VIP guest as preparations begin at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
The cast of Jack and the Beanstalk were joined by mayor of Sutton Coldfield Cllr Tony Briggs as they prepared for this year’ pantomime at the Town Hall.
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall will be hosting the production this Christmas, in partnership with TaleGate Theatre Productions.
And the mayor was on hand for the cast’s photshoot day.
Cllr Briggs said: “It was wonderful to spend time with the cast and crew who are working really hard to put on a fabulous show in December.
When does it begin?
“Everyone was really enthusiastic, and I look forward to seeing the final production in a few months’ time.”
The Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime runs from 9 to 31 December.
Auditions for the Youth Ensemble are taking place at the Town Hall on 26 August.
James Worthington, TaleGate Theatre Productions artistic director, said: This Christmas, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall will be transformed into the Royal Town of Suttonia. Oh yes it will!
What is the story?
“A bustling market town with a GIANT problem. ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ was first presented at London’s Drury Lane in 1819 and has continued to be one of the most popular pantomimes presented.
“With magic, adventure, thrills and spills – what is not to love about this wonderful tale.
“Together we will bring this story right up to date with pop songs for all ages, dazzling special effects and more glitter than milk in the diary. With Sutton Coldfield Town Hall’s beautiful venue and TaleGate’s pantomime know-how, the future is sparkling for panto in Sutton.”
Residents in Sutton Coldfield have new options to support their iconic town hall on Heritage Day.
The event on September 9 is part of National Heritage Week.
In response to your feedback, Royal Sutton Coldfield Community Town Hall Trust (RSCCTHT) have made some improvements to our donations system to make it an easier and smoother process to support the Town Hall.
So what’s happening?
The trust is appealing for donations, but also offering a special Heritage Tour to unveil parts of the venue you might not know about and stop off for afternoon tea in the beautiful Crush Hall while you are at it.
The expected tour length is 25-30 minutes on foot.
The tours are free, but a £3 suggested donation per person would be appreciated. (Unfortunately due to the listed nature of the building, these tours are not suitable for those in wheelchairs, prams or with severe mobility issues. If you have mobility issues and you would like a tour of the building, we would be happy to make alternative arrangements with you).
9am (up to 12 people) 10am (up to 12 people) 11am (up to 12 people)
AFTERNOON TEA
Book your Afternoon Tea Picnic box in our beautiful Crush Hall.
Take in the atmosphere of possibly our most beautiful heritage room, home to weddings and special occasions, enjoy sandwiches, scones and cakes with the ornate decor set to a special soundtrack of acoustic live music whilst helping to fundraise for the longevity of our beautiful building.
Served with hot drinks, or Prosecco.
What’s included in your afternoon tea picnic box:
Four tea sandwiches including :
Smoked salmon;
Cream cheese and cucumber;
Beef and horseradish ;
Kettle ham and tomato;
Cheese and caramelised onion chutney;
Homemade caramelised onion sausage roll
Fruit scone with butter, berry jam and clotted cream
Working in collaboration with Birmingham Heritage Week #BHERITAGEWEEK
Did you know that we are a charity ?
The trust rust has managed the Town Hall since October 2016. Previously owned and managed by Birmingham City Council, several problems had affected the long-term viability of the Town Hall.
The Trust identified strategies and solutions for success, and since the takeover the priority has been to stabilise the Town Hall financially and form a solid foundation from which the trust is now able to build.
Where are we now?
After stabilising financially and diversifying the bookings, RSCCTHT has focussed on building greater diversity and higher utilisation of the Town Hall. Plans are now underway to transform some aspects of the building ready for the next century, whilst sympathetically restoring our heritage features.
There is still much work to be done to secure the venue, but with passionate support from locals, sponsors, town councillors and user groups, there is real faith in the success of RSCCTHT’s mission and a sense of an exciting future.
How can I help?
Royal Sutton Coldfield Community Town Hall Trust is seeking volunteers and sponsors to get involved with all aspects of the Town Hall operations, if you are interested in becoming a Friend of the Town Hall please contact Creative & Business Development Manager, Vicci Hogan on vicci.hogan@suttoncoldfieldtownhall.com
Fancy a late summer/early autumn cruise to the land of the Pharaohs, spectacular pyramids and the enigmatic sphinx?
A Nile cruise to explore ancient temples, historical sites and the scenic beauty along the way is made even better when it’s on board a smaller, more intimate boat.
Discover Egypt is thrilled to once again offer cruises on board the five-star Alexander the Great following a recent refurbishment.
