The Pioneer Group staff Katie and Serina at charity bake sale (750px) / PIc supplied by The Pioneer Group
The Pioneer Group is proud to announce a successful year of fundraising efforts, culminating in a donation of £2,152 to Tommy’s – the UK’s leading charity dedicated to supporting people around pregnancy and childbirth.
Named after St Thomas’ Hospital in London, where the UK’s first ever pregnancy research centre was established from 1997-2021, Tommy’s is dedicated to supporting those dealing with the heartbreak and devastation after losing a baby – and to make pregnancy and birth as safe as possible.
Tommy’s work tirelessly across the whole pregnancy journey to drive change at every level – translating its research breakthroughs into new tests and treatments in clinical care, changing national maternity policy and providing expert information and support for anyone who needs it.
The contribution from The Pioneer Group could fund a month of research by a Tommy’s scientist, helping to prevent second trimester losses and reduce the heartbreak of baby loss.
Staff, stakeholders, and residents of The Pioneer Group came together throughout the year to support this important cause, participating in a variety of creative fundraising activities.
Notable fundraising highlights include:
David Bucknall running 60 miles over the month of June
Sarah Melaney walking 100 miles during May
Kathryn Priest completing 100 skips every day in October
A series of community events, including a bake sale, a bake-off by the Executive Leadership Team, a World Cup football sweepstake, Christmas raffle donations, and a sponsored football game
The Pioneer Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Wilson / Pic supplied by The Pioneer Group
Simon Wilson, Chief Executive of The Pioneer Group, expressed his pride in the efforts: “This great achievement reflects the passion and commitment of everyone involved, from our staff to our residents.
He added:” Supporting Tommy’s vital work to prevent baby loss aligns with our core values of delivering safe and supportive communities. We’re grateful for the opportunity to make a difference.”
Sarah House, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Tommy’s, also told: “We feel incredibly grateful to work with amazing organisations such as The Pioneer Group whose support is crucial in helping us to continue our mission to stop the heartbreak and devastation of baby loss and make pregnancy and birth safe – for everyone.”
The Pioneer Group and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.
Centre Park, Tangmere Drive, Castle Vale / Pic supplied by The Pinoeer Group
Castle Vale is kickstarting the festive season by planting a real Christmas Tree in Centre Park, with an official ‘lights switch-on’ event to be held at 4:30pm on Thursday 5 December.
Free to attend, local residents are all invited to see the Castle Vale Christmas Tree illuminations, with stalls serving donuts and hot chocolate throughout the event.
The Castle Vale Christmas Tree, which stands at over 14ft tall, has been permanently rooted in the park off Tangmere Drive and will be a central part of the estate’s Christmas celebrations for years to come.
Organised by The Pioneer Group, the modern-day housing association that evolved from the old Castle Vale Community Housing Association, the tree was donated by Nationwide Windows and Doors – as part of their partnership with The Pioneer Group to help support local residents on the North Birmingham estate.
Nationwide Windows and Doors also donated 60m of special Christmas lights to decorate the tree, which organisers hope will stand as a beacon on community spirit throughout the dark winter nights.
The Pioneer Group manage over 2000 homes on Castle Vale and have previously worked on a widespread windows and doors replacement programme with Nationwide, helping make homes more energy efficient and increasing security.
Simon Wilson, Chief Executive at The Pioneer Group, told Castle Vale Local: “The Christmas tree lights switch-on is a great way to bring our community together during the festive season. My thanks go to everyone involved in making this event happen.”
He added: “Special thanks to Nationwide [Doors and Windows] for donating the tree and to Councillor [Ray[ Goodwin for his support to bring this event to life. This event will kick start our celebrations across Pioneer and Compass Support with a host of festive activities taking place this December.”
Cllr Ray Goodwin (Castle Vale, Labour) standing by the Christams Tree in Centre Park – donatred bvy Natrionwide Doors and Windows / Pic supplied by Cllr Goodwin
Councillor Ray Goodwin (Castle Vale, Labour) also championed the partnerships that made sure some festive fun came to Castle Vale this Christmas.
He told: “My sincere thanks to The Pioneer Group and its partners for embracing the Christmas spirit in such an amazing way. This is a true testament to Castle Vale and the strength of its partnership working that made this possible.”
Kevin Caveney, Director of Commercial Sales at Nationwide Windows and Doors, further stated: “We are deeply committed to creating social value in the communities we serve. We understand the importance of fostering community spirit, especially during the holiday season, and we’re proud to support Castle Vale with the donation of a community Christmas Tree.”
He added: “It’s our privilege to work alongside the Castle Vale community to make this Christmas a little brighter and to demonstrate how businesses can create meaningful impact through small but powerful gestures.”
