News

“Under the Sultan’s Shadow”: Ottoman Exhibition and Curator Talks in Balsall Heath by MIAH Foundation

A fascinating new exhibition has opened in Balsall Heath, offering visitors the chance to explore one of history’s most influential empires.

Facsimile of Sultan Suleiman’s illuminated poetry (Muhibbi Divani) and maps by Matrakçı Nasuh. © MIAH Foundation

The Museum of Islamic Arts & Heritage (MIAH) Foundation’s latest exhibition, Under the Sultan’s Shadow: How Imperial Identity Shaped Ottoman Life and Culture, examines how the Ottoman Empire consciously built its identity by drawing upon different historic empires, and wider Islamic traditions of the lands it ruled. Through objects, manuscripts, maps, and artwork, visitors can discover how these influences shaped Ottoman society, culture, and public life.

Highlights include a facsimile Qur’an copied by the renowned Ottoman calligrapher Sheikh Hamdullah, maps by the famous explorer Piri Reis, and a sixteenth-century tile from the Dome of the Rock that once adorned al-Masjid al-Aqsa

Based in the gallery space in Moseley Community Hub on Moseley Road (which used to be the Old Moseley School of Art) the exhibition brings together objects from private collections that are being displayed together for the first time. Alongside the exhibition, MIAH is delivering a programme of workshops, talks, and family-friendly activities throughout the summer.

The exhibition is currently scheduled to run over the coming months, with hopes of extending its stay should additional funding be secured.

Visitors can find out more and book tickets here: https://miahfoundation.com/events/exhibition-under-the-sultans-shadow

Monthly Curator Talks

For those keen to explore the exhibition in greater depth, MIAH is also hosting a series of monthly curator talks. The next session, Ottoman Art, will explore how Ottoman artists drew inspiration from Byzantine architecture, Persian motifs, Chinese porcelain, and Abbasid calligraphy, transforming these influences into a distinctive Ottoman visual language during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.

Future talks in the series will cover Ottoman art, architecture, and the later Ottoman period, giving visitors a deeper insight into the exhibition’s themes and the process behind its creation.

To register for upcoming curator talks, visit:
https://miahfoundation.com/events/under-the-sultans-shadow-curator-talk-in-person-ottoman-art

Who are the MIAH Foundation and how can you find us?
Founded in 2020, the MIAH Foundation works to promote awareness and understanding of Islamic arts, heritage, and culture through exhibitions, education programmes, workshops, and events. Its long-term aim is to establish the UK’s first independent museum dedicated to the arts and heritage of Muslims and the Islamic world.

We are located on Moseley Road in the Moseley Community Hub:

MIAH Foundation Islamic Arts & Heritage Gallery
496 Moseley Rd
Balsall Heath
Birmingham
B12 9AH

Follow us on:
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Website and Events

For all enquires email us at co*****@************on.com.

We look forward to welcoming you all to our gallery!

Strength in our Community Banner Jane Thakoordin cropped

Banners out for the Festival #BHCFest26!

Balsall Heath Community Festival starts in just 23 Days! We’ve been finalising events, preparing banners, and will have all out at next Second Saturday, 13th June 2026, The Old Print Works, to put the finishing touches together with everyone.

To reflect the old Carnival preparations, we’ll be painting a giant bill board this Saturday, listing all the fabulous activities, all FREE over the ten days of the festival.

Balsall Heath Community Festival 3rd – 13th July 2026 #BHCFest26

New Banners for our Festival

Faisal Hussain has been working to make banners for Believe in Balsall Heath, and Retrofit Balsall Heath are starting the Festival with workshops making banners for an East West Procession across Balsall Heath, connecting it’s Parks on 5th July. Banners also feature in a touring Carnival Exhibition, linking many of the events across Balsall Heath over ten days.