The sleek Alexander the Great has been upgraded to an exceptional standard with an intimate atmosphere, tasteful décor, and stylish furnishings giving holidaymakers the perfect way to cruise the Nile. With just 30 cabins and table service at dinner it’s the ultimate experience for those wanting to visit Egypt’s ancient sites in style.
The first sailing is on 1st September 2023 with a classic 10-night holiday that includes the seven-night Nile cruise and three-nights in Cairo with prices from £1,999 per person, based on two sharing a cabin. Bookings are now being taken through until May 2025 ideal for those that want to plan ahead for a special occasion holiday.
The price includes return flights from Heathrow, transfers in resort, 10 guided excursions with a qualified Egyptologist and full board luxury cruise. The ships facilities include a pool with Jacuzzi and a large crescent shaped bar to enjoy a drink in the sunshine or under the stars; a spa that offers massage treatments and a Turkish bath, an Internet room; fitness facilities and a gift shop.
The cruise takes travellers on a captivating route from Luxor to Aswan, offering an unforgettable exploration of ancient wonders and breathtaking landscapes. Discover the legendary Valley of the Kings, where the Pharaohs including the boy king Tutankhamen found their external resting place, and the impressive Temple of Hatshepsut in the Valley of the Queens, as well as the awe-inspiring temples of Karnak and Luxor.
The cruise also visits the hidden gems of Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan, plus there is the opportunity for an optional excursion to Abu Simbel to see the four colossal statues of Ramses II – which for many will be the highlight of the cruise. This is an unbeatable cruise that will leave travellers with memories to last a lifetime.
For more information and to book contact Discover Egypt on 020 7407 2111 or www.discoveregypt.co.uk
Gracechurch sale could be a catalyst for regeneration says Chamber
Business leaders in Sutton Coldfield hope the sale of the Gracechurch shopping centre will be a catalyst for the town centre’s much-anticipated regeneration.
Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce has been part of a Town Centre Regeneration Partnership which was formed in 2018 to bring together key stakeholders to shape a future vision for Sutton Coldfield town centre.
This includes delivery of a masterplan featuring a number of ‘big moves’ to reshape the town centre.
The centre’s takeover by BGP and SAV Group was announced last week, with the new owners hailing the site’s “immense potential” and vowing to create a “modern living, working and leisure space”.
A company spokesperson said: “We’re committed to closely collaborating with local authorities and eagerly anticipate sharing our forthcoming plans.”
Phil Arkinstall (pictured), president of the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber, hopes the sale of the Gracechurch proves to be an important step in attracting investment.
He said: “We as a Chamber hope that the sale of the Gracechurch Centre will be a positive move for the Royal Town.
“Our town centre needs investment and bringing into the 21st century. We hope this acquisition will be a catalyst for progress and getting spades in the ground before too long.”
Meanwhile, the town’s MP Andrew Mitchell described the deal as a “key moment.”
He said: “I believe this is a key moment – Sutton Coldfield residents care a great deal about their town centre.
“They will be hoping that BGP and SAV Group will bring new investment and a clear strategy that will revitalise Gracechurch.
“We have massive investment confirmed which will create a new transport gateway to welcome visitors to the town centre, an excellent masterplan that sets out a clear vision going forward, and residents, businesses and retailers who are determined to see the town flourish.
“In many ways, the sale of Gracechurch could be seen as the final piece in the jigsaw that will create the momentum needed to make real progress.”
Motorists in the Four Oaks area have been warned to be vigilant after police received five reports in the last seven days of vehicles being stolen in the area.
Vehicle theft in the area has been a constant problem recently and now West Midlands Police has offered the following advice to keep vehicles safe
Cars & Vans
Leaving items on show is an invitation – power leads, SatNavs and mounts, stereo front panels, coins, sunglasses, tools, clothing and bags should be removed from the vehicle or places out of sight.
Keys and ignition fobs should be kept safe and out of sight and reach – a common way to steal a car or a van is to take the keys from the ignition fob, either when left in the vehicle or from your home through burglary.
Always lock and close the windows of your vehicle when unattended – on the drive, the petrol station forecourt or when parking. An unlocked vehicle is the easiest way to steal or steal from. When away from home, consider using a Park Mark approved car park.
Fit theft resistant number plate fittings – stolen number plates are commonly used to hide the identity of stolen vehicles. Use one-way clutch head screws to secure plates.
Consider using a steering wheel lock – or a lock that fits over the gear lever. Alternatively a security box can be fitted over the pedals to prevent thefts when the vehicle is parked up.
Relay Theft
Vehicles fitted with a smart or passive key are susceptible to relay theft. The key system allows you to gain entry and start your vehicle without the need to interact with your vehicle’s key.
