Bins, Bombs and Lunar Eclipses

WEATHER

Thurs: 8°C 🌦️ | Fri: 8°C ⛅️ | Sat: 9°C ⛅️ | Sun: 9°C ⛅️

Sponsored
Spring into Easter with these family fun shows at the Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall! 

Join us on a journey to the heart of the Himalayas for a delightful musical adaption of the award-winning children’s book. The Littlest Yak features beautiful puppets, catchy tunes and is the perfect tale of self-acceptance for all the family.

Date: Tuesday 15th April 2025 / Performances: 11:00AM / 2:00PM

Book Tickets – The Littlest Yak

Plus, come and be part of the fun with a Mardi Gras Panto adventure that is toad-ally wild! TaleGate Theatre’s The Frog Prince promises to be their most hilarious and spectacular yet, filled with songs, slapstick humour, audience engagement, plus a sprinkle of fairytale magic – You’d be hopping mad to miss it!

Date: Monday 14th April 2025 / Performances: 6:30PM

Book Tickets – The Frog Prince

SUTTON SPOTLIGHT
An Aladdin’s Cave Of Ex Show Home Furniture

I had a tip off about this little gem a couple of weeks ago and I have to admit I couldn’t wait to have a nose around.

It may not be strictly in Sutton but it’s close enough…

Hidden above the wine and gift shop at Buzzard’s Valley, this shop is like an Aladdin’s cave. To find it, you have to go through the gift shop and up a staircase at the back of the store - it all feels very hidden and secret. Treasures surround you as soon as you reach the top of the stairs, with everything from classic sofas to crazy outlandish candle sticks.

The stock has been collected from show homes which explains the eclectic mix. It’s not just big items of furniture but also all the little accessories that are used to dress show homes.

The most interesting things I found were a huge rainbow bear statue and standard lamp made of feathers. There is something for all tastes from classy neutrals to more vibrant statement pieces. You will either find exactly what you want or come away with something you didn’t know you needed. I know I did!

Whether you have something specific in mind or just want to browse and see what takes your fancy its definitely worth a trip. Buzzard’s Valley also has a new cafe called Kiki’s Bistro which I didn’t visit but looks great and there is a nature trail if you fancy a stroll.

Visit their Instagram page here to see what they have to offer.

GET INVOLVED
St Mary’s College Tours Open To All

If like me you’ve ever driven down Chester Road and wondered what it’s like inside St Mary’s College, Oscott - now is your chance to get really up close and personal.

I didn’t realise that St Mary’s College has been offering the public the opportunity to visit for 15 years - with lots of interest generated by the Papal visit to England and Wales in 2010.

As a residential teaching facility for the Roman Catholic Church, the college is not open for general visits most of the year. However, they do offer a program of guided tours on Wednesday afternoons (the college’s only day off), which allows visitors to explore the public areas of the college, from the spectacular Pugin designed chapel, to the newly renovated exhibition hall and academic library. The tours end with tea and cake in the main dining hall.

All tour dates can be found on the college events page – www.oscott.org/events - along with other opportunities for the public to visit and join in.

They have just released 3 new tour dates before the end of the academic year and a special history talk at the end of March that reveals the life and character of the Catholic Colonel William Careless, as witnessed by his family, his friends and even the King himself!

It gives an insight into the lives and hardships of some of Staffordshire's Recusants in the seventeenth century, who were so convinced of their beliefs and loyalties they were prepared to face the dangers of imprisonment or even death.

Sounds fascinating!

For more information and booking for the event on March 26th click here

GET INVOLVED
Local Astronomy Club Meets Every Saturday

A local Sutton Coldfield astronomy club holds a free to all get together each Saturday (weather permitting) from 6pm-10.30pm.

They meet between the cafe at Town Gate and the visitor centre each week. If you want to get involved then why not head down?

LOCAL HEROES
Remembering A True Sutton Hero

Our story about The Crystal Palace in Sutton Park a few weeks ago led to us receiving a flood of fond memories from our readers. Among them was an email from Eddie, whose memory was less fond, but filled with pride all the same.

He emailed us asking if we would like to share the story of his Grandad who was unfortunately killed during the notorious Eagle Day bombing raid that saw 26 bombs hit the park on August 14th 1940.

Gunner Edward Ruston (Eddie’s Grandad) was a 32 year old territorial soldier of the Warwickshire Regiment.  He was married to Lydia Rose and lived in Aston. He was part of the team manning a huge search light in the park, allowing the anti-aircraft units to engage the enemy. At 38 minutes past midnight three high explosive bombs landed on the search light position and a Messerschmitt escort shot up the searchlight, destroying the light and smashing much of the glass on the Crystal Palace.

