Boldmere Pages Nov/Dec 2017 by Boldmere Pages

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The fireworks are over, nights are dark and there’s a chill in the air… that all means one thing, Christmas is nearly upon us! Despite the sad news that the annual Boldmere Christmas Celebration will not be going ahead, there are still plenty of great local events taking place in the lead up to the big day. See the What’s On section for our pick of the best. Don’t forget to enter our fantastic competition to win tickets to the CBSO’s A Choral Christmas with Ore Oduba and get the kids cooking with a simple, festive and fun recipe from top Midlands Chef Andy Waters. Wishing you all a truly magical Christmas

Katie x

Features Boldmere’s Christmas Plans Scaled Back: 6 Breakfast with Santa: 10 CBSO Competition: 12 The Real Image Boldmere: 17 What’s On: 22 Cooking with Kids: 28

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Katie Hunt Editor

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Nick Moreton Designer

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BOLDMERE’S CHRISTMAS PLANS TO BE SCALED BACK Boldmere Futures Partnership is sad to announce that Boldmere’s Christmas Celebration including light switch on which was due to be held on Sunday 26 November, is unable to go ahead. It is to be replaced by a festive period of increased trader activity and occasional seasonal treats on weekends from mid-November through to Christmas. Boldmere’s Christmas Celebration started 5 years ago when Boldmere Traders Association put on a few market-style stalls on the evening of the Christmas lights switch on. It has since grown organically into Sutton Coldfield’s largest Christmas festival attracting over 6,000 people. However, with heightened security concerns given recent attacks in the UK and Europe, Boldmere Futures Partnership were required to adhere to stricter health and safety measures than ever to allow this year’s Celebration to take place. This included closing Boldmere Road for a longer period, providing high-grade security barricades and employing increased security personnel, all of which incur significant costs. Additionally, lessons learnt from this summer’s Music Festival also required the provision of better waste management and portable toilets, further increasing the cost of the event.

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Despite this challenge, Boldmere Futures Partnership had remained positive and announced the date for this year’s Christmas Celebration last month. Events in Boldmere are always passionately supported by our independent traders and this year they once again stood ready to sponsor the event. However, considering the extra funding needed, the shortfall in funding couldn’t be met through additional commercial means and the Partnership was also unsuccessful in a bid to Sutton Coldfield Town Council. Boldmere Futures Partnership is working on a new budget that will encompass all events in Boldmere for the coming year including the summer Music Festival and Christmas 2018, as well as two new events. With an agreed budget in place, sufficient funds can be sourced through sponsorship and bids to support the whole of 2018, the biggest year yet for our uniquely independent destination! Boldmere Futures will also be working collaboratively with and submitting bids to Sutton Coldfield Town Council to further enhance future event opportunities. So, what does Christmas in Boldmere look like for 2017 now? This year will see a very community-led and trader-driven approach to Christmas. Much like this summer when there was a series of weekend activities to celebrate the Big Sleuth, there will be a series of weekend activities across the festive period running from mid-November through to Christmas to help shoppers get into the Christmas spirit! John Lymn, Chairman of Boldmere Futures Partnership said “We’re incredibly disappointed that we can’t do a big Christmas Celebration this year. But as a community group, we just don’t have the budget now to mount such an event with the scale of health and safety measures required. We’re working hard as we speak on redeveloping our approach to our events and considering the funds of money we’re able to bid into for support. We’re adamant that 2018 will be Boldmere’s biggest year!” Martin Pedley, Chairman of Boldmere Traders Association said “As traders we’re very sad that we can’t welcome over 6,000 people to a specific Christmas event this year. However, the idea of having a festive period of small-scale activities instead is very exciting. Boldmere is still open for business this Christmas, and we welcome people from near and far to come and sample our unique boulevard of independent traders!”

Keep an eye on www.boldmere.org/christmas for all further Christmas news and a list of activities when they are agreed.

