November / December 2020
www.boldmerepages.co.uk
Boldmere Pages ereod m d l o B bourho Neighum News For side In
Christmas in
Boldmere Shop local this Christmas with our handy gift guide Festive ‘Whats On’ Guide
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Exciting new business updates
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Well, hello you!
Welcome page
Editor’s Letter
The festive season is upon us once again and it’s safe to say, this year will be extremely different to ones we’ve had before! We certainly will have to think laterally and learn to enjoy different aspects of Christmas. However, I know that the spirit of Boldmere will carry us all through, and although we maybe cannot do the things we traditionally enjoy, perhaps it will give us all a new outlook on this season and what we hold most dear.
Robin Gray Editor
boldmerepages@grayjonesmedia.com
There are however some traditional things we can still do, and this issue is a celebration of all those things! For shopping, we have our Boldmere Christmas List demonstrating you can shop for presents for the whole family on Boldmere Road, and for days out, our What’s On Guide lists out several things to safely see and do this festive season. We also have our local news updates from the Neighbourhood Forum, plus a new feature called Boldmere Business Updates where we celebrate the thriving business community here in Boldmere.
Nick Moreton Designer
nick.moreton@me.com
As always, I encourage all of us to play our part in controlling the spread of COVID. Please observe all local restrictions and national health advice.
Links www.boldmerepages.co.uk
Take care, stay safe, and make this Christmas a great one in your own special way.
Robin
In this issue... Boldmere Christmas List……. p.8-9 Boldmere Business Update…… p.12-13 Matt’s Travel Update…… p.14-15 What’s On…… p.16-17 Neighbourhood Forum News…… p.20-21 Update from Cllr Rob Pocock…… p.22
Facebook.com/theboldmerepages Twitter.com/boldmerepages Instagram.com/boldmerepages Issuu.com/boldmerepages boldmerepages@grayjonesmedia.com
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Ten tips for a great wedding Honeymoon Destinations our pick of some inspirational locations
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall Weddings
Win Empire Cinema Tickets
Boldmere Christmas List Your whole Christmas list is solved thanks to our wonderful selection of shops on Boldmere high street. Here’s my selection of ten gift ideas so you can shop local and love Boldmere! Ratchet Screwdriver Bit & Socket Set, Boldmere Hardware - £13.99 For the DIY fanatic or someone setting up a new home, this handy 45-piece socket and screwdriver set is a great gift idea. Jo Downs Handmade Glass, Wishes & Kisses - £20-£40 Wishes & Kisses have some beautiful handmade glass items by Jo Downs, one of the world’s most respected fused glass designers. My favourite is the blue snowflake dish. Sanctuary Spa Gift Set, Boots - £20 Let someone become a pamper pro & treat themselves with these Sanctuary Spa luxurious bath, shower & moisture must-haves. Gentlemen’s Accessories, Edge Menswear - £20-£30 Whether it’s a silk tie, mother of pearl cufflinks, or a leather wash bag, Edge Menswear has a fantastic selection of high-quality gentlemen’s accessories. Wooden Toys, Wishes & Kisses - £10-£30 Wooden toys are experiencing a real revival at the moment, especially for Christmas. What a lovely classic Christmas idea for young ones, and Wishes & Kisses have a wide selection. 8
Moroccan Oil Hydration Gift Set, Carl Flavell Hairdressers - £38.85 Treat a loved on to fabulous hair with this gift set from Moroccan Oil which includes everything they need to maintain their hair’s natural moisture balance. Long Cashmere Scarf/Wrap, Secret Boutique - £18 A loved one will adore this super soft cashmere scarf from Secret Boutique. They have a great selection of scarves in a variety of designs and colours. Cateye Bicycle Lights, On Your Bike - £30 Help your cycling loved ones stay safe and legal with this set of bicycle lights. Stylish, hassle-free to fit and with 3 different modes available. Vinyl Records, Psychotron Records - £various Music lovers adore vinyl and our resident record shop, Psychotron, is home a huge range of classic, rare and even new records. Pawsecco and ‘Bottom Sniffer’ Beer, Boldmere Hardware - £8 Treat your four-legged friends with these fun pet-friendly ‘alcohol’ drinks. Choose between Pawsecco wine for cats and dogs or Bottom Sniffer beer for dogs. Wrap and Cards, Post Office - £various Don’t forget your wrap, bows, ribbons and cards available at the Post Office, plus they’re ready to assist with shipping gifts to loved ones we might be unable to see this Christmas.
