Business, News

Sutton first to host new digital hubs

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Rebecca Hambleton, Street Manager at BT and Raj Mack, Head of Digital Innovation and Partnerships at Birmingham City Council
One of the new Street Hub units in Sutton Coldfield

BT Street Hubs offer free ads for local business and environmental monitoring

Sutton Coldfield has pioneered the introduction of new street digital advertising units, with a town business reaping the benefit of free advertising.

Birmingham is latest UK city to benefit from BT’s new digital street units, with the first three units unveiled in Sutton , and more to follow across the city over the next few months. 

As part of the launch, local businesses in Birmingham are being given the chance to advertise for free on the new Street Hub units.

The first to benefit in the town is Andy Thompson, owner of Live @ Level One, a 200-plus capacity live music venue in Sutton Coldfield, who is enjoying free advertising on the new units,

BT is donating up to £7.5 million of outdoor advertising space to small businesses across the UK, as it continues its nationwide roll out of the new Street Hub 2.0 units – which help build the UK’s digital infrastructure and include services such as ultrafast Wi-Fi, an emergency call button and rapid mobile device charging.

The launch comes as a recent BT study found that more than 60 per cent of small businesses agree that local advertising would help to increase awareness of their business, with 40 per cent saying it would encourage more people to shop at their local high street.

However, almost half (49 per cent) said that cost was a major obstacle to them investing in local Out Of Home (OOH) advertising. BT is now taking action to remove one of the biggest barriers to adoption, with the Street Hub’s digital advertising screens designed to help small firms attract more customers to high streets.

The new digital units can also help local councils achieve their social and economic improvement and sustainability goals. With Birmingham City Council aiming to be carbon neutral by 2030, each Street Hub 2.0 unit is to be fitted with air quality and CO2 sensors.

Birmingham participated in the first trials of air quality data monitoring with BT in 2019, with data collected from modular sensors installed on first generation Street Hubs units. The sensors provided insight to a group of researchers and scientists, led by the University of Birmingham, to help monitor air pollution in the area. 

With the next generation Street Hubs, Birmingham City Council can benefit from real-time, actionable data on Carbon Monoxide (CO), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Nitrogen Oxide (NO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Particulate Matter (PM1, 2.5 and 10). 

Expanding air quality monitoring across the city will provide Birmingham City Council with the insight needed to take action to improve air quality, contributing to the health and wellbeing of local people.

Street Hubs can also help to enhance digital connectivity and services for communities through features such as ultrafast Wi-Fi, access to  charity helplines, and local wayfinding via an integrated tablet. 

Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council, Brigid Jones, said: “The last couple of years has seen a devastating impact on many of our local businesses, charities and community organisations.

“I hope our communities and voluntary sector organisations use this opportunity to raise awareness of the fantastic work they are doing to support our communities and local centres. 

Andy Thompson, Owner of Live @ Level One with his new advertisement

“We welcome this digital investment by BT, enhancing Birmingham’s growing reputation as a welcoming place for digital innovation and investment.”

Rebecca Hambleton, Street Manager at BT, said: “We hope that, by gifting free digital advertising space via our new Street Hub units, we can give small businesses in Birmingham an extra boost.

“Our new Street Hub units can play a vital role in rejuvenating local high streets – whether that’s through building greater awareness of small businesses through free advertising, boosting local digital infrastructure or helping cities to reach their sustainability goals.

“It’s great to see the new units will shortly be providing valuable ‘real time’ data on air quality for the local council, helping to keep Birmingham a clean city to live and visit.”

Andy Thompson said: “I’m already a relentless marketer, promoter, and advertiser but I’m limited to the avenues that we can afford as a small business.

“Local advertising opportunities, like those provided by BT’s new Street Hub 2.0 units, offer more exposure, and give new local businesses like mine a greater chance of survival and success.”

BT’s latest study also revealed that around two thirds (66 per cent) of local businesses think that mobile connectivity could be improved in their local community, to help them work faster and smarter. BT’s new Street Hub 2.0 units will enhance local digital infrastructure by including the option to install mini mobile masts or ‘small cells’ on the structure to further boost 4G and 5G coverage in the local area. 

Subject to local planning processes, BT is aiming to roll out around 300 of its new Street Hub 2.0 units across the UK in the next 12 months, working closely with local councils and communities.

News

Blooming marvellous gardens

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Even smaller displays could be winners in the Heart of England in Bloom competition

Get growing for competition Sutton residents urged

Sutton Coldfield in Bloom is as much about people as it is about plants. After the last couple of difficult years plenty of you spent a lot more time in your gardens, benefiting from being outside and doing something healthy.

