The newly established Midlands Veterans Club (MVC) based at Banners Gate Community Hall, a fifteen minute walk from Kingstanding Circle, is reaching out to local Armed Forces veterans in the area who would like to meet like-minded people for ‘banter, laughter and support’.
Adjusting from military to civilian life can be challenging, even years after service many still miss the comradeship and military banter. With an estimated 17,770 veterans living in the Birmingham area, according to the 2021 Census, local veteran clubs are vital support networks.
Founder of the MVC, Walsall born Gary Hall is a former 1st Battalion Staffordshire Regiment soldier and served two tours of Northern Ireland. Having left the Army due to family illness and bereavement, he later served with the Army Reserves attached to 143 Plant Squadron Royal Engineers as a Sapper.
Gary Hall in group photo with Prince of Wales Divivison, Lichfield, in 1983 / Image supplied by Gary Hall
After joining West Midlands Police (WMP) as a Traffic Warden, he later transferred to the Royal Military Police and eventually rejoined WMP as a Constable, with a career spanning almost 24 years.
“The veterans club was something I had wanted to do for a while,” told Gary, “I reached out to two friends who had served in the military and we formed the club.”
The MVC is made up of Army, Royal Navy, and RAF ex-service personnel and at the time of writing has 28 members, including two senior veterans aged 88 and 93 years old. The veterans regularly meet at Banners Gate Community Hall, which Gary helps to run as a voluntary Business Manager and Trustee of Banners Gate Community Association (BGCA).
He said: “We meet once a month at the moment, but this could change and become every two weeks depending on the numbers.
“We are there for all veterans, to just chat or to signpost to professionals for help or advice, to make new friends and share stories and have banter, we would like to give all the support that we can.”
British army soliders / Photograph supplied by Adobe Stock Images
The MVC has recently been successful in gaining some support through funding and small grants.
“We have been granted £200 by Tesco Princess Alice Drive, Sutton Coldfield,” highlighted Gary – thanking community officer Linda Kelly for here help, “for a Remembrance Day wall plaque to place on the outside wall of our community centre.”
MVC also received £450 through the Small Sparks Fund, supported by Luke Weston from Help the Heros, which has enabled the club to pay for room hire and a permanent base until 2027 – with an additional discount from the BGAC.
Memorial plaque for British Armed Forces / Image supplied by Gary Hall
The club is also looking for new members and wants anyone who might be interested to get in touch. Gary explained: “The Midlands Veterans Club is for all veterans and their families; we would like to hear from those with military backgrounds, whether regular forces or Territorial/Reservist and their immediate families. We would like to hear from anyone who would like to help us raise funds too.”
Gary is also looking to reach veterans who might be in need of more support or housing.
He adds: “Once fully established we want to hit the streets looking for veterans that need help due to homelessness or falling on bad times. We will be there to help them and guide them to the help they need”.
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
This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 16 October.
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Commonwealth War Grave at St Barnabas Church / Photograph by Ed King
Words by Nicola Murray
Walking through Erdington today it’s easy to miss the traces of the Second World War. A few scraps of concrete near Marsh Lane, a memorial tucked behind St Barnabas Church, bomb-scarred bricks at Stockland Green Methodist Church.
As Armistice Day approaches, the Erdington Historical Society (EHS) is working to make sure the town’s wartime story isn’t forgotten.
The society was originally founded in July 1950 but lasted only around four years. It was then reformed in 1985 and has run ever since.
Members meet on the second Tuesday of every month at St Barnabas Church in Erdington Town Centre. Doors open at 6:30pm for tea and coffee, and then a speaker will begin at 7pm. Check out their website to see what topics they are covering in upcoming months.
Erdington Historical Society meeting at St Barnabas Church / Photograph supplied by Erdington Historical Society
“We’re keen to preserve our legacy,” says Paul Perkins, a member of the research team and acting Treasurer. “Erdington is not very well documented compared with the major cities, so I try to spread our history as much as I can.”
Much of that work centres on the war years, when the town found itself in the firing line of enemy bombers. Paul explains that Erdington sat within a triangle of important industrial targets, including the Spitfire factories, meaning stray bombs often fell on local streets. “We received more than our fair share,” he says.
At the heart of this tragedy are the stories of ordinary people. Families were bombed out of their homes, while the wounded were cared for at Highcroft Hospital. Residents queued at Erdington Baths for gas masks and ration books.
Images and photographs from second world war / Photograph by Ed King
After the war, some families who had lost their homes lived for years in wooden barracks on Spring Lane, where a school now stands. Today, a public air-raid shelter on Marsh Lane survives only as fragments of concrete emerging from the ground.
Many of these stories could easily have been lost. Paul explains that a significant number of local records were destroyed in a fire, making the society’s work all the more important. Through research and talks, EHS helps piece together the forgotten history of the community.
