The Balsall Heathan - St. Paul's Community Trust

The Balsall
No. 302
April 2011
FREE
Heathan
Your Community Newspaper

Balsall Heath
Carnival
This years Balsall Heath Carnival has been ‘Themed’ and
it’s exciting people! Yes it’s been decided that this year the
title will be ‘Mad Hatter’s Tea Party’. Organisers for the
event have been busy working on this for the last couple of
months coming up with ideas to make this year’s carnival
a tea-mendous event!
With the loss of the road procession a few years ago,
following the mad decision by council officious officials to
chop the head off the procession, through wrapping it up
in red tape, our foot processions have continued regardless.
They have drunk from the bottle that says ‘smaller’ and
taken to the byways of our realm. Now they are ready
to drink the bottle that says ’bigger’ and grow in size
accordingly. The likes of the Balsall Heath Library, Clifton
Junior School, Balsall Heath Local History Society, St.
Paul’s Venture and Clifton Junior School to mention just
a few are set to be joined by Nelson Mandella School who
will be joining in for the first time ever. It’s not too late for
other groups to join in. If you are interested in taking part
in the procession or performing then contact the ‘Cheshire
Cat’ Clive Phillips; on the other hand if you would like
to book a stall then contact ‘The Queen of Hearts’ Jasbir
Kaur. If you would like to make a donation or volunteer
ask to speak to ‘The March Hare’ Ian Edwards. The entire
cast of characters is available on 464 4376.
Now don’t be late, late, late, for a very important date,
Saturday July 2nd.
A Bunch of
Junior Bankers
Financial responsibility at Parkhill School has become an integral
part of the school day. In conjunction with HSBC Bank, the
school, through meeting the objectives of the ‘Every Child
Matters’ agenda for economic
well being is encouraging
pupils, to learn about money
and work. Five volunteer
pupils, who faced a gruelling
interview process, now assist
Schools’ Liaison Officer from
HSBC, Sandra Howes in the
running of the new school
bank. Sandra said of the
new initiative, “The bank is
a wonderful addition to the
school and we are very proud
to be involved in the project”.
Year groups within the school
queued up to open their new
bank accounts with each child
receiving a special money bank savings box when they made their
first deposit. Due to the long wait, the future customers had access
to squash and a variety of biscuits with Jaffa Cakes being the
teachers favourites. One teacher was heard to comment, “I think
my own bank has a lot to learn”. New customer Evie said, “My
mom gave me £1 to open my bank account. It’s somewhere safe
to keep my money”.
School bank record keeper Katya said of her job, “I like the
responsibility of being the
record keeper for the school
bank. I used to be on the
school council” while Abdul
who works in customer
services said, “I am pleased to
be working with the school
bank and hope that it will
help me with my maths. I
didn’t want to be in customer
services I wanted to be on the
counter”.
The bank will now be open for
business on a fortnightly basis
with interest in the bank set to
grow.

Pat da Silva
Many residents and schools in the neighbourhood were very sad
to learn of the sudden death of Pat da Silva recently. Her funeral
at St. Mary and St. Ambrose Church was attended by many
hundreds of her family, friends and colleagues.
Pat grew up in Balsall Heath and attended what was then Mary St.
School. After she married and went to live as far afield as Erdington
she kept up her links with our neighbourhood, both through the
Sisters of Esther of which she was a prominent member, and as
a well-respected Education Social Worker working with many of
our schools. She also found time for St. Paul’s Trust and School
where she served as a Governor for many years.
Newsdesk 0121 464 4376
Editor
Peter Cole.
Reporters Peter Cole.
Contributors James Forrest, Louise Allen, John Newson, Mohammed
Ishtiaq & Dick Atkinson.
Director Anita Halliday.
Photography Peter Cole, Ian Edwards & John Newson.
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
Among the
Caribbean community, Pat was fairly unusual in combining fierce
New Sports Area at
Calthorpe Park
Pupils from St Alban’s and Heath Mount Primary School
put a new Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) through its paces
after the design
and months
of waiting
became a
reality recently.
Big Lottery
representatives,
l o c a l
C o u n c i l l o r s
M o h a m m e d
Istiaq and
Shokat Ali,
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
loyalty to both Jamaica and to St. Vincent
and the Grenadines. (Showing support
for her own family and her husband’s
– and making those who heard of
her occasional visits ‘home’ doubly
envious.)
