Category: Uncategorized
Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac Tribute
Go Your Own Way – Fleetwood Mac Tribute
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
Friday 6th September 2024 By Lee Williams
Photography – Lee Williams Photography for Whats On In Sutton Coldfield
Go Your Own Way – Such an immersive and atmospheric show with the lead singer (as Stevie Nicks) deep in character. Makes you realise just how many hits Fleetwood Mac had, and how many you know! From foot tapping, guitars and bright lights to long sequence almost ‘prog-rock’ songs with a touch of folk, they sure did Fleetwood Mac proud. The lighting and acoustics at the Town Hall really got the place alive and all who attended went away with smiles of their faces and songs playing in their heads!
Sutton Coldfield residents can have their say on plan for ‘new era’ of local delivery
PRESS RELEASE 02/09/24
Residents in Sutton Coldfield are being urged to have their say on a Draft Strategic Plan which represents a new era for the Royal Town – aiming to deliver more local control of community services and assets.
Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council’s Draft Strategic Plan for 2024-2027sets out its priorities for the next four years, and reveals ambitions which include:
- Working through the Town Centre Regeneration Partnership to strengthen project delivery and help create a revitalised Town Centre.
- Using devolution powers to transfer control of 14 valued local parks and green spaces to Sutton Coldfield and working with others to create a new Trust to oversee Sutton Park.
- Stepping in to help avoid reductions in services currently provided by Birmingham City Council, such as library and community services.
For the first time since its inception in 2016, the Town Council is also proposing an increase in the annual precept that residents pay for its services – to help fund this new era of local delivery for Sutton Coldfield.
The Strategic Plan for 2024-2027 is a document that helps set the direction of travel for the Town Council, which can be shaped by all its stakeholders to identify priorities and commitments.
Now the Public Consultation, which runs until Friday, September 27th, 2024, is asking residents to comment on what they think the Town Council’s priorities should be, including if it should step in to support or help avoid reductions in some services currently provided by Birmingham City Council.
The survey also covers topics such as sustainability, heritage and improvements to the town centre.
Launching the consultation, Councillor Simon Ward, Leader of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, said: “The Draft Strategic Plan is an important document that sets the ambitions for the Town Council over the next four years, and its vital that we hear residents’ opinions on what they think should be the town’s priorities going forward.
“Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council is now firmly established, and we are about to enter a new era of local delivery for residents, bringing more control of valued assets and services into the Royal Town.
“For example, we have identified more than a dozen valued green spaces and parks across Sutton which we would like to transfer to local control, and we want to work with others to make the dream of a trust that oversees Sutton Park a reality.
“We also understand concerns about local services being impacted by reduced budgets at Birmingham City Council, so we are also looking at how the Town Council can step in to help support locally-delivered services.
“And the next four years will be crucial to the rebirth of the Town Centre, and the Town Council will work with the Town Centre Regeneration Partnership to drive forward delivery of the change that everyone wants to see.
“In order to help fund this new era of local delivery, the Draft Strategic Plan also includes the first increase in the annual precept since the council was created – an increase that will help us take control of our own future, protect the unique character of the Royal Town and support threatened services.
“I would urge all Sutton Coldfield residents to engage with the Public Consultation into the Draft Strategic Plan – this is your opportunity to have a say on the future of Sutton Coldfield.”
For the consultation, from the 2nd – 27th of September, thousands of returnable surveys are being delivered to addresses across the Royal Town.
The surveys can be either filled in and posted back to the council offices, at Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, 62 Anchorage Road, Sutton Coldfield, B74 2PG, or returned through 16 drop boxes situated in local churches, community centres and libraries.
Drop boxes will be found at:
- Sutton Coldfield United Reformed Church
- Banners Gate Community Hall
- Wylde Green United Reformed Church
- St John’s Church
- St Chad’s Church
- Four Oaks Baptist Church (Olive Branch)
- Boldmere Library
- Walmley Library
- Mere Green Library
- Sutton Coldfield Library
- Harvest Fields Centre Ark Community Church
- Our Place Support
- Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
- Second Thoughts (Falcon Lodge)
- Trinity Centre
The survey includes a summary of key points in the Draft Strategic Plan, and residents can view the full document by visiting www.suttoncoldfieldtowncouncil.gov.uk.
