Join Sutton Coldfield’s Big Open Weekend on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th March 2023

Free activities are on offer during a special open weekend at Sutton Coldfield’s major leisure centre. Residents can take part in activities, taster sessions, classes, friendly advice, special offers and more.

Come and take a look around, try various activities and meet our fantastic team – they will be on hand to answer all of your enquiries.

You don’t have to be a member of our leisure centre or have visited us before to get involved in our Big Open Weekend, so why not bring your friends and family along too?

Please check the booking details for activities below – some need booking in advance.
We look forward to seeing you soon.

Fitness activities

Synergy Classes – Saturday 11th March 
Circuit class on the gym floor. An exercise mix of kettle bell, medicine ball, TRX, battle ropes and more based around the stations of the Synergy frame.

• 12:00-12:30
• 13:00-13:30
• 15:00-15:30
• 16:00-16:30

BOOK ONLINE

Synergy Classes – Sunday 12th March
Circuit class on the gym floor. An exercise mix of kettle bell, medicine ball, TRX, battle ropes and more based around the stations of the Synergy frame.

• 12:00-12:30
• 13:00-13:30
• 15:00-15:30
• 16:00-16:30

BOOK ONLINE

Swim activities

Diving Class – Saturday 11th March

Learn how to dive in our 3.8m diving bay; from the springboard, platform and off the pool side.
Participants should be 8-15yrs old and must be able to swim 25 meters and be confident in deep water. Please wear Normal swim wear

Session times:

• 12:00-12:30
• 12:30-13:00
• 13:00-13:30
• 13:30-14:00

Deep Water Diving Bay

BOOK ONLINE

Pool Party – Saturday 11th March

Come and see what we offer in our pool parties.  Splash around with your younger children in our Neptune Parties in the teaching pool and have fun in our new Aqua run/Splash party in the main pool with your older children.

Age & session times:

• Neptune Parties, age 0-5
• 14:15-15:15
• 15:30-16:30
• Small pool ratios are 1:2 for children aged 0-7 years.
• Teaching Pool

Aqua run/Splash Parties, age 4+

• 14:15-15:15
• 15:30-16:30

Main pool supervision ratios are 1:1 for under 4s and 1:2 for 4-7 year olds.

BOOK ONLINE

Swimming Lessons – Sunday 12th March
Taster beginner and improver swimming lessons for children aged 4yrs – 12yrs old. Within this lesson they will learn basis water skills that will build water confidence which is essential when learning to swim.

• 12:00-12:30
• 12:30-13:00
• 13:30-14:00
• 14:30-15:00
• 15:30-16:00

Teaching Pool, Stages 1-2
Main Pool, Stages 3-4

BOOK ONLINE

General activities

Gymnastics – Saturday 11th March

For both boys and girls. Encouraging agility, balance and coordination using a wide range of equipment including, beams, bars, trampette, floor, air-trax, springboards and vaults with qualified instructors.
Structured classes where children are grouped into age and ability.

School ages:
4-7years: 2:00-2:45pm
4-7 years: 3:00-3:45pm
8-11 years: 4:00-4:45pm

Children should come in comfortable clothing, shorts/leggings/tee shirts, bare feet.
Courts 3 & 4

BOOK ONLINE

Pre-School Gymnastics – Saturday 11th March

For both boys and girls. Jumping, rolling, balancing, swinging, encouraging balance and coordination. using bars, beams, vaults, springboards, soft play and climbing equipment.

Ages & session times:
6 months-18 months – 9:30-10:15am
18 months-2.5 years – 10:15-11:00am
2 – 4 years – 11:00-11:45am
2 – 4 years – 11:45-12:30pm

Children should come in comfortable clothing, shorts/leggings/tee shirts, and bare feet.
Studio 5 (Creche)

BOOK ONLINE

Mini Ninjas – Saturday 11th March

Jumping, rolling, Swinging, encouraging balance, coordination and stamina, gross motor skills. Using Blocks, vaults, mats, bars.

3 – 4 years: 12:45-1:15pm

Children should wear comfortable clothing and bare feet.

Studio 5 (Creche)

BOOK ONLINE

Trampolining – Saturday 11th March

Fun structured activity to improve balance and coordination using large trampolines, ran by our qualified and experienced instructors.

