The newly revamped Quill & Taper at Four Oaks opens on May 19
Blake Barn becomes The Quill & Taper after major revamp
The manager of a popular pub in Sutton Coldfield which has undergone a huge facelift and a change name has promised customers a fantastic experience when it reopens this month.
The oddly-named Quill & Taper, formerly the Blake Barn in Four Oaks, has been closed for more than a month while the multi-million pound refit took place.
It opens official on May, but there will be a ‘soft’ reopening for invited guests a few days before with 50 per cent off food offered.
The Blake Barn before the major revamp
The pub says customers can expect crafted cask ales, alongside a dedicated shelf of malt whiskeys, gins and an extensive wine list and an extensive food menu.
As well as the comprehensive interior revamp, the outside garden area has a new look with more chairs and tables and an upmarket atmosphere
Chris Todd, general manager, said: “We can’t wait to welcome guests to our pub after this incredible refurbishment. We want our guests to feel comfortable and happy during their visit to The Quill & Taper at Four Oaks, so our team has put a great level of detail into creating a friendly and inviting atmosphere.
“We have got an incredible range of refreshing new drinks and mouth-watering food options for guests to enjoy as they celebrate and toast to a fantastic summer ahead!”
Mrs Jayne Luckett, Head Teacher at Deanery C.E. Primary School, a previous recipient
Eight initiatives in town to share windfall
A charitable trust in Sutton Coldfield, which has been in existence for almost 500 years, has revealed new beneficiaries who will share more than £133,000.
Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, which strives to improve the quality of life in Sutton Coldfield, has announced beneficiaries, with a total of £133,490 being awarded to Sutton Coldfield Grammar Schools for Girls, Walmley Tennis Club, Walmley Junior School, Salus Fatigue Foundation, Harvest Fields Community Centre, Town Junior School, Memory Café in Walmley and Sutton Coldfield Acoustic Guitar Club.
The funds will help towards a number of initiatives such as improving playing courts, equipment and venue hire space, as well as a ‘Daily Mile’ track creation for Town Junior School and funding local support for Salus Fatigue Foundation, to help sufferers of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Over the past few years, the trust has granted well over £1,000,000 in grants to organisations and individuals across Sutton Coldfield, with plans to continue making vital improvements and helping those in need, in the area.
Tina Swani, chief executive of Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, said: “It’s always great to see the impact that our grants have on the local community. We’re dedicated to improving the quality of life in Sutton Coldfield and these grants will help to achieve that.”
David Cole, grants manager at Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, said: “We’re proud to support organisations and individuals in need of funds. For those who would like to apply for a grant, it must be for the benefit of residents and organisations within the Borough of Sutton Coldfield.
Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust has awarded well over £1 million in grants
“For an individual, this can be anyone who is currently a resident in and has lived in one of the council wards of Birmingham City Council known as the Sutton Coldfield constituency for at least five years and is in need.”
“We’ve received a high volume of grant applications in the last year, which is the biggest the trust has ever seen, and we’re proud to have invested more than £423,000 in the past seven months, to support the local community.”
Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust supports individuals in need by reason of youth, age, ill-health, disability, or other disadvantage, and anyone in these categories can make an application for items such as domestic equipment, further education, childcare costs, school clothing grants and to meet other needs.
The trust also provides school clothing grants, with application forms available through its website and uniforms can also be picked up from a local school. The closing date for receipt of applications is 12pm on Thursday 30 June 2022.
The principal objectives of the Trust are the provision of Almshouses, the distribution of funds and other measures for the alleviation of hardship and other needs for inhabitants and organisations within the boundaries of the former Borough of Sutton Coldfield.
The Trust’s origins can be traced back to Tudor times. Throughout a long history it has improved the lives of generations of people in Sutton Coldfield, particularly those in the greatest need. It has sustained its core priority to alleviate suffering, while redefining and extending its benefits to reflect changing times and needs.
