The Balsall Heathan - St. Paul's Community Trust

The Balsall
No. 307
October 2011
FREE
Heathan
Your Community Newspaper

The annual Balsall Heath entry in the national Britain in
Bloom competition produced a much-deserved Silver Gilt
award for this year’s entry. Every year a section of Balsall
Heath’s community provides the judges with a stunning
display of creativity and colour. This year was no exception
and provided a further example of why Balsall Heath leads
the way in community participation. This year the seven
streets area became the main focus for the team based at
Balsall Heath Forum.
throughout the area.
Sowing the seeds for success starts early and this year the
Balsall Heath team used a different strategy in an attempt
to get a broader range of plants. Through buying in more
quality plants rather than growing them from an earlier stage
the team were able to expand their number of self-watering
hanging baskets to 200, which were placed throughout
the neighbourhood. In addition several three tier displays
were set up in the judging area. As well as hanging baskets,
the staple for all Britain in Bloom entrys there were also
over 50 sites consisting of wooden planters and shrub beds
Since Balsall Heath took up the challenge of Britain In
Bloom the number of residents who now join in with
terrific floral displays has grown repeatedly each year. Now
the gardening competition run by the Balsall Heath Britain
In Bloom team has more and more entrants and the results
are there for everyone to see. As one of the official Britian
In Bloom judges commented when they came during the
summer, “What a wonderful display of colour, absolutely
marvellous”.
Each year approximately 10,000 plants are put out in the
neighbourhood and the Balsall Heath Forum along with
teams of volunteers work on turning overgrown gardens
and confused spaces into attractive areas.
Britain In Bloom
Coordinator for Balsall
Heath Pat Wing said
of the award, “I would
like to say thank you to
everyone involved in the
Balsall Heath in Bloom
entry for this year. We
did exceptionally well
to get silver gilt. There
was involvement from
schools, residents and
local businesses. Next
year we will again strive
to get that gold medal.”

Let’s Get
Fizzical
A national
charity called
StreetGames
has launched a
new initiative to
provide free sport
activities for 8-14
year olds in parts
of Birmingham.
Funded by
the Heart of
Birmingham
Teaching Primary
Care Trust, the
Fizzical project
which is available
to young people
in Sparkbrook,
Ladywood, Nechells, Perry Bar and Aston aims to increase
participation in sports and improve health. With specialist
coaches and a team of volunteers the Fizzical project will
run nearly 400 sessions citywide for approximately 24
young people per session. Activities during the sessions
include a range of sports, street dance, games, kombat
krazee, dodgeball and more.
The project is part of a commitment to ensuring that young
people in disadvantaged communities derive a benefit from
the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Fizzical
Newsdesk 0121 464 4376
Editor
Peter Cole.
Reporters Peter Cole.
Contributors Natalie Whitehouse, Louise Allen, John Newson, Joe
Holyoak & Dick Atkinson.
Director Anita Halliday.
Photography Peter Cole, Abdullah Rehman, Louise Allen
& Nassim Saif.
Distributors St. Paul’s Community Development Trust staff, The
West Midlands Probation Service, The Balsall Heath
Forum & Ann Molloy.
Graphic Design Peter Cole.
Design/Layout Peter Cole.
Printed
by Clarkeprint Ltd.
St. Paul’s Community
Development Trust
The Balsall Heathan is published by St. Paul’s Community Development Trust.
St. Paul’s Community Development Trust is a charity (number 508943)
and company limited by guarantee. The Heathan is not run for profit and is
financed by sponsorship, advertising and the assistance of charitable trusts.
The Balsall Heathan is distributed free to 6000 homes in the area.
The Editorial Board welcomes contributions from all who live in, work in or
are concerned for the welfare of the area. They are delighted to have
the help of volunteers with any aspect of running the paper. Please call us
on 0121-464 4376
Please send your news and views to The Editor, St. Paul’s Centre, Hertford
Street, Balsall Heath, Birmingham, B12 8NJ. Tel: 0121-464 4376. Fax:
0121-464 2555
Email balsall.heathan@stpaulstrust.org.uk
aims to make a significant contribution to Sport England’s
target for 2012 of increasing sports participation by one
million. Through removing the barriers to sports and by
providing greater access the project aims to help young
people get closer to discovering their true potential.