Among the many tributes in the
service was one from the High
Commissioner for St. Vincent and the
Grenadines, who spoke of her work for
their Association in Birmingham. There were
moving contributions from her family, from colleagues and from
members of organisations to which she gave of her time. Her
generous spirit, warmth, concern and interest in others mean that
she will be remembered by us all.
Head Teacher of Heath Mount school Ms Najma Choudrey,
Mr Louie Jordan from St Alban’s, Officers from Birmingham
City Council, Mr Barry Rashid, Zhor Malik, Foster Darby,
Winnie Edwards, Robina Nadeem and Bakil Maflahi,
Cidam Jain from Landscape Practice Group, representatives
of the Calthorpe Park Steering Group, Local Leagues from
the Voluntary Sector and a Grants Officer from the Big
Lottery Fund joined youngsters at the official opening of the
new MUGA
at Calthorpe
Park on
Monday the
28th of March
2011.
Working with
the Landscape
P r a c t i c e
Group, local
children and
c o m m u n i t y
groups took part in events and consultations producing
designs for the £78k facility, which was funded by the
Birmingham Big Lottery Fund through Birmingham City
Council’s Community and Play Service.
The Balsall
Heathan
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Balsall Heathan
online at
www.stpaulstrust.org.uk

Moseley Road
Baths Update
Work on one
of Balsall
H e a t h ’ s
most famous
l a n d m a rks
continues as
e n g i n e e r s’
carry out
m u c h
n e e d e d
repairs to
the Moseley
Road Baths.
The work
being carried out on the building, which was officially opened
in 1907 will enable the currently closed facility to reopen to
the public.
It is hoped the baths will resume normal service around the
later stages of May once the work being carried out to remove
a rotten lintel which sits below a load bearing pillar that
An award jointly devised by Birmingham City Council
and the Birmingham Environmental Partnership and given
out as part of the city’s efforts to honour Climate Week
in March, was presented to Balsall Heath Is Our Planet
recently.
Designed to serve as a
thank you and a mark
of respect for the huge
effort community groups
and the voluntary sector
have provided in helping
make Birmingham a
leading Green city the
award was presented
by Rob Hopkins of
Transition Towns at a
special event held at the
Birmingham Council
House.
carries the weight of
the roof, is complete.
Discussions are
currently taking place
as to the next step,
which may involve
reducing the size of
the exit by a quarter
and using the newly
bricked up wall to
absorb much of the
downward pressure.
This option would
then reduce the cost
of the replacement
lintel.
A further issue
that needed to be
addressed was the prevention of wet rot in the roof due to
faulty ventilation fans. The inclusion of new bearings in the
existing fans has made a marked difference, which can now
be noticed straight away inside the pool area. According to
Councillor Martin Mullaney, “Before, whenever I visited this
pool, my glasses would steam up with the high humidity – this
was because the fans were rarely switched on.” The fans are now
permanently switched on and making a marked difference.
‘Making Birmingham Green’
Community Recognition Award
The Balsall
Heathan
Cllr Paul Tilsley, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City
Council, said: “Everyone can play a part in the City’s aim
to reduce carbon emissions by 60 per cent by 2026, when
compared to 1990 levels.
“Those recognised
by these awards have
all done something
inspirational at a
grass roots level, and
if everyone followed
their lead I am sure we
would reach our goal
with ease.
“I offer my warmest
congratulations to all
of those that have been
honoured and hope
they continue their
leading roles on all
things green.”
Your Community Newspaper
The deadline for the next edition is April 29th
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

A GOOD READ
You’re a bad man, Mr Gum!
by Andy Stanton
If you are a fan of bonkers stories, you will love this book. If you enjoy authors who
play with language, you will love this book. If you like corny jokes, you will love this
book. If you don’t like any of these things, turn away now.
On the surface this is the story of a village, a grumpy old man and a big dog. Or is
it about an angry fairy with a big frying pan, a magic sweetie shop and a determined
young girl? Then again it could be about the fight between good and evil...... In any
case, it is a good, fun read, full of laugh out loud events. If you are a bit sad before you
start reading this book, you just might be a bit happier when you finish it.
The book is brilliantly illustrated by David Tazzyman, don’t let the smudgy marks
on most pages put you off, unless of course you actually relish imagining what your
fingers might be touching.