Balsall Heath Community Festival 3rd – 13th July 2026 #BHCFest26

Packed programme of activities over ten days

Balsall Heath Community Festival 2026 Schedule
Balsall Heath Community Festival 2026 Schedule

Banners Showing Strength in our Community

Jayne Thakoordin's Banner for Balsall Heath
Jayne Thakoordin’s Banner for Balsall Heath

Jane Thakoordin worked with Sewing Solidarity, a collaborative project with GAP Arts  a young people focused creative project in Balsall Heath, 2025. Working over several sessions, a diverse group of young people engaged in discussions about their relationship to local community. Drawing on the traditions of union banner making, they co-designed a series of small hangings and a larger banner.

The banners are exhibited permanently at GAP Arts and the larger banner is available for local organisations and groups to borrow for community events, as it will be for #BHCFest26 The phrase “Strength in our Community” was written by a young participant of the Sewing Solidarity project.  

2016 Carnival
2016 Carnival
Jayne Thakoordin's Banner for Balsall Heath
Jayne Thakoordin’s Banner for Balsall Heath
Colouring Competition
Colouring competition 2010
Retrofit Model House
Retrofit Model House in action in The Old Print Works Cafe 2026
Fun at the Carnival 1995
Fun at the Carnival 1995
Carnival 1977
1977 Float and banners
Carnival 2004
2004 dressing up fun
Carnival 2016
2016 costumes
Carnival 2004
2004 Carnival Banner
Balsall Heath Community Festival 2026

Jago, a regular climber finds out about the Trams for the first time 2026

Goodbye to Trams, Hello Festival!

Third history panel opened on Moseley Road ahead of Balsall Heath Community Festival outside Creation Climbing Centre, where once you’d see trams!

Balsall Heath Community Festival 3rd to 13th July 2026 #BHCFest26

Balsall Heath has seen many changes over the decades, reflecting it’s rich and every changing culture.  Ten interpretation panels will be installed ready for Balsall Heath Community Festival, linked to the fabulous images of Mick Turner as well as archive images and present day photography. The Tramworks is a Listed building of historical significance. A truly grand tramwork purpose built and specially designed to be in keeping with the  ‘select residential area’ around it.

Climber and Manager Joe outside Creation Climbing Centre
Climber and Manager Joe outside Creation Climbing Centre, next to the history panel.
Jago, a regular climber finds out about the Tramworks for the first time 2026
Jago, a regular climber finds out about Trams in Brum

Jago, a regular climber at Creation Climbing Centre said:

‘It’s really cool that these buildings aren’t demolished or lost.’

Reflections of the Carnival

The history panels will be ready for Balsall Heath Community Festival, 3rd to 13th July #BHCFest26. Balsall Heath Local History Society (BHLHS) have been selecting Archive images, talking to residents, businesses and local organisations to reflect our history in the panels. For more of the images and stories we are linking via QR code on our panels to ‘In Changing Times‘ resources. We will be building on these to keep our history alive and updated as Balsall Heath changes.

BHLHS are also preparing a touring ‘Balsall Heath Carnival Exhibition’ to run alongside many of the events happening as part of the Festival. The Carnival used to be on the first weekend of July, and while nothing can replace it, the Festival is one way we are hoping to continue celebrating our community and building pride in it.

Panels one and two:

First Historical Trail Panel Unveiled at Seven Streets Pocket Park
Reclaiming Urban Spaces in Calthorpe Park

Keep updated with the Heathan for more info on our Festival, or get in contact with your ideas, enthusiasm and commitment to celebrate Balsall Heath!

Balsall Heath Community Festival 3rd to 13th July 2026 #BHCFest26

Fun at the Carnival 1995

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.

Balsall Heath Community Festival 3rd to 13th July 2026

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

Images of the 95 Carnival
Images from Ollie’s first Carnival as Editor, photographer Ian Edwards
Images of the 95 Carnival
Images of the 95 Carnival

Council House

Ward Meeting Magic in Balsall Heath

If you’ve ever been to a local ward meeting (and let’s face it, not many people have) you probably won’t be counting the days to the next one. Not so in Balsall Heath West as newly elected Councillor Duncan Ali injected some hope, enthusiasm, discussion and plans for action.

