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Toqueer landscape

What I love about Balsall Heath

The writer, Toqueer is an award winning Eco activist and blog writer in Birmingham, a volunteer with Retrofit and new writer for the Balsall Heathan:

I first met John Christopher, Zero Carbon House in Balsall Heath at a talk a few years ago, speaking about climate change and the need for real urgency. I got to connect with him and as a volunteer with Birmingham Friends of the Earth and Footsteps at the time. I came across Retrofit Balsall Heath. I love culture and community and a desire to make a difference. I have really enjoyed visiting Balsall Heath Old Print Works and I am a regular visitor at the Balsall Heath Second Saturday, where I enjoy creative stalls and activities. Did you know there is a library too? I love the diversity, there is a large Yemini community, Kashmiri and English people all living together, great food too, something for everyone.

There is a real passion for looking after each other and it was amazing to see all the community and faith communities coming together to help 700 homes in Balsall Heath and Accocks Green to retrofit their homes, its much more than just homes, its about hearts and minds too, supporting families with energy advice, the MECC trust also do a great job and having activities like monthly cycling.

The campaign ‘Raising the slabs‘ was a great success, supporting Melrose avenue to plant fruit trees in their front garden. I recommend local people to consider volunteering and getting involved in your local area, even if you have only a few hours spare a month, Retrofit Balsall Heath is a family, we look after each other and hope to have regular socials.

Toqueer
Toqueer, blogpost writer

Flicking through past editions of the Balsall Heathan on display

Rediscovering your Heathan

Saturday, 11th April we officially relaunched The Heathan online and a monthly e-newsletter – subscribe now!

Balsall Heath Local History Society and the Museum of Islamic Arts and Heritage (MIAH) bring this iconic community zine back to life, supported by St.Paul’s Trust, our Believe in Balsall Heath partner organisations and an alliance of people and organisations across Balsall Heath.

From Cow Gum to Clicks

The relaunch event, held during Second Saturday, was a perfect place to bridge between our past and our future. We gathered at the Mix Café inside The Old Print Works, surrounded by archive editions of The Heathan with fab food and refreshments from Change Kitchen.

For those used to modern layout software, the exhibition was a revelation – We showcased how the original zine was painstakingly assembled using typewriters, ‘cow gum’ and a massive amount of patience. While the technology has changed, the mission remains the same: for Balsall Heath and Balsall Heathans.

Mix cafe second saturday chat as Heathan Relaunches
Catching up at Second Saturday as the Heathan relaunches

Second Saturday sees our return

We spent the day sharing memories, and chatting about what the future of Balsall Heath looks like. We will be at every Second Saturday to meet up, chat and keep grounded in Balsall Heath.

Take a look at our gallery below to see some of the faces we met on the day!
Thanks Photographer Richard Albutt

Fixing the dynamo connector
Fixing the dynamo connector
Toqueer, green champion
Toqueer, green champion
Final adjustments to the bike dynamo
Final adjustments to the bike dynamo
Flicking through past editions of the Balsall Heathan on display
Flicking through past editions of the Balsall Heathan on display
Duncan Ali, looking for a fairer, greener world at Second Saturday
Duncan Ali, looking for a fairer, greener world at Second Saturday
Fahima, artist, sculptor, does henna sometimes
Marcus with Fahima, artist, sculptor, does henna sometimes
Rachel Gillies, editor of 'NeighbourhoodNewsOnline.com' on hand to see the Heathan relaunch
Rachel Gillies, editor of ‘NeighbourhoodNewsOnline.com’ on hand to see the Heathan relaunch
Francesco, co-founder of PRISM, exhibiting at Second Saturday
Francesco, co-founder of PRISM, exhibiting at Second Saturday
Ian & Susie on the Mix Room Cafe Couch
Ian & Susie on the Mix Room Cafe Couch
Step back in time, remembering days playing in the concrete drainage pipes
Step back in time, remembering days playing in the concrete drainage pipes
A family of cyclists at Second Saturday
A family of cyclists at Second Saturday
Dan checks the wheel pulley thing to convert bike power to electricity
Dan checks the wheel pulley thing to convert bike power to electricity

What’s next?

Whether you want to share a story, promote a local project, or just stay updated on what’s happening, we want to hear from you. If you’re interested in journalism, editing or helping in any way please get in contact with us.

Artwork Muhmood Tahir
Painted by local artist Muhmood Tahir, gifted to Balsall heath, displayed for the first time at our relaunch!
Artwork Muhmood Tahir
See interview with the artist

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‘I came here because of the Heathan’

Judith explains ‘Well, I was living in Moseley, you know, rented Housing Association Flat. At the time I couldn’t consider buying a property. I couldn’t afford to anywhere in Moseley, but what was available in those days in the newsagents, was the Heathan, which for 20p I could afford, and I’ve just found the article, [Issue 103 Dec 1987]…Seven Streets Success, which…that was what made me consider Balsall Heath.’

Balsall Heath Station delays as trains fly by

Exciting news for Birmingham Commuters as the Kings Norton to New Street lines reopens. This investment in our local infrastructure has been much anticipated but for those of us in Balsall Heath, the news comes with disappointment. Despite being a key feature of the 2015 Neighbourhood Plan – it is a policy in the statutory plan – Moseley, Kings Heath and Pineapple Road open without Balsall Heath Station.