Enjoy
J.READER
Mr Soon Come
Comes to the Drum
Local novelist Jasmine Johnson whose debut novel “Mr Soon
Come” won her recognition in the literary world with the ‘New
Nation’s Writer of the Year Award’ in 2001 has brought her first
book to the stage. Following her first success Jasmine went on to
self publish a second novel entitled ‘The Devil I Know’. This was
closely followed by her third novel, ‘The Day Hell Broke Loose’,
in which all of the characters from her fist two novels were brought
together.
Now working in collaboration
with Dramaturge Steven Luckie,
Programme Manager for The Drum
,Jonathan Morley and Director
Lorna Laidlaw and with the help
of funding from the Arts Council,
Jasmine has been privileged to see
her first book brought to the stage.
When asked about her experiences
of being a playwright and adapting
her own work for the stage Jasmine said, “I have learnt so much
more about characters on the stage, as opposed to characters on a
page, it’s unbelievable. I am delighted that my characters will have
the chance to come alive. My next dream is to write, produce and
direct my next piece of work. So far, all my dreams have come true,
so I trust my next one will too”.
Mr Soon Come will be showing at The Drum Arts Centre in
Newtown, Aston between the 19th and 21st of May and has a 14+
age restriction due its content. To find out more information ring
the Box Office on 0121 333 2444 or visit www.the-drum.org.uk.
Competition
One lucky reader has the chance to win a pair of tickets to see the
production on a date of their choice, all they have to do is answer
the following question. Where was Jasmine Johnson born? Email
your answer to ‘competition@stpaulstrust.org.uk’ along with the
date you would like if you were to win. All correct entries will
be placed in a hat and the lucky winner drawn on May 6th. The
editor’s decision will be final.

People Make a
Difference
By Councillor Mohammed Ishtiaq
Balsall Heath is lucky in that it has a vibrant network of Tenant
& Resident Organisations, which actively campaign to improve
your area.
As one of your local Respect councillors I can assure you they are
keeping us on our toes!
I have been busy attending committee meetings of no less than
8 Tenant & Resident Associations in the area. Many of the areas
have similar concerns.
Kinver Croft Resident Group has highlighted to me concerns for
greater security. At present we are working together consulting
with residents on the best locations for new gates.
Security loomed large as a concern for residents in Court Road,
Cheddar Road, Jakeman, Hallam & Lincoln streets and your local
Respect councillors are pleased to announce new security gates
have been installed there with
more to follow in Cobden
Gardens Vincent Street &
Hamden Retreat.
Environmental issues also
always loom large in Balsall
Heath. Sherron Gardens’
Residents have requested that
trees are properly pruned - and
we are on the case. Vincent
Street residents have requested
and will receive new bins.
Chesterton, Colville, Queen
and Alfred Streets Residents
Group have been unhappy
with rubbish not being
collected and concerns have
Being Active in
Balsall Heath
Families in Balsall Heath have been
given a major fitness boost, thanks
to the local charity Sport 4 Life, who
have set up a family physical activity
class at Balsall Heath Children’s
Centre. The charity has been
providing a new type of fitness class
at the centre – one where parents and
their children (aged 18 months to 3
years) can exercise together – since
January 2011, and over 29 families
have attended the sessions delivered
so far.
The fun physical activity sessions,
which include warm-up action songs,
parachute games, beanbag challenges,
been passed on to the Ward Manager - improvements are expected!
Court Road and Cheddar Road have reported problems with
rats in gardens and environmental services will be baiting all the
houses.
In Mary Street there have been problems with rubbish being
dumped and people putting bags out on the wrong day so we have
contacted environmental services to issue new publicity reminding
residents of the correct rubbish collection dates.
Alexandra Residents Group also highlighted rubbish as a key issue.
In response the Balsall Heath Forum has helped out with two extra
collections.
A new committee has been set up involving residents from the
Cheddar Road, Harbury Road Church and Tyga Youth Forum
area to oversee the transformation of a disused garden into a
communal space.
Local residents are working closely with myself representatives
from the local Church, Balsall Heath Forum and the police to get
our target area cleaned up, safe and returned to the community.
Taunton, Roshven, Kensington Avenues and Clifton Road
Residents’ group have issues with build-outs while Clifton Road
need the lack of parking and rubbish resolving. People are also
asking for more recycling boxes. They have been ordered and can
be picked up from the Balsall Heath Forum.
