|
Award Ceremony Last Friday evening, after sending my weekly message, I attended the annual Community Inspiration Awards in Small Heath, organised by the Community Foundation to recognise outstanding contributions made by members of the community across the West Midlands, staff from public sector organisations, charities, and businesses whose efforts have made a positive difference in the community and has inspired others. I presented the public services award to recognise an outstanding contribution made by an officer or a team from a local authority or Housing Association by going the extra mile to respond to the service needs of the community and improve customer satisfaction. |
|
 |
|
|
Above: Here with some royal town winners |
|
|
|
|
|
Heritage Week Heritage week in Sutton Coldfield saw plenty of events taking place across the Royal Town, including three open days on Saturday, all of which I enjoyed attending. I had the very great privilege of visiting St Peter’s Church in Maney as my first stop for celebrating Heritage week in Sutton Coldfield. From there we went to the Masonic Hall. It was a wonderful open day, and I was able to see and enjoy once again the fantastic architecture of the place. Although I am not a mason myself, I have great respect for the charitable work that they do. Then, together with our Royal Town Mayor Tony Briggs and his wife Pamela, we officially launched Heritage week at Holy Trinity, accompanied by King Henry VIII and Bishop Vesey! (See photo below) Many thanks to the Church for their hospitality. |
|
 |
|
|
I also stopped by our Town Hall, an important opportunity to meet and thank the staff and hear about their plans, particular their pantomime- scroll down to the ‘more info’ section to see the details on how to book your tickets! |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Installation of new priest at Holy Trinity I was back again at Holy Trinity on Sunday, for the licensing of Revd Canon Becky Stephens. The Church of England announced the appointment of Revd Canon Becky Stephens as interim priest in charge of Holy Trinity Parish Church Sutton Coldfield for a period of up to three years. This is a half time role. Becky will continue as half time Vicar of neighbouring parish St Peter’s, Maney. I would like to wish her all the very best in her new role. |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Cinema update I know that many are keenly following the progress of the opening of our local cinema which we all want to see happening very soon. As you may recall, I have been constantly in contact with all the key stakeholders in this project and have been given an update from the administrators, BDO. I am pleased to share that there has been significant interest in our cinema from buyers and that the sales process is in its latter stages. As it is a confidential process, the administrators have been unable to share specific details publicly, but this is, I hope, encouraging news. I will keep abreast of this process on a continuous basis. |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Charity pages for Iain Hughes I mentioned in my message last week that I would share the links to the Just Giving pages dedicated to Iain Hughes, the firefighter who sadly lost his life this summer whilst trying to swim the channel for charity. Please see the links here: For Iain's family - https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/IainHughesFamily Three charities - https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/hughesyswimstheenglishchannel?utm_term=APRjrVXkE |
The Prime Minister’s Statement on the G20 Summit
On Monday, the Prime Minister gave a statement to the House of Commons after returning from the G20 summit in India.
The Summit directly affects our wellbeing in Sutton Coldfield and the West Midlands because of the work it does in respect of the global economy and the international trading system.
The Prime Minister addressed how the G20 leaders were united in calling out the human suffering caused by Putin’s war, and how it is the UK and or partners who offer the best solution to the global challenges we face like development and climate change, not authoritarian actors.
If you would like to, you can watch the PM’s statement here:
https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/84cb97db-21e2-4f85-a71f-7a7fb0a7cf45?in=16:33:54
Launch of Saving Lives charity
Yesterday I attended the launch of Saving Lives charity in the House of Lords, a charity with significant Sutton Coldfield DNA in it.
Saving Lives International has evolved from humanitarian work started by Dr Peter Patel as a programme of the Birmingham Rotary club in 1993. After 30 years of post-disaster recovery work focused in South Asia, Saving Lives International became an independent charity in May 2023.
It is a Birmingham charity with 2 out of 7 trustees from Royal Sutton Coldfield, including Dr Andrew Hardie, a former Conservative Councillor in the Royal Town and Chair of the Selly Oak Conservative Association.
Their website is here: About Us | Saving Lives International (isavinglives.org)
Deepa Joji and I, Good Hope’s first international nurse
International Development Committee
On Tuesday I gave evidence to the International Development Select Committee with regards to the Foreign Office’s approach to sexual and reproductive health.
I receive many letters on aspects of this from people with direct and indirect interest in the Royal Town.
I spoke about what the Foreign Office is doing to integrate HIV & Aids care with Sexual Health and Reproductive Health Programming, what we are doing to ensure that funding is reaching the most marginalised communities, and how match funding with G7 donors through the Global Fund allows us to go further to reach our aims.
Select Committees are cross-party working groups of MPs whose role is to scrutinise the actions of government departments. These committees conduct investigations into different aspects of policy, assess the strengths and weakness of decisions taken, and make recommendations for the future.
If you would like to watch the session, you can do so here:
https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/92eb24cb-56d4-4b30-bbac-99bb37557365
Free training opportunity for teachers
Calling all teachers of Sutton Coldfield!
I have been contacted by the Education and Engagement team in Parliament about a free residential training opportunity for teachers taking place from 29-31 January 2024.
