Claire Almond, Teaching Assistant at Chivenor Primary School, at the Rob Burrows Leeds Marathon 2026 / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
Words and photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
Usually found guiding the youngest learners at Chivenor Primary School, teaching assistant Claire Almond demonstrated a powerful lesson in perseverance by completing a half marathon on Sunday, 10 May.
Almond tackled the gruelling 21-kilometre Leeds Marathon course to raise vital funds for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research, a cause close to her heart.
The challenging route began and ended at Headingley Stadium, the hallowed home ground of the late rugby league legend Rob Burrow. For Almond, a dedicated women’s rugby player, Burrow’s courageous battle with the neurodegenerative condition served as a profound inspiration.
Runners running in the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2023 / Photograph from Adobe Stock Images
After witnessing the impact of the disease on the sporting community, she felt compelled to trade her rugby cleats for running shoes to make a difference.
Almond’s journey to the finish line, which she completed in an impressive two hours and twenty minutes, is particularly remarkable given her recent start in the sport.
Having only begun running last summer through the NHS ‘Couch to 5K’ program, the transition to a half marathon represented a monumental leap in distance and endurance. “I never even thought I’d be able to run 5 kilometres, let alone 21K,” Almond shared, reflecting on her rapid progression from novice jogger to long-distance fundraiser.
Her grit and determination have resonated throughout her community.
The children and staff at Chivenor Primary School are incredibly proud of Claire’s fantastic achievement.
By pushing her physical limits, she has not only raised essential funds for MND research but also provided an inspiring example of dedication for her students.
Chivenor Primary School is part of Griffin Schools Trust, for more information visit www.griffinschoolstrust.org
Chivenor Primary School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom. If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local, please email: [email protected]
Representaives from The Pioneer Group and Seddon at Burcote Road development / Photograph supplied by The Pioneer Group
Words by Simon Wilson, Chief Executive Officer – The Pioneer Group
As a community-focussed organisation, Castle Vale will always be at the heart of everything we do. Our roots are here, and with the vast majority of our homes based on the Vale, our commitment to both our tenants and local residents remains as strong as ever.
You may have seen that we’re beginning work on two new housing developments nearby, in Erdington and Minworth.
While they sit just a five-minute drive from Castle Vale, they give us an opportunity to respond to the growing need for affordable homes in our wider neighbourhood. For us, it’s about building the right homes in the right places, while staying true to our purpose and values and continuing to invest in our local communities.
We know that Castle Vale is more than just where we provide housing, it’s a community.
That sense of community extends beyond our homes too. Castle Vale Stadium continues to be a place where people come together, whether through sport, events or shared activities, and it plays a vital role in bringing people of all ages together.
Alongside this, The Sanctuary offers a wide range of support, from Early Help and youth services to health and wellbeing programmes.
These services are there for our residents and the wider community alike, helping people access the support and guidance they need, when they need it most.
The Sanctuary on Tangmere Drive / Photograph supplied by The Pioneer Group
As we look ahead, our focus remains the same, supporting strong, connected communities and making a positive difference both on Castle Vale and the local area.
The Pioneer Group are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.
Click on the image below to read Witton Lodge Community Association’s COMMUNITY ANCHORS news, first published in the May to June ’26 Erdington Local newspaper.
Representatives from Seddon Housing Partnerships and The Pioneer Group at the Burcote Road development / Photograph supplied by The Pioneer Group
Words by The Pioneer Group
The Pioneer Group has announced plans to develop two new housing sites at Burcote Road and Lindridge Drive, delivering 36 new social rent homes as part of its wider commitment to providing high‑quality, affordable housing across North Birmingham.
Work on both sites has begun, marking an important step in Pioneer’s ambition to build the right homes in the right locations.
The Pioneer Group is the modern day community led housing association, managing over 2500 homes across Castle Vale and other areas, that grew from the old Housing Action Trust (HAT) established in 1993 – as part of Government led a nationwide initiative to give more local power to underprivileged housing estates across the country.
Other Housing Action Trusts were established in London, Liverpool, and Hull.
The Burcote Road and Lindridge Drive developments form part of Pioneer’s wider strategy and development programme, which aim to deliver around 250 new homes over the next five years, supporting housing need while maintaining a strong focus on quality, affordability and place‑making.
At Burcote Road in Erdington, Pioneer will deliver 10 new homes for social rent with construction undertaken by partner Seddon. The scheme is being built on land purchased from Birmingham City Council and will be supported by funding from Homes England and Pioneer, with Seddon appointed as build partner.
