Week 218 – The Campaign begins
Parliament has been dissolved, campaign lines are being drawn and it’s election time again! This week I am writing this column not as your Member of Parliament, but as your Conservative candidate for Royal Sutton Coldfield, in the up-coming General Election on July 4.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be telling you about my key objectives if I am re-elected, updating you on the campaign trail – but also sharing with you lots of interesting and useful stories from across our Sutton Coldfield community.
The official campaign launch
Last Sunday saw the official launch of my election campaign, with a huge turnout of volunteers and supporters from right across the Royal Town, as we began the task of ensuring that Sutton Coldfield retains a strong, experienced Conservative voice in the tough time ahead.
Held at Vesey Gardens in the heart of Sutton, I was privileged to be joined by our much-loved former mayor Andy Street, who has always been a great supporter of our town.
He provided the perfect opening for what has already become an energetic campaign after just one week, with volunteers hitting the streets to spread the word.
The work has begun in earnest to deliver my key objectives for the Royal Town - and fight Labour Birmingham’s cuts.
The impact of Birmingham Labour’s meltdown is already being felt by Sutton Coldfield residents with a 21% rise in Council Tax and services slashed. The Labour candidate, who is a cabinet member on Birmingham City Council, voted through all of these cuts, and is clearly too close to his friends in Birmingham.
My message is clear – if you like Labour Birmingham, you’ll love a Labour Government.
Sutton Coldfield needs a strong, experienced Conservative voice to stand up for our town, to protect its unique character and hold Labour to account nationally and locally: - https://www.instagram.com/p/C8DHdHjgZdX/
Andy Street and I meeting residents and campaigning with a smile.
Above: with enthusiastic members of Four Oaks Tennis Club, which I have been an honorary member of for many years!
Historic role revived at annual Civic Service
On Sunday, the annual Civic service took place at Holy Trinity Parish Church to celebrate those who live and work in Sutton Coldfield.
This years’ service was even more special with the inauguration of the 20th High Steward of Sutton Coldfield, Lord Norman Fowler - my predecessor as Sutton’s MP. Lord Fowler’s inauguration as our new High Steward has revived an ancient role that dates back centuries.
Having served as MP for the Royal Town for more than 27 years, from 1974 – 2001 when he provided exemplary representation for his constituents, his appointment is in recognition of his distinguished public service. Lord Fowler served in Cabinet roles as Secretaries of State for Transport, Health and Social Security and Employment and is highly regarded for his campaigning work around equal rights.
Above: Lord Norman Fowler becomes the 20th High Steward of Sutton Coldfield.
New lease of life for our Cottage Hospital
Throughout the General Election campaign, I am outlining my four big objectives for Sutton Coldfield, which I want to have achieved by 2028, when we celebrate the 500thanniversary of our Royal charter.
These cover the Town Centre, The Cottage Hospital, the Town Hall and Sutton Park.
This week, I want to focus on the Cottage Hospital, which is set to be reborn thanks to an £8.5 million investment I secured.
For years I have been working on multi-million-pound plans for the Cottage Hospital, creating a hub to help older people – providing services to support them remaining and living in their own homes.
Thanks to my work with Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, £8.5 million will redevelop the Cottage Hospital to provide an integrated hub for community health services that will reduce the need to go into hospital.
This pioneering project will not give a much-loved landmark get a new lease of life, it will also ease pressure on Good Hope Hospital. With work to be completed in2025, this is a hugely positive development for health services in our town.
Sutton firms are doing the business
I had a great day on Thursday this week when I met local traders and business people at the annual Royal Sutton Coldfield Business Fair at our wonderful Town Hall.
My thanks to Royal Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce President Naeem Arif, who took time to talk to me about the local business climate in places like Mere Green and Boldmere, and the huge potential offered by the millions of pounds set to be spent soon in the Town Centre.
