Claire Almond, Teaching Assistant at Chivenor Primary School, at the Rob Burrows Leeds Marathon 2026 / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
Words and photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
Usually found guiding the youngest learners at Chivenor Primary School, teaching assistant Claire Almond demonstrated a powerful lesson in perseverance by completing a half marathon on Sunday, 10 May.
Almond tackled the gruelling 21-kilometre Leeds Marathon course to raise vital funds for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research, a cause close to her heart.
The challenging route began and ended at Headingley Stadium, the hallowed home ground of the late rugby league legend Rob Burrow. For Almond, a dedicated women’s rugby player, Burrow’s courageous battle with the neurodegenerative condition served as a profound inspiration.
Runners running in the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2023 / Photograph from Adobe Stock Images
After witnessing the impact of the disease on the sporting community, she felt compelled to trade her rugby cleats for running shoes to make a difference.
Almond’s journey to the finish line, which she completed in an impressive two hours and twenty minutes, is particularly remarkable given her recent start in the sport.
Having only begun running last summer through the NHS ‘Couch to 5K’ program, the transition to a half marathon represented a monumental leap in distance and endurance. “I never even thought I’d be able to run 5 kilometres, let alone 21K,” Almond shared, reflecting on her rapid progression from novice jogger to long-distance fundraiser.
Her grit and determination have resonated throughout her community.
The children and staff at Chivenor Primary School are incredibly proud of Claire’s fantastic achievement.
By pushing her physical limits, she has not only raised essential funds for MND research but also provided an inspiring example of dedication for her students.
Chivenor Primary School is part of Griffin Schools Trust, for more information visit www.griffinschoolstrust.org
Chivenor Primary School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom. If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local, please email: [email protected]
Residents at Phoenix Court on Yatesbury Avenue, Castle Vale, have started a petition calling for extra security in their building – following concerns regarding a tenant who has been charged with firearm and weapon related offences, and who is currently registered as living in the over 55’s housing complex.
The tenant in question is being processed through the Birmingham courts for a list of offences relating to threatening behaviour, firearms and weapons.
According to the court listing, they are facing the following charges: threat to damage / destroy property, [possession of] a firearm without a certificate, [possession of] an offensive weapon in [a] private place.
It is further believed that threats to endanger life were made by the tenant towards at least one staff member at Phoenix Court.
Sign outside Birmingham Crown Court (Photograph by Ed King)
As part of their initial bail conditions, the tenant facing the charges was reportedly blocked from entering municipal areas at Phoenix Court or entering the building unsupervised.
However, according to other residents at Phoenix Court the problem tenant has been tailgating people entering the housing complex and bypassing the front door security locks.
After raising concerns over safety at a recent meeting with the estate management team, worried residents are now circulating a petition asking The Pioneer Group, who own and operate Phoenix Court, to “arrange for a security person in the front entrance… until [the tenant is] incarcerated or evicted from [their] flat.”
Police tape cordoning off road (photograph by Ed King)
The tenant identified in the petition has previously been at the centre of various disturbances, including a dramatic armed police response in June 2022 after it was believed they then too had a firearm – where other Phoenix Court residents were held under “siege” whilst the police cordoned off the housing complex and made their arrest.
One resident told Castle Vale Local: “After that siege, four years ago, [they] shouldn’t have been allowed back in here – a block full of vulnerable people.”
They added: “You don’t know what [they] can be capable of, [they] threatened to blow [a staff member] in [their] car.”
British armed police officer (Photograph taken from Adobe Stock Images)
Owned and managed by The Pioneer Group, Castle Vale’s largest social Housing landlord, Phoenix Court houses around 60 elderly residents – encouraging independent living and community, within a supported accommodation setting.
The Route2Wellbeing website describes Phoenix Court as “a personalised approach supporting the wellbeing of older people by promoting independence through the development of friendships, reducing isolation and offering a wide range of activities and opportunities that promote wellbeing and increased quality of life.”
After receiving the petition from Phoenix Court residents, on Friday 22 May a spokesperson for The Pioneer Group told Castle Vale Local: “We are aware of an ongoing issue involving a tenant at Phoenix Court.
“We are working closely with tenants to ensure the building remains safe and are taking the appropriate course of action to address the situation.”
They added: “As an added reassurance, we have arranged for a security guard to be present during the evenings over [the Bank Holiday] weekend. We also have CCTV in place both internally and externally, with our teams actively monitoring and reporting any sightings.
“We have been in contact with the police, who have reassured us that they will carry out additional internal patrols.”