There are also moments of pride. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission website used a photograph of a St Barnabas grave on its homepage. “Of all the places in all of the country, they chose a grave from Erdington,” says Paul. The grave is a private one, not an official war grave, but it stands as a symbol of the lives lost in the war.
Map of Erdington in 1884
For Paul, sharing EHS’s research is personal. He has compiled a timeline of more than 30 pages and a collected over 1000 photographs, while also delivering talks on Erdington’s past. “Once I am gone, my legacy will be that people know as much as they can about local history.”
As Armistice Day approaches, he believes remembering matters most. “It’s important that we leave something behind, and that we don’t forget the people who paid the ultimate price.”
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
This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 16 October.
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Memorabilia from Remembrance Day event at YoungStars Community Hub on Castle Vale / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Words by Tracy Fisher
As the country comes together for Remembrance and Armistice Day, it is tradition to pause and reflect, walking in the shoes of those we have never met. Yet Castle Vale’s residents do this every day with the estate’s rich military history beneath their feet.
Aviation has been at the core of Castle Vale’s history since 1909 as a privately owned aerodrome built on grassland. It wasn’t until the start of World War One in 1914 that the aerodrome was requisitioned by the government for use by the Royal Flying Corps.
Over the next decade Castle Bromwich Aerodrome (CBA) would be home to a further nine RAF Squadrons including 605 Sqn Auxiliary Air Force, which was formed as a Bomber Unit on 5 October 1926.
The squadron, now 605 Sqn Reserves, is based at RAF Cosford and recently celebrated the centenary of its formation. The Squadron Standard remains laid up at St Cuthberts Church on Castle Vale.
165 Castle Bromwich Squadron RAF cadets on Castle Vale / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
As World War Two approached, the Air Ministry earmarked land opposite CBA for a shadow aircraft factory to build Supermarine Spitfires. Construction of the site began in 1938 and Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory (CBAF), the current home of the Jaguar Land Rover factory, was created. Production of the Spitfires eventually began mid-1940 with an estimated roll out of 320 a month.
The factory’s pivotal position during the war effort was strengthened with visits from then Prime Minister Winston Churchill and US First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in 1942. Churchill made a point of speaking with factory workforce, including female riveters and test pilots.
Most notably, Chief Test Pilot Alex Henshaw. Each plane built had to be ready for combat missions and it was Henshaw, along with a team of 25 test pilots, to ensure their readiness.
Chivenor Primpary School pupils and teacher in front of Remembrance Day poppy display / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
Delivery of the tested Spitfires was the responsibility of the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA). These incredible civilian female pilots were indispensable in their role of ferrying Spitfires to other parts of the country. In 2022, a new housing development on Castle Vale, honoured the women of the ATA in recognition of their achievements with street signs bearing the names of Spitfire Pilots Mary Ellis, Elenor Wandsworth, and Joy Lofthouse.
Despite being heavily bombed during the Birmingham Blitz, by the end of the war CBAF had produced around 12000 Spitfires and 350 Avro Lancaster Bombers.
The factory ceased production in 1945, and post-war the airfield continued as a training ground until 1958. In 1964, a new era began with the development of Castle Vale housing estate.
Families of women who flew in the Air Transport Auxiliary at opening ceremony for Castle Vale housing development bearing their names / Photograph by Ed King
While Castle Vale is no longer is an active aerodrome, its military connection lives on. From the imposing ‘Sentinel’ Spitfire sculpture (aka Spitfire Island) guarding over the Vale, to the wartime features that still adorn Jaguar Land Rover. The former RAF houses, military street names, the flag flying high in Centre Park, and its military veterans.
But it is the long presence of 165 Sqn Castle Bromwich Air Cadets and its air cadets who will be the next generation to continue Castle Vale’s military legacy.
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
This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 16 October.
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Erdintgon Town Centre sign by Six ways Island with rainbow / Photgrpah by Ed King
Celebrate Erdington is a campaign to bring more events and activities to Erdington Town Centre, with a weeklong programme of free family entertainment running across the autumn half term holiday – led by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), Arts All Over the Place, and partners from the Cultural Action Area.
But behind the bunting and banners is a call to arms, a rallying cry for more positivity about Erdington High Street – with everyone asked to help change the negative narrative and become a torch bearer for the heart of B23.
Words by Shaun Hand / Photographs supplied by Erdington BID
Much has been made in recent years of the ‘death of the High Street’, as internet based retailers have shut up their physical shops and moved entirely online.
And Erdington is no exception, losing national brands from Boots to banks the Town Centre has come in for plenty of flak – with many slinging mud from the sidelines. But some abuse is also hurled from its own residents and a new campaign is looking to reverse negative perceptions – calling on Erdington locals to do their bit, too.
