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.

Sail like Royalty down the Nile on the 5* Alexander the Great

– Prices from £1,999 starting on 1^st September 2023 –

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 1^st 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.”