There is £10 million to support the Gracechurch redevelopment, £25 million to reshape the town centre’s infrastructure and a £20 million Towns Fund – which I ensured will be looked after here, in Sutton, rather than being mishandled by Labour-run Birmingham.
Above: Naeem and I in Sutton Coldfield Town Hall.
Sutton Coldfield Cancer Support Centre – a hugely valuable facility
Above: with Trevor Saadi, chair of the trustees of Sutton Coldfield Cancer Support Centre.
I was delighted this week to meet up with Trevor Saadi, chair of the trustees of Sutton Coldfield Cancer Support Centre to check in on progress at this vital local facility.
Based in the same building as St Giles Hospice in Lindridge Road, I always enjoy visiting this site as, many years ago, I had the honour of jumping into a bulldozer to dig the first sod of earth in the project that saw it built, on the site of an old farm.
Now it’s home to the Cancer Support Centre which, since being Founded in 2001, provides a place of sanctuary and support, for people from the Royal Town and beyond.
The Cancer Support Centre helps anyone who has received a diagnosis and also their support network.
Trevor explained to me the challenges faced by the centre, but also the told me about the inspirational people who make this facility work. We really are lucky to have it here in Sutton Coldfield.
Conservative Party Manifesto 2024
On Tuesday, we had the official launch of the Conservative Party Manifesto, which you can read here:https://manifesto.conservatives.com/?deliveryName=DM45801
The past few years have been challenging following Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and Covid, which is why we have a clear plan to deliver a brighter and more secure future.
Our bold action will support working people, young people and pensioners to build a stronger economy, provide young people with more opportunities for a secure future, safeguard our borders and national security, and strengthen our communities.
The choice for voters at this election is clear: stick with Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives who have a clear plan and will take the bold action needed to secure a brighter future for people across Sutton Coldfield. Or go back to square one with Keir Starmer and the same old Labour who will put up taxes by £2,094 for every working household.
The King of the Dinosaurs visits the Royal Town
If you go down to the town centre this weekend, you’re sure of a big surprise! That’s because Chomp, the world’s biggest T-Rex, will be returning to the Royal Town.
Chomp is visiting on Saturday, June 15th as part of Dino Day, organised by Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID, which represents hundreds of traders and business in the town centre.
Then, on Saturday, June 22, the BID will be kicking off celebrations to mark this summer’s football championships with a Euro Football Fun Day.
Finally, on Sunday, June 30th, the popular Farmers and Craft Market will be open along the Parade.
And there’s lots more to look forward to in July, including a jazz festival!
For more information, visit www.visitroyalsuttoncoldfield.co.uk
Since the dissolution of parliament yesterday, I am no longer an MP. However, I am still the Deputy Foreign Secretary and Minister for Development and Africa until the General Election on Thursday 4th July.
Further information
Upcoming Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID events
JUNE
1. Saturday15th June 10am-4pm – DINO DAY
2. Saturday22nd June 10am-4pm – EURO FOOTBALL FUN
3. Sunday30th June 10am-3pm – FARMERS & CRAFT MARKET
JULY
1. Saturday13th July 10am-4pm – EURO FOOTBALL FUN
2. Sunday28th July 10am-3pm – FARMERS & CRAFT MARKET
3. FRIDAY19TH- Sunday 28TH JULY – JAZZ FESTIVAL:
19th The Duke Inn 20:00 Willy & The Poorboys
20th Simpson’s Gin Bar 19:00 Sheila Waterfield Trio
21st PattyFreaks 13:00 Calypso Moon
22nd Coffee#1 13:00 Roy Forbes
22nd Heavenly Desserts 16:00 Playing Django
22nd TheThree Tuns 19:30 The Shakedown Brothers
23rd TokinTea 13:00 Tenement Jazz Band
23rd Brewhouse & Kitchen 20:00 Big Al Nicholls Band