Celebrate Erdington is being launched by Erdington’s Business Improvement District (BID), Arts All Over the Place, and the various community groups involved in the recently awarded Cultural Action Area (CAA) fund – including Erdington Lunar Society, PFG Consultancy, Erdington Arts Forum, and Erdington Artists Conversations.
Having received £55,000 from Birmingham City to support events and longer-term creative projects, the aim is to change perceptions of Erdington High Street through arts and culture, both locally and city-wide.
Arts All Over the Place decoarting Central Sqaure / Photograpoh by Ed King
The campaign will be ongoing, but the festival runs from 27-31 October – with daily arts, crafts, music, poetry, and workshops in Central Square between 11am and 3pm. Some evening events are also being held on the concourse, including a local history slideshow and an open mic night.
Running alongside those will be a daily ‘mini market’ by the High Street Hut, with free children’s activities, street games, and stalls from local traders and community groups – culminating in a special Halloween themed High Street Community Market on Saturday 31 October.
Both locations will be serving free drinks, snacks, and offer places to sit and relax – encouraging people to enjoy an afternoon Erdington High Street during the school holidays. And it’s that community engagement the Celebrate Erdington organisers are keen to encourage.
“Celebrate Erdington is a call to arms,” Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) Manager, Ed King, tells over coffee in Oikos, one of the High Street’s undeniable success stories. “It consolidates what the BID and its partners are doing.
“Erdington is still one of the busiest high streets in Birmingham, but it doesn’t feel the way it used to for some people. And all too often the blanks are filled in with negativity. We want to bring back that sense of ownership; to change the narrative and remind people of all the positives we still have here.”
Acknowledging Erdington’s past as well as its present is the motivation behind one of Celebrate Erdington’s more ambitious projects, an A-Z of the area – based on the stories and memories of Erdington locals as collected by creative Paulette Francis-Green, who first moved to Erdington from Saltley in the 1960s and lives here today.
The results will ultimately be published in book form and used as a tool to promote Erdington across the city and beyond.
Entrace to Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
“I’m heavily involved in cultural heritage,” Paulette says, explaining she was one of the contributors to the ‘A-Z of Birmingham’ exhibition currently being held at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
“That was on my mind as a passion project,” she continues. “So, I brought the idea of an A-Z of Erdington, a then-and-now. The idea is to engage the public of Erdington by listing memories, places, churches, schools, open green places.”
Engaging with Erdington lcoal by the High Street Hut / Photograph by Ed King
Paulette has already started talking to locals, presenting them with a blank A-Z list and asking them to fill in what they remember. “It’s not just the High Street, either,” she says.
“It’s including Pype Hayes, Castle Vale… it’s touching on Kingstanding, Witton, Marsh Lane.” She gives examples of some the responses she’s had so far: “I’ve got Highcroft Hospital for H, and the Lad in the Lane pub and the Littlewoods that used to be Blockbusters for L.”
“One of the key things I want to do is engage,” Paulette says of the project’s aim. “I want people’s memories and stories. I’m looking to do some engagement sessions across the churches around Erdington because there is community there.”
Those who want to share their memories with Paulette will be able to find her at the High Street Hub between 12pm and 4pm, from 27-30 October.
Childrens games and activities on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
Another driving force behind Celebrate Erdington is ‘artivist’ Margaret Murray, who runs creative projects as part of the Arts All Over the Place community group. Margaret formerly worked in social care and has been running community projects across Birmingham for years.
“The kind of work I promote is around creativity for health, wellbeing and social inclusion,” she told Erdington Local. “Particularly around reducing isolation and loneliness with older people.”
Margaret programmed the lion’s share of Celebrate Erdington’s autumn half term holiday events, and organised the decorations adorning Central Square – visible evidence the campaign is about making the Town Centre a brighter proposition at all times, not just when events are happening.
People enjoying Erdington High Street Community Market / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
“It’s an amazing High Street,” Margaret enthuses, adding the festival programme has “something for everyone. You can come along, meet friendly, welcoming people, and have a good time together.
“It’s only through coming out and using our local businesses and spaces that the High Street stays lively and keeps offering people things they want. It makes it less of a fearful experience.”
Alongside encouraging connection among local residents, both with their High Street and each other, Margaret adds, “The aim of the Celebrate Erdington festival is to promote Erdington positively – to challenge stereotypes and negative press, [to] redress some of those beliefs.
“We’re using our creative talents to decorate under-utilised places, like Central Square, and make it a more pleasant place for people to come and take part in things.”
People enjoying a free cup of tea at community event on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ilona Zielinska
Taking part is central to Celebrate Erdington, but for those organising the campaign it’s about more than just attending the events.
“We’re inviting people to be part of this campaign,” explains Ed King, who as BID Manager will be unveiling a ‘High Street Charter’ during a special evening event at St Barnabas Church on Wednesday 28 October, which includes a list of simple ways Erdington locals can support their Town Centre.
