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Celebrating our Black History: Desmond Tutu & Nelson Mandela in Balsall Heath

On Friday, April 22, 1988, the community of Balsall Heath welcomed Nobel Peace Prize laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He came to officially open the newly built Nelson Mandela School, which had first opened its doors to pupils a few months earlier on September 7, 1987.

During his visit, Archbishop Tutu left an unforgettable impression on everyone in attendance and following the official opening ceremony, he took a stroll through a brand new Spark Green Park next to the school, taking the time to warmly greet local residents who had gathered to welcome him. It remains a proud moment in local history, celebrating our diverse communities in Balsall Heath as well as showing our support for the African National Congress (ANC) and Nelson Mandela in South Aftrica, still in prison for their opposition to Apartheid.

Addressing the crowd at Spark Green Park

Archbishop Desmond Tutu greets the crowd

Our stand against Apartheid

Apartheid was a racially segregated political and social system enforced by the white-minority National Party government in South Africa from 1948 until the early 1990s. Citizens were legally classified by race, stripped of fundamental rights, and forcibly separated in public spaces, schools, and workplaces. Millions of Black South Africans were displaced into impoverished, segregated townships and denied political representation. We opposed apartheid because it was an intensely cruel, dehumanizing system that institutionalized racial oppression, violated basic human rights, and created extreme economic and social inequality. Naming our new school after Nelson Mandela was a declaration of anti-apartheid solidarity, directly challenging racial oppression, honouring a global symbol of resistance, justice, and human rights.

“The School was being opened, officially opened…we show photos to the grandchildren and say, ‘Oh, that’s your Dad and that’s Desmond Tutu’, and they’re kind of going ‘What?”

No surprise then, that only on his second visit to the UK following 27 years of imprisonment, that Nelson Mandela himself visited. Headteacher Frieda Billingham described the occasion as “a great honour and tribute to the school” .

Though decades have passed since Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela came to Balsall Heath, the spirit of solidarity and resistance to racism resonates deeply in Balsall Heath today. Nelson Mandela School stands as an enduring testament to equality and celebration of our diverse community.

Celebrating Our Local Heroes, in Balsall Heath and Nationally

So many incredible people contribute so much to life in Balsall Heath. At Balsallheathan.org, we want to celebrate those who make a daily difference, and help our local voluntary groups get the national recognition they deserve. Send us your stories, your local heroes, and we’ll put our community heroes in the Heathan and on the map!

Did you know that local volunteer groups can receive The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS)?

Bright Future Association

A voluntary and non-profit organization dedicated to supporting local youth and families through sports, physical activities, training, and social development skills. Their work focuses on building community cohesion, improving mental/physical health, and providing opportunities for young people – many of us will have met Nassim Saif and his team working with young people all across Balsall Heath.

While it was announced in November 2025, on 16th May 2026 the Lord Lieutenant officially presented with the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service at their ‘End of Season Awards’ Day.

Bright Future Association at their End of Season event

What is the KAVS

Equivalent to an MBE, the KAVS is the highest award given to local voluntary groups across the UK. It recognizes outstanding, life-changing work led by volunteers, and once awarded, it is held for life. Any group doing volunteer work that provides a social, economic or environmental service to the local community can be nominated for the award.

Apply for your heroes to be recognised: Free Information Session

To help local organizations navigate the application process, the West Midlands Lieutenancy is hosting a dedicated information session. You’ll learn about key timescales, application tips, and how receiving this prestigious award can benefit your group.

Monday 2nd November 2026 1-3pm
St Paul’s Community Development Trust, 10 Malvern Street, Balsall Heath, Birmingham, B12 8NN

How to Book Your Spot

Spaces are limited. To reserve your place at the session, call 0121 382 1930.

Come along, get inspired, and let’s shine a light on Balsall Heath’s amazing community heroes.

Threads of Resistance: Sustainable Fashion Hits Balsall Heath

Local activists, designers and makers across the West Midlands are taking matters into their own hands for Sustainable Fashion Week 2026, 26 September through 4 October, uniting communities across the UK under this year’s theme, Threads of Resistance.

The Old Print Works in Balsall Heath, Bham’s Hub, is hosting a vibrant lineup of skillshares, panel debates, and local showcases. Whether you want to escape the polyester trap, repair your favorite knitwear, or take a stand for eco-fashion, here is a look at what is happening at the hub.

