The much-anticipated showcase event in Sutton Coldfield Neighbourhood Network Scheme (NNS) was a roaring success.
On Thursday 9th December, citizens and assets
flocked to Boldmere Communitea Café to celebrate the hard work and dedication
of all involved in the NNS in the Sutton Coldfield constituency.
The festivities were kicked off in the morning, as Helen
Pearson delighted revellers with some timeless classics from years gone by. Her
rendition of the ever-poignant ‘We’ll Meet Again’ by the legendary Vera Lynn
proved particularly popular, with those present in the café swaying in their
seats and wiping a tear from their eye.
In recent years, the Communitea Café has become an important
part of the furniture on Boldmere’s high street, and on Thursday guests were
treated to wholesome Café favourites such as the classic Full English and a
delicious Three Bean Chilli at a discounted price.
As Helen wrapped up her wonderful set to an enthusiastic
round of applause from all corners of the room, attention turned to the
afternoon’s proceedings.
The NNS has been declared a success throughout the city in
the three years since its inception, and Thursday afternoon marked a fitting
celebration of the tireless work that has been done in the Sutton Coldfield
constituency in that time.
The project has aimed to support older people, defined as
those in the 50 and over age group, and people with additional needs between
the ages of 18-49, to live healthy, independent and fulfilling lives by working
with assets and organisations in the Sutton community.
They are known as assets for their invaluable contributions
to the community that they serve, and one such asset Sing Me Sunshine, who use the power of singing to counteract
loneliness and isolation, provided a healthy portion of festive spirit with
some yuletide ditties.
A presentation was then given by
Pete Millington, in which he provided a background of the many successes
experienced in recent years and acknowledged the tremendous efforts put in by
members of the Age Concern and Compass Support teams, the City Council, Birmingham
Voluntary Service Council (BVSC) and of course the assets and people of Sutton
Coldfield themselves.
Two key figures in relation to financial support are Matthew
Bick and Quaced Hussain from Birmingham City Council and the pair spoke
passionately of their gratitude to the people who have made both the
partnership and Thursday’s event such a success.
The Showcase concluded with a relaxing ‘Sound Bath’ from
Lynn Kay of Beat It Percussion, which
proved to be a fitting finale to the day’s events. Those in attendance were
transported from the picturesque settings of Boldmere Road to the equally scenic
beaches of the Caribbean through the medium of sound.
The event was enjoyed by many and provided a great
opportunity to celebrate the continued success of the NNS in Sutton Coldfield.