Teachers will experience Parliament first-hand, and then return to their schools and colleges to develop understanding of, and increase engagement with, UK Parliament.
Transport, accommodation and most meal costs are covered, and applications are welcome from teachers, school/college leaders and teacher training providers working with young people aged 5-18.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, said the three-day course “offers a great opportunity for politicians and teachers to share experiences. In my view you are never too young to get involved in democracy and to make things happen – so giving teachers an insight into our world is a great way to pass that message back to the classroom. We also appreciate having the chance to talk to teachers about their experiences, to thank them for their hard work, and to see how we can work together to get children interested in politics”.
Application forms are available online at UK Parliament Teacher Ambassador Programme and the closing date is Sunday 22 October 2023.
|
Christmas is coming! Oh no it isn’t... ...Oh yes it is! While many of us are taking a well-earned break with family and friends, the Town Hall Venue team is busy planning and preparing for a diverse Autumn programme of entertainment. The events will climax with Jack and the Beanstalk throughout December. The Town Hall Venue has formed a new co-production partnership with Talegate Productions. Ticket sales were launched a few weeks ago and are already selling. So don’t miss out! Book your tickets soon! Councillor Tony Briggs, Mayor of the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield has already got his ticket when he met the cast recently! |
 |
 |
|
Historic England Everyday Heritage Grants I have received the below email from Historic England about their second round of funding: ‘Historic England has announced the second round of funding for Everyday Heritage Grants: Celebrating Working Class Histories. These grants will fund community-led and people-focused projects to tell the stories of people and places missing from the records of history. Each project should enable people to share untold stories about the places where they live, encouraging communities to examine and tell their own stories in their own ways. The projects selected will contribute positively to participants’ wellbeing, as well as providing innovative volunteering opportunities. Local heritage gives people a sense of pride in place and can act as a powerful catalyst for increasing local opportunities and prosperity. Applications open on 7 September and close on 7 November 2023. Information on how to apply is at https://historicengland.org.uk/everydayheritage/’ |
|
Catering Club Programme - Aston Villa Foundation - October 2023 I have been contacted by the Aston Villa foundation about their Catering Club, registration is now open for October. The programme provides working-aged adults the opportunity to gain qualifications and experience within the catering and hospitality sector, thanks to key partnerships with South and City College and Digbeth Dining Club CIC, who deliver relevant qualifications, expert guidance, and work placement opportunities. |
 |
|
Royal Sutton Coldfield Conservative Association Annual Dinner 2023 We are thrilled to launch the Royal Sutton Coldfield Conservative Association Annual Dinner 2023 this weekend! Our speaker this year is the infamous, lively and passionate Rt Hon Johnny Mercer MP, my cabinet colleague and Minister of State for Veterans Affairs, who will be sure to provide us all with a phenomenally entertaining talk. Please do join us at 7pm on Friday 3rd November 2023 at Moor Hall Hotel for a wonderful three course dinner and a fantastic evening with local Conservative friends, supporters and neighbours. Tickets are £50 each, and tables of 10 can be purchased for £500. We have already pre-sold a number of tables, so please reserve your place quickly to avoid disappointment. Tickets can be reserved by emailing ckhorrocks@yahoo.co.uk |
 |
|
Above: Last year our guest of honour was former prime minister Theresa May, seen here with senior royal town Tories, your Member of Parliament, and your brilliant regional mayor Andy Street. The former Prime Minister spoke to a full house in what was a very successful and enjoyable event. |
|
#MYTOWNHALL Your Town Hall requires donations to protect our heritage building for future use. We are launching an APPEAL FOR £200k in order to continue to support Your Town Hall and protect it for the future community use, value and enjoyment. |
 |
|
In this present situation of rising material prices, heating bills and social costs, why should YOU consider supporting your town hall? Because it is a precious historical building, an asset to the area, and the Trust needs support to keep it functioning. How to Support: We are asking you to be as generous as you can, to enable the Town Hall to meet its present commitments. We are relying on your support. Every little helps ! Thank you! From all of the team at Sutton Coldfield Community Town Hall Trust and the trustees. Donate with PayPal Giving Fund You can read and subscribe to the Town Hall’s newsletter here: The Town Hall Presents: Summer is Here! (mailchi.mp)
|
|
UK Parliament Week This year UK Parliament Week (UKPW) is taking place from 6-12 November. Sign up for your free kit and explore @UKParliament and how to get involved on the issues that matter to you. UKPW is a great way to find out about UK Parliament and get a better understanding of the crucial work Parliament does. #UKPW ukparliamentweek.org |
 |
|
MHRC Locations: Please see below the visits scheduled for the week commencing 29th August 2023 of the BCC Mobile Household Recycling Centre. · Mon 18/09/2023, Langley Heath Drive B76 2XB, 07:00 - 12:30, Sutton Walmley & Minworth · Tue 19/09/2023, Britwell Road B73 5SW, United Reform Church car park, 07:00 - 12:30, Sutton Vesey
Neighbourhood Development and Support Unit I have received the latest update from the NDSU in relation to External Funding as of 28th February. Please see for any opportunities that may be available to you and your organisation. NDSU external funding bulletin - September 2023 | Birmingham City Council |