Category: Castle Vale Local

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Slide into learning at Chivenor Primary school’s new nursery!

Staff celebrating the opening of Chivenor Nursery / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School

Words and photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School

From the moment you walk through the doors of the new Chivenor Nursery it is obvious that it has been created with children at the centre of every decision.

Before even setting foot in the main rooms, the Mini Griffins and Little learners are given the option to either climb down the stairs, or to take the blue slide down to their learning – The slide generally wins!

The nursery rooms have been created to be calm and peaceful, creating an environment where young children can build confidence, make new friends, and develop key early skills through hands on play.

Outside there is a courtyard for children to continue their learning under the elements and a newly fenced off area has also been created on the school’s grass as an extension to their outdoor space.

Chivenor Nursery officially opened last week, following a summer of building work, painting, and preparation and staff are excited to see the new Mini Griffins and Little Learners starting to learn through play with brand new toys and equipment.

“It is great to see the place brought to life by the children. They have adapted remarkably well and are definitely enjoying the environment,” remarked staff. “It’s been great to see how independent they are already”.

Chivenor Primary are delighted to be extending their school to include these young students and are looking forward to a number of shared activities over the year.

If you would like more information regarding the nursery, please contact: nursery@chivenor-gst.org

For more on Chivenor Primary School visit www.chivenor-gst.org

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: edking@erdingtonlocal.com

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 18 September.

To be the first to get your LOCAL NEWS delivered through your door and support independent community journalism, SUBSCRIBE LOCAL and email for more information at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

 

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LOCAL POLITICS: Councillor Ray Goodwin – Castle Vale, Labour

Cllr Ray Goodwin outside Spitfire House on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour

Words by Councillor Ray Goodwin

As the television show goes, Last of the Summer Wine has finally come to an end — and as we move into autumn, our thoughts are turning towards the winter ahead.

For many residents, winter can be difficult. Rising household costs, the pressures of keeping homes warm and the challenges faced by those already struggling mean our focus now has to be on making sure people know where they can turn for help and support.

That work will involve not only our fantastic partner organisations, including Spitfire Services, Upcycle Birmingham and Pioneer Housing, but also the community itself. Castle Vale has always been strongest when residents are placed at the heart of what we do. That will be particularly important over the coming months.

Our recent community festival was a fantastic example of that spirit. It was an amazing day that showcased the very best of Castle Vale — our people, organisations and the incredible community pride that exists here.

But we shouldn’t kid ourselves. We still have some stubborn issues to tackle.

The rollout of the waste pilot is becoming increasingly frustrating. At times, it feels like we are playing a never-ending game of whack-a-mole. Just when one problem appears to have been dealt with, another seems to pop up.

We need to keep pushing for solutions, listening to residents and holding those responsible to account.

Castle Vale is an amazing community. This autumn and winter, we need to make sure we continue putting that community at the centre of everything we do.

For more on Councillor Ray Goodwin www.facebook.com/thisiscastlevale

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 18 September.

To be the first to get your LOCAL NEWS delivered through your door and support independent community journalism, SUBSCRIBE LOCAL and email for more information at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Castle Pool Community Partnership

Outside of Castle Pool, Castle Vale / Photograph by Ed King, Erdington Local

Words by Shaun Hand

Back in 2013, when Birmingham City Council announced their plans to close Castle Vale’s swimming pool on Farnborough Road, long-time local resident Amanda Cutler started a petition to save it. She couldn’t have known then that she and her family would end up helping to run it.

“An asset transfer [taking over full responsibility for the site] was the only way we could save the pool,” she explains today. “So we went through that and formed the Castle Pool Community Partnership. We carried on running it, unpaid, for three years. We were the only ones in Birmingham doing that at the time.”

Amanda Cutler (right) and staff member at Castle Pool / Photogroah by Ed King, Erdington Local

Local estate stakeholder, Spitfire Services, were on hand to oversee the complicated process and have been supporting subsequent fundraising endeavours.

But today the running of Castle Pool remains a family affair, with Amanda, her two sons, her nephew, and two volunteers sharing the lifeguard and teaching duties.

They offer swimming for adults, 12-1 pm Monday-Wednesday, but their main focus is on providing swimming lessons for children, including disabled children, on Saturday mornings and during the school holidays.

Signage by swimming pool at Castle Pool / Photgraph by Ed King, Erdington Local

“Pools are closing all over the place,” Amanda tells. “And kids need swimming lessons, especially with all the drownings lately, but lessons are expensive. Because of where we are, we offer them at £5 per week.

“We don’t do ourselves any favours at that price, but you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do, and the people here love it. It’s a family environment. All the local disabled schools come to us.”

Amanda goes on to outline the stark reality of being responsible for a former Council asset; it costs a lot of money to run and maintain. Local schools hire the pool for lessons, and swimming clubs such as S4, Boldmere, and Kingsbury hire it in the evenings.