Alternatively, the survey can also be filled in online at the Council’s website.
You can also have your say in face-to-face community meetings across Sutton Coldfield throughout September – see below for dates and locations.
| Date | Wards | Location |
| Monday 2nd September | Four Oaks and Mere Green | Four Oaks Methodist Church |
| Wednesday 4th September | Walmley and Minworth | Sutton Coldfield Rugby Club |
| Thursday 5th September | Reddicap | Falcon Lodge Methodist Church |
| Monday 9th September | Vesey | Wylde Green United Reformed Church |
| Monday 16th September | Wylde Green | Wylde Green Community Hall |
| Thursday 26th September | Trinity and Roughley | Trinity Centre |
Visitor Information
Guidelines For Visitors To Aston Wood Business Club
- Meetings are held every Friday at Aston Wood Golf Club, post code, and three words attached along with a map
- The visitors business category must be eligible
- Visitors may visit Aston Wood Business Club twice during these visits you will be able to do a two minute talk on your business – what’s happening and what sort of introductions you are looking for.
- If you decide you want to join AWBC, on your third visit you will be required to do a five minute presentation on your business and what you can bring to AWBC
- You will be expected to attend all meetings and in the case you cannot attend you will be expected to supply a substitute
- A full English breakfast will be served, if you have any dietary requirements please inform us ahead of the meeting.
Sample Agenda
7.10 – Welcome To Members & Guests
Education Slot
Two Minute Talks
Breakfast
Feature Presentation
Contributions – Referrals & Testimonials
Membership Info and AOB
Social Events
8.45 – Close
Handy hints
Here’s a checklist of activities you could go through at the start of your meeting. They give you a clear summary of what everyone should expect to be able to do, and how they can expect to be treated.
Ask yourself ‘Have I…’
• Checked the agenda
- Made notes on what I want to say
- Got written responses to anything I’ve been asked to reply to
- Arranged to be there for the whole meeting
Tell yourself ‘I will…..’
- Really listen to what people say
- Leave me own problems at the door
- Make my criticisms constructively
- Make at least one well prepared contribution
- Enjoy myself
Manor Musical Theatre Company – Fiddler On The Roof ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fiddler On The Roof – Manor Musical Theatre Company
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
Tuesday 24th October 2023 – Dress Rehearsal
By Nigel Gambles
Photography – Nigel Gambles Photography
Tradition – something Manor has always been respectful of, and tradition is the main theme of this classic musical.
This the tale of Tevye, the turn-of the century Russian peasant wishing he were a rich man. Battling the wills of his five daughters and keeping the Jewish faith, as sinister forces infiltrate the peace of an historic village, and modern life starts to shift the balance of power. This production is more earthy than showy, and it was all the better for it. It was a stripped-back piece of theatre performed in a way that gave it an especially human touch and immediacy. Beautifully-textured costumes contrasted the threadbare layers of Russian winters with silky, Sabbath finery. Tam Weir a newcomer to Manor anchored the piece as conflicted Tevye (his third outing in this role) complemented by the wonderfully expressive Paula O’Hare as wife Golde, each trapped in the circumstances of changing times, their duet “Do you love me” was perfect. I’m sure we all remember Topol’s wonderful rendition of “If I Was A Rich Man” well Tam’s doesn’t disappoint.
The three older daughters played by Sasha Marsh (Tzeitel) Malaika Martin (Hodel) and Eliza Tall (Chava) play their roles wonderfully showing their struggles with what tradition dictates and what their own hearts want.
The story flows well, the cast gel superbly, and the show set as it is in 1905, resonates in today’s political landscape even more than the company must have anticipated when it was first programmed in.The importance of community is a message clearly at the heart of this production.