“It sounds simple but it’s about breaking the echo chamber, which can all too often be coming from people who actuall love the area. They’re just battle weary I guess, having lived through the decline. But some positive comments will go a long way to change things.”
Sunsetting over Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
The long-term goal of the Celebrate Erdington campaign, as well as bringing people together and helping locals feel good about their Town Centre again, is to encourage greater investment into the area.
“Erdington was featured in the Birmingham Local Plan,” continues Ed, “as one of the city’s growth areas. The council recognises the potential here, as do individual stakeholders. And there are some incredibly positive skies on the horizon.
“But we want to get individuals championing the Town Centre as well; it needs that on-the-ground support. If locals start to Celebrate Erdington, then other people will invest in it too.”
Celebrate Erdington will be hosting free events in the Town Centre from Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 October.
To find out more about Celebarte Erdington and to stay update on events across Erdington Town Centre visit: www.facebook.com/CelebrateErdington
Martin Holcombe is Chief Executive of Birmingham Settlement, leading one of Birmingham oldest charities across the third sector seas for over two decades. And with centres in Kingstanding, Newtown, and Ladywood, the impact it has had both locally and across the city is significant.
But now he has another precarious and powerful balancing act, as the recently appointed independent Chair of the Pride in Place Board for Kingstanding – overseeing £20m of investment into the B44 postcode.
Kingstanding/Erdington Local caught up with Martin Holcombe to find out more about the past, present, and possible futures that surround him now – and what could be on a bright horizon for the north Birmingham suburb.
Words by Shaun Hand
Martin Holcombe, Chief Executive of Birmingham Settlement and Chair of Kingstanding’s Pride in Place Board / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Settlement
Martin Holcombe arrived in Birmingham in 2001, moving from London to be closer to family in the area.
By then, he’d already been involved in community work for a decade, having first encountered it when he worked as a minibus driver for a community transport charity, “picking up older people and supporting them with shopping and trips out, which I really enjoyed.”
More formal roles with Carers UK and the Specialist Schools Trust followed, during which time he also gained a HR qualification – which after a couple of years would lead him to become part-time HR Manager for Birmingham Settlement – a charity established in Newtown in 1919 to aid local women and families.
Three years later Martin was promoted to CEO and he’s still in charge today – overseeing the Settlement centres in Kingstanding, Newtown, and Ladywood.
“I spend most of my working time in Kingstanding,” Martin explains. “I meet with a lot of people accessing the Settlement’s services but other community groups, too. I also sit on a local charitable trust that awards small grants to Birmingham-based charities.
“And now, of course, I’m heavily tied into Pride in Place and I need to make sure I have the time for that work. I am very busy.”
Road sign on Kings Road showing routes to Kingstanding and Sutton Coldfield / Photograph by Ed King
An understatement, no doubt. What has been his proudest achievement with his day-job at Birmingham Settlement? “Survival,” he states. “[The charity] doesn’t have assured income streams, and the political landscape has been so uncertain that planning is not easy.
“The Settlement’s a local charity, but it’s still vulnerable to what feel likes constantly changing policies and direction at national, regional and city level.
“People want safe, welcoming places to go; they want advice and support that suits their needs. With everything being so short-term and changeable, that’s not easy to deliver!”
“The Settlement has brought new life to the SCC,” adds Martin, “which is fantastic to see and something I am very proud of.”
With a self-confessed heavy workload in a tough landscape, we have to ask what made Martin Holcombe want to take on even more – unpaid – work on and become Pride in Place’s independent Chair?
“I’m involved with several community and community-led groups in the area who tell me what they’re thinking and what they want to see happening – the good and the bad,” he explains.
“I felt with my background and experience in the charity sector, I’d be able to make a positive contribution and help ensure the funding is used wisely and effective for the people of Kingstanding.”
It’s an understanding post for a man already heavily embedded in local services and support. But the new role begs other questions, particularly around impartiality and a potential conflict. After all, he is still the CEO of a charity headquartered within the boundaries of beneficiaries for a multi-million pound investment fund.
“The Board is made up of one councillor, one MP, me as independent Chair, plus five members of the community who either live or work in the Pride in Place area,” assures Martin.
“So, community members do make up the majority and Board decisions require a majority to pass. There are clear rules around conflict of interest that must be followed – including, in my case stepping aside if there is Settlement involvement.”
The Pride in Place Board must also adhere to the Nolan Principles of Public Life, a set of seven ethical standards established in 1995 that anyone holding a position in public office in the United Kingdom must abide by. From Westminster to Kingstanding.
Martin also counters: “Anyone living or working in the Kingstanding area is likely to be conflicted to some degree. If you’re a resident, improvements to the park next door is a benefit; if you work for a community group and you successfully apply for funding, there is a benefit.
“As long as we’re clear and open (all of the Board’s agendas, minutes, and decisions will be available online) we should be OK.”