What’s Coming Up Next

Sustainable Fashion Showcase

Saturday, 3rd October 1 – 5pm
£5 Standard / £3 Early Bird / £4 Concessions (Students, Seniors, Low Income, & B12 residents)
Book your tickets here

In partnership with I’d Peel A Pomegranate, bringing together regional designers, makers, and grassroots activists to map out the future of sustainable style in the West Midlands.

What to expect:

Spotlight on local makers, including featured showcases from Gursimran and Taradhin Clothing.
A live debate on the realities and possibilities of sustainable fashion within Birmingham.
Live spoken word performance by poet Sofia Broadmeadow.
Explore Daily Thread (the hub’s community textile space) and share your own creative ideas for local fashion initiatives.

Sustainable Fashion Socials & Clothes Swap

Thursday, 3rd December 6 – 8:30pm
£4 Standard / £3 Concessions (Also available on the door)
Get tickets here

Keep the momentum going into the winter! Refresh your wardrobe sustainably by trading pre-loved items, meeting fellow local activists, and connecting with the community.

Highlights From SFW Opening Weekend

The Old Print Works kicked off SFW 2026 with a massive weekend of hands-on activism and community dialogue. Here is a recap of what went down:

Sustainable Fashion Skillshare (Saturday, 26 Sept)

Attendees gathered for an afternoon of mending, upcycling, and slow-crafting techniques designed to help everyday clothes last longer:

Jutta (Daily Thread) showed participants how to turn worn-out t-shirts into yarn, bags, and rugs.
Textile artist Helen (The Natural Dye Shed) demonstrated printing repair patches using plant pigments and recycled textiles.
Umamah led a masterclass on mimicking knit stitches to repair holes invisible to the naked eye.
Jane hosted a drop-in crafting bespoke upcycled medals using sashiko and seed stitching, while Claire guided attendees through subversive embroidery
From nettle cordage and drop-spindle spinning with Amina (Artisan 7obby) to scrap-yarn weaving with the Birmingham & District Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers.
Block-printing iconic Extinction Rebellion motifs with Louise, plus pre-cut bag sewing with Bernadette in the Daily Thread space.
A special viewing of The Nettle Dress (2023), documenting artist Allan Brown’s seven-year journey hand-crafting a dress entirely from foraged stinging nettles.

Sustainable Fashion Forum

Sunday brought together researchers, activists, and creatives for a series of short talks addressing the systemic impacts of fast fashion:

arly Kelleher (A Single Thread CIC) introduced the broader vision for SFW, while Emily (Birmingham Friends of the Earth) discussed the national Planet over Profit campaign and how clothes swaps create spaces for political dialogue.
David Evans (Climate Citizens) outlined how councils like Bristol are banning fast-fashion billboards and built the case for implementing similar policies in Birmingham.
Material researcher Zoe and artist Aimee demonstrated practical ways to repurpose discarded items, old dress fabrics into handbags and curtain hoops into statement earrings.
Tammy Woodrow presented a performance lecture on transforming garments into dissident feminist objects, while the team behind Reloved Brum shared their journey creating a boutique-style charity shop in Grand Central to support Birmingham Hospice.
Alina and Zain, co-founders of I’d Peel A Pomegranate Magazine, closed out the forum with a deep dive into the environmental and social costs of synthetic fibers.

Daily thread clothing adapted — Sustainable fashion at Daily Thread

Get Involved

Join the movement, support local makers, and help build a local fashion ecosystem centered on longevity and creative resistance. Visit The Old Print Works on Saturday, 3 October to take part in the showcase!

What is Daily Thread?

Daily Thread is gathering momentum. Ok, so it’s not quite daily yet as our name suggests, but that’s what we are aiming for, and we are equipped with traditional looms, a knitting machine, domestic and industrial sewing machines, overlockers, fabric, books, and a friendly space (with sofas, and often cake) where you can meet other makers.

For experienced textilers, beginners and everyone in between.

To find out more just drop us a line on**@***********ks.org“> in**@***********ks.org

Daily thread workshop at the Old Print Works — Daily thread sustainable fashion workshop at the Old Print Works

Full timetable of national events

Our Green Champion, Toqueer

Our very own Toqueer Quyyam, prominent local climate and social justice campaigner was recognised at the Benjamin Zephaniah Localism Awards. He is carrying on with his activism and we’re thinking to start our own ‘Heathan’ Awards in 2027 celebrating 50th year since our first Carnival, recognising outstanding people of Balsall Heath. Let us know what you think! Here’s Toqueer’s story:

Toqueer and Benjamin Zephaniah Poetree Forest

I would start by paying my respects to the late Benjamin Zaphaniah and to his family.

I heard about the project to plant 65 fruit trees in memory of Benjamin at Banbury Park in Newtown, working with the support of Birmingham tree people, who are a charity that supports the maintenance of trees in the city. I am really keen to get involved with the project.

I attended the session that they had and it was really refreshing to see lots of local people along with community groups there. There was support from Birmingham tree people in planting. It was interesting for me to see the diversity of the fruit trees that were planted, you can find out from the Birmingham tree people website. There is a fruit tree trail which you can follow from the website. There were 65 poems each written by the local; community. I really enjoyed listening to poems that were read out. Did you know that British weather is good for apple trees, and they are a diverse range too.

Locality ward for Toqueer – Aston Villa Foundation

I was nominated for the award by a volunteer group. I remember finding out by email and for me I was in shock, and then to be told I was one of 10 award winners. For me it was an honour. The Aston Villa Foundation were partners. I was invited to Aston Villa FC and was given a trophy from one of Benjamin’s sisters. There was hospitality and we all watched the football game too. I want to thank the family and for the foundation for all they do and for valuing me. All I do is to help diverse communities connect with nature.

Birmingham tree people said

On July 18th 2026 we held a celebration picnic to reconnect with all those involved in delivering the Benjamin Zephaniah Forest. We ate food together in the shade of the trees and listened to poetry from Bradley Taylor and Zakariye and incredible music from John’s Drummers.

As with all of our trees, we commit to seeing the trees through to an establishment where they should be strong enough to look after themselves, with little intervention. We will be back in the space later on this year to do some tree care with our volunteers and our Tree Care Coordinator.

I went again to celebrate with the community, there was poetry and stalls, from groups such as Patchwork meadows and arts and crafts. It was a family friendly event. I could see people taking a lovely walk to see the fruit trees. With the heat wave, the grass was very dry and I asked one of the tree people experts about the condition of the trees, they said they were struggling somewhere and needed watering.

Sometimes it’s easy to forget that it takes care and maintenance to look after the trees. I want to thank the dedicated team of volunteers at the Ark and Birmingham Tree People for what they do. I hope that there is investment at the park for far too long. Parks in inner city areas are often neglected, but there is so much more than green spaces, there are places for people to come together, walks and great for health and well being. I would encourage local people to get involved and volunteer with parks friends groups, its really rewarding and its great in making new connections and friendships.

My hopes

I really want to use my voice to highlight the systematic inequality in access to green spaces. History has shown us that it’s not those in power that will change, but ordinary people who care enough and have an enduring desire for something better, dignity, a future we can all be proud of. Its been too long that inner city areas have been neglected, parks which for many are the only places, there is fly tipping and it can feel unsafe with lack of basic facilities. The local community should be supported by the council so that all parks can thrive.

Written by Toqueer

Websites

Last Word

Benjamin Zephania knew Balsall Heath well, spending time hanging around local spots like Khan’s Café working tirelessly to bring people together:

“We started to pull people together and break down barriers between black and white, and the Balsall Heath lot and the Moseley lot.”

Benjamin Zephaniah Forest Celebration Day

Toqueer recieving his Benjamin Zephaniah Award at Aston Villa

Balsall Heath Local History Gazette September 2026

Balsall Heath Local History Society Gazette is out with news of upcoming events and feature stories:

BHLHS-Gazette-Sept-2026

The monthly newsletter published by the Balsall Heath Local History Society (BHLHS) in Birmingham, UK. It serves as both a community bulletin and a historical record for the area.

What’s Inside the Gazette?

The publication typically includes a mix of current news and historical research:

Historical Articles: Local stories and accounts of local landmarks – the social history of the Balsall Heath and Highgate areas.
Photographic Archives: Rare images of the neighbourhood from various eras.
Society Updates: Information on upcoming monthly meetings, guest speakers, and local heritage events.
Project Reports: Updates on specific historical initiatives, like Balsall Heath in Changing Times and The Lost Children projects.

