Tag: Erdington Town Centre

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NEWS: Police appeal for witnesses after fatal Bank Holiday Sunday car crash on Chester Road

Chester Road Train Station (Image taken from Google Maps)

Words by Ed King

West Midlands Police (WMP) are appealing for information from any witnesses, following a fatal crash between two cars by Chester Road train station on Bank Holiday Sunday (24 May).

In a statement issued by WMP, the force told: “It’s believed a grey Kia Sportage had collided with a wall and a Honda Jazz” on the Chester Road.

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 9:20pm where officers confirmed the driver of the Kia Sportage had tragically lost his life in the collision, whilst the passenger in that vehicle was taken to hospital “as a precaution”.

A third man, the driver the Honda Jazz, was also taken to hospital with injuries that WMP stated “aren’t believed to be life threatening”.

Police tape cordoning off road (photograph by Ed King)

Officers investigating the road traffic accident are asking anyone who was in the area at the time to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU), and to check CCTV, Ring doorbells, or dash cam footage for anything that may help with their enquires.

An appeal issued by WMP confirmed: “We’re appealing for witnesses and footage after a fatal collision in Erdington.

“We were called to Chester Road, near Chester Road Train Station, at around 9.20pm [on 24 May] to reports of a collision.

“It’s believed a grey Kia Sportage had collided with a wall and a Honda Jazz.

“The driver of the Kia, a man aged 33, was tragically confirmed dead at the scene.

“His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.”

Chester Road Train Station (Image taken from Google Maps)

They added: “Our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) is keen to hear from anyone who has CCTV or dashcam footage from around the area, and anyone who saw the crash should get in touch with us.

“You can call 101 or speak to us via Live Chat on our website, or email SCIU directly at [email protected]”

After the accident, reports on social media claim the Chester Road was closed from the interchange with Boldmere Road right up to the four way traffic lights by Sutton New Road – with the police, ambulance, and fire service all at the scene.

Messages of condolences flooded the internet for the young man who lost his life, with those who were at the “awful scene” expressing concern for anyone affected.

It is reported trains were blocked for stopping at the Chester Road station whilst initial investigations took place, but at the time of writing normal service has been resumed.

For more on the police and crime in Erdington visit www.westmidlands.police.uk/area/your-area/west-midlands/birmingham/erdington

You can also follow the Erdington police team on Twitter www.x.com/ErdingtonWMP

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LOCAL POLITICS: Local Conservatives propose “transformation” of Erdington High Street by relocating Birmingham Museums Collection Centre to near Six Ways Island

AI generated design for Birmingham Museum Collection Centre development on Erdington High Street / Image supplied by Birmingham Local Conservatives

Words by Ed King

Birmingham’s Local Conservatives have published an ambitious plan they claim would see the “transformation” of Erdington High Street if they win a majority in the upcoming Council elections on 7 May.

The proposal is to relocate the Birmingham Museum Collections Centre, currently in Nechells, to nearby Six Ways Island, and to open up the storage centre of rare antiquities to the general public as a tourist attraction.

Birmingham Museum Collections Centre houses 80% of Birmingham Museum Trust’s stored collections, featuring everything from exotic animals and old steam engines to ancient sculptures, tools and weapons.

The huge archive, akin to the closing scenes in Raiders of the Lost Ark, totals to ‘around a million items – many offering a real insight into life in Birmingham and the West Midlands over the centuries’, according to the Museum Collection Centre’s website.

AI generated image of byzantine artifacts preserved inside museum / Image from Adobe Stock Images

This drastic development would help “unleash Erdington’s full potential” and encourage outside investment into the area – according to Erdington Ward Councillor Robert Alden, who is also Leader of the Birmingham Local Conservatives group.

Erdington has a rich history of Birmingham luminaries that helped shape both the county and city, including William Wilberforce, Josiah Mason, Thomas Holte, and Sir Benjamin Stone.

The High Street also houses the two century old St Barnabas Church, a Carnagie built library, and was once the location for globally recognised music venue Mothers – which showcased rock legends such as Black Sabbath, The Who, and Led Zeppelin.

Looking up Erdington High Street from St Barnabas Church to Six Ways Island / Photograph by Ed King

Cllr Alden added: “The High Street has been neglected for a number of years and what we constantly get on the doorstep are local residents saying they want to see the High Street returned to how it used to be.

