COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Community Environmental Trust – empowering residents and enhancing green spaces

Words by Hema Chumber

Local families working at the Community Garden / Image supplied by CET

The Community Environmental Trust (CET) was set up in the early 1990s as part of the wider Castle Vale regeneration project, which aimed to improve housing and create job opportunities for local people.

CET’s role was to focus on environmental issues and make sure they were addressed alongside other developments.

Today, CET remains active in Castle Vale, running a range of environmental programmes that get local residents involved in looking after green spaces and making the area more sustainable.

The Trust provides volunteering opportunities, education, and outdoor activities, helping people get more connected to their community.

Tending to vegetable planters at the Community Garden / Image supplied by CET

One of CET’s key projects is the Community Garden at the Castle Vale Allotments. The garden offers local residents a chance to learn about gardening and food-growing, while providing space for people to grow their own food and meet others.

CET also manages the Community Orchard in partnership with Castle Vale Allotments, Fruit and Nut Village, and Slow Food. The orchard has 29 fruit trees, including apples, pears, and plums, providing fresh produce for the community.

Alongside the gardening programmes, the charity hosts water sports sessions at a nearby canal, offering kayaking and bell-boating. Special sessions will be held over the February half term (18 – 21 February), with free kayaking at 12pm and bell-boating at 10am each day. These activities are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages.

Young people taking part in bell boat lesson / Image supplied by CET

Stuart Connolly, Paddle Sport Instructor at CET, said: “We think it’s really important to encourage people in the community, of all ages, to spend some time outside, away from screens, and really connect with the nature around them.”

He adds: “The water sport activities we run here offer that helping hand to people, by getting them out in the fresh air, and connecting with their neighbours and friends in the area – it’s also good to to meet new people, and build new friendships.”

A service user, who participates in CET’s water sports sessions, further told: “Due to lower body issues, I thought I could never get in and out of a boat. But now I’m absolutely enchanted, along with physical support from the staff at CET.”

Young people taking part in bell boat lesson / Image supplied by CET

They add: “The bell-boats cannot tip over or sink, and you really can’t fall out unless you’re doing something completely unadvisable, so it’s absolutely safe for everybody. On the boat, we just paddle and have a laugh.

“We also do litter picking. These are very community-minded activities, and I can’t recommend them enough. It’s good for the body, the soul, the spirit, and the environment.”

Through its work, CET continues to have an impact on both the local environment and the community. By offering opportunities for volunteering, outdoor activities, and environmental care, CET plays a role in building a stronger, more connected community in Castle Vale.

For those interested in getting involved, further information can be found at www.environmentaltrust.org.uk or on CET’s Facebook page @CETBrum

For more on the CET water sports activities contact Stuart Connolly at [email protected]

For all other CET enquiries contact Alicia Grande at [email protected]

Watch out for more COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT features from Erdington Local, online and in our monthly newspaper.

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 our Community Reporter Hema Chumber at: [email protected]

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Erdington Arts Forum – celebrating creativity in Erdington and beyond

Words by Hema Chumber

Musicians perform at Evening of Creativity / Pic supplied by Erdington Arts Forum

Erdington Arts Forum (EAF) has been part of Birmingham’s cultural landscape since 2011, providing a platform to support and showcase local Erdington artists – as well as bringing international artists to perform and work across the North Birmingham constituency.

Established as part of the city’s commitment to local arts, alongside nine other arts forums stretching from Sutton Coldfield to Northfield, the Erdington Arts Forum engages with the local creative community both through the opportunities it provides for people to participate in the arts and the regular programme of events it hosts.

Poet performs at Evening of Creativity / Pic supplied by Erdington Arts Forum

One of the EAF’s most recognised and longstanding activities are the Evening of Creativity showcases – a monthly smorgasbord of arts, music, poetry, and community activism, held on the third Friday of every month at Oikos Café on Erdington High Street.

Supported by hundreds of regular attendees, and thousands more watching the EAF’s live stream across the world, the Evening of Creativity events have been running consecutively for nearly eight years – having never missed a month since launching back in June 2017.

The Evening of Creativity even moved to a secure location in Erdington and conducted socially distanced live stream events, maintaining its  monthly schedule throughout the pandemic.

