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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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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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
We don’t usually think of youth clubs as being family affairs, but that’s exactly how Castle Vale’s YoungStars began. “It was started by me and my parents,” explains founder and director Luke McLean.
“It was meant to be a one-night show at St Cuthbert’s Church – young people showing their talents, be it singing or playing an instrument – but all the other parents wanted it to continue.”
That was way back in 2004, when Luke was just 14. Today, he’s in charge, leading a dedicated team that meets a lot of different needs. As he puts it, “It’s gone from being just shows, to being a youth club, to being more about youth services.”
Celebrating Easter at YoungStars / Photograph supplied by YoungStars
YoungStars became a community interest company (CIC) in 2019. “We’re still volunteers; we’ve all got other jobs; but we’ve been able to grow a lot since becoming a CIC,” Luke says. “We’ve got a lot more structure, and we’re able to apply for more pots of funding rather than just relying on donations.”
Part of this growth was finding a permanent home. Luke laughs, “We’ve been based in every building on the Vale you can think of!”, but when the old public library on the High Street was closed YoungStars were able to secure the space for themselves – helping them to expand their remit even further.
Regular events include a wellbeing group for those aged 16 and over on Tuesday evenings (6-8.30pm), where young adults can have a cup of tea and a chat with YoungStars’ Rachel and Adam about whatever’s on their minds (under-18s must be accompanied by a parent) – and there’s a youth club for 5-16-year-olds every Wednesday and Friday evening (also 6-8.30pm).
YoungStars 20 year anniversary celebration / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Friday’s events are run by volunteer Lauren. “She’s come all the way with us,” Luke tells me. “She started coming to the youth club when she was seven. She’ll be 22 this year, and as well as volunteering, she’s on our management Board.”
YoungStars also cater for adults with a ‘nourish and natter’ soup kitchen on Thursdays (5-6.30pm) and a community kitchen selling breakfast and lunch on Saturdays and Sundays, between 9am and midday.
Activities at YoungStars Community Hub on Castle Vale / Photograph supplied by YoungStars
However, Castle Vale’s young people remain the focus of YoungStars and Luke is particularly excited that the group has received funding from the government’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme to fund 90 free places for children during the six week school holidays.
“That means all their food and activities are paid for, including swimming and trips to the seaside,” Luke explains, adding that (at the time of writing) there are still places available. To qualify, children have to be receiving free school meals.
YoungStars founder Luke McLean at VE Day celebratoin event in YoungStars’ Castle Vale / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
“We’ve been very lucky,” Luke reckons when talking about the HAF funding. But given his and the group’s longstanding devotion to help Castle Vale’s youth (and their parents), it feels more like sound judgement. From humble beginnings, YoungStars has become a crucial part of Castle Vale’s youth provision.
To find out more about YoungStars’ activities or remaining summer holiday places, visit www.facebook.com/youngstarshub or contact Luke or Lauren on 0121 661 7879.
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
Members of CAMEO taken during group excursion / Image taken from Erdington Local archives, from feature on community groups supported by the ENNS
Words by Shaun Hand
For 25 years, Erdington’s CAMEO group has been helping retired local residents to connect, stay active, and keep learning.
Erdington Local spoke to Volunteer Co-ordinator Angela Richards to learn more about the group, how it works, and what their plans for the future are.
“We’re not just a group that sits down,” tells Angela. “CAMEO is for older people who still want to contribute; who still want to learn and do things.”
The volunteer-run group, whose name stands for ‘Come and Meet Each Other’, convene every Tuesday morning, from 10am until 12pm, in the church hall at the back of Six Ways Erdington Baptist Church on Wood End Road. Meetings include refreshments, quizzes, guest speakers, and more. The group also organise regular daytrips, both locally and further afield. All for just £2 per week.
Angela first became involved with CAMEO because her mother, Gloria, was one of the group’s original volunteers. “I used to go and pick her up,” Angela explains. “And then I got involved, doing little things like helping to find activities and speakers.”
Image of senior adults in a social setting / Image taken from Adobe Stoke Images
Fast-forward to today, and CAMEO enjoys a wide range of both activities and guest speakers. The weekly meet-ups start with a chat over tea and toast. As Angela says, “It’s a chance for people who feel lonely or isolated and want to meet up, talk, and do things with people of a similar age. Some members are bereaved and dealing with loss, and this is the only chance they get to sit and socialise with others.”