“The idea of this plan is to bring in somewhere where people will spend their time – so increasing dwell time – and would help a café/restaurant culture develop on the High Street, as you’d have more people around.”

When quizzed about the potential damage such a large scale development would have on the existing retail community – which is a mix of national brands including Dixons and Peacocks and independent convenience stores and take aways, Cllr Alden was clear about his party’s vision for Erdington High Street.

Sign at the entrance to Erdington High Street by Six Ways Island / Photograph by Ed King

“The idea of this is those businesses that provide a useful service to the area we would try and relocate elsewhere on the High Street,” told Cllr Alden.

“But frankly, those businesses which are a drain on the local area we would look to be getting rid of as part of this.”

He added: “What we want to see is a step change in transformation, bringing back a High Street that is a vibrant place that people want to take their families and hopefully resolve those long term anti-social behaviour issues.”

The plan to relocate Birmingham Museum Collections Centre was published in a 20 page manifesto outlining how the Local Conservatives group would “clean up” everything from housing to transport across the city, if they took control of the Council after the local elections on 7 May.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in Birmingham City Centre / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Museums Trust

In a section outlining their plans for ‘Culture & Heritage’ across Birmingham, the Local Conservatives list a 22 projects and proposals they would drive forward if elected as Council leaders.

These include supporting St Partrick Day and St George’s Day celebrations across the city, developing an “Armed Forces Community Garden” and “veterans’ village”, and promoting the city’s musical lineage through the global UNESCO heritage sites network.

The document also clarifies the Local Conservatives’ position on the promulgation of Union Flags and St George’s Cross flags, following a series of unauthorised campaigns that have attached the flags to street furniture across the city.

The manifesto states: “British and English flags are a unifying force, celebrating our shared heritage, culture and history. We would fly our national flags and City Coat of Arms from all Council buildings. Where communities would like [we would] install formal displays of our national flags.”

(l-r) Cllr Gareth Moore and Cllr Robert Alden on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

When speaking to Erdington Local, Cllr Alden also highlighted the Local Conservatives plans to increase high street security networks, support Business Improvement Districts, and “to reconvert exempt accommodation back into family homes” across the city.

Councillor Robert Alden is seeking re-election as Erdington Ward’s representative on 7 May – alongside his Conservative running mate Councillor Gareth Moore.

To read the entire ‘Our Plan to Clean Up the City’ manifesto from Birmingham Local Conservatives click here.

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ERDINGTON POLICE: A message from Operation Fearless and Detective Chief Inspector John Askew

Officers from Operation Fearless, West Midlands Police Mounted Unit, and Acting Chief Constable Scott Green talk to Erdington local residents, shoppers, and business on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

Words by DCI Askew

“Operation Fearless has stepped up its activity in Erdington again – and it’s leading to positive results.

“Officers are continuing their work tackling the crimes we’re told matter most to locals, and have been building on a successful day working with partners and colleagues from across the force for Operation Advance on the High Street.

“It was great to be able to speak to so many of you during the day, and as ever our team are grateful for the feedback and information offered to us.

“We haven’t let up in Erdington, and have recently made arrests leading to charges for suspected drug dealing around the High Street.

“Our team also worked at pace to investigate a reported robbery on a bus, and the investigation again led to three people being charged and brought before the courts.

Operation Fearless, Erdington BID Street Wardens, and partner agencies at morning briefing with Detective Inspector Tom Lyons on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King

“Separately, stop and searches near the High Street have led to two boys being arrested, and a quantity of drugs seized alongside a machete.

“We are very clear that we are here for you: tackling the type of crime that you tell us matters.

“We will continue to work closely with your team of dedicated local officers in Erdington – as well as partner agencies and Birmingham City Council – to do this.

“As ever, I would urge anyone with concerns or information to speak to us, and we look forward to chatting with you as our Erdington patrols continue.

“Thank you for your continued support.”

Detective Chief Inspector John Askew / Operation Fearless.

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PICTURE GALLERY: Operation Fearless and Operation Advance on Erdington High Street / Photographs by Ed King

For more on the police and crime in Erdington visit www.westmidlands.police.uk/area/your-area/west-midlands/birmingham/erdington/

You can also follow the Erdington police team on Twitter www.x.com/ErdingtonWMP

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ERDINGTON POLICE: Keeping Erdington safe – A message from Sergeant Claire Millard

Seargent Millard – Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Words by Sergeant Claire Millard, Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team

Hi everyone.