Ages & session times (Courts 1 & 2):
9-16 years: 3:00-3:45pm
4-8 years: 4:00-4:45pm

Children will need to be in comfortable clothing and wear socks.

BOOK ONLINE

Dance – Saturday 11th March

Mixed styles, freestyle and routines all abilities.

Ages & session times (Dance Studio):
4-8 years: 1:30-1:45pm
4-8 years: 1:45-2:30pm
8+ years: 2:30-3:15pm

Please wear comfortable clothes and trainers.

BOOK ONLINE

Ju-jitsu – Saturday 11th March

Come and try this Japanese martial art, develop combat skills using grabbles, submissions and Judo throws. Overall fitness levels will be developed, coordination, flexibility and strength all improved. With a fully qualified and experienced instructor.

Ages & session times (Court 5):
5-12 years: 1:00-1:45pm
5-12 years: 2:00-2:45pm
13+ adults: 3:00-3:45pm

Comfortable clothing and bare feet. 

BOOK ONLINE

Parkour – Saturday 11th March

Free running, flips & tricks. Moving, running, jumping and climbing in our specially designed Parkour room.

Ages & session times:
4-8 years: 1:30-2:15pm
9-12 years: 2:15-3:00pm
4-8 years: 3:00-3:45pm
12-16 years: 3:45-4:30pm

Comfortable clothing and trainers recommended.

BOOK ONLINE

Pre-School Gymnastics – Sunday 12th March

For both boys and girls. Jumping, rolling, balancing, swinging, encouraging balance and coordination. using bars, beams, vaults, springboards, soft play and climbing equipment.

Ages & session times:
6 months-18 months – 9:30-10:15am
18 months-2.5 years – 10:15-11:00am
2 – 4 years – 11:00-11:45am
2 – 4 years – 11:45-12:30pm

Children should come in comfortable clothing, shorts/leggings/tee shirts, and bare feet.
Studio 5 (Creche)

BOOK ONLINE

Mini Ninjas – Sunday 12th March

Jumping, rolling, Swinging, encouraging balance, coordination and stamina, gross motor skills. Using Blocks, vaults, mats, bars.

3 – 4 years: 12:45-1:15pm

Children should wear comfortable clothing and bare feet.

Studio 5 (Creche)

BOOK ONLINE

Gymnastics – Sunday 12th March

For both boys and girls. Encouraging agility, balance and coordination using a wide range of equipment including, beams, bars, trampette, floor, air-trax, springboards and vaults with qualified instructors.
Structured classes where children are grouped into age and ability.

School ages:
4-7years: 1:30-2:15pm
8-11years: 2:30-3:15pm
4-7years: 3:30-4:15pm

Children should come in comfortable clothing, shorts/leggings/tee shirts, bare feet.
Courts 3, 4 & 5

BOOK ONLINE

Trampolining – Sunday 12th March

Fun structured activity to improve balance and coordination using large trampolines, ran by our qualified and experienced instructors.

Ages & session times (Courts 1 & 2):
4-8 years: 1:30-2:15pm
8+ years: 2:30-3:15pm
4-8 years: 3:30-4:15pm

Children will need to be in comfortable clothing and wear socks.

BOOK ONLINE

Parkour – Sunday 12th March

Free running, flips & tricks. Moving, running, jumping and climbing in our specially developed Parkour room. 

Please wear comfortable clothing and trainers.

Ages & session times:

4-8 years: 1:30-2:15pm
9-12 years: 2:15-3:00pm
4-8 years: 3:00-3:45pm
12-16 years: 3:45-4:30pm

Squash Courts 1& 2

BOOK ONLINE

Free Parking available throughout the weekend.

Businesses across Sutton Coldfield are being encouraged to support a scheme which promotes engagement between the business community and local schools.

The Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce Business and Education Scheme is an initiative designed to create better links with education by allowing businesses to give advice, support and opportunities to young people.

The scheme was announced by Sutton Chamber president Phil Arkinstall at last Friday’s Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth and Cannock Chase Chambers of Commerce annual dinner and awards.

Mr Arkinstall (pictured), who is managing director of Ark Media and chair of Governors at Plantsbrook School, built his business by giving graduates and school leavers opportunities to enjoy a career in video production.

He is keen to help future generations and is calling on fellow Chamber members to offer time and support to the scheme.