Souvenir Postcard celebrating the re-opening of Moseley, Kings Heath and Pineapple stations
Souvenir Postcard celebrating the re-opening of Moseley, Kings Heath and Pineapple stations
Shock move as Jess Carter returns to Birmingham City assisting Moseley Commuters
Shock move as Jess Carter returns to Birmingham City assisting Moseley Commuters

A Tale of Two Stations

Camp Hill Station stood at the junction of Moseley Road and Highgate
Road. Both Camp Hill station opened in 1840 when the railway was first laid through Balsall Heath. The Camp Hill site is now occupied by Logmoor, and the original stationmaster’s house can still be seen just by the bridge over the road in the picture below.

Camp Hill Station
Camp Hill Station and crossing
View of the station in 1905
View of the station in 1905

Brighton Road station was the second station on the line to Gloucester from Birmingham and was opened in 1875 by the Midland Railway. Its close proximity to the city centre meant it was always vulnerable to competition first from the trams which had a terminus nearby and later the No. 50 bus.    

John Bagwell was appointed station master in 1876 and he held this position until the station was placed under the supervision of the Camp Hill station master on 15 July 1907. The station was hit by bombs in 1941, closed and never reopened.

The bridge across Brighton Road was enlarged in 1923 under a scheme to support unemployed workers.
The bridge across Brighton Road was enlarged in 1923 under a scheme to support unemployed workers.
Brighton Road station was smashed to pieces by bombing in 1941 and never re-opened.
Brighton Road station was smashed to pieces by bombing in 1941 and never re-opened.
View from the train of what remains of Brighton Road Station on the re-opening of Camp Hill Line 2026
View from the train of what remains of Brighton Road Station on the re-opening of Camp Hill Line 2026

A Bad Joke

We’ve been digging in the archives and have some nineteenth century train humour for you, as well as a 2026 shaggy dog story:

From ‘The Dart’satirical mag Aug 1891 Shaggy dog story
A friend who lived at Mosely owned a highly educated retriever dog. He exercised the
dog in this way. It would see its master off by the early morning Moseley train then trot
off down the road to Mr Higgins newspaper shop, purchase a Post and deliver it to his
master at Camp Hill Station.
The dog did this for a month and then died. It caught a severe cold through having to frequently wait for the arrival of his master’s train at Camp Hill.

June 1884
Why is Camp Hilll Station like a good pork pie?
Because it never lack for pepper. (The stationmaster who lived on site was called Mr Pepper.)

April 1882
Travelling to Moseley the other evening , the train due in town at 10.18 rushed by.
It is called by locals “Adam” because it is the first mail. The second one is called “Cain”

April 2026
A group of drinkers recently left New Street Station after waiting eighty years for the train home.  They are now in the Shakespeare Pub, but expect to be back in Balsall Heath soon.

Find more history IN CHANGING TIMES

Front page first Heathan

A new start for a Local Legend: The Balsall Heathan Returns!

Balsall Heath has always been a neighbourhood with a story to tell, or rather, thousands of them. Balsall Heath is a place of creativity, character and community pride.

That’s why Balsall Heath residents and organisations are teaming up with the Balsall Heath Local History Society and the Museum of Islamic Arts and Heritage (MIAH) to relaunch the iconic community newspaper: The Balsall Heathan online!

Why Now?

For years, The Balsall Heathan served as the heartbeat of the ward, documenting everything from local activism to neighborhood celebrations. We believe there is something powerful about a publication that belongs to the people who live and work here.

A Dream Partnership

At a crucial time when so much is changing in Balsall Heath we need to share what’s happening and hear the voices of residents. Balsall Heath Local History Society and the Museum of Islamic Arts and Heritage are both members of Believe in Balsall Heath – a community arts and heritage initiative created by local organisations to celebrate the people, culture, and history of Balsall Heath. We’re also part of wider networks for wellbeing, health and planning locally – Balsall Heath Alliance is looking to update a deelopment plan which might literally change the map of Balsall Heath.

What to Expect

The revived Balsall Heathan will be a space for:

  • Local Legends: Spotlighting the shopkeepers, teachers, and neighbours from our past and present making a difference.
  • Our History: features that explore how our landmarks have changed.
  • Culture & Arts: Showcasing the incredible talent brewing locally

We’re picking up from ‘Neighbourhood News Online’ left off and bringing back the Heathan.

We’re looking for local stories, features and anyone interested in how you can get involved!

Contact Ma****@********************co.uk to find out more

Kite Flying Image Mick turner

Balsall Heath in Changing Times 1960s to 1990s

The Project aims to record and preserve memories from people of diverse backgrounds, linking these with the Mick Turner Archive of photographic images. This composite picture will be shown in an Exhibition, touring displays, a published booklet, and a 10 minute film, as well as online on our website, Facebook pages and Youtube.

Read More

Retrofit Spring Fayre

Cut your bills – Meet your neighbours – Green your streets.

Sat, May 31st, 2025, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Balsall Heath Church Centre, Mary Street, Balsall Heath, Birmingham.

  • What is retrofit?
  • Stalls, Children’s activities, Get Cycling 
  • Collaboration with Saheli Hub, MECC, Fruit and Nut Village