PEOPLE in Sutton Coldfield are being urged to get on their bikes for Cancer Research UK and raise money for a wheelie great cause.
People of all ages and abilities – from seasoned cyclists to recent converts – are being encouraged to sign up now for the Cycle 300 challenge to help the charity continue its life-saving mission.
Taking part needn’t feel like an uphill struggle when participants can choose how, when and where to clock up 300 miles during June – whether it’s 10 miles every day, 75 miles every weekend or all in one go.
Cycling to work, exploring the countryside and taking part in spin classes can all add up, along with ditching the car for a bike to pop to the shops. And with exercise bikes growing in popularity, it’s easy for homeworkers to get involved too.
The challenge can be completed indoors, outdoors, solo or as part of a team.
Not only will taking part help to raise vital funds, but there is also the added benefit of getting on a bike to keep fit and healthy. Depending on weight and effort, cyclists could burn roughly between 450 to 750 calories per hour.
Moderate exercise such as cycling can help build stamina and keep a healthy body weight, which reduces the risk of a range of diseases including cancer.
In the West Midlands region, around 34,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year.* But, thanks to research, more people than ever across the UK are surviving for 10 years or more.
As Cancer Research UK celebrates its 20th anniversary, it is paying tribute to its supporters for the part they have played in this progress.
Paula Young, the charity’s spokesperson for the West Midlands, said: “One in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime.** But all of us can play a part to help beat it.
“For the past 20 years, the incredible generosity and commitment of people across Sutton Coldfield has helped Cancer Research UK make discoveries that have saved countless lives and which benefit millions of people around the world. But we have so much more to do.
“By taking part in Cycle 300 this June, commuters, weekend enthusiasts or gym bunnies alike can help the charity’s scientists go the distance and unlock new and better ways to beat the disease. We’ve come so far. And we will go much further. Together we will beat cancer.”
Last year, Cancer Research UK spent over £10 million in the West Midlands region on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research.
Paula added: “Every day we see the benefits of research we’ve previously funded being realised, helping people live longer and healthier lives. That’s why we need cyclists across the region to help us keep investing in science today to deliver the treatments of tomorrow.”
Join the Cycle 300 challenge and receive a free fundraising pack at cruk.org/cycle300.
Children help plant the new trees at Manorial Wood in Sutton Coldfield
New trees to replace woodland felled in a controversial move last year have been planted by children at a Sutton Coldfield beauty spot. Trustees from Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust have started the next phase of their plan to replant English deciduous broadleaved trees at Manorial Woods.
The move comes after a decision to fell and replace previous trees sparked anger among local residents last year but the trust says the move came after it sought specialist forestry advice over the past two to three years, which revealed that the previous crop of Corsican pine had reached its potential and would have gone into decline.
Tina Swani, Chief Executive of Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, Keith Dudley and Jane Mosson joined the planting of more than 4,000 trees at the site, assisted by children from Little Sutton Primary School, following the recently harvested Corsican Pine.
The entire site is due to be restocked with 4,500 trees of both UK-grown hardwoods and an intimate mix of conifers to aid the establishment of the crop. The next phase of planting will take place in May, ahead of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations, where a central feature Yew Tree will be planted.
The team celebrate planting effortsRows of new trees at the wood
The trust will enlist the help of local schools again later in the year to help with a further phase of planting in the autumn. This aims to engage the local community in a project that will benefit Sutton Coldfield for generations to come.
Tina Swani said: “It’s hugely rewarding to see our long-held plans come to fruition at Manorial Wood, which will support a greater mix of woodland plants and wildlife. The previous Corsican Pine trees were in dire need of harvesting and replanting, due to the stock reaching its potential, lack of undergrowth and ongoing fire risk.”
“We are delighted that Little Sutton Primary School is involved, the woods are big part of the environment of Sutton and what a way to get the next generation involved in helping to improve the future of the town.”