It is published monthly and has been a staple of the society for years with digital archives dating back to at least 2010. Distributed to members, recent and archived editions are also made available as PDF downloads on the official BHLHS website and on the Heathan.

Goodbye Joe, and thank you

We have to announce with love and respect, the sudden death of Joe Holyoak; architect, urban designer, campaigner, and good friend to Balsall Heath. Joe was coordinator of the first Neighbourhood Plan, with the Balsall Heath Forum in 2015; it was the first in Birmingham, and he was working on the revision in 2026. He suggested the site for Joseph Chamberlain College and for the new housing on Belgrave Middleway. He saved the playing fields along Balsall Heath Rd.

Joe was a key member of the Moseley Road Baths Alliance and still leading ‘hard hat’ tours this summer of the restoration works. He was constant in campaigning for a Balsall Heath railway station. He founded Friends of Balsall Heath Park. As a founding member of the Victorian Society, Joe had a city-wide role in the movement to save to clean and find new uses for many heritage buildings. His friends and colleagues are committed to continue Joe’s work of carrying forward the best of the past, for a better future.

Written by John Newson and John Christophers

Joe has been a Heritage Guardian for Balsall Heath – continually watching out for the latest threats to our environment. Right to the end he was involved in campaigning, writing influential articles and contributing to working parties. Tributes to Joe are flooding in from all quarters (see links below).

The world will be a much emptier place without Joe .We send our utmost sympathy to Joe’s family.

Written by Val Hart

There is so much more we could add. A huge support and advocate to many community projects in Birmingham and Balsall Heath, Joe was also a regular contributor to the Balsall Heathan, sending an update about Moseley Road Baths only a few days ago:

Moseley Road Baths Joe’s Update #3

A Visit to Moseley Road Baths – Joe’s update #2

Moseley Road Baths and Library Update

Balsall Heath Station as envisioned (and drawn) by Joe Holyoak in the last Balsall Heath Development Plan

Joe Holyoak leading a guided tour at Moseley Road Baths in July 2026

Joe Holyoak (1944-2026)

Old Stamping Ground in Changing Times

As the Changing Times touring exhibition draws to a close, local voices and artists come together to capture a unique picture of the area, inspired by the photography of Mick Turner. Acclaimed poet Liz Berry is set to bring her local verse to our touring exhibition on Sunday, but she isn’t the only one finding poetic inspiration in Balsall Heath.

Over at the SS John and Martin Church Exhibition, local poet Judith shared a her poem, Old Stamping Ground, offers a vivid snapshot of Balsall Heath – a place that has been defined as much by change as it is by its welcoming people. Judith’s verse reminds us that the heart of our community lives with the people who live and work here:

Old Stamping Ground

It’s a careful walk back to the old places,
Where six weeks ago, I walked the familiar streets;
Past the sleeping policemen, now the peppered new leaves of waking trees.
I saw the cordial Wine Merchant, Hussein in his shop in conversation,
Walked past inroads to the Buddhist Centre,
I bumped into laughing Andreas, and Uncle Marg, who likes Asian weddings,
So then to my newsagent, smiling Mubin.
Collected my papers and then saw turbaned Meghan,
Who was on her way shopping.
Our conversation was about unruly children and too much lax parenting.
Surprise, surprise, where there were four flowering fruit trees,
Stretching their blossom-laden branches against the amber bricks of the tall residential building, near Mubins.

Judith Fleetwood-Walker

Catch the Exhibition while you can!

‘Finding yourself’ in Changing Times exhibition

The Changing Times project has been a celebration of local heritage, featuring history tours, creative artwork by Muhmood Tahir (who led a popular drop-in workshop at ‘Second Saturday’), and our extensive touring exhibition across the area.

On Friday 18th September join our Touring exhibition at the Old Tram Depot (now Creation Climbing Centre) and Sunday 20th September marks the final day of the touring exhibition at St. Paul’s Venture Hall, opening from 11am and our highlight event, poetry with Liz Berry from 5pm.

Find out more and book your tickets!

Sunday Evening with Liz Berry:

Live performance by Liz Berry, award winning poet
An interview with Liz Berry by Val Hart
Haqi Ali presents a ten minute film made for ‘Balsall Heath in Changing Times’, alongside film clips from 1960-80s including ‘The Media Archive of Central England’ footage.
Exhibition, ‘Balsall Heath In Changing Times’

Tickets are running low – be sure to book your spot now so you don’t miss this wonderful finale.

