Tag Archives: Travel

News

Golden Grooves revives 60s and 70s classics

Leave a comment

Music and community spirit at Sutton Coldfield retirement community

The unforgettable sounds of the 1960s and 70s filled a retirement community in Wylde Green, as residents enjoyed a special performance from singer Jane Francis and her ‘Golden Grooves’ show.

The event perfectly captured the vibrant, community-focused lifestyle enjoyed by homeowners at Broadleaf House Retirement Community.

A nostalgic and upbeat afternoon

The afternoon was a celebration of timeless favourites, with Jane Francis effortlessly switching between the iconic hits of the two decades.

The performance was a delightful blend of music, memories, and conversation, with familiar tunes sparking stories and happy recollections among the guests. The energy was so infectious that several homeowners couldn’t resist taking to the dance floor.

An interval for afternoon tea, freshly prepared by the on-site chef, added to the warm, sociable atmosphere.

Music: The heartbeat of community

Jane shared her joy in performing for the community, stating, “I love seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter when people recognise a song that takes them straight back to a happy memory. Every audience has its own personality, and that makes each event so special.”

She later added how lovely it was to visit such a friendly, welcoming community at Broadleaf House.

Alexandra Johnson, Sales and Marketing Director for Adlington Retirement Living, said: Events like this capture the community spirit that’s at the heart of Broadleaf House, where homeowners and visitors can share great company, conversation and entertainment.”

Community in later life

The sense of community was echoed by homeowner Rob, who moved to Broadleaf House recently. “Moving here was one of the best decisions I have made in later life. It has both physically and mentally improved my life in many ways,” he said.

“I have made many new friends and am socially engaging with people on a daily basis. There is always something going on—from movie nights in the restaurant and weekly cinema visits to coffee mornings and organised days out. Life here can be as full or as relaxing as you choose.”

Retirement Living

Broadleaf House offers a perfect blend of independence and security for those aged 60 and over. The community features:

  • 57 age-exclusive apartments: A range of one, two, and three-bedroom designs.
  • Vibrant communal spaces: Including a homeowners’ lounge, coffee lounge, on-site restaurant, hair salon, therapy room, and activities studio.
  • Beautifully maintained private gardens: Providing a tranquil setting for relaxation.
  • Friendly 24-hour on-site team: Offering peace of mind and support.
  • Optional care packages: Tailored personal care for added independence.
  • Advanced home features: A sophisticated emergency call system and secure video entry.

If you or a loved one are considering retirement living in Sutton Coldfield, a range of beautifully furnished show apartments are open to view daily at Broadleaf House on Birmingham Road from 10am to 5pm.

For more information or to book an appointment, call 0121 817 8680 or visit the website at adlington.co.uk.

News

Festive boost for Sutton Coldfield with free parking, bus travel and cycle use

Leave a comment

Shoppers and visitors to Royal Sutton Coldfield are set for a major festive boost, as a popular scheme offering free parking, discounted bus travel, and free cycle hire returns this November..

While the scheme will be welcome, residents are reminded that free parking only applies to council-run car parks at certain times and not private car parks in the town.

The travel initiative, which comes through a £52,000 investment from Sutton Coldfield Town Council, is supported by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

It is designed to support both local residents and the town’s businesses during the crucial festive trading period, making it cheaper and easier to enjoy everything the town centre has to offer.

Free parking details

In a significant move, free parking will be available in key Birmingham City Council-owned town centre car parks from Thursday, 13 November 2025, until Sunday, 4 January 2026.

The free parking schedule is as follows:

The offer applies on Thursdays and Fridays from 4pm onwards and all day Saturdays and Sundays at the following car parks in the town.

