Boldmere Pages October/November 2019

October/ November 2019

www.boldmerepages.co.uk

Boldmere Pages ereod m d l o B bourho Neighum News For side In

Ten tips for a great wedding Honeymoon Destinations our pick of some inspirational locations

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall Weddings

Win Empire Cinema Tickets

Advertising enquiries: boldmerepages@outlook.com or Tel: 07985 230 188

GREAT DEALS TO BE HAD IN STORE!

Fireworks available 22nd october

Well, hello you!

Welcome to the October/November issue of the Boldmere Pages, packed from cover to cover with news, stories and activities to keep Boldmere residents of all ages entertained!

We also have our new Boldmere Neighbourhood Forum News section which gives you the latest news on what is happening right at the heart of our amazing community.

Welcome page

Editor’s Letter

Robin Gray Editor

boldmerepages@grayjonesmedia.com

Love is in the air this issue as it is our wedding special! We look at everything that goes into the big day, from venues to car hire to honeymoons, plus we have our top ten tips for the perfect wedding. All this plus our usual amazing features including a preview of the Boldmere Community Festival with Christmas Lights Switch On. Don’t forget to enter our competition to win a family ticket to Empire Cinemas.

Robin In this issue...

Nick Moreton Designer

nick.moreton@me.com

Links www.boldmerepages.co.uk Facebook.com/theboldmerepages Twitter.com/boldmerepages

Top 10 Tips for a Great Wedding... p.4-5 What’s On... p.8-9 Modern Weddings at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall... p.12-13 Boldmere Community Festival... p.14 Honeymoon Destinations... p.16-17 Films to see... p.18 Recipe... p.19 Neighbourhood Forum News... p.20-21

Instagram.com/boldmerepages Issuu.com/boldmerepages boldmerepages@grayjonesmedia.com

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from just £65 February / March 2019

Boldmere Pages Win a family photo shoot at Little Pops Photography Get a taste for the Deli Collective What to do locally during half term Win a family ticket to Empire Cinema Our pick of the best local events See page 24 Discount for Angels Nursery inside

Ten Tips for a Great Wedding When you’re planning your wedding, it can be very overwhelming. Here are some great tips to help you take the stress away and make it just that little bit easier

1. Budget: Set your wedding budget early and start a spreadsheet so you can easily track costs. Sometimes things are cheaper than you imagine them to be too, so get them on a list and keep a running total, you will be amazed how this can lower your stress level too!

2. Insurance: Buy event insurance. This may seem extravagant, but a wedding is perhaps the second most expensive thing you will ever spend money on and it all rests on one day. If something goes wrong, it’s hard to get a second go at. £30,000 wedding budget can be covered for as little as £70.

3. Photographer: Don’t skimp on your wedding photographer, they may seem expensive but at the end of the day when the suits go back and the cake is eaten, all you are left with are the photographs of the best day of your life and you want them to be amazing.

4. Discounts: Discounts can be found with many vendors and hotels provide lots of included items. If you are booking with a hotel for your reception, see what they include as part of the overall costs, sometimes it’s the cake or flowers on the tables, and that can be a big saving.

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5. Wedding Cars: Today there is a lot more choice for wedding cars. You don’t have to have a Rolls Royce, there are many more affordable options with cars that might be a better fit for your personality or your budget!

6. Plan: Start planning as soon as you can, especially if you want very particular things. A specific Saturday in June is going to be a very hard date to find availability for with venues and vendors, so plan ahead and be flexible on dates too for better deals.

7. Date: You don’t have to get married on a Saturday, ask about Friday and Sunday prices - they can sometimes be cheaper.

8. People: Invite less people! The more you invite, the more you will spend on the food. If you can shave that list, you automatically shave the cost of your wedding.

9. Clothing: Shop around for outfits. There are loads of ‘used once’ wedding dresses and suits sold on places like eBay or local shopping sites. Buy them at a great discount, have a tailor alter them to fit you perfectly, and no one will know!

10. Relax: Enjoy the day! The only important part of the day is that you and your fiancé turn up, get married and have a great time. Don’t let the colour of handkerchiefs or napkins ruin a great fun day!

