Balsall Heathan # 268 Sep 2007 - St. Paul's Community Trust

The No. 268
2007
BalsallSeptember FREE
Heathan
Your Community Newspaper
Local News & Features
Lovely Weather
For Ducks

CHILDREN IN
BALSALL HEATH
CELEBRATE PLAYDAY
2007!
Playday, the annual celebration
of children’s right
to play, took place on
Wednesday 1 August 2007.
This year’s theme was Our
streets too! Which aimed
to highlight that children
want and need to play in
their local streets and that
play-friendly streets are
beneficial to the whole
community.
In Balsall Heath an exciting
Playday event was held
at St. Paul’s Trust. The
day was packed with fun
games, face painting,
badge making, arts
and crafts, dancing,
drama and a bouncy
castle. Young people
of the local community
enjoyed the day,
and wished everyday
was as good as Playday!
The theme of the
national event was
continued at the
Jakeman Early
Years Centre where
children enjoyed
a bouncy castle,
healthy snacks and
various activities
including rugby
courtesy of Moseley
Rugby Club.
Hundreds of fantastic
events took place
across the UK to celebrate
the year’s theme. Nationally, communities organised street
parties and free events in local parks and venues.
To mark Playday 2007 Play England will release research on street
play that considers the benefits and barriers to children playing
in their neighbourhoods. They will also be asking children and
young people about their opportunities to play out.
Silver Award
Each year Balsall Heath achieves national recognition through
the Britain in Bloom competition and this year did not prove an
exception. This year judges for the competition awarded Balsall
Heath silver at the ceremony that took place earlier this month
in Cheltenham. Every year volunteers, local organisations, schools
and pupils work hard to treat everyone to a riot of colour helping
to make Balsall Heaths entry into the competition a team effort.
As the hard work to improve the displays increases so does the
competition with more and more local areas participating. For
this reason Balsall Heathans should be doubly proud of the silver
award.
“The space to play and the freedom that children have to enjoy
it has diminished to the point that many children are effectively
being raised in captivity. They are missing out on the childhood
experiences that form many adults’ happiest memories - long summer
days building dens in the woods, climbing trees, riding bikes
up and down the street or just going off to the park with friends,”
said Adrian Voce, director of Play England.
The pupils’ teacher Elaine Covell said of their involvement in the
gardening initiative, “I have enjoyed every minute of it. It’s been
great for the children; they have learnt such a lot. I would especially
like to thank Bob, who the children call Bob the gardener”.
Park Warden Bob Deering said of the schools participation, “It’s
been great fun working with the children. They really enjoy it”.
The gardening initiative at the school is set to grow even bigger
next year with plans already being drawn up to create a new rockery
and a potage garden.
Clifton Primary School
Reception pupils at Clifton Primary began gardening in earnest
in April with the help of Bob Deering, the Parks Warden for Balsall
Heath. The children began by sowing seeds for vegetables and
herbs, which they then tended. Not only did they produce their
own flower displays but on particularly rainy days the children visited
the Balsall Heath Forum and helped Bob plant more flowers
for the Britain in Bloom competition.

The Balsall
Care
Heathan
Your Community Newspaper
In this months Balsall Heathan the staff from the Balsall Heath Forum
highlight the decline in services for the elderly in Balsall Heath
and challenge local Councillors to improve the services offered by the
council. Staff at the Balsall Heath Forum took it upon themselves to
help a local resident when the City’s social services failed to act appropriately.
Blooming
This year Balsall Heath gained silver in the prestigious Britain in
Bloom competition showing once again how through teamwork Balsall
Heath can be a more attractive place.
Play
During the summer young people throughout Balsall Heath enjoyed
a day of play when local organisations taking part in the National
Playday celebrated playing. Children took part in games and activities
as part of a national campaign to encourage more outdoor play.
Congratulations
A big congratulation goes to the Balsall Heath Extended
School Cluster who have been awarded an Impetus
Award for 2006-2007.
The Impetus Award recognises creative and innovative
work by young people who use ethical values and
human rights to respond to contemporary, challenging
and contested issues in our society.
Together the young people created the Hear by Right
action plan, which the cluster has already started to
implement. Some of the priorities set by the young
people included having more of a say with new
appointments and induction of staff; having a web
site/page to make comments; receiving feedback and
generally being listened to and having ‘a voice’.