  • Station Street
  • Upper Reddicroft
  • Lower Reddicroft
  • Mill Street
  • Anchorage Road
  • South Parade
  • Duke Street

Expanded travel options

Building on the success of last year’s scheme, the offer extends beyond just parking. Residents have a choice of sustainable and cost-effective ways to get into town:

  1. Free and discounted travel: Individuals* can sign up for two weeks of free bus travel followed by ongoing discounted fares through the Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) scheme.
  2. Free cycle hire: Residents can also cycle into the town centre for free using the West Midlands Combined Authority’s public bike hire scheme, which the Town Council helps to fund.

How to acces the bus travel offer

To take advantage of the free and discounted bus travel, residents must sign up for the Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council mailing list by 10am on Monday, 10th November 2025. Further details and a unique access code will be sent via an e-newsletter after this date.

You can sign up using the form here: http://eepurl.com/di-Cwr

*Please note: If you have applied for this specific bus transport offer in a previous year, you will not be eligible for the new free and discounted bus tickets.

Supporting Sutton’s town centre

Councillor Simon Ward, Leader of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, emphasised the scheme’s importance: “Whilst it’s great to see new investment with work starting on new stores and the Gateway Scheme, we fully recognise the need to support the town centre’s diverse range of businesses through the crucial festive period.”

He added, “Subsidising free car parking and promoting free bus and cycle hire will make it cheaper and easier for people to travel into the town centre and make the most of our fantastic festive offer. We also want to give visitors a choice of different ways to travel, including opportunities to try more sustainable options.”

News

Beat the autumn chill with Sutton Coldfield Town Hall’s hot November line-up

Leave a comment

As the nights draw in and the air grows colder, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall is offering a warm welcome this November.

The town centre venue says it is offering a month-long extravaganza of comedy, live music, theatre, and festive cheer.

Here’s your essential guide to what’s on this November.

A month of special music

Get ready for a tour through the greatest sounds in music history, with tributes that feel as good as the real thing.

  • One Night of Billy Joel (Fri, 14th Nov): Robert Schmuck and his incredible 7-piece band bring the songs of ‘The Piano Man’ to life in a breath-taking show. Sing along to mega-hits like ‘Uptown Girl,’ ‘My Life,’ and ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’ in a non-stop celebration of one of music’s true legends.
  • The Stevie & Luther Show (Sat, 15th Nov): Prepare for a soulful night as Nat Augustin, one of the UK’s finest singers, delivers an authentic and powerful tribute to the legendary sounds of Stevie Wonder and Luther Vandross. A million-selling setlist guaranteed to get you on your feet.
  • The History of Rock (Fri, 21st Nov): This is a rock pilgrimage for any music fan. Celebrating a legendary line-up headlined by “one of the greatest bands of all time,” expect an electrifying night of anthems that defined a generation.
  • Tujhe Dekha (Sat, 16th Nov): Immerse yourself in the colour and romance of Bollywood. This spectacular show celebrates the silver screen’s most iconic duo with live music, dazzling choreography, and a parade of unforgettable, heart-capturing hits.
  • The Crooners Christmas Special (Wed, 27th Nov): Get into the festive spirit with a side of laughter! Backed by an outrageous Big Band, this hit comedy-cabaret show features iconic Christmas classics by the greats like Sinatra and Buble. It’s a hilarious, sing-along sensation that will leave you brimming with cheer.

Theatre and the spoken word

  • A Christmas Carol – A Radio Play Live On Stage! (Mon, 10th Nov): This is a must-see for theatre and TV buffs. Witness a live radio play featuring Colin Baker and Peter Purves, with a specially recorded appearance by the legendary Tom Baker as the ghost of Jacob Marley. A unique and wonderfully nostalgic take on Dickens’ classic.
  • Town Hall Talks: Fred Dinenage (Tue, 25th Nov): True crime enthusiasts, this one’s for you. Hear the definitive insight into the Kray twins from their trusted official biographer. Fred Dinenage shares astonishing stories from his book, Ronnie, Reggie & Me, in a gripping evening of living history.

Loads of laughter

  • Funny Beeseness Comedy Night (Sun, 9th Nov): The hugely popular ‘Live At The Town Hall’ comedy night is back! Headlined by a very special guest and featuring the best acts from the national circuit, prepare for a night of side-splitting humour that will have you laughing all the way to work on Monday morning.

