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Sutton Coldfield’s Boldmere Christmas Festival axed

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The popular Boldmere Christmas Festival, including its popular lights switch-on event, has been officially cancelled for this year. The organisers, Boldmere Futures, cite severe funding shortages after their grant from Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council was dramatically reduced.

A History of declining funding

The community interest company has seen a steep decline in financial support from the council over recent years. After receiving generous grants of £9,605 in 2022 and £10,000 in 2023, the funding was cut to £7,000 last year. For the 2025 financial year, the grant has been slashed to just £3,000.

The £10,000 funding gap

The cancellation stems from an unsustainable financial gap. The Boldmere Christmas Festivalcosts approximately £22,000 to stage, while it only generates around £12,000 in revenue. This leaves a funding shortfall of roughly £10,000 that has historically been covered by council grants and sporadic sponsorships.

Paul Long, Chairman of Boldmere Futures, expressed his disappointment: “Despite reaching out to local businesses and exploring other grants like the Plan for Neighbourhoods, the financial shortfall made it impossible to proceed this year. Even if funds were found today, it’s too late for 2024.”

Long emphasised the event’s vital role in “boosting community spirit and supporting local businesses in Sutton Coldfield.”

Council response and future of the festival

In a statement, Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council explained that its grants are “competitive and often oversubscribed,” and are allocated based on the information provided by applicants.

The council also confirmed that Boldmere Futures has decided not to take the reduced grant for this year and will instead focus on other community projects.

Discussions are ongoing to secure proper funding with the aim of restoring the Boldmere Christmas Festival and lights switch-on in 2026. However, the future of this key Sutton Coldfield event remains uncertain pending a viable, long-term financial solution.

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Police surgeries: Voice your concerns in Sutton Coldfield

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West Midlands Police will be holding two police surgeries in Sutton Coldfield over the next few days, where people can have their say about their concerns and the service provided locally

PCSO Gill Whittingham will host the first at the Cosy Coffee Shop on Clarence Road, Four Oaks, on Saturday, October 4, between 10am and 11am. 

The second ill be held  at Four Oaks Baptist Church on Grange Lane, Mere Green on Monday,October 6, also between 10am and 11am. 

If you need some crime prevention advice or would like to talk to me about any issues in the area, please come along and have a chat with PCSO Whittingham

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The Belfry tees of with multi-million pound expansion

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Two years after after embarking on a multi-million pound expansion project to reimagine its resort for the future, the Belfry Hotel & Resort has unveiled the results of its transformative development. 

The independent hotel is opening the doors to its events venue, state-of-the-art fitness and leisure club and stunning new accommodation.

Almost doubling The Belfry in size, its brand-new Brabazon House wing features 149 stylish bedrooms, including the resort’s first-ever two-bedroom suite, and balcony rooms with unbeatable views over The Belfry’s legendary Brabazon golf course.

At 852sqm, and with a max capacity of 920, The Masters Suite it is the resort’s largest events space, receiving over £80m in enquiries and securing £10m in confirmed business before its much-anticipated opening.

With sweeping floor-to-ceiling views, The Masters Suite is a breathtaking backdrop for everything from banquets and conferences to mini expos and weddings and is already the first choice for high-profile clients including DP World Tour and Teams Europe.

It has received incredible support from industry associations such as the Meetings Industry Association, BEAM and 59club, all of whom are set to host their flagship events there.

The heart of a wellness journey like no other, The Club is the ultimate home for all things fitness. With a sleek design, the very latest facilities and natural light in abundance, highlights include a vast Technogym with views over the resort’s PGA National golf course, four spacious studios including dedicated yoga, reformer Pilates and spin studios perfect for an array of virtual and live-led classes, and an extensive multipurpose sports hall.

Chris Eigelaar, managing director at The Belfry Hotel & Resort, said: “This has been a passion project for us all, and it’s incredible that the day has finally arrived when guests can enjoy the complete Belfry Resort experience.

“For the past two years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to bringing this vision to life.

“Our guests have been the driving force behind every decision, and everything we’ve done has been with their enjoyment and experience in mind.

“To do all of this ahead of schedule shows trust and credibility from our clients, our guests and the industry, which is outstanding”.

Chris added: “As an independent resort, none of this would have been possible without our incredible team who have worked tirelessly to bring our vision to life with skill, ingenuity, enthusiasm and, above all, an unrelenting care for our guests.