Rachel Davis, headteacher at Little Sutton Primary School, said: “We are very excited about being part of a project to plant 4,500 trees that will create a broad-leaved, biodiverse woodland to benefit generations to come.
“At Little Sutton we feel it is really important to prepare our pupils to be good citizens, so we work hard to instil positive values and opportunities for them to make an impact in our community. Our pupils are passionate about playing their part in making the world a better place, and this fantastic project will enable them to do this by looking after the local environment.”
An environmentally sustainable approach is being taken at Manorial Wood that includes biodegradable tree protectors being used, instead of plastic, to prevent damage from small animals as the trees become established.
Work has started on Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust’s almshouses, which are undergoing an £850,000 refurbishment to upgrade bathrooms and kitchens.
The almshouses, which are a mix of bungalows and flats, are located at Lingard House in Walmley, Sutton Coldfield and are designed for older people, currently housing 52 residents.
The two-year project, which has been fully funded by the trust, will see the refurbishment of 24 homes completed by the end of June. The second phase of renovation of 22 homes will start in 2023.
Residents will be moved into vacant properties on the estate, while construction work is carried out by contractor Logmoor.
Pam Johnston MBE JP, almshouse manager at Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, said: “The trustees are always keen to upgrade their housing stock and to ensure that the residents benefit from modern, well-maintained homes.
“As part of the refurbishment, residents were able to choose their own colour schemes and greatly look forward to enjoying their improved facilities.”
Each property includes a double bedroom, living room, kitchen and bathroom and have the benefits of two on site wardens. An out of hours emergency call service is available. The estates also has attractive well-maintained gardens and a communal area with a lounge, conservatory, laundry room, IT suit and craft room.
Glenda Martin, resident at one of the almshouses, said: “I am delighted with my new kitchen and bathroom. The trust really involved me in the process of choosing the colour scheme and the refurbishment has far exceeded my expectations.”
The principal objectives of the Trust are the provision of Almshouses, the distribution of funds and other measures for the alleviation of hardship and other needs for inhabitants and organisations within the boundaries of the former Borough of Sutton Coldfield.
The Trust’s origins can be traced back to Tudor times. Throughout a long history it has improved the lives of generations of people in Sutton Coldfield, particularly those in the greatest need. It has sustained its core priority to alleviate suffering, while redefining and extending its benefits to reflect changing times and needs.
Visitors invited to grand reopening after £250k refit
A brand new gym in Sutton Coldfield is throwing its doors open to visitors after a £250,000 transformation. Built Unique Co, on Birmingham Road, is inviting visitors to their grand opening on Saturday 23 April, following the big refurbishment.
Managing director Gary Smith will meet visitors
The launch party will offer visitors the opportunity to tour the brand-new facility, to take part in free open gym sessions, 121 no sweat consultations, live demos from fitness professionals and sample a variety of food and drink.
There will also be prizes, promotions, and merchandise to giveaway including a one-month free membership to the gym.
Gary Smith, managing director of Built Unique Co, has over 15 years of experience in the fitness industry and will be present on opening night to share his philosophy on simple fitness.
Built Unique Co is an inclusive gym offering fitness programmes for every experience level and facilities for differently abled patrons.
It puts the emphasis on simplicity, and offers small group classes, sustainable nutrition plans and one to one coaching with a focus on individual goals and building confidence.
The business takes a personalised approach to each individual’s fitness journey, offering new clients a free consultation to discuss their fitness goals, aspirations, health, injuries, diet and lifestyle.
The Built Unique team will then craft a bespoke programme to suit the clients’ specific needs.
Gary says: “I have always been passionate about fitness and in particular functional fitness that can be developed and individualised to work for everyone, whether you are short on time, high on stress or don’t know where to start.
“At Built Unique Co, Co stands for community rather than company and we intend on embodying this concept by acknowledging everyone’s unique fitness journey and partnering with you to develop a thoughtful programme that is personalised to your individual needs.