Christmas Tree in The Sanctuary Community Centre / Pic by Ed King
Throughout December, The Pioneer Group and its charitable subsidiary Compass Support will be helping local residents this Christmas with outreach campaigns to provide food, household goods, and even presents to those who are struggling over the festive period.
Special Christmas Hampers will be made up and distributed to local residents in need, providing groceries and everyday essentials, with people asked to donate an old ‘bag for life’ from their supermarket shopping to hold the goods in.
Anyone who can donate a ‘bag for life’ for the Christmas Hamper campaign is asked to drop them into The Pioneer Group offices on Castle Vale High Street before 16 December.
‘Caring Together at Christmas’ campaign poster on display in The Sanctuary Community Centre / Pic by Ed King
The Sanctuary Community Centre is also organising the ‘Caring Together at Christmas’ campaign, where a special Christmas Tree will stand in the community centre entrance featuring tags hung on its branches with ideas for presents for local children in need.
Charitable members of the public can then choose to purchase a gift for a local young person, akin to the Secret Santa gift giving idea, and help make sure each child on Castle Vale has something to unwrap on Christmas Day.
Anyone wishing to nominate a child to receive a special Christmas gift can visit The Sanctuary and ask to fill out a form with the child’s name, age, and suggested gift ideas.
To contact The Sanctuary and Compass Support directly please call (0121) 748 8111 or email [email protected]
Broken police tape on Castle Vale High Street / Pic by Ed King
Concerns are growing across Castle Vale as multiple reports warn the Neighbourhood Police Team (NPT) currently situated on the estate could be moved to Erdington Town Centre.
Over the past few weeks, Castle Vale Local has been told by several sources close to the local police that the Tyburn NPT – who operate community policing on and around Castle Vale and Tyburn Road – will be relocated to the Erdington Police Station on Sutton New Road.
If this takes place it will base the Tyburn NPT outside of the geographical area they police, with the nearest boundary line to Erdington Police Station being Kingsbury Road – a six minute drive and 22 minute walk away.
Castle Vale Local first contacted both West Midlands Police (WMP) and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPPC) about the issue on 25 September, with WMP stating “all enquiries regarding Estates is dealt with by the [O]PCC”.
Police investigating violent attack on Castle Vale / Pic supplied by local resident
On 26 October, the OPCC initially confirmed “there are no plans, at this point, to relocate [the Tyburn NPT]” but kept the option open “if operational requirements change”.
With continuing external reports confirming the move, on 9 October the OPPC directed enquires back to WMP stating it was “an operational policing matter”. In return, WMP doubled down on the unchallenged fact the Tyburn NPT currently “remain at their Castle Vale base” but crucially did not directly address any future plans of relocation.
After repeated calls for clarification, the latest statement issued, from Superintendent Emlyn Richards, told Castle Vale Local: “The Tyburn neighbourhood policing team remain based in Castle Vale, however, our lease on their office expires in 2025.”
They added: “Understandably we’re exploring all possibilities to ensure good value for public money balanced our commitment to delivering effective policing.”
However, Castle Vale Local has been told members of the Tyburn NPT had already met with The Pioneer Group regarding their lease on The Greenhouse – the office space given to them at a significantly reduced rate – and have yet to resign since it expired in March 2024.
We have further been told by senior officers at TPG the “core terms of the lease remain the same – share of service charges and peppercorn rent (i.e.no rent)” in a continued effort by the local housing association to keep visible policing on the estate.
The Pioneer Group Chief Executive Officer, Simon Wilson / Pic supplied by The Pioneer Group
In a joint letter to the Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster and West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford, written and signed by The Pioneer Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Wilson and Councillor Ray Goodwin (Castle Vale, Labour), the local stakeholders “express[ed] our concerns” about the “proposal to relocate” the Tyburn NPT “from Castle Vale to Erdington”.
The letter continued to address the “negative impact” such a move would have on Castle Vale, and how the lack of “visible policing” could clear a path for “levels of crime that… plagued the community for many years”.
It also highlights “a very genuine concern” over “the lack of engagement with partners” around such significant changes to community policing.
In the recent West Midlands Police Neighbourhood Policing Ambition document, setting out the regionwide approach until 2026, the introduction from Chief Constable Craig Guildford states the “fundamental… continuing value the we, as a force, place on neighbourhood policing”.
The forward continues to outline how the new “neighbourhood policing model [will] ensure we remain connected and engaged with our communities [and] continue to work with partners” – a sentiment reiterated throughout the sixteen-page mission statement.