But even with that money going straight back into running the pool, more is needed to fund much-needed refurbishments on the 43 year old building.

Safety equipment hung up poolside at Castle Pool / Photograph by Ed King, Erdington Local

Castle Pool Community Partnership recently won some funding that allowed the plant room — the invisible machinery that keeps the pool clean and safe — to be updated. However, as Amanda also explains, there’s still a lot to do.

“The major work downstairs is done, but upstairs needs upgrading,” she says. “We need new changing rooms, new doors, new toilets. We keep it as clean as we can, but it’s an old building. Everything’s dated.”

The outdated plant room also meant the pool had to keep shutting because of old, failing equipment, and then close completely for it to be replaced, meaning loss of income. Amanda is therefore constantly on the lookout for anyone willing to help or lend a hand.

“We never have any complaints about the teaching,” she says. “But we do need to update the place, so we need funding, donations… someone who can help us out with some new doors. Anything.”

For more on Castle Pool Community Partnership call (0121) 748 3196 or visit www.facebook.com/CastlePoolCommunityPartnership

If you know of a community group or individual that deserves a COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT shone on them, email us at: community@erdingtonlocal.com

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OPINION: Councillor Ray Goodwin – Castle Vale, Labour

Cllr Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour

This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 14 August. Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email us at: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

Words by Councillor Ray Goodwin (Castle Vale Ward, Labour)

We are now four weeks into Birmingham’s new household waste collection pilot, and while there are some positive changes, there are still significant issues that need to be addressed.

I have been speaking to residents across Castle Vale who genuinely want this pilot to work. They welcome the return of recycling collections, weekly food waste collections and additional street cleansing.

But many are frustrated that they are still waiting for bins to be delivered, while others have told me that their bins have not been emptied as expected.

Four weeks in, these problems should be being resolved. Residents should not be left wondering when their bins will arrive or whether their waste will be collected.

I will continue speaking to residents and raising these issues with the Council. I want this pilot to succeed, but that means listening to residents and putting things right when they go wrong.

There is also some positive news. I’m pleased that the Mobile Tip Truck is returning to Castle Vale on Monday 24 August at Castle Pool car park.

This is another useful service that helps residents dispose of unwanted items responsibly and keeps waste off our streets.

Cleaner streets are something we all want. Residents are doing their bit — now the Council needs to make sure the service delivers for them.

I’ll keep listening, keep raising the issues and keep pushing for Castle Vale.

For more on Councillor Ray Goodwin www.facebook.com/thisiscastlevale

 

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NEWS: Police appeal for witnesses after motorcyclist dies in fatal crash on Kingsbury Road, “near Manby Road”

MERIT unit responding to a road traffic collision at night / Image supplied by West Midlands Ambulance Service

Words by Ed King

West Midlands Police are appealing for witnesses after a motorcyclist was tragically killed in a crash “near Manby Rd” and Kingsbury Rd last night.

Emergency services responded to a road traffic collision (RTC) at around 7:30pm on Sunday 23 August, where a man in his thirties riding a motorbike and a BMW car collided on the A38 near the entrance to the north end of the Castle Vale estate.

Despite a major response from West Midlands Ambulance Service – which included two ambulances, two paramedic officers, a MERIT trauma doctor with critical care paramedic and an emergency helicopter from the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance – the man was eventually pronounced dead at the scene.

Manby Rd and Kingsbury Rd Junction / Image taken from Google Maps

A spokesperson from West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed: “On arrival, crews found the motorcyclist, a man, in a critical condition.

“Ambulance staff immediately provided advanced life support but sadly, despite everyone’s best efforts, he could not be saved and was confirmed dead at the scene.”

West Midlands Police are now appealing for any information that might aid them with their enquiries around the incident, asking anyone who may have eyewitness accounts, ring door bell or dash cam footage to get in touch.

Air Ambulance helicopter / Image taken from Adobe Stock Images

A spokesperson from West Midlands police stated: “We’re appealing for information after a motorcyclist died following a collision in Tyburn.

“We were called to Kingsbury Road, near Manby Road, Tyburn, at around 7.30pm yesterday (Sunday), following reports of a collision involving a motorbike and a car.

“It’s understood the rider collided with a BMW 1 Series before coming off his bike. We have spoken to driver of the BMW, and we are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and saw the motorbike.”

They added: “Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this devastating time.”

Manby Road runs along the north side of the Castle Vale estate and feeds into the busy A38 throughfare, with the Kingsbury Road connecting the M6/M42 motorway junctions near Curdworth to Birmingham City Centre.

Close-up of blue light flasher on roof of ambulance car of emergency medical service on road / Image taken from Adobe Stock Images

Local residents and stakeholders have long warned about issues over road safety around the area, with measures to control and calm traffic an ongoing concern.