With much of the youth provision in many of the areas
covered by the project having been affected by the recent
cuts it is hoped that Fizzical will form a welcome respite for
many young people with fewer options in their communities.
A by product of youth participation in projects such as this
has been shown to develop safer communities through an
overall reduction in anti social behaviour and vandalism. As
well as reducing crime such projects have the added bonus
of improving community cohesion and participation in
further activities.
For Kenny Logan the former Scotland Rugby Union
international and Strictly Come Dancing star the initiative
has wide reaching benefits. “It is imperative we ensure that
children are given every chance to lead long and healthy
lives. StreetGames gives young people the opportunity to
participate in sport
consistently, which
will help prevent
many health
problems now and
in later life.”
Fizzical Course
Director and
project coach
Rachel Evans said,
“Fizzical sessions
are for you if you
want to have some
fun with friends
after school. I
promise we’ll make
it really easy for you to join in, whether you come on your
own, or with a friend. Best of all, it’s free, and we’re even
giving away some prizes if you come a few times.” To find
out more contact Rachel Evans on 07711 682147.
The Balsall
Heathan
Your Community Newspaper
Read the
Balsall Heathan
online at
www.stpaulstrust.org.uk

Lighting
Up Time
by John Newson
Days are shorter, so we need to
make the most of all the daylight there is. This is a good
time to remove objects from window shelves and make
sure the curtains pull right back. Cleaning the glass makes
a surprising difference. If you want cheap insulation,
bubblewrap packaging can be stuck to the window frames,
using double-sided tape.
Ordinary mirrors
will reflect light
from windows
into dark corners
or stairwells.
Painting any room
in a light colour
makes a difference
- I have “sunshine
yellow” walls.
I love to see “sunpipes”.
These bend
daylight from the
roof down a shiny
tube into dark rooms or passages. Not cheap, but a long
term investment in daylight.
Outside, paint a wall or fence white to reflect daylight
into the house. Any bushes or shrubs that take the light,
especially evergreens, should be cut back.
The lights are still going to be switched on in the evenings.
Dirty lampshades and glass fittings can have the soapy water
treatment. If you unscrew old hot light bulbs, which will
not be sold after this year,
and take them to a DIY
shop, they should be able to
replace them with low energy
substitutes in all shapes and
sizes. These last much longer
and use 20 watts instead of
100 watts. If a bulb is too
hot to touch, it is wasting
electricity by making heat.
Birmingham City Council
has a huge electricity
consumption just for street lighting, so it is good to see super
low energy LED street lights being installed in Digbeth and
Bournville. My picture shows a solar powered streetlight
which you can now see in Hurst Street.
Shops and restaurants could save a lot by investing in low
energy lights, I think, and by not illuminating at night
when their customers are asleep.
If you have any ideas for saving energy in Balsall Heath, I
will be glad to hear them.
John Newson, Balsall Heath is Our Planet, 440 7919 office
hours; bhiop@jericho.org.uk
Christmas Gift Fayre
at
St Mary & St Ambrose Church Hall
November 19th from 10:30am – 2:30pm
and at
Balsall Heath Church Centre
November 30th from 11 am – 2:30pm.
The aim of these fayres is to celebrate local creative talents and, at
the same time, provide the opportunity for people to buy affordable
gifts for Christmas and other occasions.
This is the second year that the Christmas Gift fayre has been held.
Last year’s event proved to be very successful and enjoyable. Jess
who attended, said, "We had a wonderful time at the Gift Fayre. We
discovered a wealth of talent and creativity and enjoyed creating
and buying special gifts.” while Debbie commented that “…the
atmosphere was great and I really enjoyed the homemade soup”.
Organisers hope to build on last year’s event through having more
stalls which will offer a broader range of items for sale. Products
on offer will include jewellery & accessories; cards & gift bags;
Christmas decorations; knitted items; painted glass; candles; cakes;
jams & marmalade and chutneys & pickles. There will also be some
fun activities for children, a raffle and a café where drinks, cakes
and soup will be served.

