Controversial Plans Change For Sutton Coldfield

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SUTTON SPOTLIGHT
It’s That Good It Makes Me Sing (terribly)

Have those new year’s resolutions already gone out of the window? I’m clinging on and this week I treated myself to the new Pitalicious delivery service - in the thinking that it is one of the healthier takeaways available in Sutton.

Rather than just heading to Uber Eats or Deliveroo, I wanted to test out their new online ordering system - and it worked a charm - and saved me 10%.

I’ve long been a fan of Pitalicious - in fact, my kids get incredibly frustrated when I sing my own Pitalicious theme tune when we drive past.

This time I opted for a mixed Shawarma box and also checked out the Fireball falafels that are made fresh on site. The 24 hour marinated meats were divine, and I stacked mine with rice, salad and of course their own ‘Licious’ sauce.

As usual the food and service did not disappoint and the biggest problem I have with it is that they’ve now made it too easy to eat here too often!

If you like to support local independent eateries and haven’t yet tired their Lebanese food, why not treat yourself while they have their 10% off offer - just quote the code PITALICIOUS when ordering.

Full menu and ordering for delivery/collection here

GET INVOLVED
Spring Equinox Day Retreat

It’s that time of year when I start to yearn for more daylight and warmer days.

They aren’t that far away and Happy Mat Yoga have a wonderful day planned to mark the Spring Equinox on 23rd March from 10:15am until 3pm.

End your winter hibernation, celebrate the lengthening of days and take the chance to embrace new beginnings (much easier in March than in the depths of the winter) and set new intentions.

The day involves a woodland yoga session, meditation and sound healing, a cacao ceremony, woodland walk and a cold water swim, if you are feeling brave.

Hosted at the picturesque Buzzards Valley Vineyard, the day is designed to nurture your body, mind, and spirit. The day is priced at £65, which includes all food and refreshments. This uplifting experience is perfect for those looking to reset, reconnect, and celebrate the promise of spring.

Full details on the Happy Mat Yoga website here

CELEBRATING LOCAL HEROES
Eos Showing The Right Ethos

Eos Surveyors Ltd, a small, family-run surveying firm based in Sutton Coldfield, led by husband and wife duo Neil and Dawn Williams, have been making a real difference in the Sutton Coldfield community - and I think it’s apt that we here at Sutton Insider give them a mention.

From inspiring the next generation in schools to working with local charities - the ethos at Eos is all about giving back and inspiring others.

I spoke with Dawn who explained:

A key focus for us is nurturing the next generation of surveyors. We are proud to collaborate with the charity "My Environment My Future" (MEMF), which works with schools to integrate surveying-related courses into their curriculum. Through this initiative, several secondary schools have already committed to offering these courses.

Additionally, we actively participate in RICS events as ambassadors, visiting schools, colleges, and universities to inspire young people to explore careers in surveying and the built environment.

Dawn told me how humbled she was to recently receive the Property Week Mentor of the Year Award (Inspiring Women in Property) in recognition of her outreach work with schools.

Eos also continue to support several local charities, including the Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, which reflects a commitment to giving back to the community.

Dawn and the team at Eos are keen to raise the profile of the work they are doing to enable them to make even more of an impact on the local community they care so much about.

You can find out more about Eos Surveyors Ltd here.

Do you know a person, group or company that deserves a mention for their contributions to the Sutton Coldfield community? Get in touch with [email protected].

LOCAL NEWS
Changed Plans For Sutton Town Centre

A 15-point ‘masterplan’ that aims to improve Sutton Coldfield town centre has been updated this week and is again dividing opinion.

Replacing earlier, more ambitious proposals that included a new bus station and a traffic ban on Brassington Avenue, this refined plan aims to enhance public transport, walking, and cycling access, with funding secured through the £25 million City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement Programme.

Due to financial constraints and opposition from local businesses, the plan to create a new bus station near the railway station, has been shelved. Instead there are now 15 other ways that the council intend on changing the town centre such as the introduction of segregated cycleways, enhanced pedestrian crossings, reduced road widths to calm traffic, a new 20mph speed limit, and a mobility hub at the railway station. They also propose relocating the taxi rank and converting Mill Street car park for blue badge use only.

Opinions on social media are mixed - and the big question still remains, is this what Sutton Coldfield town centre actually needs? Will it aid regeneration and encourage people to visit or will it cause more traffic chaos at busy times and direct funds that could be used elsewhere?

Full details on the council website here

LOCAL DEALS
Last Chance With These January Deals

The Bracebridge - 30% off food throughout January (Mention January 30 when booking)

Browns Brasserie - January lunch offer - 2 courses £18.95, 3 courses £23.95 (read our review of this from last week’s edition here)

Harvester - 50% of mains Mon-Fri

Quill and Scholar (Lichfield) - 50% off mains when ordering two courses

Slug and Lettuce - 2 starters, 2 mains and bottle of wine for £23 per person

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:

Dessert Maker at Treatz - Details

Tesco Colleague at Birmingham Road Tesco Express - Details

Golf Course Labourer at The Belfry - Details

Business Administration Apprentice at Cherish Home care - Details

Early Years Educator at Holland House Day Nursery - Details

SUTTON SOLVER
Test Your Local Knowledge With Sutton Solver

For this week’s Sutton Solver do you know the answer to the question below? If you do, hit reply and let us know for a chance to feature next week.

Q - What was the name of the building on Clifton Road that was a popular dance spot after World War 2 and originally housed a zoo containing monkeys, camels and lions?

Was it: a) The Amusement Palace b) The Crystal Palace c) The Amusement House

Answer to last week: Last week’s correct answer was 1528 - the year that Sutton Park was presented to the people of Sutton Coldfield by King Henry VIII. Lots of you knew the answer to this one but fastest was Caron Davis - congrats Caron and a happy new year to you too.

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

TODAY:

Mama Social Club’s January Lunch
12pm - 2pm at Ego @ Fox & Dogs

Gentle Yoga Flow
6:30pm - 7:30pm at The Art of Wellness, Blackbrook Barns

Home, I’m Darling
7:30pm at Highbury Theatre Centre

FRIDAY:

Rock The Eighties
7pm at Walmley Club

Under The Covers
7pm at The Rhodehouse

Home, I’m Darling
7:30pm at Highbury Theatre Centre

Sound Bath
7:30pm - 8:45pm at Therapy & Flow

Bootleg ABBA
7:30pm at The Town Hall

SATURDAY:

90s vs 00s Brunch
11am - 9pm at The Slug & Lettuce

The Carpenters Masquerade
7:30pm at The Town Hall

West Coast Eagles
at Walmley Club

Noughty Nineties
7pm at The Rhodehouse

Sound Bath Meditation for Parents and Children
2pm - 2:45pm at Quaker Friends Meeting House

Home, I’m Darling
7:30pm at Highbury Theatre Centre

SUNDAY:

Beetle Juice! Beetle Juice!
7pm - 9pm at Highbury Theatre Centre

BOOK AHEAD:

Fizz & Chips Wine Tasting Event
Thursday 13th February 7pm - 9pm at The Town Hall