In July the Cluster celebrated young peoples
achievements, many of whom are moving onto
secondary school. Alison Moore, the Cluster
Coordinator, along with Ammal Mockbil, Learning
Mentor, were able to inform the young people of what
had been actioned from the plan alongside proposed
future actions.
Traffic Calming
A year on and residents continue to campaign for improved road
calming measures along Edward Road. A demonstration by local
residents challenged traffic managers within the city to recognise the
need to control drivers speed along the notorious stretch of road.
Newsdesk 0121 464 4376
Editor
Peter Cole.
Reporters Peter Cole & Selina Brown.
Contributors Chris Crean, Alison Stunt, Mark Wilkinson & Dick Atkinson.
Director Anita Halliday.
Photography Peter Cole & Selina Brown.
Distributors St. Paul’s Community Trust staff, The West Midlands
Probation Service, The BalsallHeath Forum,
May Pearson & 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 profi t and is fi nanced
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
As a result of this accomplishment, in September young
people will now have the opportunity to be elected onto
the Cluster Council. The current members decided on
this new system unanimously.
‘I think that it is great to have acknowledgment from
an organisation such as the Institute of Global Ethics,
which praises the hard work of the children, young
people and staff. Having young people on the Cluster
Council will allow us to effectively target a much
younger age group, making us aware of their issues’
said Alison Moore.
Read the
Balsall Heathan
on line at
www.stpaulstrust.org.uk

Balsall
Heath
Accident
Blackspot
Frustrated Balsall Heath residents campaigned
on Edward Road for improved
traffic calming measures to protect the local
area. The gathering that took place on
the 7th September was a commemoration
to mark a year, since a speeding car on the same road killed a
young male cyclist.
A year on and the concerned residents are unhappy about the
lack of changes made on the hazardous road, which has seen a
significant number of traffic accidents. The group are adamant
that with the correct measures in place the safety of the road will
Moseley Road Baths
nearly 100
by Chris Crean
As many of you will
be aware on the 30th
October Moseley Road
Baths will be celebrating
its 100th birthday. We
are not sure as yet if it
will get a telegram from
the Queen nor if the City
Council will be getting
out the bunting and celebrating with a cup of tea and a cake.
That being said as far as Friends of Moseley Road Baths are
concerned it will kick off not a day of celebration but a year of
activities and events to celebrate this auspicious event. There will
be plenty more in the news on and around the actual date.
At this time we are calling on all interested citizens of South
Birmingham to think about the role Moseley Road Baths has
played in their lives. This is not just about swimming, and learning
an important life skill, but the dances and events that have taken
place, taking a long deep piping hot bath and getting really clean
and relaxed at the end of an arduous week at work or in the
home. We also want stories from those who have worked there
or organised other events such as art installations, kids birthday
parties or fund raising events. The architecture of the building,
might make one think of what a City could look like and the
sort of facialities a City of the standing of Birmingham should be
investing in on behalf of the people.
Please send your stories to Friends of Moseley Road Baths, 61
Eastwood Road, Balsall Heath Birmingham B12 9NA or call
07720 147 330 for a chat or email FofMRB@googlemail.com or
chris@crean.org.uk.
Or just send your points of view to the Editor of the Heathan at
balsall.heathan@stpaulstrust.org.uk
increase. They are pressuring the Council to take action before
another fatal accident occurs.
Sparkbrook Ward councillor Salma Yaqoob said, “I share the
residents concerns about the traffic warning. We must do all we
can to ensure such tragedies are avoided in the future. This can
be prevented by having adequate safety measures in place”.
Active Aquanatal
Classes
A fresh new aquanatal class has started for pregnant women
and new mothers. The exhilarating exercising sessions will take
place on Monday Afternoons at Moseley Road Baths.
The midwife run classes are a fun way to learn and experience
a pleasurable way of being pregnant and active, while also
offering women a chance to regain their fitness once the baby
is born. The relaxed female only sessions provide a great place
to socialise with women in similar situations in a friendly and
secure environment. Being able to swim is not a requirement
Each woman is guided through simple exercises by the midwife,
which are designed to gently stretch, and tone each muscle
in turn. Music and water is proven to help the body work in
harmony, and minimise undue stress on the joints, especially
the knees.
