Rugby club to host ‘Great Stuff’ food and music event on Bank holiday weekend
Event Highlights
Join the DDC Summer Send Off on Saturday, August 30, hosted by Sutton Coldfield Rugby Club for a day packed with entertainment. Experience a circus workshop, silent disco, and live performances, plus enjoy inflatables, bubble machines, and an exciting world record attempt.
Food and drink
Treat your taste buds with delicious street food from top Midlands vendors including Banquet 1415, Disco Fries, Duck & Roll, Only Jerkin’, Street Chef, Street Souvlaki, Stripclub, Tacos El Pap, Urban Cheesecake, and Victoria Crêperie. Refresh with craft beers, cocktails, and slushies from the festival bars.
Live music line-up
The Good Stuff Main Stage will showcase top local talent featuring Hockley Social Club (HSC), Lucas D & The Ghetto Groove, Metz Jnr Band, DJ Mr ‘M’ Milford, Ryan Evans, and Shanty Town.
World record attempt
Make history with the Metz Jnr Band as they attempt to break the record for “Most People Simultaneously Playing Shakers.” Every participant receives a free shaker to keep and a certificate to commemorate the event. Metz Jnr says: “Music unites people, and we can’t wait to rock Sutton Coldfield Rugby Club!”
Celebrating five years
Jack Brabant, DDC co-founder, shared: “Sutton Coldfield always gives us a warm welcome. We’re excited to bring a fresh, fun experience to the town and the West Midlands.”
DDC Summer Tour continues
The DDC Summer Tour runs from May to September with 40+ street food events across Birmingham, Solihull, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, and Staffordshire. Now in its eighth year, the tour attracts 70,000+ visitors annually—don’t miss out!
Join the fun at Sutton Coldfield Rugby Club for an unforgettable Bank Holiday weekend! 🎉
Amazon is calling on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK to apply for the Amazon Innovation Accelerator 2025 — a fully-funded programme designed to help SMEs innovate, digitise, and scale for the future.
The programme kicks off in Birmingham on 27 June, 2025 with an in-person Innovation Day at Amazon’s Sutton Coldfield Fulfilment Centre.
Participating SMEs will have the rare opportunity to go behind the scenes of Amazon’s innovation engine, take part in hands-on workshops, and engage directly with Amazon experts and SME-focused professionals.
Key features of the programme include:
Innovation Day at Amazon – Experience Amazon’s approach to innovation first-hand, with exclusive access to its facility and expert-led sessions.
Tailored Innovation Training – Learn from professionals who understand the challenges SMEs face and gain insights to drive practical, scalable change.
Amazon Innovation Leadership Course – Complete a 12-module online course to become a certified AIA Innovation Leader and join a UK-wide peer network.
£100,000 Innovation Challenge Prize – Participants who complete the course are eligible to compete for a share of the funding to support their innovation journey.
Additional Support – Receive $1,000 in AWS credits and continuous access to resources, fireside chats, and an online learning community.
The programme is designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing SME leaders to participate at their own pace.
Successful applicants will gain full access to the programme, including the online leadership course and innovation community platform, shortly after selection.
To learn more, please contact aia@growthstudio.com
Pictured: Amazon’s Sutton Coldfield Fulfilment Centre
Sack races, space hoppers and a tug of war are among the activities on the agenda when the Retro Games return to Sutton Coldfield next month.
Workplace teams can sign up to go head-to-head in a series of nostalgic races and quirky challenges during the event organised by Inspire Activity.
The popular team-building event takes place on Thursday, July 17, from 4pm to 7pm, at The Fig and Olive, part of the Coppice Garden Centre, near Sutton Coldfield.
It costs £295 (plus VAT) to enter a team of four to six colleagues.
Dennis Kennedy, founder of Inspire Activity, which also operates the Community Games, said: “This is more than just a laugh – it’s team building done right.
“You’ll walk away with stronger relationships, improved communication, a shared sense of achievement, and a team that’s genuinely more bonded than when they arrived.”
A Sutton Coldfield centenarian care home resident has inspired nurses at Birmingham’s Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (ROH) with memories of her service during the Second World War
Now 101 years old, Joy McCliskie is a resident at Mercia Grange, a Care UK care home.
She worked as a nurse at the hospital from 1940-1948. During her time at the ROH Joy worked on the wards and in the later years in the outpatients’ department, then located on Broad Street.
Much of her nursing career took place during the war, a very different time to be a nurse than it is today.
Sophie and Helen, two nurses currently working at ROH, were enthralled by Joy’s memories of working during those years, from the use of frames for turning spinal patients to warming beds with stone hot water bottles and wearing tin hats when on night duty.
Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, said: “Giving older people an opportunity to reminisce is at the heart of everything we do, so when the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital team reached out to us, we were excited to invite them in for a chat.
“Joy’s time with Sophie and Helen brought back many happy memories for her, and we hope it will inspire many others to follow in her footsteps.”
An ROH spokesperson added: “While the daily roles of nurses may have changed over the decades, nursing remains the lifeblood of the NHS.
“Our nurses work incredibly hard to care for the many patients who are treated at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, delivering compassionate care and helping patients regain their mobility, independence and quality of life.”
About the ROH
The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest specialist orthopaedic units in Europe, offering planned orthopaedic surgery to people locally, nationally, and internationally.
The Trust is an accredited Veteran Aware organisation and a Disability Confident Leader. Ranked eighth in the 2024 UK Inclusive Top 50 Employers list, the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital is the highest-ranking NHS organisation for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
You can follow the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital on social media:
Charges for parking at Sutton Park are set to go ahead, but Birmingham City Council has announced revised charges after a public outcry.
Parking fees at three of the city’s most desirable parks: Sutton Park, Lickey Hills Country Park, and Sheldon Country Park. This decision arises from the council’s persistent financial difficulties, as they seek new revenue streams following significant budget cuts and a second consecutive rise in council tax.
A recent public consultation revealed that a majority of residents are against the proposed parking charges. Despite the considerable opposition, the Labour-run council maintains that these fees are crucial for covering the costs associated with park maintenance. They recognize that parking charges can be “controversial and unpopular,” yet stress that the income generated will not entirely cover maintenance expenses, necessitating ongoing taxpayer support.
In response to public feedback, the council has made minor adjustments to the proposed fees:
Sutton Park & Lickey Hills Country Park:
£1 per hour (up to 4 hours)
£5 for all-day parking
£52 for an annual permit
Charges apply 9 am–6 pm, 365 days a year, with a 30-minute free grace period.
Sheldon Country Park:
£0.75 per hour (up to 3 hours)
£3.50 for all-day parking
£52 for an annual permit
Same operating hours and grace period as above.
The council argues that implementing parking fees at major parks is “common practice” throughout the UK and aligns with “national best practice.”
They believe that the revised fees could help alleviate the impact on local businesses while attracting more visitors. The council aims to balance the need for revenue with the desire to maintain accessibility to these premium green spaces.
However, critics express concern that these charges may discourage individuals, particularly lower-income families, from enjoying the parks. There is apprehension that local businesses, which depend on park visitors, could face adverse effects due to diminished foot traffic.
What do you think about Sutton Park charges? Do you believe it’s truly justified?
Four Oaks Saints Cricket Club and CUDOS Creative partnership formed
A Sutton Coldfield cricket club has had a partner step up to the crease, with CUDOS Creative sponsoring Four Oaks Saints’ women’s team.
The firm, based at Wren’s Court, off The Parade in Sutton Coldfield, believes that even marketing maestros know a solid partnership is the best way to ‘hit boundaries’ for community and inclusivity.
Branding and Promotion
As part of this partnership, the CUDOS Creative logo will be prominently displayed on the women’s team official kit. Additionally, CUDOS will provide support to promote the club across social media platforms, reaching new audiences and encouraging broader participation, especially within the women’s team.
Community Impact
The club aims to expand its impact both on and off the pitch by welcoming new supporters, volunteers, and players. They are also exploring opportunities for community and corporate team-building events to strengthen ties with local businesses.
CUDOS Creative
Kate Curry, Founder of CUDOS Creative, said, “We’re passionate about creativity, collaboration, and community, and this sponsorship brings all three together. Supporting the Four Oaks Saints women’s team is a wonderful opportunity to help build a future where women’s sport is celebrated and given the platform it deserves. We are excited about how we can enhance the club’s profile and visibility across our region.”
Four Oaks Saints Cricket Club
Emily Sutton from the Four Oaks Saints Cricket Club added: “ As women’s cricket continues to grow in popularity, having a sponsor that is enthusiastic about investing in its development is a significant morale boost for both the players and the community. This partnership is rooted in a mutual commitment to our local community, making it a powerful collaboration for both CUDOS Creative and Four Oaks Saints Cricket Club.”
A Matter of Life and Death Festival, organised by community group BrumYODO, returns for another thought-provoking edition, from May 5 -17, transforming spaces across Birmingham – from tattoo parlours to libraries, pubs to country parks – into hubs for open discussions about mortality, grief, and end-of-life care.