(l-r) Jobe Baker Sullivan and Paul Withers live streaming an Evening of Creativity event during Covid-19 lockdown / Pic by Ed King

Earning a solid reputation as a platform for creative expression in Birmingham, the Evening of Creativity events have featured many notable local acts over the years, including four Birmingham Poet Laureates and the CBSO players, as well as an array of touring and international artists.

While it primarily focuses on the local creative community, the EAF’s network extends far beyond Erdington and Birmingham – fostering links with creatives and performers from across the globe.

In recent years, the EAF has welcomed many international acts into Erdington, including Sicilian pop singer Manuel Cangemi, Portuguese violinist ‘The Tiny Violinist’, Parisian guitarist Gael Guelda, and Indonesian musician Aji Sang Ali.

These international collaborations reflect the group’s dedication to bringing a range of cultural perspectives to Birmingham.

Local artists display and sell work at Evening of Creativity / Pic supplied by Erdington Arts Forum

The EAF is also committed to ensuring any events they promote remain accessible, offering quality performances for people who may not be able to afford arts events elsewhere in the city. Pay as you feel tariffs or donations are also offered as a way to both support the events financially and keep it accessible to a wider audience.

Erdington Arts Forum has also been supporting local filmmakers in Erdington, as across the wider city the nascent broadcast content industry is seeing more investment that ever before – following the achievements and ambitions of content creators such as Steven Knight.

The EAF recently joined with St Barnabas Church in Erdington to finance a short film from local poet and spoken word artist Joe Cook, celebrating the cultural legacy of the North Birmingham suburb.

Joe Cook performing Odeington for film by Chris Neophytou – Pic by Grant Archer

Odeington was written and recorded by Cook, who was born and raised in Stockland Green, with the accompanying film shot by Erdington filmmaker Chris Neophytou. It was filmed in and aroudn Erdington and released in October 2024, in line with the St Barnabas bicentennial.

Looking ahead to 2025, Erdington Arts Forum has a busy schedule with several events lined up, including the return of its annual ‘Triangle Night’ at the February Evening of Creativity.

Held annually, the night will be headlined by local Brazilian music ensemble Forró Tempo, and each artist appearing at will incorporate the triangle into their performance.

Along with the accordion and zabumba (a bass drum), the triangle makes up an essential part of the traditional Brazilian music Forró – which dominates the cultural landscape on Northeastern Brazil and beyond.

Jobe Sullivan, Coordinator of Erdington Arts Forum, told Erdington Local: “All of us here at Erdington Arts Forum are very proud to host events like these and bring together local residents from the area and wider neighbourhoods.”

He added: “We have many bookings in the diary for the year, which we are particularly excited about, such as Forró dance classes, live music, poetry and other arts from across Birmingham City. Erdington will continue to be our focus, and our Arts Forum will continue to be our point of pride.”

Odeington – by Joe Cook / Commissioned by Erdington Arts Forum and St Barnabas Church

Erdington Arts Forum present ‘Triangle Night at the next Evening of Creativity on 21 February – held at Oikos Café, Erdington High Street. For more information and online ticket sales visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/triangle-night-evening-of-creativity-february-2025

To get involved with Erdington Arts Forum please email [email protected] or call 07858 219 629.

Follow Erdington Arts Forum on social media at www.facebook.com/ErdingtonArt or www.instagram.com/erdingtonarts

Watch out for more COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT features from Erdington Local, online and in our monthly newspaper.

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 our Community Reporter Hema Chumber at: [email protected]

 

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: InkWell – a new writing group supporting recovery through expression

Words by Hema Chumber

(l-r) Ian Simmonds and Portland Jones with InkWell writing group at Oikos Cafe / Pic supplied by InkWell

In August 2024, Inkwell, a writing group aimed at helping individuals in recovery from trauma, addiction, and life-changing events was launched in Erdington.

The group was founded by Portland Jones, who faced challenges following a stroke that left her with hidden disabilities,  and Ian Simmonds, who recovered from a brain stem stroke and addiction.

Both founders shared similar experiences of struggling and recovery, with writing becoming their support tool for self-expression. Inkwell’s approach is centred on providing a supportive environment for people to express their thoughts, feelings and stresses through writing.

Pic taken from Adobe Stock Images

The group meets every other Saturday at Oikos Café on Erdington High Street, offering people the chance to share their experiences, journal or simply write for themselves, in a relaxed environment.