On the West Midlands Police website, the page dedicated to the Tyburn NPT states the first action taken to tackle crime in the area is “Joint activity with partner agencies”.
Cllr Ray Goodwin (Castle Vale, Labour) / Pic supplied by Birmingham Labour
In a statement made to Castle Vale Local, Cllr Ray Goodwin told: “I am deeply concerned to have spoken to a number of stakeholders who have had it confirmed [that there will be] the withdrawal of the Neighbourhood Policing Team from Castle Vale – despite receiving assurances from West Midlands Police… there are no plans, at this point, to relocate.
He added: “I will, alongside other partners, be seeking an urgent meeting with West Midlands Police to challenge this decision on behalf of the community in Castle Vale.”
The Pioneer Group Chief Executive Officer, Simon Wilson, also went on record with Castle Vale Local stating: “[The] Pioneer [Group] have only ever sought for WMP to pay their share of service charges for use of space in our building and not charged rent. This was to help ensure we could keep the neighbourhood policing team located on Castle Vale.”
He added: “I understand (Police and Crime Commissioner) Simon Foster has raised the issue with Chief Superintendent Richard North and [I] await a full response to the concerns raised on behalf of the Castle Vale community.”
Police on Farnborough Road, Castle Vale / PIc by Ed King
The threat of losing the local policing team from Castle vale is also concerning residents in the area, including people at the retirement housing community Phoenix Court, on Yatesbury Avenue, which was recently broken into in broad daylight with thieves stealing hundreds of pounds worth of electrical equipment form the downstairs community rooms.
One Phoenix Court residents told Castle Vale Local: “We were told that policing on The Vale was going to be more noticeable, now the Vale will become a no-go area with crime getting out of hand.”
Another resident added: “With no visible policing I think youth crime will increase, and police response times will be lengthened. All police resources appear to be going into Erdington High Street leaving nothing left for Castle Vale.”
Castle Vale Local will continue to follow this story, with both WMP and the OPCC routinely approached for comment.
Simon Wilson – CEO The Pioneer Group / Supplied by The Pioneer Group
This year we’re working to deliver some important projects here on the Vale. They will support us to continue to deliver on our original promise to provide high-quality affordable housing and making lives and communities better.
As many of you will already be aware, we’re in the middle of a programme of work to replace windows and doors in many of our homes. These upgrades will make our homes warmer and more energy efficient for our residents but they’re also part of a much larger project.
Through the UK Clean Growth Strategy, the government has set a target for all social housing providers to get a minimum rating of Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C for rented properties by 2035.
An EPC generally measures how energy efficient your home is, and this is an important to step to making all homes ‘net zero carbon’ by 2050.
We have also got funding from the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) to continue this work.
We have now adopted the Sustainability Reporting Standard for Social Housing which is a framework to help us measure our success in this area.
To find out more about our work to make our homes more sustainable you can read our first Environmental and Social Governance report on our website.
One final note to say that it’s really important that we have up to date contact details for residents, if yours have changed, please let us know!
The Pioneer Group and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.
Residents around Yatesbury Avenue on Castle Vale are voicing their concerns after a fire in a communal storeroom nearly caused a “massive explosion”, in an area that is routinely used as a “smoking den” by local youths.
The outside storage area that was found alight serves the properties around 431 Yatesbury Avenue and is adjacent to the building’s plant room, which houses all the mechanical and electrical hubs that bring heating and power to the surrounding flats.
The blaze, which sent flames licking around the door, was caught by local residents before it spread. Emergency services were immediately contacted and the fire was subsequently extinguished by West Midlands Fire Service.
But people living in the area are fearful that next time they won’t be so lucky and told how the fire “could have destroyed half the properties around the area.”
The storage room, which can be accessed from the street, has reportedly become a place where children described as being around school age “hang out and smoke” and “do antisocial behaviour basically”.
Reports have also come from local residents that the neighbouring plant room and other municipal storage areas have been broken into, without anyone as of yet reprimanded for the vandalism.
Local residents have banded together to try and curb the nuisance and antisocial behaviour, but following the recent fire there are heightened concerns for public safety.
One local resident, who is worried over the potential damage that could have been caused but understands the lack of provision and support for young people in the area, told Castle Vale Local: “I have concerns about kids going into residential areas and using as a place to hang out.
“The fire could have spread and right next to it is the plant room where all the boilers are, and that could have caused a massive explosion.
“It could have destroyed half the properties around the area.”
They added: “It makes me feel very concerned, to be honest. There’s been a lot of reports about kids running around and causing a load of trouble, but nothing’s being done – no one’s being held accountable for it.
“We need to start getting the parents involved, because these kids are running around with no accountability.”