This is just the tip of the iceberg of what your residents groups
are doing.
You will notice I mentioned no names. That is because there are
too many people to mention, active citizens who go about week in
and week out with dedication and determination doing the slog to
improve Balsall Heath.
I have been really impressed (and proud to be harassed!) by all of
them!!
Finally, I am really honoured to represent Balsall Heath and am
fascinated by its rich history. I was really pleased therefore to be
recently presented with a book by Val Hart recording some of the
changes that have taken place over the decades. It’s a brilliant read
crammed with great photos. Make sure to try getting hold of a
copy.
dance, cheerleading, and ball games, are a great way for kids to burn
off excess energy and a good workout for parents too. Due to the
young age of the children the activities are carefully chosen to suit
their developing bodies and ability levels, and the sessions work
on cardiovascular fitness, muscle strengthening, co-ordination
and gross motor skills as well as developing communication,
concentration, and listening skills.
And best of all the classes are free
thanks to funding received from
the Heart of Birmingham teaching
Primary Care Trust through the Be
Active scheme.
James Forrest, Manager of Sport 4
Life, says: “We are really pleased to
have been able to set up these classes
in Balsall Heath. The project has
been a great success, with participants
benefitting from a healthier, fitter
lifestyle, as well as the chance to get
out of the house, make some friends,
and have a lot of fun!”

The Safe Haven
Team
If you are aged between seven and 19 and live in Sparkbrook,
Sparkhill or Balsall Heath, you may have met PC Dave Steadman
and Police Community Support Officer Tom Bradbury. Together
Dave and Tom form the Safe Haven Team and work with young
people in these neighbourhoods.
They listen to what young people want the police to be doing
in their area. As well as listening to the needs and concerns
of young residents, they also organise events and activities such
as football and cricket tournaments, go-karting, employment
coaching and much more.
Dave and Tom run a football league for 90 young people aged
between 16 and 19, with the support of the Local Leagues
organisation based in Balsall Heath. The league runs every
Thursday between 6-7pm at Moseley School Health and Fitness
Centre. There are currently nine teams from Sparkbrook,
Springfield, Sparkhill, Edgbaston, Balsall Heath, Ladywood and
Tyseley. The league was set up in November 2010 and the kits
and pitch hire are funded by West Midlands Police and Moseley
School.
The league has proved to be a massive success and attracts
young people from all over Birmingham. It also encourages young
people to become involved in organised sport and gives them a
positive activity to take part in.
PCSO Tom Bradbury said: “This is a very privileged role to take
on as we get the chance to work with lively and energetic young
people who can often be portrayed negatively in the press. Their
full commitment to this league and other Safe Haven projects
The new team working
in your neighbourhood
to keep you safe!
A new policing team dedicated to tackling crime and anti-social
behaviour in Sparkbrook and Balsall Heath is already making a
positive impact.
The Community Action Team is led by Sergeant Andy Sharp.
Andy and his team of 20 officers were only set up in January, but
they are already seeing positive results and driving down crime.
The team work from 8am until 11pm to target all reported crime
in Sparkbrook and Balsall Heath. They use highly visible patrols
to deter crime, as well as covert tactics and CCTV cameras to
keep a close eye on criminals.
They work together with partner agencies such as Birmingham
City Council and with parking attendants to address issues that
affect the community, like anti-social behaviour and illegal parking.
Drug dealing has also been a focus for the team and a number of
warrants have been carried out.
The officers regularly patrol bus routes that pass through the
area. Some recent incidents suggested that robbers were using
public transport to find their victims. The team stepped up their
bus patrols and have made several arrests.
At the end of March, some officers from the team were flagged
down in Sparkbrook by a man who had been assaulted and had
shows that the future is
bright in these areas.”
PC Dave Steadman said:
“The young people have
all benefited from the
league massively as not
only have they enjoyed the
competition, but we have
also been able to support
them in terms of coaching
awards and employment opportunities. Many are in the process
of becoming youth leaders at several of our youth bases, so they
can support their community and lead from the front.
“The league has helped to reduce anti-social behaviour
significantly in the area, and importantly it has helped to improve
trust and confidence between the police and young people. The
league does need financial support for further seasons. If any
local businesses can help the league to expand and thrive in the
future, please get in touch!”
