The Balsall Heathan - St. Paul`s Community Trust

The Balsall
No. 279
October 2008
FREE
Heathan
Your Community Newspaper
Local News & Features
Playground
Development at
Percy Shurmer
Primary School
A project to develop two playgrounds at Percy Shurmer School is
causing excitement amongst the children, parents and staff. The
initiative, which was the brainchild of the pupils themselves, has
suffered as a consequence of the British Summer but enthusiasm
for the project hasn’t been dampened.
Consultation
Three years ago pupils at the school expressed their desire to
have their playgrounds improved and made more exciting. This
resulted in a consultation process that involved every pupil within
the school. The suggestions were then presented to the school’s
governors who agreed to organise for a team of architects to come
and work with the children for a day in devising a plan.
Finance
While enthusiasm for the project was high the ability to pay for
the development was not possible at the time. Over the course of
the next three years the school saved the necessary funds and work
began during the summer this year.
Creative
The aim for the children was to have a playground that would
be fun and so a selection of materials were chosen to create an
environment with as many natural products as possible that would
be sustainable. Materials ranging from giant boulders to special
bricks have been incorporated into the design.
The new chair of the school council Asalah from year 6 said of the
project, “It’s going to be fun. I’m looking forward to playing on
all of it”.
History at the
Library
Balsall Heath Local History Society treated young people
at the Balsall Heath library to a spot of nostalgia recently.
Members of the organisation gave young people a special
glimpse into what it was like to be a child during the Second
World War. Through turning back time members of the
history society recounted their own personal experiences of
the evacuation.
As well as the chance to gain personal insights of the era
the young people were able to handle original artefacts.
Original newspapers and photographs provided local young
people with a visual record of the time while a selection of
uniforms offered a chance to dress up.
Ruby from year 2 said of the playground, “I’m going to play on the
rocks. I’m going to make them den if I play tig”.
Head teacher Emma Simpson said of the initiative, “We are all
delighted and excited to see the project started. It is important
that all the children see the process of the project and so it was
agreed with the builders that the whole site would be visible so
that we could all watch what was happening and learn about
building developments. We are all looking forward to the
finished playgrounds and it is planned to have the opening in
the spring”.
Closure
Due to the theft of lead from the roofs of both the baths
and the library emergency repairs are having to be carried
out on the library building. For further information turn
to page 7.
The Balsall
Heathan
Your Community Newspaper
May Pearson
I would like to take this opportunity to offer my strongest
condolences to the friends and family of May Pearson. Over
the course of the last eight and a half years I had come to know
May Pearson quite well. Be it through helping with delivering
the Heathan to her neighbours to letting me know about issues
that were affecting her community. I will miss May’s frankness
and determination. May always made time for people and was
a great ambassador for community involvement. She will be
greatly missed.
FREE CONCERT
Birmingham Clarion Singers are holding a free
concert in All Saints Church, Kings Heath on 8th.
November, at 7.30p.m.
The programme will include songs by R.Vaughan
Williams(50th. anniversary of his death)
Special artists IAN CAMPBELL and CUCKOO’S
NEST.
Newsdesk
Editor
Reporters
Contributors
Director
Photography
Distributors
Graphic Design
Design/Layout
Printed
0121 464 4376
Peter Cole.
Peter Cole & Selina Brown.
Vicky Gayle, Russell Green, Clive D Fraser, Dick
Atkinson & Chris Sutton.
Anita Halliday.
Peter Cole & Selina Brown.
St. Paul’s Community Trust staff, The West Midlands
Probation Service, The BalsallHeath Forum & Ann
Molloy.
Peter Cole.
Peter Cole.
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: 0121464 2555
Email balsall.heathan@stpaulstrust.org.uk
Cherry Dianne Brown
(née Fraser)
1950-2008
By Clive D Fraser
Cherry
Dianne
Brown,
whose untimely death from
cancer occurred on August
29,
significantly
altered
Sparkbrook’s
charitable
terrain via the Assemblies
of the First Born -Heritage
Community
Organisation
(AFB-HCO), based at Alfred
Street Church, which she
chaired.
Simultaneously,
she was a very successful
inspirational mainstream and
supplementary teacher and was
pivotal in developing the AFB
branches of the Pentecostal
Church in the UK for over 25
years.
Cherry’s own experiences informed her “can do” approach. Coming
to England from Jamaica aged 10 in 1960 unprepared for the 11plus examination, she went to the local secondary modern school, Lea
Mason. She left in 1966 with a few O Levels. Over the next several
years, while working full-time, she studied at night school at Bourneville
Technical College for more O and A Levels to enter Wolverhampton
Teacher Training College. She joined the teaching profession in 1977 at
Whitesmore Comprehensive and was appointed Head of Business Studies
at Ninestiles School in 1989, subsequently becoming Deputy Head of
its ITC and Business Studies Faculty. She was remarkably successful in
mainstream education. Sir Dexter Hutt, the head-teacher who appointed
her to Ninestiles, noted at her funeral that, when she joined, its pass rate in
Business Studies was around 10% and she took that to over 70%.
