Category: Witton Lodge Community Association

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NEWS: Competition to design iconic sculpture in citywide ‘Bulls in the City’ charity arts trail

Words by Ed King

A blank calf in the grass at The Ring, Perry Common / Pic supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association

Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) are running a competition to give an Erdington creative the chance to design one of the iconic calf sculptures in the upcoming ‘Bulls in the City’ charity arts trail.

Looking for designs that incorporate references to Erdington and ‘capture the pride, spirit, and charm of their neighbourhoods’, WLCA will be inviting people to submit their artwork by 25 April – with a winner announced by 30 April.

The competition is open to people of all ages and abilities living in Perry Common, Erdington, Stockland Green, Pype Hayes, Gravelly Hill, Castle Vale, or Kingstanding.

Templates for the calf sculpture, based on the bronze bull statue outside the new Bullring markets, can be downloaded from the WLCA website, with the winning design completed by professional artists from Reilly Creative.

WLCA have generously sponsored one of the calf statues, which will be installed alongside 84 other calves and 40 larger bull statues across the city this summer – before being auctioned off in a special charity event.

A decorated calf next to the original bull statue outside Birmingham Bullring / Pic supplied by Bulls in the City

Following on from ‘The Big Hoot’ in 2015, which saw 89 individually designed and decorated owls installed across the city, the ‘Bulls in the City’ project will be using the Birmingham bull mascot as it’s muse – with each sculpture raising thousands to support Birmingham Hospice, which rely on charity and donations to stay open.

Erdington has been the home to one of Birmingham Hospice’s facilities for decades, widely remembered as John Taylor Hospice and situated on Grange Road.

An important part of the local community, previous charity fundraisers for the hospice have created widespread support – with The Swan pub generating over £5000 in February through hamper raffles, toy drives, clothes collections, and book sales.

By bringing Erdington into the citywide ‘Bulls in the City’ project, WLCA hopes to give Erdington locals a chance to show their love for their community and raise money for the cherished care facility.

A blank calf at Witton Lodge Community Association / Pic supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association

Jo Townsend, Communications & Community Engagement Manager at WLCA, explained: “We are thrilled to support Birmingham Hospice and join the herd for this fantastic initiative… we’re delighted to bring a calf into our community, offering one lucky resident the chance to have their design featured on it.

“We can’t wait to see the creative submissions and look forward to selecting a winning design that truly represents the wonderful community spirit of Erdington.”

Rebecca Richards, Senior Events Manager at Birmingham Hospice, added: “Due to the national funding crisis affecting all hospices in the UK this year, it’s more important than ever we raise vital funds and awareness for our charity.

“Bulls in the City will be fantastic for our charity, but it’s also a great opportunity for local businesses to get involved in what is set to be the biggest and best art trail our city has ever seen.”

For more information about the ‘Bulls in the City’ design competition contact Witton Lodge at (0121) 382 1930 or email [email protected]

For more on the Bulls in the City 2025 art trail visit www.bullsinthecity.co.uk

For more on Birmingham Hospice visit www.birminghamhospice.org.uk

For more on Witton Lodge Community Association visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Transforming neighbourhoods with the power of community

Words by Afzal Hussain – Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association

Witton Lodge Community Association Chief Officer Afzal Hussain outside Wellbeing Hub on Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King

The clearance and strip-out works at the former Erdington Baths on Mason Road mark an important milestone in its transformation into the Enterprise Hub.

This crucial step allows us to conduct in-depth surveys that will support our vision of creating a vibrant space for budding and local entrepreneurs, and the wider community.

The Pocket Park, established through community efforts, has already enhanced the area’s appeal, and we are grateful to Erdington Litter Busters for their continued care of this green space.

At Witton Lodge Community Association, collaboration is at the core of our work. This ethos has driven the creation of the Birmingham Community Action Network (B:CAN), a partnership of 21 trusted community anchor organisations across Birmingham.

B:CAN serves as both a safety net and a springboard for residents, offering support in areas such as welfare, energy efficiency, health, employment, and volunteering.

With an impressive collective reach of over 18,500 residents monthly, B:CAN is dedicated to transforming lives and neighbourhoods to make life better for everyone in Birmingham.

This initiative demonstrates the #PowerofCommunity. It says there is another way, a better way, that works with the grain of community.