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What’s on We’re Going On A Bear Hunt

Aston Hall’oween

Little Angel Theatre’s acclaimed adaptation returns to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Rosen’s beloved book. Brought to life with beautiful puppets designed by Lyndie Wright and original music by Barb Jungr, this production is ideal for brave hunters and bear lovers alike.

Tickets: www.macbirmingham.co.uk/event/were-goingon-a-bear-hunt

Frighteningly good fun for families! See the Hall transformed into a haunted mansion. Meet the wise woman and her familiar. Find out about her weird cures and see a witch trial! Encounter creepy sounds and even creepier characters.

Pre-booking is not essential but highly recommended because we anticipate that this event will be very popular.

Tickets: bit.ly/AstonHalloween19

31st October, 11am-4pm, Aston Hall

26th Oct – 3rd Nov, MAC

Spooky Sing-along with Emma & Claire 29th October, 10.30-11.30am, Treat Street Join Claire and Emma for some spooky songs, frighteningly good fun and horrible treats! £5 per child including Halloween Lucky Dip, please reserve in advance at Treat Street

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best e h t f ck o i p nd a r u n i O o to d s g n i e re . th m d l o dB a ro u n

Sutton Coldfield Rugby Club Bonfire Night

5th November, 5.30pm, SCRC Ground Sutton Coldfield Rugby Club hosts its family friendly bonfire night celebration at the Rugby Club (Walmley Road). No alcohol or sparklers on site. Gates open at 5:30pm, fire lit at 6:30pm and fireworks are at 7:30pm. £5 per person, £15 for family (2 adults and up to 3 children)

Bank Holiday Family Fun Day

Where: Pype Hayes Golf Course When: Saturday 25th August – 12pm-4pm Come and enjoy a fantastic bank holiday family fun day - there will be stalls indoors and outdoors, bouncy castle, soft play, ice cream van, golf games, hook a duck, craft & gift stalls, BBQ, and the bar will be open!

FREE tickets available from: bit.ly/31gmZec

The Yeomen of the Guard, Erdington Operatic Society

5th-9th November, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall Following last year’s critically acclaimed production of the “The Pirates of Penzance”, Erdington Operatic Society this year are staging Gilbert & Sullivan’s evergreen favourite, “The Yeomen of the Guard”.

Tickets start at £15 for adults and can be purchased by calling 0121 360 6627, for more info visit www. erdington-operatic.co.uk

Breakfast with Mother Christmas

30th November, 10am, Treat Street Bring the little ones down to celebrate the start of the festive season with a breakfast with Mother Christmas and a chance to decorate the Treat Street Christmas tree! £12.50 per child, please reserve in advance at Treat Street

Boldmere Christmas Festival with Christmas Lights Switch-On 17th November 2-7pm, Boldmere High Street

Spreading festive joy around Boldmere, the Festival will feature over 50 market stalls, a range of street food retailers, children’s rides and even real live reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh!

Suggested entrance donations: £2 adults, £1 children or £5 family.

SUBMIT YOUR LISTING HERE FOR FREE! For consideration, please send info to boldmerepages@grayjonesmedia.com 9

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A family run wedding car hire company based in Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands, specialising in iconic Vintage VWs but also offering two modern prestige wedding cars.

New Menu Treats, chocolates, healthy treats, ice-creams and pensioner specials Free Belgian chocolate with coffee or tea between 10am and 1pm!

14 Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield, B73 5TD Tel: 0121 439 7113 www.treatstreet.uk www.facebook.com/treatstreet.suttoncoldfield 11

Modern Weddings at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall

Sutton Coldfield Town Hall has been used for wedding parties in Sutton for generations. But did you know that it is also licensed to host civil ceremonies?

It is licensed in three rooms - the cosy historic Crush Hall with its charming period features, the Vesey Lounge (with the modern Sir Doug Ellis Bar) at the back of the building, and for those who are looking for something really unique, the theatre auditorium is licensed for over 250 guests for a ceremony, featuring a stage, impressive technical facilities and a lot of potential to be creative! Each space can also be used for post-ceremony parties, and because the Town Hall has a large rentable kitchen, guests can source their own caterer to suit personal tastes, themes and budgets.

