We’ve been there, haven’t we. Sitting in a restaurant when a bunch of chancer decide they don’t fancy paying the bill, despite having had a perfectly good meal with good service.

The usual scam goes along the lines of ‘the meat was cold’, ‘the steak was over/undercooked,’ or ‘I didn’t order those vegetables’, followed by ‘II want a discount or even a free meal’. Then there are those who come back and say they have had food poisoning. No proof of course.

The implied threat is always there though, a poor social media review or threatening a food standards complaint.

We have also seen the owners/manager often capitulate because otherwise it is too much hassle they don’t want a scene in the restaurant/pub.

The are scumbags really who put decent businesses at risk and at the same time the jobs of the often poorly paid staff.

Now it has got worse as a Sutton Coldfield restaurant, The Bracebridge, has discovered.

Here is a story that first appeared in the Express & Star newspaper/website written by Andy Richardson and has since beeen picked up by national TV.

Thanks for allowing me to reprint

Restaurants and hospitality blackmailed by scammers

Scammers are blackmailing restaurants into paying them hard cash – warning that they’ll post negative online reviews if they don’t comply.
And restaurateurs say they are at their wits’ end that online sites can be too slow to react when the issue is raised.
Restaurateurs have faced challenges since the rise of online reviews made them vulnerable to customers who might want to seek free drinks or a discount on their bill. 
Most restaurants have encountered end-of-the-evening conversations with those who’ve effectively blackmailed venues into providing a discount or a free drink, under pain of facing a bad review if they do not.
But the problem has become more serious as scammers home in on restaurateurs and tell them that they will post numerous negative reviews in a bid to damage their business. 
Organised criminals with multiple email accounts and the ability to post numerous damaging reviews are seeking to extort funds from business owners.
Sam Morgan, boss of The Open Restaurant Group, today spoke up on the issue, revealing he has been battling extortion during the past two weeks. He has released dozens of messages from an individual who has demanded a four-figure ransom to avoid negative reviews being posted.
Mr Morgan runs six restaurants, including The Bracebridge, at Sutton Park, near Walsall. His other restaurants are near Birmingham and near Liverpool.
Mr Morgan was contacted by a scammer who demanded money and threatened to post bad reviews if a transfer was not made to a PayPal account.
He refused to pay and contacted TripAdvisor and Google to say he had been the victim of an extortion attempt by a blackmailer. When Mr Morgan refused to comply with a deadline set by the criminal, a negative online review was posted.
Mr Morgan said: “It’s frightening what people will do and as a business owner there’s only one way to respond – you have to stand firm and say no.
“If you’re weak and agree to pay, these people will simply come back for more and drain your business until it goes under.”
Mr Morgan said there were two issues that restaurateurs were having to deal with. The first was the criminal act of extortion and blackmail by people seeking cash. 
The second was the delays and non-responses from online platform, who were slow to respond to proven cases of extortion and failed to take down fake reviews, thereby becoming complicit in damaging businesses. 
He said they often had no human customer service and left complaints to AI, which frequently provided zero assistance. Mr Morgan shared messages between him and a blackmailer in which Mr Morgan tackled the issue head-on.
His message said: “It’s fake. Just like the reviews.”
The blackmailer replied: “It will work, haha.”
Mr Morgan responded: “It won’t get you paid.”
The blackmailer said: “Let’s see and remember my word.”
Mr Morgan then said he’d work to delete any fake reviews. The blackmailer responded: “If you come back to me to delete the reviews I’ll increase the amount next time.”
The blackmailer also threatened to put the exchange online. Mr Morgan told him the conversation was fake. The blackmailer replied: “No, it’s not.”
Mr Morgan wrote: “You’re such a fraudster.”
The blackmailer said: “Whatever you think you can.”
Mr Morgan said: “Why do you do this to people? I don’t understand.”
The blackmailer said: “I’m doing this because you refused to help me.”
Mr Morgan said: “Why do I have to help you. I don’t know you.”
The blackmailer replied: “Okay. Let it be.”
Mr Morgan said: “I don’t help people who extort money from people.”
The blackmailer said: “I’m busy now … Doing more reviews.”
The blackmailer later adds: “Listen if you really want to help me then text me. Otherwise, I’ll do whatever I want. I’ll not stop this until I get paid. I’ll not stop, never.”
Mr Morgan said: “So what do you want for this to stop?”
The blackmailer replied: “You know what I want.”
Mr Morgan said: “£2,000?”
The blackmailer increased the demand: “Now £2,500. If you don’t do this now, I’ll increase the amount day by day. That would be your loss.”
The blackmailer later added: “You don’t really have any option.”
Mr Morgan said the exchange was ‘dark and chilling’. 
He said: “The blackmailer was aware of the damage that posting fake reviews would do to a business that we’ve worked so hard to create. He or she was actively pleased by that – it gave them a sense of power and they clearly wanted to make us feel vulnerable.”
Mr Morgan contacted TripAdvisor and Google and shared the tranche of messages with them.
The blackmailer subsequently posted two fake reviews that rated Mr Morgan’s restaurants as terrible and provided a false and egregious account to mislead potential customers.
Mr Morgan contacted TripAdvisor and Google again. TripAdvisor quickly placed Mr Morgan’s restaurants on a watch list but there was no initial response from Google, which used an AI chatbot and had no human interface.
Mr Morgan said: “There are two really serious issues at play. The first is the vulnerability of businesses in an online world where people can blackmail companies by posting fake content. The discourse between the blackmailer and I was overt, unarguable and crass in the extreme.
“The blackmailer asked for £2,000 – then changed that to £2,500 – and was explicit in their intentions. That’s a criminal matter, for the relevant authorities.
“The second issue is the one surrounding the responsibility of Google and other online platforms, where people can post reviews. The responses from big tech are frighteningly slow, or non-existent, and in not fulfilling their duties they become complicit in the publication of fake reviews.
“There needs to be a better system in place so that online platforms are alive to the threats and fulfil their duties in respect of customer service. They can’t stop people posting fake reviews – but they have a responsibility to act immediately to take those down and now allow themselves to be a platform for publication.
“TripAdvisor was quick to take action, but Google used a chatbot that responded ‘We can’t understand your issue’. These companies make billions – it’s just not good enough.”
A spokesperson for Google said the company would assess the screengrabs between Mr Morgan and the person seeking to extort cash. It said the matter would then be escalated to the relevant teams.