Criminals use specialist equipment that has the ability to grab the signal from the car to the smart key so that it appears to the car that the key is present. Your vehicle is most vulnerable overnight, particularly if parked on your driveway or directly outside your home.
How to prevent this:
· When not in use – either at home or when out and about – store your key in a security pouch. Security pouches are sometimes termed Faraday bags or signal blockers/shields and there are many security rated versions on the market. These pouches will prevent the signal from your vehicle being captured using electronic devices.
· Remember to secure both keys in a security pouch.
Vehicle Tracking
Some vehicles have tracking standards, but you can install an approved aftermarket vehicle tracker, search Thatcam website foe independently tested products.
Manufacturers Advice
Check with your main dealer that – regardless of the age of the vehicle – it has had all its recalls completed and software and firmware updated. Also ask your main dealer what latest security measures can be retrofitted to older vehicles.
Left, David Underwood, retail development manager at St Giles, with David Hemming, joint managing director at Burley Browne
St Giles Hospice is embarking on a major expansion of its network of charity shops across the West Midlands in line with the launch of its new 2023-2026 strategy, with Sutton Coldfield a target area.
Commercial property consultancy Burley Browne has been instructed to support the Whittington-based charity, which has a centre in Lindridge Road, Sutton, in identifying suitable retail units at high street, retail park and trade counter locations.
Other areas being targeted by the charity include Atherstone, Bilston, Coalville, Dudley, Nuneaton, Uttoxeter, Walsall, Wednesbury and West Bromwich.
David Hemming, joint managing director at Sutton Coldfield based Burley Browne, said: “It is very satisfying to work alongside such a wonderful and well-regarded charity. St Giles Hospice’s community shop model embeds stores in their local environments, reflecting their communities and drawing strength from them.
“St Giles Hospice already has 21 stores in its current portfolio and all are profitable and raise vital funds, ensuring St Giles can continue to care for local people, and their loved ones, living with a terminal illness.
“These will all be fully refitted and refurbished over the course of the next three years as outlined in their new strategic plan.
“Now in its 40th year, the charity is [CM1] looking to extend its retail operations and we are looking for suitable properties across a wide geographic area with a view to opening a minimum of two new stores in 2023-24 and a total of 15 by 2026.”
David Underwood, retail development manager at St Giles Hospice, said: “Our shops provide vital income to help us to continue to be there for local people, and their loved ones, living with a terminal illness. Shopping in our charity shops is also an important way to shop sustainably.
“Why buy new when there could be something just right for you at a lower cost, that supports your hospice!
“Our shoppers are increasingly interested in finding sustainable items and opportunities to mix new outfits with pre-loved fashion, so we’re excited to be working with Burley Browne to bring more St Giles Hospice shops to East Staffordshire, and across the West Midlands.”
Suitable sites can range for around 750 sq ft up to5000 sq ft for the larger concept stores, such as the current stores in Mere Green and Burntwood, and must benefit from good visibility for passing trade and strong transport links with good access for donations.
Holidaymakers are being offered the opportunity to try something a bit different on a visit to Larnaka.
They can learn about local drinks with alcohol-based workshops and tasting experiences offered in the heart of Larnaka near the Municipal Market. These unique holiday activities can be enjoyed on a casual basis or in organised groups for special occasions.
One is the two-hour ‘Local Spirit Cocktail Workshop’ which reimagines Cyprus classics with a journey around the island’s rich winemaking history. Attendees will create imaginative cocktails by mixing the famous brandy sour and creating others with local wine, including the sweet Commandaria, the worlds’ oldest named wine still in production. They will also enjoy a welcome drink and take home a souvenir booklet with bartending principles.
Or there is The Oak Tree Wine Cellar & Tasting Room where the popular ‘10 Cyprus Wines Tasting’ session takes place in the cava’s wine tasting room. This 1-1.5 hours tasting includes the island’s red, white, rosé and dessert wines, including those crafted with indigenous grape varieties, whilst learning all about their origins; the viticulture of Cyprus, and the perfect food and wine pairings. Walk-ins are available for 2-3 people with reservations advised for 4 and up.
Summer is a great time to enjoy one of the traditional festivals or events taking place in the city and rural communities around Larnaka. In July the notable events that will appeal to both locals and tourists include the month-long Larnaka Festival and the King of Kite Cyprus Kitesurfing Championships (14-16). In August visitors can look forward to the Fengaros Music Festival (3-5); the Zygi Fish Festival (26) and several village festivals including the Lefkara Festival, Kiti Cultural Summerand Pervolia Cultural Festival. Visitors can keep track of what is happening via the LTB online event calendar. For more information, click here.