Book your tickets now!

Angela Balckwood explains the challenges of making, repairing and protecting stained glass heritage — Angela Blackwood, leading the church tour explains the challenges of making, repairing and protecting our stained glass heritage

A window in time - window created following a tragic family death in World War 1. Part of the Church tour — Angela Blackwood, leading the church tour explains the challenges of making, repairing and protecting our stained glass heritage

Flag injunction: What It Means for Birmingham Residents

Tomorrow Birmingham City Council is seeking an injunction action to prevent ‘Raise the Colours’ and any ‘Person’s unknown’ from coming into Birmingham and putting up flags. It isn’t hard to understand why many residents are upset. There has been a lot of ‘fake news’ and conflicting opinions, not least from our own Councillors. We at the Heathan will give you the facts:

What is the Injunction?

Birmingham City Council is seeking an interim High Court injunction at the Birmingham Civil & Family Justice Centre. The legal action targets Ryan Bridge, founder of the group Raise the Colours, along with Julian Keane aka ‘Elon’, Elliot Stanley, Ross Child aka ‘Ross the Don’, Billy Allison, Ben Cullen, Mark Keating. None of the defendants live in Birmingham.

The council claims they have been systematically attaching Union Jack and St George’s Cross flags to lamp posts, street signs, railings.
Safety risks involve ladders and cherry pickers near active roadways, damage or hazards from falling attachments, and blocked roads.
There has been escalating hostility, harassment, assault directed at council officers, contractors trying to remove unauthorized flags and local residents.

The injunction will ban attaching flags, banners, or signage to public infrastructure anywhere in Birmingham without express written permission. It will restrict ‘Raise the Colours’ from blocking highway maintenance teams or harassing, alarming, or distressing council staff and contractors. Most important to me, it will protect residents, granting police power of arrest for breaches quickly. Violating the injunction would constitute contempt of court, carrying penalties of fines, asset seizure, or imprisonment.

The injunction does not express an opinion on patriotism or flag-flying. It does not restrict residents from displaying flags on private residential or commercial property. It applies solely to public council-owned assets and highways. An ‘Interim’ injunction can be served immediately, lasting up to 12 months. Once the hearing is complete, then an injunction typically acts between one and three years.

Isn’t it already illegal?

Yes. It is already a civil breach and can constitute minor offenses (obstruction or minor damage). Without the injunction standard criminal law or removal by the Council has been ineffective in practice:

Minor statutory offenses (like simple highway obstruction) require slow criminal prosecutions, small fines, or formal warning letters that rarely deter repeat activity. An injunction escalates the behaviour to a High Court order which will lead to faster enforcement.
Breaching a High Court injunction is Contempt of Court, with much higher consequences—including up to two years in prison, unlimited fines, or seizure of assets (e.g. Cherry Pickers)
Ryan and many of ‘Raise the Colours’ have already been repeatedly arrested and charged on multiple serious offences. The injunction gives the police the authority to detain them on the spot, preventing their illegal activities quickly.
The Council have removed unauthorised flags only to see them being reattached hours later. The injunction gives a legal barrier to stop the act before it happens.

What do residents say?

“It’s not about being proud of the flag – it’s the way it’s done. People coming into neighbourhoods overnight on cherry pickers, taping stuff to street signs, and filming anyone who looks at them funny feels like turf-marking, not pride.”

“When you see guys standing on the top rungs of ladders right beside a busy dual carriageway during peak traffic, without high-vis or safety barriers, it’s a distraction and an accident waiting to happen. The council shouldn’t have to wait for a flag to blow into someone’s windshield to act.”

“It’s deliberate and targetted. They make me feel unwelcome in my own Country, and it’s a disgrace they’re using our flag to do it.”

Councillors views

“There’s a huge amount of evidence of the aggressive, intimidating, violent behaviour of Raise the Colours and that is being used to request an injunction against that organisation. As Green party councillors, I’m not going to sit back and let this continue. It will be stopped.”

The local Reform UK group publicly condemned the decision, describing the council’s High Court injunction as “extraordinary”. They argued that the authority should be prioritising core municipal services like waste collection rather than spending public funds fighting the display of national flags, as has ‘Raise the Colours’.

What can we do?