Have you got a fabulous outdoor space you’ve created? A gorgeous garden, a beautiful balcony, or a pergola to be proud of? We’d love to see fabulous photos of all things green and gorgeous as well as outdoor structures, great and small.

Summer’s coming and we want to celebrate your efforts and see the spoils of your hard work which would contribute to Sutton Coldfield taking part in the annual Heart of England in Bloom competition.

The competition is free to enter and open to residents, businesses, schools and churches with prizes in two categories:

  1. Best Garden (any size, front, back or side)
  2. Something Small (hanging baskets, window boxes, planters)

It doesn’t matter whether you are an experienced gardener or a beginner – we’d love you to enter this year’s competition.

To enter, simply take a picture of your garden and email it to enquiries@suttoncoldfieldtowncouncil.gov.uk stating which category you would like to be assessed on. Closing date is 19th June and winners will be contacted week commencing 27th June. Photographs will be used for Town Council publications including our In Bloom portfolio.

Business, Food and Drink, Lifestyle, News

Cheers as Four Oaks opens after facelift

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The Four Oaks in Sutton Coldfield has reopened after a huge facelift

Upmarket features and outdoor dining featured in multi-million pound refit

A second pub in Sutton Coldfield has opened after undergoing a multi-million pound facelift, offering an upmarket feel and an extra bonus for electric car drivers.

Following the reopening of the former Blake Barn, the Four Oaks pub in is now open, with a remodelled and striking interior, beautiful outdoor spaces and an exceptional food offering that celebrates the very best of British produce.

Not only that, the pub also offers much-needed multiple electric car charging points on the car park for the convencience of the local community.

Sitting in a prime location next to Sutton Park and the historic four oak trees giving rise to its name, The Four Oaks pub has been radically transformed, both inside and out, to showcase an outstanding venue that provides the perfect setting for all social occasions all year round. The extensive restoration has also created 54 new jobs locally.

From its beautifully elevated main entrance to its stunning interiors, The Four Oaks pub has been extensively re-designed and every detail carefully re-imagined to create a hand-crafted feel to inspire and welcome its guests.

Internal features include a new walnut bar, blackened steel bar fonts and limestone flooring, offset with elegant velvet upholstery in earthy tones, and real oak. The impressive crittall wine room, raised private dining room and Scandi inspired spaces, with warming fires throughout, beautifully blend tradition with innovation to offer a relaxed and cosy environment.

Guests looking for an al-fresco spot to socialise with family and friends can choose to enjoy the terraced patio at the side of the pub or scandi-style garden at the rear of the pub, featuring fire pits and a fully-stocked outdoor bar.

Liam Smith, general manager at The Four Oaks, said: “We have created a beautiful and inviting space to welcome guests at any time of day – whether they’re joining us for brunch or for Sunday lunch after a family or dog walk in Sutton Park, or for an evening with friends. 

“With increased dining capacity for 180 guests inside and 100 outside, the food and drink offering at The Four Oaks showcases the best of British farms and vineyards and the new menu focused on outstanding food, from exceptional Sunday roasts to small plates and stix, perfect for shared grazing. There is an extensive selection of drinks, including special craft ales and lagers, classic and crafted cocktails, plus an array of non-alcoholic drinks. 

“We can’t wait to share our impressive new space with our surrounding community and look forward to welcoming our guests – both old and new – to The Four Oaks.”

For more information, please visit www.thefouroaks-royalsuttoncoldfield.co.uk.

News

New hospice boss springs into action

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Andrew Harkness (left) and Rob Vickers prepare for the big event

St Giles CEO joins hundreds of riders at charity cycle event

The new CEO at St Giles Hospice is starting as he means to go on after joining cyclists at the charity’s annual Cycle Spring fundraising bike ride on 8 May.

Interim Chief Executive Officer Andrew Harkness, a pharmacist and experienced NHS executive director, took up his new role this month and set off on the 77-mile cycle alongside St Giles’ Chair of The Board of Trustees, Robin Vickers.

He said that taking part in Cycle Spring was the perfect way to introduce himself to staff, volunteers and supporters, as well as play his part in helping to raise the vital funds needed each year to keep the hospice running.

“St Giles is a wonderful organisation and I’m honoured and delighted to have taken part in Cycle Spring in my new role as its CEO,” he said. “Our Cycle Spring and Autumn events play a huge part in raising the funds that St Giles needs to support its care services and as soon as I joined the hospice I wanted to join in and play my part. 

“Cycle Spring attracts hundreds of riders from across the region and I’d like to thank everyone who attended this year’s event. Its continuing success is down to the fantastic goodwill of our wonderful supporters and our dedicated hospice volunteers who turn out to help make sure that our events run like clockwork. 