Following the fire, a spokesperson for West Midlands Fire Service confirmed: “The incident involved a fire in brick-built bicycle storage building, between two properties. The fire specifically involved several chairs stored in the building.
“One hose reel jet was used to extinguish the fire. Crews also made further inspections, using a thermal image camera, to ensure there was no fire spread, or hotspots, in the void above the building.”
Calling on help from their local elected official, concerned residents reached out to Councillor Ray Goodwin to address the issue.
Cllr Goodwin told Castle Vale Local: “I am deeply concerned that a few individuals could have caused untold damage to the properties where the fire was.
“I have contacted the police and Castle Vale Community Housing to ask that the CCTV on the estate is looked at so arrests can be made and to stop this happening again.”
Also recognising the need for better youth provision and collective responsibility, he added: “We need more detached youth work to engage with young people and deter them from crime.”
Words by Tony Roche, pics supplied by Bagot Arms Golf Society
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the Bagot Arms Golf Society recently organised a charity golf day that raised an impressive £5,200 for local charity Spitfire Services.
The fundraising sporting event also featured a raffle, auction, and gathered generous donations from club members, contributors, friends, and sponsors.
Spitfire Services, a charity based on Castle Vale, was established in 2002 and supports people facing hardship, isolation, and offers advice and guidance over finances.
The charity also operates several facilities on the Vale, including the Upcycle showroom and Castle Vale Library, and provides essential food bank services to communities in Castle Vale, Erdington, Pype Hayes, and Tyburn – assisting the vulnerable and needy during these challenging times of the cost of living crisis.
Jane Roche, Operations Manager for Spitfire Services, extended her heartfelt gratitude to the Bagot Arms Golf Society and all those involved in the charity golf day that raised £5,200 for the organisation.
Jane emphasised the critical role that community support plays in enabling Spitfire Services to continue their mission of helping those in need, particularly during challenging times.
She told: “The generosity and solidarity displayed by the Bagot Arms Golf Society and its supporters stand as a testament to the strength of community bonds and the commitment to aiding those in need.
“In these challenging times, acts of kindness like these serve as beacons of hope and compassion for all.”
Established in 2009 and originally based at the Bagot Arms public house in Pype Hayes, the Bagot Arms Golf Society has transcended the loss of its iconic venue – which has now been demolished after a fire destroyed the roof and building – and continues to serve as a beacon of community unity on the golf course, fostering friendship and camaraderie among its members.
The club also has a rich history of fundraising for charities noble causes such as Cancer Research, The Make a Wish Foundation, Pancreatic Cancer Research, and Help for Heroes.
Reflecting on the success of the recent charity golf day, Bagot Arms Golf Society club secretary Jason Wellings expressed gratitude to all involved, emphasising the lasting impact of their collective contribution.
He told: “The awareness raised about the importance of food banks in our community is invaluable, and we urge local businesses and residents to continue supporting Spitfire Services in their crucial mission.”
Words and lead image supplied by The Pioneer Group / Supporting pics by Ed King
Birmingham-based Paget Rangers have come home to Castle Vale, playing on Saturday afternoons at Castle Vale Stadium as per league fixtures.
Since leaving the estate in the late 90s, the football club are already re-engaging with the local community by welcoming them to their home games.
The team are also preparing to provide free football training at the stadium, for those living in Castle Vale and surrounding areas.
Dave Travers, Stadium Manager at Castle Vale Stadium, said: “We are delighted to have brought back Paget Rangers to the stadium, as a new club with a big community focus.
“With a junior section of teams from ages 7 to 18, they have a clear pathway into first team football and are producing their first own team players.”
Lee Woods, Stadium Duty Officer, added: “It’s exciting to welcome Paget Rangers back home and see how the club drives forward.
“All of us at the stadium and wider organisation, The Pioneer Group, look forward to the future of this new, bright partnership.”
Almost 25 years ago, Paget Rangers moved to their home, Vale Stadium in Castle Vale, for the start of the 1998/1999 season, after five seasons ground sharing with Sutton Coldfield Town.
Unfortunately, this did not work out – however, The Pioneer Group bought the stadium, maintaining a community sport and social hub for Castle Vale residents.
Sean Feeney, Chairman of Paget Rangers, said: “We believe that Castle Vale Stadium can be the heartbeat of this football club and residents of the local community can be our 12th man.
“We look forward to supporters joining us, so we have decided to offer all residents from Castle Vale a discounted season ticket this year.”
The Pioneer Group, Castle Vale Community Housing, and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.
Words & pics by Ed King / Profile pic supplied by Cllr Ray Goodwin
Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin (Labour) is to hold a special ‘Crime and Community Safety Summit’ to address concerns of crime and policing on the estate.