Inkwell has quickly grown, attracting a diverse range of participants from various backgrounds, all of whom are in recovery. The group’s organisers have been surprised by the success of the initiative, noting that many members have found the writing sessions to be comforting, and helpful in terms of personal growth and healing.

Ian shared: “Writing helped me to process my thoughts and emotions in a way in which nothing else could. We wanted to create a space where people feel safe and that they are not being judged, so others in recovery could use writing for the same purpose.

“We have seen how powerful writing can be, as a tool for healing. It has been very rewarding, to say the least, to watch people to use it and connect with their thoughts in an honest way.”

Pic taken from Adobe Stock Images

Portland added: “It is not about the skill of writing itself, like having the perfect grammar or structure – it is about getting people to put pen to paper about their emotions, and offering them a chance to reflect.

“We have had one person who has joined our group since the beginning, and told Ian and I that this setting has allowed them to express their feelings in a way they couldn’t before. The group has given them, and others, space to reflect and connect with others.”

Alongside its regular sessions, Inkwell is planning to launch an online magazine and hopes to publish an anthology of work written by individuals in the group.

This will provide the writers with a platform to showcase their work and experiences, as well as raise awareness within the community about the role creative writing can play in recovery.

The group is also considering expanding to offer online meetings later in the year, in response to increasing interest from people in Erdington’s neighbouring areas.

InkWell will be running writing sessions at Oikos Café on 8 February and 22 February, with more session booked in the months afterwards.

For more information about Inkwell and upcoming sessions, please visit www.inkwellwritinginrecovery.com or email [email protected]

Watch out for more COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT features from Erdington Local, online and in our monthly newspaper.

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 our Community Reporter Hema Chumber at: [email protected]

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Erdington Court Bowls Club – a century of community spirit

Words by Hema Chumber

Club members on outdoor bowling green / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club

Celebrating its centenary year, Erdington Bowls Club is a cornerstone of community life in Erdington.

Founded as a multi-sport club, the group introduced bowls in 1925 and has since been an integral part of the local community. The club is a welcoming space for all ages and abilities, serving as a hub for health and social connection.

The roots of Erdington Bowls Club trace back to the Erdington Methodist Youth Club, which originally established the organisation. In 1976, it moved to its current location on Bowling Green Close, becoming a self-standing charity. Since then, the club has remained dedicated to improving the lives of local residents, and its role as a community asset has only grown.

The club’s mission, outlined when it became independent in 1976, is to ‘provide or assist in the provision of facilities for recreation and other leisure-time occupation for the inhabitants of Erdington and the wider neighbourhood.’

Club members on indoor bowling green / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club

As a charitable trust, Erdington Bowls Club is run entirely by volunteers, focussing on creating an inclusive environment, ensuring everyone can benefit from its facilities.

It has become more involved in the community in the recent years. It now offers two ‘Warm Welcome Spaces’ where people can come to relax and meet others. There are also ‘Bowl for Health’ sessions that take place, which help people with Parkinson’s disease, people recovering from brain injuries, and adults with special needs.

These sessions help people to stay active and socialise, improving their mental and physical health in a supportive environment. One-on-one coaching is available to anyone who would like to try playing bowls for the first time.

Club members with Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club

Erdington Bowls Club also has several mobility aids available to help people with physical challenges take part in the club’s activities. It has even received national praise for its efforts to making bowling available to everyone. Looking ahead, the club will be the new home of the Aston Unity Cricket Club in 2025.

Ray Woods, Marketing Officer and Trustee at Erdington Court Bowls Club, told: “What makes the club particularly special are its facilities. It has both an outdoor green space for bowling and a large indoor arena, which is the only one of its kind in North Birmingham.

“The indoor space allows the club to host games and events all-year round, regardless of the weather. Over 150 people enjoy playing bowls in this facility, for either fun or serious competition.”

Birmingham Council Leader Cllr John Cotton at ECBC / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club

Ray added: “We welcome both new members, and anyone who would like to get more exercise, learn a new sport, and meet new people.

“Spending too much time at home, or sitting down, is not the best for health, so why not pop along and have a tour?”

For more on Erdington Court Bowls Club visit www.erdingtoncourtbowlsclub.org.uk or their Facebook page @ErdingtonBowlsClub

Watch out for more COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT features from Erdington Local, online and in our monthly newspaper.

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 our Community Reporter Hema Chumber at: [email protected]