“I thoroughly enjoyed my ride through the beautiful Staffordshire countryside and the community spirit of everyone involved was truly inspiring – I’m looking forward to taking part in more fundraising events over the coming months.”

Starting from 7.30am, 509 riders set off to enjoy one of three different routes through the countryside – with 27-mile, 50-mile, and 77-mile distances catering for cyclists of all ages and abilities. All of the rides began and ended at the Whittington hospice.

Riders at the start of the event and out on the roads

Zoe Wright, Events Manager at St Giles Hospice, said: “Cycle Spring had a fantastic atmosphere this year and it was great to see our new CEO getting involved. We were also heartened to watch everyone getting back in the saddle after having to cancel our events in 2020 and make changes in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As usual, we couldn’t have done it without the expert help of Freedom Cycles, Rugeley Bicycle Repairs and BikeBOT who helped our riders to deal with any last-minute mechanical issues.”

She added that this year’s Cycle Spring has so far raised almost £35,000.

“If you weren’t able to make it to Cycle Spring this year – or enjoyed your ride so much that you want to take part again – then don’t forget to sign up for Cycle Autumn, which will be taking place on Sunday 11th September,” said Zoe.

“And if you are thinking of coming along we’d also ask you to consider raising sponsorship, as the entry fee only covers the event’s administration costs, so all funds raised on top of this make a real difference to the services we can provide for patients and their families who are living with a terminal illness. 

“A donation of £40 could pay for an hour of our advice and referrals team, £202 could pay for visits to a patient in their own home by our community nurses, and £676 could pay for 24 hours of hospice care for a patient at the end of their life.”

For more information about Cycle Autumn, please visit www.stgileshospice.com/cycleautumn

News

New look as popular Sutton pub reopens

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The Quill & Taper at Four Oaks opens on May 19
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.

There are limited slots for soft opening on Friday, May 13 and Sunday, May 15. To book online at http://www.quilltaperfouroakspub.co.uk.

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!”

News

Sutton Trust awards £133k to good causes

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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.

To find out more information about how to apply for a grant or Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, please visit: www.suttoncoldfieldcharitabletrust.com/alms-houses.htm 

What is Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust?

  • 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.
News

Get on your bikes to beat cancer

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CALL TO USE PEDAL POWER ACROSS SUTTON COLDFIELD

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. 

Lifestyle, News, Schools

4,000 trees planted at Sutton beauty spot

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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 efforts
Rows 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.

To find out more information about Manorial Woods or Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, please visit: https://www.suttoncoldfieldcharitabletrust.com/news/manorial-woods/17.htm 

Travel

Easter but not as we know it

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Spring on the beaches of Larnaca

A week later, but an amazing Greek celebration

Greek Easter this year is the week after English Easter and to celebration this wonderful event in charming Cyprus (22 -24 April), hotels in and around Larnaka and local establishments serving food, are offering visitors and locals something extra. Sample the festivities as the local Cypriots celebrate the end of fasting and the Resurrection of Christ.

Attend evening mass at any one of the famous churches in Larnaka where the priest passes the candle of eternal life from person to person. The most impressive of all is Saint Lazarus, a stunning stone built Byzantine church with its domed architecture and ornate icons. Next to the church is the Byzantine Museum, which exhibits important religious icons, artefacts and relics.

The historic St Lazarus Church in Larnaca and below Cypriot Easter treats

It is considered good luck to arrive home with your candle still alight and then to trace soot in the shape of a cross above the door.  Afterwards, visitors return to a restaurant and if staying at a hotel,  the traditional Easter meal of ‘Magiritsa Soup’ (chef’s soup), accompanied by hard boiled eggs which have been dyed bright red, flaounes (a cheese with raisin pasty) and tsourekia (sweet milk bread also adorned with the brightly coloured boiled egg) is served.

It is also a Cypriot tradition to signify the breaking of fasting for family members to hold a dyed red egg in their hand and attempt to crack one against that of another member of the family.  The owner of the last unbroken egg is declared the winner!  

Cypriot chefs and cooks conjure up a memorable traditional Easter dishes served on Easter Sunday (April 24) followed by more specialities on Easter Monday! The island can also be enjoyed for its customs and wonderfully warm temperatures, on average 24 C.

A seven- night break in April to experience Greek Easter but not as we know it, has prices staring from £779 per adult for two sharing a room on bed and breakfast at the 5-star Golden Bay Beach Hotel, including return flights from Gatwick to Larnaka ( departing 21 April 2022, returning 28 April 2022), transfers and accommodation.