POLICE ASK CITIZENS
TO BE MINDFUL OF
THE ELDERLY AND
VULNERABLE DURING
HALLOWEEN
West Midlands Police are asking citizens to remember elderly
or vulnerable relatives and neighbours during Halloween.
Halloween can be an intimidating time for members of the
public who are elderly or vulnerable. Many youngsters consider
31 October to be an opportunity to play harmless jokes, not
realising the distress that these can cause.
West Midlands Police are currently issuing crime prevention
advice around the darker nights, including tips for youngsters
about Halloween and Bonfire Night.
As part of the campaign we are advising young people to
show consideration and respect to others, particularly the
vulnerable and elderly, and offering tips on how to trick or
treat responsibly.
In addition to working with the region’s youth, the police would
like to ask members of the public to look out for neighbours
and relatives who they know may be at risk of being distressed
by ‘trick or treating’ or associated anti-social behaviour.
We are asking members of the public to take a few minutes
to look out for the people around them who they know to be
vulnerable. This can be a call just to check they are ok, a visit so
you can sit with an elderly friend, neighbour or relative on 31
October, or you can simply make a call to let someone know
they can call you if they have any problems.
Police are also providing many elderly and vulnerable residents
with ‘trick or treat cards’ which respectfully request that trick
or treaters do not knock at the door during Halloween.
The no trick or treat cards can be downloaded and printed
from
www.west-midlands.
police.uk. These cards
can be displayed on front
windows and doors, to
advise trick or treaters
that they are not welcome
to knock the door.
Alternatively, if you do
not have internet access
and would like a card to
be posted out to your
home, you can contact
the Partnerships Team at
Stechford police station on
0121 626 7038.
COMMUNITY ACTION
TEAM LAUNCH
OPERATION ENGAGE 2
Officers from Balsall Heath police station are launching
Operation Engage 2 in Sparkbrook – a week-long operation to
tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.
The operation, which will run from Monday 17 October until
Sunday 23 October, is being led by the Community Action Team
in Sparkbrook.
PC John Hodgson, from Balsall Heath police station, said: “The
operation involves many partner agencies, such as the council
and fire service, working with us to tackle issues that matter
the most to our local communities.
“Community members, local businesses and even some school
children from Bishop Challoner and Conway Primary School
will be working with us throughout the week. The school
pupils will be able to observe first-hand the work that we do
to reduce crime in Sparkbrook and they will be writing their
own articles on their experiences with us.”
Since their introduction to the area in January 2011, the
Community Action Team (or CAT team for short) have driven
down robbery offences by over 30 per cent when compared
with the previous year. This means 23 fewer victims of robbery
in Sparkbrook alone. Overall recorded crime in the ward of
Sparkbrook has
also fallen – by
28 per cent when
compared with
last year.
Operation Engage
1 took place in
Sparkbrook in July.
PC Scott Taylor,
who led the
first operation,
said: “The week was a massive success and we couldn’t have
done it without the support of the local community and local
businesses who really got involved. During the ‘all out day’ part
of the operation, only one crime was recorded in the whole
of the Sparkbrook
ward – a real
testament to what
can be achieved
by working
together.”
You can receive
regular updates
throughout
the week-long
operation by
following the
team on Twitter.
Just visit www.twitter.com and search for @CAT_team and @
bhameastpolice.

Edward Road
Baptist Church
Gets Funding
by Sheila Pennington
Edward Road Baptist Church Hall has long been popular
with local people wanting to attend English as a second
language courses; Sparklers mother and toddler group;
youth groups, the social club; cinema nights and all the
normal church events. Now, with the help of a National
Churches Trust grant of
£20,000, the church
will offer warmer and
drier facilities in its
insulated and renovated
hall, as part of a longterm
plan to restore the
church and community
hall.
The mother and toddler
group meets every
Tuesday, filling the
rather small hall with
up to 82 children and
adults. Bright colourful
toys abound at one end,
craft tables are at the other end. Story time, coffee and
home made cakes and music making all have their time and
place. For women and children who have recently arrived in
Britain from the Middle East and living in the inner city the
church may be the only place they ever visit.
The young people’s groups are busy with homework,
computer skills and preparation of music for events. They
particularly like break dancing, drumming lessons, singing
and creating rap music.