For more on Witton Lodge Community Association, visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Let’s Get Together with Erdington Neighbourhood Network Scheme – at St Barnabas Church on 10 April

Words by Witton Lodge Community Association

Let’s Get Together this April!
Join the Erdington Neighbourhood Network Scheme (ENNS) for a vibrant community gathering at St Barnabas Church on 10 April 2025, between 11am–2pm.

The annual, FREE, Let’s Get Together event offers residents across the Erdington constituency a chance to connect with local groups, professionals, and services that support independent living
and wellbeing.

Everyone is welcome to pop in and meet teams from ENNS-funded organisations, Occupational Therapists, Adult Social Care teams, as well as Social Prescribers.

The teams are on hand to help you explore activities, advice services, and community initiatives designed to tackle isolation, improve health, and enhance quality of life.

The ENNS team will also be available to answer questions and guide attendees to tailored support, including grants for community projects (up to £10,000).

St Barnabas Church, Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King

Come & Connect
ENNS supports older adults and younger adults with disabilities, fostering connections through partnerships with voluntary groups and social enterprises.

Whether you’re seeking a group to join or simply need practical advice, this event is your gateway to Erdington’s thriving community network.

ENNS Neighbourhood Networker Fauzia Begum said: “Our annual Let’s Get Together event provides a fantastic opportunity for members of the community to find out what’s available locally.

“Following a successful 2024 turnout, we are gearing up for an even bigger Let’s Get Together event on 10 April 2025.”

She added: “We are really excited to welcome our community on the day to connect with local groups and access vital resources available across our area.”

Event Details
Date: 10th April 2025
Time: 11am – 2pm
Venue: St Barnabas Church, High Street, Erdington, B23 6SJ

No booking required – drop in and join Erdington’s thriving community network!

For further information you can contact the ENNS team on (0121) 382 1930 or email [email protected]

For updates, click here to follow Erdington NNS on Facebook: @ErdingtonNNS

For more on Witton Lodge Community Association, visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

Witton Lodge Community Association is a leading partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: The power of community – supporting Erdington residents

Words by Afzal Hussain – Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association

Witton Lodge Community Association Chief Officer Afzal Hussain outside Wellbeing Hub on Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King

At Witton Lodge Community Association, we see the power of community-led action on a daily basis, and the incredible impact this has on improving the area and the lives of local residents.

Through our community hubs across the Erdington, we provide a comprehensive support system that is easily accessible and provides numerous services to thousands of residents in the heart of our community.

We continue to advocate for more community services and recently hosted visits from Cllr Mariam Khan, Cabinet Member of Health and Social Care and Joanne Roney, the newly appointed Managing Director for Birmingham City Council.


We also hosted a hugely successful marketplace at Perry Common Community Hall, bringing a diverse range of local community and council services direct to our residents.

Against a difficult financial backdrop for the City Council, we hope to continue to work with the Council and demonstrate that there is another way to deliver local services that work with the grain of communities.

For more on Witton Lodge Community Association, visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Shaping Birmingham’s Future Together – Witton Lodge’s exciting Marketplace Roadshow 2025

Words by Witton Lodge Community Association

Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) are thrilled to announce the upcoming Shaping Birmingham’s Future Together (SBFT) Marketplace Roadshow, coming directly to Perry Common Community Hall and delivered by WLCA.

This incredible community event is designed to bring vital local services and resources right to your doorstep. This event is perfect for everyone in the Erdington and North Birmingham community, whether you’re:

  • Seeking employment support
  • Looking for housing advice
  • Interested in health and wellbeing services
  • Wanting to get involved in community initiatives / volunteering

John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council said: “The Shaping Birmingham’s Future Together Marketplace Roadshows are a great opportunity for people to learn more about the services and support available from Birmingham City Council and a wide range of partner organisations and community groups.”

He added: “These events showcase our city at its very best.”

WLCA at Perry Common Community Hall / Image by Ed King

Event details
Date: Wednesday, 26 February 2025
Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm
Location: Witton Lodge Community Association, Perry Common Community Hall, Witton Lodge, 87 Witton Lodge Road, Erdington, B23 5JD

(Click here for directions to Perry Common Hall through Google Maps.)

Admission is FREE! We encourage you to register to attend on the day by clicking HERE – however this is not essential.