Residents confirmed a security guard was present over the Bank Holiday Weekend, but at the time of writing has not returned to the front entrance of Phoenix Court.
Castle Vale Local has further reached out to The Pioneer Group about potential cost implications over additional security and the housing provider’s eviction policies and process.
The tenant facing charges is scheduled to reappear in court in June.
Castle Vale Local will continue to follow the story.
Chivenor Primary School main entrance / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
Words and photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
The Chivenor school community is celebrating a major milestone following official confirmation that the Department for Education (DfE) has approved funding for a brand-new, on-site nursery facility.
The announcement, which reached parents and staff via email this week, marks the culmination of months of dedicated “behind the scenes” advocacy and strategic planning. School leadership expressed immense pride in the achievement, noting that the successful bid represents a significant investment in the area’s early years provision.
This new addition will allow the school to support its “mini Griffins” from the very start of their educational journey.
“This achievement is the result of months of hard work,” shared Lisa Guest, Executive Head, who extended gratitude to the staff and partners involved in the complex application process.
While the funding is now secured, the work is far from over and the school is now entering a rigorous phase of preparation to ensure the environment is ready for its first cohort. The project will involve several months of detailed planning and infrastructure development to meet the specific needs of the youngest learners, with the nursery doors opening in September 2026.
Local families have welcomed the news, with many places already being snapped up.
As the school community looks toward the future, this initiative stands as a testament to Chivenor’s commitment to providing comprehensive, high-quality local education for the next generation.
If you would like more information or to request an application pack, please contact the school office or email [email protected]
Chivenor Primary School is part of Griffin Schools Trust, for more information visit www.griffinschoolstrust.org
Chivenor Primary School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.
If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local, please email: [email protected]
Awards on display at first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Words by Tracy Fisher
On 19 March, the first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event was held at Lift Greenwood (formerly Greenwood Academy).
Also known as the Hearts of Castle Vale Awards, the event was the culmination of a campaign to recognise individuals who work tirelessly to support the local community – as organised by local landlords and estate stakeholder, The Pioneer Group (TPG).
After weeks of public nominations and voting, the Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards winners were presented with their certificate, trophy, and badge in front of an audience of local residents, community groups, and invited guests – with Lift Greenwood Assistant Principal, Trevor Evans, and local resident Tai Colman hosting.
Lift Greenwood Assistant Principla Trevor Evans announcing winners at first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
With all winners announced on the night, the audience was also made up of other hopefuls waiting to hear their name potentially called out.
The evening further presented a dance troupe performance from local youth group YoungStars, as well as a song by the winner of the 2025 Castle Vale’s Got Talent competition, Brooke Haynes.
The Pioneer Group launched the Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards on 26 January, with support from Nationwide Windows and Doors – who also support the Christmas celebrations on the estate.
TPG encouraged local residents to put forward names of individuals, groups, or organisations worthy of nomination for one of six categories available – reflecting their contribution to the local community.
Audience at first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Winners from each category were presented with their awards, followed by a video montage of why they deserved to win the accolade. For winners unable to attend the gala event a representative accepted the award on their behalf.
After her name was called out, Alice Rawlins, who won the Community Connector Award, told Castle Vale Local: “[I’m] stunned actually. I didn’t expect it at all. They were all sneaky, making videos and saying they were other things. So yeah, a big surprise”.
The Volunteer Award was awarded to Sonia Carr for her work in the Upcycle Café. She said: “It was a surprise for me, I didn’t think I would get one actually. But I’m really pleased and grateful to everybody who nominated for me.”
Skylar Orme-Joicey winning Young Ambassador Award / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
The youngest of the award winners was Skylar Orme-Joicey, who won the Young Ambassador Award. At just twelve years old, an inspiration for other young people in the Community, Skylar told Castle Vale Local: “It feels really good. I like helping the community, and winning awards”.
Laura Grigg, Community Hubs Manager from The Sanctuary Community Centre, who was a driving force behind the project, explained: “It’s been fabulous, been humbling to actually hear the stories, we’ve heard stories about things going on that we would never have known apart from this event.
“It truly shows, community is so strong on Castle Vale and just need to be rewarded for the hard work that they do”
Audience at first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
She added: “We’re hoping to make it bigger and better next year; we started with six nominations this year… so we’re hoping to go all out next year and truly recognise everything that’s good.”
The full list of categories and winers for the first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards are: Unsung Hero Award – Wayne Haynes, Duty to the Community Award – Lee Crofts, Good Neighbour Award – John Shearer, Young Ambassador Award – Skylar Orme-Joicey, Volunteer Award – Sonia Carr, Community Connector Award – Alice Rawlins.