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New Luxurious Care Home in Sutton Coldfield Show suites opening in November
Every aspect of our new care home has been planned with the people we care for in mind – whether it is the personalisation of their care plans, the careful selection of the dÊcor in their room, their dining experience, hobbies or personal preferences... At Sutton Park Grange, people will always come first. TOP
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To book your personal tour, call 0121 392 7927 or email sutton.enquiries@cinnamoncc.com.
Residential I Dementia Care I Respite Sutton Park Grange Care Home Birmingham Road, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, B72 1LY t: 0121 392 7927 e: sutton.enquiries@cinnamoncc.com w: cinnamoncc.com/suttonparkgrange
Boldmere Business Update In this new column, we are celebrating our thriving local business scene with a series of updates from local businesses. If you have an update you want to share, simply email boldmerepages@grayjonesmedia.com
Time For You Sutton Coldfield Times are very much different at present, and like the rest of the business world we are adapting to support both our external and internal customers. At “Time For You Sutton Coldfield” we have provided a “Stay Safe Cleaning Advice” sheet to our clients and our 35 cleaners, whilst following the Government’s guidance. This covers handwashing on entry and exit to cleaning in a well-ventilated room as well as operating with the minimum social distancing in mind. We still offer a full range of cleaning services, as our clients rely on this to help them in their day to day lives along with minimising the risk of the virus. We strive to increase our bank of cleaners to assist the right minded individual with either increasing the regular work, to getting back into a workplace and that as a business we are prepared and ready to move forwards into 2021.
Boldmere retirement development selling fast Work by MACC Retirement to build its flagship retirement development on the site of the former adult education centre on St Michael’s Road is running on schedule and demand for its units is strong. Made up of 45 spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments in a development which includes a library, lounge, secure underground car parking and bistro open to the Boldmere community, Boldmere Place is already 25 per cent reserved. Part of a wider ‘close care’ development with the adjacent Sutton Rose care home from the award-winning MACC team, completion is expected in early 2021 and staff recruitment will start shortly after.
Work Safe from Workforce Development Consultancy Work Safe is a new scheme from Boldmere-based Workforce Development Consultancy which helps businesses navigate the ever-changing challenges, rules and regulations created by the Covid-19 pandemic and transition into the ‘new normal’. There is still confusion and concern about what the rules mean for certain businesses, with varied localised restrictions and regular changes to Government Policy and advice. The Work 12
Safe team researches all reputable sources of information to provide you with an ‘at a glance’ overview of what you need to know, saving you time and allowing you to focus on your business needs. Work Safe provides advice and guidance for employers to be able to assure their staff that the correct systems are in place to enable a safe return to the workplace. With large corporations now employing fully qualified Pandemic and Inspection Managers, Work Safe provides an effective outsourced solution for smaller businesses. Head to www.wdconsultancy.co.uk/worksafe to find out more.
New to Boldmere! Cosmetic Avenue Cosmetic Avenue, specialists in permanent cosmetics and aesthetics, opened on 2nd November, in the heart of Boldmere in Queens Chambers, above Costa Coffee. The business is owned by Amy Morson-Liggins who lives local to the area and will be supported by a great team of practitioners. Amy couldn’t be prouder of the team she has around her, as together they have more than 15 years of experience in the industry and can offer a diverse portfolio of services to the community. Cosmetic Avenue offers a range of treatments including microblading, powder brow, combination brow, ombre brow, lip enhancement, dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections. Head over to their website www.cosmeticavenue.co.uk for more information.