To find out more about Shaping Birmingham’s Future Together (SBFT) Marketplace Roadshow on 26 February, scan the QR code on the poster above or or visit the WLCA website at www.wittonlodge.org.uk/2025/02/11/shaping-birminghams-future-together-our-exciting-marketplace-roadshow-2025/

For more on Witton Lodge Community Association, visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Join 12-week health and fitness programme at Witton Lakes Park from 27 January – 19 April

Words by Witton Lodge Community Association

As part of a wider health initiative the Witton Lakes Eco Hub team invites you to take part in the Green Mile Challenge – a walking and running distance challenge that is inclusive to wheelchair users and designed to inspire health, fitness, and connection to nature.

Over 12 weeks, your mission is to rack up as many miles as you can, either individually or with a group. You can join anytime within the 12-weeks, but we do recommend at least 6 weeks to see progress.

Get involved in the Green Mile Challenge and enjoy:

  • Optional Free Mini Health Checks on Week 1 & 2 and 11 & 12 – Booking essential.
  • 3 Month Walking & Running Distance Challenge – Register recommended.
  • Weekly Green Steppers Walking & Striders Running Group – Starting at
  • Witton Lakes Eco Hub, off Faulkners Farm Drive, B23 7XX.
  • Witton Lakes Finale Celebration 5k Race Sat 26th April – Register to take part.

HOW IT WORKS
Our Route: It’s 1-mile all the way round both Witton Lakes! Take on our scenic 5k loop around Witton Lakes, complete with 1km markers to help track your progress. Perfect for beginners, those training for Couch to 5K or those of you aiming for a personal best on your park run!

Track Your Progress: Download and use the free Strava Fitness App to record your distance and efforts, join The Green Mile WLCA Club.(This app is compatible with all other fitness app and sports watches)

Entrance to Witton Lakes Eco Hub / Pic by Ed King

Join a Group: Take part as an individual or connect with our local walking and running groups:

  • Red Hot Chilli Steppers Walking Group – Mondays, 11am – 12:30pm: Starting point – Perry Common Community Hall, 87 Witton Lodge Road, Perry Common, B23 5JD
  • Erdington Walking Group – Mondays & Fortnightly Thursdays, 6:30pm – 7:30pm: Various Locations, email: [email protected], call 07990 109 117 or search the group via Facebook.

Every Wednesday & Thursday you can also join the Eco Hub’s weekly walking and running programmes. Meet at the Eco Hub Café.

  • Green Striders Running Group (Couch to 5K) with Jemma – Wednesdays, 9:15am – 10:15am (Beginner to Intermediate).
  • Green Steppers Walking Group with Scott – Wednesdays, 1pm – 2pm (All abilities).
    Sensory Stroll with Diane – Thursdays, 11am – 12pm (Easy Walking).
    Celebrate Your Achievement – Eco Hub & Witton Lakes 5K Race!

At the end of the challenge, we’re hosting a 5K Finale Race Event on Sat 26th April at Witton Lakes, followed by a celebration social at the Witton Lakes Eco Hub with prizes, snacks, and drinks. Bring along your family and friends to cheer you on!

Healthy food and excercise equipment / Pic from Adobe Stock Images

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BENEFITS
This inclusive programme is designed for all fitness levels and offers something for everyone:

Improve Your Health: Gain fitness, enhance your physical and mental well-being, and embrace an active lifestyle.

Spend Time Outdoors: Explore the natural beauty of Witton Lakes while enjoying fresh air.

Make Connections: Meet like-minded people and form new friendships through group activities.

Mini Health Checks
To support your journey, we’re offering free health checks during the first two and final two weeks of the challenge. These health checks include BMI (height & weight), blood pressure, heart rate and hip-to-waist ratio. Please note that health checks are optional. If you are unable to attend during these times, contact us to arrange an alternative date. We accept individual or group bookings.

Week 1 & 2 Mini Health Checks (27 Jan – 7 Feb)
Monday – Friday: 10am – 12 pm & 2pm – 4pm
Saturday 1st Feb: 10am – 12 pm

Week 11 & 12 Health Check (7 – 17 April)
Monday – Thursday: 10am – 12 pm & 2pm – 4pm
Saturday 26th April: 9am – 10 pm (Before the Finale Event)

Outside of Witton Lakes Eco Hub / Pic by Ed King

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HOW TO JOIN

It’s easy to join the Green Mile Programme, simply contact the Eco Hub Office on 0121 227 3200 or email the team, [email protected] or [email protected]

For more on Witton Lodge Community Association, visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Exciting opportunities at WLCA’s 2025 Jobs Fair!