Exercise in water has been shown to be beneficial to improve
minor aches and pains such as the backache in later pregnancy.
Women have found that they have more energy, eat better and
sleep well as a result of this exercise. They leave the class feeling
refreshed and with a great sense of personal well being.
The Aquanatal classes are for women only and are held at the
Moseley Road Baths, alternate Mondays from 3:15-4:00pm,
with a Female lifeguard present. Children up to 5 years can
be accommodated in a crèche at the Children’s Centre, while
Mummy exercises. Swimming costumes may be available, costs
per session are £2.00 or £1.60 with passport to leisure. Please
ask your midwife if this is suitable for you or just call Balsall
Heath Children’s Centre to enquire with the Health and Family
support Team. Telephone number: 0121 464 6349.

From Me to Mother
By Alison Stunt
Having a baby is a life changing event. Not only does it mark
the entry of a new life into the world and into our families, it also
marks a change
in our identities
from me to
mother.
Having a baby
brings up a great
deal of different
emotions: joy at
the birth of the
baby; relief not to be pregnant anymore; excitement to watch how
they grow up; overwhelming love for this little creature who was
so recently inside you. However, we can also feel conflicting, not
so positive emotions: anger at the way we were treated at hospital;
anxiety that you’re doing everything right; disappointment at how
motherhood really turned out to be; bewilderment and stress at all
the new things you have to learn; resentment towards the baby for
the loss of your independence; resentment towards your partner
for doing this to you; isolation due to the loss of previous friends
or job; grief as you remember an unhappy childhood. All of these
feelings, both positive and negative, are perfectly valid feelings to
have with the arrival of a baby, however if we are unable to talk
about them or express them, they can actually damage us.
Cooking on Wheels
Healthy finger licking food was on the menu when a state of the
art Cooking Bus drove into Anderton Park School, offering local
young people the chance to prepare and cook a variety of delicious
dishes.
The massive specialist-built
articulated lorry opened out
into a spectacular purposebuilt
kitchen/classroom
where qualified food teachers
gave pupils a taste of quality
cooking.
The youngsters spent the
afternoon cooking a tasty
vegetable kebab, a fresh
fruity rice pudding dish and
they blended an appetising
apple juice drink under
the expert eye of the Food
Teacher Michaela Bowles.
They covered the key aspects
of food education including
nutrition, food safety and hygiene and food preparation skills. The
core of all the lessons was hands-on cooking.
Focus on Food Cooking Buses tour the country delivering lessons
to children of all ages in how to prepare, cook and enjoy real food.
The bus visits schools across England, giving priority to schools in
low-income areas. Out of term-time the Cooking Bus visits projects
like the Balsall Heath Children’s Centre and works with the wider
community. The initiative is sponsored by the Food Standards
Started on 4th July, “The Well” is a brand new service that has been
set up in Balsall Heath to provide women a safe place outside of
the home environment to talk about how they feel. Like a well in
a traditional village, it is envisaged as a place to build friendships
and support networks, exchange information, get refreshed and
learn more about healthy living. As well as a healthy lunch, a
crèche is provided so that women can talk without distractions.
Discussions and activities are user lead and it is all absolutely free.
A trained midwife is also on hand if you have any questions.
The Well meets every Wednesday at The Children’s Centre
Satellite Centre at St Barnabas’ Church Hall on the corner of
Ladypool and Clifton Roads between 12-3pm.
In future months The Well hopes to explore the following topics
through discussion but possibly also art, poetry, storytelling,
music and movement:
1. The thin blue line – finding out you’re pregnant
2. Pregnancy – you and your body
3. The birth
4. Bonding with your baby
5. Relationship with your partner
6. Building a support network
7. Siblings and other family members
8. Looking forward to the future
If you would like more information, please feel free to come any
Wednesday between 12-3 at St Barnabas Church Hall, or call
Alison Stunt on 07913 939216 or the Health and Family Support
Team at Balsall Heath Children’s Centre on 0121 464 6349.
Agency and
run by The
Focus on Food
C a m p a i g n
(the leading
organization
to support
the teaching
of cooking in
schools across
the UK.)
Gill Fine, Director of Consumer Choice and Dietary Health at
the Food Standards Agency said: “In the three-and-a-half years the
Cooking Bus has been visiting schools all around the country, it
has inspired both pupils and their teachers.