“I couldn’t be prouder to welcome everyone to the new gym on the 23rd of April, the Built Unique team and I will be on hand to answer any questions and to lead demonstrations. See you there.”
Built Unique Co is opening in the former Blockbusters in Birmingham Road, Sutton Coldfield, at the junction with Manor Hill.
Managing director Jo Edwards outside the JE Consulting HQ in Sutton Coldfield
A leading Sutton Coldfield-based professional services agency has joined forces with a major national group in a multi-million pound deal. JE Consulting, based at Mitre Court in the town, has been acquired by K3 Capital Group plc, a multi-national, multi-disciplinary group of professional services businesses, in a deal worth up to £4.57m, depending on company performance. JE Consulting specialises in PR, marketing, digital and creative services to SMEs operating in the accountancy, legal and healthcare markets. Established in 1998, the business provides services to over 140 clients across the UK. It now joins other acquisitions by K3 Capital plc that include Knights R&D, RANDD and Quantuma. Jo Edwards, managing director at JE Consulting said the move provided opportunities for the business to continue to grow and invest in new services and marketing opportunities. The move complements K3’s growth of its K3 Hub, a centre for accountants which, since its launch in February 2021, has recruited 1000 member firms in the UK.
‘The opportunities this acquisition provides to the business to continue to grow and invest in new services and marketing is now unrivalled in the professional services sector‘
Welcoming the move, John Rigby, CEO of K3 Capital, said: “I am delighted to announce the acquisition of this highly trusted and established business that will accelerate our strategy of enhancing our solutions for accountancy firms and their clients. “The team at JE Consulting are highly complementary to our service portfolio and to the continued development of the K3 Hub, which, since its launch in February 2021, has recruited over 900 member firms in the UK”. Looking ahead, Jo Edwards said: “We are delighted to be part of the K3 Capital plc journey going forwards. The opportunities this acquisition provides to the business to continue to grow and invest in new services and marketing is now unrivalled in the professional services sector and we look forward to building relationships with the K3 Hub members.” John Rigby added: “This acquisition strengthens our presence when the professional services sector is expanding, especially in the accountancy space. “I look forward to welcoming our new colleagues and continuing the successful execution of our strategy to generate long-term sustainable growth and attractive returns for our shareholders”.
Residents advised to prepare for disruption for triathlon events
Sutton Park will host one of the biggest event in its hisitory when it hosts Commonwealth Games triathlon events s next year.Now, details of traffic arrangements around key Commonwealth Games venues including road closures, one-way systems and controlled parking zones in d around the park have been published.
Maps also showing temporary plans for other locations such as Alexander Stadium are now available to view on the Birmingham 2022 website.
The event will run from July 28 to August 8 – and is set to bring tens of thousands to the region and the UK in 2022 and subsequent years.”.
Now the map of roads which will be affected when the triathlon and para triathlon between July 29 and August 31 in Sutton Park has been unveiled.
These include part of Jockey Road and Halton Road as well as adjoining roads in the area. The triathlon route has also been laid out – running through Stonehouse Road and Monmouth Drive.
The maps of the course itself has already been unveiled but the central point will be Powells Pool in the park.
Transport for West Midlands executive director Anne Shaw said: “Our plans are designed to make it as easy as possible for spectators to leave the car at home and use public transport to get to events.
“This, along with the traffic management and parking plans announced today ensure that residents and businesses near to venues will be able to access their properties as well as help manage congestion on the wider network for regular commuters, deliveries and emergency services going about their daily business.
There will inevitably be some disruption at some busy times, but these plans have been carefully designed to keep that to a minimum. Ensuring our region can keep moving when a million visitors arrive this summer will be key to a successful Commonwealth Games.
“This is the biggest, most prestigious event ever hosted in the West Midlands and there will be a range of things in our normal daily routines that need to temporarily change. This is the case with all such major multi-sport events, so I would recommend people start planning ahead and check out information as it becomes available through the Get Set website.”