He said: “The success of Ark Media is down in a major way to the input, hard work and skill of young people learning their trade and we know historically many other companies in the area have enjoyed similar success with the quality of young people in Sutton Coldfield.

“Our campaign, the Sutton Coldfield Chamber Business and Education Scheme plans to canvass the availability and offers local businesses can supply to schools throughout the area and once that data has been collected share with the relevant organisations.”

Sutton Coldfield Chamber members will receive a questionnaire to provide information on their potential support for the scheme, in the hope it increases opportunities for young people to learn about the world of work.

The Sutton Coldfield Chamber’s Next Generation sub-committee – which includes Anna Jackson and Kay Burton-Williams of Sutton Coldfield College, Gary Phelps of Gary Phelps Communications and Steven Hannaford of Burley Browne, will be helping to promote the scheme through their connections.

The results of the questionnaire will be published in the coming weeks.

Members can complete the questionnaire now.

Both bodies pledge to continue supporting local people together

St Giles Hospice and the Cancer Support Centre are pleased to announce that both organisations will continue to support local people together at the St Giles Hospice site on Lindridge Road in Sutton Coldfield.
Andrew Harkness, Chief Executive at St Giles Hospice, said: “St Giles Hospice has had an ongoing relationship with the Cancer Support Centre for 11 years, and we are pleased to share that both organisations have signed a new lease agreement for up to another 12 months”.
“The new lease allows both charities to continue to provide important services which are beneficial for our communities in Sutton Coldfield, whilst balancing the significant cost of living challenges faced by both organisations.
The new lease forms a key part of both organisations plans to support as many people and communities as they can through their services.
Trevor Saadi, Chair of Trustees at the Cancer Support Centre, said: “Charities like ours and St Giles Hospice play a crucial role in supporting patients, and their families, living with illnesses such as cancer. We are delighted to have agreed a new forward to continuing to serve our local
communities.”

To find out more about both organisations, visit: http://www.stgileshospice.com or
http://www.suttoncancersupport.org

Voices raised for festive season: Sutton Coldfield Community Choir performing

Charitable trust award hits the right note for singers

Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, which exists to enhance the quality of life for all in Sutton Coldfield, has granted funds to Sutton Coldfield Community Choir (SCCC), allowing them to ‘survive’ post-pandemic and amidst the current cost-of-living crisis.

The Trust has a heritage going back almost 500 years and offers a broad range of grant categories to benefit Sutton Coldfield and its residents. The emergency grant was awarded to SCCC under the relief of need category which the Trust offers to support the relief of hardship across a range of factors such as youth, age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or another disadvantage.

SCCC received a grant worth £3,000 to help with purchasing essential new equipment, as well as a full term of room rental for the choir to rehearse in.

Ann Regan, Communications and Concert Manager of SCCC, said: “During the Covid-19 pandemic, we were unable to rehearse for twelve to eighteen months and couldn’t recruit new members during this time – we were worried we were going to have to fold the choir.

“Like many organisations during the pandemic, we lost membership, but we have been working hard to ensure that we keep going – especially during the current climate.

“People need activities like this, to support both themselves and others. It’s important to gather people together as a friendship group, and our choir thrives off being a sociable choir that is inclusive, and people can come and just enjoy themselves.

“Our choir is open to singers of all abilities, but it’s not just a choir – it’s something for the community to participate in and benefit from. We’re so thankful to Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust for allowing us to continue our group and giving something back to the local community, and we’re also looking for new members if anyone would like to get involved.”

Each year, SCCC picks to support a local charity of its choice and raise money throughout the year to donate the total to their chosen charity.

The choir fundraises through a variety of different activities and events such as concerts, raffles, cake sales and regular quiz nights.

The most significant events of the year are summer and Christmas concerts, where the 50 strong choir, pianist and choirmaster perform to raise money for their selected charity.

Last year, SCCC chose to support a small charity called Acacia, the services of which are available to parents and guardians in Birmingham who are experiencing pre and postnatal depression and anxiety.

In 2021 the charity of choice was Midland’s Freewheelers, a group of retired motorbike enthusiasts who deliver blood and vital medication – the choir raised £3500 through fundraising.

For further information about Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust and how to apply for grants, please visit: http://www.suttoncoldfieldcharitabletrust.com/alms-houses.htm, or to find out more information on the Sutton Coldfield Community Choir, please visit: suttonmusicservice.org.uk/singing/sutton- community-choir/.

