the committee.

Burley Browne’s Steve Hannaford and Joanna Drinkwater of GMK House have stepped down having completed their terms.

Outgoing president Phil Arkinstall, who steps into the position of honorary chair, said: “Over the past three years, it has been an absolute privilege to carry out this role as president and I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made as a Chamber.

“I am excited to take on the position of honorary chair for the next 12 months. I am keen to support the new executive committee and our new president. May the Chamber continue to thrive and prosper.”

Upmarket retirement complex revealed in Sutton Coldfield

Details of a luxurious new retirement complex in Sutton Coldfield have been released by developers. Broadleaf House, developed by Adlington Retirement Living in Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield offers luxurious amenities and living spaces for individuals aged 55 and over. 

It is the 18th community developed and operated by Adlington Retirement Living, which was recognised  as Seniors Housing Developer of the Year in 2022.
Broadleaf House says it provides a comprehensive and appealing living environment for seniors, focusing on both the physical amenities and the sense of community and connection among its residents.

Facilities and Amenities:

• Luxurious facilities include a homeowners’ lounge, restaurant, hair salon, activities room, and therapy suite.
• There’s also a coffee lounge, where residents can socialize and relax.
• Communal spaces aim to foster a sense of community and connection among residents.

Living Spaces:

• It features a range of stylish one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.
• All apartments are designed with the over 55s in mind and offer privacy, security, and comfort.
• Apartments come with patios or walk-out balconies to provide outdoor spaces for residents.

Interior Design and Individuality:

• Each Adlington Retirement Living community has a unique interior design scheme.
• The goal is to ensure individuality and a fresh look for each launch.

Personal Care and Support:

• The community offers a 24-hour on-site support team for added peace of mind.
• Optional personal care packages can be tailored to individual needs.
• Emergency call systems and security video entry systems are in place.

Recognition and Awards:

• Other Adlington Retirement Living communities have won awards for their quality and approach to independent living.
• These communities emphasize maintaining a resident’s lifestyle, social life, and independence while fostering a sense of community.

For more information, individuals can contact the sales team at Broadleaf House or visit the Adlington Retirement Living website.