So, will Birmingham Settlement be applying for any Pride in Place funding?
“I don’t have an answer now, as I don’t know,” Martin admits. “I would expect most community assets and organisations in the area to apply at some point for funding when it is released. That’s what it’s for.
“However, I will not be involved in any potential application or decision about the Settlement. That will be up to the manager of the SCC, as they run the site.”
England flags on cars along Kings Road celebrating the World Cup football tournament / Photgraph by Ed King
But in Birmingham, a game of political football is never far from being started – especially with such a fractured Council Chamber following the recently Local Election, with no one party taking an overall majority.
And the uncertain policial landscape stretches to Kingstanding, with a Labour MP – Paulette Hamilton, who helped secure the area’s Pride in Place funding last autumn – and two recently elected Reform UK local councillors. One of whom, Cllr John Lambert, will sit alongside Martin and Ms Hamilton on the Pride in Place Board.
“The fund is strictly non-political,” continues Martin. “From my perspective, I’m not expecting any political interference, I think we’re all agreed on that. And assuming we are, politics shouldn’t come into it.” He also points out that community members make up the majority of the Board, and a majority vote is needed to approve everything.
That’s the past and present, but what about the future – £20m could make a lot of changes to Kingstanding, and area arguably forgotten by the city in recent years. Has the Board received any funding requests yet?
“I’m afraid we’re not at that point,” he tells, citing the processes and protocols of public funding and explaining that they’re still in an “engagement phase” – finding out what people want Pride in Place to do for Kingstanding.
And a recent event was held at Conker Island to ask local residents just that – organised by several stakeholders, including another prominent Kingstanding charity, New Heights, and the Root to Rise Wellbeing and Community Hub.
Sign at the entrance to Conker Island / Photograph by Ed King
Martin does however cite ‘Connecting People & Community Cohesion’, ‘Places and Spaces’, ‘Heathier Lives’, ‘Young People & Families’, and ‘Education, Employment and Skills’ as themes that have come up in initial consultations with members of the local community.
And when the applications do start coming through, what does he hope the fund can do for the area?
“Lasting, sustainable change,” Martin responds.
“Being blunt, most of the people I meet in Kingstanding are very positive, with energy and good ideas; they want what’s best for the people and area but for too long have felt isolated and left behind compared to other areas.
“This funding gives us a chance to address those issues.”
Kingstanding/Erdington Local will continue to cover the developments around the Kingstanding Pride in Place fund, so watch out for more about this on our pages.
This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper on 18 September.
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James Cockerill and Frankie the dog / Photograph supplied by James Cockerill
Words by Nicola Murray
James Cockerill was 21 when he was diagnosed with cancer.
After beating it initially, it came back as stage four just before the start of the first lockdown. James decided to get a dog, Frankie, who was around 16 weeks old.
While Frankie was beginning her new life, James was facing his own battle. Eventually, he underwent a stem cell transplant that, thankfully, was successful in getting rid of the cancer.
But receiving the all-clear brought on its own unexpected challenges.
James & Frankie company logo
“It was harder after getting the all-clear because of the constant fear that the cancer would come back,” said James. “I would stand in front of the mirror for hours and hours prodding at my neck for signs that it had come back.”
He was struggling, until one night Frankie intervened. “She came up to me and started barking at me,” tells James. “Then every time I touched my neck, she would grab my hand.”
For James, Frankie gave him something that cancer had taken away: a sense of purpose.
“It wasn’t the drugs that saved my life, it was Frankie,” he adds. “She gave me something to get up for.”
It was this experience that would ultimately change the direction of his life.
Frankie the dog snuggling with toys / Photograph supplied by James Cockerill
Once his body had recovered, James began a dog training business, James and Frankie.
Over half of his clients are from Erdington, where he has family and spends much of his time; often sparking conversations with fellow dog owners.
With the business, his motivation was not simply to teach obedience, but to help owners understand their dogs on a deeper level. James believes that dogs can often be misunderstood, with behaviours dismissed as stubbornness or boredom when they may actually be signs of fear or stress.
His approach, which he calls the Communicative Learning Theory, focuses on understanding the reason behind the dog’s behaviour before trying to change it. He doesn’t believe in aversive training. “My training is about learning a different language. Not Commands. Not Corrections. Communication,” he says. “Understanding why your dog is scared or anxious helps build a stronger connection.”
James’ philosophy is explored further in his book, Beyond Obedience, which he said he wrote to “raise awareness to the alternative approaches to dog training.”
For James, this philosophy is personal.
Frankie as a puppy / Photograph supplied by James Cockerill
When Frankie first arrived, she was frightened and shy and would hide from anyone carrying a walking stick. On her first holiday to Newquay, she was particularly scared of people carrying surfboards. Rather than simply correcting her behaviour, James adapted his approach to understanding why she was reacting that way and why she had these fears.