The Weigh Forward In October, The Weigh Forward replaced Claire’s Treat Street on Boldmere high street. They had previously been based at Market Village indoor market in Sutton Coldfield. The Weigh Forward has been trading as a ‘plastic-free’ supermarket (known as a Zero Waste Shop) since August 2019 and is a non-profit Community Interest Company run by unpaid volunteers, even the shop’s equipment was even donated! Bring your own containers to be weighed, fill the container and then re-weigh before you pay; the concept is to reduce single-use packaging from landfill. The shop started off with the purchase of £300 of reusable items such as stainless-steel straws and bamboo dishcloths and grew to include eco-friendly & cruelty free household cleaning liquids and personal hygiene toiletries, before receiving a small grant for loose dried foods in November 2019. However, it was their plastic-free fruit & veg box delivery service that really kicked off in December that made them talk of the town in January and February 2020.
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What’s on Details correct at time of publishing – please check with organisers for any updates and amendments as a result of any changes to Coronavirus restrictions. Please observe all event rules, public health advice and common sense.
Dressed to the Nines Now thru 7th February, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery From formal balls to a night out on the town, clothing plays an important part in special occasions. This exhibition is about dressing up and going out from around 1850 to the present day. It explores some of the changes which have occurred in the types of clothing which are worn for special occasions, where these clothes are purchased from, and the kinds of events they are worn at.
Santa’s Winter Wonderland 14th November – 31st December, SnowDome, Tamworth Santa’s back at the SnowDome this Christmas… for his 16th year of festive fun! From 14th November his magical winter wonderland in the snow returns along with extended reception areas plus a larger theatre for a Covid-secure experience. With real snow, real animals and the ALL NEW winter wonderland show, it’s the ultimate Christmas adventure for all the family!
Entry is free however BMAG asks that you consider making a donation if possible, to help support them during this very challenging time. Online advanced booking is required to visit the museum and art gallery, book your timed ticket here: tickets.birminghammuseums.org.uk
For more info: www.snowdome.co.uk/santas-winter-wonderland
Van Gogh Alive Now thru 31st December, Birmingham Hippodrome Don’t just admire Van Gogh’s paintings – immerse yourself in them in the most visited multi-sensory experience in the world. This is no ordinary art exhibition. Van Gogh’s works have been exhibited and admired for over a century – but never like this. Van Gogh Alive is a digital art experience using stunning projections, classical music and scent gives you the unique opportunity to step on to the Hippodrome’s main stage and truly venture into Van Gogh’s world.
Traditional Christmas Market 28th & 29th November, Middleton Hall The annual Traditional Christmas Market in the picturesque grounds of Middleton Hall & Gardens returns on Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th November. From seasonal decorations to vintage craft, tasty delights to flavourful, locally sourced drinks, there’s something for all to enjoy and to get everyone in the festive spirit. The Christmas Market will be different to previous years as there will be putting extra measures in place to keep visitors, volunteers, staff and traders safe. However, this does not mean that the event will be lacking in Christmas spirit! Visitors are invited to share
Admission: Adult £15, children £12.50 and free for under 5s Book: www.birminghamhippodrome.com/van-gogh-alivethe-experience
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est b e h t ick of in and p r u O to do ere. s g n i th oldm B d n arou
in the festivities, whilst working together to keep ourselves and others safe. Admission: £3 Adult, free for U16s, MH&G Season Pass Holders & Historic House members. Tickets for this event must be pre-booked online at www. middleton-hall.co.uk/tickets, if you turn up on the day without a ticket, you will be sadly turned away, and will go on sale on Thursday 12th November.