“I am so proud of what we have accomplished together.”

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Sutton Coldfield funeral director earns Platinum Sustainability Award

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Sustainability award – from left , Carolyn Day, Andrew Mitchell MP, Ian Hazel and Brendan Day

A Sutton Coldfield-based funeral directors has become the first in the UK to achieve full marks for its commitment to sustainability.  

Ian Hazel Funerals has earned a Platinum accreditation from the Greener Globe Funeral Standards, with a 100 per cent score.

Recently, Brendan and Carolyn Day, founders of the Greener Globe Funeral Standards, visited the funeral business head office in Four Oaks to present the award.

They were joined by the Andrew Mitchell, MP for Royal Sutton Coldfield.

The family-run firm initially joined the scheme as Bronze members in May 2024 and have since undertaken a wide-ranging review of policies and practices to achieve this milestone.

When the company’s purpose-built head office was constructed in 2013, environmental sustainability was front and centre.

The building includes rainwater harvesting, low-energy lighting with motion sensors, underfloor heating, a mechanical heating and ventilation recovery system, high levels of insulation, and 78 solar panels.

These features secured an A-rated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) score of 23.

Ian Hazel said: “Even with all these environmentally friendly features, it wasn’t guaranteed that we’d reach Platinum level – let alone achieve a 100 per cent score.

“We’ve looked closely at all areas of our operations and had to think outside the box to ensure we’re running the business in the most environmentally responsible way possible.

“We’ve now introduced our first all-electric ambulance, which joins a fleet that already includes three hybrid vehicles.

“While our main funeral fleet remains petrol/diesel for now, we are actively preparing for a full transition to electric when suitable alternatives become available.

“This scheme has encouraged us to re-evaluate everyday practices.

“We now avoid engine idling, actively inform clients of eco-friendly options – from coffins to natural burial grounds – and operate our premises at more economical heating levels.

“We’ve also improved recycling, reviewed our supply chain to ensure our partners, such as florists, have environmental policies in place, and introduced lower-impact cleaning products.”

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UNLOCK YOUR CREATIVITY IN SUTTON COLDFIELD ART CLASSES

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Join our autumn course starting week beginning 8th September 2025

Places for Thursday morning sessions are now full, but a limited number of places are still available for Thursday afternoon sessions.

 So if interested, please get in touch asap as classes will soon be starting.

 Location: Sutton Coldfield Cricket and Hockey Club, Rectory Park, Rectory Road, Sutton Coldfield B75 7RS.

Join Our 14-Week Mixed-Ability Art Classes! 

Are you ready to embark on an another artistic adventure with The Seasons Art Class Sutton Coldfield? Our fun and friendly adult art classes are the perfect space to ignite your creativity, refine your skills, and connect with a vibrant community of art enthusiasts!

Why You’ll Love It:

  • 🖼️ Get hands-on! Discover the joy of drawing and dive into painting with oil pastels, watercolours, and acrylics. Whether you’re a total beginner or a budding artist, there’s something here for everyone.
  • ✨ Learn from the best! Enjoy expert art tuition designed to help you grow and shine creatively.
  • 🫂 Make connections! Meet like-minded people who share your passion for art in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.

Perks That Make It Extra Special:

  • ☕ Feel at home: Free refreshments in a cosy, inspiring space.
  • 🎨 Discounted starter kits available: Get your essentials at a great price, and all other materials and tools for class are supplied.
  • 🌟 End with a flourish: Showcase your creations at a celebratory exhibition during the final week.
  • 🚗 Convenient and accessible: Free parking, including disabled spaces, and sloped access for ease.

Now More Inclusive Than Ever! We’re thrilled to introduce evening classes specially designed to accommodate daytime workers. Everyone deserves a chance to explore their artistic potential, no matter their schedule.

Key Details:

Act Now – Places Are Limited! Bring along a friend and enjoy generous booking discounts—because creativity is even better when shared.

📞 Reserve your spot or find out more by calling 0330 122 6145.

Let’s make this the start of something truly inspiring. Your masterpiece awaits! 🎉

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Lancashire Belle’s vintage tunes light up Sutton Coldfield

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A Sutton Coldfield retirement community enjoyed the tunes of yesteryear when Lancashire Belle hosted a nostalgic tea-dance

Broadleaf House swapped a quiet afternoon for swing steps when vintage vocalist Jane Francis, better known as Lancashire Belle, brought 1940s favourites to Adlington Retirement Living’s community in Wylde Green.