Today, Frankie would be unrecognisable from that frightened rescue dog.
“She is the most confident, independent and funny dog you could meet,” tells James.
This experience has also inspired James to work with rescue organisations, including Paws Help in Burton and Brighter Days Rescue in Penkridge, supporting dogs that have been displaced by war, as well as dogs that have been abandoned or abused.
“I want to help give all dogs a chance at a better life because Frankie saved mine.”
Frankie as a more mature dog / Photograph supplied by James Cockerill
James has seen first-hand how dogs can benefit the mental health of owners. He has seen how dogs have helped his clients too, especially with grief.
Research supports the idea that pets play an important role in people’s wellbeing. The PDSA’s 2021 PAW Report found that 87 per cent of pet owners agreed that having a pet made them mentally healthier.
For James, the bond between dog and owner is something that should not be underestimated. “Dogs are part of the family,” he states, “not just a pet.”
James reiterates the importance of patience when it comes to building a connection with your dog. “You need time to understand each other,” he adds. “Dogs are not judgemental, so we should see them the same way.”
A psychological study from 2018, published in BMC Psychiatry, corroborates this. It found that pets are ‘non-judgemental’ and that they ‘provide unconditional love and affection.’
James and a grown up Frankie playing in the snow / Photograph supplied by James Cockerill
Looking to the future, James is hoping to expand his business and is looking for land to create a permanent base for clients, and where he can continue to do what he loves.
But despite his lofty ambitions, his message remains simple.
“Progress isn’t linear. You have good days and bad days, and your dog would never abandon you because you’re having a bad day. Sometimes a dog doesn’t just live with you. Sometimes a dogholds you together.”
St Barnabas Church, Erdington Town Centre / Photograph by Ed King, Erdington Local
Words by Shaun Hand
The Community Hub at St Barnabas Church on Erdington High Street is one of the Town Centre’s most prominent local support services. As part of the Local Community Safety Partnership, it plays a vital role in supporting some of Erdington’s most vulnerable residents. In some instances, it can even help change their lives.
Community Hub Manager, Natalie, tells about the Hub’s remarkable transformation. “The job advert I responded to was for a Café Manager,” she explains, “And it was a commercial café when I started, but we weren’t meeting the community’s needs that way. So, we decided to close and reopen as a hub [and now] we offer drop-in sessions for everyone of all ages and all support needs.”
That was back in June 2023. And today, the Community Hub offers a varied programme of support and engagement – from sessions for babies and pre-schoolers, through to over-50s fitness groups, they’ve got just about everyone covered.
Community engagement inside St Barnabas Church Community Hub / Photograph supplied by St Barnabas Church Community Hub
Importantly, St Barnabas Community Hub is also there for those in need of more pressing support.
As Natalie explains: “On Tuesdays, we have Birmingham Minds come in; we have our Wellbeing Café every Wednesday. We’ve had Severn Trent come and talk about how they can help those on low incomes to reduce their bills.
“The NHS come in and do pop-ups so people are aware of their healthcare rights. The Witton Lodge Association, one of our biggest partners and supporters, do pop-up clinics around mental and physical wellbeing.
St Barnabas Church Community Hub Manager Natatlie (second left) with local police and partners / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police
“In September, we’re running a mental-health group with Two Ten Therapy to help people connect, express themselves and grow through different tools.”
Food is still part of their offering, too, with free hot food available every Friday, 2-4 pm. “We do jacket potatoes, chicken and rice, pizza, soup,” she continues. “We had 86 people here last Friday.”
But Natalie’s role has certainly evolved from the one she applied for. “I’m a ‘signposter’,” she explains. “Depending on the issues that people present with, which can be varied, we give them details of support services that offer alternatives for those self-medicating with alcohol or drugs due to trauma.”
St Barnabas Church Community Hub hosting day of engagement with members of the Local Safety Partnership Team / Photograph by Ed King, Erdington Local
One example of this in action is Benjamin Lacey, who’s in recovery from alcohol misuse and now a valued volunteer and welcomer at the Hub. “St Barnabas listened to me when I was in crisis,” he tells. “I was able to talk openly, with no judgement, which was start of my journey to know that it’s OK to live again.”
To this end, St Barnabas Community Hub extend their offer of help through the chance to volunteer for more like Benjamin.
As Natalie explains: “Participants come in and ask to volunteer, so we look to see what their strengths are and what they’re comfortable with. Listening is key, so volunteers sit and listen to people.
“They might just be a friendly ear or they might be able to identify support needs. You don’t get that everywhere because not everyone has time, but these people do.”
For more information on St Barnabas Community Hub call (0121) 306 4820 or visit www.stbarnabaserdington.org.uk/communityhub
If you know of a community group or individual that deserves a COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT shone on them, please email us at: community@erdingtonlocal.com
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.”