Words by Witton Lodge Community Association

Are you ready to kickstart your career or explore new employment horizons? Mark your calendars for Thursday, 30 January, 2025, as Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) brings you an unmissable Jobs Fair at St Barnabas Church on Erdington High Street!

From 10am to 2pm, job seekers will have the chance to connect with a diverse range of employers and training organisations, all under one roof. This event is the perfect opportunity for local residents to take a positive step towards securing employment or enhancing their skillsets.

Our Employment and Enterprise Advisor, Marcia Lewis, is enthusiastic about the upcoming event: “We’re thrilled to build on the success of our previous jobs fairs. These events are incredibly effective at connecting job seekers with employers who have live vacancies. Plus, we’ll also have training providers on hand to offer advice for those looking to upskill.”

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to take the next step in your career journey. Whether you’re seeking employment or looking to enhance your skills, the WLCA Jobs Fair is the place to be on January 30th, 2025. See you there!

WLCA Jobs Fair
Time: 10am – 2pm
Date: Thursday, 30 January 2025
Venue: St Barnabas Church, High Street, Erdington, Birmingham, B23 6SJ

For more information, or if you’re looking for employment or skills support, email [email protected] to find out more about the excellent work we deliver at Witton Lodge Community Association.

For more on Witton Lodge Community Association, visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Celebrating success and creating change on Erdington High Street

Words by Afzal Hussain – Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA)

WLCA Chief Executive Afzal Hussain outside Health and Wellbeing Hub on Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King

We recently celebrated three successful years on Erdington High Street, delivering essential services to more than 7,000 residents from our Health & Wellbeing Hub.

Despite recent news of safety concerns at this location, this doesn’t reflect our first-hand experience, and we are proud that the Erdington Health and Wellbeing Hub continues to be a cornerstone of community support, offering vital services in health, employment, housing, and financial advice.

In 2021, Witton Lodge Community Association made a strategic decision to take on the empty High Street facility. By investing and expanding our services over the years, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to drive positive change on the High Street and for the Erdington community. And as many of you will know we followed this up with ambitious plans to refurbish the former Erdington baths.

In another significant development, West Midlands Police has launched Operation Fearless, a major initiative to tackle crime and improve safety in Erdington.

This operation, funded by £880,000 seized from criminals, targets issues such as drug-related activities, anti-social behaviour, and violent crimes with the dedicated team already bringing tangible improvements to community safety.

Together with local residents, groups and partners, we remain committed to improving lives and livelihoods in Erdington. By working collaboratively, we know we can create a safer, more vibrant Erdington where our community can succeed and thrive.

For more on Witton Lodge Community Association, visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Witton Lodge Community Association welcomes Minister of State for Employment Alison McGovern MP

Words supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association

Minister of State for Employment McGovern & Paulette Hamilton MP meet young people at Witton Lodge / Pic supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association

On Thursday 9 January, the Minister of State for Employment Alison McGovern MP attended a special event at Witton Lodge Community Association to discuss plans for reform of employment and skills in the UK.

The visit included a roundtable discussion with the North Birmingham Economic Recovery (NBER) Board as well as hearing directly from local young people about their experiences of looking for work.

Roundtable discussion on Labour reform
Minister McGovern engaged in a productive roundtable discussion with the NBER board including Chair and Erdington MP, Paulette Hamilton who shared their work to boost the local economy in North Birmingham by connecting local businesses and residents with sustainable opportunities.

This collaborative session highlighted the critical importance of community-led approaches in shaping effective employment policies, harnessing economic growth and securing investments, creating employment opportunities and connecting these to local communities.

During the roundtable, the Minister expressed interest in the successes and lessons learned from the partnership, highlighting the importance of place-based partnerships that offer essential wrap-around support. She also discussed effective ways to assist individuals facing significant challenges in securing employment, emphasising the role of local partner organisations in providing support and strategies for their successful integration into the workforce.

Afzal Hussain, Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association, remarked: “We’re thrilled to welcome Minister McGovern and showcase our youth-focused initiatives at Witton Lodge and the progress of the North Birmingham Economic Recovery Board.

“Our community-driven strategy is creating opportunities for young people, addressing the critical challenges of youth unemployment in our area. Through collaborative efforts, we’re developing sustainable pathways to connect local young people with meaningful job prospects and skills development programmes, ensuring a brighter economic future for our next generation.”