I was expecting a drafty community hall, broken plastic chairs, and hours watching a couple of dull, old men dominate the microphone, designed to exhaust and depress. I didn’t expect a packed room, fabulous food, chat with old friends and meeting people I had seen before, and now I can say hello to on Moseley Road.

Why Ward Meetings Matter

Birmingham City Council state ward meetings are a local gathering focused entirely on topics important to the people in a specific area. It’s designed to give residents a direct way to help shape their immediate community through Ward Action Plans. Our last Action Plan (Be Bold, Be Balsall Heath West) breaks down ‘Priorities’ into ‘Actions’ using a spreadsheet matrix (not completely unreadable).

It’s a semi-formal chat which should in theory give residents a say in the budgets, policies, and changes impacting our daily lives. The problem has always been how it happens.

Warm, Welcoming, Well fed

Early on there was a promise of food – a waft of curry from the next room, while a series of local organisations were given three minute slots to introduce themselves. Then it was time for food and informal chat. Tables were set out with QR codes and ‘Priority Areas’ like Youth, Housing, Bins… You were encouraged to chat with each other and to continue the chat later on the WhatsApp groups linked on the tables. For those from an ‘education’ background from 1990s, you might recognise ‘Unconference’, ‘Teachmeet’ or ‘Open space’ type structure. There were no long, agonizing slideshows or exclusive podiums. Instead, the room was broken down into smaller, breakout groups.

Everyone was made welcome, and free delicious food on offer helped a relaxed atmosphere where we could discuss important issues, not least the Balsall Heathan and Balsall Heath Community Festival.

Voices from the Floor

First of all, Duncan gave quick quote from an American President about ‘Asking what you can do for Balsall Heath’, and explained the delay in forming a BCC Administration (announcement soon!), then there were some quick intros – here’s some of them:

‘We’ve got a team of people, volunteers, passionate about what we do…any parents want to get involved, you’re more than welcome, we’re just down the road, based in Clifton…’

Nasim, Founder of Bright Future Football Association

‘We’ve got twenty odd sites across Balsall Heath East and West…We run regular volunteer sessions, three or four a week…Growing plants that provide food for nature, and for us, for you guys.’

Dan, Fruit and Nut Village

‘By creating a planting, my plan is to convince people of the value to raise money and organisation…for planting’

Sabrina, Moseley in Bloom

‘My first hat is basically I am a human being. We all share this. We are human beings that…he [Duncan] has the moral compass, wiht others of course, supporting the innocent people in Gaza.’

Dr. Ahmed Helmy, West Midlands Palestinian Solidarity

‘I’d like to quote another great American President, President Roosevelt in the Great Depression in America in the 1930s…’What on earth can we do?’ and Roosevelt would say to them, ‘Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.’

John, Zero Carbon House

‘I want to say thank you, normally when someone gets elected we cdon’t see them again until they’re knocking on our doors four years later…we need to work together to close the gap of inequality.’

Naseem Saheli Hub

For more details about what was discussed, have your say and how you can join in, contact Councillor Duncan Ali:

Contact details

Archive material, Rhonda Wilson community archive. Image courtesy The Old Print Works.

Seeing Rhonda: Exhibition and Archives of a Birmingham Photography Pioneer

The work, activism, and lasting influence of photographer Rhonda Wilson are being brought back into the light in a brand-new exhibition, Seeing Rhonda, making its debut alongside the official launch of the Rhonda Wilson Community Archive at The Old Print Works.

Spanning more than three decades of work from the 1980s to the 2010s, this project is a tribute to a woman who changed the cultural landscape of our city.

Photographer and Activist

She was a photographer, journalist, educator, cultural entrepreneur and activist, championing Birmingham women and social change through her photography, tackling issues like low pay, homelessness, and women’s representation.

Photographs, letters, posters and publications sit alongside personal notes, sketches and overlooked ephemera, revealing how she worked, collaborated and built opportunities for others.

Archives return to Balsall Heath

Initiated by Dr. Annette Naudin (Associate Professor at Birmingham City University) in partnership with The Old Print Works and PRISM Photography Network, the project brings Rhonda’s legacy back to where she lived and worked.

