The Mystery Of Keeper's Pool Solved By You

WEATHER

Thurs: 5°C ☁️ | Fri: 5°C ⛅️ | Sat: 5°C ☁️ | Sun: 5°C ☁️

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Boutique Lettings Agency In Four Oaks

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We’re here to provide you with honest and straight-forward advice at every step, coupled with our commitment to provide every customer with a personal, seamless and highly responsive experience.

As well as benefiting from street-facing advertising in our Four Oaks office, all our properties are showcased on our own website as well as Rightmove.

We take the time to personally show potential tenants around each property, providing insightful information on the property, the area and amenities.

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Find out more at the MI Estates website here

SUTTON SPOTLIGHT
A Fire Deal To Keep You Warm (& Cold) This Winter

When my friend asked me if I would like to go for a spa day at The Belfry for only £39 I simply couldn’t say no (I can’t resist a bargain). The deal included a 60 minute ‘Fire & Ice’ experience and a 2 course lunch, as well as access to the pool, 2 jacuzzis, sauna, steam room and relaxation room from 9:30am.

So on a miserable Tuesday morning in February, we headed straight off after the school run to enjoy a day of relaxation. When we arrived we felt like we were entering a building site as they are currently building a conference suite and a new leisure centre (more about that later). However once we had parked the car and found reception we were greeted by friendly staff and pointed in the right direction with our towels and robes.

I have to say the changing rooms and pool area are looking very tired, the toilet door needed a lot of force to close it and then I worried whether I would be stuck there for the day. There are plenty of loungers around the pool, but you needed to be careful with your choice as some did look a bit wobbly.

We had a relaxing couple of hours swimming, chatting in the jacuzzi and testing out the poolside sauna and steam rooms where we met a regular that gave us all the info about the changes happening at the moment. Apparently they are currently building a new leisure centre but are a bit behind schedule due to issues with the roof. When this new centre has been built they will then start refurbishing the existing pool (which explains why it’s a little run down).

The Fire & Ice experience consists of 12 hot and cold bio-thermal rooms such as an aroma cave, crystal steam room and an ice room to create a multi sensory experience. Starting with a cleansing foot bath we then explored the different rooms including having a bucket of icy water tipped over my head! The overall experience was great.

Lunch is served in Rocca’s restaurant which was actually one of the highlights of the day. The chicken was well cooked, tender and moist, served with parmesan polenta and some delicious vegetables in a tomato sauce. The passionfruit panna cotta for dessert was delicious.

Overall the day was amazing value for £39, a very tasty 2 course lunch and 4 hours of relaxation. I’m excited to see what the new leisure complex is like but I’m guessing with improved facilities the price will definitely go up too.

To see all their offers click here and grab a bargain quickly before the upgrade.

GET INVOLVED
Sutton Active Inclusion Walks Every Sunday 

Sutton Active Inclusion lead group walks on Sunday mornings for people to enjoy the beauty of Sutton Park and connect with others.

It is aimed at fostering inclusivity and strengthening community bonds while enhancing both mental and physical health. It offers a variety of activities, including cycling, walking, yoga, and much more - and it’s free to get involved.

For more details see the website here

GET INVOLVED
Keep The Big & Little Kids Entertained This Half Term

Here’s some half term activities to keep the little ones entertained this upcoming half term week:

Art Freedom and The Art of Wellness are hosting two yoga and arts workshops, on 21st February, one for 6 - 11 year olds and another for 12 plus. Happy Hearts includes a fun yoga session to boost self esteem and confidence, creative art projects that encourage self expression and promote a positive self-image and also mindfulness games.

Artclub.Kids are holding art and craft workshops from 18th to 20th February. During these workshops children will have the opportunity to explore a variety of mediums and techniques, including painting, drawing, collage, sculpture, free style, etc. They’ll also have the chance to collaborate with their peers and express their own unique visions through their artwork.

Aqua Run (inflatable obstacle course) at Wyndley Leisure Centre is on 17th, 19th and 21st February from 1 - 1:45pm and 1:45 - 2:30pm. Compete with friends or race against the clock, this activity is suitable for both children and adults.

Wicked Dance Masterclass held by Ariana Grande’s dance and movement double, Beth John. This is a 90 min dance extravaganza with 30 min Q&A. They are running two age groups 8-12 years and 12+ years at The Wilnecote School, Tamworth on Thursday 20th February.

Kingsbury Water Park have a couple of different events running over half term to get your kids outside in the fresh air and connecting with nature. Campfire Crumpets & Dens, a cosy gathering around a crackling campfire, indulging in delicious crumpets and building epic dens. They also have Teddy Bear Dens & Marshmallows, where you get chance to build a small den for your favourite toy animal from natural materials then toast a marshmallow!

Imaginations Run Wild are also encouraging children to enjoy the great outdoors with a range of outdoor play story classes at Streetly Methodist Church. Activities are for 3 - 7 year olds and are themed around different stories such as The Very Hungry Hedgehog and A Worm Called Wallace.

Creative Minds, at Middleton Hall Courtyard, have a special Paint by Numbers Workshop on 20th February. There are two different designs to choose from and they include the numbers from 1 - 8.

Sutton Coldfield Library have a FREE drop in session where children can create out of this world space themed crafts. No booking is necessary but spaces are limited and will be offered on a first come, first serve basis.