“ O u r
workshops help
children to
think about the
food they eat,
where it comes
from and
how to make
healthy dishes
in an hygienic
environment.
For some it is the first opportunity they have had to cook and we
hope that it will inspire them to continue cooking.”
“If we want our children to eat well they have to learn to cook first,”
says Anita Cormac, Director of the Focus on Food Campaign. For
more information on the Food Standards Agency visit www.food.
gov.uk

Saheli Women’s
Group Make a
Difference
by Selina Brown
We live in a society that is sometimes criticised for being
male dominated, where change can only take place if women
become liberated and that is exactly what a small local female
group accomplished, with great rewards.
In 1998 a collection of women from Balsall Heath formed the
Saheli Women’s Group. Their aim was to engage and empower
women within the community, by getting involved in the
local decision making process from which they felt excluded.
Together they became aware of the lack of fitness facilities for
women within the local community, so collectively they set
about making a change.
The Saheli Women’s Group’s biggest achievement
is the Saheli Adventure Hub that opened on 24th
June 2007. The half a million pound
gym includes state
of the art fitness
e q u i p m e n t ,
a wooden
sprung floor
used for dance
and
aerobics
and a virtual
trainer. To date they have 893 active members, amongst them
is Rosalie Dickson one of the eldest members of the Hub.
Rosalie has been a local Balsall Heath Resident for 42 years,
she is delighted with the service the Hub provides and has
been a committed member since the Hub opened. “The Saheli
Adventure Hub is the healthy heart of the body of Balsall
Heath. I enjoy coming here as I meet new people but more
importantly I keep fit” said Rosalie.
Being a registered charity makes the group more determined
to support other fundraising events for charitable causes. The
Saheli Women have taken part in Cycle Relief where they
have been able to raise £100 for distressed people that have
been affected by climate change. They have also been active
in raising money for Red Nose Day, the Pink Aerobics Breast
Cancer Campaign and Kidney Research plus much more.
Recently the group have had several funding successes. Unltd
recently gave the funding to purchase 20 new mountain bikes,
to assist in providing outdoor activities for young women aged
13-18. In addition Saheli have been able to buy a Mini Bus
from funding they received from Reaching Communities Big
Lottery, which enables them to create opportunities for women
to be empowered through sport and cut their transport
costs dramatically. On Saturday 8th September the Hub
held a fundraising sale raising £241 from unwanted
items donated to the centre from the members, the
funds raised were then ploughed back into the Hub
to assist with its service delivery.
The Saheli women are currently working with
Barrow Cadbury Trust to provide a 2 year
Empowerment Programme for local young
women which aims to boost their confidence
and get them actively engaged in local
decision making. The Saheli Adventure Hub
recently formed a partnership with the Heart
of Birmingham NHS Primary Care Trust and
Health Exchange, to deliver information and
support on health to the local community.
Since its establishment the Saheli Women’s
Group have been going from strength to
strength. They are all certain that the Saheli
Adventure Hub is just the foundation of greater
things to come. The groups Project Manager
Naseem Akhtar said “The Saheli Women’s Group
is an initiative that has been set up by local women
for local women and that’s why it works, and
makes a difference to local women’s lives.
“In the future we want to see a large health and
fitness facility for the greater Sparkbrook so we
can provide fitness opportunities for everyone”
added Nassem.
If you would like more information on the Saheli
Adventure Hub please
call 0121 446 6137.

Balsall Heath Forum Focus
Can this really be
happening?
This is the story of a Council property and its elderly tenant, Mr
Brown (his name has been changed to give him privacy). He has
been known to the Forum’s office staff, Rosie and Carrie for some
time. They help him most weeks with forms, bills and other little
things which matter.
When they called at his house one day, they were appalled. His
little back garden shared with other tenants was such a jungle that
he couldn’t open his back door. So, his dogs fouled the inside of
the house. It was not just an incredible mess and very, very, dirty.
It smelt so bad that Rosie made an excuse and left. But, she said
to herself, in this day and age nobody should be left to live – and
probably die – in such conditions.
Rosie contacted the Housing Department and Social Services. The
Housing Department eventually promised to get Environmental
Services to clear and clean the place to a good standard. Social
Services would then visit regularly and help Mr Brown to keep his
house (and garden) up to standard.