Located within Erdington Ward, the development aligns closely with Pioneer’s Development Plans, which focuses on placing appropriate schemes in well‑connected locations where they can best meet local housing needs.
Tony Clark, Regional Director, Seddon Housing Partnerships, said: “We’re proud to be partnering with The Pioneer Group to deliver much-needed affordable homes at Burcote Road. This development reflects our shared commitment to creating high-quality, sustainable homes that will make a lasting positive impact for local communities.”
At Lindridge Drive in Minworth, Pioneer have put spades in the ground on a 26‑home social rent development, delivered in partnership with Morro Partnerships. The scheme will provide a mix of modern, high‑quality homes designed to support individuals, families and long‑term community sustainability.
Representatives from Morro Partnerships and The Pioneer Group at the Lindridge Drive development / Photograph supplied by The Pioneer Group
Tom Broadway, Managing Director (West Midlands), Morro Partnerships said: “Delivering sustainable homes and helping communities thrive is our core focus at Morro. Choosing timber frame construction for our first project with our partners at Pioneer will not only speed up delivery, but also ensure the homes are more energy-efficient and cost-effective for future residents.
He added: “Building with the future in mind is a responsibility we take seriously, and we are excited to be working with Pioneer to deliver much needed homes in the area.”
The Burcote Road and Lindridge Drive schemes are supported by Homes England funding, alongside Pioneer’s own private financing to ensure schemes remain both deliverable and financially sustainable. This also includes just over £1.4 million in funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority, which has enabled Pioneer to move from an affordable rent model to social rent, helping to keep rents as low as possible for new tenants.
The Pioneer Group CEO Simon Wilson / Photograph supplied by The Pioneer Group (Copyright Phil Greig)
As an anchor organisation based in Castle Vale, Pioneer remains focussed on staying local, responsive and connected to the communities it serves.
While both Burcote Road and Lindridge Drive sit outside the Castle Vale estate, the developments reflect Pioneer’s commitment to using its strong local foundations to deliver affordable homes where they are most needed.
These projects also reflect Pioneer’s wider priorities to deliver great homes, support resilient communities and sustain the legacy of regeneration for future generations.
Simon Wilson, Chief Executive at The Pioneer Group, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing forward these two new developments, which represent another positive step in our long‑term commitment to delivering high‑quality social rent homes.”
He added: “By investing in the right sites, working with trusted partners and securing strong financial foundations, we can continue to meet housing need and support communities now and, in the years, ahead.”
Chivenor Primary School main entrance / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
Words and photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
The Chivenor school community is celebrating a major milestone following official confirmation that the Department for Education (DfE) has approved funding for a brand-new, on-site nursery facility.
The announcement, which reached parents and staff via email this week, marks the culmination of months of dedicated “behind the scenes” advocacy and strategic planning. School leadership expressed immense pride in the achievement, noting that the successful bid represents a significant investment in the area’s early years provision.
This new addition will allow the school to support its “mini Griffins” from the very start of their educational journey.
“This achievement is the result of months of hard work,” shared Lisa Guest, Executive Head, who extended gratitude to the staff and partners involved in the complex application process.
While the funding is now secured, the work is far from over and the school is now entering a rigorous phase of preparation to ensure the environment is ready for its first cohort. The project will involve several months of detailed planning and infrastructure development to meet the specific needs of the youngest learners, with the nursery doors opening in September 2026.
Local families have welcomed the news, with many places already being snapped up.
As the school community looks toward the future, this initiative stands as a testament to Chivenor’s commitment to providing comprehensive, high-quality local education for the next generation.
If you would like more information or to request an application pack, please contact the school office or email [email protected]
Chivenor Primary School is part of Griffin Schools Trust, for more information visit www.griffinschoolstrust.org
Chivenor Primary School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.
If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local, please email: [email protected]
Awards on display at first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Words by Tracy Fisher
On 19 March, the first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event was held at Lift Greenwood (formerly Greenwood Academy).
Also known as the Hearts of Castle Vale Awards, the event was the culmination of a campaign to recognise individuals who work tirelessly to support the local community – as organised by local landlords and estate stakeholder, The Pioneer Group (TPG).
After weeks of public nominations and voting, the Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards winners were presented with their certificate, trophy, and badge in front of an audience of local residents, community groups, and invited guests – with Lift Greenwood Assistant Principal, Trevor Evans, and local resident Tai Colman hosting.