Tensions flared earlier this month after the presence of a protest group on the car park by Castle Pool, off Farnborough Road, limited access for local schools coming for swimming sessions.
On Thursday 5 February, members of Unite the Union supporting industrial action by the city’s bin workers organised an afternoon of public engagement.
But staff from the swimming pool warned coaches bringing local children in to use the facility would have been blocked from accessing the public car park.
Speaking to our Castle Vale Local reporter as the protest was still taking place, a senior member of staff from Castle Pool told: “I did ask them to move, purely because we have schools come in and… they need somewhere to park, and [the Unite members] wouldn’t move and still haven’t moved now.”
They added: “I found [the Unite members] to be very rude to be honest. Not the best at all, just ransacking everybody who’s walking through just to take [rubbish to] the bins.
“It’s not good, it’s not good at all… its safeguarding for us at the pool as well, it’s not good.”
Local resident taking wheelie bin to MHWC on car park by Castle Pool, Castle Vale (Credit – Tracy Fisher, Erdington Local)
Local residents were also hampered getting their rubbish to the Mobile Household Waste Centre (MHWC), a Council operated free to access waste collection unit scheduled to be on the car park from 7.30am to 12.30pm.
Residents were seen parking elsewhere and having to walk their wheelie bins to Mobile ‘Tip Truck’ at the preapproved collection point on the car park.
One of the protest group, identifying themselves as part of Unite the Union, explained: “We’re here to try and raise awareness to the residents of Castle Vale, because a lot of people are still unaware of why we’re striking.”
When asked about reports the presence of the group had been making it difficult for residents to access the Mobile Tip Truck, with cars unable to fully access Castle Pool car park, they added: “No, no we haven’t. We’ve just been talking to local residents, explaining why we’re here, what we’re doing.
“Mostly once they’ve understood the situation, and why we’re here and why we’re striking, a lot of the local residents [are] totally supporting us now…. we’ve had a couple that were against us and we’ve managed to sway them and now [they] fully support us.”
Unite the Union strike protest group on car park by Castle Pool, Castle Vale (Credit – Tracy Fisher, Erdington Local)
One local resident, John, who was at Castle Pool Car Park whilst Unite were present and regularly uses the Mobile Tip Truck, told Castle Vale Local: “I think with the amount of Unite people here it’s a bit intimidating.”
He added: “But you know, I listened to them, what they had to say, because there’s always two sides to every story.”
The Unite the Union bin workers dispute with Birmingham City Council has been ongoing since March 2025 amid concerns over job losses and heavy pay cuts. In a recent ballot, Unite members voted to continue the strikes until September this year.
The industrial action is part of an ongoing issue over between Unite the Union, representing waste management staff, and Birmingham City Council, that has been affecting the city since John Clancy was Leader in 2018.
Earlier in the morning of 5 February, there were added reports of friction between Castle Vale’s Councillor Ray Goodwin (Labour) and the Unite bin striker protest group.
Outside of Castle Pool, Castle Vale (Credit Ed King, Erdington Local)
Cllr Goodwin, who is also Birmingham Labour’s Chief Whip, has been active in securing the MHWC trucks in coming to Castle Vale – with the North Birmingham estate receiving more visits than other areas across the city.
The senior member of staff from Castle Pool previously quoted also witnessed the altercation with Cllr Goodwin. They told: “It wasn’t very nice, they (protest group members) were like pushing him (Cllr Goodwin) really, to move out the way…”
They added: “There was about ten (protest group members) there… there’s absolute no need for that anyway, whatever you’re trying to do.”
Castle Pool is run Castle Pool Community Partnership, made up of local staff and community volunteers, following an asset transfer from Birmingham City Council in 2015 which saved the swimming pool from closure.
A member of the protest group identifying themselves as a Unite member confirmed: “We had a local councillor here this morning… [He] got a bit upset when I asked him whose pockets were being lined through this, so that says it all doesn’t it.”
Flyer for ‘Unite the Union Bin Strike Public Meeting’ on Castle Vale (Credit Ed King, Erdington Local)
Castle Vale Local has reached out to Councillor Goodwin and Unite the Union for further comment. At the time of writing, neither has responded with a public statement.
Others quoted in this article have had their identities shielded for fear of reprisals.
An event labelled ‘Unite the Union Bin Strike Public Meeting’ is being held at the Castle Vale Residents Association Club, on Yatesbury Avenue, on Thursday 19 February – between 6pm and 8pm.