Guests arrived to Vera Lynn classics before the lounge filled with quicksteps, sing-alongs and plenty of toe-tapping. An elegant afternoon tea from the on-site chef provided a charming interval before a second lively set.

Jane Francis said: “These songs unlock memories and get feet moving. The best moment is when someone who hasn’t danced for years takes to the floor with a smile.”

Alexandra Johnson, Sales and Marketing Director for Adlington Retirement Living, said: “Events like this capture the spirit of Broadleaf House – beautifully designed apartments, a secure setting and a calendar of uplifting events and activities, with the right support on hand so homeowners can enjoy it all.”

Tracey Walsh, General Manager, said: “You could feel the buzz in the room. Music, friendship and a slice of cake are a fantastic way to bring people together.”

Broadleaf House offers 57 age-exclusive one, two and three-bedroom apartments with a friendly 24-hour on-site team. Communal spaces include a homeowners’ lounge, coffee lounge, on-site restaurant, hair salon, therapy room and activities studio, all set alongside beautifully maintained private gardens.

Tony, who moved to Broadleaf House in April 2025, said: “I’m so happy here. The ambience of the place is fantastic. I’m not just talking about the aesthetics; it’s the atmosphere that people generate. I have friends on tap if I want them, privacy when I don’t, staff who genuinely care, and no gardening or home maintenance.”

If you would like to find out more, a range of beautifully furnished show apartments are open to view daily at Broadleaf House, on Birmingham Road, from 10am to 5pm. Call 0121 817 8680 to find out more or visit adlington.co.uk.

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Sutton Park car parking shambles years in the making

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Comment – Bill McCarthy

The financial crisis engulfing Birmingham City Council and the hugely unpopular measures like charging at some beauty spots, including Sutton Park, have sparked fury, but have been years in the making.
The council’s incompetence, financial mismanagement, and failure to fix pay inequality has left council tax payers facing huge increases and a broken trust in the authority.
On top of this, it’s quite something when a Labour administration, which in the past has run the city well, appears to want to screw its workers – in the past with pay inequality – and now with the binmen and women.

It began more than 20 years ago when the council refused to face down the binmen, allowing pay awards which left female-dominated roles like dinner ladies, cleaners, care workers behind, paid less than male-dominated jobs like binmen, street cleaners, for work of equal value.

This led to massive compensation claims as the council failed to address this disparity for years, leading to around £1.1 billion in equal pay liabilities – the biggest factor in the council’s financial collapse.

The list of incompetence could go on, but the parking issue strikes home for a number of reasons  and the anger stems from several key issues.

Birmingham residents see the parking charges as a not very efficient money-grab, targeting ordinary people, rather than fixing the council’s real problems.

Anger at parking ‘stealth tax’

  • These parks have been free for decades and residents see this as a “stealth tax” to plug the council’s financial black hole.
  • The parking fees are expected to raise only £2-3 million a year, a pittance when compared to the council’s budget shortfall and  equal pay scandal.

Punishing visitors and impacting health

  • Families, dog walkers, and hikers who rely on parks for physical and mental health, exercise, and affordable outings now have to pay just to park – denying a taste of nature in an urban environment
  • The council promotes green spaces for wellbeing, yet makes them harder to access. Some areas lack good public transport alternatives, forcing people to drive and then pay. A double whammy, which penalises lower-income families who can’t afford extra costs.

Empty parks and lost business

  • Cafés, visitor centres, and sports clubs inside parks could lose customers and the park see fewer visitors generally, which has been noted elsewhere with similar schemes in the country.

Other parking problems with displacement
If drivers avoid paid parking, they’ll clog up nearby residential streets, creating nuisance for locals.

Tin eared response

Despite petitions including one gathering thousands of signatures against Sutton Park charges and concern from local councillors and MPs, the council seems out of touch, ignoring protest and pressing ahead.

The largely cosmetic consultation until the end of August is unlikely to see any movement, but we live in hope, so signing is a good idea.

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Consultation begins on Sutton Park car parking charges

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Visitors to Sutton Park who are now facing car parking charges are being asked to take part in Birmingham City Council’s formal public consultation on its controversial and unpopular plans.