With the combined rooms seating several hundred, the venue is in demand for all types of event, including Asian weddings and weddings/ceremonies for the LGBT community.

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Town Hall Managing Director Julie Rennison says of the space “Our charity venue appeals to those who like to put their own stamp on an event. We provide the impressive spaces and bar staff; the clients organise the caterer and room dressing.

We’ve hosted some beautiful weddings, including creatively lit trees on the stage and stunning table centrepieces. We also welcome themed weddings, with recent styles including A Nightmare Before Christmas and Game of Thrones!”

Event and Marketing Manager Alex Götschel adds “We’d recommend coming down for a tour around the building, as the space is so adaptable and has a lot of character.

We also have one of the largest dance floors in the West Midlands, an impressive stage for a live band or DJ and a brand-new bar - and every event booked helps our heritage charity venue thrive and continue for the next generation.”

The building was built in the 1860s as a hotel and was extended and changed into a Town Hall in 1905. The current building has been run by a charity trust for three years and changed from City Council to Trust ownership in April 2019. In the coming years, the Trust aims to raise £4-£5million to safeguard and make significant improvements to the building, at the same time continue to build a sustainable and exciting arts and events service for future generations.

For more information about Sutton Coldfield Town Hall weddings, visit www.suttoncoldfieldtownhall.com/event-hire 13

Boldmere Christmas Festival

The Boldmere Community Festival with Christmas Lights Switch On will take place on Sunday 17th November 2019. Suggested entrance donations £2 adults, £1 children or £5 family.

Spreading festive joy around Boldmere, the Festival will feature over 50 market stalls, a range of street food retailers, children’s rides and even real live reindeer pulling Santa’s sleigh!

Come and join thousands of people from the local area to celebrate the magic of Christmas and the big switch on of our Christmas lights.

Stall holder applications are still open at www.boldmere.org/stalls where priority is given to local businesses and start-ups. Applications to perform on the main stage are still open at www.boldmere.org/perform

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Honeymoon Ideas

Key West Located at the southernmost tip of the United States, Key West is a super diverse island nestled in blue Caribbean waters.

Key West is a beautiful honeymoon destination, home to sandy beaches, great attractions and a choice of things to do. From luxury beach resorts and elegant inns to affordable B&Bs, there is plenty to choose from. Check into an ocean view suite just steps from the pool, stay at a landmark hotel, or relax at a cosy bed and breakfast in the heart of Key West.

If you have never been to Key West before, you are in for a real treat. There are attractions for everyone. Some of the most popular Key West tourist activities on the water include dolphin encounters, kayaking the backcountry, diving and snorkelling at Ft. Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas, or renting a boat at a Key West marina to explore on your own. On land, shopping, museums, art galleries, tours, theatres and more await you. Or you can simply relax in the sand at one of the stunning Key West beaches, by the pool at your hotel, or on Duval Street with a cocktail in hand!

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Italy For many, Italy is synonymous with romance, and its endless charms and breath-taking scenery make it easy to see why. Whether you and your amore want to bask beneath the iconic statues of Florence’s famous museums, take a dip in the emerald waters of Sardinia or sip a glass of wine overlooking the stunning landscapes of Sicily, there is so much choice to achieve the honeymoon of your dreams.

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful – and romantic – coastlines in the world, with pastel-painted villages, small sandy coves and spectacular views at every turn.

The Amalfi Coast is also a foodie’s paradise, famous for its fresh seafood, pizza and pasta dishes, always topped off with a glass of limoncello liqueur, made with lemons grown in one of the area’s many terraced groves alongside olives and oranges.

Above all, the Amalfi Coast is a place of relaxation, infused with a laid back atmosphere and stunning views of picture perfect villages nestled between the shining blue sea and rolling green countryside.