Cherry believed that, with motivation and guidance, everyone could realise
their true educational potential. However, wishing to devote much of her
time to working for the Church, both supporting her husband, Neville,
Alfred Street’s pastor, and in her own right, she consciously limited her
mainstream education career ambitions. Alongside this career, she was
Financial Manager and General Advisor of the 18 branches of the AFB in
the UK and a member of the AFB’s Executive Board, responsible for all
areas of finance, administration and accounts.
Cherry started the AFB-HCO Supplementary School in 1996 to tackle
under-achievement by Black youths in mainstream education. Many
hundreds of students have passed through this school successfully. Perhaps
her finest achievement was in developing the AFB Church at Alfred Street.
She was the main driver of the project that built the Church some 20
years ago. However, this building was inadequate to house the expanded
range of services, including the Supplementary School, After School
Club, Lunch Club and Youth Group, that the AFB-HCO wished to
offer. Cherry spearheaded the drive to raise £0.6m to extend the existing
building to provide a large community hall and oversaw the design and
building works. Sadly, she did not quite live to see final completion of the
extension.
Cherry’s family and friends are establishing a Trust to preserve and develop
the educational legacy of this singular woman.
Black History
Film Festival
“Wanted Dead or
Alive”
by Russell Green
We will be holding a weeklong event at Stanhope in celebration
of Black civilisation and contribution to history. The aim of the
project is to raise community awareness of perspectives of black
history through film, discussion and debate. This year’s slogan
Kick It Out Football
Tournament
On Thursday October 30th the Wayahead group will be holding a
football tournament for local young people. If you aged between 814 and can form a football team with your friends then you could
enter the event. Winning teams on the day will receive awards and
a fun day is guaranteed. The event is being staged in conjunction
with Kick It Out as part of national initiative aimed at promoting
football and tackling racism within the sport.
Disco
is ‘It’s bigger than HipHop’, as the project aims to challenge
stereotypes and negative images of the issues facing Black History
and communities. Having this project will help others to share their
learning, understanding and create change for future generations.
As Dr John Henrik-Clarke wrote
“History is the clock that people use to tell their time of day. It is
the compass they can use to find themselves on a map of human
geography. It is the role of history to tell a people where they have
been, where they are & what they are. But most importantly, it is
the role of history to tell a people where they still must go & what
they still must be”.
This week long event will start from the 27th Oct till the 31st,
starting 1 till 3pm. All welcome from all backgrounds and
abilities.
Kick It Out
Established in 1993, Kick It Out works throughout the football,
educational and community sectors to challenge racism and
work for positive change. It is committed to ensuring that all
communities take their rightful place as stakeholders in the
football family.
The campaign is supported and funded by the game’s governing
bodies, including founding body the Professional Footballers
Association (PFA), the FA
Premier League, the Football
Foundation and The Football
Association.
On the evening following the football tournament there will
be a Halloween themed disco which will be open to all of the
competitors. If you would like further information or have a team
ready to enter the competition then contact Sarah on 464 8662.
A View Of
Balsall Heath
by Vicky Gayle
Memo to all readers: I am the new young voice of the Balsall
Heathan. I’ve lived around here
since I was born and for the
next couple of months
I’ll be expressing my
opinions on everything I
can in and around Balsall
Heath, representing the
voice of us youth. So if like
me you’re an intelligent
young person with more
than a few things to say
then keep reading and
let me know what’s
on your mind,
because I want
to hear from
you.
Contact me at:
miss.young_
voice@yahoo.
co.uk
Diversity. ‘The
quality
of
being diverse
or different;
difference or
variety.’
We all know the definition but as far as an area is concerned, do we
acknowledge or celebrate our diversity? That’s a question that I’ve
been asking myself nearly everyday this month and so far it seems
to have gone unanswered in my mind.
What we know as Balsall Heath today is a far cry from its previous
self, when the streets were riddled with prostitution and crime.
Not the mixing pot we all live in today. It was a white working
class neighbourhood, up until houses were knocked down to
be replaced with new housing, forcing residents to move to the
outskirts. This meant that there was now space for emigrants from
the West Indies, Africa and India, and to put that into context:
your grand-parents and parents alike. If it were not for this, we
would never have the choices that we do today…
Friday night 7 o’clock. Come home from college, open the fridge.
Bread, no eggs left, yesterday’s pasta….Nah I don’t want that.
Mum’s not here. So what do you do? If you have not answered
that already, I will do it for you. You simply walk outside, where
you will find restaurants from all different corners of the globe.
All this luxury literally on our doorsteps, but do we ever take the
time to notice?
Just because we do not have the gourmet cuisine and array of
theatres and art galleries that London has does not mean that we
are any less cultured, remember that! How many parts of Brum
do you know that host their own annual carnival? (That people
actually bother to go to.) Young people have realised their potential
through dance and performing arts on that stage and entertained
us too. Isn’t that something to be proud of?
Every face that you pass in the street has a different story to tell and
has travelled a different journey. They all have their own history.