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Breakfast with

Santa

Have Breakfast With Santa at Hall's this Christmas During December enjoy the magic of Christmas and meet Santa for breakfast at The Garden Room Coffee Shop at Hall's. In addition to chatting to Santa one to one, your child will receive a present and have fun colouring with the chance to win additional prizes on the day. A child's breakfast will includes sausage, beans and toast, American style pancakes with strawberries and cream, plus orange juice or cordial with a free refill. For adults, a full English breakfast will be served with a speciality Twinings Tea, filter coffee or orange juice with a free refill. Vegetarian and gluten free options are also available by pre-order. Santa will be at The Garden Room from 9am - 10.30am on 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 23rd and 24th December. Places are limited and are priced at £12.99 per child and £12.99 for each accompanying adult. Advance booking is required, to book your space please call the team on 0121 321 6078 or pop into The Garden Room.

www.hallsgardencentre.com

Boldmere Photographer snaps Prestigious Award Congratulations to Boldmere resident and photographer Richard T Harris who snapped the title of “The Tony Flanagan Photographer of the Year Award” at the Midlands Media Awards 2017. Richard was nominated by the Sutton Coldfield Observer Richa for his outstanding photography. Photographs have included The Duke of Cambridge, Emma Willis and Alan Gardner (The Autistic Gardener). 10

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Win a Pair of Tickets to the CBSO’s A Choral Christmas with Ore Oduba Carols are the heart of every Christmas – and the CBSO’s annual carol concerts at Symphony Hall are the most splendid in Birmingham. Featuring the full City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, their massed choirs and performers from across the whole city, they’re like a luxury hamper – overflowing with good cheer, magical sounds, and seasonal music old and new, all beautifully wrapped and delivered with a smile by presenter Ore Oduba (Strictly Come Dancing 2016 champion) and the world-famous chorus director Simon Halsey CBE. Treat the whole family: and get ready to join in and sing along, too! “Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year so I’m delighted to be joining the amazing CBSO and choruses for a special festive celebration” - Ore Oduba A Choral Christmas performances are at 7.30pm on Tuesday 19th, Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st December at Symphony Hall, Birmingham. Tickets are available for £52, £46, £40, £30.50, £24 and £13 (with £10 tickets available for children aged 17 or under*) This issue we have teamed up with the CBSO to offer one lucky winner a pair of tickets to A Choral Christmas with Ore Oduba on Tuesday 19 December. For your chance to win, simply send your contact details on an email entitled ‘CBSO Competition’ to boldmerepages@outlook.com, no later than 5pm on Friday 8th December 2017.

For more information visit www.cbso.co.uk/christmas *terms and conditions apply. Congratulations to Bronwyn Farrell, winner of the July/ August competition to win a baby photo shoot with Little Pops Photography. 12

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Christmas ideas from The Deli …

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The Real Image in Boldmere The Real Image Ltd are interior design specialists with over 20 years of experience designing commercial and residential interiors. Their new home décor store, which opened early this year in Union Drive, has already been a huge success, selling luxury home décor and gifts. Their range includes pictures, mirrors, furniture, candles, vases, lighting and many other unique items of objet d’art. The Real Image has recently begun to prepare for the festive season, by stocking up on unusual decorations, tableware and gifts. Whether you’re looking to update an existing Christmas bauble collection or you’re keen to adopt a whole new look to keep up with latest trends – be inspired by their winter wonderful collection of home décor. Lustrous metallics show no sign of fading, only this year they are less shiny – more Lust muted and sophisticated and joined by accents of navy to show them off to their full potential. Fur and feathers are also a big hit, adorned with gems and glitter to add the festive touch. Finally, you can never have too many lights on your tree, making light up baubles a great idea. Visit The Real Image store Monday – Friday 10am - 4pm and Saturdays 12pm - 4pm. The Real Image Ltd . 4 - 5 Union Drive . Boldmere . Sutton Coldfield . B73 5TE

0121 354 5537 www.therealimageltd.co.uk ww 17

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What’s on

Body Beat Adult Dance Class

Where: Boldmere St Michaels FC When: Mondays, 7 – 8pm A fun relaxed dance class, exploring different styles and songs. Beginners welcome, £5 per class. www.bodybeatliveandloud.com

Cinderella Family Pantomime

Where: Sutton Arts Theatre When: 2nd – 16th December Follow Cinderella’s spectacular journey from rags to riches. With the help of her best friend Buttons & Fairy Godmother, she shall go to the ball! www.suttonartstheatre.co.uk