Events in the hall are welcoming, encouraging us to take
a break, take a load off, have a chat with our neighbours,
or even a stranger. So, the Church is pleased to be able
to extend hospitality to community members of all
backgrounds who wish to attend – both the general public
and people attending church events. This year there will be
even more opportunity for gathering and cohesion in this
culturally diverse community.
Eventually, Edward Road Baptist Church wants to provide
more room for events such as youth groups, mother and
toddlers, job search and ‘English as a second language’. But,
the beautiful grade 2 listed building needs restoration to
its roof and stonework, and the Victorian interior needs
insulation, modernisation and better facilities. The next
stage of the project will be to raise funds and continue
restoration of the main church stonework and terracotta
tiles.
A GOOD READ
Run Rabbit Run
by Barbara Mitchelhill
This story starts in Rochdale in 1942. Lizzie Butterworth’s
mum has been killed, her dad is a conscientious objector.
At least in his heart he
is, but the committee
which rules on such
matters disallows his
appeal not to fight on
grounds of conscience,
so he takes Lizzie
and her little brother
Freddie on the run with
him.
The story is told
from Lizzie’s point
of view. It follows
the family on their
flight to Whiteway, an
alternative community
where they are met
with kindness (Whiteway does actually exist). However,
not everyone is sympathetic to Lizzie’s dad’s situation.
When Lizzie goes into the nearby village, events lead to
the discovery of the family and they are forced to move on.
Freddie becomes gravely ill, at which point dad realises the
hopelessness of staying on the run and gives himself up to
the police.
To find out what happens next to Lizzie, Freddie and their
dad, you will have to read the book. I’ll give you a hint
though, it involves separation, evacuees, new friends, old
friends and an act or two of heroism.
Enjoy
J.READER
C-TEC CA
The Community Training Education Centre Criket Accademy
(CTEC CA) project, based in Birmingham is looking to develop
the services it provides to young people in Balsall Heath. Focusing
on engaging young people from inner city Birmingham the group
aim to provide training and education opportunities through
sport. Through the use of cricket, CTEC has previously provided
a range of activities for all levels of ability and is affiliated with
Warwickshire County Cricket Club and Attock Cricket Club.
Previous projects have allowed young people to benefit from
volunteering and charity opportunities and the group’s organisers
hope to develop further opportunities over the course of the
next 18 months. If you are interested in the work of C-TEC CA
and would like to find out more then visit www.facebook.com/
CTECCA for further information or contact Mohammed Arif
on 07968035466.

Balsall Heath Neighbourhood Plan
Local Business and the
Neighbourhood Plan
Business……..What part will you play?
Local businesses are vital to stimulating growth and
benefit their communities way beyond just providing jobs.
Businesses can revive neglected neighbourhoods, support
schools or make a significant contribution to community
facilities.
A new station in
Balsall Heath?
by Joe Holyoak
One subject which the Neighbourhood Plan will deal with
is transport – how we get around Balsall Heath, and to and
from other places. The Plan will try to find ways to make
our streets more attractive, comfortable and safe, in order to
encourage walking and cycling. It will also see what can be
done to improve public transport, to encourage people to
use it and leave the car behind. One interesting possibility
is the reopening of the railway line, running parallel to
Moseley Road, to local passenger trains. Trains have not run
here since the 1940s. This proposal has been approved in
principle by Network Rail and Centro, and is pencilled in
for funding between 2014 and 2019. The most expensive
element will be building a new viaduct at Camp Hill, to
connect the line to Moor Street Station, instead of leading
to the already overloaded New Street Station.
We need to involve local companies more explicitly in
neighbourhood planning decisions for business areas if
communities are to get the most out of them. Businesses
have access to skills, resources and expertise that can give
a real boost to getting the right kind of growth underway
in many areas. Business Neighbourhood Frontrunners are
about residents and businesses shaping their neighbourhood
together.
Ensuring all members of a community are involved in
driving development in their neighbourhood is central to
our planning reforms and local businesses are an equally
important part of many communities.
Up to the 1940s, Balsall Heath had a passenger station at
Brighton Road. This replaced an earlier one at Highgate
Road, opposite where Joseph Chamberlain College is now.