Minister of State for Employment McGovern and Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton meet NBER Board Witton Lodge / Pic supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association

Youth employment and skills workshop
Following the roundtable, the Minister actively participated in a busy employment and skills workshop with local young people, organised by Witton Lodge Community Association. This session provided key insights into employment and career opportunities for young people in our local area, aligning with NBER’s commitment to creating jobs and enhancing training opportunities tailored to community needs.

This hands-on session provided a unique opportunity for Minister McGovern to directly engage with local young people and hear their firsthand experiences and ideas about employment and career prospects.

During the session the participants provided key insights into employment and career opportunities for young people in our local area, revealing concerns about inadequate careers advice, lack of work experience opportunities, and challenges in securing employment due to insufficient childcare provision. It also highlighted the need for more accessible and user-friendly alternatives to traditional job centres that sometimes fall short in providing tailored support for young people.

During the workshop, the Minister listened intently as young participants shared their perspectives on the challenges, they face in the job market and shared some of the government’s plans for improving career opportunities for youth employment.

Minister for Employment Alison McGovern said: “The fantastic work being done here at Witton Lodge Community Association to support young people into employment is exactly what our Get Britain Working Plan is all about.

“As part of these reforms, we will be launching a Youth Guarantee trailblazer in the West Midlands to ensure all 18-21-years-olds are earning or learning. At the same time, we are transforming Jobcentres and connecting local work, health and skills services to boost employment, drive up opportunity and spread prosperity here in Erdington and across the country.”

Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton welcomes Minister for Employment Alison McGovern to Witton Lodge Community Association

For more on Witton Lodge Community Association visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.

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COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Ladders of Opportunity bursary sees applications surge, empowering Erdington’s youth

Words and pics supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association

Ladders of Opportunity second round recipients at BMet Erdington Skills Centre, Edwards Rd / Pic supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association

The Ladders of Opportunity Bursary, established in memory of Erdington MP Jack Dromey and Councillor Penny Holbrook, has achieved remarkable success in its second round of funding.

The initiative, aimed at supporting young residents living in the Erdington Constituency, saw applications triple from the first round, demonstrating its growing impact and importance in the community.

For both rounds, a total of £20,000 was awarded to 23 young individuals across the Erdington Constituency, each receiving up to £1,000 to support their career aspirations. The bursary recipients represent a diverse range of career paths, including aspiring pharmacists, dentists, teachers, nurses, youth workers, solicitors, midwives, and mechanical engineers.

In addition to financial assistance, the bursary programme offers vital mentorship and coaching opportunities. These connections with experienced professionals provide invaluable guidance for the recipients’ personal and professional development and can provide excellent insight into future careers.

The bursary is a collaborative effort, generously funded by dedicated partners including Witton Lodge Community Association, IM Properties, BMet College, The Pioneer Group, and Urban Devotion. This partnership exemplifies commitment to nurturing local talent, working together to create a brighter future for young people across Erdington.

Ladders of Opportunity sign identifying project partners / Pic supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association

A special event, hosted at BMet Erdington Skills Centre brought together the successful applicants and guests, alongside the panel and community leaders, including Perry Common Councillor Jilly Bermingham. The gathering provided an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of these inspiring young individuals and hear about their plans for the future.

Afzal Hussain, Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association, expressed his enthusiasm for the inaugural Ladders of Opportunity bursary programme, which has distributed £20,000 to promising young individuals across the Erdington Constituency.

He told: “Congratulations to all the recipients whose determination to achieving their goals have earned them this well-deserved recognition and support. The standard of applications has been exceptional and it’s an absolute pleasure to see these aspiring young people embrace this opportunity.”

(l-r) Linda Hines MBE from Witton Lodge Community Association and Ladders of Opportunity second round recipient Anisha Begum Mukhta / Pic supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association

Recognising the success of the programme and the pressing needs within the community, Afzal, emphasised the importance of expanding this initiative. He added: “Our aim is to increase the funding for 2025 by bringing on board new partners who share our passion and vision for supporting young people and education.

“We are hopeful this proactive approach will ensure that more young individuals realise their potential and contribute positively to their community, reinforcing the idea that investing in youth is an investment in the future of Erdington, and the city as a whole.”

(l-r) Kerry Amory from IM Properties and Ladders of Opportunity second round recipient Ellie Turner / Pic supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association

By seeking new partnerships, the programme aims to secure additional resources that will enable even more young people in Erdington to benefit from financial support and mentorship opportunities.

For more on Witton Lodge Community Association, visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk

Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.