Weekly Message to Constituents 229 - A possible new use for much-loved centre?

30 August 2024

In the Constituency

Interest growing in Sutton Park’s former Donkey Sanctuary

Above: A number of riding school organisations are interested in taking over the former Donkey Sanctuary site in Sutton Park.

First, an update on the Donkey Sanctuary in Sutton Park, which is now sadly closed.

I was a regular visitor to the Sanctuary, and it really is a great shame that it has shut.

However, I think it is vital that we try to ensure that this wonderfully located facility does not sit empty for too long and I have been working with the national Donkey Sanctuary charity, who hold the lease, to see what can be done.

One of the ideas that is being investigated is whether a riding school could be located there. There is an acknowledged need for more facilities that could give people living in the UK’ cities the opportunity to learn to ride, and a need for more places where people with disabilities can experience the joy of riding too.

The former Donkey Sanctuary in the Park could provide a good setting for this.

While this is only an idea at the moment, there is already some interest from major equestrian bodies.

The British Horse Society (BHS), the largest and most influential equestrian charity in the UK, are talking to the Donkey Sanctuary to understand the site’s suitability for BHS or other equestrian activities

And the Association of British Riding Schools, another registered charity, is looking into how the site could support people from across Birmingham who want to experience riding.

All of this, of course, is at the very early stages, and such an idea could only go ahead if the new tenants met the needs of the Park, and other Park users.

However, as I learned when working to ensure the future of our local cinema, when a much-loved facility closes, it’s vital that you move quickly to see what options may be available.

I will keep you posted on developments.

Sign the petition against winter fuel payment cuts to pensioners

Above: Millions of pensioners are being denied winter fuel payments that they have come to rely upon.

I am urging everyone to sign a new petition demanding the Government U-turns on its cruel decision to end winter fuel payments for nearly10 million pensioners.

Thanks to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, all pensioners will no longer get Winter Fuel Payments, with only those in receipt of pension credit or means tested benefit eligible going forward.

That means the numbers of pensioners receiving the payments will be reduced from 11.4 million to 1.5 million.

Now, a petition started by Age UK has seen more than 400,000 people sign – and I urge you to add your name too.

Age UK is a fantastic charity, which has a strong presence in Sutton Coldfield. It is heartening that the charity, which has branches across the UK, has stepped in to organise this petition.

I have been clear from the start about my opposition to this cruel policy and I will continue to speak out against it.

The Government needs to reverse this decision now and restore the winter fuel allowance to all pensioners.

I have added my name to the petition, and I hope others will too so we can send a clear message to the new Government that targeting our pensioners is not something we will stand for.

To sign the petition visit: https://campaigns.ageuk.org.uk/page/154268/petition/1?ea.tracking.id=Website

St Giles Hospice

This week we hear the news of service restructuring from St Giles who are the parents of our much loved cancer centre on Lindridge road - where our own Cancer support centre is based and whose big dinner I am very much looking forward to attending later this year - please see notices at the end of this message. I will be watching carefully as this review proceeds to ensure our interests in Sutton Coldfield are protected

Brilliant Sutton events for Birmingham Heritage Week

Above: The wonderful New Hall Water Mill is one of many historic locations set to welcome visitors for Birmingham Heritage Week in Sutton Coldfield next month.

The countdown to the start of Birmingham Heritage Week in Sutton Coldfield is nearing its end, with venues and groups across the Royal Town now preparing to welcome visitors and help share the fascinating story of Sutton Coldfield and its people.

In the Royal Town, a remarkable list of events and talks has been put together by Sutton Coldfield Heritage Network, which is a brilliant volunteer run community group which promotes and supports local history and heritage.

Supported by funding from Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust, the events run from Friday, September 6 until Sunday, September 15th,and include everything from tours of New Hall Hotel to medieval music at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, and from an opportunity to discover Sutton Park‘s archaeology to learning the story of our much-loved cinema.

I am currently putting together my own itinerary, and plan to visit the Masonic Hall, the historic gem that is New Hall Water Mill and Holy Trinity Church.

I urge everyone to visit the Sutton Coldfield Heritage Network website to see just how many events they can enjoy.

We are truly lucky to live in a place with such a rich history – and equally lucky to have so many community-minded groups and people who dedicate their time to preserving and sharing it.

The website is at: https://sites.google.com/view/suttoncoldfieldheritagenetwork/home

Putting on the style to support Cancer Support Centre

There’s still time to get a ticket for Sutton Coldfield Cancer Support Centre’s black tie ball this winter, which will raise funds for its important work supporting local people post-diagnosis.

I am privileged to be Patron of the Cancer Support Centre, which is based in the same building as St Giles Hospice in Lindridge Road and I know just how important its services are to the community.

The Cancer Centre is there to support local people - they may have just received a diagnosis, be about to have surgery or receive hospital treatments, be currently undergoing conventional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, have finished your treatment and been discharged, be approaching one of the many follow-up appointments, or be supporting a love done on their journey.

Set to be held at Aston Wood Golf Course, Blake Street, on Friday 29th November, the dinner looks like not only being one of the biggest dates on the Royal Town’s calendar it will also support a brilliant local charity.

If you are looking for a glamorous, fun night out, I’d urge you to consider going along to support the Cancer Centre.

Tickets are available individually or as a discounted table of 10 – see the ‘further information’ section at the end of this newsletter for more details.

Matthew Paris

Above: Matthew Parris is coming to Sutton Coldfield.

There is also still time to get your ticket to hear Matthew Parris, the nationally renowned columnist, journalist and political columnist speak at the Westminster Supper Club on Friday 27th September in the Royal Town.

Speaking just two days before the start of the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, Matthew’s thoughts ahead of the Conservative leadership contest will be fascinating and no doubt insightful.

The Westminster Supper club is chaired by Mrs Kay Noone, the President of the Royal Town’s Conservative Association. The club meet three times a year for a two-course meal and to hear political and non-political speakers.

Further details and tickets available from info@suttoncoldfieldconservatives.

In the Commons

Parliament will reconvene on Monday for what promises to be a busy week. Among the key issues, I have been granted an adjournment debate by Mr. Speaker to address the appalling decision to close the police station in the Royal Town.

Further information

Further information