In the new Centro plan, the old stations at King’s Heath
and Moseley will be reopened, but there is no new station
proposed for Balsall Heath. Centro’s reasoning is that Balsall
Heath is too close to the city centre for the rail service to
compete with the no.50 bus, and that a new station would
not pay for itself. I am not convinced, and think that we
should argue for a new station central to Balsall Heath,
perhaps between Clifton Road and St Paul’s Road. What
do you think?
What can you do to get involved? What ideas do you have?
What should a neighbourhood plan look like? What would
you like to see included in this plan? What should it cover?
I am delighted to be working in partnership with the Balsall
Heath Forum and Business in the Community at a very
exciting time where real change can be implemented in your
already enthusiastic and thriving community.
Simone Taylor – Business Connector (Carillion Plc/
Seconded to Balsall Heath Forum)
The railway bridge at Clifton Road;
could there be a new station here?

BALSALL HEATH
HISTORY FAIR
&
Exhibition
At the former
Butcher Print Works Moseley Road
(Opposite the Moseley Road Baths)
From Saturday the 15th October
Until Saturday 5th November
The venue will be open
Saturdays 11.00 - 4.00, Sunday 16th, 23rd, 11.00 - 4.00
Monday - Wednesday 12.00 - 4.00
The exhibition is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund
Bright Future Association
Celebration
The Bright Future Association celebrated twelve months of
activities recently with a party in Calthorpe Park. Members of the
association, friends and guests were treated to a variety of fun and
pampering activities
including hair and
beauty, mehndi,
pony petting, Shells
Snails and much
more.
The Celebration
marked the end of
one of the most
recent projects that
the organisation
had been running for local youth through a football league. The
successful outcome resulted in over 100 young people spending
their weekends for a period of three months competing for the
title of league winners. Plans are now in place to run a similar
league for a younger age range. Involving free football coaching
and involvement in a league competition the project will be open
to both girls and boys aged between 7 – 12 years of age. For further
information contact 07896531624 or email brightfuture1@live.
com.
The Haunting History of
Halloween
by Natalie Whitehouse (aged 17)
Traditionally known as the night for ghosts, ghouls and witches,
Halloween is celebrated on the last night of October in many
countries around the world. But what is it that makes this eve
celebrated in such a way and where did it actually originate?
The History
Halloween is believed to date back to over 2,000 years ago when
an ancient Celtic festival called Samhain (pronounced Sow-in) was
celebrated on the 1st November every year as New Years Day, and
so the 31st October was New Years Eve. Marking the beginning of
winter, the Celts believed that this cold and dark time on the eve
of New Years was when the afterlife was at its most prominent and
the boundary between life and death at its weakest. They believed
that on this night the dead would return to terrorise the living,
Celts burned fires to keep the spirits away: and so, many say, this
was when the idea of Halloween was born.
The Name
Despite its Celtic roots the term ‘Halloween’ originates from
the name given to the 31st October by Catholics. When the 1st
November was introduced as ‘All Saints Day,’ a mass called All
Hallows Mass was celebrated the evening before. The name was
shortened to ‘All Hallows E’en’ which then became ‘Hallowe’en’
or ‘Halloween,’ which is what we recognise it as today; a time for
pumpkins, costumes and a night of celebration: dressing up as
ghosts rather than running away from them!
Popularity
The tradition became immensely popular in America thanks to
European immigration, bringing their customs of ghosts and
witches on the eve of the 31st October. Combining with the beliefs
of Native American’s, who believed in the existence of evil spirits,
Halloween became a celebrated tradition in America. England,
Ireland, Scotland and Wales also partake in celebrating the event,
along with other countries, and parties, events and dressing up are
all commonplace on the 31st October.
Celebrating Halloween
So what can you do to celebrate Halloween? Traditionally people
dress up in costumes, ranging from traditional witches and ghosts
to costumes taken from books and films like Frankenstein’s
monster and Scream. People also go trick or treating, where young
children visit the houses of their neighbours asking ‘trick or treat?’
and are given sweets or other goodies. Remember, when trick or
treating to be with an adult at all times and make sure you stick
to places you know.