“It is very fitting to have Rhonda’s archive in Balsall Heath where, in 1989, she set up the Poseurs Studio and Gallery with fellow photographer Ming de Nasty. The process of uncovering letters of thanks, rolls of her photographs and her personal notes is both exciting and profoundly moving.”
Dr Annette Naudin

From co-founding Poseurs Studio and Gallery in the late 1980s to developing influential initiatives such as Seeing the Light (founded 1995) and Rhubarb-Rhubarb (founded 1999). Personal letters included in the archive offer a powerful insight into Wilson’s impact, documenting how her support shaped careers and opened doors for emerging photographers. The archive and exhibition bring into focus the contributions of women too often absent from formal collections, and reframing Birmingham’s cultural history through their work.

“We are delighted to host the Rhonda Wilson Community Archive here at The Old Print Works and to have the opportunity to shine a light on this important part of the city’s cultural history. Rhonda’s influence and impact on photographers and creatives is evident and we look forward to developing the archive further.”
Hannah Greenwood & Rebecca Tura, Interim Co-CEOs, The Old Print Works

Archive material, Rhonda Wilson community archive. Image courtesy The Old Print Works.
Archive material, Rhonda Wilson community archive. Image courtesy The Old Print Works.
Hand coloured manual photomontage portrait of Rhonda Wilson by Ming De Nasty 1995  Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International licence

“She thrived on creativity, she based her world upon it…One of the last things she said to me recently was ‘If an image can hold you for a second, then take you on a journey somewhere secret, peaceful or magical or tell a story to the viewer, it’s a true reflection of the person that made it’. To the very end she talked about light.”
John McQueen

Plan Your Visit

The exhibition is free (though donations to support the archive are very welcome!).

EventDates & TimesLocation
Main Exhibition RunTuesday 23 June – Saturday 27 June
11am-5pm		The Old Print Works, Balsall Heath
The Official Launch EventThursday 25 June
6pm-8pm		The Old Print Works, Balsall Heath
Special July OpeningSaturday 11 July (As part of Balsall Heath Second Saturday and Balsall Heath Community Festival)
11am-4pm		The Old Print Works, Balsall Heath

Where to find it:

The Old Print Works, 498-506 Moseley Road, Balsall Heath, Birmingham, B12 9AH.

For more information about the ongoing archive project, you can reach out to research lead Dr. Annette Naudin at an************@****ac.uk.

Seeing Rhonda

Balsall Heath Local History Society Gazette logo

Balsall Heath Local History Gazette May

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

2026-05-BHLHS-Gazette-2

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.

Moseley Road Baths

Moseley Road Baths and Library Update

This is the first of what are going to be regular updates on the progress being made with the transformation of the baths and the library (MRB and BHL for short) by Joe Holyoak. Thanks Joe!

What is happening?

An enormous investment is being put into these two landmark buildings on Moseley Road in Balsall Heath. Although the two buildings will remain in the ownership of the City Council, the transformation is the work of what we call the Coalition. This consists of six bodies: the City Council, the MRB Charitable Incorporated Organisation (MRBCIO), the National Trust, Historic England, World Monuments
Fund, and the Friends of MRB.

Design drawing showing the mezzanine floor in Balsall Heath Library

Phase 1 ongoing

Together they have raised £36.5 million. This will be spent on two phases of work: we are currently in Phase 1, with the contractors Galliford Try. For the first time, the two buildings have been connected. At the end of Phase 1 work on the library will be completed, and it will reopen in 2027, enlarged with the addition of a new mezzanine floor. The majority of the funding for Phase 1 came from the government’s Levelling-Up Fund, now called the Local Regeneration Fund.

Work is also proceeding in Phase 1 on parts of the baths, particularly the conversion of the washing baths at the front of the building. The major work will be in Phase 2, with the reopening of the Gala Pool for swimming. Pool 2, previously used for swimming, will be boarded over and become a venue for music, film, weddings, and so on. Announced in May was a £9.2 million grant from the National Heritage Lottery Fund, which completes the funding for Phase 2.