24th The Gate 19:30 Honey boy Hickling Band
25th Eleon 19:00 Swing Café
26th Caffe Botanico 13:00 The Washboard Resonators
26th Brewhouse & Kitchen 15:00 Hot Club of Halifax
28th PattyFreaks 13:00 The Upsiders
28th The Station 19:00 Warren James Skiffle Group
AUGUST
1. Saturday 10th August 10am-3pm – KID’S CARFEST
2. Sunday 25th August 10am-3pm – FARMERS & CRAFT MARKET
3. Tuesday 27th August 11am-4pm – KID’S MUSIC WORKSHOP
SEPTEMBER
1. Saturday 14th September 10am-8pm – FOOD FESTIVAL
2. Sunday 15th September 10am-5pm – FOOD FESTIVAL
3. Sunday 29th September 10am-3pm – FARMERS & CRAFT MARKET
OCTOBER
1. Sunday 27th October 10am-3pm – FARMERS & CRAFT MARKET
2. Halloween event TBC
NOVEMBER
3. Sunday17th November – VEGAN MARKET
4. Sunday24th November 10am-3pm – FARMERS & CRAFT MARKET
5. Christmasevents TBC
Walk to read & support Sutton Coldfield’s libraries
Free Heart Test, by CRY UK
Get involved with UK Parliament Week this November
Over 2,000 organisations all over the country have already signed up for this year’s UK Parliament Week (18-24 November)!
Join in to explore UK Parliament. Find out what happens at Parliament and learn how your group can get involved. Sign up today to get your free kit!
Community games
I am looking forward to the Royal Town’s Community Games this summer, a jewel in our crown since 2012 and something very special that we all really enjoy. It is a great afternoon promoting health and happiness and something that I participate in every year with our annual tug-of-war challenge, a highlight in the Royal Town’s calendar!
Above: the tug-of-war at the community games between the town’s elected politicians and the youth of Sutton Coldfield. It will be held on Saturday this year.
Breast Friends, Make Up Workshops
Advocacy Matters, Recruitment Event
Highbury Theatre
Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care System’s Fairer Futures Fund
This ringfenced £22.2m Fund first launched in 2022, with various funding streams awarded up until 2027 for projects which will improve the health and wellbeing of citizens across Birmingham and Solihull; reduce health inequalities and support communities to stay well.
Applications are now open for public and VCFSE sector organisations in Birmingham to bid for Citywide Small Grants being made available via the Fairer Futures Fund.
A total of £2.46million is available through the new Citywide Small Grants, with organisations in Birmingham able to bid for up to £15,000 per year, or up to a maximum of £45,000 for individual projects over a three-year delivery period.
The deadline for applications for the Citywide Small Grants scheme is 5pm on 12 July 2024. For more information on how to apply, visit the Heart of England Community Foundation website (https://www.heartofenglandcf.co.uk/ffcw-small-grants/)
Sutton Arts Theatre- what’s on
MMR immunisation and measles awareness
Measles is circulating in the West Midlands, and the MMR vaccination provides the best protection against measles.
Please be aware of measles symptoms: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/measles/
If you think you or your child may have measles, contact your GP practice but do not visit unless instructed, as measles can spread to others easily, and 1 in 15 children can develop serious complications, such as meningitis and blindness.
For protection against measles, contact your GP practice to get your MMR immunisations.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/46QPPn1
MHRC Locations
Please see below the visits scheduled for the week commencing 17th and 24th June 2024 of the BCC Mobile Household Recycling Centre.
· Mon 17/06/2024,Woodleigh Road B72 1ER, 07:30 - 13:00, Sutton Wylde Green
· Wed 26/06/2024,Falcon Lodge Crescent B75 7RD, 07:30 - 13:00, Sutton Reddicap
Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell
Our mailing address is:
Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell
36B High Street
Royal Sutton Coldfield, B72 1UP
United Kingdom
Promoted by Jack Annett on behalf of Andrew Mitchell both at 36B High Street, Sutton Coldfield B72 1UP