Rosie and her office manager, Carrie were dismayed when, on
the day, Environmental Services merely took Mr Brown’s bed and
chairs and left. He was worse off than before – a foul, unhygienic
mess and no furniture.
After their anger and tears had subsided what did Rosie and Carrie
do? They put on some old clothes, got face masks and, armed with
mop, buckets, soap and disinfectant, they went to work. It took
them both two whole days. But, at the end of it, the place was
spotless, the cooker usable. Oh, and of course, they dipped into
their own pockets and brought him a bed and furniture.
More, Carrie asked the Forum’s Green Team to clear the garden.
They did a grand job. Mr Brown can now open his back door, sit
outside and let his dogs use the end of it as a toilet.
Rosie and Carrie now hope to persuade Social Services to fulfil their
part of the bargain. They say they’ll keep an eye on Mr Brown each
week and help him to keep on top of things. However, they did not
make their first appointment. So, Rosie is persisting. She says: “I’ll
get them there if it’s the last thing I do”.
But, three questions have to be asked: (1) What fate would have
befallen Mr Brown if Rosie and Carrie hadn’t existed or hadn’t
cared? (2) Are there any more Mr Brown’s out there who we don’t
yet know about? All readers are urged to let the Balsall Heath Forum
know if a neighbour of theirs may need special care and affection?
(3) What are we to think of the Council?
Rosie and Carrie have sent a copy of their letter to the 3 local
Councillors. In response to this heart felt story Councillor Salma
Yaquoob has expressed her distress and has stated that she will do
everything in her power to make sure there will be no repetition of
this story. In addition she has offered her support to the Heathan,
the Balsall Heath Forum and others in setting up a voluntary
network of carers.
Rosie is a star
Rosie saw that Mr Brown needed help. He’s a Council tenant. So,
at first she tried to get the Council to help. When it failed to do so,
Rosie simply rolled up her sleeves, did the job herself and got her
colleagues and friends to help.
It wasn’t pleasant. Mr Brown’s dogs had been using his house as
a toilet for a long time and things had gotten badly out of hand.
Rosie spent three long days scrubbing and toiling until she had
solved the problem.
When asked why she had done it she replied: “You can’t let an old
man live like that. It’s not right. Anyone would do what I did”. If
only they would.
Reclaiming ‘Confused’
spaces
When the Council’s Urban Renewal Department tried to physically
improve Balsall Heath 30 years ago it created lots of little
patches of land and planters. It thought they would make the
neighbourhood look better. But it also forgot to maintain them.
The grass and weeds grew and they became full of dumped rubbish.
Presently, the Council even forgot that they owned them.
This is why they are called ‘confused’ spaces. Nobody owns and
tends them. They look confused and ugly.
For some time now in close cooperation with the Housing Department,
the Balsall Heath Forum’s Green Team have been slowly
reclaiming them and providing them with new ‘owners’ who will
look after them. There are over 60 of them scattered around the
neighbourhood. The Forum has now reclaimed 20 of them and
persuaded good neighbours to help to maintain them. The photographs
illustrate the difference that good neighbours can make
to ‘confused’ spaces. If there is one near you and you would be
happy to look after it, please contact the Green Team by phoning
Rosie on 0121-446-6183 or just call in the Tree Nursery on St
Pauls Road.
Residents from the Sparkbrook
Forum area have also
noticed the effect which caring
for ‘confused’ spaces can
have. They are so impressed
that they have asked the Green
Team to cross into their neighbourhood
and reclaim some.
This led to an interesting
conversation. The Sparkbrook
residents wanted to hire the
Green Team to work for them.
But, the Green Team said:
“No, won’t do it for you. But,
we will do it with you. Indeed
we’ll even show you how you
to can have and manage your
own Green Team”.
The Green Team is often referred to as ‘Two men and a van’. So,
the Balsall Heath Forum is now working closely with the Sparkbrook
Forum to help them acquire this priceless asset. This outbreak
of cooperation and mutual trust between two Forums is a
constructive development and a great advance on suspicion and
mistrust.
Members of both Forums are delighted. They aim to build on and
extend the cooperation and help it to spread to other Forums.
Forum AGM
The Forum’s AGM attracted over 200 people who were entertained
by Chris, Abdullah, Jahan and his football team.