It’s us who epitomise culture and diversity and Balsall Heath is
living proof of our battles to be a community.
BIRMINGHAM’S FIRST
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OF
PERFORMING ARTS
Birmingham’s first ever Independent School of Performing Arts
(BISPA) opened in the former Fire Station on Old Moseley Road
recently.
At a special launch Director Ian Sandy said “There is a wealth of
talent here in the Midlands who currently only have the choice
of going to a full-time theatre based school in London. We here
at BISPA have recognised the need for a Midlands based centre
of excellence which offers full-time academic education alongside
performing arts training”.
BISPA is open to young people aged between 11-16 years and
offers a high quality education in the core subjects Maths, English
and Science
together
with a wide
range
of
ICT skills.
T h e s e
subjects are
combined
w i t h
Drama,
D a n c e
and Music
including
CIVIL DEFENCE
ASSOCIATION
Book Launch
‘Come if ye Dare’ - The Civil Defence
George Crosses by Terry Hissey
The George Cross is the highest civilian gallantry award, people
are well aware that this medal is only awarded for exceptional
bravery. The very mention of the George Cross inspires the
question: “What did the person do to warrant such a high
award?” People want to hear the story behind the award as they
know they will learn about actions that reflect the very best of
humanity. This month the Civil Defence Association (CDA)
published a book that does this in full measure.
‘Come if ye Dare’ features the stories of bravery of 11 Civil
Defenders who were awarded the George Cross. Based on
research at The National Archives at Kew, museums, libraries
and archives in several parts of the country it has in addition
received support from relatives of many of the recipients.
The launch was held at the Old Fire Station on Moseley Road
now home to Birmingham Independent School of Performing
Arts (BISPA) in conjunction with the West Midlands Fire
Service (WMFS). The CDA were delighted to be offered this
venue because it is the WWII Fire Station close to the Auxiliary
Fire Station which was bombed and demolished in December
1940. In the rescue operation that followed Birmingham Fire
vocal development, ballet
and contemporary dance,
script understanding and
recording disciplines.
Ian
Sandy
continued
“BISPA offers individuals
who want to pursue a career
in the performing arts
the chance to explore and
develop their full potential
and become the West End
stars of tomorrow. We
are particularly delighted
to be based right here in
Birmingham in what was
formerly the old Fire Station already being called The Flame
Academy”
Facilities at the school include 3 dance, drama and music studios, a
television and radio suite together with modern classrooms.
As well as full-time school, BISPA also offers part-time evening
classes leading to London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
qualifications.
Birmingham’s first Full-time Independent School of Performing
Arts officially opens in September 2009 with places for 60 students.
Students will be required to attend an audition.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on full-time classes please
go to www.bispa.co.uk or telephone BISPA on 0845 463 6157.
email: info@bispa.co.uk.
Brigade Station Officer William Mosedale was awarded the
George Cross. His story is one of those told in the book.
William Mosedale
During December 1940 an air raid on an Auxiliary Fire Station
on the corner of Farm Road and Grantham Road in Sparkbrook
resulted in a number of Firemen and civilians in an adjoining
house being trapped. During the air raid station officer William
Mosedale,
w
h
o
specialised
in the use
of breathing
apparatus
b e g a n
tunnelling
into
the
demolished
site. Over the
course of 12
hours while
bombs were
continuously
dropped, Mr Mosedale successfully rescued 12 people through
a series of tunnels.
As well as members of the CDA and representatives of both
BISPA and WMFS there were also members of several families
of the George Cross recipients. In particular, the Mosedale
family attended the event.
Pool of Memories
If there’s one building that almost every Balsall Heath resident
has used at some point in their life then its Moseley Road Baths.
The Friends of Moseley Road Baths recently launched the Pool
of Memories project, which aims to document the stories, and
reminiscences of those who washed, worked, swam (or still swim)
or socialised at the baths. To mark the end of the building’s
centenary year, the group is holding a Memories and Memorabilia
event between 12:00-4:30pm on Saturday November 1st at
Moseley Road Methodist Church, opposite the baths.
Members of the Friends group, which campaigns both to promote
interest and awareness in the building and see it restored as a twopool swimming baths, will be on hand to record interviews with
members of the public and to talk with visitors about how they
see the building’s future. There will be an exhibition featuring
both historic photographs and quotes from bath users, with a slide
show of images of the building running throughout the day and
the Friends’ recently launched on-line Virtual Tour of the baths
(www.moseleyroadbaths.co.uk) also available for inspection. It is
hoped that Local History groups and swimming clubs will operate
stalls, there’ll be some fun and games with a swimming theme for
children and refreshments will be available. Tours of the baths,
each lasting between 45mins-1hr, will take place at 12:30pm and
2:30pm.