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Five Films You Need To See Sponsored by Empire Cinemas

Last Christmas

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil

Kate is a young woman subscribed to bad decisions. Her last date with disaster? That of having accepted to work as Santa’s elf for a department store. However, she meets Tom there.

Her life takes a new turn. For Kate, it seems too good to be true.

Released 15th November

Maleficent and her goddaughter Aurora begin to question the complex family ties that bind them as they are pulled in different directions by impending nuptials, unexpected allies, and dark new forces at play.

Released 18th October

Terminator: Dark Fate

Frozen II

Sarah Connor and a hybrid cyborg human must protect a young girl from a newly modified liquid Terminator from the future.

Released 23rd October

Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven leave Arendelle to travel to an ancient, autumnbound forest of an enchanted land. They set out to find the origin of Elsa’s powers in order to save their kingdom.

Released 22nd November

The Addams Family

An animated version of Charles Addams’ series of cartoons about a peculiar, ghoulish family.

Released 25th October

For more information about Empire Sutton Coldfield visit www.empirecinemas.co.uk

COMPETITION

Win a family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) to a film of your choice at Empire Sutton Coldfield - visit www.boldmerepages.co.uk/competitions and enter by Sunday 30th November.

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Recipe Seasonal Soup

As the weather starts to cool down, there’s nothing like a hearty soup… and this one is so easy to make!

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

Method:

• 1 white onion finely diced

• Finely dice onions and fry off in vegetable oil

• 1 red onion finely diced

• Peel and cube potatoes then add to onions

• 1 sweet potato

• Add half pint boiling water to allow potatoes

• 1 large white potato

to cook

• 1 cauliflower

• Peel and cube parsnip then add to the pan

• 2 leeks

• Simmer for 10 mins

• 3 carrots

• Slice carrots & leeks and cut up cauliflower,

• 1 large parsnip • 2 vegetable stock cubes • Salt and pepper

add three to pan • Mix two stock cubes with two pints water and add to pan simmer for approx 20 mins until all vegetables are just soft • Add salt and pepper to taste • Blitz with a hand blender • Serve with chunky bread

Try this delicious soup and more at the Deli Social 60b-60c Boldmere Rd, Sutton Coldfield B73 5TJ Keep up to date with all the events at The Deli Social: www.facebook.com/TheDeliinBoldmere

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Boldmere Neighbourhood Forum News Meet Your Local Area Co-ordinator

Coordinator, Nick will take time to help you to explore, think and plan for your future to achieve your idea of a good life. He can help you to meet new people and introduce you to groups, activities and volunteering in your community. Get your voice heard and feel in control to make your own choices Make practical changes to feel safe, secure, more confident and increase your wellbeing.

Find relevant information, advice, support and services if needed and understand complicated services.

Nick Shough is the new Local Area Coordinator for Boldmere.

Supporting people to stay strong, safe, well, independent and connected with their local communities.

Little Boldmere History Project In 2013, a Little Boldmere local history project was initiated. The aim of the project was to gather and record information from a variety of sources in relation to the history of Little Boldmere, for the benefit of the current and future local community and to encourage local people, particularly younger people, to have a greater awareness of some of the historical features of their neighbourhood.

Three phases were proposed:

You can contact him by phone or text on 07742 405153 or by e-mailing nicholas.shough@Birmingham.gov.uk

• Phase One: gathering information about history of Little Boldmere, using a variety of sources

The local area coordinator will take time to get to know you, your family or those close to you and your community. Helping you make the most of life, your Local Area

• Phase Two: pulling the information gathered together. Scanning in documents/ photographs onto an electronic database 20

to record the history of the local area.

Consideration to be given to creating a book of images and also a board or map of how this area used to look erected in the vicinity of local shop fronts.

readers will be ‘signposted’ to the Boldmere Online website.

• Phase Three: Launch of a Little Boldmere community day event, to display and disseminate information found, to local residents. £1,400 was transferred from Birmingham City Council to Highbury Theatre for the project.

The residents who were initially interested in this project then became unavailable and a new group of interested residents was identified and has been meeting since 2017 and making progress with the project.