Guest speaker, Chris Wadhams said: “I’m always astonished at the
numbers who attend these meetings and your positive spirit”.
In all 1,081 votes were cast during the day. Those elected were
Makhdoom Chisti, Steve James, Taresh Jabber, Ishtiaq Chaudri,
Dr Saleem, Mark Cobden, Noreen Akhtar, Raja Amin and Shokat
Ali.

ON THE ROAD
TOGETHER
On the afternoon of Sunday 17th July people from all over
Balsall Heath and beyond met in Edward Road Baptist Church
to celebrate the signing of a covenant between eight churches in
Balsall Heath.
United Kingdom
India Education
Initiative Project
Churches Together in Balsall Heath comprises:
Balsall Heath URC,
@ Balsall Heath Church Centre
Church of God of Prophecy,
George Street
Edward Road Baptist Church
Moseley Road Methodist Church
St John & St Martin RC Church,
George Street
St Mary & St Ambrose Edgbaston,
Raglan Road and Pershore Rd
St Paul’s Balsall Heath,
@ Balsall Heath Church Centre
Wesleyan Holiness Church, Cromer Rd
Local schools recently joined an overseas partnership with Schools
in India, as part of a venture that aims to expand the cultural
understanding amongst children and staff in both countries. Park
Hill, Moor Green, Queensbridge Secondary School and a selection
of Primary Schools in the Kings Heath area successfully became a
part of the United Kingdom India Education Initiative (UKIERI)
project. This enabled them to create a connection with six schools
in the Rajasthan area of India.
In the covenant we commit ourselves to working together for the
common good of all members of this community and the wider
world. We look forward to continuing to journey with our fellow
travellers in Balsall Heath, of another faith, or of none, to seek
justice and wholeness for all people who live and work here.
For more information about CTBH contact: Mrs Betty Milton,
Secretary to CTBH c/o 256 2565
Lost Passport
Have you found a passport? A student from
Tanzania recently lost their passport on or
around Edward Road. If you can help with
this matter then please contact the Balsall
Heathan on 0121 464 4376.
Twelve teachers from the Birmingham cluster spent eleven days in
India during February visiting the 6 schools, which where situated
within the most deprived area of Rajasthan. The children and staff
greeted them enthusiastically and the hospitality they received was
overwhelming. The professional dialogue that started between
colleagues in February continued in June when twelve Indian
visitors came to Birmingham for ten days. Park Hill hosted the
welcome assembly with contributions from the four schools. As
well as spending time in classrooms the visitors enjoyed trips to
Bath and London, and local highlights including Think Tank and
the Bull Ring.
The project will provide an opportunity for skills to be exchanged
between staff through training and it will offer participation with
student’s projects. The foundations have been laid for strong
professional bonds to be developed between the two school groups
and lifelong friendships have begun.
Sue Heptinstall Head of Park Hill School said “Our children are
already benefiting from the exchange of ideas that is taking place
amongst the teachers. We are all learning a lot from each other and
thoroughly enjoying the experience”.

Open Day Fun
By Selina Brown
Police Tackle In
Football Fun
POLICE officers swapped their hats for shorts, when they took
to the field to play alongside local youths and Birmingham City
Football stars Mikael Forssell and Sebastian Larsson.
Police constable Paul Newman took to the goalposts while the
young footballers and professionals dribbled and tackled in an
attempt to score past him. While many of the young players
scored, Mikael Forssell’s shot was saved to a chorus of cheers
from the local police officers.
The young players were showing off their best skills in the hope
of being spotted by the Birmingham City FC talent scouts
and to win the best player trophy, which was presented by the
Birmingham City FC football stars.
The event was part of the Kickz academy, which has been set
up by Birmingham City Football Club in partnership with West
Midlands Police to encourage young people to participate in
positive activities during the summer and to promote a healthy
lifestyle.
PC Paul Newman, from Edward Road police station, said, “Our
aim for this football initiative is to get young people involved in
positive activities, and I think I can safely say we have achieved
that. We will continue working with the football club and the
young footballers that came today and hopefully many more that
will attend in the future.”
C o n n a u g h t
Gardens retirement
home recently
opened
its doors to visitors.
