World’s biggest T-Rex wows Sutton Coldfield town centre
Sutton Coldfield town centre was transformed into Jurassic Park for a day on August Bank Holiday Monday when a special prehistoric visitor roared in.
‘Chomp’ – said to be the world’s biggest, most realistic T-Rex – was the town centre from 11am-2pm and he wowed the crowds in the packed town centre.
Children and their parents clamoured to be pictured with the dinosaur as he patrolled the town centre.
The prehistoric VIP was part of the new Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID programme of year-round events which aims to encourage more people to choose the town centre as a destination to spend time, eat, drink, shop and relax
The free event was organised by Sutton Coldfield Business Improvement District (BID), the programme of events also includes a new monthly Farmer’s Market.
BID Manager Michelle Baker said: “We’re aiming to make Sutton Coldfield town centre a big attraction, and they don’t come much bigger than Chomp, who is the world’s biggest, most realistic and friendliest Tyrannosaurus Rex!
An artist’s impression of how the new store and car park will look
Store to be built at former Waitrose
Mere Green in Sutton Coldfield is to get its second discount supermarket after plans for a new Aldi were approved by Birmingham City Council.
The new store will create 40 jobs and will join Lidl, Sainsbury’s and M&S Market Hall, as well as Poundland to a lesser extent a wide choice of grocery shopping.
It will. be built within three years on the Waitrose site in Belwell Lane in Mere Green, which will see the former supermarket building demolished.
Also set to go will be the neighbouring three-storey Atlas House, which used to house Flints bar at the ground level. The council ’s planning department approved the proposal on August 12, with Aldi given three years to build the new supermarket.
The new-build Aldi will be a ‘modest scale supermarket’ so the German chain says. It will be there to fulfil a ‘neighbourhood shopping role’.
Planners set some standard conditions for the development with Aldi asked to build the store according to its amended plans, it must submit a contamination remediation scheme and contaminated land verification report. It is also required to provide details on how drainage will be dealt with.
The planning statement said: “[It will] remove a dated and overbearing structure which dominates the Belwell Lane frontage and replace it with a food store of an appropriate scale and enhanced design that engages with the surrounding environment.”
Action at Amateur Boxing Club, Rectory ABC which has benefited from grants
SUTTON COLDFIELD CHARITABLE TRUST PAVES WAY FOR DEVELOPMENTS AND COMMUNITY PROJECTS
Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, the organisation that awards grants to local groups and charities to alleviate hardship and support other needs in the community, has provided several grants to Amateur Boxing Club, Rectory ABC.
The grants, which in total reach almost £100,000 since the first in 2013, have gone towards extensive improvements at the club, including extending the club to a second room, and have allowed for the facilities to be updated to provide a safe and functional environment for local boxers to train.
The not-for-profit club was launched and is managed by Phil Brennan, who said: “We are extremely lucky to have grants like this available. These funds which go towards rent, club improvements, putting on shows and things like minibuses provide us with the reassurance that the club can remain open and allow us to concentrate on applying for other grants whilst, of course, prioritising training our members.
“As a result of Covid, we have seen a significant drop in the number of students that have returned to the club, but we’re looking to the future and want to encourage anyone of any age to join us and give boxing a go.”
Given the recent excitement in Birmingham’s sporting summer, Team England experienced success in the boxing with hometown hero Delicious Ore and Leamington Spa’s Lewis Williams winning gold medals, supporting grassroots sports clubs has never been more important.
Club Founder and Senior Coach Phil added: “With the ongoing help and support from the Trust, the club gets the opportunity to apply for grants we would not normally be able to prioritise, and so widen the scope of what we do within the community” RABC has recently been involved in the Birmingham 2022 Festival’s Creative City Programme, where 108 community groups around Birmingham worked with artists to flood the city with new creative work as part of the Birmingham 2022 festival.
“The club used their successful grant bid to do the artistic ‘Boxer Beats’ project. Working with local artists and club members the project developed a connection between the two groups through the common thread of rhythm, creating tunes based on individual Rectory boxer’s style and movements, with filming taking place onsite at the new and improved Rectory ABC club.