In it’s 101-year history, countless thousands of Birmingham
residents, from Balsall Heath and beyond, have enjoyed the
grandeur and luxury of what is undoubtedly one of Britain’s most
historically important – and architecturally stunning - swimming
baths. From those who learned to swim at Moseley Road,
competed in school galas, represented their swimming club, played
water polo, or perhaps experienced the weekly visit to the private
washing baths (Moseley Road is unique in having a complete set
of such ‘slipper’ baths intact) or danced at one of the building’s
regular winter social events, the Pool of Memories project provides
an opportunity to preserve and share these stories for future
generations. And for those with any memorabilia relating to the
baths (such as swimming certificates, trophies, costumes, old
photographs) there will be an opportunity to bring them along on
the day, either to display, or to have photographed and catalogued
for the archive.
Steve Beauchampe
The Friends of Moseley Road Baths
Football Helpers
Needed
Do you have a desire to give back to the community your skills
and experience in order to help young people through football. If
so, then come and be a part of a team that aims to develop young
people in a positive way through football and community awareness.
The idea to start something very big in our community has come
about from a small group of people from the St Paul’s Community
Development Trust who feel there is a great need to do more for
our youth. This in turn will give them more to do in their life and
to educate them socially within our society.
If you are interested in being involved in this project then come
along to a meeting at St Paul’s Community Development Trust
on Hertford Street on the 3rd November 2008 at 5:30 or call Mr
M.J.Humes on 0121 464 4376.
May Pearson
The Balsall Heathan will
miss May, who was one
of its longest-serving,
most faithful volunteers.
She collected the news
for us and distributed
the paper every month,
for years. She could be
a fierce critic when we
forgot things or got
them wrong - but was
always a loyal friend
helping to get things
right. She was on the
side of a better Balsall
Heath and a supporter
of every good cause
for the community.
As such she had
friends throughout the
community.
At the Carnival this year, this fact was plain to see as she toured the
stalls and viewed the procession. She was carrying out for what
turned out to be the last time her role as adviser to those judging
‘best stall and best procession entries’. She walked round the streets
with the procession and round the site looking at the stalls. As she
did so, it seemed that dozens of people greeted her with affection
- from all age groups, and all parts of the neighbourhood.
St Paul’s Community
Development Trust
Job Title:
Hours:
Department:
Salary Scale:
Toy Library Support Worker (maternity cover
to July 2009)
16 hours per week
Children’s Centre
G2/L2: £12,201pa - £13,310pa (pro rata:
£5,206pa - £5,679pa)
Description of Job:
The post holder will be responsible to the Toy Library
Development Worker within the Early Years Team and will
provide support to assist in delivering a Mobile Toy Library
Service. The role requires the post holder to contribute to
the inclusion and social well being of families and individuals
by working collaboratively with agencies that serve Balsall
Heath Children’s Centre Toy Library. Experience of community
work along with (working towards) NVQ 2 in Early Years or
equivalent is essential.
Closing date: 31st October 2008
For further details and an application form please contact:
St. Paul’s Community Development Trust on 0121 464 4376 or
e mail personnel@stpaulstrust.org.uk
It is a condition of employment that the successful candidate
obtains a satisfactory CRB Disclosure.
We strive to be an equal opportunities employer.
Girls Only
Football Coaching
Every Saturday 2.00-3.00pm
At Moseley School Starting Sat 11th October 2008
FA qualified women coaches
Cost £1.50 per session
Enter school via Springfield Road
For further information contact Mr Khehra on 07827306900 Email khc@moseley.bham.sch.uk
Black History
Spotlight –
Saartje Bartman
(1789-1816)
By Selina Brown
It is quite common to focus upon internationally known figures
when discussing Black History, mentioning Martin Luther King,
Nelson Mandela or Harriett Tubman. Taking an alternative
approach I decided to focus upon Saartje Baartman a women who
is unknown to many but made an equal contribution to Black
History, and whose name you will not forget after reading this.
Saartje Baarthman, was Born in 1789 in the Eastern region of
present-day South Africa, Saartje was a member of the Khoisan
group, the original inhabitants of southern Africa. The Khoisans
have a steatopygic body form which means that large amounts of
fat is stored in their buttocks. Europeans viewed this feature to be
an indication of abnormality and a confirmation of their racial
inferiority.
As a young women, Saartje migrated to an area near Cape Town,
where she was a farmer’s slave until she was bought in Cape Town
by William Dunlop, a doctor on a British ship. At age 20, Saartje
travelled to London with Dr. Dunlop where he filled her with
promises of riches.
Upon reaching British soil, Saartje’s identity was transformed
and manipulated and she was re-named ‘Hottentot Venus’. They
placed her in shows where she had to parade in the nude, with her
jutting posterior and extraordinary genitals, she provided the basis
for racist and pseudo-scientific theories regarding black inferiority
and black female sexuality. The shows involved Saartje being led
by her keeper and exhibited like a wild beast, being obliged to
walk, stand or sit as ordered, before crowds shouting vulgarities at
her. Saartje’s predicament drew the attention of a young Jamaican,
Robert Wedderburn, who fought against slavery and racism.
Subsequently, his group pressured the attorney general to stop
this circus. Losing the case on a technicality, Saartje spent four
years in London and then went to Paris where she was exhibited
in a travelling circus, and seen frequently controlled by an animal
trainer in the show.