Flyers for the event invite Castle Vale residents to “come along and ask questions to bin workers about the strike”, with “light refreshments provided”.
The Mobile Household Waste Centre is scheduled to be back on Castle Vale on 28 March (by Castle Pool) and 31 March (321 Yatesbury Avenue).
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, or have something you’d like to add to the story, please get in touch by emailing: [email protected]
Councillor Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour
Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin
The past month has shown once again what can be achieved when communities are supported, empowered and listened to. The mobile tip truck has proved its value following the post-Christmas period, helping residents tackle waste and improve the environment they care so deeply about.
Alongside this, our dedicated community litter pickers have now collected an incredible 1,560 bags of rubbish — a powerful demonstration of civic pride and collective action.
But this is about more than numbers. It is about people. Across Castle Vale, residents are stepping forward to make a difference: volunteers supporting the food bank, neighbours organising clean-ups, and local creative talent like Duane Emsley, who is producing films that showcase the voices and stories of our community.
This is what happens when people are given the opportunity and support to lead change themselves.
I am often asked why I chose to get involved in politics, and why I am standing for re-election. The answer is clear. Politics should be about people — not rhetoric, not ideology, but real action that improves everyday lives.
Campaigners like the inspirational Jane Roche, who continues to fight for justice for families who lost loved ones to Covid, remind us that leadership means standing up for those who might otherwise be unheard.
Castle Vale proves that democracy is strongest when communities are at its heart. My commitment remains the same: to champion local voices, fight for fairness, and ensure that people-powered politics delivers real change where it matters most.
Councillor Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour
(Ed’s note… this column was written for the January/February Erdington Local newspaper and first published on 20.01.26)
Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin
The world feels as though it’s on its axis at the moment, and I believe it is incumbent on anyone in public life to show moral leadership.
That is why I decided to delete my X account. This decision was not taken because I am against free speech, but because I could not associate myself with a social media platform that freely allows the abuse of another individual through the use of AI.
The work I do in Castle Vale has always been about social justice and equality, without fear or favour. It is what I have focused on for the past three and a half years, and it will always guide my moral compass.
As we move into January and the first part of the year, there is much to reflect on and much to look forward to. Park regeneration is about to begin, and recently the BBC came to Castle Vale and showed what an amazing community this truly is—something we have always known.
The latest IMD figures are now out, and I am over the moon to say that in 2021 Castle Vale was the fourth most deprived ward in the city. Today, we have moved to fourteenth. That is really good news. The statistics also show that crime is down.
There is so much to be proud of: crime down, cleaner streets, regenerated parks, a stronger community.
In 2022, I promised a cleaner, greener, safer Castle Vale—and that is exactly what I am delivering.
Royal Mail collection box on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph by Ed King
Words by Tracy Fisher
Castle Vale residents are still not receiving vital post following weeks of Royal Mail ‘service disruption’, with some not having had any mail since before Christmas.
But according to the Royal Mail, the Erdington constituency no longer has a problem with deliveries and has been removed from the list of affected areas highlighted on the national postal service’s website.
Areas across the region still listed as affected include Sutton Coldfield and Tamworth.
But missing post continues to have a serious impact across the Castle Vale estate – with residents not receiving important letters such as hospital appointments and offers of school placements, alongside parcels containing Christmas gifts and cards.
Royal Mail collection box on Castle Vale High Street – full of letters with / Photograph by Ed King
One resident, living on Tangmere Drive, told Castle Vale Local they have not received any mail for over a month. Whilst a further group of nine residents – all over 70 – explained they had not received any mail for over seven weeks.
Adding to local concern, the Royal Mail collection box on Castle Vale High Street has been left unemptied for so long that letters can no longer be posted into it, with the backlog so dense that mail can be seen bursting out of the slot.
Royal Mail has also stated that the ‘service disruptions’ of postal deliveries across the UK is ‘due to severe weather’.
However, Storm Goretti – the recent adverse weather that would have most affected roads and logistics networks across the country – only reached the UK on the 8-9 January, according to the Met Office.
Royal Mail van driving through snow covering the road / Photograph sourced through Adobe Stock Images
Castle Vale Local has heard further conflicting reports from sources at Royal Mail delivery offices, stating that whilst some lorries were unable to make scheduled deliveries due to snow and ice on the roads the delays are due – at least in part – to a lack of staff across the national mail network.
Internal sources have further told how agency staff have been brought in to work on behalf of Royal Mail elsewhere in Erdington constituency – alongside unbranded vehicles, and not official Royal Mail vans, being used to collected parcels from a High Street Post Office.