Directors Pam and James Garrington have done an amazing job creating a cast with a strong bond supporting each other and sharing their enjoyment at performing with the audience. The group numbers were performed beautifully and choreographed perfectly by Jennie Mason
Tudor Musical Comedy Society – Chitty Chitty Bang Bang ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang– Tudor Musical Comedy Society
Sutton Coldfield Town hall
Monday 9th October 2023 – Dress Rehearsal
By Nigel Gambles
Photography – Nigel Gambles Photography
The most phantasmagorical stage musical has flown into Sutton Town Hall
We have never seen this show so were very excited to be able to see this production by Tudor Musical Comedy Society
A quick recap of the story, originally written by Ian Fleming (Of James Bond Fame) follows the adventures of Caractacus Potts, his wonderful children and their eccentric Grandpa Potts. They meet up with the beautiful Truly Scrumptious who joins them on their adventures, including a trip to Vulgaria a few lucky escapes and of course a very impressive automobile.
‘Team work makes the dream work’ is a recurring phrase within this musical and never has a truer word been spoken than with the company of Tudor Musical Comedy. Choosing such a technically advanced production, filled with prestigious musical numbers, was always going to be an enormous challenge to undertake. However it was met and overcome with great gusto and enthusiasm.
The show has numerous fantastic characters, and I feel I must highlight the two comedic duos who stole the stage every time they appeared. Firstly the dimwitted Vulgarian Spies Boris (Alex Nash) and Goran (James Fisher) certainly in the running for double-act of the year their timing was perfect and their rendition of “Act English” is a highlight.
Vulgaria must be the centre for producing fantastic comedians as the Baron and Baroness performed by Mark Skett and Karrise Willetts were just that. They especially shone during “The Bombi Samba” playing the audience brilliantly.
Moving on to the stars of the show, Natasha Cartwright as the lovely Truly Scrumptious really does have the most delicious vocals and her chemistry with Caractacus (Ben Foulds) was wonderful to watch. Anyone who has seen the movie musical will remember the iconic music-box scene and Natasha was superb in this – she is a natural leading lady.
Lets not forget the children Jemima (Myleigh Davis alternating with Rachel Kirk) and Jeremy (Jack Brayley-Boddington alternating with Peter Barker) who were wonderfully entertaining.
Credit must also go to Director Richard Poynton who has managed to make every character shine individually but also come together as a strong and united ensemble. He is supported by musical director Andrew Timmins who’s direction ensured the musical numbers were performed perfectly from the title song to “Me Ol’ Bamboo” and “Toot Sweets” all this accompanied by Jenny Morris’s excellent choreography makes for a not to miss spectacle.
One last mention must go to all the tech teams and back of house teams whom without them the show just would not be.
Trinity Players – A Streetcar Named Desire ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Streetcar Named Desire – Trinity Players
Streetly Community Centre
Monday 25th September 2023 – Dress Rehearsal
By Nigel Gambles
Photography – Nigel Gambles Photography
A Streetcar Named Desire was written By Tennessee Williams and is one of the most critically acclaimed plays of the 20th century.
The play portrays the experiences of Blanche DuBois a former southern belle who after a series of personal losses has to move into a small apartment with her younger sister Stella and brutish brother in law Stanley and displays the phases of Blanches disintegration.
I have to say from the start, this is a superb production and is a first for Trinity Players as it is self directed by the cast who take on the roles of the production team off stage as well as having to learn their stage roles. To say the passion and commitment they have put into this project is anything less than 110% would be totally disrespectful.
Jennifer Holyhead who plays Blanche is magnificent, the evening belongs to her and her portrayal of Blanche’s spiralling into a mental collapse is spectacular. Arron Armstrong-Craddock who plays Stanley is a terrific tattooed bruiser who roars like a goaded bull. He is, as he should be, both bullying – “I’m king around here” – and magnetic. As Stella, Sasha Marsh is totally besotted, in desire for her husband, and blind to his brutality. Dan Barnes who plays Mitch, Blanches suitor who offers her a glimpse of hope and a possible future, with a good mixture of charm and defeat. Quick mention for the rest of the cast who deliver strong and passionate performances.
