I Can't Believe I Didn't Know About This Hidden Gem

WEATHER

Thurs: 19°C ☀️ | Fri: 20°C ☀️ | Sat: 16°C ☀️ | Sun: 15°C ☀️

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 Fair Price At Fairlawns For A Relaxing Day Out

As an early Mother’s Day treat I decided to test out one of the local spas (its tough work but someone has to do it!). My friends and I had spotted that Fairlawns had a special offer, which included spa access from 10am-5pm plus breakfast and a 2 course lunch, all for £89. We can’t resist a bargain!

When we arrived we were directed to the Spa Reception where we filled out a questionnaire and were given our robes and towels in a handy Fairlawns tote bag (which we could keep at the end of the day!). Once we were changed we were given a detailed tour of the facilities before a light breakfast in the new Birch Café.

The breakfast was a lovely addition which I wasn’t expecting! We had a little bowl of yogurt, fruit compote and granola, a smoothie and one of the best croissants I’ve had in a while.

Throughout the day you can return to the Birch Café for complimentary herbal teas and fruit infused water, however you do need to purchase coffee and regular tea. The café was beautifully decorated in neutral colours, my only criticism would be that we were a bit squashed as the tables are so close.

The spa facilities had clearly been refurbished quite recently and everything felt fresh and clean. The thermal suite was lovely with 2 different steam rooms, foot baths, heated loungers, a bubble room and even an ice room, where you can opt for a cooling mist, shower or simply ice. If you are brave enough they have an ice bucket which douses you with freezing cold water, very refreshing!

Across a little courtyard, which has sun loungers and egg chairs to relax in, you find the saunas and outdoor hot tubs. There is a Finnish sauna (the hottest) and an infra red sauna (good for aches and pains), also a Himalayan salt room with heated seats.

For lunch we returned to the Birch Café, where I had a light lunch of salmon Caesar salad followed by a lovely chocolate brownie. There was a good selection on offer from vegan club sandwich to a Katsu chicken bowl (I opted for the salad as I was still quite full from breakfast).

The whole day was really relaxing, the facilities definitely felt luxurious and the staff were really friendly and helpful. There were so many different rooms to try we didn’t even go to “The Snug”, a cosy little room with sofas and dim lighting just next to the Birch Cafe.

The “Spring Into Your Spa Day” is still on until 31st April and is great value for a midweek (Tuesday - Thursday) spa day.

To find out more or book yourself a spa day click here.

GET INVOLVED
Easter Activities For The Big & Little Ones

There’s plenty going on over the Easter holidays for kids and adults alike. Below is a selection of events taking place in and around Sutton…

All Things Spring - Easter Sip & Paint
Thursday 10th April 7pm - 9pm at Quinto Lounge

Easter Wreath Making
Sunday 13th April 11am - 2pm at New Hall Hotel

Easter Wreath Decorating For Kids
Monday 14th April 10:30am - 12pm at Kingsbury Water Park

Easter Wreath Duck Antics
Wednesday 15th April 10am - 11am at Kingsbury Water Park

Meet Peter Rabbit
Saturday 19th April 10am - 3pm at Gracechurch Shopping Centre

Kids Easter Party (under 9s)
Saturday 19th April 11am - 1pm at Avery Fields Sports & Events

Kids Easter Party (10 - 13 year olds)
Saturday 19th April 2pm - 5pm at Avery Fields Sports & Events

Easter Food & Drinks Quiz
Sunday 20th April 7pm at The Quill & Taper

Workshop Week (12 - 18 year olds) 
22nd - 25th April at The Venue, Trinity Hill

These are the Easter activities that we have found so far but I’m sure there are many more fantastic things happening in the area. Please let us know about any others that we can share in next week’s newsletter.

LOCAL
Have You Found This Eco Hidden Gem?

I only discovered recently that there is a fair trade and eco shop at Wylde Green United Reformed Church. I used to visit the one in Boldmere until it closed down and have had to resort to purchasing online ever since.

Britwell Fair Trade & Eco Shop, aims to support the Fair Trade movement and make it easier for the local community to make ethical and sustainable choices. They offer fair trade, eco-friendly, and ethically sourced food, household goods, body care products, gifts, and cleaning refills.

It is staffed entirely by volunteers and any profits are donated to Fair Trade & Environmental Charities.

The shop is situated in the entrance to Britwell Hall, by the church car park and is open every Saturday 10am - 12pm, Wednesday 4:45pm - 7pm and after Sunday morning services.

Visit their Facebook page to find out more.