Finally, the most famous of all Halloween traditions is carving
pumpkins. The contents of the vegetable is taken out and faces
are carved into the front, with candles put inside them to make
decorative lanterns. Known as Jack’o-lanterns, they are
normally placed in the front windows of houses
on the night of Halloween. Traditionally if you
place a pumpkin in your window it means
you welcome trick or treaters – so if you
don’t want children knocking at your door
don’t put a pumpkin on display!
Toffee apples, pumpkin pie and novelty cakes
and sweets in the shape of skulls and ghosts
are all common Halloween treats to be enjoyed, so
whether you are going out or staying in on the 31st October there
is plenty of fun to be had on the spookiest night of the year.

Balsall
Heath
Gardening
Competition
This year there were over 80 entries to
the three categories in the competition
to find the best front garden, best
hanging basket and best vegetable
patch. The quality has improved
each year and the judges had a really
difficult task in deciding the winners.
Well done to everyone who entered
the competition and if you didn’t win
a prize this year, then please do have
another go next year!
The winners in each of the categories
were;
Best Front garden
first prize
Second prize
Third prize
Balsall Heath Forum Focus
Litter
Council by-election
The last Heathan's front page pictured Salma Yaqoob served Balsall Heath and Sparkbrook well as a
the first of the new litter bins to be placed Councillor. But, she has been unwell for some time and has had to
on the streets of Balsall Heath. There are resign. Thus, there will be an election to take her place.
now 25 new ones scattered around the
neighbourhood. Residents are urged to
The election will be held all day on November 10th and candidates
use them and to 'tick-off' anyone they see
are expected from Salma’s own Respect Party, Labour, the
dropping litter. Only if all of us join the
campaign against litter will it work. We
Conservatives, Liberal Democrat’s and the Green Party. As soon as
can't 'beat the blight' without your help.
the candidates are known, the Forum will invite them to a hustings
where they can address and answer questions from the voters.
Best Hanging basket
20 Maydene Croft
28 Alexandra Road
38 Belgravia Close
The Hustings will be held in the Church Centre, Mary Street on
Wednesday 2nd November, 6:00 – 7:00 women only, 7:00pm
onwards, open to all.
The metal railings on
Moseley Road
Have you seen them? They are outside and opposite Lidl at the
Brighton Road end of Moseley Road. Plus, there is a long line of
them where the Moseley Road curves into Haden Way. They look
awful, drab and uncared for. They let the road and the area down.
So, a number of residents have asked the Forum to paint them. It
has agreed to do so, but is unsure of what colours it should use.
Some suggest dark green. Others say blue. The favourite so far is
black with a gold topping. But, what do Heathan readers think?
All suggestions welcome.
Welcome to Balsall Heath Signs
Balsall Heath in Bloom activists have their sights set on a new
initiative. They aim to erect ‘Welcome to Balsall Heath’ signs at
key entry points to the area e.g the two ends of the Moseley Road
by Haden Way and the Brighton Road traffic lights, either end of
Ladypool Road and in Calthrope Park by Edward Road.
It is hoped that a local business or Housing Association will
sponsor each sign and surround it with flowers and, perhaps, a
planter. But, what should the signs look like? What kind of flower
bed or planters should help to show them off. Pat Wing at the
Forum would welcome ideas and designs. So, will readers please
put pen to paper and send him their suggestions.
First prize
Best vegetable patch
First equal
Third equal
36 Willows Cresent
12 Hamden Retreat
4 Vincent Close
160 Ombersley Road
15 Trevorne Close
The prizes were awarded at the Balsall
Heath Forum’s AGM with each
winner receiving a framed certificate
and garden voucher. Again, thank
you to all the entrants for making the
neighbourhood a more colourful and
exciting place to live.
The Forum's AGM and elections
The following people were elected to the Forum's Executive on
October 11th.
Christine Robinson
Danny Bailey
Makhdoom
Steve James
Ann Molloy
Nazim Tasadaq
Andy Donovan
ChistiAmina Elmi
Eman Mohammed
They join the following members who each still have 1 or 2 years
to serve.
