Bar Crawls, Book Crawls & Birthdays

And an important Sutton Park message

WITH

WEATHER

Thurs: 15°C ☀️ | Fri: 13°C 🌧️ | Sat: 15°C ☀️ | Sun: 15°C ☀️

Good morning Royal Sutton Coldfield,

Welcome back to the only Sutton Coldfield newsletter that’s on the hunt for hidden books throughout the town (and you can be too).

The sun was shining last weekend which coincided beautifully with my order for pizza sourdough balls from Baked In Boldmere. So I dusted off the pizza oven and treated us and the kids to some great (semi) homemade pizza. If you want to see the finished result then check out our Instagram reel here - lots of you loved that one.

It definitely feels like spring has sprung early with temperatures today set to hit a lofty 15°C - so why not get involved with a fantastic book hunt initiative that’s mentioned below.

Loads going on this week so let’s get in to it…

Sponsored
Where Exercise and Community Meet

Gymophobics is for any woman who has ever felt uncomfortable, unsure, or nervous about exercise! We know that for many women the thought of exercise or stepping foot into a conventional gym can be intimidating and scary!

Our female only, boutique style centre, is perfect for anyone looking to start exercise for the first time or for anyone looking for encouragement, motivation, and support.

We work with every woman on a one-to-one basis, with your own personal plan to meet your goals, whether that is to lose weight, lose inches, tone up, feel fitter and stronger or just to feel more confident and empowered.

Our all-female team are here to guide you every step of the way no matter your age or fitness level. We have ladies of all ages and all abilities from teens to 80+ and we especially attract women aged 40+ looking for guidance through the menopause.

Call 0121 448 1331 or visit www.gymophobics.co.uk

SUTTON SPOTLIGHT
A Touch Of Serenity In Boldmere (new opening)

We’re always excited when somewhere new opens so we headed straight down to Serenity’s preview evening on Saturday night, and we weren’t the only ones. When we arrived it was really busy and there was standing room only.

As soon as we entered we were offered a complimentary glass of Prosecco, which was a nice touch, and before long we found a table to perch at. We took our time exploring the extensive cocktail menu, featuring classic drinks with a unique twist alongside their own creative cocktails.

The staff were all extremely friendly and made us feel very welcome. While I was at the bar, I even got introduced to the man who laid the flooring. I felt like I was on holiday when one of the owners made our cocktails, as he free poured all the spirits, which did leave me with a tasty but very strong Rhubarb and Custard cocktail. I have to say it was still delicious, topped with a foam that tasted just like custard and decorated with a crumbled biscuit.

The decor is very clean and fresh with white walls, wood panelling and accents of gold. It definitely had a lively, party atmosphere which is something that some of the other bars in Boldmere miss.

I’d be interested to see how it transforms into a cafe lounge during the day, a great excuse to go and grab a coffee next time I’m in Boldmere. They soft launched to the public yesterday so why not head over next time you are on the high street.

GET INVOLVED
We’re Going On A Book Hunt…

To celebrate World Book Day, Carly from Carly’s Book Nook has come up with an amazing idea. Carly along with 9 local businesses and organisations have sponsored an incredible 150 books to be hidden around Sutton Coldfield as part of a giant book hunt.

Some of the books have already been hidden and found, but don’t worry there are still more left to find. There are 50 books due to be hidden in Sutton Coldfield town centre on Saturday 8th March and if you follow Carly here on Instagram she will be putting clues on her stories to help you find them.

So far they’ve had a fantastic response from those that have already found books and have heard from lots of children that are enjoying hunting. If you find a book you can choose to keep it or give it to a friend and share it on social media.

It is such a fun way to promote a love of books and reading - so happy hunting.

GET INVOLVED
Celebrate With The Wood Shack As They Turn 15

Sutton Coldfield charity The Wood Shack turns 15 this year and they want you to come and celebrate with them. 

The wood shack is part of the Jericho Foundation, the largest diverse social enterprise in the West Midlands.

For over a decade and a half, they've been salvaging waste wood, crafting unique products, and supporting individuals in finding new opportunities.

Join them for an exclusive Open Day where they'll be showcasing their work, sharing inspiring stories, and revealing exciting new projects for the future. Expect hands-on demonstrations, games, cake, and a chance to meet the makers behind the creations.

Date: 14th March 2025

Time: 10am-2pm (feel free to pop in or stay all day)

Location: The Wood Shack, Norris Way, Sutton Coldfield, B75 7BB

Telephone: 0121 327 6102

Come along, be inspired, and celebrate 15 years with them.

RSVP Today – Let them know you're coming ([email protected])

GET INVOLVED
Free Leisure Centre Activities This Weekend

Birmingham Community Leisure Trust has announced the return of its Big Open Weekend, offering two days of free fitness taster sessions, classes, events and more for the whole family to enjoy on March 8th and 9th.  

It includes 9 leisure centres across Birmingham and includes Wyndley and Erdington Leisure Centre.

The weekend will offer exclusive deals, swimming taster sessions and activities for children such as gymnastic, football and dance sessions. Gym tours and classes, PT taster sessions and much more will also be available to visitors.