It was here that she gained the interest of George Cuvier,
Napoleon’s surgeon-general, who was considered to be an expert of
anatomy. In his capacity of social anthropologist, he arrogantly and
erroneously concluded that African women have an oversexed and
subhuman status. When abuse took its toll, Saartjie succumbed
to prostitution and alcoholism, she died poor and lonely in Paris
in 1816. Almost immediately Cuvier had her body cast in wax,
dissected and the skeleton articulated. Her organs, including her
genitals and brains, were preserved in bottles of formaldehyde.
Her remains were displayed at the Musée de L’Homme in Paris
until 1974.
Efforts were made by post-apartheid South Africa to get back
Saartje’s remains. In 1994, then-President Nelson Mandela
appealed to his French counterpart, but it was not until 2002
that the French Senate approved a bill for repatriation of Saartje’s
remains to South Africa. In May 2002, her remains were brought
home to South Africa after nearly 200 years of humiliation and
abuse. In August 2002, she was finally laid to rest in the Eastern
Cape.
Although this is a saddening incident it highlights the strength of
a woman and teaches Black women to respect, appreciate and care
for our bodies whilst also never taking our freedom for granted.
Although what took place was inhuman I feel that positive
messages can be taken from Saathje Baartman’s ordeal, we should
always remember that the life we have now is only but her hopes
and dreams so we should always be thankful.
Library
Closure
Balsall Heath Library has closed its
doors for 3 weeks starting Tuesday
14th October to carry out some
essential building repairs. While the
repair work is being undertaken a
survey of the building will be carried
out. The survey is reported to be examining the building from a
Health and Safety perspective and in particular will examine the
buildings ceiling and tower.
Plans are to try and reopen the facility following the three week
period but this has not been guaranteed.
Returning Books
The library would appreciate if borrowers did not throw books
through the gate as they maybe stolen or damaged.
Your nearest local libraries are
Sparkhill – 0121 303 0732
Kings Heath - 0121 464 1515
Balsall Heath Forum Focus
Good News
for the
Friends Institute
The threat of closure hanging over the Friends Institute was lifted
at a recent Hall Green Constituency Committee meeting. The
Friends of the Friends were given an 18-month period to come up
with a cost-effective plan for the building’s future.
Remember, the building is 108 years old and needs to be renovated.
Plus, the running of it is losing £30k a year. So, the Friends of the
building now have to devise a plan to improve the fabric of the
building and help the running of it to break even. So, while the
news of the reprieve is good, the users of the building and their
supporters are faced with a real challenge.
Help is at hand
Carrie, from the Midland’s Region of the Community Development
Trust, has offered to help. So too has the Chamberlain Forum,
the Birmingham’s Foundation and Balsall Heath Forum. That’s an
impressive gathering. But, first of all, we need to ask and answer
these questions:


What should be the future aims of the building?
How should it be managed in future - by the Council or a
Community Trust or a partnership of the two?
Thus, before much else happens, we need a period of thought and
consultation so that all concerned – including any funders – can
be clear just why this building should be saved and given a new
lease of life.
November – Fireworks
A plan for the
Moseley Road
Residents are beginning to say: “We need a development plan
for the Moseley Road”. Why? Because at the town end of it is the
Friends Institute. Around it are festooned the Saffron Centre, the
Old Fire Station, now used as an art centre and other communal
and commercial activities.
Right in the middle of the road are the much loved Baths and
Library which are also in need of restoration. At the back of the
Baths is the Health Centre which is about to be rebuilt at a cost
of £3.5m as a Health and Well-being centre. More, opposite the
Baths is the Methodist Church which is also due to be rebuilt to
include supported accommodation for young people.
Then, of course, there is the new College at the junction of
Hayden Way, Moseley Road and Highgate Road. And, where
the college once stood, bulky-goods warehousing will soon be
constructed.
We could just think of these 3 bits of the road and the
different buildings separately. Or, we could put them together
as the different pieces of a jig-saw puzzle to create an exciting
comprehensive vision for the future development of the road
as a whole.
Economic Development
The Economic Development Department (EDD) is already
considering such a plan for the Stratford Road and has included
the Moseley Road in its thinking. So, the Friends Institute, local
Councillors and interested residents are approaching the EDD
to say: “Look no further. Here we are. We are ready and eager to
help you to devise a plan for the whole road using the renovation
of such buildings as the Friends and the Baths as the catalyst to
get things going”.
On November 19th at 6:30pm, residents
are invited to an evening meal in Clifton Old
Building. They will discuss: “How can we keep
Balsall Heath tidy and clean”.
The New
Health Centre
At 7:30pm they will leave the Building and
assemble on the Malvern Street pitch to watch
a spectacular display of fireworks.
Lynda and Cora from the Primary Care Trust met with 50
residents in Clifton Old Building and discussed the functioning
of the New Health Centre which will replace the existing one in
Edward Road.
Those not interested in the discussion are
invited to come to the pitch (Malvern Street
– between Clifton and Brunswick Road) for
7:30pm.