Astonishing achievement from brink of closure

Only ten years ago, Moseley Road Baths was threatened with closure. To be now proceeding towards completion of a £36.5 million transformation, including Balsall Heath Library, is an astonishing achievement. It is going to offer everyone in Balsall Heath a great range of facilities to enjoy. More information can be found on the website moseleyroadbaths.org.uk.

Future updates in The Heathan Will give more detailed news on the progress of the building contract, thanks Joe!

Visit the Baths at Balsall Heath Community Festival

To be confirmed dates and times, Moseley Road Baths and Library are offering a tour (Joe is one of the volunteer guides) as part of our Community Festival 3rd-13th July #BHCFest26.

Moseley Road Baths

#BHCFest26

Balsall Heath Community Festival Logo
Balsall Heath Community Festival Logo

Balsall Heath Colouring flyer

Adding colour to our Festival with Retrofit BH

The energy, (and the heat) was high at The Old Print Works as we officially launched some very special additions to this year’s Balsall Heath Community Festival.

Model practice at Retrofit

Retrofit Balsall Heath showcased their fabulous retro model house. Their team ran interactive activities and chatted with residents about how to insulate Balsall Heath’s beautiful (but sometimes drafty!) older housing stock to help cut down energy bills. The model house itself has travelled a fair bit already to local schools, and will be taking to the pavement again for Balsall Heath Community Festival. You’ll get another chance to see the model house in action, taking pride of place in our “East West Retrofit Procession” on Sunday, 5th July, the third day of our mammoth ten-day community celebration!

Retrofit Model House
Retrofit Model House in action in The Old Print Works Cafe

Colouring competition returns

Long-time residents will fondly remember the iconic colouring competitions from the old Balsall Heath Carnival days (1977–2016). Back then, local schools and local organisations would distribute posters, and families would proudly display the finished masterpieces in their front windows for the judges to spot while walking the streets, with fabulous prizes up for grabs!

We loved that tradition so much that we are bringing it back for 2026!

Colouring sheet 2026
Colouring sheet 2026 – contact bh********************@***il.com – Rules for entry
back sheet of competition
back sheet of competition
Rules of colouring competition
Rules of colouring competition

Save the dates

We are building up to an incredible ten days of celebrating our community. Here is what you need to know right now:

Share your progress, your finished windows, and festival excitement using the hashtag #BHCFest26!

Carnival 2010
Carnival Certificate
Welcoming all! Retofit invite everyone for free snacks and activities at the Old Print Works
Welcoming all! Retofit invite everyone for free snacks and activities at the Old Print Works
retrofit at work
Retrofitting our city
Colouring in competition 2009
Colouring in competition 2009
Keywords: Poster;2008;Carnival
Carnival 2010
Carnival 2010
Sharing ideas at the Old Print Works
Sharing ideas at the Old Print Works
Sharing the Carnival vibe and Greening Balsall Heath
Sharing the Carnival vibe and Greening Balsall Heath
Believe in Balsall Heath Logo
Balsall Heath Community Festival Logo

#BHCFest26

Councillor Duncan Ali

Duncan Ali’s First Impressions in the Council

Councillor Duncan Ali, one of Balsall Heath’s 3 Councillors has written to the Heathan and is part of the Balsall Heath West Community Action meeting this Sunday 31st May:

For two and a half weeks I have been working as the Green Party councillor for Balsall Heath West and I am pleased to have the opportunity to share some first impressions with you here in the Heathan magazine.

Having gradually ramped up our election campaign running up to May 7th a short rest period might have been expected but we seem to have only accelerated faster since then with our own internal elections from amongst the 19 new green councillors- proud to announce an experienced and effective leader- Julien Pritchard and also very proud to announce that we elected Kamel Hawwash (our very own Palestinian Brummie) as deputy leader. As well as internal elections we have been engaged with coalition talks and negotiations involving many late night meetings. Due to Labour refusals to work with us we are looking at putting together a minority administration with the Lib Dems and some of the more principled independents. Soon come!