At the Heathan, we abhor aggressive, intimidating and violent behaviour. True patriotism means standing up for our community and for unity. Everyone should feel valued and included under our shared flag.

Carnival July 1979 with flag — Union flag at the front of 1979 Balsall Heath Carnival

Show your support for people affected by ‘Raise the Colours’ illegal actions. Make sure everyone understands why Birmingham City Council has had to seek an injunction against them.
Balsall Heath has a proud tradition of welcoming people, and welcoming change. Balsall Heath in Changing Times exhibition tour next week – to share our experiences, what it means to be a Heathan!
Support humanitarian organisations who support displaced communities around the world and in Birmingham – promote unity. e.g. I Choose Love, Celebrating Sanctuary Birmingham, Medecin San Frontieres and Stand up to Racism Birmingham.

'I choose Love' flag — ‘I Choose Love’ flag

More info about the injunction Birmingham City Council
Judge hands down judgement on lamp-post flag ban (Oxfordshire July 2026) BBC
Leader of group behind flag campaign in England charged with 14 offences Guardian
Council injunction to ban activists BBC

Liz Berry returns to Balsall Heath in Changing Times

We’re thrilled to welcome Liz Berry for an intimate event of poetry, informal chat, interviews, film and exhibition dedicated to the living history, stories and memories of Balsall Heath at St.Paul’s Venture.

Live performance by Liz Berry, award winning poet
An interview with Liz Berry by Val Hart
Haqi Ali presents a ten minute film made for ‘Balsall Heath in Changing Times’, alongside film clips from 1960-80s including ‘The Media Archive of Central England’ footage.
Exhibition, ‘Balsall Heath In Changing Times’

Book your tickets now!

Check out Frank Skinner’s praise for Liz Berry, who brought him to tears with her reading of ‘Birmingham Rollers’:

Award-winning West Midlands poet Liz Berry will be reading live, including her new poem, “Psalm”, followed by a chat with Val Hart. She’ll be chatting about the inspiration behind her poems and her lifelong project of mapping the emotional geography of the West Midlands.

Liz’s work has been described by The Guardian as a “sooty soaring hymn to her native West Midlands.” An award-winning poet and author of the critically acclaimed collections Black Country (Chatto, 2014); The Republic of Motherhood (Chatto, 2018); The Dereliction (Hercules Editions, 2021) a collaboration with artist Tom Hicks; and most recently The Home Child (Chatto, 2023), a novel in verse.

Liz shares a deep, personal connection with Balsall Heath. Published in May 2026 and featured in the Times Literary Supplement, her new poem “Psalm” is a deeply evocative, secular hymn that celebrates community, resilience, and womanhood. True to her remarkable ability to transfigure working-class landscapes into something sacred, “Psalm” anchors itself right here in Balsall Heath.

Film Clips & Archives: An Earlier Balsall Heath

Step back in time as we screen a selection of rare film clips capturing Balsall Heath. Also we are be premiering a short film created as part of Balsall Heath in Changing Times.

Balsall Heath in Changing Times

This is the end event of a wider FREE exhibition tour with art, poetry, history trails. All is inspired by the amazing photography of Mick Turner and archive images in Balsall Heath in Changing Times. Find out more on eventbrite. Come browse the photographs, share your own memories, and celebrate the enduring joy of our community coming together.

Event Details:

What: Liz Berry and Balsall Heath in Changing Times
When: Sunday 20th September 5-6:30pm 2026
Where: St. Paul’s Venture Hall, Balsall Heath
Featuring: A live reading and interview with Liz Berry, local heritage film screenings, and exhibition.

Whether you have lived in Balsall Heath your entire life or are new to the area, you’ll love this special evening. Let’s celebrate the extraordinary story of the place we call home.

Tickets for Liz Berry event cost £5 – book on our eventbrite.

Bringing Balsall Heath’s History to Life in Changing Times

Moseley Road Baths Joe’s Update #3

Joe Holyoak has written an update for us from the Baths and also will be leading tours of the Baths as part of Birmingham Heritage Week starting 11th September. Also look out for Balsall Heath in Changing Times exhibition and tours coinciding so you can view the baths and tour Moseley Road with local historian Val Hart.