If you do not have tickets for this show, then you must definitely get some it is one not too be missed a brilliant portrayal of hope and despair.
SCMTC – Shrek ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Shrek – Sutton Coldfield Musical Theatre Company
Lichfield Garrick Theatre
Tuesday 12th September 2023 – Opening Night
By Nigel Gambles
Photography – Nigel Gambles Photography
I have seen Shrek performed a number of times by amateur groups and also saw the premiere in the West End with Amanda Holden (Fiona) and Nigel Harman (Farquaad) , and for sheer commitment enthusiasm and inspired casting this is certainly one of the best productions I have seen.
Lets talk about the inspired casting, Peter Beck as Shrek absolutely nails the character channeling his inner Mike Myers (Shrek in the movie) he plays his character with an easy going and friendly style. Anil Patel as Donkey is superb, full of charisma and his witty comebacks sharp and timely. Charlotte Jervis as Princess Fiona plays the character with unbounded enthusiasm and with a good sense of the feisty princess’ character. She also copes well with a prosthetic nose, inflatable deer and a chorus line of dancing rats not forgetting the wonderful belch and fart competition with Shrek which is hilarious. Finally Simon Smith as Lord Faruuaad is wonderful as the villainous dwarf as he squirms around the stage with a pair of little false legs, his movements and facial expressions adding to the hilarity of the character exuding a wonderful unabashed sense of camp.
Full credit must be given to the supporting cast/ensemble who totally deliver amid numerous costume changes and energetic dance numbers. Too many to mention individually but a few mentions for Finley Waldron as Pinocchio and his extending nose, and Imogen Bloxham as Gingy brilliantly voiced. Ellie Summerfield as teen Fiona and Scarlett Brennan as young Fiona both excellent, Georgia Young as Humpty Dumpty Georgia Waldron as the Wicked Witch and Mark Skett as Big Bad Wolf. All the fairytale characters were wonderfully portrayed and it is nice to see a number of the youth group making their way to to this group.
I should also not forget to mention the Dragon wonderfully moving around the stage with flapping wings and gaping maw expertly controlled by the puppeteers and voiced by Chloe Child
Directed with imagination and flair what is a complex and fast moving show Paul Lumsden absolutely delivers this well known film and show aided by Sheila Pearson – Musical Director and Maggie Jackson – Choreographer who’s routines are energetic and slick.
I won’t go into the full story which Im sure everybody knows if you don’t which swamp have you been living in…
I will finally say all the characters were spot on, the comedy well timed, singing powerful and clear and the dancing super slick.
Successful Fundraiser for Children with Arthritis
Kaleidoscope Choir, led by Rupert Feld, and in collaboration with Stagecoach Lichfield Performance Troupe recently held a fund-raising concert in Lichfield for the charity ‘Kids Like Us’.
The musical evening raised a fantastic £771.96 for the charity, which supports young people and families living with juvenile arthritis in the West Midlands.
Juvenile arthritis affects around 1200 children and young people in the area. ‘Kids Like Us’ supports them and their families and contributes to research into the condition of which there is no cure and no known cause. It also raises awareness as it is not widely known that children can be affected by this painful and debilitating condition.
Kaleidoscope is currently recruiting new members to all voice sections. They are also happy to discuss a performance with local organisations for fund-raising or entertainment. Contact details for the choir can be found via their website www.kaleidoscopechoir.co.uk
Royal Sutton Fun Run Gallery
We have been asked by a number of you to put together a gallery of pictures from this years Fun Run.
At the bottom of this page is a link that will take you to the gallery.
We are also offering you the chance to buy any pictures that you want to keep. There will be a charge of £5.00 per picture with £3.00 going to the Fun Run (the balance is to cover printing costs)
To order your prints please make a note of the number it will begin with IMG followed by four numbers email this to us at [email protected] and we will send you an invoice once this is paid we will send your pictures .
https://500px.com/manager?view=galleries&user=nigelgambles1&slug=royal-sutton-fun-run-2023-1