On 27 May, West Midlands Police will be holding an awards
evening to congratulate all the participants by awarding trophies,
medals, fair play awards and a few surprises! The event will be
attended by around one hundred young people at the Saffron
Centre, Highgate.
You can find out more about the team and the events they have
coming up by finding them on Facebook. Visit www.facebook.
com and search for ‘safe haven’ and ‘sparkhill police station’.
Get in touch and tell them what you think! You can email the
team at safehaveneast@hotmail.co.uk or call the team on 07896
987 720 or 0121 626 4182.
his mobile phone stolen. Officers quickly found the offender and
arrested him. He was later charged with robbery and will soon
be appearing in court.
Sgt Andy Sharp said: “Our team was created to reduce crime and
improve the safety and confidence of our residents and that is
what we are committed to doing.
“During the last few months, through speaking to as many local
residents as possible, we have a better understanding of what
matters to people. We now have a lot of intelligence to tell us
who offenders are and what offences are being committed.
“Our team also need the support of local communities to make
sure crime levels continue to fall. With the warmer weather
approaching, we would encourage our residents to take simple
crime prevention precautions such as keeping doors and
windows locked.
“Also, we would ask motorists to help us beat vehicle crime by
keeping their vehicles locked and by removing valuables, such as
sat navs and their brackets, from view.”
When you see Andy and his team out on the beat, please go and
speak to them and tell them what matters the most to you!
Any member of the public who witnesses crime, or who may
have information to help us tackle criminals, is urged to ring the
police on 0345 113 5000. People can also leave information with
Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

Balsall Heath Forum Focus
Two special ladies
May Pearson of Brunswick Road gave very many years of devoted
service to helping her friends and neighbours in the Seven Streets
Residents area.
Mary Beasley of George Street was associated with many local
causes, not least the preservation of Moseley Road Baths where
she regularly swam.
A thousand Daffodils
Did you enjoy the daffodils this spring? They adorned the Haden
Way gateway to Balsall Heath, every park in the area and most of
the neighbourhood’s wooden planters. It’s 10 years ago now that
the Forum bought and planted 3 tons of the bulbs to cheer the
area up.
Balsall Heath is poorer for their passing. But, their many admirers
have purchased a bench for each of them. These will soon adorn
Pickwick Park where they will be available for passers by and
for families to enjoy. They will be suitably inscribed with loving
memory for two remarkable and very special ladies.
Communal
Celebration
The latest in the series of Communal Meals and Celebrations
was held at the Church Centre in early April. Some 300 people
attended along with a special guest, the Editor of the Birmingham
Mail, who gave out certificates of merit to exceptional volunteers.
A group of youngsters from Benmore entertained everyone with
song and dance. Abdullah Rehman, Ian Edwards and Peter Cole
introduced a ‘before, during and after’ video of the transformation
of the area. Romanian residents presented the Balsall Heath Forum
with their flag. Tyga introduced themselves and new members to
local residents unfamiliar wit their work. The importance of the
census was explained by its representatives and Councillor Salma
Yaqoob gave an inspiring talk about resident volunteers and the
Forum. Finally, of course, everyone enjoyed a splendid Balti Buffet.
Many people present asked: “When is the next meal and
celebration?” The answer is probably “in June.” Watch this space.
Ever year since then they have done just this. And, did you notice,
not one of them was vandalised or disrespected. They command
attention and respect. Long may they grow. What new flower
should we purchase to add to the pleasure they bring?
What a load of rubbish
As letters to us and the Heathan have revealed, there is still an
unacceptable load of rubbish on the streets and in the gardens of
Balsall Heath. Many of the un-maintained gardens are Council
Housing ones. The streets are, of course, the responsibility of the
Council’s Environmental Services Department and the orphan or
confused spaces in many roads are also invariably Council owned.
So, if left to
the Council,
Balsall Heath
would slowly
sink under a
load of rubbish.
Yet, residents
enter Balsall
Heath in
the Britain
in Bloom
competition
every year.
We help
residents to
tame untamed
gardens, adopt
the orphan
spaces and clear
the uncollected
street rubbish.
That is, the
customer cares
and provides themselves with a cleaning and greening service. But,
the Council provision does little and makes the customer very
dissatisfied.