At the time of writing no arrests have been made and police are still investigating the causes of the accident.

West Midlands Police have asked anyone with information that may help their enquiries to call 101 and quote log number 3618 – alongside the date of the incident, 23 August.

Report can also be made through the live Chat facility on the West Midlands website or by emailing investigators directly at: SCIU@westmidlands.police.uk

For full details on how to contact West Midlands Police visit: www.westmidlands.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us

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NEWS: Bungalow fire on Tangmere Drive puts two Castle Vale residents in hospital

Concerned Castle Vale locals gather whilst emergency services attend incident at Tangmere Drive bungalows / Photograph supplied by local resident

Words by Ed King

A fire that ransacked three bungalows on Tangmere Drive in Castle Vale yesterday has put two local residents in hospital.

Both initially attended to at the scene by ambulance crews a man was treated for a “medical incident” whilst a woman was also treated for “potentially serious injuries”, before being dispatched for hospital care.

No further casualties were reported, and it is believed the two people conveyed for hospital care are in a stable condition.

At around 1:15pm on Thursday 13 August, fire was seen coming out of the front of a bungalow on Tangmere Drive, before quickly spreading to the two neighbouring premises.

Local residents called the emergency services, who attended the scene and quickly controlled the blaze before it spread further.

Fire at Tangmere Drive bungalows / Images supplied by local residents

The properties are owned and managed by The Pioneer Group, Castle Vale’s largest social landlord with over 2500 residential homes in its portfolio.

In a public statement issued at 5:25pm on the day of the fire, The Pioneer Group stated their “staff have been on site supporting those affected” and asked for “members of the public to avoid the area if possible.”

A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service told Castle Vale Local: “We were called to a fire on Tangmere Drive in Castle Vale, Birmingham at 1.24pm and sent two ambulances, two paramedic officers and a critical care paramedic to the scene.

“On arrival, crews found a man who was treated for a medical incident and conveyed to hospital. A woman was also treated for potentially serious injuries and was also conveyed to hospital.”

Fire Service responsing to blaze at Tangmere Drive bungalows / Images supplied by local residents

A spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service added: “Shortly after 1.20pm on Thursday (13 August), we responded to Bond Drive, Castle Vale, Birmingham.

“Five fire engines and two brigade response vehicles attended, arriving to find a house fire in a single-storey terraced bungalow. The fire had spread to two neighbouring properties.

“Two casualties were treated by paramedics at the scene. Police colleagues attend to assist with traffic management.

“Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire and at present, one fire engine remains in attendance damping down hotspots.”

Damaged roof at one of the bungalows on Tangmere Drive / Photograph supplied by local resident

Occurring on one of the hottest days on record, the fire at the residential properties came only a few weeks before a suspected arson attack saw a large part of Castle Vale Meadows destroyed – with police believing the dried out nature reserve was deliberately set alight.

The cause of the fire at the Tangmere Drive properties has yet to be confirmed.

Castel Vale landlords, The Pioneer Group, further asked for “people to avoid speculation” whilst the incident is investigated by the responsible authorities

Fire destroys bungalows on Tangmere Drive, Castle Vale – footage supplied by local residents

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OPINION: A view from the Vale – a message from Castle Vale’s Councillor Ray Goodwin

Cllr Ray Goodwin, outside Spitfire House on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour

Words by Councillor Ray Goodwin

For years, I have proudly campaigned for cleaner streets, rolling up my sleeves alongside an incredible local litter-picking group and, with the support of Pioneer Housing, helping to make our neighbourhoods places we can all be proud of. Community spirit has always been at the heart of what we do.

That is why I was deeply disappointed to learn, at 5.45pm on a Friday evening, that major changes to household waste collections would begin the following week.

The return of recycling collections, additional recycling bins, weekly food waste collections and extra street cleansing resources are all positive steps that deserve recognition. I welcome any genuine effort to improve recycling and keep our communities cleaner.

However, introducing fortnightly general waste collections with so little notice is unacceptable. This is a significant change that affects every household, particularly larger families, carers and those with limited storage space.

Residents should have been properly informed and given the opportunity to understand how the changes would affect them before they were introduced.

Good public services rely on trust, and trust is built through clear communication, transparency and meaningful engagement. Announcing a major service change at the end of the working week, with implementation just days later, falls well short of what residents deserve.

I want this pilot to succeed because cleaner neighbourhoods benefit us all. But success depends on taking residents with you, not leaving them feeling ignored.

We all share the responsibility of keeping our communities clean, and the Council has a responsibility to keep residents fully informed when making decisions that affect everyday life.

For more on Councillor Ray Goodwin www.facebook.com/thisiscastlevale

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: YoungStars – Castle Vale Community Hub and youth service provider

Words by Shaun Hand

We don’t usually think of youth clubs as being family affairs, but that’s exactly how Castle Vale’s YoungStars began. “It was started by me and my parents,” explains founder and director Luke McLean.