With the Olympics fast approaching, a local care home is limbering up for their very own sporting tournament.

On Monday July 24, from 2-4pm, Care UK’s Mercia Grange, on Lichfield Road, will be bringing Paris to Sutton Coldfield as they open their doors for local people to enjoy their own version of the Games. 

The event comes as Mercia Grange joins The Big Care UK Sports Day, which sees over 130 Care UK homes across the UK host sports days for the local community and showcase what life in a care home is really like. 

Professional boxer, Shakan Pitters, who held the British light-heavyweight title in 2020 and regularly hosts exercise sessions for residents, will be kickstarting the day. Following this, guests can soak up the sporting atmosphere and, for those daring to compete, have the chance to win their own gold medals with an afternoon of fun and games, including egg-and-spoon, three-legged and sack races.

Visitors can also enjoy a traditional summer barbecue cooked by the home’s talented head chef, while listening to live entertainment from the African Drumming Music Group.

Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming the local community to join our own sporting celebrations.  

“We are part of a strong community here in Sutton Coldfield, and days like this are a fantastic way of bringing us all together for a little healthy competition and to celebrate this year’s summer of sport, all while showcasing exactly what life is like in Care UK homes.”

“The day not only promises a lot of laughter and enjoyment for all involved, but also is an excellent way for residents to meet and mingle with lots of new faces – and some familiar ones – to celebrate a summer of sport. We can’t wait until kick-off!”

To find out more about The Big Care UK Sports Day, please visit: careuk.com/care-uk-sports-day

For more information about Mercia Grange and to book your place at the event, please call Customer Relations Manager, Rachel Mackay, on 0121 314 3196, or email Rachel.Mackay@careuk.com

Members of the Armed Forces will be able to get a free hot breakfast at Tesco New Oscott cafe to mark the Armed Forces Day celebration on Sunday.