The special
open day consisted
of a pleasurable
display
of information
on the homes
services and numerous
demonstrations of activities the supported accommodation
offers.
There was an extremely good turn out of visitors, who were all
offered the chance to participate in a Chinese calligraphy class.
Arts and craft and exercising activities were also available to partake
in. Tasty refreshments were served and all guests who attended
thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Connaught Gardens is the only retirement home in Balsall Heath
that caters specifically to Chinese elders aged 55 and above. They
provide a culturally sensitive environment, which encourages
independent living and offers classes for developing skills and
learning.
For more information on Connaught Gardens please call 0121
440 8879.
Improved Services for Residents
Local Housing Association on Road to
Recovery
The Audit Commission has recently completed its re-Inspection
of the services provided by Moseley and District Churches
Housing Association and has found a significant improvement
since the last Inspection report was published in 2005.
In 2005, the Audit Commission judged Moseley and District
(M&D) to be providing a poor (no star) service with poor
prospects for improvement. This led to a senior management
re-organisation and a new team took responsibility in April 2006
for turning the Association round. Supported by a new Board
of Directors a wholesale review of services was undertaken and
a series of sweeping changes were made within the organisation
with residents playing a major role.
The Audit Commission re-inspected the Association in May
2007 and their report shows a major improvement. The
Association is now ranked as a fair service with the capacity to
improve services further.
Chair of M&D, Pat Brandum, said “The Association has
substantially improved services to residents in a relatively short
period of time. The Board is proud of the achievements of the
new Executive Team and staff, and has confidence that they
can build on these improvements over the next 12 months.
The Board is a little disappointed that the Audit commission
was not able to be even more positive about future prospects for
improvement, especially having recognised the many strengths
and successes since the last Inspection. However, with clear plans
for continuing to improve homes and services, we are looking
forward to a really successful future for M&D”.
John Gorman, Chair of M&D Residents Committee commented
“It’s been a difficult few years for residents of the Association.
We are now however, beginning to see a real difference in both
the responsiveness of staff at M&D and in the quality of services
provided. There is lots more work to do but residents are now
confident that they are being listened to.”
NOTICE TO
MOSELEY & DISTRICT CHURCHES
HOUSING ASSOCIATION RESIDENTS
THE
41ST ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
OF THE ASSOCIATION WILL TAKE PLACE
on
THURSDAY
27th SEPTEMBER 6.30PM
at
MOSELEY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST,
THE POST OFFICE BUILDING,
149-153 ALCESTER ROAD, MOSELEY,
BIRMINGHAM B13 8JP
ALL RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND

Please send your letters to: The Editor, The Balsall Heathan, c/o
St. Paul’s Community Development Trust, Hertford Street, Balsall Heath, B12 8NJ
Dear Editor,
We’d just like to say that we are surprised and disgusted that the
Council has let down one of its housing tenants very badly.
He is old, has no family or friends locally and lives in absolute
squalor. To go into his house we have to put on masks because
the smell and flies are so bad.
We asked and asked but all the Council eventually did was to
take his furniture away and leave him with nothing, not even a
bed.
We told the Council Officers what we thought of them and then
helped him ourselves.
Will you please report on this fully and help him and us. This
shouldn’t happen in this day and age.
Yours sincerely,
Rosie Gayle
Carrie Fearby.
P.S We are copying this letter to our 3 local Councillors.
Editor’s comment – Please see the article in this issue entitled
‘Can this really be happening?
Dear Editor,
I read your articles about the Baths and the £30m cost of restoring
them. I also read in the Birmingham Post that Aston is likely
to get a 50 metre pool for the Olympics, cost £50m.
Does this mean we will loose our baths? Or, is there another,
cheaper way forward? If not, what happens to the old building?
Yours sincerely,
S. Duggal
Newport Road
Thank You!
The Balsall Heathan would like to give a big thank
you to the members of the Moseley Road Methodist
Church for the their generous financial donation to the
newspaper. During the month of July members of the
Moseley Road Methodist Church Gospel Choir carried
out coffee mornings as part of their continued efforts
to raise money for charities and raised £107.50. Once
again this support is gratefully received.