The building will cost £3.5m, will be ready and open in 2011
and will contain not just Doctor’s Surgeries but a host of other
health and community facilities.
Fun and Fireworks for all the Family
7:30pm – Malvern Street
All welcome
on
November 19th
Even though the design of the building will soon be finalised,
Lynda and Cora explained that the consultation about what to
put into it and how to use it will be ongoing. Cora said: “We’ll
still be taking views and accepting new ideas while the place is
being built and even, after it is open”.
So, Heathan Readers are invited to contribute to the debate
– what facilities would you like to see included in this splendid
new facility?
May Pearson
May Pearson lived in Brunswick Road for over 30 years. Aged 83,
she became ill a few weeks ago and was taken into Heartlands
Hospital where she died on October 11th.
May lived her life
according to the
Biblical injunctions:
Love your neighbour
as yourself, and do
unto others as you
would have them do
to you.
As a result very
many people in the
Seven Streets part of
East Balsall Heath
have good reasons
to be grateful to her.
If a car had been
abandoned,
May
would insist that the police dealt with it. If a drain was blocked in
Ladypool Road, May would phone the Council again and again
until it had been unblocked. If the bin-men left a few black bags
on bin collection day, May would insist they came back out and
remove them. Then, the following week she’d be waiting outside
her house to thank them.
Residents of Brunswick Road and the other streets and avenues of
the Seven Streets area enjoy a better quality of life because of May’s
selfless and persistent efforts. She set an example which will be hard
to follow. But, follows it we must if we are to sustain the renewal
of the neighbourhood. She was the original ‘good neighbour’. No
one person can replace her. We now need a May in every road in
the neighbourhood.
Those who know her best are wondering how to mark her life.
One suggested planting a tree in Pickwick Park, another wondered
about a bench. Readers are invited to make their own suggestions
and to consider some kind of community event to celebrate her
life.
Balsall Heath
Problem Solving
Meeting
By Pat Wing
In the past residents have gone to meetings with a problem
and often left not knowing whether anyone was going to do
anything about it. We are going to try and change that!
At the meeting on November 3rd at 6.30pm in the Church
Centre on the corner of Mary St and Edward Road there
will be lots of service providers such as the Police, Fire, Parks
Department, Environmental Health, Housing Associations,
City Council Housing, Waste Management.
The first part of the meeting will be an opportunity
for residents to discuss problems, which affect the
neighbourhood, for example, anti social behaviour, crime
and rats and rubbish. We can then take some joined up
actions to solve the problems.
After light refreshments there will then be the chance to
discuss individual problems with the appropriate person.
The people you will be talking to are those who are working
in the neighbourhood and it is their job to resolve the issues.
They should also keep in touch with you so that you know
what is happening.
If you have been disappointed in the past, perhaps things are
changing. Come along to the meeting, you may be pleasantly
surprised by what you see, hear and the action that is taken.
Dear Editor,
We are asked to say what should go into the new Health Centre.
My answer is not just Doctors, but activities which keep us all
healthy and away from the Doctors. They say, an apple a day keeps
the doctor away. I’m not suggesting it sells apples, but I do think
a gym and keep fit facilities and advice about diet would be good.
Isn’t this cheaper as well as healthier?
Yours sincerely,
Mrs S Paterson
Runcorn Road
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’ve been looking at the Friends Institute. I walk past the Baths
every day. They tell me the Library nearly closed the other day
when a chunk of plaster fell off.
If I looked after my house like this, my neighbours would
complain. How can it be that the Council has failed for year after
year to look after these precious buildings? Just what is the matter
with it? If they can’t or won’t look after them, why don’t they give
them to people who will?
Yours sincerely,
James
Colville Road
Dear Editor,
I was at a meeting of the Constituency Committee which gave the
Friends till March 2010 to find out how to manage it well. But, I
was shocked when a Moseley Councillor said: “If we have to save
the Friends we’ll just close the Library”. Can Councillors please
wise up and keep to their own Ward?
Mr S Ali
Jakeman Road
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.
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Jericho Centre
The Jericho Centre is looking for a JNC Qualified Youth
Worker with experience of working with urban youth in
cross-cultural situations in a church based project. The
work will be sessional in nature initially on a Thursday
evening.
If you are interested please send your CV for the
attention of Mike Peart, Jericho Centre, Edward Road
Baptist Church, Harbury Rd, Balsall Heath B12 9LY.
10 Black History Facts
1.
Housing Department
Repairs 24 hours
Applications/Transfers
Council House Purchases
Private Tenancy Officers
Rent Arrears
Empty Properties
Unkempt Gardens
Environmental Services
0800 0733 333
303 4005
303 7926
303 5070
303 3324
303 5070
303 5070
Environmental Health
Pest Control (Rats)
Antisocial behaviour
Noise & Nuisance Team
Refuse Collection & Street Cleaning
Pothole Reports
Street Lighting
303 6007
303 9800
303 1111
303 6007
303 1112
303 6644
303 6000
Social Services Department
Social Security (Poplar Rd. & Coventry Rd.)