As a thank-you for their service, on Sunday 30 June, all serving Armed Forces personnel, regulars and reservists can present their MOD90 identification card at Tesco New Oscott café in Sutton Coldfield and get The Breakfast, The Veggie Breakfast, The Vegan Breakfast, Sausage Bap, Veggie Bap or the Bacon Bap for free.*

It’s the third year of offering the free breakfast, and this year it has been extended to veterans with a valid Veteran’s ID card. The promotion is limited to one free breakfast per cardholder.  

Ashwin Prasad, Group Chief Product Officer at Tesco and Exec Sponsor of the Armed Forces Network, said: “As the largest private employer of Armed Forces veterans in the UK we feel a close affinity with Armed Forces personnel. Everyone loves a free breakfast and it’s a nice way of thanking them for their service.”

Rhys Little, Chair of the Armed Forces Network at Tesco, said: “We take great pride in our connection with the Armed Forces. We’ve received the Gold Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme twice now – in 2016 and 2020 – and we were also the first retailer to sign the Armed Forces Covenant in 2014.”

YMCA Sutton Coldfield marked Founders Day which celebrated 180 years of the YMCA movement by inviting local people to celebrate with them

YMCA Sutton Coldfield, based on St Bernards Road in the town, has been around for more than 100 years.

Each year it supports around 800 young people and adults through various services, including housing, support for young carers, youth work and disability.

The organisation was created from humble beginnings in 19th century London by 22-year-old draper George Williams.

He joined forces with a group of friends to organise the first Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), a refuge of Bible study and prayer for young men seeking escape from the hazards of life on the streets of London.

And 180 years on, YMCA has grown to serve more than 65 million people across 120 countries, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

YMCA Sutton Coldfield marked the occasion of Founders Day by inviting the community to celebrate with them.

Recently-completed renovation work was also unveiled.

Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust funded extensive work to The Lodge including replacing its roof and widening the doorway at the top of the ramp for wheelchair access.

The Youth Work room and the ‘Pod’ have been redecorated to create modern youth work spaces including a gaming area and dedicated podcast space funded by Comic Relief.

The Sensory room has been updated following a donation from parents of young people using the services.

The resident’s kitchen was refurbished by a group of volunteers led by Clare Whalley of Meta4 Business Coaching.

Rachel Dutta Choudhury, bid writing, fundraising and development manager at YMCA Sutton Coldfield, said: “We are so grateful for the support of our funders and the community.

“Being able to update our facilities makes such a difference to the young people we work with.”

YMCA is the world’s largest and oldest charity working with young people and their communities.

All YMCAs are independent and responsible for generating their own funds.

No excuse for abuse – we want everyone to enjoy the football this summer says police

Police have warned football fans that domestic abuse will not be tolerated during the UEFA European Football Championship is taking place. Whilst this may be a time of fun and celebration for many, for others, this can be quite a nerve-wracking time.  

Football matches do not cause domestic abuse, factors such as increased alcohol consumption and heightened emotions during matches can sometimes cause existing domestic abuse to increase in frequency and severity.  

West Midlands Police have measures in place to protect victims of domestic abuse and officers will be actively looking to prosecute and hold offenders to account, issuing Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPNs) where appropriate.

DVPNs provide short-term protection for domestic abuse victims, by granting temporary respite from their abuser, that allows victims to access and engage with support services without interference.   

Detective Superintendent Simon Inglis, our force lead for domestic abuse, said: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy the football this summer and whatever the result of the matches, it’s fine to be happy or disappointed. But it’s not acceptable for you to take any frustrations you may have out on other people around you. There’s never any excuse for abuse. 

We always take robust action against anybody who commits domestic abuse offences in order that we can protect victims, so we’ll be doing all we can to ensure people enjoy the matches in a safe way throughout the tournament.” 

PC Catherine Clinton, the football investigation officer for offences against women and girls, also shares her advice here for getting support if you’re concerned about your behaviour and want to change it. 

If you have experienced domestic abuse, it’s important you that you report itto us. In an emergency, call 999. 

There are also a range of support services you can access. Find out more. 

Theatregoers are invited to take a trip down Memory Lane with a summer variety show at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall.

Brought to you by the producers of The D-Day Darlings, the summer Variety Show takes audiences on a nostalgic trip down back to the good old days at the seaside, with popular songs such as  “Oh I do like to be beside the seaside”, “Bring me Sunshine”, “A Little stick of Blackpool Rock”, “We’re all going on a summer Holiday” and many more.