Mark Reynolds, Contract Manager for Birmingham Community Leisure Trust, said: 

“We love the Big Open Weekend as it gives us a chance to showcase everything that’s good about our centres. The weekend gives visitors the opportunity to try out our facilities for free, and experience the kind of fun, inclusive and friendly sessions we offer at each centre.”

To see what events are taking place click you can view Erdington here and Wyndley events here.

LOCAL
Please Do Not Feed The Ponies

There has been some concern for the Sutton Park ponies on social media recently after one sadly passed away due to old age. This had led to people feeding the ponies. Please DO NOT feed the ponies. They have adapted to survive in the wild and through harsh winters. Where needed, the park rangers are on hand to intervene.

Sadly, the ponies can become quite unwell when fed by members of the public, however well intentioned it may be.

WHAT’S ON
Local Cinema Showings This Weekend

Here’s what’s on this weekend at your local cinema. View times and book here

Film Title

Friday Showtimes

Saturday Showtimes

Sunday Showtimes

Anora (18)

16:15

Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy (15) 

11:15, 14:00, 16:40, 20:00

11:30, 13:30, 16:00, 19:00

11:15, 12:15, 15:20, 18:00, 19:00

Captain America: Brave New World (12A)

13:30, 16:15, 18:50

14:15, 18:40

12:45, 20:00

Conclave (12A)

10:50

Mufasa: The Lion King (PG)

10:50

11:00

Dog Man (U)

10:30

10:00

The Monkey (15) 

21:20

21:10

20:45

The Brutalist (18) 

11:30

The Substance (18)

Erin Brockovich (15)

19:30

17:00

Mickey 17 (15)

14:00, 17:00, 19:30

12:40, 15:30, 20:00

13:50, 17:00, 20:30

Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire (12A)

19:40

17:15

Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban (PG)

16:30

14:00

Moana 2 (PG)

13:40

Paddington In Peru (PG)

11:20

10:30

NT Live: The Importance Of Being Earnest (PG)

15:00

Sponsored
A Coffee Alternative With 15% Off For Sutton Insiders

Want to reduce your coffee intake or looking for something better? Matcha Flow gives up to 6 hours of clean, calm energy and includes adaptogens and vitamins to boost brain health and reduce anxiety, stress and inflammation.

You can save 15% on all orders (including the already discounted subscriptions) using the code SUTTONINSIDER when you place your first order before midnight Monday.

EMPLOYMENT
Local Jobs Roundup

New local employment opportunities:

Head Waiter/Waitress at Browns - Details

Inclusion Support Assistant at Plantsbrook School - Details

Band 6 Sister/Charge Nurse at Haemotology Oncology Day Unit - Details

Part Time Accounts Assistant at Alma Personnel - Details

Youth Worker at BMet - Details

LOCAL DEALS
Senior Cinema Films For March

Don’t forget you can enjoy a movie, hot drink and biscuits for just £5 on Wednesday’s at 11am at the Royal Cinema.

Coming up in March: 

March 12: The Apprentice

March 19: Anora

March 26: A Complete Unknown

SUTTON SOLVER
Something New For Next Week

Next week sees the return of ‘Where in Sutton?’ - our picture puzzle where you need to guess the location. Keep your eyes peeled for that next week.

Answer to last week’s question: Last week’s correct answer was 500,000 - the number of trees in Sutton Coldfield - well done to Malcolm Robinson who was fastest with the correct answer.

LIVE MUSIC & OTHER EVENTS THIS WEEKEND
What’s Going On In Sutton This Week…

TODAY:

Amigos Open Mic
7pm at The Rhodehouse

The Father
7:30pm at Highbury Theatre Centre

FRIDAY:

Poetry Matters
10:30am - 12:30pm at Sutton Coldfield Library

Elvis - The Ultimate Experience
7:30pm at Sutton Town Hall

The Madchester Experience  
7pm at The Rhodehouse

Junior Youth Club (Years 5 - 7)
7pm - 8:30pm at Holy Trinity Parish Church

Women In Recycling
10am - 11:30pm at The Belfry

The Father
7:30pm at Highbury Theatre Centre

SATURDAY:

New Hall Wedding Showcase
12pm - 3pm at New Hall Hotel

The Watchdogs
8pm at Sutton United Football Club

Boogie Bingo
12:30pm at Moor Hall Hotel

The Elton John Show
7:30pm at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Waterloo ABBA Tribute
9pm at The Legion Club

UK’s Biggest Record Fair 
9am - 3:30pm at Trinity Centre

Bootleg ABBA
7pm at The Rhodehouse

The Father
7:30pm at Highbury Theatre Centre

SUNDAY:

Mindfulness & Meditation 
5pm - 6pm Sutton Coldfield Methodist Church

Afro Clash ‘25 (Ghana vs Nigeria) 
4pm at Boldmere St Michael’s Football Club

BOOK AHEAD:

Spring Equinox with Holistically You
23rd March from 10am - 12:30pm

There we have it. Another edition wrapped up. Next week we already have plenty lined up for you and we haven’t even scratched the surface yet - so watch this space for that.

What are we missing? What do you want to see? Let me know and we’ll do our best to bring it to you.

Sincerely,

PS - Interested in working with us or have news to share? We’ve just reduced our rates across all sponsored slots. You can browse our sponsored rates and slots as well as our verified stats here.