Ousdie of Birmingham Settrlement Sports and Community Centre, 600 Kingstanding Road / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Settlement
Words by Shaun Hand
Most Kingstanding locals will already know of Birmingham Settlement. After all, it’s one the city’s oldest charities, working to build and improve the wellbeing and financial resilience of communities across North Birmingham – with centres in Newtown, Ladywood, and Kingstanding.
But what people might be less aware of is just how many activities and classes for all ages the charity organises at their Sports & Community Centre, located at 600 Kingstanding Road.
Lizzie Forrester, the charity’s Income and Communications Manager, talked through it all. “The centre looks unassuming from outside, but it’s like a rabbit warren inside,” she laughs. “There are a lot of rooms and there’s always a lot going on. We’ve got separate projects for different age groups and different needs.”
The Kingstanding Road building was formerly leased to the Council and known locally as the 610 Community Centre (despite actually being at No 600) but in recent years, it’s ended up back in Birmingham Settlement’s capable hands.
“We’ve redeveloped it and broadened its remit for the wider community,” Lizzie says. “There are over 30 activities for kids, OAPs, families, and disabled people.
Young people engaged in sport as part of Saturday PlayZone session at Birmingham Settlement Sports and Community Centre / Photgraph supplied by Birmingham Settlement
“We’ve got two large halls at the centre. One is a community gym, and one’s an activity room, which can also be hired out for children’s birthday parties.” She goes on to list an impressive array of activities on offer, from sports to craft to bowls to dance.
“We’ve also got a new pitch out the back, funded by the Football Foundation’s PlayZone initiative” she adds. “Here, there’s a weekly family sports session as well a walking netball and girls’ football. It’s also used by kids attending the centre’s summer club.”
But it’s not just sports that’s happening in the grounds. A new green space is also being developed at the centre. The ‘Garden & Grow’ group, made up of local residents, meets weekly to help grow veg.
Garden & Grow volunteers / Photograph supplied by BIrmingham Setlement
Lizzie continues, “They’ve just had their first harvest, with potatoes, tomatoes and beans.” Handily, then, the centre also offers cooking classes. Lizzie tells there are also plans to put a pond on the site: “We want to put more wildlife in, to help people enjoy nature.”
Incredibly, despite Birmingham Settlement receiving no statutory funding, all of the activities on offer at the Kingstanding centre are free to participate in — although a fully voluntary £2 donation from those who feel they can afford it is always welcome.
The charity’s money principally comes from other funding initiatives and the money raised by their charity shops, sponsored walks and runs, and other events.
This means very little of what Birmingham Settlement does in Kingstanding could happen without volunteers. “They form a big part of what we do,” Lizzie explains. “Thanks to Lottery funding, we’ve recently appointed a Volunteer Coordinator.
“At Kingstanding, we’re keen to help support people into volunteering. Three or four of our local volunteers have ended up becoming employed by us.”
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
(l-r) Paulette Hamilton and Keir Starmer at Tia’s Hair Salon on York Rd, Erdington – on the campaign trail for the 2022 Parliamentary by-election / Erdington Local archives
The recent Local Elections in May saw Labour lose six local councillors across the Erdington constituency and get propelled out of power across the wider city – with many blaming a toxic national brand and blind hate for anyone wearing a red rosette.
The once safe labour seat was now, on a local level, overwhelmingly represented by Reform UK. And on the doorsteps, it seems the public ire was aimed at one politician – Sir Keir Starmer.
Erdington Local sat down with Paulette Hamilton MP to ask just how bad it has become for Labour and why she was so publicly vocal about the need for change at the top.
Paulette Hamilton MP looks tired, sounds tired, and is hastily eating lunch on the go as we sit down to discuss the thrashing the Labour candidates in her constituency took at the recent Local Election – which saw several longstanding Labour seats go over to the new kids on the block.
An hour behind schedule, she’s been at “big roundtable in [Birmingham] City Centre looking at supported exempt accommodation” – an issue that often dominates both public and political discourse in the city – and is “not in Parliament today because I am, as I’ve always said, I’m more interested in the local things.”
Breakdown of Birmingham City Council seats won in May ’26 Local Election
And it would be pertinent to be present in Erdington right now, for a Labour MP. In May, mirroring results from across the country, Reform UK smashed down Erdington’s red wall to take all the ward seats in Oscott, Kingstanding, Pype Hayes, and Perry Common, and one in Stockland Green. A tough night for Erdington Constituency Labour Party (CLP), no doubt.
And in her own patch, this Labour MP now has only two of her own party as elected officials: Cllr Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale and Cllr Mick Brown in Gravelly Hill. Both whom carried themselves through with fiercely fought for local support, winning despite of their national party.
“I’m a bit of a hands-on MP,” begins Paulette Hamilton, explaining her own experiences on the campaign trail, in both the recent Local Elections and the last General Election. “I don’t just send people out to do things I won’t do myself. And I’ll start by prefacing everything I’m going to say. I really like Sir Keir Starmer.”