Illuminated Arboretum at the National Memorial Arboretum
Luna Drive In Winter Cinema
9th & 19th December, Burton-on-Trent In December, Illuminated Arboretum will return to the National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire, inviting families to experience a kaleidoscope of colour in the run-up to Christmas, along a new and improved route. As they venture along a winding trail around the western portion of the 150-acre woodland and garden site, visitors will encounter majestic displays that use light and sound to create a festive atmosphere, while bathing some sculpted memorials in colour.
4th – 20th December, NEC Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year and The Luna Drive In Winter Cinema will be bringing that Christmas cheer to the Birmingham NEC. This Christmas extravaganza gives film fans a chance to enjoy classic festive favourites such as Love Actually, Home Alone, It’s A Wonderful Life, The Holiday and Elf, as well as the Disney box office hit, Frozen 2. With delicious festive treats also on offer, as well as socially-distanced parking, remote order and state-of-the-art sound and visuals, including Luna’s brand-new in car wireless sound solution, it promises to be the perfect Christmas outing for all ages.
Admission: Adult £13, children £9 and free for under 5s, Book: www.maximcloud.co.uk/nationalmemorialarboretum
Book: www.lunadriveincinema.com/nec-birmingham
SUBMIT YOUR LISTING HERE FOR FREE! For consideration, please send info to boldmerepages@grayjonesmedia.com
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All your cards for Christmas! ...amazing seasonal cards for all your family and friends... order now to avoid the Christmas rush.
www.ebay.co.uk/str/shopportuk from 99p - individual or card packs available Have a chance to win an Ultra Impact Gift Hamper that supports the BIG ISSUE when you make a purchase in October & November 2020
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The Next Generation of Elderly Care There is a new breed of care home emerging in the UK – and it’s driven by a desire for dignified, compassionate elderly care that additionally offers luxury and lifestyle. The UK population is living longer these days, and so planning for elderly care is a priority for many people. In particular, the luxury care home market is growing. There is more choice, and when people have greater choice, standards and expectations rise. David Reaves, Head of Marketing at award winning care home operator, Cinnamon Care Collection, says “Customers expect more on behalf of their loved ones. As care home providers, it’s our job to meet and exceed those expectations.” That is exactly what the team at Sutton Park Grange, a brand new care home for Stourbridge and the surrounding area, plan to do. With show suites due to open in November, new residents can envisage how they will enjoy fine dining hospitality, state of the art facilities, hair and beauty salon and even a cinema. All bedrooms have private en-suite wet rooms and are luxuriously furnished. According to David, such facilities are symptomatic of a shift in the elderly care philosophy, “Sutton Park Grange will offer far more than just excellent 24-hour personalised care and support. It’s a place where residents can continue to live life to the full, enjoy new experiences and make new friends. Whether you are looking for residential care, dementia care or just a short stay, we are passionate about making a difference.” The management team at Sutton Park Grange have been handpicked with many years of care experience and understanding of resident and family needs. Staff members will be hired for their compassion, dedication, respect and empathy. This, combined with luxury facilities, will ensure Sutton Park Grange can offer a truly exceptional service. To find out more about Sutton Park Grange, which is due to open early next year, call 0121 392 7927 or visit www.cinnamoncc.com/suttonpark 19
Boldmere Neighbourhood Forum News Dear Residents, Welcome to this issue of Neighbourhood Forum News. I hope you all have a great Christmas in these uncertain times. Funding for this has come from “The National Lottery Community Fund” for which we are very grateful. Local groups and individuals are welcome to contribute to future issues, contact the editor at boldmere.forum@talktalk.net
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall receives lifeline grant from Government’s £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund Royal Sutton Coldfield Community Town Hall Trust has been awarded £100,000 as part of the Government’s £1.57billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure they have a sustainable future. The Town Hall is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support. The Trust, which took over the town hall as an arts charity in 2016 when it was in danger of being closed, had made huge steps to broaden the cultural programme of the venue, which ranges from locally produced musicals to public speaking, pantomimes and live bands to stand-up comedy. As a ballroom and event space, activities range from weddings and meetings to ballroom tea dances and Northern Soul. The funding will allow it to continue to stay partially open to host food bank collections, dance school lessons and blood service collections, whilst preparing for streamed ‘hybrid’ meetings and weddings and reduced capacity cabaret shows from November. Sutton Coldfield Town Hall’s Managing Director Julie Rennison said, “Lockdown has been devastating for venues, and our future has been so uncertain. We can move forward more confidently with plans to relaunch our safe, streamed meetings and small weddings, with the possibility of some reduced capacity Christmas Cabaret shows. We have already started speaking to other local arts organisations to see how we can work together as a town and gradually return safe entertainment to Sutton Coldfield.”