Casework has been piling in and I am working out a systematic process to deal with each situation fairly and robustly – I am also still very busy working as SENDCo in a large primary school so I am appealing for patience from ward members – after September I will be able to reduce my hours significantly and some more things will be sorted out them.

Community Action Meeting

Community Action Meeting

Sunday 31st May 5:30-8pm, Balsall Heath Church Centre, 100 Mary Street

Join us for an evening of collaboration and change, with lcal organisations, neighbours and share ideas and take action on issues that matter to our community with Councillor Duncan Ali.  Together we can make a difference!

FREE Vegetarian meal available

Postcard of the opening of Calthorpe Park

Reclaiming Urban Spaces in Calthorpe Park

Calthorpe Park, Birmingham’s first Public Park, was opened in 1857 for the ‘public health’ of people in Balsall Heath. We’re celebrating the achievements of Balsall Heathans living locally making a positive impact (first panel at Seven Streets Pocket Park)

Dense Housing, bustling streets and businesses

Birmingham is one of the UK’s greenest cities with over 8,000 acres of green space and roughly 25% parks and gardens. Balsall Heath is known for it’s dense Victorian terrace housing, bustling streets and businesses. It has less green space than the rest of Birmingham, and the UK.

From ‘Environmental Justice for Birmingham’ Humera Sultan, BCC Consultant 2025

Calthorpe Park interpretation panel celebrates the work of Edward Rd Baptist Church, MECC Trust, New Perspectives, Saheli Hub, Zawia Aid and Fruit and Nut Village.

Dan Burwood from Fruit and Nut Village helped locate and install Calthorpe Park Panel:

“I’m really happy to see the history of these places. It links with what we’re doing now, to engage people with being in green spaces differently. Trying to grow perennial food, share skills around that kind of thing [links] with what was here before. I think that helps us to imagine what might be here in the future.”

Dan Burwood with the new interpretation board on the corner between Cheddar and Edward Roads

“It’s heartening to see how these things shift because we’re growing edible perennial. Food, lots of fruit trees, nut trees in these Parks now. And people were doing that before. I think the way things are isn’t the way things have to continue to be.”

Our interpretation panel links to more information

What is “Fruit and Nut Village”?

Traditional allotments (some previously nearby on Edward Road) are ‘allocated’ for individual use. Fruit & Nut Village designs and plants forest gardens, community orchards, and edible hedges that belong to everyone. They focus on perennial food crops, meaning plants, bushes, and trees that live for many years. They support communities to be more self-sufficient and work in local spaces to provide freely abundant food.

Growing Together in Calthorpe Park

Fruit and Nut Village and Friends of the Earth Postcode Gardeners work together supporting many sites near existing Parks and in more urban spaces, including:

  • The Calthorpe Interfaith Community Orchard, located in Calthorpe Park is a true testament to Balsall Heath’s diverse community. It regularly hosts interfaith tree-plantings and celebrations. It will be a part of our Balsall Heath Community Festival, bringing people of all backgrounds and faiths together to share food under the shade of fruit trees.
  • Partnering with Anawim (Birmingham’s Centre for Women), Fruit & Nut Village hosts regular site planning and care sessions on Mary Street. They creat safe, therapeutic, and educational spaces where women can connect with nature and learn sustainable growing skills. Find out more on 3rd July event, the launch of Balsall Heath Community Festival.
  • Seven Streets Pocket Park, also a part of our Commuity Festival as part of our ‘Green Trail’ on 5th July.

Get Involved at Calthorpe Park

The beauty of a forest garden is that it thrives on collective care. Whether you have a green thumb or have never touched a trowel in your life, there’s always a space for you. You can join a relaxed weekday care session, drop into a weekend workshop, or simply stop by to enjoy the peace and quiet of the orchards.

Keep an eye on their social channels or local noticeboards for upcoming Balsall Heath sessions—and next time you’re walking through the neighborhood, look up! You might just find your next healthy snack growing right above your head.