You can sense what’s coming. But the rumbling beneath the surface back in 2024 seems to have erupted into something much more unpleasant in 2026.
Local election count at Utilita Arena / Photograph by Ed King
“We noticed it during the General Election” continues Hamilton. “People were saying, yes, they would give us a chance, but they don’t like our leader. And what we were finding [during the campaign for the Local Elections] was in areas like Castle Vale, Kingstanding, in Erdington, and other places, people started talking about national issues at the door.
“So at the door, we were getting national issues, not local ones. And it all ended with – we don’t like your leader. Some people were literally slamming the door in my face.
“In Oscott [the Labour candidates] had a really difficult time. It was all about immigration. They don’t want the boat people, the black people. I had people at doors. saying to me, are you black? Where are you from?”
Image from Adobe Stock Images
Paulette Hamilton became Birmingham’s first ever Black MP, coming comfortably first across the finish line in the 2022 by-election, triggered by the untimely death of Jack Dromey MP.
“Where is your mum from? Where is your grandmother from?” continues Hamilton, describing the racism she experienced ahead of the May elections. “And when I said the Caribbean [they said] well, you’re not British then.
“You’re not white. You’re not white. You’re not… your family history doesn’t come from England, Scotland, Ireland or Wales. And this is what your party is about.”
Abhorrent, no question. But how different was this to campaigning for the Parliamentary seat in 2022 or 2024, when it was about national issues?
“Much more hostile, but it was definitely on national issues. Don’t get me wrong, [people] talked about the bin strike, which was relatable. They talked about Birmingham being bankrupt. But you’d have expected to hear far more of that, considering it was [a Local Election].
“And everything was being blamed on Labour, even though Labour had only been in power for 18 months. And it was all our fault.”
(l-r) Keir Starmer and Paulette Hamilton at press conference in Erdington during 2022 by-election / Erdington Local Archives
There is little doubt that the political landscape has changed, with more popularist parties – both left and right leaning – gaining momentum and seats in the House. And with such vitriol for the leader of your party, as Hamilton admits “we were going to lose” at the next General Election.
“If I hadn’t experienced it, I wouldn’t have believed it could have happened,” adds Hamilton, “but I knew the Labour Party was headed in the wrong direction.
“We’d got the policies, we’ve got the people, but unfortunately the public have stopped… had stopped listening to us and we needed a reset.”
And that reset came, eventually, after an increasing number of Labour stalwarts began to come out and call for Keir Starmer to lay out a timeline for his resignation – the message, received sometimes so aggressively on the doorstep, was clear. A change was needed at the top.
(l-r) Keir Starmer and Paulette Hamilton meet CLP members on Erdington High Street during 2022 by-election campaign / Erdington Local archives
Paulette Hamlton took several interviews on high profile national news outlets, being very clear that Sir Keir needed to go. As risky move for a backbencher, but “I just knew that I had got nothing to lose at that point” she explains.
“I was always going out and I was always spouting the party lines,” continues Hamilton. “But it came to a point where I had to look at my constituency… I had got an Asian part of my constituency that had disengaged. They’d just disengaged with Keir Starmer, the Labour Party, the whole lot.
“Black community stayed at home, disengaged, because Derek (Douglas, who lost the race for the Stockland Green Ward by one vote to Reform’s Manni Butt) would have won that seat if the Black community had engaged enough, right?
Cllr Manni Butt at Utilita Arena after winning Stockland Green Ward by one vote / Photograph by Ed king
“White communities split to hell between reform, Labour, Greens, left, right. And then we’d got a leader that was just carrying on and not listening to what was going on out in the country. And I just felt I’m of an age where I can either carry on hoping for some big Cabinet position that was never going to come, or I can be true to what residents are saying to me.”
Backs against the wall, perhaps. And whilst the very public move, and being one of the first to make it, may have garnered Paulette Hamilton “a lot of hugs” from some in Westminster, she hasn’t got “Andy’s (Burnam) number in my phone book or been promised some position”.
“[People in Erdington] need to feel that the voices they are hearing, they can trust,” adds Hamiton. “They need to feel better that they are… They’re getting the change that they were promised. They’re getting the finances in their pocket. They feel better when they wake up compared to when they went to bed. They have seen improvements in the area where they live.”
And now that the King is dead, and the national Labour Party is on the cusp of crowning another, does our battle weary Erdington MP believe the gamble paid off?
“I actually do. And I have… you’ll be the first to know, but I have nominated [Andy Burnham. This man has done 20 odd years in Parliament. He went to Greater Manchester and learned those skills that sometimes parliamentarians haven’t got. And that is local community and what local communities need.
“And when you combine all those skills and plus his personality… He doesn’t forget a name. You know, he really is a people’s person. And I think it shines.”