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Wylde Green Station Adoption We have some exciting news for the people travelling from and living near Wylde Green station. A couple of community minded people, Nikki Wright and Dawn Brown, have joined forces to adopt the station. This all started when attempts were being made to get graffiti removed from the railway bridge in Station Road. They went on to discover that the station could, potentially, be adopted. As mothers, they were especially interested in making the green corridors towards Highbridge Road a lot less daunting to walk home along. When their daughters knew about this, they wanted to join in to adopt and develop the station into an eco-friendly environment and bring some history and artwork to the area. They are at the beginning stages but already have a dozen like-minded people in the group. Many Boldmere residents have expressed an interest in being involved. A great relationship has evolved with the station manager, Dave Harris and also with Fay Easton at West Midlands Railway. They are launching with a poppy installation on the platform and Highbridge Road with the help of local schools and Brownies from 7-14th November. If you would like to be involved, then you can contact the group at wyldegreen.trainstation@gmail. com and search Friends of Wylde Green Train Station on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Sutton Park for All Calling parents with a disabled child or young person in the family. A short-term group called SPALL (Sutton Park for ALL) has been set up to find out what changes in Sutton Park would make it a better place for families where there is a child or young person with disabilities. They want to hear from parents and carers: what are the barriers? What facilities would increase your family’s enjoyment of the park? If you are willing to give your knowledge, there is a short on-line questionnaire. Please e-mail Frances Heywood at f.j.heywood@virginmedia.com or text or phone 07941941429 and they will send you a copy. Or if you would prefer a paper copy, they are happy to deliver it to your home. This survey is being done with the full support of the Park Manager, John Porter, John wants to make Sutton Park the most disabled friendly park in the country! The coming of the Commonwealth Games is a great opportunity and the local group ‘Friends of the Gates’ are also working on the issue.
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The Boldmere Neighbourhood Forum column is made possible by a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund
Community Action Update Councillor Rob Pocock
BOLDMERE DEVELOPMENTS Our local Boldmere high street has flourished during the Covid pandemic. Major shopping centres like Sutton Town centre and Birmingham have seen a massive slump in trading, but our local shops have bucked the trend, thanks to the efforts our loyal local traders. This success includes a booming evening economy, but this can also bring problems for residents living close by. A spate of applications has gone in for extended alcohol and entertainment licenses, and neighbouring residents are understandably worried. • As a Boldmere community, we need to strike the right balance here. A lively local centre, better than boarded-up shops, but also protecting locals from unacceptable noise and disturbance. • I’m looking at ways of bringing about a fair compromise – to strike a deal between businesses, local residents and the wider community who enjoy shopping or a night out. We don’t need businesses and residents at loggerheads, we need to keep united if we can. I and my Town Council colleague Manish Puri are looking to work with residents to find a compromise on this – would you be interested in working with us? If so just drop us an email on rob.pocock@birmingham.gov.uk. NEW FACES IN LOCAL POLICE A warm welcome to Sgt Adrian Cox, who has taken over this month from Heather Jones as head of our Sutton Vesey neighbourhood policing team. Kath Scott and I are meeting with Adrian later this month to draw up fresh plans, including more speedwatch and streetwatch schemes, plus concerns over drug dealing and car theft. SHOULD WE STILL BOOK A ‘TIP TRIP’? Since Covid started, you can only go to the Council waste tips