1990s recollections of the editor
After graduating from the University of Birmingham in 1994, I was keen to gain experience in journalism and felt that volunteering at the Balsall Heathan would be the perfect opportunity to get involved in community reporting. Having spent most of the previous four years living in Moseley, I was already familiar with the Heathan and its commitment to championing community activism and self-help initiatives. I wrote to St Paul’s Community Project offering my services as a writer.
St Paul’s accepted my offer, marking the beginning of a rewarding two-year stint with the Heathan. Over time, I took on a variety of roles, including writer, page planner and distributor, immersing myself fully in both the newspaper and life in Balsall Heath. I was fortunate to work alongside a dedicated team: Jacqui at St Paul’s handled sub-editing, Ian Edwards supplied photographs, Dave from Heathan Enterprises managed printing, while Josh and Alan took care of design and page-setting.
Stories from the Community
From the outset, it was clear that Balsall Heath was a community full of energy and initiative. Places of worship, schools, youth clubs, housing associations, businesses and local community groups were all playing their part in improving the area. Individuals of every age and background were equally committed to making Balsall Heath a better place to live and work. After several months as a volunteer, St Paul’s secured funding that enabled them to pay me for my work.
Armed with conversations, tip-offs, press releases, flyers and plenty of time spent walking the streets, I covered a wide range of local stories. These included schools’ projects in art, music, dance, sport and nature; recognition for the Language Alive theatre-in-education company’s work promoting English within the community; residents collaborating with architecture students on a new vision for Moseley Road; the securing of £9 million in European funding for training and environmental improvements; and the success of traffic-calming measures in reducing accidents in the Seven Streets area.
Getting involved in the community
Working on the Heathan and with St Paul’s often meant becoming directly involved in many of the initiatives and community groups I was reporting on. Looking back, I remember my time there with great warmth and affection. In the days before the internet transformed local media, I believe the paper continued its proud tradition of giving the community a voice — celebrating and supporting the many ways people across Balsall Heath and the surrounding area were working to make their neighbourhood a better place for everyone.
It’s great to hear that the Heathan is getting a new life online and I look forward to reading it in the future.
Images below from Ollie’s first Carnival as Editor. as part of Balsall Heath Community Festival, Balsall Heath Local History Society will run a touring exhibition of the Carnival #BHCFest26