I’m Claire Millard, your new Neighbourhood Sergeant for Erdington.

I’ve been in the seat for about a month now and while I know I have some big shoes to fill following Sgt John Reeves, I’m ready to hit the ground running.

I’ve spent twelve years in policing starting at the Met before transferring to WMP and moving into Public Protection, so I’ve seen a lot in my time. But my goal here is simple: I want you to feel safe in your own neighbourhood.

I know there have been concerns recently about anti-social behaviour and drug dealing, particularly around the High Street. We hear you and we are taking action.

Operation Fearless is back.

Local police and Operation Fearless officers patrolling Erdingotn High Street / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

This month, you’ll notice a major boost in boots on the ground. We’re teaming up with both uniformed and plain-clothes officers from Operation Fearless for regular High Street patrols.

Whether you see us in high-vis or we’re working quietly in the background, we are out there disrupting the people making life difficult for the rest of us.

I don’t want us to be just a passing siren. I will make sure we’re making regular use of the community hub outside B&M.

Please stop by to chat to us, report any concerns, grab some crime prevention advice, or just say hello, we’re here for you.

I’m looking forward to meeting you all out on the beat.

Sgt Millard.

For more on the police and crime in Erdington visit www.westmidlands.police.uk/area/your-area/west-midlands/birmingham/erdington

You can also follow the Erdington police team on Twitter www.x.com/ErdingtonWMP

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Oikos Café and Church celebrate 10 and 15 year anniversaries – with Community Fun Day on Saturday 28 February

On Saturday 28 February, between 11 am and 3pm, Oikos Church and Café will be hosting a free Community Fun Day outside their venue on Erdington High Street – with stalls, games, live music, family friendly fun, and a special Community Meal.

The special event is to celebrate the 10 and 15 year anniversaries of the Church and Café respectively, and the many years that Oikos has been a vibrant and cherished part of the Erdington community.

Ahead of the anniversary Fun Day celebrations, Nicola Murray shone our COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT at this long standing and well loved local stakeholder.

Words by Nicola Murray

A decade of coffee and community is being celebrated on Erdington High Street as Oikos Café marks its 10 year anniversary, as well as 15 years of Oikos Church serving the area.

Since opening its doors in 2006, Oikos café has grown into far more than a place to eat and drink, it has become a vital “third space” – a place between home and work where connections are formed and cemented.

Pastor Dan Mandley, who has been part of Oikos since its origin, says the vision was always people focused. He explains the church “started the café because we love the Erdington community, we see that there is a great need for a space where people can come and just be, and be known.”

Outside of Oikos Cafe on a sunny day on Erdington High Street / Yellow Mustard Photography

To mark the milestone, Oikos will be hosting a free Community Fun Day on Erdington High Street, outside the café, to “celebrate all of the amazing people of Erdington.”

This event will bring people together through food, activities and family entertainment. The celebration is designed as a thank you to the community that has supported Oikos Café over the last 10 years – and the people they have reached through their church over the last 15 years.

Community focus is what makes Oikos shine, with many customers remarking it is what sets the café apart. Loyal customers often call it “one of the best things about Erdington,” reiterating the café’s reputation as a social anchor on the High Street.

It has become a real community hub where people feel known, and a part of something bigger.

Staff serving inside Oikos Cafe on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Yellow Mustard Photgraphy

Over the years, the café has opened its doors to a variety of groups and events. “It has been so great to see so many different groups using the space, from the Women’s Institute to schools and music groups,” said Mandley.

Oikos Café plays a significant role as a flexible venue where different parts of Erdington life intersect and are celebrated.

One of the main highlights of the decade has been its regular and free Community Meal, held on the last Thursday of each month.

“It is an evening where we feed over 100 people from all walks of life and backgrounds,” adds Mandley. “The diverse community of Erdington is represented on these evenings and people get to know each other; many friendships have been made off the back of those events.”

The success of Oikos Café would not be possible without their volunteers, who have been central to making the vision of Oikos a reality.