“We have also had other successful grant bids allowing us to run programmes to help local people suffering with stress and depression, and service people suffering from PTSD We have put grant money towards after school programmes and summer holiday schemes.
“We are able to do fundraisers for local hospitals, the Birmingham Homeless and Children’s charities, we have raised tens-of-thousands over the past 15 years.”
Phil added: “This is all possible because of the help from SCCT which frees us from the usual amateur sports club concerns of raising money for equipment, rent etc. We get the opportunity to ‘pay it forward’ in our community and we are very happy to do just that.”
David Cole, Grants Manager at Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, said: “We are delighted to have been able to provide consistent support to Rectory ABC over the last 9 years, and seeing the changes that have taken place captured on film as part of their Boxer Beats project is fantastic.
“We are always looking for new and exciting groups and charities within Sutton Coldfield to award grants to, and the Rectory Amateur Boxing Club project is a perfect example of our funds being put to fantastic use for the benefit of the community.”
With the second heatwave of summer upon us and hosepipe bans being announced, it defies belief that a bunch of morons could risk setting one of the country’s most specular beauty spots at risk.
These pictures were taken early in the morning on Friday, 12 August and show the rubbish left behind by those who presumably threw a nightime party, risking a catastrophic blaze.
Sutton park is tinder dry and a spark could cause widespread devastation to wildlife including Exmoor ponies and cattle, rare plants and forestry.
The monthly farmers’ market is to return to Sutton Coldfield. From left are Liam Hall of the Military Chef, Milly Humphris of Cake-A-Daisy, Sutton Coldfield BID manager Michelle Baker and Nick Sutherland of Nick the Fish
Farmers’ Market returns in boost for Sutton Coldfield town centre
A popular farmers market is to return to Sutton Coldfield in a bid to help revive the town centre. The Farmers & Craft Market returns in September and sponsored by Sutton Coldfield Business Improvement District (BID).
The speciality market is just one of the BID’s ideas to raise the profile of the town – following the launch of a vibrant new ‘Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield’ brand – with special events, competitions and improvements designed to make it a destination to spend time, eat, drink, shop and relax.
The markets will take place along the Parade on the last Sunday of the month from 10am-2pm, with dates confirmed as September 25, October 30 and November 27.
Traders already confirmed for the first market include stalls selling local organic meat, a fishmonger, a cheesemaker and fresh pies as well as colourful cakes by baker Cakes-A-Daisy.
Sutton Coldfield BID manager Michelle Baker has delivered successful markets elsewhere, with one being shortlisted to the top six in the UK this year.
She said: “As a Business Improvement District we are exploring ways to boost footfall in the town centre, and introducing quality speciality markets selling local produce and artisan gifts will be a reason to visit Sutton Coldfield.
“This is a three-month trial and, if supported by the local community, it will become a year-round event, 12 months of the year.
“We would like to say a huge thank you to Birmingham City Council for supporting our vision and approving our application, and now we need local residents to support their local town and shop locally. By boosting footfall in Sutton Coldfield, we will be supporting existing businesses, and the town will also appeal to new businesses to fill the vacant shops.”
Nick Sutherland, whose company Nick the Fish trades across the region, said: “I think it’s fantastic that Sutton town centre is going to get a proper market and we feel privileged and honoured to be asked to get involved.
“We’re excited to get started and start bringing good food to the streets of Sutton Coldfield.”
Former serviceman Liam Hall’s handmade chocolate company, The Military Chef, will also be selling their delicious, sweet treats.
He said: “We are 100 per cent behind this idea – it will be a really good addition to the area and will provide a reason for people to visit the town centre on a Sunday.”
The earliest record of a market in Sutton Coldfield dates back more than 700 years. In 1300 King Edward I granted a licence to Guy de Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, to hold a market in Sutton Coldfield.