Festive festivities and events

  • A Celtic Christmas (Sat, 22nd Nov): Be enchanted by an ethereal evening of powerful melodies. This show features cherished carols and haunting traditional instruments, sung with a beautiful, folk-infused harmony that will transport you to a wintery Celtic landscape.
  • Christmas Wreath Making Workshop (Fri, 28th Nov): Unleash your creativity at this therapeutic workshop. Learn tips and tricks to create a beautiful, festive wreath to take home, all while enjoying mulled wine and mince pies. The perfect start to the Christmas season.
  • Love Life Again: Growth, Healing & Connection (Sun, 23rd Nov): A different kind of event for the Town Hall, offering a space for anyone who has experienced grief, trauma, or loss. Explore stalls from local healers and holistic guides focused on well-being and moving forward.
  • Sutton Coldfield Chamber Choir (Mon, 24th Nov): Enjoy a more refined evening as the local chamber choir celebrates the 80th birthday of the beloved composer John Rutter, performing popular secular works to suit a wide range of tastes.

Christmas magical beauty with the pantomime

As November ends, the festive season at the Town Hall is just beginning! Get ready for the main event:

  • Beauty and the Beast Pantomime (Sat, 6th – Wed, 31st Dec): This Christmas, we invite you to be our guest! Our magical family pantomime for 2025 brings the timeless tale to life with all the pop songs, magic, and silliness you love. It’s a spectacular filled with family fun, so be sure to book your tickets before the last petal falls!

Make it a VIP night out

For many of the biggest shows, you can upgrade your experience with a VIP Package. Enjoy premium treatment before the show to make your night at the Town Hall truly unforgettable.

How to Book:
Visit the official Sutton Coldfield Town Hall website or contact the box office directly to secure your seats.

News

Sutton Coldfield’s Boldmere Christmas Festival axed

Leave a comment

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.

News

The Belfry tees of with multi-million pound expansion

Leave a comment
Belfry.jpg 1

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.”

News

UNLOCK YOUR CREATIVITY IN SUTTON COLDFIELD ART CLASSES

Leave a comment

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! 🎉

News

Sutton Park car parking shambles years in the making

Leave a comment

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.

News

Consultation begins on Sutton Park car parking charges

Leave a comment

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

.”

News

Council steps in to save popular summer food festival

Leave a comment
lichfield-food-festival.jpg

An under-threat but popular summer food and drink festival held just down the road from Sutton Coldfield has been saved by the local council.

Lichfield District Council has stepped in to save the city’s Summer Food Festival – to be held from August 23 to 25.

The authority acted after the event had been thrown into jeopardy when the council barred the previous organisers from running it this year.

Any trader that had already booked and paid for a pitch at the Lichfield Summer Food Festival via the previous event organiser, will be offered a free pitch. The Council will also be reaching out to retailers in the City Centre to talk to them about how they can be part of the Food Festival.

With only a few weeks for the council to organise the Food Festival, traders are urged to work with the local authority. Whilst the council say it won’t be exactly the same as previous Food Festivals, it is committed to organising a vibrant and enjoyable event.

Cllr Doug Pullen, Leader of the Council, said: “The Lichfield Summer Food Festival is really important to our residents, businesses and visitors. It brings thousands of people into the city and provides an opportunity to showcase Lichfield as a visitor destination.

“So I’m really pleased that the Council is able to step in to ensure that this year’s Summer Food Festival goes ahead.

“We want to do all we can to support those traders who we know have already made significant financial outlays in preparation for the Lichfield Summer Food Festival. So any trader that has booked and paid for a pitch, and can share evidence of doing so, will be offered a free pitch.”

Traders should get in touch at events@lichfielddc.gov.uk. Further details on the Food Festival will be released in the coming weeks.

News

Join the Fun at Sutton Coldfield’s food and music festival

Leave a comment

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! 🎉