Oikos Café reflects the church’s long-term commitment to Erdington. In a time when many public social spaces are disappearing, Oikos has left its mark on the community.

There are over 30 volunteers every week that make the café function. Over the past decade, more than 250 volunteers have offered their time, supporting everything from events to daily hospitality.

The café has helped offer paid work, and the ability to develop skills.

Outside of Oikos Cafe on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Yellow Mustard Photography

And as the 10 and 15 year celebrations begin, the focus is not only on the past but the future, “We have loved doing it over the last 10 years and we are looking forward to the next 10 years” Mandley remarked.

The Oikos anniversary Community Fun Day will be held on Saturday 28 February, between 11am and 3pm – outside Oikos Church and Café on Erdington High Street.

The event is partnering with the Erdington BID as part of LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund – with support from Birmingham City Council, the West Midlands Combined Authority, and the Mayor’s Market Fund.

For more on Oikos Café and Church visit www.oikoscafe.co.uk

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NEWS: First free Community Meal of 2026 at Oikos Café on Thursday 29 January – 5:30pm to 6:30pm

Words by Ed King

On Thursday 29 January, Oikos Café opens its doors for its first free Community Meal of 2026 – cooked and served by volunteers from Oikos Church.

Located at 58 Erdington High Street, opposite The Swan and near the Village Green, Oikos Café serves meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks from 9am to 4pm from Mondays to Saturday.

Held on the third Thursday of every month, the free Community Meal invites people in from 5pm until 6:30pm – with the first event taking place on Thursday 29 January.

Community Meal at Oikos Cafe and Church on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Yellow Mustard Photography

Delivered as part of Oikos Church’s ministry – using their time and resources to reach out to the local community and build positive relationships – the Community Meal is a friendly and popular event that brings people together from all over Erdington

Local families and individuals of all ages are invited to drop in at any point for a healthy hot meal and a chance to sit and chat in the café.

One Erdington local told: “Oikos do a great job with their Community Meal, it’s a lovely atmosphere and the food is always a hearty homecooked meal. There’s no judgement or pressure and it’s a really mixed crowd of all ages and stages.”

They added: “I love going, and even though I go on my own I’ve started to make friends from some of the regular faces you see there. It’s a truly special event.”

Staff and volunteers serving inside Oikos Cafe on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Yellow Mustard Photography

Oikos Café and Church are a longstanding and cherished part of the High Street community, having opened their doors 10 and 15 years ago respectively.

To celebrate the double anniversary, Oikos will be hosting a special Fun Day community event on Saturday 28 February – held outside their venue on Erdington High Street.

Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) will be supporting the Oikos anniversary events as part of their ongoing LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, celebrating all the positive aspects and community of Erdington Town Centre.

Outside of Oikos Cafe and Church on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Yellow Mustard Photography

A spokesperson for Erdington BID told: “If anyone ever asks me to sum up the community spirit in Erdington, I tell them about the Oikos Community Meal – it’s a really special event, delivered from a place of absolute love and goodwill.

“It also tastes great and is genuinely a lot of fun.”

They added: “Oikos Church and Café are fundamental part of Erdington Town Centre and amazingly supportive of our local community – they do so much for so many, we are truly blessed to have them on our High Street.

“It is with great pleasure and friendship that we will join them at their upcoming anniversaries on the High Street – we hope everyone else will come along on Saturday 28 February and join in the celebrations too.”

For more on Oikos Café visit www.oikoscafe.co.uk

 

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ERDINGTON POLICE: A positive start to 2026 in Erdington – a message from Inspector Hayley Thompson

Inspector Hayley Thompson / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Words by Inspector Hayley Thompson, Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team

As 2026 gets underway, I wanted to share a few positive updates from your local policing team and let you know what we’ve been focusing on.

Firstly, Erdington has a new Sergeant. Claire Millard has recently joined the team and is keen to get out, meet residents, talk to businesses, and connect with local community groups. If you see her while you’re out and about, please do stop and say hello.

We’ve also been busy planning for the year ahead. Before Christmas, we met with many of our fantastic volunteers, including StreetWatch, Speed Watch, Neighbourhood Watch and Street Pastors. These volunteers play a vital role as extra eyes and ears in the community, helping us spot issues early and keep neighbourhoods safe.