Moseley Road Baths

Moseley Road Baths no longer ‘at Risk’

Moseley Road Baths team has secured full funding for Phase 2 restoration with £9.27m Heritage Fund grant, and Mayor Richard Parker announcing almost £1m.

The Heritage Fund grant comes on top of £5.1m from Birmingham City Council. This is part of a £10 million total commitment to the project. Other large contributions: £350,000 Garfield Weston Foundation, £250,000 Architectural Heritage Fund, £50,000 Edward Cadbury Trust. and £12,000 Saintbury Trust.

The funding means additional air heat pumps will keep energy costs down on top of existing Phase 2 commitments:

  • Full restoration of the iconic Gala Pool, including a restored mezzanine gallery and a new accessible ground-floor public viewing area
  • Conversion of Pool 2 into a flexible event space
  • Transformation of the Women’s Slipper Baths into a community health & wellbeing hub
  • Reimagining of the Men’s Second Class Slipper Baths as a community gym
  • Development of the boiler room into a flexible studio space

Due to open in 2028, there will be employment and training opportunities for local people, new accessibility features. Changing Places facilities (poolside and dryside), pool hoist and pod, lift and ramp access, and wheelchair-accessible changing and viewing areas. Moseley Road Baths will be, for the first time in its history, truly welcoming to all. Phase two will “effectively remove Moseley Road Bath’s at risk status”.

More stories about Moseley Road Baths from the Balsall Heathan

Hywell watering plants by the new history Interpretation Panel

First Historical Trail Panel Unveiled at Seven Streets Pocket Park

Get ready to celebrate Balsall Heath this Summer. If you’ve taken a stroll through Seven Streets Pocket Park today, you might have noticed a fantastic new addition. The very first of our community history interpretation boards has officially been installed!

Hywell from the Friends of Seven Streets Park was on hand, watering redcurrant bushes and sunflowers planted below and shared his excitement:

“I think it looks great, fits in well, and it’s good for people to see a bit more about the area.”

This beautiful new panel is just the beginning. It is the first of eight historical interpretation panels popping up across Balsall Heath this year as we gear up for a massive summer of celebration.

Walking Through Time and Balsall Heath

Trails are at the absolute heart of our 2026 celebrations – our Balsall Heath Community Festival includes a Green Trail, a Heritage Trail and a Faith Trail taking place between 3rd and 13th July. There is no better way to experience Balsall Heath than by walking through, and perhaps with local organisations and volunteers so proud of where they live.

For months, the Balsall Heath Local History Society has been deep in the archives, dusting off old photographs and uncovering the fascinating, untold stories of Balsall Heath and the incredible people who have shaped it. Working alongside brilliant local partners, these discoveries have been brought to life in a series of interpretation panels.

They mix community memories, rare achival photos and each board links via QR code to yet more online resources, photography audio, film and more. It is a part of our living history and we intend to maintain and update the signs and the resources as Balsall Heath grows and changes.

Get Ready for a Summer of Celebration!

The trail launch is part of a much bigger wave of excitement. Balsall Heath is getting ready for a spectacular summer as Believe in Balsall Heath launches an unforgettable series of events.

Mark your calendars for July 3rd to 13th! The Balsall Heath Community Festival, celebrating our community with FREE activities and opportunity to share the joy of Balsall Heath!

We Need Your Stories!

History is about our lives and our memories. We want to make sure every voice is heard. Is there a local story, a neighborhood legend, or a piece of history we’ve missed? Let us know or drop us a message. Help us keep the rich story of Balsall Heath growing!

Keep your eyes peeled for the next seven panels appearing in your neighborhood soon. Happy exploring!

Hywell From Friends of Seven Streets with Marcus, Balsall Heath Local History Society
Hywell From Friends of Seven Streets with Marcus, Balsall Heath Local History Society
Balsall Heath Community Festival Logo
Believe in Balsall Heath Logo

Liz Berry

Liz Berry illuminates Women of Balsall Heath

This year marks an incredible, historic milestone for Anawim, an organization that has served as a sanctuary, a lifeline, and a beacon of hope for women in Balsall Heath, is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Anawim is a Hebrew word from the Old Testament meaning ‘poor ones’ who remained faithful to God in times of difficulty or the ‘faithful remnant’, Anawim lift women up, offer them tools for recovery, and wrap them in a supportive community.