Among the core members of the group are Liz Parry (for Highbury Theatre), and Cllr Rob Pocock. Many other contributors have been involved.

• Information about the project and longer essays will be published on the Boldmere Online website, with photographs and links to other websites with even more detail.

The intention is to get the work to date published on Boldmere Online in the near future. This can be amended and added to.

It will help the group organise its thoughts and could also be used to generate some feedback, prior to commissioning the notice board.

Residents who may wish to contribute their recollections or photographs can do so by contacting Councillor Rob Pocock via e-mail rob.pocock@birmingham.gov.uk What Can We Do For You? Your neighbourhood forum is here to act as a go-between for residents searching for answers or solutions to problems they encounter in our area. We are able to find the right person to help in most cases but of course we need full details in order to proceed. All conversations and contacts are dealt with in accordance with data protection guidelines.

Information has been gathered and is being compiled for publication. We are also working on a map of the area and current photographs of key buildings.

The current plan is as follows:

Please contact us by e-mail on boldmere.forum@talktalk.net

• A notice board by the shops on Boldmere Road, with a map of the area and short paragraphs on each topic. Interested 21

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Preview of Next Issue...

December / January 2019

www.boldmerepages.co.uk

Boldmere Pages ereod Bolhdbm ourho

The December/January issue is our Festive Special! Full of content designed to get you in the Christmas mood and think about an exciting 2020! Plus, our usual selection of great features, news and advertisers‌ PLUS a very exciting competition!

Neig m News Foru side In

Coming 25th November

Deadline for stories and advertising is 14th November 2019

Boldmere Survival Guide

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Win Empire Cinema Tickets

Boldmere

STICK M THE F E ON RIDGE !

Survival Guide KEY DATES

Don’t forget these dates!

Halloween - 31st October Bonfire Night - 5th November Remembrance Sunday - 10th November Black Friday - 29th November

TAKEAWAYS

Boldmere has a plethora of food options, but these are our favourites!

Regards Indian Restaurant - 110-116 Boldmere Rd, Sutton Coldfield B73 5UB, regardsrestaurant.com House of Mr Li - 58 Boldmere Rd, Sutton Coldfield B73 5TJ, 0121 354 2180 Piri King - 21 Boldmere Rd, Sutton Coldfield B73 5UY, piriking.co.uk Boldmere Fish Bar - 4 Boldmere Rd, Sutton Coldfield B73 5TD, boldmerefishbar.co.uk Coffee Cup - 19 Boldmere Rd, Sutton Coldfield B73 5UY, 0121 354 7948 The Deli Social - 60b-60c Boldmere Rd, Sutton Coldfield B73 5TJ Communitea Cafe - 78 Boldmere Rd, Sutton Coldfield B73 5TJ, 0121 362 3650

TAXIS

Let someone else take the strain

Star Cars & Coaches – 0800 622 6611

COUNCILLORS

If you’ve got a problem, who you gonna call?!

Sutton Coldfield Town Council Cllr Janet Cairns - Janet.Cairns@SuttonColdfieldTownCouncil.gov.uk Cllr Alison Jolley - Alison.Jolley@SuttonColdfieldTownCouncil.gov.uk Cllr Louise Passey - Louise.Passey@SuttonColdfieldTownCouncil.gov.uk Cllr Rob Pocock - Rob.Pocock@SuttonColdfieldTownCouncil.gov.uk Cllr Manish Puri - Manish.Puri@SuttonColdfieldTownCouncil.gov.uk City Council Cllr Rob Pocock - rob.pocock@birmingham.gov.uk Cllr Kath Scott - kath.scott@birmingham.gov.uk 27

@chungyingcentral

@CentralCY

@chungyinggroup

AT CHUNG YING CENTRAL

Christmas

Lunch Menu

ÂŁ15pp from

Served until 3pm

Multi Award Winning Chinese Cuisine In the Heart of the Birmingham Business District 126 Colmore Row | Birmingham | B3 3AP

0121 400 0888 www.chungying.co.uk

Available during December. Seated Capacity is 85 guests.