If you’re looking for something new this year, enjoy getting out for a walk and want to meet people locally, volunteering could be a great option. You’ll go out with our PCSOs, help report concerns and tackle anti‑social behaviour and we’re always happy to welcome new volunteers.

Police officers on patrol on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

January also marks one year since Operation Fearless launched in Erdington. Over the past year, officers have made more than 300 arrests and carried out over 500 stop and searches across Erdington and Southside areas of Birmingham.

Most importantly, this work has contributed to an 80 per cent reduction in knife crime and a 60 per cent drop in serious youth violence locally.

There’s always more to do, but these results show what’s possible when police, partners, and the community work together.

If you have any concerns or want to speak to the team, please get in touch.

Inspector Hayley Thompson.

For more on the police and crime in Erdington visit www.westmidlands.police.uk/area/your-area/west-midlands/birmingham/erdington 

You can also follow the Erdington police team on Twitter www.x.com/ErdingtonWMP

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NEWS: Free Community Meal and ‘design your own Christmas decoration’ workshop at Oikos Café on Thursday 27 November

Words by Ed King

On Tuesday 27 November, Oikos Café opens its doors and invites all Erdington locals to another free Community Meal – cooked and served by volunteers from Oikos Church.

Doors at the High Street hotspot open at 5pm, with the Community Meal continuing until 6:30 – providing local families and individuals a hearty hot meal and a chance to socialise in the café.

Held on the third Thursday of every month, the Oikos Community Meal is a lively and popular event that attracts people from all over Erdington.

Free Community Meal at Oikos Cafe on Erdington High Street / Photograph supplied by Oikos Cafe

Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) will also be setting up a couple of stalls outside the front of Oikos Café on Thursday 27 November, from 4:30pm, giving away a few special Christmas treats and free hot drinks.

Erdington BID will also be kicking off a series of festive arts and crafts workshops on Thursday, where young people and locals can design their own Christmas decoration – with all materials will provided by Erdington BID.

The unique and handcrafted decorations can then be hung up and displayed up Erdington High Street on Saturday 20 December – ahead of a special Christmas lantern parade, organised by Erdington BID, which will usher in the yuletide and Winter solstice.

More ‘design your own Christmas decoration’ workshops will be held on Saturday 6, Saturday 13, and Saturday 20 December – alongside the Santa’s Grotto and Winter Warmer events, in conjunction with Erdington Rotary Club, coming to Erdington High Street on the run up to Christmas Day.

Erdington High Street’s Christmas lights will also be switched on at 5:30pm on Saturday 6 December – with Erdington Ward Councillors Robert Alden and Gather Moore joining Santa to officially illuminate the festive season in Erdington Town Centre.

A spokesperson for Erdington BID told: “We are officially kicking off our Christmas programme by supporting the fabulous Oikos Community Meal this Thursday [27 November], and giving away some free Christmas treats and hot drinks outside Oikos Café.

“Come down, say hello, and treat yourself to a hot chocolate and mince pie on us.”

They added: “And why not design your own Christmas decoration whilst you’re with us – which can then be hung up on the High Street on 20 December. We’d love to see everyone’s personal decorations on display this Christmas, showing some love for the local community and celebrating the spirit of the season.

“We really hope you can join us at Oikos or any of our Winter Warmer events, on Erdington High Street every Saturday across December – up to Christmas Day.”

The design your own Christmas decoration workshops, Santa’s Grotto, and Winter Warmer events are being organised as part of Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, to celebrate Erdington Town Centre and encourage more positive engagement on the High Street.

LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY projects are part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with support from Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority.

For more on Oikos Café visit www.oikoscafe.co.uk

For more on Erdington Business Improvement District visit www.erdingtonhighstreet.co.uk

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ERDINGTON POLICE: Keeping Erdington safe this Winter – a message from Inspector Hayley Thompson

Police involved in Operation Skybridge in Erdington / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Police

Words by Inspector Hayley Thompson – Erdington Neighbourhood Police Team

It’s been another busy month for the Erdington neighbourhood team. As the darker nights draw in, burglary and car crime often see an increase, so our officers are stepping up patrols in key areas, acting on your information, and working closely with partners to prevent crime and protect people.

If you’re heading out, take a few simple steps to keep your home and vehicle secure. Lock windows, doors, and porches. Remove valuables from your car, lock it properly, and store your keys in a safe place.