Festival Highlights:
May 6 – Death Café & Undertakers’ Discussion
Sun Rising Burial Ground (Warwick): The festival kicks off with a Death Café – an informal space to chat about life and death over tea and cake.
A Natural Undertaking (Hall Green): An evening of wine, cheese, and candid conversation on making difficult discussions about death more comfortable.
May 7 – Memorial Tattoos at Lucky Rabbit
The festival’s newest venue, Lucky Rabbit Tattoo Studio (Jewellery Quarter), hosts a talk on memorial ink—exploring tattoos as a way to honor lost loved ones.
May 8 – Interfaith Walk (Handsworth)
A guided walk through Handsworth’s places of worship, uncovering diverse funeral rites, mourning customs, and spiritual perspectives on death.
May 9 – Kathryn Mannix Talk (Stourbridge)
The bestselling author of With the End in Mind shares insights on compassionate end-of-life care. (Due to high demand, a second session has been added.)
May 10 – Walking Tours
Morning:Five Ways to Die in Birmingham – a macabre yet fascinating tour of lost cemeteries, plague pits, and the grave of the lightbulb inventor.
Afternoon: A wellbeing poetry walk in Lickey Hills, blending nature, remembrance, and creative writing.
May 13 – Meet the Undertakers (Kings Heath)
A rare chance to tour A Natural Undertaking, ask burning questions, and demystify the funeral process.
May 15 – Death at the Museum & Tea Room Death Café
Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery: A curator-led tour of death-themed artworks.
Edwardian Tea Rooms: Reflective discussions over cake in an elegant setting.
May 17 – Pop-Up Death finale (Birmingham Library)
The festival closes with an interactive, all-ages event featuring coffin decorating, storytelling, and art installations—bringing death out of the shadows and into public conversation.
Why It Matters:
As the UK’s first Compassionate City, Birmingham leads the way in breaking taboos around death. BrumYODO’s festival offers safe, creative, and sometimes surprising ways to engage with a subject often left unspoken.
Emma Waterford, BrumYODO board member, said “We are thrilled to close the festival at Birmingham Library in the city centre. With its glass walls overlooking Centenary Square, we aim to bring visibility to the often hidden topics of death and dying, encouraging open conversations about living well until we die.”
Most events are free or low-cost. Some require booking—check the full program: 🔗 brumyodo.org.uk/events 📱 Follow updates: @BrumYODO
Discover Larnaka in 2025—where accessibility meets heritage! Explore Braille menus, tactile museums, and the Ablebook app. Wander honey villages, virtual tours, and festive Christmas markets. Dive into history, culture, and inclusive travel in Cyprus’ hidden gem.
Boosting accessibility for visitors to Larnaka in 2025
Several pioneering initiatives to boost accessibility in the region were launched last year, including a first for Cyprus with the tourism board collaborating with the charity ‘ena emeis’ and St. Barnabas School for the Blind to introduce Braille menus with QR codes for blind and visually impaired individuals.
The menus were rolled out in November at the Golden Bay Beach Hotel, Sandy Beach Hotel & Spa, Lordos Beach Hotel and Spa, Radisson Blu Hotel, Larnaca, Robinson Cyprus, Sun Hall Hotel and E-Hotel Spa & Resort.
Additionally, the Pierides Museum now features a tactile station, allowing sensory exploration of Larnaka’s history. This follows the museum’s award-winning ‘Guided Sensory Tour for the Blind’. Videos at ‘The Craft of Caning Museum, Livadia’ that showcase the basketry tradition have also been adapted to include large caption subtitles and sign language for people with visual and auditory disabilities, as well as a museum booklet in Braille.
Visitors can take advantage of the ground breaking Ablebook app, which can be downloaded to find out which establishments and attractions are suitable for people with disabilities, along with useful information and special offers. The app can be found on the App Store and Google Play.
See authentic attractions in Larnaka’s Rural Villages
Larnaka Tourism Board continues to enhance the unique charms of its rural villages, building on 2024’s successes such as the second honeybee-themed nature trail in Vavla, artistic Athienou bus stops inspired by UNESCO-listed lace, and an illuminated swing chair in Choirokoitia. Mosaic planters in Kato Lefkara, Agios Theodoros, and Choirokoitia celebrate local heritage, while a traditional village farm in Agios Theodoros will open in early 2025. Visitors can also discover local Myths and Legends via QR codes at landmarks across the region. Click here for more info.