For further information about Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust and how to apply for grants, please visit: http://www.suttoncoldfieldcharitabletrust.com/alms-houses.htm, or to find out more information on the Sutton Coldfield Community Choir, please visit: suttonmusicservice.org.uk/singing/sutton- community-choir/.

The Grinch, Santa and Gingerbread men at the three-day event

Thousands flock to series of events

Business leaders in Sutton Coldfield are confident of a more prosperous 2023, after a series of Christmas events drew in thousands of visitors to the town centre.

The six weekends of events, culminating in a three-day celebration just before Christmas had the tills ringing in town shops.

Now Sutton Coldfield Business Improvement District (BID), which organised the activities, is pledging to carry on next year, with even more eye-grabbing attractions lined up to bring people together in the heart of the town.

The extended Christmas activities were part of the new Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield 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.

Bid Manager Michelle Baker said: “We are so pleased with how local residents have reacted to the six weekends of Christmas events we organised – they have shown real support for their town centre.

“So many businesses tell us that they have seen significant increase in footfall on the days when we have had attractions, whether it’s the Grinch, the Gingerbreads or the giant snow globe.

“We’re aiming to make Sutton Coldfield town centre a big attraction all-year-round, and since summer we have made real progress by organising a monthly Famers’ Market and big events like the visit of Chomp the T-Rex to Sutton.

“But Christmas was always going to be a great opportunity to really bring people in, which is why we opted to do six weeks of events instead of one Christmas lights switch on.

“All of these events are paid for by the businesses of the town centre – they are investing in themselves and Sutton’s future – and we’re incredibly grateful for the way that Suttonians have backed our ambition.

“This is their town centre, and they have come along, week after week, to support local businesses.”

Christmas activities included an amazing life-size snow globe in the town centre, which shoppers could step inside for a free Christmas photograph.

And Christmas characters roamed among shoppers, including giant Christmas Penguins, life-size Gingerbread Men, an amazing polar bear, Father Christmas and The Grinch.

Michelle said: “We’re very excited about next year – the Farmers Market has been very popular and will continue, but we’re also putting in place more events at weekends.

“We’re looking at things like a car show on the Parade, more characters to excite children, a climbing wall and we’re working on ideas to help the Royal Town celebrate the coronation of King Charles III too.

“There’s a real buzz around Sutton town centre now, and there is so much to look forward to in 2023.”

Claire Haines is the trust’s new grants manager

Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, the charity which strives to enhance the quality of life for residents of Sutton Coldfield, has recently appointed a new Grants Manager, Clare Haines, to take over from David Cole, who is retiring after almost five years of valuable service.

The appointment will see the Trust, which has a heritage of almost 500 years, continue to manage a range of grant programmes to benefit the area and its residents. This year, the Trust has awarded over £1,000,000 to local beneficiaries around Sutton Coldfield, highlighting the key role the Grants Manager plays in facilitating applications and the distribution of funds. 

Clare Haines boasts more than 13 years’ experience in the grants and funding sector, which spans from working with national organisations such as the National Lottery Heritage Fund to more locally as a Community Development Officer supporting local neighbourhoods, as well as working as a Trustee for Middleton Hall and Garden grounds.

Clare’s role within the Trust will see her predominantly focusing on assessing grant applications as well as preparing grant papers for consideration at the Trust’s Grant Committee meetings. The role will also see her working with local groups and organisations to both establish and maintain relationships with potential and existing grant recipients. Clare will be working closely with statutory and voluntary organisations and monitoring the impact that the grants have made on these organisations.

Clare said: “Having previously worked on the assessment side of the application and project process as a Grants Officer and then also on the project delivery side as a Project Officer, I feel I can bring a 360° viewpoint to the grant lifecycle process, with a solid understanding of the needs and requirements of the funder but also of the grant recipient, who has the task of delivering the outputs and achieving the outcomes.”

“I also hope to bring a good level of understanding on the challenges facing the sector and the relevant support required, thanks to my experience supporting a range of voluntary and community organisations.”

“I’m looking forward to working with and supporting groups and organisations that have the potential to make a positive impact in the local community, as well as developing relationships with potential recipients to understand their challenges and supporting their aims and vision where possible.”