if you book in advance. I ran a survey last month to find out whether people would like to return eventually to the old ‘turn up and queue’ method, or continue booking a guaranteed slot in advance. Interestingly, two-thirds (68%) said they wanted to continue the booking system. Some people had ideas for adapting it, for example having a couple of days ‘open season’ and the other days fixed bookings, or alternatively have mornings open and afternoons guaranteed reserved bookings. I’ve sent these replies to the waste tip service managers and they’ll take these views into account when deciding what happens in future. ARE WE A COVID HOT-SPOT? Finally, a question many people are asking – is our Sutton Vesey Ward a high risk area for Covid? Like many people, I had assumed our Ward was on the low side, but at the City Health Scrutiny Committee which I chair, I got a bit of a shock. The most recent figures, published when the Government’s ‘Tiers’ system was announced, actually showed we are in the upper bracket of infections here. A list of 31 Wards was published across Birmingham and Sutton (out of the 69 in total) where more than 20 people are catching the infection every week. Sutton Vesey is on that list, along with other unexpected areas like Harborne and Edgbaston. It just shows that this virus is a nasty little devil, which crops up where you might not expect it. Wherever we live, w all need to stick together and stamp it out.
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Business owners… do you feel like you need a team of researchers and advisers just to keep up with all the latest COVID regulations? Work Safe is here to help keep your staff and customers safe, both now and in the future. We provide advice and guidance for employers to ensure that the correct systems are in place to enable a safe return to the workplace for their staff. Did you know large corporations are employing fully qualified Pandemic and Inspection Managers? We can provide this as an outsourced solution for small businesses and charities. • Workplace safety guidance and risk assessment • Work from home guidance to support your staff • Email updates distilling the latest guidance into easy to follow steps • Monthly newsletters with deep dives on hot topics • PPE guidance and understanding regulations • Future proofing advice to prepare for the new normal
info@wdconsultanc info@wdconsultancy.co.uk www.wdconsultancy.co.uk
Video calls with loved ones, a relaxing stroll in the garden, or having a stretch in an exercise class are just some of the things residents have enjoyed, and continue to enjoy, at Mercia Grange care home. Add to that delicious home cooked food from our in-house chef, tailored care delivered by our fully trained and experienced team, the highest standards of safety and cleanliness, and you can see why we’re the ideal choice. If you’re considering care for yourself or a loved one, we’re here for you. To arrange a virtual tour or one-to-one video chat, please call 0121 314 9439 or email rachel.mackay@careuk.com
WELCOMING NEW RESIDENTS Mercia Grange care home 538 Lichfield Rd, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield B74 4EH careuk.com/mercia-grange
Adult Classes
Sutton Stage School
Want to improve strength and flexibility whilst learning a variety of dance styles?
Classes at Bishop Walsh School on Saturday mornings, Tap, Modern Jazz, Theatre Craft, Gymnastic Dance. Shows, exams and festivals.
Ballet Barre Conditioning plus Contemporary & Jazz Dance
Class on Thursdays Thu at Wylde Green United Reformed Church 6.40 until 7.20.
Ballet Classes
Beat the blues every Monday morning, 10am at Wylde Green United Reformed Church
Boldmere Ballet School Catering for children of all ages plus gymnastic dance on Fridays for the younger student.
Tap Classes
Toe-tapping fun on Saturday afternoons, 1pm at Bishop Walsh School. Call now to reserve your space!
Confetti Choreography Wedding dances with a difference Need a great g first dance but don’t want to commit to a programme of ballroom lessons? Confetti Choreography is a wedding dance service creating special first dances tailor made for you and your partner.
Contact: Jane Cooke: 07932 065 949 | jane@theatredance.co.uk janecooke_sssbbs@hotmail.com | www.theatredance.co.uk