Work proceeds on the Baths and Balsall Heath Library. In the library, the structure of the new mezzanine floor, and the lift giving access to it, are nearing completion. In the baths, striking progress has been made in the slipper baths on the Moseley Road frontage. The arched cast iron beams have been painted the same green as those in the Gala Pool. This was researched some years ago when the Gals Pool roof was renewed, with paint scrapings being taken to establish the original colour used in 1907.

Slipper Baths in new light

Most striking is the return of the stained glass windows to the slipper baths. These have been repaired and cleaned by a specialist in the Jewellery Quarter. You need to be inside to appreciate these changes. There is an opportunity when public tours of the two buildings happen as part of |Birmingham Heritage Week. The tours happen on September 11th and 18th, and if there is still room you can sign up for these on the Birmingham Heritage Week website.

The Baths uring the last public tour in July

A Visit to Moseley Road Baths – Joe’s update #2

Moseley Road Baths and Library Update

Bringing Balsall Heath’s History to Life in Changing Times

This September, experience Balsall Heath in Birmingham Heritage Week through a multi-venue touring FREE exhibition, ‘In Changing Times‘ by Balsall Heath Local History Society. Featuring the photographic archive of Mick Turner, community oral histories, poetry, art, and history trails exploring Balsall Heath through the eyes of those who live it.

Balsall Heath’s story is one of dramatic transformation and social change. Within living memory, we’ve seen bomb sites used as playgrounds well into the 1970s, mass demolition and redevelopment, and the arrival of different communities that reshaped our streets.

Touring Exhibition & Venue Highlights

Six local hubs across Balsall Heath will host unique events, workshops, guided trails, and activities:

SS. John & Martin Catholic Church. Guided heritage tour exploring the building’s architectural and community legacy.
Moseley Road Heritage Trail. Guided walking tour with local Historian Val Hart
The Old Print Works & Creation Climbing Centre. Pop-up archival displays, film and art.
St. Paul’s Venture, special event (September 20th). An intimate afternoon with acclaimed poet Liz Berry, featuring poetry readings, film screenings, and shared local memories.

Find out more

Inspired by our Past

Local artist Muhmood Tahir, inspired by archive images and Mick Turner’s photography painted his Balsall Heath. Meet the artist, sketch and paint alongside him – bring your contemporary visual perspective on our Balsall Heath – all free, including materials, date to be confirmed.

Mick Turner Archive of photographic images is a vast collection of images, thousands of which were published in the Balsall Heathan from 1960 to 1990. We used these images as a starting point to understand Balsall Heath through the eyes of people who have lived there.

Charles and Diana marry at Balsall Heath Carnival

Plan Your Visit

Explore the full festival schedule to make the most of Birmingham Heritage Week and Heritage Open Days. #BHeritage #HeritageOpenDays #HODs2026 #BHeritageWeek

Changing Times in Balsall Heath: A Conversation with Zhor Malik

From the streets of 1960s Balsall Heath to decades of dedicated community service, Zhor Malik’s story is woven into the history of Calthorpe Park and Balsall Heath. A former Royal Mail union representative, long-time community advocate, and former local councillor, Zhor sat down with Marcus and Val for Changing Times to look back at Balsall Heath and where it’s heading next.

Deep Roots in Balsall Heath

Born in Derby, Zhor moved to Balsall Heath with his parents. Since then, the area has been home to three generations of his family.

“I went to Percy Shurmer School. My sons and daughter went to Percy Shurmer, and now my grandkids have been going to Percy Shurmer… I’ve lived around this area since 1966.”

Zhor remembers the major clearances and redevelopment of the mid 1970s when old terraces along Princess Road, Balsall Heath Road, and Varna Road were demolished to make way for new housing. His family moved to Edward Road around 1976, where he still lives today.

Playgrounds, Parks, and Community Space

For Zhor, growing up in 1970s Balsall Heath:

“So I can tell you when I those times, they were brilliant times …it was the times when our mothers used to leave the back doors open. We hardly used the front door, we used to go down the back, and we had visitors and we used to go to people there and we didn’t even think or were afraid of people stealing or anything. The best days I remember growing up were in the summer. uh the six seven weeks of summer we used to spend playing in Calthorpe Park.”

After working 27 years with Royal Mail he brought his passion for public service directly to Calthorpe, joining Birmingham City Council. He became the first manager of the Calthorpe Park Pavilion.