Tina Swani, Chief Executive of Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, said: “The Trust’s vision is to enhance the quality of life for all in Sutton Coldfield and our Grants Manager is instrumental in helping us to achieve this. We’re delighted to welcome Clare to the team and are sure she will take to the role brilliantly given her extensive experience and obvious passion for this vital work.”

To find out more about Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, please visit:

https://www.suttoncoldfieldcharitabletrust.com/

Thousands of shoppers got into the festive spirit as Sutton Coldfield Town Centre welcomed colourful Christmas characters, merry music and even enjoyed a visit from Santa himself.

Father Christmas, helped by his friend Candy Cane, flew into the town centre on Saturday, December 3 for the third weekend of festive fun organised by Sutton Coldfield Business Improvement District (BID).

And that wasn’t the only festive treat on offer, with charity carol singers, a fun disco for youngsters, two cute Christmas Elves greeting shoppers and hilarious roller-skating Christmas presents providing entertainment.

Bid Manager Michelle Baker said:

“It was beginning to feel a lot like Christmas in the town centre on Saturday, because everywhere you looked there was something festive going on.

“Santa and his friend Candy Cane were meeting youngsters in Coffee#1, the animated Elves were mixing with shoppers and the roller-skating Christmas Presents certainly caught the eye.

“There was also a craft market along the Parade and a brilliant Santa’s Disco for youngsters in the Gracechurch.

“We’re working hard to create an extra festive feel in the town centre this year, to drive footfall and get people to come along and support local businesses.

“We’ve been very happy with the results so far, and there is plenty more to come. Watch out – the Grinch is coming back this weekend!”

Elsewhere in the town centre, fundraisers from a charity for the homeless were singing carols to raise cash, while students from Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School were collecting items for their annual Giving Tree appeal.

Even Sutton police got in on the act, giving out advice on how to have a safe and secure festive season.

The extended Christmas activities are part of the new Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield 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.

Other Christmas activities include an amazing life-size snow globe in the town centre over a three-day period, which shoppers can step inside for a free Christmas photograph.

Bid Manager Michelle Baker added:

“We want to make Sutton town centre a real attraction, with regular events to bring people in, not just at Christmas but all year round.”

UP-TO-DATE LISTING OF SUTTON TOWN CENTRE CHRISTMAS EVENTS

9th Dec            Giant snow globe, the Grinch, amazing animatronic Polar Bear

10th Dec         Giant snow globe, meet Santa and the Grinch, the Gingerbreads

11th Dec         Giant snow globe, the Grinch

11th Dec         Breakfast with Santa – Bottle of Sack (8:30am-10:30am)

17th Dec         See Santa, meet the Grinch and the Gingerbreads

Flipping marvellous Christmas event

Flippered friends – helped by their Elf keeper – spread festive fun as they charmed children and posed for pictures with shoppers Sutton Coldfield Town centre

The giant penguins on parade took part in the first of six special Christmas weekends waddled down the Parade.

The visit was the first of an extended series of Christmas activities which form part of the new Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield 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.

Bid Manager Michelle Baker said: “The Penguins were very funny, and the children absolutely loved them.

“They were the perfect way to start off our Christmas plans for the town centre – and there’s lots more to come.

“Next up is our Christmas Farmers Market next Sunday, from 10am until 2pm, but watch out because the Grinch will be coming along too!”

In recent months events organised under the vibrant new Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield brand – including a visit by a giant T Rex and a popular new Farmer’s Market – have seen thousands of extra people flood into the town centre.

The BID has also announced that it will be funding four ‘Guardians’ to patrol the town centre during the festive period, to watch out for anti-social behaviour and keep revellers safe and secure.

SUTTON TOWN CENTRE CHRISTMAS EVENTS

27th Nov         Christmas Farmers Market (45 stalls), the Grinch, free facepainting, Christmas crafts

3rd Dec           Meet Santa, Roller Skating Christmas Presents and the animated elves

9th Dec            Giant snow globe, the Grinch, amazing animatronic Polar Bear

10th Dec         Giant snow globe, meet Santa and the Grinch, the Gingerbreads

11th Dec         Giant snow globe, the Grinch

11th Dec         Breakfast with Santa – Bottle of Sack (8:30am-10:30am)

17th Dec         See Santa, meet the Grinch and the Gingerbreads