For more information on the new Farmers & Craft Market, contact Michelle Baker at bidmanager@suttoncoldfieldtowncentre.co.uk
St Giles Hospice calls for Marvel-lous fundraisers to take part in Hero Walk 2022
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s St Giles Hospice’s superhero-themed charity fundraising event in Sutton Coldfield.
Superheroes from near and far are being called to pull on a cape and show they care at the St Giles Hospice Hero Walk on Saturday 24th September at Sutton Park.
Zoe Wright, Events Manager at St Giles Hospice, said: “We can’t wait to host our first-ever event in Sutton Coldfield. Our Hero Walk has activities and entertainment for everyone. You can enjoy games, refreshments and pose for some super family snaps before setting off on your activity adventure.”
The 5km family walk and fun day will kick off at 10am, with a welcome speech at 10.30am before the walk starts at 11am. Entry is £3 for under threes, £6 for under 16s and £10 for adults. Doggy sidekicks can take part for free.
Zoe continued: “The entry fee for this heroic event only covers the administration cost of Hero Walk, but by asking friends and family to sponsor you, you will raise vital funds to help us continue to provide care and support, free of charge, for patients and their families.
“All heroes are encouraged to arrive in their costumes ready to leap into action and help raise funds for their local hospice.
“If you’d like to take on the challenge in true hero style, St Giles capes can be pre-ordered or bought on the day for a £5 donation.
“At St Giles our heroes are the people who support our events and especially our dedicated supporters and volunteers who help to ensure that we can continue to provide our care to local patients and their families. We’re incredibly grateful to our communities for their continued support and generosity.”
Teaching Assistant Natasha Saunders, 35, from Tamworth first experienced St Giles when staff cared for mother-in-law, Kim, who received end of life care when she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Natasha, who is taking part in Hero Walk in memory of Kim, said: “The Hero Walk is such an amazing day – we also took part in 2019. It’s suitable for all ages big and small, we shared plenty of memories, had lots of giggles and we came together as a family to remember Kim and in support of a charity that helped us the most.
“Taking part was our way of giving back to St Giles Hospice and thanking them for everything they have done for us as a family.
“Care is given not only to patients, but the most amazing support is also given to families. Great care and great comfort deserves rewards, I would encourage everyone to support the hospice. We want to make sure that St Giles will still be there for other families, like ours, when they need it.
“A huge thank you from the bottom of our hearts, we are incredibly grateful for everything you did for us all as a family. Thank you for taking all the stress and worry away and putting us all at peace on our short stay.”
The heatwave may be over in Sutton Coldfield, for the time being, but one store in the area really felt the heat.
Tesco Express on Walsall Road in Four Oaks suffered a catastrophe with its stock when the refrigerators failed overnight during the hottest evening on record.
Hundreds of pounds worth of chilled and frozen stock was ruined as the cooling system failed during the intense heat.
Despte some of the food probably being usable, bosses decided it had to be binned.
It was just one of many stores in the area that suffered similar problems as the extreme heat took its toll.
There were reports of similar problems across the country.
One member of staff said:”It’s a tragedy that all this good food is going to waste.”
Colourful elephants to take over Sutton Coldfield in celebration of 40th anniversary
St Giles Hospice is delighted to officially announce the launch of “March of the Elephants”, an exciting public art sculpture trail due to take place in Summer 2023.
The event will celebrate the vibrancy and creativity that our community has to offer as well as showcasing a spectacular variety of talent across Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield and Tamworth.
March of the Elephants will see St Giles Hospice team up with event experts Wild in Art, who have been delivering world class public art events across the globe for over ten years.
More than 60 elephant sculptures will bring colour and joy to the streets, parks and open spaces across the streets for 10 weeks before being auctioned off to raise funds for St Giles Hospice.
Decorated by local and national artists, designers and illustrators, the elephants will form an ‘unforgettable’ trail of colourful sculptures for visitors to discover and enjoy. The free public art event is set to benefit the whole community, with hundreds of thousands of people expected to join in the fun.