Anawim Birthday celebrations marks the beginning of Balsall Heath Community Festival 3rd to 13th July.

A Poetic Tribute

Liz Berry captures the spirit of Anawim’s mission, honouring the unsung, resilient women of Balsall Heath and Birmingham:

Psalm (after Allen Ginsberg’s ‘Psalm III’)

Illuminate all women. Beginning with Balsall Heath, at dawn.
With the ghost of Sister Maisie bringing tea to the sex workers;
with the women in red aprons laying out jigsaws in the nursery;
the cleaners coming home from Corporation Street on the 50,
eyes flickering shut in the heater’s warmth.
Illuminate the nurses leaving for the early shift, windscreen wipers on,
radio crooning; the mothers cutting toast into triangles,
stepping toddlers from their wet pyjamas; the girl making love,
eyes closed, still half-asleep, feeling water rise through her
like the cut being thawed. Illuminate the insomniacs
in their kitchens in the fading dark, night nearly behind them;
the college girls and their sisters, asleep in shared box rooms,
phones in hand, always waiting for his message. Inshallah.
The woman who begs for money at the Middleway junction,
scabs on her wrists and round her mouth like poppies;
the one who dozes in a tent in the bushes, the one so thin
with a little star tattooed on her cheek and her eyebrows painted black.
Illuminate the women praying; the women doing yoga
foreheads to the floor in child’s pose; the old women who lie stiff
with arthritis, remembering, as girls, how frost furred
the inside of the windows, wondering how early they can ring their daughters;
daughters boiling kettles and stripping bedsheets,
turning on the radio to Kath, in her windowless studio:
“Good morning, Birmingham, I’m with you all the way until 6 …”
Illuminate them all. Let the buried Rea be a blast of light.

LIZ BERRY

Liz Berry’s collections of poems include Black Country, 2014, The Republic of Motherhood, 2018, and The Home Child, 2023.

Family eating

New Workshops and Programmes from Approachable Parenting

Parenting is a beautiful, rewarding, and sometimes incredibly overwhelming journey. No matter what stage you are in, having a supportive community can make all the difference. We’re delighted to share that Approachable Parenting, based in Balsall Heath, is launching a range of supportive programmes and workshops designed to empower, guide, and connect parents. Whether you are looking for practical advice, health insights, or just a safe space to chat, we have something for you.

Here is everything coming up and how you can get involved!

Chit, Chat & Chai Workshops

Grab a cuppa and join us for relaxed, informative sessions focused on wellbeing and community solidarity.

👉 Click here to register for the Chit, Chat & Chai Workshop

0–3 Parenting Programmes

The early years are crucial for your child’s development—and your own confidence as a parent. Our tailored 0–3 programmes offer practical tools and expert guidance. Spaces fill up fast, so please secure your place early!

Working with SEND Communities?

Are you part of a school or community organisation supporting families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)? We want to partner with you! We are now offering tailored workshops and drop-in sessions specifically designed for your groups. Get in touch with our team to find out how we can support your community.

How to Refer a Family

If you are a professional or a friend looking to support a family who would benefit from our services, you can refer them directly to us using our quick online form:

👉 Access the Approachable Parenting Referral Form

Stay Connected

Don’t miss out on future updates, parenting tips, and upcoming workshop announcements. Join our community mailing list to stay in the loop (or opt out at any time).

👉 Join the Approachable Parenting Mailing List

If you have any questions or would like to collaborate, please feel free to reach out. We’d absolutely love to hear from you!

Warmest regards,

The Approachable Parenting Team

Approachable Parenting CIC is an award-winning non-profit organisation offering families culturally sensitive parenting programmes and services that integrate psychological principles and techniques from the Muslim faith.