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 Tenancy Officers 303 5070
Rent Arrears 303 3324
Empty Properties 303 5070
Unkempt Gardens 303 5070
Environmental Services
Environmental Health 303 6007
Pest Control (Rats) 303 9800
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 0845 113 5000
Edward Road 626 4467
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 Project 440 5022
Balsall Heath Church Centre Elderly Care 440 1138
Balsall Heath Employment Training Scheme 464 8660
Balsall Heath Forum, St Pauls Road 446 6183
Balsall Heath Children’s Centre 464 6349
Balsall Heath Library 464 1962
Balsall Heath Practical Care 440 6644
Birmingham Asian Business Association, 249 Ladypool Rd. 693 3101
Birmingham Enterprise, 249 Ladypool Road 446 4444
Birmingham Ethnic Education and Advisory Service 359 3339
Birmingham Independent Living Project, 249 Ladypool Rd. 693 9050
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
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 Advice & Cultural Centre, Joseph Chamberlain College 446 6621
Yemeni Day Centre, 15 George Street 440 1044
Yemeni Centre, 244 Edward Road 249 3945
Yemeni Welfare & Training Centre, 147 Kyrwicks Lane, Sparkbrook 773 7664
Neighbourhood Offices
Sparkbrook, Greencoat House, 261 Stratford Road, 303 9110
Sparkhill ,641 Stratford Road, 303 0722
Sports & Leisure
Asian Arts & Cultural Society 440 1519
Birmingham Sports Centre, Balsall Heath Road 464 6060
Midland Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park 440 4221
Tickets 440 3838

Dazzling Environment Design
An environmental poster design competition took place during the summer, with
three artistic young people winning due to their colourful and eye-catching designs
illustrating issues concerning the environment.
A group of young people aged 9 –16, took part in a session that aimed to explore
environmental issues, such as the importance of recycling. The young people were
asked to produce posters that expressed the importance of caring for the environment
and friendly methods that could be adopted. 30 young people entered the
competition with exceptional artwork produced, however the most creative and
imaginative work belonged to Sundiata 10 years old, Haylie 10 years old and Karina
10 years old who were all crowned the winners.
The competition was part of a one-day activity workshop, which was organised
by the Way Ahead and Youth Base summer programme. The programme ran for
6 weeks during July and August, and through it 17 people successfully gained an
Open College Network (OCN), Teamwork qualification.
Mark Wilkinson,
Project worker
for Way Ahead
said, “I thought
it was fantastic
that the young
people were given
an opportunity
to express their
thoughts on environmental
issues.
There was some
fantastic artwork
produced and it
was difficult choosing the final three designs. The winning designs were incredible
and are going to be used as posters in centres located in Balsall Heath, to highlight
the importance of caring for the environment”.
St Paul’s Film Awards
By Mark Wilkinson
On the 16th July, Mark Wilkinson and Thieba Bibi of the Way
Ahead Project held the first film awards at St Paul’s School. The
ceremony was held to celebrate the achievements of pupils from
years nine and ten who have been studying the ‘ Developing Video
and Film Production Skills’ level 3 NOCN, since September
last year.
Each of the 6 groups chose a subject that they wanted to make
a film about through the process of ideas storming, negotiation
and discussion. Many of the films dealt with issues young people
face today, including drugs, underage smoking and services in the
community. To explore these topics pupils interviewed community
wardens, schoolteachers and workers from drug and alcohol
advisory services. The resulting interviews were edited together
to create informative
documentaries. One
of the groups took
a more lighthearted
approach making a
spoof of the TV show
X Factor.
During the award
ceremony, trophies
were given for categories
including best
director and best actor.
20 certificates of achievement were presented for completing
the qualification. It was a great way to celebrate everyone’s hard
work, well done to all those who participated.
We provide a safe and nurturing environment and believe
in the importance of your child‛s happiness, learning and
development.
A professional and friendly staff team, who are dedicated
and experienced in childcare and development, provide full
and sessional care and learning for children aged 3 months
to 5 years.
Planning within the birth to three framework and foundation
stage curriculum, we provide free play opportunities
and focused activities to encourage each child‛s
learning and development.
We are extremely fortunate to have weekly
visits from a music teacher and gardener,
who support the learning opportunities already
provided.
Ofsted registered and eligible
for the Nursery Education Grant,
we have achieved the silver quality
framework award and are currently
working towards the gold award.
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 8 am - 6 pm,
you are welcome to visit us at any
time