Edna Shaw
Maisie Dill
Yusuf Sheikh
Stephen Blower
Parwaz Akhtar
Ann Russell
Dalal Olewa
Zhor Malik
Naseem Akhtar
Anita Halliday
Samuel Nathaniel Nwachukwu
Mohammed Amin
Roger Lynch
Kamran Fazil

Dear Editor,
Sweet
Freedom
A play about Birmingham’s part
in the abolition of slavery
2pm on November 17th
The old butterfly flats on the Alexandra Estate have now
been replaced by some excellent looking flats and houses.
Unfortunately the view from the new flats on the Middleway
have a delightful view of the old pedestrian underpass.
This underpass has been an eye-sore for many years. Surely it
is time that it was finally consigned to history, like its fellows
around the city. The walls are covered in graffiti and it smells
like the public toilet it has become. If you risk the walk
through this mugger’s paradise and survive the stench, you
will be impressed by the needles and associated equipment
left by the drug users. The council are not maintaining it.
The only money spent on it in the last five years or so is to
put up barriers and signs closing the steps from the Alexandra
Estate side. This underpass is rarely used and needs to be
replaced by an alternative. A simple review of pedestrian
crossing needs would suggest any replacement strategy.
This area is busy improving itself. All we are asking for is for
the roads to be brought out of the 1960s concrete jungle into
the 21st Century.
Yours,
Andy Donovan
70 Alexandra Road
£2 admission
at
Balsall Heath Church Centre
For further information ring 0121 464 1890
Please send your letters to: The Editor, The Balsall Heathan, c/o
St. Paul’s Community Development Trust, Hertford Street, Balsall Heath, B12 8NJ
The views expressed do not necessarily represent those of the
editor or the publishers. Letters may be edited for publication.
Letters will only be considered for publication if accompanied by a
name and address. These can be withheld if requested. The Balsall
Heathan will not publish anything it deems to be unlawful, libellous,
defamatory or obscene.
Council Services
Housing Department
Repairs 24 hours 0800 0733 333
Applications/Transfers 303 4005
Council House Purchases 303 7926
Private Rented Services 303 5070
Rent Arrears 303 3324
Empty Properties 303 5070
Unkempt Gardens 303 5070
Environmental Services
Environmental Health 303 6007
Pest Control (Rats) 303 9900
Antisocial behaviour 303 1111
Noise & Nuisance Team 303 6007
Refuse Collection & Street Cleaning 303 1112
Pothole Reports 303 6644
Street Lighting 303 6000
Social Services
Social Services Department 303 7070
Social Security (Poplar Rd. & Coventry Rd.) 722 7000
Social Security (Moseley Rd. & Northfield) 766 4300
Housing Benefit & Council Tax Benefit 464 7000
Council Tax (Billing & Account enquiries) 303 1113
Education and Employment
Education Department (General enquiries) 303 2590 / 2872
Student Grants 303 3648 / 3647
Sparkhill Job Centre (Stoney Lane) 480 3500
T.U.C. Centre for the Unemployed 771 0871
Gas, Water, Electricity
British Gas (Transco) 0845 609 1122
Gas Escapes 0800 111 999
Gas Repairs (Council Tenants only) 333 7433
npower Electricity Emergency 0800 328 1111
Severn Trent Water 0800 783 4444
Police
Main Switchboard 0345 113 5000
Balsall Heath Station 626 1738
Health
Balsall Heath Health Centre, Edward Road 446 2300
Mobarak Health Centre, Cannon Hill Road 440 4666
Community and Advice Services
Access for All Disability Resource Centre, Bierton Rd, Yardley 789 7365
Apna Ghar Asian Elders Centre, 21 Clevedon Rd. 440 2266
Assemblies of the First Born Heritage Community Project 753 0068
C.A.S.A 622 1715
Cats, 110 Edward Road 440 1007
Balsall Heath Church Centre Elderly Care 440 1138
Balsall Heath Forum, St Pauls Road 446 6183
Balsall Heath Children’s Centre 464 6349
Balsall Heath Library 464 1962
Birmingham Asian Business Association, 249 Ladypool Rd. 693 3101
Birmingham Drugline 632 6363
Birmingham Enterprise, 249 Ladypool Road 446 4444
Birmingham Ethnic Education and Advisory Service 359 3339
Birmingham Independent Living Project, 249 Ladypool Rd. 693 9050
British Yemeni Forum, 102 Edward Road 446 5330
Calthorpe Park Playcentre, Edward Rd./Cheddar Rd. 446 4047
Friends Institute, 220 Moseley Rd. 440 4873