Physical health is also important, with sessions including some light chair exercises and health-focused talks from speakers such as Dr Jha of Kingsbury Road Medical Centre. In some instances, these talks can prove potentially life-saving.
Six Ways Baptist Church, where CAMEO hold regular meetings / Photograph by Ed King
After one on sepsis, Angela herself realised that, “I was able to highlight someone who wasn’t well. She went into hospital, and it turned out she did indeed have sepsis.” There are also visits from staff at Wheelwright Road Pharmacy, offering tests on things like blood pressure and eyesight.
Beyond the church hall, the group also gets out and about. Upcoming daytrips include a visit to the National Memorial Arboretum at the end of July and the Trentham Estate in September. They also stay closer to home, organising trips to local garden centres and the like.
You get a lot for a couple of quid a week, then. But as Angela points out, it couldn’t happen without extra funding.
Angela Richards accepting award from Care UK at Elederflower Grange opening event / Photograph by Shaun Fellows (Shine Pix Ltd) and supplied by Care UK
When I speak to her, she’s keen to thank the Sutton & Erdington Lions Club for nominating her for her (well-deserved) £500 award from Care UK’s new Elderflower Grange care home on Orphanage Road – “a wonderful, forward-thinking establishment” – which will help CAMEO continue their incredible work.
Further support has come from the Erdington Neighbourhood Network Scheme.
“I just want people to be aware there are good things going on in Erdington,” Angela says. “Especially for older people.”
CAMEO is one of the finest examples.
For more information on CAMEO contact Angela Richards directly on 07342 154 267 or by emailing angelarichards82@yahoo.co.uk
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
Mixed squad of young players at FC Elite / Photograph supplied by FC Elite
Words by Sebastian Muscroft
FC Elite are one of Birmingham’s youngest football academies. But since being founded in 2013 they have already reached some impressive milestones and set out big plans for the future.
Original formed as a women’s team, FC Elite saw early success as they gained promotion within their first season. This then prompted them to form a men’s team the following year and a youth side in 2016. The local Football Academy now have 15 teams across different age groups.
FC Elite Football Academy club founder and chairman, Mario Gerroni, told: “I started the club out of passion. Passion for football. But then it grew into having a sight, starting the roots, and leaving a legacy.”
FC Elite founder Mario Gerroni / Photograph supplied by FC Elite
The Academy used grounds across Erdington, including working with Short Heath Fields Trust to bring community sports to Short Heath Playing Fields, but found their permanent home at Twickenham Park on College Road – moving to the Kingstanding fields in 2016.
Since training and playing at Twickenham Park, FC Elite have overseen some big developments there – with a car park currently being built, as well as increasing the amount of football pitches.
“Developing the site is one of the biggest things,” adds Mario, “because now people can see it growing as it went from a closed off field to hopefully a facility now.”
This ambition is mirrored by local residents, with one telling Kingstanding Local: “It would be nice to have a good sports facility within walking distance and what the club are doing and have already done looks good.”
Map of proposed developments at Twickenham Park in Kingstanding, home ground to FC Elite / Image supplied by FC Elite
But what’s next for FC Elite?
“On the football side of things, it would be nice to get up to 20, 25 teams,” tells Mario. “We’d also like to build a sports hub for the people of Kingstanding making sure they don’t have to leave the ward for quality provisions.”
“But if we could develop the site as much as we can, we could have other things down here,” he adds, “like disability football, walking football… we’ve got paddle courts we’d like to embrace as well as tag rugby. There’s loads of things we can have down here.
“If we had a building down here, we could potentially have other organisations use it and have little offices on site, so the possibilities are endless.”
FC Elite Football Academy are also using sport to support the Kingstanding community off the pitch as well.
“One of the initiatives that I’d like to do is Club Captains,” tells Mario, “which will help to address the issue of knife crime.”
“[We’re] asking Nike to donate football boots,” he adds, “and working in schools trying to get workshops going.
“The idea is about trying to get people from different wards to come along and embrace each other rather than engaging in postcode wars and carrying a knife.”
FC Elite Academy is open to new members and have stated anyone is welcome to come down to Twickenham Park for a free trial session.
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