Explore ‘Virtual Larnaka’ to inspire a visit in 2025
The latest virtual and 3D projects take people on a journey through mountainous honey villages… and back in time to discover the region’s rich, religious history. Highlights include:
Larnaka Honey Villages – The cluster of beekeeping and honey producing villages collectively branded as ‘Rural Larnaka Honey Villages’ can be toured virtually, from themed nature trails and parks, to beekeeping experiences, crafts and exhibits. People can immerse themselves in the villages at home, or use the platform as a virtual tour guide when exploring them first-hand.
Agia Eleni and the Holy Cross in Cyprus – The history of Agia Eleni (Saint Helena); mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, and her arrival on the island is now captured with a virtual tour of the areas in Larnaka that the Royal Mother visited, and the churches that were founded with the piece of the Holy Cross that she left at each site. As well as interesting facts about her journey, people can virtually explore the churches of the area, including their interiors and artefacts.
Virtual Reconstruction of Agios Athanasios Church – The church of Agios (Saint) Athanasios Pentaschoinitis in Agios Theodoros has been brought to life. Agios Athanasios was a 7th century saint whose burial place became a sacred place. A church was built on the site in the 8th century, and the video shows the evolution of the basilica ruins, the Saint’s crypt, and the renovated upper structure that was completed this year. It is the fourth virtual reconstruction following the Ancient Port of Kition, Kalavasos-Tenta Archaeological Site and the Church of the Holy Cross, Tochni.
Larnaka’s Christmas Villages 2025
Now in their third year, the Christmas markets took place in eight villages across the region until 6 January 2025 and were hugely successful, drawing in locals and tourists alike. Although there’s another 11 months until the festive season 2025, for those who love a Christmas market its worth pencilling in now. See what to expect here. The online event calendar is continually updated; so check the dates here for all events taking place this year including the Xmas markets.
For more information, read the winter newsletter in full, click here.
Pictured are Connor Blunt with finance director Keeley Blunt at the firm’s premises
Millennium Cargo relocates HQ to town
Sutton Coldfield has been chosen as the base for an exciting new chapter in the 28-year history of a Midlands-based freight forwarding company.
Millennium Cargo has made a bold move by relocating its headquarters to the town in a strategic shift that not only signifies growth but also positions the company for even greater opportunities.
About Millennium Cargo
Founded in 1996, Millennium Cargo is a family business that assists companies in moving goods worldwide — from shipping containers overseas to transporting urgent parcels by air.
Growth and Expansion
The move to larger premises in Sutton Coldfield coincides with the company’s continued growth in team size, client base, and international reach. Millennium Cargo collaborates with clients across the UK and around the globe, shipping everything from factory machinery to fashion wear.
A Hub for Innovation and Support
The new office will also serve as a hub for innovation, training, and client support.
A Vision for Future Growth
“Our decision to move wasn’t solely based on needing more space; it was about creating the right environment for our next stage of growth,” said Connor Blunt, commercial director of Millennium Cargo.
“We’ve spent nearly three decades building a company known for its honesty, reliability, and straightforward approach to freight. The new Sutton Coldfield office reflects the direction we’re heading — it’s modern, better connected, and provides us with the space and opportunities to serve our clients even better.”
Joining the Local Business Community
“We’re excited to join the Sutton Coldfield business community and look forward to building strong local partnerships.”
The Royal Business Fair 2025 is back, and this year’s theme is all about community. Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce is championing a thriving business community, one where businesses don’t just exist, but connect, support and grow together.
The Royal Business Fair is a prime event aimed at bringing together professionals, entrepreneurs, and business owners from Royal Sutton Coldfield and across Greater Birmingham to connect, support and grow.
Taking place at the Gracechurch Centre, The exhibition serves as a platform for businesses of all sizes and industries to showcase their products, services, and expertise to a diverse audience. Attendees can expect to explore a wide array of offerings, from innovative technologies to traditional services, creating ample opportunities for networking and business development.
Why Attend?
Whether you’re a small business, a growing enterprise, or an industry leader, the Royal Business Fair offers a chance to:
Making new connections
Learning new skills
Raising your profile
Key Highlights:
Network with business leaders– Meet decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across the region.
Showcase your business – Exhibit your brand in front of a highly engaged audience.
Engage and learn – Join expert-led seminars, interactive workshops, and fast-paced speed networking.
Boost your visibility – Take advantage of session or headline sponsorship opportunities to stand out.
Event Details:
35+ Exhibitors Expected
350 Delegates Expected
40 Businesses at Speed Networking
Venue:
The Gracechurch Centre 210A Parade Sutton Coldfield B72 1PA
Sutton Coldfield Life 