Inside your home, keep laptops, phones, jewellery, wallets, and car keys out of sight from windows and doors.

Patrol car with Operation Skybridge in Erdington / Photograph by Ed King, Erdington Local

We’re pleased to share that Operation Skybridge is returning to Erdington and Stockland Green areas this month. Expect to see more officers on the streets over the next few weeks, working hard to crack down on burglary, robbery, vehicle and drug crime.

Erdington has seen significant investment from West Midlands Police over the past year, with two major initiatives launched: Operation Skybridge in October 2024 and Operation Fearless in January 2025.

Both teams have made great progress in reducing crime and helping residents feel safer and we’re determined to keep that momentum going.

Inspector Hayley Thompson from the Erdington and Sutton Coldfield Neighbourhood Police Teams / Photograph supplied by WMP

We’ll also be hosting more police surgeries from our community engagement hub, located outside B&M. Pop down, meet the team, and share any concerns.

Dates for your diary: Saturday 22 November (4:00pm – 5:00pm), Thursday 27 November (11:00am – 12:00pm), Sunday 30 November (4:00pm – 5:00pm).

There will also be a Spring Lane Speed Watch/Parking meeting on Monday 8 December (7:00pm – 8:00pm) at Erdington RFC, Spring Lane Playing Fields, Kingsbury Rd, Erdington, Birmingham.

Inspector Hayley Thompson

For more on the police and crime in Erdington visit www.westmidlands.police.uk/area/your-area/west-midlands/birmingham/erdington/

You can also follow the Erdington police team on Twitter www.x.com/ErdingtonWMP

 

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NEWS: Remembrance Sunday events and commemoration services across Erdington

Words by Ed King

On Sunday 9 November, communities across the country will stand together in solidary to honour the men and women from Commonwealth states who lost their lives in the First World War.

Held annually on the closest Sunday to Armistice Day, on 11 November, Remembrance Sunday is “a national opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life” – as described by the British Legion.

In Erdington Town Centre, a special holy communion remembrance service will be held from 10:30am at St Barnabas Church on Erdington High Street – a two hundred year old place of workshop that also houses many Commonwealth War Graves in its churchyard.

Commonwealth War Grave at St Barnabas Church in Erdington Town Centre / Photograph by Ed King

A spokesperson for St Barnabas Church told: “This Remembrance Sunday, we come together to honour those who gave their lives in service. Please join us as we remember. All are welcome.”

Over in Kingstanding, a commemorative march will begin at 9:45am from No1 Public House on the corner of College Road and Hurstwood Road.

The march will walk under a mile to St Martin’s Church on Witton Lodge Road, for a special commemorative service, before heading back to No1 Public House for Laying of the Wreaths and the Last Post – a buffet and refreshments will also be provided.

Clifton & Alex from No1 Public House explained: “We look forward to seeing many of you there for this solemn occasion as we remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we have today.”

On Castle Vale, a Remembrance Sunday commemorative service will be held at St Cuthbert’s Church on Castle Vale High Street – with local Councillor Ray Goodwin laying a wreath at the armed service personal memorial at 11am.

On Tuesday 11 November at 11am, Cllr Goodwin will also be raising a flag in Centre Park, in between Yatesbury Avenue and Tangmere Drive, marking the official Armistice Day anniversary and further commemorating those who fell in the Great War.

The First World War, also known as the ‘Great War’, began on 28 July 1914 and continued for over four years, finally ending at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918.

Cited as one of the deadliest conflicts in human history, the war claimed over 40million military and civilian casualties and radically changed how battles were fought in the field.

Ever since the armistice on 11 November 1918, countries and Commonwealth states across the world have marked the occasion with commemoration services and events, as well as displaying red poppies – symbolising the prominence of the flower which grew out of many of the war’s worst battlegrounds.

Remembrance Day wreaths adorn the National War Memorial steps in London / Photograph from Adobe Stock Images

In Birmingham City Centre, the main Remembrance Sunday service will be held opposite St Paul’s Cathedral on Colmore Row – with a march starting at 10:30am.

A subsequent service will begin at 10:55am – led by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE, and joined alongside the Lord Lieutenant Derrick Anderson CBE, and the Bishop of Birmingham the Rt Reverend Dr Michael Volland.