Social Security (Moseley Rd. & Northfield)
Housing Benefit & Council Tax Benefit
Council Tax (Billing & Account enquiries)
303 7070
722 7000
766 4300
464 7000
303 1113
Education Department (General enquiries)
Student Grants
Sparkhill Job Centre (Stoney Lane)
T.U.C. Centre for the Unemployed
303 2590 / 2872
303 3648 / 3647
480 3500
771 0871
Social Services
Education and Employment
Gas, Water, Electricity
British Gas (Transco)
Gas Escapes
Gas Repairs (Council Tenants only)
npower Electricity Emergency
Severn Trent Water
Police
Main Switchboard
Edward Road
0845 609 1122
0800 111 999
333 7433
0800 328 1111
0800 783 4444
0845 113 5000
626 4467
Health
Balsall Heath Health Centre, Edward Road 446 2300
Mobarak Health Centre, Cannon Hill Road 440 4666
Kushites developed in the river Nile valley – one of the first
Community and Advice Services
African civilisations they were in existence before Egypt.
Access for All Disability Resource Centre, Bierton Rd,Yardley
2.
Arthur Wharton 1865-1930 -The first black professional
association football player in the world
3.
The Black Wall Street was once the most affluent, all-Black
community in America , born from the oil boom of 1910 home
to thousands of black millionaires.
4.
Diane Abbott was Britain’s first Black woman MP, Representing
the London constituency of Hackney North and Stoke
Newington.
5.
First human remains where found in Ethophia in 1967 by
Richard Leakey, whose team unearthed the specimens in
sediments along the Omo River in southernmost Ethiopia, near
the town of Kibish they are around 195,000 years old.
6.
Dr. Daniel Williams, an African American Chicago surgeon who
died in 1931, was the first to perform a successful operation on
the human heart.
7.
Madame CJ Walker 1867 – 1919 was the first ever self-made
female Millionaire of any race.
8.
A person’s skin colour is determined by the amount of melanin
in the skin, black people have a high concentration of melanin.
9.
Garrett Morgan 1877 – 1963 was the inventor of the gas mask
and the traffic light.
10.
Council Services
Apna Ghar Asian Elders Centre, 21 Clevedon Rd.
Assemblies of the First Born Heritage Community Project
C.A.S.A Project
Balsall Heath Church Centre Elderly Care
Balsall Heath Employment Training Scheme
Balsall Heath Forum, St Pauls Road
Balsall Heath Children’s Centre
Balsall Heath Library
Balsall Heath Practical Care
Birmingham Asian Business Association, 249 Ladypool Rd.
Birmingham Drugline
Birmingham Enterprise, 249 Ladypool Road
Birmingham Ethnic Education and Advisory Service
Birmingham Independent Living Project, 249 Ladypool Rd.
Calthorpe Park Playcentre, Edward Rd./Cheddar Rd.
Friends Institute, 220 Moseley Rd.
Empty Homes Project (to report empty houses)
Good Neighbour Centre, George St.
Highgate Family Support Centre, Conybere St.
Islamic Resource Centre
Jericho Community Project, Edward Road
Jericho Foundation, Edward Road
Pride of Jephthah, Unity House St Pauls Road
Run A Muck
South East Birmingham Credit Union
Sparkhill Centre, 447 Stratford Road
St. Paul’s Venture & Malvern Street City Farm
Wayahead
Yemeni Advice & Cultural Centre, Joseph Chamberlain College
Yemeni Day Centre, 15 George Street
Yemeni Centre, 244 Edward Road
Yemeni Welfare & Training Centre, 147 Kyrwicks Lane, Sparkbrook
Neighbourhood Offices
Sparkbrook, Greencoat House, 261 Stratford Road,
Sparkhill ,641 Stratford Road,
Huey Percy Newton 1942 - 1989, was co-founder and leader of
the Black Panther Party for Self Defence, an African-American Sports & Leisure
organization established to promote civil rights and self- Asian Arts & Cultural Society
Birmingham Sports Centre, Balsall Heath Road
defence.
Moseley Road Baths, Moseley Road
Tickets
789 7365
440 2266
753 0068
440 5022
440 1138
464 8660
446 6183
464 6349
464 1962
440 6644
693 3101
632 6363
446 4444
359 3339
693 9050
446 4047
440 4873
303 5341
440 7548
440 6788
440 3500
446 4258
440 7919
440 3000
449 1991
444 4114
772 2427
464 1888
464 8739
446 6621
440 1044
249 3945
773 7664
303 9110
303 0722
440 1519
464 6060
464 0150
440 3838
Moseley Wesleyan Holiness Church
Tel: 0121 440 - 5710
Minister: Revd Herman Brown
Secretary: Mrs Dee Cain
Web: www.myspace.com/whcmoseley
Lay Leader: Mr Tony Francis
Treasurer: Mrs Yvonne Francis
Exclusive 2009 Calendar on sale now!