Andrew Harkness, Chief Executive at St Giles Hospice, said: “We are so excited to be working with Wild in Art to bring this trail to Lichfield, Tamworth and Sutton Coldfield. The trail will bring tourism and economic benefits to the region, put smiles on people’s faces, promote wellbeing and exploration and raise vital funds for St Giles Hospice.”
St Giles Hospice will soon be announcing some of the partners and sponsors who have already marched on board for 2023, but is now calling out for other businesses to take the opportunity to get involved by sponsoring an elephant sculpture.
There is also an opportunity for schools and community groups to join in the march, with a chance to design and adopt their very own mini elephant sculpture.
If you’re an artist, represent a business, school, college, or local community group and want to be involved, or are interested in finding out more, visit: Insert link here or email elephants@stgileshospice.com
Residents, children, parents and staff enjoy a session at Mercia Grange in Sutton Coldfield
Sutton Coldfield residents bridging the age gap
Residents at a Sutton Coldfield care home have made a host of new young friends.
Working in partnership with Kiddibop, Care UK’s Mercia Grange, on Lichfield Road, has been offering weekly intergenerational sessions to residents, the first care home in the region to do so.
Kiddibop is a local organisation which runs music and play classes for children under five. As part of their joint pilot project with Mercia Grange, Kiddibop is hosting its weekly classes at the care home, giving residents an opportunity to join in.
Joyce, a resident at Mercia Grange, said: ”It was the best afternoon ever. It was great to hear the music and see the children.”
Amy Barton, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, said: “We love welcoming the Kiddibop team and children on Thursdays – the sessions are a definite highlight every week and many residents look forward to them.
“Intergenerational relationships are proven to be enriching for both sides, providing older people with a sense of purpose and fulfilment. The sessions also give residents an opportunity to reminisce about raising their own children many years ago – and sometimes even to share their best parenting tips with the parents who attend.
“We’re already looking forward to our next session – and we’d like to invite any parents of young children in Sutton Coldfield to book their space with the Kiddibop team so they can join us for an afternoon of intergenerational fun.”
Mercia Grange is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia, and short-term respite care.
The three-storey care home, which features 67 ensuite bedrooms, has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.
To find out more about Mercia Grange, please call Customer Relations Manager, Rachel Mackay, on 0121 314 3196, or email rachel.mackay@careuk.com
The new German kebab shop has opened in Sutton Coldfield
Chain opens new outlet in Sutton Coldfield
A very different style of fast-food restaurant has opened in a former Sutton Coldfield bank building.
The German Doner Kebab opened in the old Cynergy Bank premises at the corner of Holland Street and the Parade in Sutton Coldfield, on July 5
The German Diner Kebab is part of chain which opened its first store in Berlin in 1989
Meats are imported from Germany ‘to maintain quality and consistency’, while the brand uses locally produced vegetables which are prepared daily along with its ‘special doner kebab bread’. It says it offers a ‘delicious gourmet food experience’.
The new Sutton restaurant has an extensive dine -n area with booths and other areas with stalls. There is takeaway and click and collect, and the now ubiquitous delivery section with a side window in Holland Street.
A spokesperson for the chain said: “German Doner Kebab has opened its doors in Sutton Coldfield, bringing a new fast-casual dining experience to the West Midlands town. It is revolutionising the kebab in the UK, bringing a fresh, high-quality taste sensation that has made it the number one spot to enjoy a kebab.
What’s on the German Doner Kebab menu
“Freshly prepared in front of customers, the game-changing kebabs are made using premium, lean, succulent meats and fresh local vegetables, served in handmade toasted breads with unique signature sauces. The new restaurant in Sutton Coldfield is the brand’s 106th site in the UK as it continues to bring the GDK experience to more locations throughout the country. It is creating in the region of 40 jobs.”
The rapid expansion of German Doner Kebab will see 79 new restaurants open in the UK in 2022, after 39 opened last year. The chain also has outlets in Bull Street in Birmingham city centre, Coventry, Walsall, West Bromwich, Moseley Road, Balsall Heath, with outlets ‘opening soon’ in Merry Hill and Wolverhampton.
Sutton Coldfield Life 