The popular beauty spot is one of three of the city’s ‘destination’ parks, which also include  Lickey Hills Country Park, and Sheldon Country Park.

Consultations for the proposed parking charge schemes at all three have started and will run until August 29 2025.

Residents can make theire views known here

Why Introduce charges?

This is following feedback from the informal consultations which took place at the end of last year, resulting in amended proposals.

The council claims that introducing charges at these parks will bring Birmingham in line with similar places around the UK to offset the cost of maintaining these destination sites.

The council says that as part of the budget for 2025/26 the principle of charging was agreed to achieve necessary savings and help sustain, protect and maintain our 660 parks and green spaces.

Cllr Majid Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “We have some wonderful parks and green spaces across the city, but we need to be able to maintain them for the benefit of everyone. Introducing parking charges at these three major sites will help protect and maintain all our green spaces.

“Whether you use these parks for walking, cycling, exercising or meeting up with people, we want to hear your views on rate of charging and when we you should be charged.

“We are also aware of potential impact of displacement parking and will therefore be looking at traffic restrictions in existing hotspot areas and any need for further restrictions following residents’ feedback.”

What are the Sutton Park charges?

  • First 30 minutes: Free
  • 30 mins – 1 hour: £1
  • 1–2 hours: £2
  • 2–3 hours: £3
  • 3–4 hours: £4
  • 4–9 hours: £5
  • Buses/coaches: £28 (up to 9 hours)

Charges will apply daily from 9am to 6pm, year-round.
An annual season ticket will be available for £52 (public), £39 (businesses), and free for volunteers.
Exemptions: The Browns and Miller & Carter restaurant car parks, Paddock car park near Town Gate, and Midland Lodge (currently for sale) will remain free.

Lickey Hills Country Park & Sheldon Country Park

  • Hourly rate: £1 (up to 4 hours)
  • All-day parking: £5
  • Coach parking (Beacon Hill only): £28
  • Season ticket: £52 per year
  • Blue Badge holders: Free

Charges will apply 365 days a year, 9am–6pm.

See comment piece to follow

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Sutton Coldfield’s new police station opens doors

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Sutton Coldfield’s newly re-developed police station has finally opened. Existing police buildings on the Anchorage Road side of the site, have now been redeveloped with the addition of a former small business property next door. 

This has created a bespoke new location for neighbourhood teams, emergency response officers, local crime investigators, offender management and other policing functions which were dispersed around the site previously.

One of the key developments was the creation of a public contact office where people can talk to us if they prefer face to face over telephone and online options.  

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon said the new station would be a base for the local neighbourhood team for emergency force response and investigators.

He added: “It will also be a public contact office where members of the public can attend face to face and speak to a police officer.

“This is all part of my commitment to rebuild community policing and ensure a reassuring police presence in Sutton Coldfield.”

Cash from the sale of the old site – which will also pay for the new station – will be reinvested into policing, safeguarding officer numbers and services at a time when budgets are under continued pressure locally and nationally.

The sale of surplus buildings on the Lichfield Road side of the site provides good value for the public purse and local people. 

The old station cost over of £500,000 each year to run, excluding annual maintenance costs and essential upgrades such as those needed to its 66-year-old heating system as well as critical safety and security systems. 

The decision to close the former station on Lichfield Road was made in March 2018 following careful scrutiny at a public meeting of the Police and Crime Commissioner. 

As part of that decision, a pledge was made to maintain a police presence in the town. 

The re-development was delivered on time and to a tight budget, using local businesses employing local people.  

The old station was largely vacant due the way the force works in the 21st century and my commitment to keep officers out on the streets serving their communities. The building was also very expensive to run. 

There’s no doubt that the redeveloped footprint is smaller than the old facility but there is no reduction in officer numbers serving the town. It is people with the right skills and equipment which keep people safe, not bricks and expensive empty rooms which cost a fortune to heat and maintain.

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Devastation after Sutton Park blaze

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The recent rainfall has brought some relief to Sutton Park following a blaze earlier in the month.

The tinder dry area around Boldmere Gate went up in flames, with West Midlands Fire Service saying a disposable barbecue was the cause.

It devastated an area the size of three football pitches as these images of blackened trees and grassland show.

With more hot weather forecast, visitors are being urged to avoid BBQs and naked flames.