Why Saying No Was Simply Not An Option

And why you should say yes to it next time round

WEATHER

Thurs: 19°C 🌤️ | Fri: 21°C ☀️ | Sat: 21°C 🌤️ | Sun: 20°C 🌤️

Good morning Royal Sutton Coldfield,

Welcome back to the only Sutton Coldfield newsletter that goes out on a school night!

Sometimes, putting the newsletter together each week is tough. This week it has been made slightly tougher by going out on a Tuesday night - but boy oh boy it was worth it - and saying yes to the invite was certainly the right call (more on that below).

At one point it felt like this was a quieter week than usual across the town - but on further inspection there’s plenty going on - including a special birthday party in the town centre that you’re invited to (again, more details on that below).

You’ll notice a couple of subtle changes this week too - mainly to the layout of our events section - let me know if it helps or hinders in any way.

We also have the return of the original Sutton Solver - and this week is a pretty interesting one so let’s see if you can get it right without cheating 😃

Right, let’s see what’s going on across Sutton Coldfield this week…

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SUTTON SPOTLIGHT
Boldmere Bistro: A Hidden Gem

A reader recently tipped us off about Boldmere Bistro, calling it a lovely spot with exceptionally friendly staff - so naturally, we had to see for ourselves.

Tucked away in a quiet courtyard behind Sutton Rose Care Home on St Michael’s Road, the bistro has a sleek, modern feel. Inside, you’ll find deep navy walls with gold accents that give it a touch of luxury. Not at all what I was expecting of a bistro in a care home - and will clearly teach me to be less prejudiced.

Despite arriving during what seemed like a particularly busy time, the staff were extremely friendly and helpful. With the sun shining, we opted to sit outside. One advantage of Boldmere Bistro is its peaceful outdoor seating area - set away from the main road, in a pretty courtyard, it’s a calm little corner unlike many cafés on busy high streets.

Even midweek, the place was buzzing. The food looked delicious, and the café was nearly full - a great sign usually. Their menu covers everything from a hearty full English to lighter bites like toasted teacakes, sandwiches, homemade soup, and freshly baked quiche which looked particularly good.

Boldmere Bistro truly is a hidden gem, and I’ll definitely be heading back soon - possibly to try one of their early bird offers, like a bacon sandwich and hot drink for just £7.50!

GET INVOLVED
Join Military Chef’s 1 Year Birthday Celebrations

It’s been one year since Military Chef opened in The Gracechurch Centre and this Saturday they are inviting you to come and join in their birthday celebrations.

There’s entertainment taking place as they take over outside their store with 1940s singers, army vehicles, laser shooting, giant games, military dressing up for the kids and even the chance to try some army rations.

So why not head down and help celebrate one of the town centre’s favourite independent businesses - all day Saturday.

COMMUNITY
Local Funding Opportunities

Are you a community group, charity or a local project based in Sutton Coldfield? If so, don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust (SCCT) and learn more about how they fund local projects.

This event will be taking place on Monday 19th May from 10.30am to 12pm on Zoom.

During this event you will:
* Learn about Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust’s funding priorities
* Find out what makes a strong application
* Have the opportunity to ask us questions directly
* Connect with other local community groups

Secure your place here

GET INVOLVED
Tudor Sports Crown Green Bowling Open Day

Just a reminder about the community open day this Saturday… full details below:

Contact for more details: [email protected]

GET INVOLVED
Open Mic At Quinto Every Other Tuesday

A friend of mine recommended a book called ‘Yes Man’ to me recently. It’s essentially about a guy who starts saying yes to everything and his life improves for it. I’ll be honest, I didn’t enjoy the book too much, but when said friend of mine invited me to Quinto for their open mic night on Tuesday I didn’t feel I could say no.

If I hadn’t said yes then I’d have missed out on a fantastic evening of free entertainment from some very talented locals.

From solo artists young and less young, to duos and groups - the quality of the performances was surprising - in a good way! Although I’ve never performed musically in a pub I have performed pub theatre at an open mic night and it’s no mean feat - so kudos to all involved.

Quinto host their open mic night every other Tuesday - so I’m guessing (using my incredible maths skills) that the next one will be on Tuesday 27th May.