Lift Greenwood Assistant Principla Trevor Evans announcing winners at first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
With all winners announced on the night, the audience was also made up of other hopefuls waiting to hear their name potentially called out.
The evening further presented a dance troupe performance from local youth group YoungStars, as well as a song by the winner of the 2025 Castle Vale’s Got Talent competition, Brooke Haynes.
The Pioneer Group launched the Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards on 26 January, with support from Nationwide Windows and Doors – who also support the Christmas celebrations on the estate.
TPG encouraged local residents to put forward names of individuals, groups, or organisations worthy of nomination for one of six categories available – reflecting their contribution to the local community.
Audience at first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Winners from each category were presented with their awards, followed by a video montage of why they deserved to win the accolade. For winners unable to attend the gala event a representative accepted the award on their behalf.
After her name was called out, Alice Rawlins, who won the Community Connector Award, told Castle Vale Local: “[I’m] stunned actually. I didn’t expect it at all. They were all sneaky, making videos and saying they were other things. So yeah, a big surprise”.
The Volunteer Award was awarded to Sonia Carr for her work in the Upcycle Café. She said: “It was a surprise for me, I didn’t think I would get one actually. But I’m really pleased and grateful to everybody who nominated for me.”
Skylar Orme-Joicey winning Young Ambassador Award / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
The youngest of the award winners was Skylar Orme-Joicey, who won the Young Ambassador Award. At just twelve years old, an inspiration for other young people in the Community, Skylar told Castle Vale Local: “It feels really good. I like helping the community, and winning awards”.
Laura Grigg, Community Hubs Manager from The Sanctuary Community Centre, who was a driving force behind the project, explained: “It’s been fabulous, been humbling to actually hear the stories, we’ve heard stories about things going on that we would never have known apart from this event.
“It truly shows, community is so strong on Castle Vale and just need to be rewarded for the hard work that they do”
Audience at first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards gala event / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
She added: “We’re hoping to make it bigger and better next year; we started with six nominations this year… so we’re hoping to go all out next year and truly recognise everything that’s good.”
The full list of categories and winers for the first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards are: Unsung Hero Award – Wayne Haynes, Duty to the Community Award – Lee Crofts, Good Neighbour Award – John Shearer, Young Ambassador Award – Skylar Orme-Joicey, Volunteer Award – Sonia Carr, Community Connector Award – Alice Rawlins.
Simon Wilson – The Pioneer Group (TPG) Chief Executive Officer / Photograph by Phil Greig, supplied by TPG
Words by Simon Wilson, Chief Executive Officer – The Pioneer Group & Compass Support
As a registered social landlord, we do not hold or promote party‑political views. However, our work is shaped directly by government policy, so it is important to acknowledge that decisions taken at national and local levels influence the environment in which we operate and the services we are able to deliver.
Government policy becomes real through legislation and regulation, whatever party forms the administration. Issues such as the availability of good‑quality social housing, the safety and sustainability of our homes, and the extent to which tenants can influence decisions about allocations and services are all shaped by this wider national framework.
These topics continue to be central to public debate and will remain important throughout this year’s election cycle.
Birmingham’s upcoming all‑out local elections are expected to be closely watched, and while predicting outcomes is not my role, what I can say with certainty is that we will continue to focus on long‑term, constructive partnerships.
Our commitment is to work collaboratively with those elected, whichever party they represent, to secure the best outcomes for our tenants and the wider communities we serve.
We are proud of the positive working relationships we have developed with ward councillors across all areas where we have homes. These partnerships have supported investment, community initiatives and practical improvements that benefit local residents.
I would encourage everyone to use their vote, understand the issues, consider who best reflects your priorities, and take part. Local elections can be won and lost on small numbers so every vote really does count.
The Pioneer Group and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.
Simon Wilson – The Pioneer Group CEO / Photograph by Phil Greig, supplied by The Pioneer Group
Words by Simon Wilson, Chief Executive Officer – The Pioneer Group & Compass Support
As we look forward to the very first Castle Vale Community Hearts Awards on Thursday 19 March, I’m filled with pride at what this moment represents for our community.
This is a first of a kind and a chance to recognise the people who give their time, passion and energy to make Castle Vale the place it is today.
This year’s event also arrives at a moment in our shared story. It has been 30 years since the regeneration of Castle Vale began, a turning point led initially by the Housing Action Trust, which transformed the estate’s homes, opportunities and future.