New trail hunt map for Larnaka’s award-winning storytelling statues
The Larnaka Storytelling Statues is an award-winning series of statues, busts and monuments that ‘talk’ to visitors in character narration when the corresponding QR code is scanned on a mobile device. New for this summer is the trail hunt map to find the city’s talking statues – a fun packed activity for all the family. The printable or downloadable map brings the monuments together for a city tour on foot that challenges inquisitive minds to guess and find the character based on a fun riddle then tick it off the map. For more information a copy of the map, click here.
Free village handicraft and enogastronomyworkshops and guided tours
For holidaymakers looking for other activities to learn about the local culture when they visit Larnaka region there are free workshops through the year. These include workshops on bee keeping, lace making, silver crafts, wood carving, ceramics and sculpture, and making local foods, plus much more. All sessions include a free guided tour for the village in which the workshop takes places. Click here to find out what is on during the summer months and to book.
For more information on all these summer activities and events and more, click here.
First apartments released for sale at new community in Wylde Green
Apartments at Adlington Retirement Living’s latest community in Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield, are now available to reserve off-plan from the newly opened sales and marketing suite.
Situated in Wylde Green, on the south side of Sutton Coldfield, Broadleaf House is due to complete this autumn, ready for its first homeowners to move in before Christmas.
The new community, on Birmingham Road, has been built by Adlington Retirement Living, which specialises in designing, building and operating award-winning integrated retirement communities, and will offer 57 stylish one, two and three-bedroom retirement apartments for the over 55’s.
Alexandra Johnson, Sales and Marketing Director for Adlington Retirement Living, said: “The marketing suite is open six days a week and we’re inviting anybody considering moving to a luxury retirement apartment at Broadleaf House to speak to Susan and Karen, our friendly sales team.
“Our award-winning approach to independent living, ensures homeowners don’t have to compromise on their lifestyle, their social life or their independence. We aim to provide a community spirit, whilst promoting independence and individual respect.
It’s a chance to become part of a thriving community of like-minded people, with a shared outlook. We’re also happy to welcome well-behaved pets to our retirement communities. After all, they’re part of the family too.”
Broadleaf House will offer new friendships, social occasions, and activities that homeowners can dip into whenever the mood takes them. When they want to spend some quiet time in their own company, they own a beautiful, self-contained apartment where they can relax.
Pat, who moved to another Adlington Retirement Living community with her husband Mike, said: “It’s nice that there are all these activities going on that you can get involved with if you want to.
“There are things going on all the time. We have quiz nights, film nights and take-away meal nights. I’m joining a weekly art class here on a Monday afternoon in the activity room. I used to paint a bit. There’s also a book club and we’re planning to go out to the theatre.”
The communal facilities at Broadleaf House include a coffee lounge and homeowners’ lounge, where you can catch up with friends and neighbours, or meet for pre-lunch drinks before heading to the restaurant. There’s also a hair salon, therapy suite and activities studio, as well as a guest suite with en-suite for visiting friends and family who wish to stay overnight.
The 24-hour on-site support team provides homeowners with peace of mind and, if needed, optional personal care packages are available. Be it short-term support after an operation, or more regular, long-term tailored personal care, the team work closely with their local care partner to ensure a flexible solution to suit each individual. In addition to this, there is a sophisticated emergency call system and a security video entry system to manage access.
Alexandra Johnson explains: “More of our Homeowners are choosing to move to retirement communities whilst they’re fit and healthy, to future-proof their retirement. We offer a personal approach to care to ensure that each individual receives just the right amount to maintain their independence, allowing them to enjoy their retirement to the full.
“Even though many of our Homeowners do not need specialist care, the Adlington on-site team is always there providing them and their families comfort that in the event of an unexpected fall help is immediately to hand.”
Philip and Edna, Adlington Retirement Living homeowners, said: “The best thing about moving here has been the peace of mind. Not only for us, but for our two daughters.”
All apartments include quality, fully fitted kitchens with integrated appliances. Many feature en-suite shower rooms as well as separate bathrooms, and most have a private patio area or walk-out balconies overlooking the beautifully landscaped gardens.
The Marketing Suite at Broadleaf House is open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm. For more information, please call our helpful sales team on 0121 817 8680 or visit our websiteadlington.co.uk/WGPR.
Summer visitors to Sutton Coldfield town centre will be able to grab their popcorn and settle down to enjoy the magic of the silver screen – when a ‘pop-up’ cinema is unveiled in July.