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

Saturday

Sunday

A Minecraft Movie (PG)

11:40, 16:45

13:20, 15:50

Kids Club 11:00

13:20, 16:00

Kids Club 11:00

Thunderbolts*(12A)

11:45, 14:00, 17:00, 20:00

12:00, 15:00, 17:10, 20:00

12:00, 15:00, 20:00

Conclave (12A)

12:50

17:30

Disney’s Snow White (PG)

12:40

11:30

Six The Musical Live! (12A)

15:10

15:45

The Penguin Lessons (U)

12:30, 14:30

12:10, 14:45

17:45

Bluey At The Cinema: Let's Play Chef Collection (U)

11:00

11:15

Final Destination: Bloodlines (15)

15:30, 18:00, 20:30

18:00, 20:30

18:00, 20:30

Hallow Road (15)

15:00, 17:30

18:20, 20:40

18:20, 20:40

Sinners (15)

19:50

20:15

20:15

The Godfather Part 2 (15)

19:15

40 Years Of Simply Red, Live In Santiago

13:30

RBO 2024/25: Die Walkure

14:00

EMPLOYMENT
Local Jobs Roundup

New local employment opportunities:

Receptionist Administrator at Penns Personnel - Details

Supervisor at Marstons - Details

Tesco Travel Money Advisor - Details

Catering Assistant - Details

Shift Supervisor at Starbucks - Details

LOCAL DEALS
Senior Cinema Films For May and June

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 May:

21st May: Last Breath

Coming up in June:

4th June: Mr Burton

11th June: The Holdovers

18th June: The Alto Knights

25th June: Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy

SUTTON SOLVER
Sutton Solver Returns

Can you answer the following question? If so, hit reply and give us your answer for the chance to feature next week:

Q: Which Sutton Coldfield resident, born in 1830, devoted his life to studying the flora of Warwickshire, including Sutton Park?

Was it A) John Banfield B) James Eustace Bagnal C) Sir Benjamin Stone

Answer will be revealed next week

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

📅 Today

  • Fostering Information Event
    🕕 6:00 PM
    📍 Harvest Fields Centre
    ℹ️ Learn about becoming a foster carer with Birmingham Children’s Trust.
    🔗 Event Details

  • Evening of Mediumship with Chris Drew
    🕢 7:30 PM
    📍 Sutton Arts Theatre
    ℹ️ An evening of psychic mediumship (18+).
    🔗 Book Tickets

  • Amigos Open Night
    🕢 7 PM
    📍 The Rhodehouse
    ℹ️ An open mic night hosted by Doug Fougler and his band
    🔗 Book Tickets

📅 Friday, 16th May 2025

  • Box of Frogs Improv Comedy Night
    🕢 7:30 PM
    📍 Highbury Theatre Centre
    ℹ️ Fast-paced and funny improv show by Birmingham’s leading improv group.
    🔗 More Info

  • The ELO Encounter (Live Tribute Band)
    🕗 8:00 PM
    📍 The Rhodehouse
    ℹ️ Experience the sounds of Electric Light Orchestra with this high-energy tribute.
    🔗 Buy Tickets

  • Live Music: Lewis Watson
    🕗 8:00 PM
    📍 The Quill & Taper
    ℹ️ Acoustic set from singer-songwriter Lewis Watson.
    🔗 Event Page

  • Relax & Reset
    🕗 7:00 PM
    📍 Therapy & Flow
    ℹ️ A special evening designed to release, reset & realign.
    🔗 More Details

📅 Saturday, 17th May 2025

  • Royal Sutton Coldfield Orchestra – Classical Concert
    🕢 7:30 PM
    📍 Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
    ℹ️ An evening of orchestral music featuring Mozart, Mendelssohn and Beethoven.
    🔗 Book Tickets

  • Under The Covers (Live Band)
    🕘 9:00 PM
    📍 The Rhodehouse
    ℹ️ Rock, indie and pop covers all night with this energetic party band.
    🔗 Event Info

  • DJ Paul Kelly
    🕘 9:00 PM
    📍 The Walmley Club
    ℹ️ Party night | Requests | All Genres
    🔗 More Info

  • John Holt Tribute
    🕘 7:00 PM
    📍 Sutton United Football Club
    ℹ️ All the classic John Holts Songs performed by Lee Alexander.
    🔗 More Info

📅 Sunday, 18th May 2025

  • Wicked Afternoon Tea
    🕐 12:00 PM
    📍 Moor Hall Hotel & Spa
    ℹ️ A magical Wicked-themed tea party with live performances and character appearances.
    🔗 Event Link

Phew, I made it. Not that I was writing this with a hangover - no of course not… but a late night and early morning made the focus a little more challenging. Hopefully it didn’t show.

We’ll be back next week with our half term checklist of events and it’s already looking great.

Sincerely,

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