Unveiling the triathlon route last year, Matt Kidson, Director of Sport for Birmingham 2022 said: “We are pleased to be able to publish all of the courses for our road events.
“These routes will help to profile some fantastic landmarks from across the region and showcase the West Midlands and Warwickshire to the world.
“Publishing these details with nine months still to go until the Games begin also means that local residents, businesses and other organisations have plenty of time to make plans for when these one-day events are staged in their local area.”
The fantastic four delivering their supplies to fleeing refugess on the Poland border
Sutton Coldfield foursome travel 2,600 miles in mercy mission
An intrepid group of Sutton Coldfield men have braved the Ukraine warzone to deliver humanitarian aid to refugees fleeing the conflict.
The four, two firefighters and their builder friends made the marathon 2,600 mile round trip to Poland to deliver the much-needed supplies after being moved by the human tragedy unfoldling after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The four friends from Sutton Coldfield collected and delivered aid to Ukrainian refugees fleeing their country’s war with Russia. West Midlands firefighters Steven Nott and James Allsop joined Alex Willis and Chris Hanley for the trip across Europe and into Poland at Medyka on March 7.
Steve Nott hands out sweets to youngster on the Ukraine border
The group and their partners posted on Facebook, with a huge collection made via the Walmley Residents Association Facebook page. They were also provided with supplies from Walsall children’s charity – Help To Make Tummies Full.
In four to five days as well as supplies, the group raised just over £4,500 and supplies including clothes, baby clothes, water, first aid kits, sanitary wear, baby food, cat and dog food, teddy bears, even a box of crayons.
They loaded up a pick-up truck and a trailer, donated for a week by a Lichfield company, full of supplies and drove from Sutton on Monday night at around 7pm via the Eurotunnel, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany to Poland. They stopped off in the southern city of Krakow on Tuesday.
The four volunteers deliver humanitarian aid to women and children fleeing the conflict
The group were there for six hours and took 36 hours to drive home without stopping anywhere overnight, arriving in Sutton at 3pm on Thursday.
Alex said he and his friends plan to return to Poland with money they have raised and get more supplies to the refugees. He said they will fly to the country this time, hire a van and buy supplies locally. Once they have done that they will take a look at what else they can do.
Lottery Supporter Care Lead Belinda Owen, Individual Giving Manager Alison Jerram, and Lottery Supporter Care Officer Fay Steele
St Giles Hospice celebrates lottery £20 MILLION landmark
St Giles Hospice is celebrating a very special anniversary as it marks 25 years since the first draw of its popular weekly lottery.In the quarter of a century since the first winner was announced on 28th February 1997, the lottery has raised an amazing £20 MILLION to support the hospice’s care for patients, and their families, who are living with a terminal illness.
As only around a third of its funding comes from Government, St Giles Hospice relies upon donations and fundraising to raise the £850,000 it needs each month to fund its care services.
Alison Jerram, Individual Giving Manager at St Giles Hospice, said: “The whole team at St Giles would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who takes part in our lottery – whether you have been playing since that very first draw or have signed up more recently.
“Thank you so much for helping us to raise over £20 million for St Giles!
“Our loyal lottery players have made a huge contribution towards funding the care we offer to local families when they need us the most, and it’s always one of the most delightful parts of our job to be able to ring up a lucky winner and make their day.”
For just £1, players have a chance to win a weekly jackpot of £1,000 and up to £20,000 in the rollover draw.
Over the past 25 years the St Giles Hospice Lottery has held more than 1,300 draws and sold more than 35 million lottery tickets.
There have been more than 250,000 individual prize winners, including 20 lucky players who have won a larger jackpot since the rollover was introduced in 2017. The most recent lottery rollover winner collected a total of £18,000 just last month (February 2022).
Sutton Coldfield Life 