To celebrate the 40th anniveroleeyan Holiness Church in 2009, we have
developed a unique, limited edition calendar featuring contemporary and
bygone phographic images.
To obtain your own piece of local history please send a cheque made
payable to ‘Moseley Wesleyan Holiness Church’ for £10.00 + £2.00
(postage and packaging) total £12.00. On the back write your name and
address for the calendar to be posted out to you within 14 days.
Please post your cheque to – 2009 Calendar Moseley Wesleyan Holiness
Church 27, Cromer Road, Balsall Heath, Birmingham B12 9QT
All proceeds from this calendar will go to the following good causes 1. Mission work pf ‘Healing Every Nation’ in Mozambique
2. Wesleyan Kids for Mission initiatives
3. Local youth and community work, and church projects
Orders recieved before the official launch of the calendar at our annual Caribbean Evening on Saturday 8th November, 2008
at 6:30pm will be eligible for our buy one get one free offer.
Registered Charity No: 291478
Friend Institute Gets
Reprieve
The short-term future of the Friends Institute was extended recently when a
threat to close the building was postponed. Plans to close the centre put into
place by the Hall Green Constituency Committee met strong resistance from
friends, tenants and users who began a campaign to save the centre.
A meeting of the Hall Green Constituency found itself with a larger than
normal audience when supporters and concerned residents attended to voice
their concerns. The issue of the future of the Friends centre subsequently took
up the majority of the meeting.
After over an hour of questioning
the committee decided to postpone
the closure until March 2010.
The future of the centre is by no
means guaranteed with estimates
for repairs to the building being in
the region of around £2 million.
Finances
With the constituency having overspent by £254,000 in the year prior its
committee decided to single out the Friends Institute for closure due to the
centre costing them £39,000 in running costs. Management of the centre for
the last 5-6 years was blamed by the committee however it was pointed out
by one member of the audience that as they are the management then it was
all their fault.
During the meeting Councillor Martin Mullaney pointed out that both the
Kingsheath Community Centre and Moseley CDT buildings were able to
raise money to cover their costs and so cost the Constituency nothing. He
then went on to say that they could not continue to fund the Friends
building and if they did then the committee would have to consider
closing another building down like the Balsall Heath Library.
Councillor Mullaney’s highlighting of Balsall Heath and its buildings
as means of saving money prompted one audience member to raise the
issue of where the £1.5 million for the Haden Way site formerly the Icon
Site and now home to Joseph Chamberlain College had disappeared
too.
Regrets
When talking about the report that had led to the decision by the
committee Councillor and Chair of the Committee Jerry Evans stated,
“I sincerely regret that we went forward on this report in light of the
issues that have arisen”.
Bret Willers the Constituency Director went on to cause further
consternation amongst the audience during the meeting when he
blamed the media for focusing upon the use of the word closure instead
of the word transfer at the point when the news of the future of the
Friends Institute was first announced. In reaction to this many of those
present pointed out that at no time was the word transfer made the focus
by the committee.
Communication
For many one of the overriding concerns that has arisen as a result of
the announcement was the lack of clear communication. Since the
turnaround was announced Ruth Richardson who has been the main
point of contact for the Friends of The Friends group has made several
requests for formal notification. However they have still not received
it in writing. Ruth said, “Were in limbo a bit at the moment. It’s now
time to reflect on the past and the future and we need to receive a formal
communication”.
Futurehood
Over a period of a week a group of 9 young people aged 11 –18
years from Stanhope Community Centre wrote and performed
a play that detailed their worries and concerns for the future of
Highgate.
The plot involved Jay, a typical teenager from Highgate who finds
himself in 2058, a future that is full of crime and destruction.
He recognises that the area would have been a better place if he
had cared for it in the past. The play highlighted issues such as
community unity and responsibility, guns and gangs and the
environment.
The
participants
contributed to the
project in different
ways being either on
a technical or acting
team. The end product
incorporated
visual
media
production
and interaction with
the audience. The
show was performed
live in August at
Stanhope with over 40
people in attendance
from around the
community. Taking
a seat in the audience
were
Councillor
Yvonne Mosquito and the West Midlands Police.
Loudmouth Education and Training, Fullrange Films and the
Youth Service supported the young people throughout the
duration of the scheme. The project which was funded by Arts
Council England, is also going to accredit the young people with
an arts award for all their hard work.
One of the participants 18-year-old Gareth Deeming said “I learnt
about different peoples opinions of the area and to respect what
people believe in. It was very positive. It taught me that everybody
can take part in changing Highgate and how we want it to be”.
Loudmouth was taken aback by how loyal and proud the group
were of Highgate, how they liked the area and the facilities they
had. “In a world that
often portrays young
people in a bad light,
this group showed that
young people have
energy, enthusiasm,
creativity and a pride in
their local community
and identity. Highgate
should be very proud
of their young people”
added
Loudmouth
Company Director,
Eleanor Bryson.
St. Paul’s Nursery
M a l v e r n S t r e e t , Ba ls a ll Hea t h , 0 1 2 1 4 6 4 1 8 8 6
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