Existing employees at local depots also share customer frustrations, with one member of staff saying the disruption has been internally flagged up as unacceptable by staff and aimed at Royal Mail management.
Royal Mail post box covered in snow / Photograph sourced through Adobe Stock Images
Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin initially contacted Castle Bromwich Delivery office “in relation to residents’ concerns about letters not being delivered”, recognising the delays in deliveries are “causing much frustration” across the North Birmingham estate.
Cllr Goodwin added: “I took it upon myself to go down to the [Castle Bromwich] delivery office to speak to someone.
“They said there has been a backlog of parcels and letters since Christmas and with the snow, they’re doing their very best to sort it by the end of the week (25 January).”
While there are reports that residents have started receiving some parcels and post, albeit dated from as far back as December 2025, Castle Vale Local has been unable to identify an official timescale as to when delivery issues will be fully resolved.
With Birmingham’s Local Elections fast approaching, and the deadline to apply for a postal vote on 31 January, the backlog of mail and delays to deliveries could also block those without digital access from being able to vote in May.
Royal Mail, now run by International Distributions Services, is owned by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky’s EP Group, following a recent £3.6 billion takeover.
Castle Vale Local has reached out to Royal Mail for further comment.
If you have any comments or responses to the issues raised in this article – or any other news from Castle Vale – please get in touch with Castle Vale Local reporter Tracy Fisher at: [email protected]
Cllr Ray Goodwin outside Spitfire House on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour
Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin
Castle Vale welcomed the festive season in spectacular style as hundreds of residents gathered for the annual Christmas Tree Light Switch-On at Centre Park on 1 December.
The event, made possible through the support of The Pioneer Group and a number of dedicated local partners, was a powerful reminder of the remarkable community spirit that defines our estate.
The evening opened with a heart-warming performance from our very own Pioneer Choir, whose beautiful renditions of classic Christmas carols set the perfect tone for the celebrations.
Castle Vale’s Christmas Tree lights switch on event in Centre Park / Photograph supplied by The Pinoeer Group
Excitement grew as families waited for the arrival of our special guest – Santa himself – who delighted children and adults alike before helping to officially illuminate this year’s impressive Christmas tree.
This stunning centrepiece, proudly standing at the heart of Castle Vale, was generously donated along with the lights by Nationwide Windows and M&BG. Klassic Donuts added to the festivities with sweet treats that kept everyone warm and smiling throughout the night.
As the lights flickered on and the crowd cheered, it became clear that this event was more than a seasonal tradition; it was a celebration of togetherness.
Organisations such as Upcycle Birmingham, The Sanctuary, Castle Vale Community Environmental Trust, Spitfire Services, YoungStars Community Hub and Castle Pool Community Partnership all played a part in bringing the community together for an evening of joy, connection and pride.
With the unveiling of a special Christmas flag and more festive surprises to come, Christmas at the Vale is officially underway.
This year’s celebration stands as a shining example of what Castle Vale can achieve when we come together.
Cllr Ray Goodwin outside Spitfire House on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour
Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin
October and November have been months of reflection, change, and community spirit in Castle Vale. As we move from autumn into winter, we’ve continued to see that spirit of unity and progress shine.
October kicked off with another successful Mobile Tip Truck event, helping residents tackle fly-tipping and keep our streets clean.
It’s always inspiring to see so many people come together, showing real pride in our community. When we work side by side, we not only improve our environment but strengthen our connections.
Community safety remains a priority. Following concerns about antisocial behaviour and off-road biking, I’ve been working closely with local police, housing officers, and partners to ensure everyone feels safe.
I’ll continue pushing for quicker responses and stronger enforcement.
Exciting news: the rebuilding of our parks will soon begin. These green spaces are vital to families, children, and older residents alike, offering places to relax and connect.
(l-r) Cllr Ray Goodwin and local veteran raise ‘Lest We Forget’ flag in Centre Park on Remembrance Day / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
On Remembrance Sunday we attended the Remembrance Day service at St. Cuthbert’s Church, which bought the community together, and at 11:00am on the eleventh month we stood together as a community to raise the flag and honour those who served and sacrificed.
It was a meaningful moment of reflection and unity.
As the festive season approaches, we look forward to the Christmas tree light switch-on and supporting the Christmas Toy Appeal. Together, we’ll ensure that every child in the Vale has something special to look forward to.
Castle Vale is a place of determination, unity, and hope. Together, we’ll face whatever comes next.