Scheduled for Saturday 18 May, the event will be held in Greenwood Academy’s main school hall from 1:30pm – open to all and free to attend.
Local residents and community groups will be invited, as will the local police force, representatives from the estate’s main housing provider The Pioneer Group, and the Erdington constituency MP Paulette Hamilton.
Cllr Goodwin has informed Erdington Local he will further be inviting the sitting West Midlands Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner, who will both begin their new terms in office from 2 May.
Cllr Goodwin has organised the public meeting after being “fed up” with the “hands off approach” to policing on Castle Vale, and the dangers a lack of visible police presence can allow.
Having held a previous public meeting about safety on the estate in 2023, Cllr Goodwin has pushed forward this year’s ‘crime summit’ after police seemingly ignored local witness reports of gun shots following a “violent disorder” on the High Street on Thursday 5 April.
According to the police’s initial statement issued on Friday 6 April, the attack, which took place in broad daylight in and around the Nisa convenience store, was isolated to “four masked men – understood to be carrying machetes”.
However, multiple Castle Vale locals reported hearing what they believed to be gun shots and took to social media to warn others about the incident.
Cllr Goodwin repeatedly petitioned police to escalate their investigation and take seriously the potential involvement of firearms, even taking them to where spent shotgun cartridges had been found near the scene of the crime.
Days later and after heavy rainfall, police returned to continue with forensic investigations, stating they had received “a report of a firearm being discharged” and were “keeping an open mind” about the nature of the assault.
Cllr Goodwin told Erdington Local: “Like many residents, I am fed up with what feels like a hands off approach from the police when it comes to crime on Castle Vale. I understand budgets have been cut, but the lack of police presence on the estate is a serious concern.
“Plus, the seeming unwillingness to listen to local residents is totally unacceptable – we should be working together to keep Castle Vale safe; residents should not have to push the police into action over reports of serious crime.”
Crime on Castle Vale is often a cause for concern amongst the local residents, businesses, and civic stakeholders who live and work on the estate. In a recent Ward meeting, one of the action plan points was how to make Castle Vale ‘bold and safe’ – with a formal request to see the estate’s CCTV upgraded featured on the meeting minutes.
The absence of a local police station in Castle Vale has also often been criticised, following its closure after West Midlands Police announced an initial 28 community stations were getting axed in 2015. The building, situated at the end of Castle Vale High Street, has now been converted into apartments.
But whilst the impact of crime and the loss of community policing is felt across the city, there are a mix of opinions about how these issues directly affect life on the north Birmingham estate.
One Castle Vale resident told Erdington Local: “I don’t think the policing on Castle Vale is any worse than other areas of Birmingham. The recent incident (on 5 April) highlighted the fact that the police need to listen to the residents more and take on board what they say.
“If it hadn’t been for Cllr Ray Goodwin and Erdington Local, they would not have investigated the firearms involvement. A bigger police presence would be appreciated at night when the street cruising and racing around the estate is rife.”
However, another Castle Vale local and young mother added: “I can’t let my children play out on the estate due to the amount of violent crime which goes unchecked. If there was a more visible police presence there wouldn’t be as many teenagers out to cause trouble.
“Youngsters on motorbikes race round the estate and, even if reported, the police don’t come to investigate or find them. We also need the CCTV system to be fully functioning and monitored 24 hours a day.”
Organised by Cllr Ray Goodwin, the ‘Crime and Community Safety Summit’ will be held at Greenwood Academy from 1:30pm on Saturday 18 May – free to attend and open to all.
Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin (Castle Vale Ward, Labour)
Castle Vale is a community rich in talent with good and decent people who look out for each other – and this became really apparent over the last few weeks with the high-profile incident on Castle Vale High Street.
It is because of the amazing community that Castle Vale is resilient and will bounce back bigger, better stronger.
However, I won’t be resting on my laurels and I will be making sure Castle Vale is getting the best deal possible. I will be holding a ‘Crime and Community Safety Summit’ on the 18 May 2024 at Greenwood Academy from 1.30pm onward.
I will be inviting a representative from the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office, the West Midlands Mayor’s office, and the Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton. The Pioneer Group housing association has already agreed to attend.
My biggest ask is that we reopen a visibly present police station.
The Pop-Up Police Station is great, but it’s not enough. We need to ensure that the incident that occurred on 5 April on the High Street is an isolated incident, and that we do more to not only tackle crime but to deal with the issues that lead to crime.
I won’t be taking no for an answer, and I won’t allow Castle Vale to be treated like second best.
I will stand up be counted and do what needs to be done to represent this amazing community.