Knit & Natter

Where: St Michael’s Church Hall When: Thursdays, 2 – 4pm If you can’t knit, just go along and have a natter and a cuppa! For more information call Ann Willis 0121 574 7981 or Ruth Murray 0121 608 3599. www.stmichaels.org.uk

The Mince Pie of Doom

Where: Highbury Theatre When: 5th – 9th December, 7.30pm A perfect yuletide comedy about a plot to cancel Christmas. Tickets from £9 including free mince pie, booking essential. www.highburytheatre.co.uk

Star Wars Night

Where: The Deli Social When: 24th November, 6 – 10.30pm A special Star Wars fancy dressed themed night in aid of Isabella Lyttle. Prizes for best dressed, raffle, full bar plus food from the Pork Society. www.thedeliinboldmere.co.uk

Christmas Fair at The Donkey Sanctuary

Sutton Vintage & Arts Fair

Where: Sutton Park When: 9th December, 10.30am – 3pm Meet the donkeys at their home in the park and visit Santa Claus in his grotto. There will be stalls with gifts and refreshments and the opportunity to ‘Adopt a Donkey’. www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

Where: Sutton Coldfield Town Hall When: 25th November, 11am – 5pm Browse 70 stalls of show stopping variety, from retro clothing to vintage furniture, coupled with excellent live entertainment. www.townhallsuttoncoldfield.co.uk 22

est b e h t of k c i p nd a n i Our o to d s g re. n i e th m d l Bo d n u aro

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Where: Empire Sutton Coldfield When: From 15th December Feel the Force once again in ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’, as heroes and villains old and new collide with the fate of the entire galaxy at stake. www.empirecinemas.co.uk

Little Explorers

Where: The Harvester Boldmere When: 20th December, 10.50 – 11.40am Award winning art classes for babies, toddlers and preschool children, with no stress or mess for you! Ages: 15 months – 5 years. www.thecreationstation.co.uk

New Year’s Eve Family Sitting

The Zoe Green Band

Where: Los Banditos When: 31st December, 6 – 8pm Celebrate the start of a new year Mexican style with fresh food, a wide selection of drinks from the bar and a dedicated children’s menu. www.losbanditosboldmere.co.uk

Where: The Lounge at Boldmere When: 17th December, 4 – 6pm Zoe Green delivers a sultry blend of blues, funk and rock originals and a powerful, high octane performance. www.facebook.com/theloungeatboldmere 23

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Cooking with Kids

Cheesy Penguin Breads Serves: 12 Cooking time: 50 minutes plus 1 hr proving time

A fun introduction to breadmaking for children or novice bakers alike, Andy Watersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; recipe for these cheddar and Parmesan rolls have a hint of mustard and cayenne pepper, and can be shaped into simple balls or more extravagant creations for a buffet or party.

Ingredients 115g of cheddar, grated 45g of Parmesan, grated 450g of strong white bread flour 1 pinch of salt 7g of fast-action dried yeast 1 tsp honey 1 pinch of cayenne pepper 2 tsp mustard powder 285ml of water, warm

To decorate For more recipes visit

www.greatbritishchefs.com/chefs/andy-waters

1 egg, beaten 20g of raisins 2 tbsp of poppy seeds

Method 1) Sift the flour and salt into a bowl 2) Stir in the yeast, honey, cayenne pepper, mustard powder. Gradually add enough water to form a soft dough 3) Transfer to a floured surface and knead lightly for 5 minutes to make a smooth, pliable dough 4) Gradually knead in the cheeses until incorporated, then divide the dough into 12 balls. Shape and roll the dough into long egg-shapes, which will form the bodies of your penguins 5) Using scissors, cut a beak into the dough, then snip out wings at the side. Lightly dust a baking sheet with flour and lay the penguins on top 6) Cover loosely in a tea towel and leave to prove in a warm place for an hour, or until the dough has doubled in size 7) Preheat the oven to 200Â°C/gas mark 6 8) Brush the shapes with beaten egg, sprinkle over some poppy seeds to decorate the penguins and push the raisins into the dough to create eyes 9) Bake in the oven for 20 minutes until golden brown. Once cooked, the underside of the breads should sound hollow when tapped 10) Leave to cool and serve as you wish 29

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