GET INVOLVED
Calling All Men For Walking & Talking

Every Wednesday evening there’s a great initiative taking place that is aimed at improving the mental health of local men. I saw this in a local Facebook group and it’s too good not to share:

Last week on our Men Walking and Talking, we had 14 great fellas out on Wednesday. It was the best yet, and it’s starting to grow and grow. Along with the fantastic chat. I am incredibly proud of all who come along on our Wednesday evenings.

The public's response has been amazing, and we're seeing increasing interest from new attendees who want to help drive our cause!

We are getting close and this coming week we are privileged to now be doing the whole route in daylight, which means more greenery and better scenery! So if meeting strangers in the dark and cold had put you off previously... You now have no excuses.

Come and join us -

🗓️ Every Wednesday
⌚ Meet at 19.00 to set off at 19:10
🧭 Outside the main entrance of the Sutton Coldfield Town Hall /Theatre entrance, Upper Clifton Rd

So... We'll see you there then?

💪 Together, Stronger 💪

GET INVOLVED
Something Fun, Uplifting, and a Little Bit Different

If you love to sing but worry about hitting the right notes – Tuneless Choir in Sutton Coldfield might be just what you’re looking for!

It’s a choir where absolutely no singing ability is required – in fact, that’s kind of the point. There’s no pressure, no judgement, and no need to improve – just pure, feel-good fun with plenty of laughter along the way.

Heather Willetts emailed us this week telling us just how much of an impact it’s had on her over the last decade:

“I joined the choir when it started almost nine years ago and have loved attending each session on a Tuesday night since. It’s great being able to sing without worrying about being in tune. I’ve been introduced to various genres of music, learnt some fantastic songs and made many new friends. The sessions are uplifting, full of fun and make me feel happy.”

The choir sings a wide mix of well known songs – from ABBA and The Beatles to Coldplay and Elbow – so there’s always something familiar to join in with.

If you’re looking for a new way to unwind, meet people, and have a great time, Tuneless Choir Sutton Coldfield could be the perfect fit.

More details on their website here

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:

Assistant HR Manager at Sutton Coldfield Grammar School For Girls - Details

Experienced Autism Support Worker - Details

Team Leader at The Cinnamon Care Collection - Details

LGV Class 2 Driver - Details

Member Experience Manager at Bannatyne Group - 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 April:

April 9: September 5

April 23: The Brutalist

April 30: Some Like It Hot

More details and booking here

SUTTON SOLVER
Where In Sutton?

Do you know exactly where in Sutton the image below was taken? Simply hit reply and tell us for a chance to have a mention in next week’s email.

Last week’s answer: We had a huge response last week (maybe it was too easy), but first with the correct answer was Andy Mitchell who simply told us ‘It’s Jockey Road, Boldmere end’ - that’s good enough for me Andy - congrats.

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

TODAY:

Sutton Coldfield Grammar School For Girls Spring Concert  
6:30pm -8:45pm at Sutton Coldfield Grammar School For Girls

Gentle Yoga Flow
6:30pm at The Art Of Wellness

Amigos Open Mic
7pm at The Rhodehouse

FRIDAY:

Yard Sale At A Bakery
10am - 2pm at Hill Crest Farm, Worcester Lane

Dinner With Henry VIII
7pm - 11pm at New Hall Hotel

Ultimate RnB
7pm at The Rhodehouse

Harvest Fields Quiz Night
8:00pm - 10:30pm at Harvest Fields Centre

Spanish & Portuguese Wine Tasting With Tapas
7pm at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

The Bright Lights Of Broadway
7:30pm at Sutton Arts Theatre

Back To The Eighties
8pm -1am at The Lounge Boldmere

SATURDAY:

Bert & Gerts Market
9am - 4pm Sutton Coldfield Town Centre

Yard Sale At A Bakery
10am - 2pm at Hill Crest Farm, Worcester Lane

Adele Night Fundraiser for Cherished
8pm at Cuttle Bridge Inn

Royal Variety Concert & Exhibition
7:30pm - 9:30pm at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School

ABBA Riginal
7pm - 11:30pm at Sutton United Football Club

Fleetwood Mad
9pm at Walmley Club

XODUS Tribute to Bob Marley and The Wailers
7pm at The Rhodehouse

Set Dancing Céilí with Sliabh Aughty
8pm - 11pm at Holy Trinity Church

The Bright Lights Of Broadway
7:30pm at Sutton Arts Theatre

The Fleetwood Mac Experience (FREE Entry)
9pm at The Lounge Boldmere

SUNDAY:

Falcon Lodge Community Litter Pick
10:30am - 12pm meet at Churchill Road

Yard Sale At A Bakery
10am - 2pm at Hill Crest Farm, Worcester Lane