“It was meant to be a one-night show at St Cuthbert’s Church – young people showing their talents, be it singing or playing an instrument – but all the other parents wanted it to continue.”

That was way back in 2004, when Luke was just 14. Today, he’s in charge, leading a dedicated team that meets a lot of different needs. As he puts it, “It’s gone from being just shows, to being a youth club, to being more about youth services.”

Celebrating Easter at YoungStars / Photograph supplied by YoungStars

YoungStars became a community interest company (CIC) in 2019. “We’re still volunteers; we’ve all got other jobs; but we’ve been able to grow a lot since becoming a CIC,” Luke says. “We’ve got a lot more structure, and we’re able to apply for more pots of funding rather than just relying on donations.”

Part of this growth was finding a permanent home. Luke laughs, “We’ve been based in every building on the Vale you can think of!”, but when the old public library on the High Street was closed YoungStars were able to secure the space for themselves – helping them to expand their remit even further.

Regular events include a wellbeing group for those aged 16 and over on Tuesday evenings (6-8.30pm), where young adults can have a cup of tea and a chat with YoungStars’ Rachel and Adam about whatever’s on their minds (under-18s must be accompanied by a parent) – and there’s a youth club for 5-16-year-olds every Wednesday and Friday evening (also 6-8.30pm).

YoungStars 20 year anniversary celebration / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Friday’s events are run by volunteer Lauren. “She’s come all the way with us,” Luke tells me. “She started coming to the youth club when she was seven. She’ll be 22 this year, and as well as volunteering, she’s on our management Board.”

YoungStars also cater for adults with a ‘nourish and natter’ soup kitchen on Thursdays (5-6.30pm) and a community kitchen selling breakfast and lunch on Saturdays and Sundays, between 9am and midday.

Activities at YoungStars Community Hub on Castle Vale / Photograph supplied by YoungStars

However, Castle Vale’s young people remain the focus of YoungStars and Luke is particularly excited that the group has received funding from the government’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme to fund 90 free places for children during the six week school holidays.

“That means all their food and activities are paid for, including swimming and trips to the seaside,” Luke explains, adding that (at the time of writing) there are still places available. To qualify, children have to be receiving free school meals.

YoungStars founder Luke McLean at VE Day celebratoin event in YoungStars’ Castle Vale / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

“We’ve been very lucky,” Luke reckons when talking about the HAF funding. But given his and the group’s longstanding devotion to help Castle Vale’s youth (and their parents), it feels more like sound judgement. From humble beginnings, YoungStars has become a crucial part of Castle Vale’s youth provision.

To find out more about YoungStars’ activities or remaining summer holiday places, visit www.facebook.com/youngstarshub or contact Luke or Lauren on 0121 661 7879.

For more on YoungStars visit www.weareyoungstars.com

If you are from a community group or an active volunteer anywhere in the Erdington constituency then we want to hear for you. Please email: community@erdingtonlocal.com

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OPINION: Councillor Ray Goodwin – Castle Vale, Labour

Councillor Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour Group

Ed’s note… This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper, out on shelf from 18 June.

Be the first to get your local news delivered through your door, support independent community journalism, and email: subscribe@erdingtonlocal.com

Words by Councillor Ray Goodwin

There is much to discuss this month, and I know many residents share my concerns about the rise in crime and anti-social behaviour across Castle Vale. In particular, the increasing number of illegal e-bikes and off-road bikes being ridden around the estate is causing real concern.

These vehicles pose a danger to pedestrians and other road users and, sadly, a young man has recently been injured. My thoughts are with him and his family, and I wish him a full and speedy recovery.

Residents are rightly worried about the impact this behaviour is having on our community. No one should feel unsafe in their own neighbourhood, and we all have a responsibility to ensure Castle Vale remains a safe and welcoming place to live.

West Midlands Police must do more to address the issue, and I will be holding a Crime and Community Safety meeting to seek answers and discuss what further action can be taken.

It is important that residents’ voices are heard, and I will continue to press for stronger action and support measures where they are needed.

On a more positive note, it is great to see that all of the parks across the estate have now been completed. These improvements provide welcoming spaces for families, children and residents of all ages to enjoy.

Access to quality green spaces plays an important role in encouraging healthy lifestyles and bringing communities together.

For more on Councillor Ray Goodwin www.facebook.com/thisiscastlevale

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BACK TO SCHOOL: Inspirational Chivenor Teaching Assistant runs marathon in aid of Motor Neurone Disease research

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.

For advice from the NHS about Motor Neurone Disease visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/motor-neurone-disease

For more on Chivenor Primary School visit www.chivenor-gst.org

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: edking@erdingtonlocal.com