Performed by a high quality cast including; Musical Merry Maker Andy Eastwood with his lovable ukulele, the vocal talents of Helen Farrel & Richard Hazlewood and also including singers from the D-Day Darlings, making this show the best thing since sliced bread..!

Tickets cost £25.50 and includes a seasonal lunch and quiz.

Show times: Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th July – 12pm – 4pm

Tickets are now on here or call the box office on: 0121 296 9543, Monday to Friday, 10am – 4pm. 

Hospice offers prizes for keepy-up experts

People in Sutton Coldfield are invited to get into the football spirit ahead of the Euros with St Giles Hospice’s Keepy-Up Challenge!
St Giles Hospice is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest fundraising initiative – the Keepy-Up Challenge!
As football fever sweeps across the continent ahead of the Euros, St Giles is inviting supporters to join them in a game-changing challenge to raise vital funds.

Whether you’re a seasoned striker or just starting out, everyone can be a champion in this event.
The rules are as straightforward as a penalty kick: Sign up to the Keepy-Up Challenge to receive your free fundraising pack and activity tracker, then show off your skills by completing as many keepy-ups as you can
throughout the Euros 2024 period, between 14th June – 14th July.

Oli Duffy, 14 years old, from Elford, took part in the challenge last year to raise money in memory of his Grandad Willis, who died at St Giles.
Oli said: “My grandad was a keen sportsman so I think he would be proud
of me for raising money for St Giles and raising awareness of the work that they do. I found the challenge fun as it kept me active and helped me with my football skills!”

Sam Colclough, Events Coordinator at St Giles Hospice, added: “Our Keepy- Up Challenge is a winning opportunity for local people to blend their love of football with fundraising for St Giles.
“Every pound raised goes directly towards supporting local people, and
their loved ones, living with a terminal illness.”

But the excitement doesn’t stop at the final whistle! Participants who reachthe medal target (£50 for individuals, and £200 for a team) will receive a Keepy-Up Challenge medal in the post and be entered into a prize draw to win an array of sporty prizes, including the chance to win four England match tickets.!
For more information and to sign up for the Keepy-Up challenge, visit:
http://www.stgileshospice.com/keepyupchallenge/

Arthur Terry partnership grows

Sutton Coldfield based The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP) has welcomed two Birmingham schools to its growing multi-academy trust.

Deykin Avenue Junior and Infant School in Witton and Paget Primary School in Erdington officially joined the Sutton Coldfield based multi-academy trust of schools on 1 June.

They join partner primaries in Sutton Coldfield, Tamworth, Lichfield and Warwickshire, as well as neighbouring Erdington primaries Brookvale, Slade and Osborne – which is currently celebrating its recent Ofsted success.

The 24-strong ATLP multi-academy trust has 17 primary schools, six secondary schools, one all-through school and one national teaching school hub across Birmingham, North Warwickshire and Staffordshire.

Led by Richard Gill CBE, who is also chair of the national Teaching Schools Hub Council, the ATLP has a proven track record of rigorous school improvement where headteachers and other leaders work together to share best practice and learn from one another as well as from other external networks and partnerships.

Deykin and Paget join ATLP after a period of mutual due diligence which has included formal consultation with parents, staff and the local community.

Deykin Avenue acting headteacher Sharon Brewer said: “What a fantastic opportunity to be part of the ATLP and work closely with a likeminded family of schools who share our strong moral purpose of putting children at the heart of all we do. 

“The Partnership has a proven track record for school improvement, so not only will this have a real impact on teaching and learning, but it will provide numerous opportunities for our children – and our wonderful local community – to flourish.” 

Paget Primary School headteacher Vicky Nussey said: “We are excited to have joined the ATLP as it is the right choice. The values that the Partnership holds shone through immediately and its vision and hopes for the children align with mine. We feel part of a learning family and that’s hugely important.

“The school needed more support, particularly within the School Improvement Team and with succession planning and future-proofing, so benefiting from the ATLP’s infrastructure will support this significantly.”

Richard Gill CBE said: “I’m delighted to welcome Deykin Avenue and Paget to the ATLP. Both are friendly and welcoming schools at the heart of their learning communities. They share the same vision and values of our learning family – to work together to drive forward school improvement, ensuring that each and every child has the opportunity to excel.