Sutton Coldfield Business Improvement District (BID) has been given the go-ahead to bring the open air pop-up cinema to the town centre this summer, as part of its ongoing Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield brand.
The outdoor cinema will open on The Parade for three days from Friday 14t to Sunday 16 July featuring a large screen, deckchairs, grass floor and a white picket fence to create the perfect summertime experience in the middle of the Royal Town.
The cinema will be free to enjoy and will screen a selection of films and this year’s Men’s and Women’s Wimbledon tennis finals.
Michelle Baker, Sutton Coldfield BID manager, said: “We’re always looking for new attractions for the town centre and what could be better in the summer months than a pop-up cinema, where shoppers can sit down and soak up a little bit of Hollywood glamour, or enjoy the excitement of Wimbledon?
“We’ll be reaching out on social media in the coming weeks to ask for suggestions of what films people would like to see screened, and if the pop-up cinema proves popular, it’s something that we could see repeated.”
The Pop-up Cinema has been arranged by Sutton Coldfield Business Improvement District, as part of its vibrant Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield brand, which aims to make the town centre a destination to spend time, eat, drink, shop and relax.
All of the events arranged by the BID are made possible by 377 local businesses who pay a levy which funds town centre initiatives. Events have included a memorable Coronation celebration, major Christmas attractions and a popular monthly Farmers Market.
Michelle added: “All of these events are funded by local businesses and aim to inject new life into the town centre, encouraging people to come a long, enjoy the free attractions and support local traders. We are very grateful that residents have responded so well to them and have lots more brilliant events and attractions lined up.”
Confirmed films will be announced nearer the time on the Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID website and social media pages.
Two runners from Sutton Coldfield were among the thousands of who took part in the Royal Town Fun Run and raised thousands for charity.
Mark Thomas and Neha Sangar of Sutton-based Gemini Wealth Management completed course – raising more than £4,000 for charity PANS PANDAS UK.
They joined fellow members of Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce, including president Phil Arkinstall, vice-president Naeem Arif and committee member Kate Curry were among those taking part, along with employees from BMet College, Ansons Solicitors, Arthur Terry Learning Partnership, Cookes Furniture, Rotospa and the Cancer Support Centre.
Mark and Neha ran the 8.4 mile course in aid of the charity which supports children with the conditions known as PANS and PANDAS.
These conditions cause inflammation in the brain resulting in neuro-psychiatric symptoms such as OCD, tics, eating disorders and anxiety.
More commonly affecting children, these conditions can be isolating and life changing.
PANS PANDAS UK’s mission is to ensure speedy diagnosis and effective treatment for sufferers by educating the medical community as well as offering support to sufferers and their families.
The charity is Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce’s president Deb Leary’s chosen charity of the year.
Mark’s son Isaac suddenly became severely ill and distressed with PANS PANDAS in February 2020, aged nine.
Since then, Mark and his family have been supported by PPUK who have been on hand to offer advice, support and practical help.
PPUK are also actively ensuring that knowledge and awareness is improved – something Mark feels passionately about due to Isaac’s condition being misdiagnosed in the first 12 months due to a lack of awareness in the medical community.
Sutton Chamber of Commerce runners
Mark said: “I am so happy that we’ve managed to raise so much money for this amazing cause which is so close to my heart.
“I never thought we would raise anywhere near as much, but everybody who has heard Isaac’s story has been moved to do all they can, which is truly humbling.
“I’m not a natural runner, so the 8.4 mile course was tough, but the support from all those around me, as well as Isaac’s bravery in dealing with this awful illness, spurred me on.
“I would also like to say a huge thank you to my employer, Gemini Wealth Management, who have been both extremely considerate as well as generous in helping me with this.
“Gemini have made PPUK one of their two charity partners in 2023 as they have been so moved by Isaac’s story.”
The Chamber of Commerce event was sponsored by The Vesey Private Hospital, Rotospa, Cookes Furniture, Curry Design Stidio, Darren Langley Web Design and supported by Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council.
Describing the Chamber’s day, Phil Arkinstall said: “The atmosphere across Sutton Coldfield was fantastic, the weather didn’t disappoint and thousands of people came together for the 40th running of the event, cheered on by thousands of local people who helped raised a huge amount of money for local charities throughout the Royal Town and further afield.
“It was also hugely encouraging to see the number of local businesses supporting the event through their employees running for good causes, attending to cheer on the participants or using the event to promote their businesses.”
Many of the Chamber runners were raising money for the UK Sepsis Trust, the Sutton Coldfield-based charity.
Sutton Coldfield Life 