Litter Picking in Mere Green
Last Saturday, I joined Active Citizens and our former Mayor, Jane Mosson, at their litter picking session in Mere Green. The volunteer community group was set up in 2017, comprised of residents working together to make a positive change. I enjoyed being alongside my public-spirited constituents who make our Royal Town litter free. I can confirm that Mere Green is (or was last weekend!) free of litter and spick and span!
Police Station update
Last weekend I met with Capt. Jay Singh Sohal, our former Conservative PCC candidate, to discuss various issues including the Labour Police and Crime Commissioner’s plans to close our local police station.
It is so important we fight against the closure of our police station so that we have more officers here in the Royal Town with a station open and actively staffed. Everyone in Sutton Coldfield cares very much that we are properly policed and that communities are kept safe. This is why so many of us are passionate about keeping our police station. I have been working hard with the local Conservative team to fight against the planned closure.
World Parkinsons Day Fair
As Patron of the Sutton Coldfield Branch of Parkinson’s UK, I had a great time attending the Parkinsons Fair at the Methodist Church Hall on the weekend, marking World Parkinsons Day.
It was very good to see so many old friends there!
There was plenty of fun to be had, as I enjoyed the various different games and activities as you can see from my pictures.
Money was raised for such an important cause and one which is very close to my heart. Parkinson’s is the world’s fastest growing neurological condition, and around 145,000 in UK live with it.
A big well done to the whole time at Sutton Coldfield Parkinsons UK for yet another fantastic fundraiser. Do keep an eye on their Facebook page for their future events: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089121395360
For support with Parkinson's, please go to parkinsons.org.uk
Sutton Coldfield Model Engineering Society
I went to see the spectacular steam locomotive of the Sutton Coldfield model engineering society in Vesey Gardens. I learnt about the history of the society, which is due to celebrate its 75th year in June! Fantastic to see a passionate community of engineers in our Royal Town. For more information, visit their website: https://www.scmes.co.uk
Annual Sixth Form debating competition
I was so very sorry not to be able to attend Arthur Terry school, for the annual parliamentary debating competition last night, which always promises to be a highlight in my diary. This was because I was detained in London due to the ongoing crisis in Sudan which is threatening many including British Citizens, which I was dealing with in my ministerial role in the Foreign office
Unfortunately, this meant that I could not be present at the competition. But, thankfully, Gary Phelps the former editor of the royal Sutton Coldfield Observer who has for many years chaired the judges panel agreed to take over my traditional role as chair of the debates.
A wonderful evening was had, leaving all those who attended inspired by the brilliant young people who took part. I would like to thank Gary Phelps for generously agreeing to chair the contest at such short notice, Dennis Kennedy and Tina Swami on the judging panel and all those involved in organising what was as many have told me since, a fantastic evening.
Many congratulations to Hunor Veres and Tatenda Mutonga from John Willmott school (soon to be renamed The Royal Sutton Coldfield School) for their first ever win of the debating competition in the 20+ years it has been in existence. A clear sign that the school is on the up! Secondly, the runner up prize was awarded to Arson Kalambettu and Sam Bryars from Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School. Finally, congratulations to Isla Bergin-Smith from Arthur Terry school for winning the award for “Best speaker.”
I look forward to entertaining this years’ debaters at the House of Commons in the summer!
Chamber of Commerce breakfast
This morning I had a meeting with the Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce – shortly to be renamed the Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce. It was a pleasure to meet with some of the Royal Town’s most distinguished business people and residents, as well as others who live beyond our borders but whose businesses operate within the Royal Town. We discussed local and international matters of mutual interest including my 4 key priorities for the Royal Town.
Many thanks to the president of the Chamber of Commerce, Phil Akinstall, for hosting todays event!
Sutton Coldfield College
Today I met students from Sutton Coldfield College and opened their new student common room. The space has been designed with students’ needs in mind and will be an excellent place to study and socialise!
Statement on Sudan
The escalating violence in Sudan has been deeply concerning, and government will continue to work with the international community to stop the bloodshed. But of particular concern is the plight of those caught up in the fighting and obviously of particular concern to us, those British citizens who are trapped in Khartoum and going through an appalling time.
You can watch my statement on Sudan here:
Situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
Amid the alarming violence we are seeing across Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, I presented my ministerial statement which you can read here:
There was later a debate on Human Rights Protections for Palestinians which you can read here:
The UK continues to be a strong supporter of all efforts to promote peace in the middle east and a lasting and sustainable agreement between Israel and the Palestinians, and we will work with all parties to progress that goal.
Further information
Civic Sunday - 21st May
Residents are invited to attend the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield's Civic Service to be held at Holy Trinity (CE) Church, Mill Street, Sutton Coldfield, B72 1TF at 10.00am on Sunday 21st May 2023.
The annual service welcomes our civic guests and those who represent the many public and voluntary organisations within our town. The service has become an annual event and provides a visible reminder of the important roles so many people play in our local community in many different ways from which we all benefit.
The service is well attended and guests are encouraged to RSVP to enquiries@suttoncoldfieldtowncouncil.gov.uk by Friday 28th April.
Light refreshments will be served after the service.
Sutton Coldfield Society of Artists - Spring Exhibition 2023:
Message from the Sutton Coldfield Society of Artists:
We are delighted to announce that the Spring Exhibition of the Sutton Coldfield Society of Artists will take place in the Crush Hall, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall from 11:00am Sunday 7th May until 4:00pm Sunday 14th May.
Exhibition open 9:00am to 5:00pm
We would also like to extend a warm invitation to the Official Opening and Award Presentation, which is to be held on Sunday 7th May at 11.00am. if you are unable to attend the presentation, we hope that you will be able to visit the exhibition during the opening hours.
We look forward to welcoming you and we hope that you enjoy our exhibition!
From,
Rachel David
Chairman
MHRC Locations:
• Mon 24/04/2023, Rowallan Road B75 6RL, 07:00 - 12:45, Sutton Roughley
• Tue 25/04/2023, Ashdene Close B73 6HL, 07:00 - 12:45, Sutton Trinity
• Wed 26/04/2023, Beech Hill Road B72 1DT, 07:00 - 12:45, Sutton Wylde Green
• Fri 28/04/2023, Littlecote Drive B23 5QZ, 07:00 - 12:45, Sutton Vesey
Please note the extended operating times which are being trialled through April.
M42 Closures Near Coventry
A series of closures are planned on the M42 near Coventry to enable upgrades, HS2 work and the installation of a new motorway bridge.
Please see the article below for more details: