Tag: Community news

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: YoungStars – Castle Vale Community Hub and youth service provider

Words by Shaun Hand

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.

For more on YoungStars visit www.weareyoungstars.com

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

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: CAMEO – a welcoming social group that brings older locals together

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

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: FC Elite Football Academy

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.

For more on FC Elite Football Academy visit www.fcelite.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

 

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Erdington mourns the passing of local multi-media and mural artist Bunny Bread

Bunny Bread painiting Louvina Moses mural on Coton Lane, Erdington / Photograph supplied by Bunny Bread

Words by Ed King

Erdington’s creative and wider community have been reeling from the shocking loss of one of their most cherished members, and a man whose murals and paintings brought joy to so many.

Bunny Bread (Rudel James – aka Create Not Destroy) passed away in late October from a surprise and fatal heart attack.

Erdington resident and multi-media artist – with talents in photography, videography, aerosol art, illustration, music, and murals – Bunny Bread began his creative journey in the mid 1980’s.

Skilled in capturing the characters he saw in the world around him, Bunny’s work represents a beautiful gallery of creativity and community, from musicians and performers to the individuals that shine their light on the everyday streets.

Bunny Bread’s mural of Louvina Moses on Coton Lane, Erdington / Photograph supplied by Bunny Bread

In Erdington, one of Bunny’s best loved pieces is the large mural of Louvina Moses, on Coton Lane – just off Erdington High Street.

The piece was commissioned as part of the ‘Queens of the Commonwealth’ programme – supporting a special documentary celebrating 22 women who migrated to the UK from Commonwealth countries, produced ahead of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022.

When interviewed by Erdington Local in October 2022, Bunny told: “I spent as much time on the ground chatting to people than I did up the ladder painting. People were so interested what I was doing, normally they would walk past me without giving me a second glance but when I start painting murals people are suddenly interested.”

He added: “There is a real appetite for art in Erdington, through our [Artists Conversations] group we know there is talent in the area and art can make a difference. I want art to become part of Erdington, like how the murals and art really are part of Brixton; there is no reason why Erdington cannot be the Brixton of Birmingham.”

Bunny Bread mural / Photograph supplied by Bunny Bread

Following the news of his death, messages of love and condolences flooded social media.

The Erdington based Birmz is Grime collective posted: “Great loss to this world. Rest in peace Bunny. Thank you for leaving the world a bit more brighter. Was lucky enough to call this guy a friend.”

Lincoln Moses MBE, son of Louvina Moses, expressed his “regret to announce the passing of Bunny, the esteemed graffiti artist” who painted the widely loved portrait of his mother.

Co-founder of Erdington Litter Busters (ELB), Dawn Edwards, expressed the local community group’s “sincere condolences”, and praised “this very talented and thoughtful man who loved working with and in the community”.

Bunny had been commissioned by ELB to paint a mural celebrating the local volunteer community, situated on Minstead Road.

Extended family of Louvina Moses pose for group photo in front of her mural, painted by Bunny Bread, on Coton Lane, Erdington / Photograph supplied by Bunny Bread

Erdington Arts Forum also dedicated part of their November Evening of Creativity (EoC) showcase to Bunny Bread, at Oikos Café on Friday 21 November.

EoC co-founder, Claire Marshall, who was working with Bunny on a three part art installation at the Peddimore development in Sutton Coldfield, told: “Rudel James (Bunny Bread) of Create Not Destroy was one of the most incredible human beings.”

She added: “He created his best work from capturing the essence of a person or place and amplifying the beauty. It’s such a loss to not have more of his creativity, and the work he leaves behind is a gift for our communities.”

For more on Bunny Bread visit www.createnotdestroy.com

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

If you are from a community group or an active volunteer anywhere in the Erdington constituency then we want to hear for you. Please email our Community News desk at: community@erdingtonlocal.com

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: “The heart of this community” – beloved Slade Road shopkeepers retire after near 50 years of serving Stockland Green

(l-r) Rajinder and Ashok Kumar cutting the cake at their retirement celebration / Photograph supplied by Rena Rani

Words by Nicola Murray

For nearly five decades, Ashok Supermarket on Slade Road in Stockland Green has been more than a shop, it has been “the heart of this community”- as told by one longstanding customer.

As the established owners and operators Ashok and Rajinder Kumar retire this autumn, after 47 years of dedicated service, the neighbourhood reflects on the impact the beloved couple have had far beyond the checkout counter.

Since opening their independent supermarket and greengrocers, the Kumars have stood as cornerstones of the Stockland Green community, building relationships that stretch across families.

Outside of Ashok Supermarket on Slade Road, Stockland Green / Photograph supplied by Rena Rani

“My parents have seen generations come and go in the shop,” their daughter Rena reflected. “They have loved being a part of the community and seeing their customers have children and grandchildren… they find it very endearing that the children call them ‘Auntie’ and ‘Uncle’.”

Throughout their near 50 year tenure, the Kumars often donated both their time and resources to many causes over the years – the couple were highly active in the community, supporting local initiatives and offering both their time and resources wherever needed.

When Stockland Green needed support, as well as groceries, they always found a way to lend a helping hand – including preparing meals for local soup kitchens, donating to Macmillan Coffee Mornings at the local Methodist Church, supplying food and drinks for community events, and many more acts of support and charity.

Inside of Ashok Supermarket on Slade Road, Stockland Green / Photograph supplied by Rena Rani

Situated across the road from Stockland Green School, the couple supported teachers who went on strike by providing them with drinks on the picket line. During the Covid pandemic, the kept their shop operating for housebound customers who were reliant on regular grocery deliveries – providing a literal lifeline for those in isolation during the lockdowns.

Their active outreach work cemented them as a firm fixture in the local area, building them a family of friends as well as customers across the wider Stockland Green community. Former residents of Stockland Green would often come back to Slade Road, not just to shop but to visit Ashok and Rajinder.

After the announcement of their retirement, many friends and customers alike rallied round to wish the couple well – and to say how their absence will be felt in the community.

“They will be sorely missed,” told one long term customer ahead of the Kumar’s retirement celebration, “they’ve been the heart of this neighbourhood.”

Another expressed how they were “sad we will not be seeing your lovely smile” and how they’re “going to miss you guys.”

Dholok drum players and public outside of Ashok Supermarket during retirement celebration / Photograph supplied by Rena Rani

An official retirement party was held for Ashok and Rajinder Kumar in Stockland Green on Wednesday 1 October, where many in the community gathered to celebrate the retirement of the couple – and see them hand over the keys the next generation, who will be keeping Ashok Supermarket open for business on Slade Road.

Ashok and Rajinder received widespread well wishes from local residents, friends, and family members, which is a testament to their impact, and extended their sincere thanks to all explaining, “It’s been an honour to serve this community.”

Rajinder herself added, “It’s never just been a business. It’s been a way to serve, connect, and grow with the people around us.”

Ashok Supermarket is located at 517 Slade Road, Stockland Green.

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

If you are from a community group, or an active volunteer or local resident anywhere in the Erdington constituency, then we want to hear from you. Please email our Community News desk at: community@erdingtonlocal.com