This luxury hotel has elegant gardens punctuated by tall palm trees bordering a long stretch of sandy beach, offering a range of stylish rooms and 4 restaurants with a great selection of Cypriot specialities! For reservations contact AITO specialist, luxury tour operator Planet Holidays on 01438 841 270 or visit http://www.planet-holidays.co.uk. For more general information on Larnaka  and district contact Larnaka Tourism at http://www.larnakaregion.com or for general information on Cyprus, visit Cyprus Tourism Organisation hwww.visitcyprus.com

Lifestyle, Motoring

Range anxiety puts damper on holiday break

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 A thought-provoking journey in an electric car

They call it range anxiety, but at times it can feel like range despair. Range anxiety is the fear that there will not be enough power in the battery of our electric vehicle to get to your destination. Something that happened on a trip to the Lake District, writes Bill McCarthy.

Range anxiety has been around since modern electric cars first hit the road in the shape of the Nissan Leaf.

I drove one of those around 11 years ago, to a football match dur- ing the cold and rain and left again in the dark.

It was not fully topped up, but the range was showing 64 miles, to cover a round trip of 24, but with the lights, wipers and heater drawing the power, just one mile was showing on the range when we got home. That’s range anxiety.

More than 10 years on battery life has improved immeasurably, with some models boasting a range of around 350 miles, enough for most journeys.

And the costs benefits are obvi- ous, particularly with spiralling fuel charges.

They are still not cheap to buy, even with the Government EV grant. But if you do decide to go electric, everything is cheaper with zero road tax and the lowest Benefit in Kind ratings if you are a compa- ny car driver. There are of course costs to your electric bill but these are outweighed by savings on petrol and diesel.

But there’s still range anxiety.

The picturesque fells in the western Lake District

This is despite the increase in the number of charging points at service stations and their fast-charging facilities which will deliver an 80 per cent charge in around 20 minutes.

Which is great if you are not in the queue to use one which, as it turned out, was quite often in a journey from hell to the Lake Dis- trict.

It was a bit of a dilemma, should we take a relatively untried model with a claimed range of 195 miles on a proposed round trip of 450 miles? What better way to test it I thought. Well it was a test all right,

Some careful planning was needed. Yes, there were several charging points at motorway services right up to Lakeland itself.

So a quick top up to 80 per cent range on one of the latest fast chargers at an M6 service station around half way should do the trick, before completing the 190-odd mile journey to our destination.

We were also aware that once inside Britain’s biggest and arguably most beautiful national park,

Finding a charging point can sometimes prove to be a headache and charging points would be far less frequent. So a few were pinpointed, just in case.

Well you know what they say about the best-laid plans.

The minute we hit the motorway the heavens opened. At this point the range was showing 140 miles, but once the wipers, lights and demister came on, and travelling at above 60mph, the power meter headed south in a big way and guess what? Range anxiety set in.

Two M6 services stop offs were needed. The 100kW fast chargers are easy to use. Just plug it in, show your credit/debit card and within 20 to 30 minutes you will have at least an 80 per cent charge.

The second stop was nearer our destination as the range was again plunging alarmingly, but there were problems with charging. One station was out of action and the other would not charge until the car next to me had finished.

All this added to journey time and a growing sense of frustration and trepidation.

By the time we got off the motorway, it was getting dark and still raining heavily with about 60 miles to our destination and the predicted range dropping relentlessly.

Ninety buttock-clenching minutes later we arrived, with a range of just under 40 miles showing. So what next?

The Lake District EV infrastructure is patchy to say the least. So we had to spend our second, and only full day, planning how to charge up. We found one place at a hotel that was free, but out of action. Again range anxiety.

Helped out by a friendly campsite owner

However, it was a beautiful day and where we were staying had spectacular views across the western lakes and fells. So we pretty much stayed put and approached a friendly campsite owner who agreed to let us use our three-pin trickle charger overnight.

That can give a full charge, but takes up to 15 hours from flat. However, ready to journey back the next morning, we had a full charge.

The return journey pretty much mirrored the first. Driving rain, multiple charging stops and problems finding unoccupied charging points and, yes, arriving with about 40 miles range left. One thing this trip has shown is that just like petrol or diesel motors, fuel figures take a battering when cold, electrical components and speed come into play.

With combustion engines, however, filling stations – even in the Lake District – are plentiful. Not so with charging points and the same applies to most rural areas. Electric cars are seeing rapidly growing sales and are widely perceived as the future of emissions-free motoring, with combustion engines are due to be phased out by 2030 and hybrids by 2035.

Hopefully, by then, range anxiety and infrastructure problems will be a distant memory.

Even with the current energy crisis, EVs remain cheaper to run than combustion engines. I have driven many electric cars and no matter what the predicted range is, you cannot stop yourself keeping an eye on the range.

It is the first time I have driven one this far, in such awful conditions, and it will be a rare occurrence for most. But for those using it for work and travelling the country, it needs careful consideration before taking the plunge.