Edward was badly wounded, along with two of his team on the position. The position was connected by telephone cable to the local Police Station in Sutton which was co-ordinating the Air-Raid Precautions Response. A civilian St John Ambulance was despatched to the scene and quickly got the three men in the vehicle to take to Good Hope hospital. Despite best efforts Edward later died of his wounds. 

The bombs continued to land across Sutton Coldfield, minutes after this first series of blasts in the park, the Boot Inn on Rectory Road had four high explosive bombs land to the side of it, with one wall demolished. Fortunately, the landlord was in the shelter and was unhurt. Bombs were landing across the area with bombs hitting Middleton Woods, Slade Road, Roughley Road and Lichfield Road.

Eddie told us “Thanks for sharing the story of my hero. He left behind, my Nan and my mom who was 3 years old.”

I’m sure we can all agree that all involved that fateful night, including Gunner Edward Ruston are true local heroes.

Do you have a local hero to celebrate from past or present? Get in touch via reply to this email and let us know.

GET INVOLVED
Mother’s Day Activities Across Sutton Coldfield

Mother’s Day Sip & Paint at The Bracebridge from 1-3 PM. Enjoy painting your own glass, sipping on a glass of Prosecco and indulging in pizza.

Mother’s Day Baby Spa - A bonding treat for you and your baby at Banner’s Gate Community Hall Tuesday 25th March.

Mother’s Day Flowers with Jess at The Four Oaks Pub on Tuesday 25th March at 7pm.

Mother’s Day Spa with Mama Social Club at The Four Oaks Pub on Friday 28th March 11am - 1pm - celebrate YOU and motherhood, treat yourself to a guided facial by Temple Spa.

Mother’s Day Yoga & Candle Craft Workshop at The Art of Wellness, Blackbrook Barns.

Tom’s Midnight Garden at Sutton Arts Theatre on Saturday 29th March.

Mother’s Day at The Garden Room, Halls Garden Centre - You can opt for a set lunch menu or afternoon tea.

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea with live music at Moor Hall Hotel in the elegant Charter Suite with live music from Chloe Barry.

ABBA Themed Afternoon Tea at The Slug & Lettuce with FREE Chambord Royal for all mums.

Afternoon Tea at New Hall Hotel with live music.

Billy Elliot The Musical Live at the Royal Cinema at 2pm.

LOCAL
A Word On The Bins

As you know we try to avoid political comment in this newsletter - there’s enough of that online if you want to go and find it. As the refuse collection industrial action continues and even ramps up, do continue to put your bins out - as they are still being collected, albeit a bit hit and miss.

It was nice to see a comment in one of the Facebook Groups this week from a Sutton resident who didn’t put their bin out but was delighted when the refuse collectors were walking up the drive to fetch and empty the bins. But don’t leave it to chance, put the bin out and hopefully this will be behind us soon.

WHAT’S ON
Local Cinema Showings This Weekend

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

EMPLOYMENT
Local Jobs Roundup

New local employment opportunities:

Baker at Jubilee Garden - Details

Commis Chef at Marston’s - Details

Customer Assistant at Lidl - Details

Assistant Headteacher at Sutton Girls - Details

Dessert Maker at Coco Deluxe - Details

Cleaning and Waste Operative at Amazon - 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 19: Anora

March 26: A Complete Unknown

More details and booking here

SUTTON SOLVER
Where In Sutton?

It’s the return of where in Sutton. Simply hit reply and tell us where this image is taken or what it is for a chance to have a mention in next week’s email.

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

TODAY:

Frozen Jr   
7pm at Sutton Coldfield Grammar School For Girls

Amigos Open Mic
7pm at The Rhodehouse

Little Wars
7:30pm at Highbury Theatre Centre

Charlie & The Chocolate Factory (BSL performance)
7:30pm at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Sutton Coldfield Fuchsia and Gardens Guild Meeting
7:30pm for 8pm start at Banners Gate Community Church

FRIDAY:

Closing Down Sale - £15 per Kilo
10am at Sale Lab

AC30s SKA & Rocksteady Band
7pm at The Rhodehouse

St Patrick’s Day 
6pm - 12:30am at Avery Fields

Little Wars
7:30pm at Highbury Theatre Centre

Charlie & The Chocolate Factory
7:30pm at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

SATURDAY:

Short n Sweet Brunch
11am - 9pm at Slug & Lettuce

Physic Medium Show
7pm at The Plough & Harrow, Slade Road

FOSPA Archaeology Walk In Sutton Park
11am at Sutton Park Visitor Centre

George Michael Tribute
7pm - 11:30pm at Sutton United Football Club

Abbasolute
9pm at Walmley Club

The Father Teds - St Patrick’s Day Special
7pm at The Rhodehouse

Little Wars
7:30pm at Highbury Theatre Centre

Charlie & The Chocolate Factory
7:30pm at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

SUNDAY:

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