Empty Homes Project (to report empty houses) 303 5341
Good Neighbour Centre, George St. 440 7548
Highgate Family Support Centre, Conybere St. 440 6788
Islamic Resource Centre 440 3500
Jericho Community Project, Edward Road 446 4258
Jericho Foundation, Edward Road 440 7919
Kings Christian Centre 440 4447
Pathways For People 446 5122
Pride of Jephthah, Unity House St Pauls Road 440 3000
Run A Muck 449 1991
South East Birmingham Credit Union 444 4114
Sparkhill Centre, 447 Stratford Road 772 2427
St. Paul’s Venture & Malvern Street City Farm 464 1888
Wayahead 464 8739
Yemeni Day Centre, 15 George Street 440 1044
Neighbourhood Offices
Sparkbrook, Greencoat House, 261 Stratford Road, 303 9110
Sparkhill ,641 Stratford Road, 303 0722
Sports & Leisure
Moseley Road Baths, Moseley Road 464 0150

Balsall Heath
Church Centre
A new team member at the Balsall Heath Church
Centre has been tasked with developing the Centre’s day
services. The new Community Development Worker
Debbie Agard, a former social worker aims to develop
the services on offer through making greater use of
existing links with the community in order to network
and find new opportunities.
Help the Aged revealed that 7 per cent of people aged
65+ in England said they were always lonely. This figure
increased to around 33 per cent for those who sometimes
felt lonely. Many factors contribute to perceptions of
loneliness and can include such things as bereavement,
low family contact, poor health and poverty, but the
main cause of loneliness is that of being alone.
With comments from the elderly service users like “If
I didn’t come here I would go crazy” and “It is good to
get out – I wouldn’t see anyone otherwise”, it is not hard
to see why the need for services that reduce the level of
isolation felt by many elderly is so important. Impressed
by the dedication of both the staff and volunteers at the
centre Debbie said, “I can see that for those who have
little or no family, the constant contact on offer by the
team here is an
absolute lifeline.”
Activities
Lifeline
Social isolation affects around 1 million older people
every year and can have a devastating impact upon their
quality of life. Research carried out by Age Concern and
Recently the Day
Centre had to
reduce its number
of meetings per
week down to 4
days. However in a
bid to create further
opportunities, a
new programme
has been developed
called the Thursday
Activity Club which
sees its members
creating craft items
which are to be sold
at the Christmas
Craft Fayre in
November.
In addition to the
Centre’s array of
services, funding
provided by Active
at 60, a £1 million
government
grant programme
offering funding to
community groups,
is enabling the
Centre to provide
a range of activities
until the end of the
year. The activities
on offer include
local trips, a play production and a participative dance
event. Anyone interested in finding out more about the
services on offer should contact Debbie on 440 1138.

A professional and friendly staff team provide a
safe and nurturing environment and believe in the
importance of your child’s happiness, learning and
development.
Planning within the Early Years Foundation Stage
curriculum, we provide free play opportunities and
focused activities to encourage each child’s learning
and development.
We are ofsted registered and eligible for the Nursery
Education fund. We have achieved the silver Quality
Framework award and are currently working towards
the ‘Quality Together’ scheme.
St Paul’s Nursery now has 2 sites:
St Paul’s Nursery at Balsall Heath Children’s Centre site, Malvern Street,
Balsall Heath 0121 464 1886
We are a 58 place nursery providing full and sessional care and learning for
children aged 3 months to 5 years. Our chef provides a balanced diet which
meets the needs of all dietary requirements, with all meals and snacks
prepared on site using fresh ingredients. Open from 8am to 6pm
St Paul’s Nursery at St Barnabas site, St. Barnabas Church Hall, Ladypool
Road, Balsall Heath 0121 675 3467
We are a 24 place nursery providing sessional care for children aged 2 - 5
years following school term time only. Sessions are from 9am - 12pm and 1pm
to 4pm. Healthy drinks and snacks are provided.