During his time there he established football pitches and a cricket pitch inside Calthorpe Park, installed cricket practice nets in partnership with Edgbaston Cricket Groundskeepers., converted disused tennis courts into the game area there now, and worked tirelessly alongside community champions like Foster Derby at the local Play Centre to provide after-school and holiday schemes.

Taking Back the Streets

During the late 1980s and 1990s, he took an active role in the famous community-led movement to clear street prostitution and pimping from the area. Spurred into action by community elders and local figures like Dick Atkinson of the St. Paul’s Trust, residents organised street corner patrols to reclaim their streets.

“The community came together… It was all the residents. Taxi drivers helped us before mobile phones existed, using their radio systems to call for backup if there was trouble. It took us nearly two years, but we took our streets back.”

A Vision for the Future

Zhor remains determined as ever to advocate for Balsall Heath. He was teh first Balsall Heath West Ward Councillor in 2018. Reflecting on changes to ward boundaries, local media, and local politics, his core priority remains simple: transparent, open facilities for everyone.

“I don’t care who gets the credit, as long as we achieve what we want for the betterment of Balsall Heath.”

Find out more and listen to interview clips
Join Friends of Calthorpe Park
Visit our Touring exhibition in September 2026

Streets Ahead – Cleaning Up Balsall Heath

Balsall Heath is galvanised to pick litter every month on the first Sunday. Al Abbas Islamic Centre, CUUK, Friends of Seven Streets Park and many other local partners are all out on the streets supporting each other and cleaning up. We’ll be litter picking and doing other park maintenance tasks in the little park on the other side of the railway bridge. Come and say hi if you’re heading up Clifton Road. There is tea/coffee/squash and biscuits!

Cleaning together

The initiative to clean up Balsall Heath, supported by Local Councillors Duncan Ali and Jamil Khan, brings together communities and local activitists, some of which who have worked for decades to make a difference.

‘We hope by working together we can get on top of our litter problem and change attitudes to how we care for Balsall Heath.’

Wildlife Trusts seek Youth Leadership

The Environmental Leadership Programme (ELP2), a free nine months course for ages 18-25, opens for applications: Its to build leadership skills, create local nature projects, and explore green careers. Wildlife Trusts particularly encourage applications from people in the Balsall Heath area:

Apply now

Run by The Wildlife Trusts and Shropshire Wildlife Trust, it helps young people build green skills, connect with nature, and launch community projects locally.

The Environmental Leadership Programme is a FREE programme for 18–25-year-olds based in the West Midlands. Running from October-July, it consists of both online and in person sessions. The aim is to increase your connection to nature and provide the development of important environmental leadership skills.

Build your skills

Throughout the programme, sessions are designed to enable you to build the skills and knowledge you need to understand green leadership and what a future career in the green sector might look like.

There is no cost to take part, and our dedicated team are on hand to ensure you are fully supported to get the most out of your experience, including a pre-programme check in to make sure you have everything you need and answer any questions. Financial support with travel to the in-person sessions is always available!

Hear first hand from guests and speakers with experiences in the sector. There are opportunities to network with experienced professionals as well as meeting and sharing experiences with each other.

The programme is hybrid and flexible in nature. Play back recorded sessions and connect in-person at our events.

How to apply

Applications are now OPEN for the Environmental Leadership Programme 26/27! Please contact el**@************ts.org with any questions.

Environmental Leadership Programme 2026-27

Summer Fun in Nature!

Join summer family fun activity session at the Belle Walk green space 25th August 10:45am.

Learn about the environment and widlife
Meet friends and find out about Belle Walk Green Space
Make something to take home

Book your place

Birmingham Open Spaces Forum (BOSF) is a volunteer-led network that has been connecting and supporting the people who care for our city’s open spaces since 2005, whether that open space be a park, a community garden, an allotment site or a piece of land which has significance for you and your neighbours. We help volunteers make a lasting impact – bringing communities together, improving open spaces, and ensuring they thrive for generations to come.

Find out more about BOSF

Start a volunteer Friends group for your local open space

Friends groups bring people together to care for, improve, and celebrate their local open spaces. They’re made up of local volunteers who share a passion for parks, woodlands, playing fields, or pocket greens.

Whether it’s organising community events, planting flowers and trees, applying for funding, or simply keeping the space clean and welcoming, starting a Friends group is a powerful way to make a lasting difference where you live. It’s also a great way to meet neighbours, learn new skills, and build a stronger sense of community!