Sunday saw the return of the Christmas fundraiser for the NSPCC and Childline, held at Druids Heath Golf Club. Despite the inclement weather and prospect of more snow there was an excellent turnout and a really lovely atmosphere.
Before lunch we were treated to a performance by the Chair Persons (Carol Thompson) granddaughter Olivia Rose Thompson aged 10 ,who is concerned about other children who are not looking forward to a happy Christmas this year , and wanted to help. She sang ‘White Christmas’ and ‘Santa is Coming for Us’, and is recording a video for the NSPCC,
There was a superb lunch provided by the excellent staff followed by a raffle with come great prizes. Whilst coffee was being served we were treated to the wonderful voices of the The barbershop singers who are a group of current and former members of the “Anvil Chorus” West Midlands harmony group
The Inkwell at Lichfield officially opens its doors this week unveiling a brand-new look and feel and reinvigorated menu. After a series of soft launches, where the team served up tasty new dishes and cocktails from its refreshed menu, the pub is now open to the local community of Lichfield. The Inkwell at Lichfield celebrated with a launch party (25 November) yesterday evening, including a pop-up bar and live music session, complete with delicious canapés and drinks ahead of the official opening today, 26 November. The country pub hosted an exclusive VIP event (24 November) where local media and influencers had the opportunity to sample the new menu and enjoy an authentic pub experience.
Sally & Richard Hammond, General Managers at The Inkwell at Lichfield, said: “We’re delighted to see people reuniting and socialising at the Inkwell at Lichfield. Our team has worked incredibly hard to ensure our soft launches ran smoothly – we’re very pleased by the turn out and the feedback we’ve received so far and can’t wait for everyone to come down and experience the new setting and menu for themselves.”
Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) is the single most important thing you can do to improve the security of your online accounts.
What is 2FA?
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a way of strengthening the login security of your online accounts. It’s similar to how an ATM works. You need both your debit card (first factor) and your PIN (second factor) to get access your account and withdraw cash. The main objective is better security. If your card is stolen, they still need your PIN. If your PIN is stolen, they still need your card.
Enabling 2FA will help to stop hackers from getting into your accounts, even if they have your password.
How do I enable 2FA on my accounts?
Here are links you can use to enable 2FA on some of the most popular online services and apps:
The Sutton Coldfield BID has worked and continues to work closely with Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council who have been leading the way in the preparation of the Sutton Coldfield Town Centre Masterplan, working in partnership with stakeholders such as Gbslep Growth Hub and Birmingham City Council community organisations, and Transport for West Midlands.
Statement from BID
“Through these relationships the BID has not only represented business interests but has generated and coordinated practical and financial support for businesses, influenced development plans for the future of the town.
The collective voice of businesses working together translates into productive relationships and outcomes, and when working with other organisations and public bodies, the ability to influence more strategic issues such as the redevelopment of the town centre.
The BID plan for 2022-2027 has been developed to ensure it:
Is balanced to cover all business sectors
Seeks to create and take advantage of new opportunities
Remains relevant and has deliverable and achievable objectives
Tackles issues identified by businesses with the aim of creating a positive and more profitable trading environment”
No big Christmas switch on event and no Santa’s grotto in Sutton Coldfield’s Gracechurch. Plans have been revealed for Sutton’s Christmas lights switch on, and there is going to be no big show due to continuing concerns over Covid
Sutton BID has confirmed that the switch on will take place in the town centre on Saturday 20th November at 5.00pm, there will be no celebrities doing the honours with concerns over large crowds during the ongoing pandemic.
There will however be street entertainers who will be working with smaller groups of people
There will also be no Santa’s grotto – with a free festive mini golf with Santa attending instead on Saturdays and Sundays from now until December 19 and then every day through to Christmas Eve.
Sutton Coldfield Town FC have expressed their disappointment at the decision for 1st Team Manager Neil Tooth and his coaching team to resign.
In a statement from the Chairman
“It is with regret we must announce their joint resignation with immediate effect. They collectively feel that with the resources the Club has at it’s disposal and the poor position in the League, they have taken the football team as far as they can and feel that in the best interests of the Club a change is necessary. As an interim measure, Ross Thorpe who has previously been assistant manager with the 1st team, will take training on Thursday night and will be in charge of the 1st team until a new manager is appointed.”
Applications for 1st team manager are welcomed and should be made in writing with previous experience by e mail to [email protected]
The £50 million transport transformation for Sutton Coldfield could be underway in 14 months. Work could start on the HS2 Gateway bus and train interchange in 2023. The recently appointed Regeneration Programme Director, Jan Rowley, confirmed work could commence as early as January 2023 during a town centre masterplan progress report
The road was closed at the beginning of November to repair a water main leak and was supposed to reopen on the 2nd November. Once the works were started it was found to be a much lengthier job.
In the latest update from South Staffs Water they said
“Work is continuing with specialist plant on site and from 10am on Thursday (November 11) there may be an increase in noise while we work.
“We are on course to complete the repairs at the weekend and then reinstatement of the road and pathways will take place at the beginning of next week. The road will need to stay closed until the reinstatement is completed.
“We have a road closure permit until 19 November, but we are working day and night to complete these essential works as quickly as possible, so that we can reopen the roads as soon as it is safe to do so.”
A diversion route has been put in place to help navigate the closure.
The shows are back and the Town Hall is in full swing again. Legally Blonde is the first Am Dram show to be performed at the Town Hall since the outbreak of the pandemic when everything was cancelled.
This is a wonderful production by Tudor based on the hit films staring Reece Witherspoon as Elle Woods, it seems as if she has been transported into the persona of our lead played by Katie Milligan
Elle Woods appears to have it all. Her life is turned upside-down however, when her boyfriend dumps her so he can start getting serious about his life and attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle uses her charm to get into Harvard Law. At school, she struggles with peers, professors and Warner. With the help of Paulette and Emmett though, Elle quickly realises her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world. (Warner – Alan Rowe, Paulette – Natasha Cartwright, Emmett – Ben Foulds, Elle – Katie Milligan)
There is so much joy and enthusiasm on the stage the routines are slick and well performed, vocals strong and clear and a superb supporting ensemble. I have to admit to have never seen the film or show before and I throughly enjoyed it, during some of the musical numbers it makes you feel like joining in.
Boldmere Christmas festival is back after missing last year due to the pandemic. There will be stalls aplenty, rides, food and drink.
Thousands are expected to turn up for lights switch on by Perry the Commonwealth Games 2022 Mascot. It will take place along Boldmere Road (the High Street) on Sunday November 21st from 1pm-6pm with the road closed to all traffic.
This year there will be a Ferris wheel which will draw the surrounding buildings, children’s attractions merry go round, flying planes and bungee trampolines.
The festival will also feature the Commonwealth Games 2022 roadshow showcasing the event that will be coming to Sutton for the triathlon events
The lights will be switched on at %.30pm in the build up there will be lots of entertainment on the main stage hosted by Switch Radios Terri-Anne Cooper.