The Royal Cinema is running a kids club Mon-Fri during half term. Catch the film of the day at 10.30am for just £4.95 per ticket (for kids and adults). Films include Sonic 3, Wicked, Moana 2, National Theatre Live and Paddington In Peru. Book online to avoid disappointment.

LOCAL
Keepers Pool Mystery Solved

Thank you for all the fantastic feedback on our Crystal Palace feature. Remember last week when I mentioned Brenda had asked:

On taking the grandchildren for a walk last Saturday, we ended up at Keepers Pool and noticed there were two sets of steps on the right hand side of the pool, not leading anywhere but must have at some point.  Do you know what might have been there at one time?

Well I had no idea, but our wonderful readers did.

Pat Fereday was in touch to say:

The steps by Keepers Pool used to lead up to a small seating area where people could sit and watch the swimmers. 

There are also steps out of the pool that side so that swimmers could climb out and join their friends.

Pat was also kind enough to supply a photograph of the steps up to the old seating area:

Clive Newman also added:

I think hazily that there were a set of wooden changing rooms accessed by the steps mentioned.

With regular reader Laurence Bonner telling us:

I remember the old lido, we used to go swimming there when we were kids and lots of people used to swim in the lake especially when the pool was full.

A nod to simpler, easier times I guess - and thanks to everyone who helped myself and Brenda with this one.

Do you have any interesting local history pieces worthy of sharing? Get in touch by replying to this email and let us know.

LOCAL DEALS
Kids Eat For £1

Harvester - Treat the little ones to their favourite dishes at an amazing price from Monday 10^th until Friday 28^th February, including the weekend! Order an adult main and get any main from the Smaller Bites and Bigger Bites and Kids’ Breakfast menus for just £1.

Asda Café - Asda have announced that its hugely popular ‘Kids Eat for £1’ café meal deals will continue to run in over 205 Asda Café’s all year round and not just during the school holidays. Children also get a piece of fresh fruit with every hot meal!

Toby Carvery - Get a kids meal or breakfast for £1 when you purchase an adult meal from 10th - 28th February. Let the little ones customise their own meal with plenty of delicious trimmings and family favourites. They also have free activity packs to keep them off their screens.

Sizzling Pub & Grill - Kids can eat for £1 when you purchase an adult main meal and during the holidays the offer has been extended and starts at 12pm instead of 3pm.

LOCAL
Bert & Gert’s On The Hunt For Small Local Businesses 

Before Christmas I visited Bert & Gert’s store in Sutton Coldfield’s town centre and was blown away by the array of different work on offer from local artists and makers. When chatting to the shop assistant she mentioned how they might be looking for more local artists to display and sell their work as it is such a big space (like a tardis!).

They are now actively looking for artists and makers to showcase their work in their store in The Gracechurch Centre. The independent shop aims to be a different, unique experience where the items on sale are handmade with love or chosen with great care.

They love supporting and promoting small local businesses so if you have your own pieces to display or know someone that does then please contact them at [email protected] to find out more.

Sponsored
Put Your Business In The Spotlight For Half Price This Month Only

For the month of February we have halved our gold sponsored slot rate.

If you want to put your business or event in front of almost 4000 Sutton Coldfield locals then find out more details and book in 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:

Sales Advisor at Scrivens - Details

Retail Shift Manager at Lidl - Details

Breakfast Room Service at The Belfry - Details

Team Leader at Care Days - Details

Power Press Setter - Details

LOCAL DEALS
Senior Cinema Films For February

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

Here’s what you can still catch in February:

Feb 19: N/A due to half term kids club

Feb 26: Gladiator II

More details and booking here

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 - Who was the mayor of Sutton Coldfield from 1933-35?

Was it: a) George Vesey b) John Willmott c) Arthur Terry

Answer to last week’s question: Last week’s correct answer was of course The Big Sleuth - we had lots of replies last week, but the person with the fastest fingers was Mandy Blizard.

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

TODAY:

Valentine’s Day Party
6:30pm at Boldmere St Michael’s Football Club

Amigos Open Mic 
7pm at The Rhodehouse

Waiting For Waiting For Godot
7:30pm at Sutton Arts Theatre

Couples On Canvas - Sip & Paint
7pm - 9pm at Quinto Lounge

FRIDAY:

Audio Junkies
9pm at The Gate Inn

Waiting For Waiting For Godot
7:30pm at Sutton Arts Theatre

Monkey Business 
7pm at The Rhodehouse

SATURDAY:

Birmingham Winter Warmer Run
9am - 1pm at Town Gate Sutton Park

Under The Covers
9pm at Walmley Club

The Seasons 
8:30pm at SSCA Community Performance Theatre

Waiting For Waiting For Godot
7:30pm at Sutton Arts Theatre

80s Disco 
7pm at Sutton United Football Club

Synth (classic electro pop)
7pm at The Rhodehouse

SUNDAY:

Birmingham Running Festival
9am - 1pm at Sutton Park

The Princess Bride
7pm - 9pm at Highbury Theatre Centre

BOOK AHEAD:

Sip & Spa (perfect Mother’s Day treat)
7pm, 22nd March at Four Oaks Saints Cricket Club