“I’m looking forward to working with Sharon and Vicky as we strive collectively as One Trust to make a lasting difference to the children in our care and the communities we serve. These are exciting times for our learning family, and it’s fantastic to be able to welcome Deykin and Paget to our North Birmingham hub of schools.”

The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership is based in Sutton Coldfield. It has more than 15,000 students, staff and governors. 

A Sutton Coldfield care home held a very special celebration to mark Birmingham Pride.

Residents and the team at Care UK’s Bishop Manor, on Jockey Road, decked the home out in rainbow flags and brought out their feather boas to welcome drag artist Aunty Ginger, for an afternoon of glamour, humour and music.

Accompanying the entertainment was a range of activities, including face painting, singing and dancing, which all promoted the message of inclusivity for residents and team members.

Sidney Knight, aged 88, said: “We had a fantastic day celebrating Pride and Aunty Ginger was incredibly vibrant. Some of the jokes were cheeky, but everyone enjoyed them. The last time I saw a drag act was at last year’s Aging with Pride event here at Bishops Manor.

Thomas Bampfield, General manager at Bishops Manor, said: “We had a fantastic time celebrating Pride and flying the rainbow flag.

“Here at Bishops Manor, we’re committed to ensuring the home is a welcoming and supportive place for everyone, which is why we were delighted to be able to show our support for the LGBTQ+ community with a very special celebration.

“Pride month has a wonderful way of bringing people together and we are thrilled everyone enjoyed the celebration; it was great to see everyone get involved laughing and singing. I’d like to say a massive thank you to Aunty Ginger for entertaining us all – she definitely got the party started!”

All team members at Bishops Manor have taken part in equality and diversity training as part of the home’s dedication to creating an open and warm environment. This is supported by Care UK’s LGBTQ+ Network, which provides training and guidance to team members on related issues, as well as developing an open culture in every care home.

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Bishops Manor incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The building has been designed to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents. 

To find out more about Bishops Manor, please call Jody Sedgwick, Home Admissions Advisor, on 0121 667 3734, email jody.sedgwick@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/bishops-manor

A Sutton Coldfield care home is opening its doors to the community for a special commemoration. On June 6, from 2pm – 4pm, Care UK’s Mercia Grange, on Lichfield Road, is welcoming local people to honour the 80^th anniversary of D-Day, June 6, 1944, with its very own lamp lighting ceremony.

At Mercia Grange, the team have been hard at work organising a special commemorative event which will see residents and guests enjoy a 1940s-themed party, complete with bunting, flags, popular wartime songs from singer Tony Wall and the attendance of the British Legion. The culinary team will serve wartime themed refreshments.

To commemorate the Normandy Landings Care UK is partnering with royal pageant master Bruno Peek, CVO OBE OPR, coordinator of ‘D-Day 80 Lamp Light of Peace’. Along with charities supporting the three forces and the Merchant Navy Association, over 100 Care UK homes will take part in this nationwide tribute.

The lamp, which represents the peace that followed the end of World War Two, will be lit at 3pm by Gerald Rose, 94, who was part of the army, serving in Africa, Judy Redgrove, 66, who served for 13 years in the Women’s Royal Naval Service, and Roy Hubbard, Chairman at the British Legion.

Gerald said: “I am very proud to be chosen to light the lamp. It is so important for the community of veterans to come together to remember this day. The Veterans Group in Sutton Coldfield meet regularly and have even had a lunch meeting at Mercia Grange.”

Michael McNelis, Home Manager at Mercia Grange, said: “Here at Mercia Grange we’re always grateful for an opportunity to strengthen our relationships with our neighbours, so we’re looking forward to welcoming the community for a special event marking the 80^th anniversary of D-Day.

“This is an incredibly important milestone for many residents, and we’re keen to honour and remember all those involved. Music is a fantastic way to bring back memories for older people and a wonderful way to bring communities together, so we’re thrilled to welcome Tony to get everyone’s toes tapping.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming new and old faces into Mercia Grange as we mark such a significant moment in history.” 

To find out more about how Care UK is supporting the initiative, please visit: careuk.com/dday-80th-anniversary