From a time when change was urgently needed, residents and partners worked together to rebuild a community and reputation.
Today, Castle Vale stands as a nationally recognised model of sustainable regeneration, built not simply through investment, but through the strength and determination of its people.
We are proud to continue honouring the promise made during those early regeneration years, to invest in great homes, strengthen its community and support a community where everyone can thrive. But the true credit belongs to the residents themselves.
Not only our customers, but neighbours across the whole estate whose everyday actions, often unseen, make Castle Vale such a special place.
So, as we come together at Greenwood Academy from 6pm, I want to wish every nominee across our six categories the very best of luck.
Thank you for helping make this community exceptional.
The Pioneer Group and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.
Paulette Hamilton MP outside Erdington Library / Photograph supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP
Words by Paulette Hamilton MP
Like you, I’ve watched the news from the Middle East this week with a heavy heart. The renewal of conflict, with airstrikes on Iran, is deeply troubling.
It forces us to reflect on Britain’s place in a volatile world.
While I condemn the abhorrent actions of the Iranian regime, as your MP my first duty is to you. That is why I support the Government’s decision to ensure the UK is not automatically dragged into another distant war.
We cannot afford to enter conflicts at the behest of others. We must never forget the painful mistakes of the past, particularly the war in Iraq. Any decision involving our armed forces must have one thing at its core: the safety and security of British citizens and a clear, achievable goal.
We cannot commit to conflict without an exit plan.
Locally, I was pleased to host my coffee morning in Gravelly Hill, listening to residents. Whether we are talking about local priorities or our NHS, your voice shapes my work in Westminster.
It also means fighting for the things that hold our community together. I’ve been pressing hard for answers on Erdington Library. Our cherished Grade II-listed building has been left in limbo. I’m pleased that structural surveys are finally approved and plans are moving forward.
I will keep the pressure on for a clear timeline and the funding needed to bring this vital community hub back to life.
Please keep an eye out for my next coffee morning, I hope to see you there.
(L-R) John Lambert and Reform UK local campaigers at Kingstanding Circle / Photograph supplied by Reform UK
Words by John Lambert
Residents aren’t imagining this? They’re living it. Every single day.
Bins overflowing like a Victorian slum, fly-tipping, rats, noise at all hours, parking that’s basically impossible and once decent family streets turning into transient chaos.
People can see it with their own eyes. They can smell it.
What makes this whole thing reek is the rank hypocrisy from some of the very councillors who are supposed to be sorting it out.
They’ll moan in WhatsApp groups, post outraged tweets, nod sagely in meetings about “the HMO problem” and how something must be done, all while quietly owning multiple HMO properties themselves and cashing the cheques. Sorry, but you cannot have it both ways.
If they are benefiting from a system that is damaging their own constituents’ quality of life, they should spare residents the performative hand-wringing.
That is not leadership. It is posturing.
No wonder trust in local politicians is in the gutter. People are sick to death of this two-faced nonsense. One message for the cameras, another reality behind closed doors. Residents want straight talking. They want consistency.
Above all, they want councillors who aren’t feathering their own nests while pretending to care about the mess.
If we really want to sort out the HMO mess, the overcrowding, the anti-social behaviour, the way it’s dragging down whole neighbourhoods, then councillors need to step up and enforce strict licensing, inspect every property thoroughly and close down any that don’t meet basic standards.
Erdington and every other town blighted by this deserves proper representation, not managed outrage and political hypocrisy.
Councillor Ray Goodwin on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour
Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin
I wanted to share some positive news and updates about improvements and investment for Castle Vale.
One of the things residents have been telling me for a while is that we need more litter bins across the estate. I’ve been pushing for this and I’m pleased to say that the hard work has paid off. We will now be getting additional bins installed in a number of locations around Castle Vale.
The exact locations still need to be formally confirmed, but as soon as I have the full details I’ll make sure residents are the first to know.
I’m also happy to share an update on the regeneration work taking place in our parks. This has been an important project for many people in the community, and I know residents are keen to see the improvements completed.
I have been assured that all park works across the estate will be finished by July 2026 at the latest. A promise was made to residents and it’s important that we see it delivered.
There’s also some great news when it comes to funding for the area. I’ve successfully secured £20,000 for community projects in Castle Vale. This funding will go towards initiatives that make a real difference to local people and support our community.
On top of that, I’ve also secured £150,000 in local highways funding. What’s really important is that residents will help decide how this money is spent.
For me, it’s simple — putting residents first and delivering for Castle Vale.