An increasing number of residents are saying: “Why do we pay
taxes and rates when we get such a poor service? All we get is a load
of rubbish.” It’s difficult to disagree.

Big Dave’s Buddies
For the last ten years Dave Gauder known more commonly as Big
Dave by school pupils throughout the country has been giving
anti-bullying talks and passing on useful advice and guidance.
Along with his talks and as part of his campaign Big Dave
demonstrates how belief in your self can help individuals achieve
their goals and his visits often involve him pulling a double decker
bus. Now with over 1000 bus pulls under his belt Dave used a
recent visit to Tindal School to launch his new initiative entitled
‘Big Dave’s Buddies’.
When asked what he hoped to achieve through the new project
Dave said, “It will break down so many barriers, postcodes,
tagging, all of these silly things that are going on all over the
country. It starts from silliness really; it’s like Chinese whispers. It’s
been ten years that I have been involved in this work but we always
wanted to take it to another level”.
Based on the use of mentors through a buddy system the initiative
aims to tackle some of the wider problems associated with bullying
such as anti-social behaviour.
Dave went on to say, “It was always Big Dave goes into a school
and delivers the message and Big Dave is gone and that was it.
But now we’ve got longevity and it’s working really well. It’s from
primary school age right the way through to secondary. But the
schools have really got to earn it”.
When asked about the future for of the project Dave said,
“Hopefully what we are trying to put in place is a GCSE under
citizenship and maybe a Princess Diana award as well”.
Doomsday Reloaded
Do you remember a time when the BBC ran an initiative called
the ‘Doomsday Project’ in 1986? The project aimed to archive a
snap shot of the times and did this in Balsall Heath with the help
of pupils from Heathmount and Moseley Schools. A national
project, it catalogued images of the whole of the UK at the time
and included three images of each area.
Until recently the information that had been collected had been
left on a dusty shelf on a state of the art laser disc. The project was
then shelved and the technology to access the disc made redundant
which left them unused and inaccessible. Now through the use
of new technology the data has been accessed and a follow up
project called ‘Doomsday Reloaded’ set up. The aim of this project
is to revisit the 23,000 4x3km areas known as Doomsday Squares
or ‘D-Blocks’. An equivalent number of photographs will be
Bahhhriliant Day
If you would like to find out more then visit www.bigdavesworld.
co.uk.
collected totalling 23,225. Similarly 147,819 pages of text relating
to what it was like to live, work and play in the communities will
be collected, recorded and published.
If you would like to take part in the project then why not pop
down and visit their touring Doomsday Reloaded Bus which will
be paying a visit on May 6th to St. Paul’s Venture off Clifton Road
between 11am and 3pm. Your input into this would be gratefully
received by the BBC and while you are there maybe you would
like to contribute to a Balsall Heath Local History Project. Known
as ‘Our Community Our History’ the project aims to record the
many memories individuals have of their favourite foods. So if
you have a favourite recipe and a memory to go with it why not
bring it along. The project is also looking to add more images and
memories to the not inconsiderable stock already collected of the
Balsall Heath Carnival. Maybe you would like to help identify
some of them or bring along some of your own to add to the
collection.
Balsall Heath City Farm held a special celebration in March and
invited the community to attend. Celebrating its 30th anniversary
the farm along with the Federation of City Farms & Community
Gardens which is similarly in its 30th year enjoyed a glorious
sunny day. The farm helped by members of the Balsall Heath
Local History Society who put together a special exhibition of
photographs with the help of the Balsall Heathan provided lots of
opportunities for visitors to reflect on their memories of the farm
over the years.
Younger visitors were treated to a chance to see a new addition
at the farm in the shape of Valerie the lamb. As well as the wide
variety of animals to see their were a range of creative activities,
games, face painting and refreshments available for everybody to
enjoy.

Eggcellent
C h i l d r e n
and parents
took part in
the annual
Easter egg
c o m p e t i t i o n
at Jakeman
Nursery this
month with
some very
e g g c i t i n g
e n t r a n t s .
Each year
the children
and parents
are invited to
decorate an egg
and win a prize.
The creativity on display was judged by Nursery Governor Mr Ilyas
who had an eggtremely difficult job due to the very high standards
of the artwork. All of the children were given an eggciting prize.
Mrs Chaudhri said of the competition, “It’s amazing and just goes
to show just how talented some of our children and parents are”.
