Trustees, team members, advisors, partners, guests and local leaders gathered at Lingard House in Walmley on Friday, June 30th for Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust’s annual Chair’s Reception.
Image: SCCT Trustees with Chair Keith Dudley, chief executive Tina Swani and Sutton Coldfield MP Andrew Mitchell at the annual reception.
Sutton Coldfield MP Andrew Mitchell was guest at the annual event, which provides an opportunity to update guests on the Trust’s activities over the past 12 months, as well as outlining future plans.
Chairman Keith Dudley welcomed guests before speaking about work carried out over the last year, including the £870,000 refurbishment of the Trust’s almshouses.
He also spoke about the organisation’s long history – explaining how 2023 marked the 500th anniversary of the return to Sutton of Bishop Vesey. The Bishop found his hometown in a sorry state, and set about improving amenities and opportunities for residents – a Tudor Social Needs Review which ultimately lead to the creation of today’s Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust.
Then Chief Executive Tina Swani spoke passionately about some of the challenges facing Sutton Coldfield, the remarkable Social Needs Review drawn up by academics from Nottingham University, and the Trust’s recently-launched Five Year Plan inspired by some of its findings.
Tina spoke about the Trust’s role in providing almshouse accommodation for local elderly residents, and the importance of the support network in place at Lingard House, saying that while SCCT was not an organisation that provides care, it is an organisation that cares.
She said: “Our Almshouse Manager and wardens ensure that our Almshouse residents know that when they close the door they have privacy, but when they open it, they have friendship.”
She told guests that work was underway to identify how more funding could be made available to potentially increase the £1million the Trust currently hands out each year in grants, and she spoke about how the Trust could contribute to celebrating the Royal town’s heritage.
Finally, she paid tribute to the team at SCCT, describing them as truly outstanding.
It was left to Sutton MP Andrew Mitchell to toast the future of the Trust, which has supported local residents for so many centuries.
He outlined his own priorities over the coming years, including revitalising the town centre, supporting the Cottage Hospital and Town Hall and securing the future of Sutton Park, and explained that SCCT could make a valuable contribution to each.
He said: “Sutton Coldfield Charitable Trust has been a force for good in the Royal Town for many, many generations, and long may it continue to be so.”
Speaking after the event, Tina said: “The Chair’s reception was a great evening and a fantastic opportunity to say thank you to staff, trustees and advisors both past and present.
“It was the perfect opportunity to celebrate success, embrace the challenges we face and share a vision for the years ahead.
“It was a privilege to be among such dedicated and talented company.”