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,
I am fed up of seeing food waste on the ground in our parks.
People do it to feed the birds when in reality they are really
feeding the rats. I have actually seen a loaf of bread thrown on
to the floor still in its plastic wrapping. Why?
Yours sincerely,
Not impressed
Dear Editor,
We would like to say how extremely grateful we are to the
Balsall Heath Forum for all their hard work which makes
Balsall Heath a cleaner, tidier place. May we offer a special
thank you for the work carried out on the back and front
gardens of 75 Balsall Heath Road which beforehand was an
absolute disgrace to the area, causing an infestation of rats.
Now, however, the gardens are now completely transformed
and the rat problem eradicated from the tenants of 60 & 62
Alexandra Road.
Mrs Lacey and Mrs Taylor
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 Project 440 5022
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

Stand
Up for
Cyclists
By John Newson
Local cyclists recently
celebrated the appearance
of some new cycle parking
stands which they asked for
last year. Three other sets
have been put in around
Balsall Heath – have you
spotted them yet?
Research by Birmingham
University found that regular
cyclists have hearts and
lungs like someone 10 years
younger. It is undoubtedly
a great way to build exercise
into your day, and saves waiting at bus stops. Many car journeys
are so short they could be cycled instead. Young people can be
independent and explore the city.
The stands in the picture are at the corner of Edward Road and
Cheddar Road, in front of Calthorpe Park Play Centre and
Pavilion. The stands give visitors somewhere safe to lock up their
bikes.
From here, the number 5 national cycle route goes into the City
Centre. We have suggested some ways that the crossing of the
Middleway could be made safer, and changes to it have been made
by the Transportation Department.
In the out-of-town direction, the blue cycle route signs can be
followed on through Cannon Hill Park and other green spaces.
The Rea Valley route is supposed to be safe for an unaccompanied
12 year old. It follows the river, so avoids any hills. There have been
some conflicts with walkers
in the park, so please cycle at
walking speed and be polite
when the park is crowded.
The ‘Cycling and Walking
Map of Birmingham’ is very
useful and is free on request,
if you ring 303 7195 or
email: cycling@birmingham.
gov.uk You can find it at
http://cycle.help2travel.
co.uk I have a few copies.
Leaflets showing nine Urban
Explorer rides are free from
Pushbikes www.pushbikes.
org.uk
The website www.
transportdirect.info finds quiet routes for you to cycle, as well as
planning public transport journeys.
If you have any suggestions for helping people to cycle, please let
me know. John Newson, Balsall Heath Is Our Planet 440 7919
BHIOP@jericho.org.uk
M a l v e r n S t r e e t, B a l s a l l H e a t h ,
0 1 2 1 4 6 4 1 8 8 6
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.

Balsall Heath
Through Time
By Chris Sutton
Val Hart’s new book on Balsall Heath has just been published.
“Balsall Heath Through Time” contrasts then and now pictures
of the area showcasing some of the major changes that have
taken place since 1939. The area suffered many difficulties
and challenges, starting with the extensive bomb damage
of the Second World War leading into a spiral of decay and
decline. The painful period of redevelopment under Urban
Renewal and a changing population have contributed to the
post-war changes. We even experienced a tornado in 2005
which changed the landscape in minutes!
Many of the pages contain then and now views of street scenes.
Most of the old photographs have been treated with a sepia
tone for uniformity which has greatly enhanced their visual
appeal. Comparing them to the now photographs in colour is
fascinating. Those with landmarks which are present in both
photographs have an immediate contrast that works well.
Those where the scene has changed almost beyond recognition
offer a different
charm in
c o m p a r i n g
the change of
building and
business.
C l e v e r l y
though, the
book has
a different
perspective of
changing times
by contrasting
old and current
images of the
police, the
carnival or a
shopkeeper at
work etc. These
contribute a lot
to showing how the makeup of the local area has changed,
and continues to change, but always a community at work
and play.
The book is available to buy for the princely price of £14.99.
If you would like a copy then why not pop down to St. Paul’s
School on Hertford Street or any good book shop. If you
would like to take advantage of some free postage then send
a cheque made payable to ‘The Balsall Heath Local History
Society’ to Chris Sutton, St. Pauls’ Community Development
Trust, Hertford Street, Birmingham, B12 8NJ.