Tag: Erdington

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NEWS: Cllr Robert Alden hits back at Heather Wheeler MP’s “godawful” Birmingham comment

Words by Ed King

Erdington Ward councillor Robert Alden, and leader of the Birmingham Conservatives, has hit back at comments recently made by Heather Wheeler MP who referred to Birmingham and Blackpool as “…godawful.”

Sparking widespread outrage across Birmingham, and a slew of social media comments with pictures celebrating the beauty and rich culture to be found across the city, Mrs Wheeler’s off the cuff remark upset two entire cities and angered tens of thousands more across the UK.

In an open letter to his Conservative Party colleague, Cllr Alden challenged the ‘all too common prejudicial view of our city’ whilst citing ‘the birthplace of the industrial revolution’ as the ‘engine room of the UK economy.’

Cllr Alden went on to celebrate Birmingham’s ‘big heart’, and how it is a ‘safe haven… for those facing religious persecution’ – as represented by the City of Sanctuary status Birmingham has held since 2015.

He continued to cite Birmingham’s ‘culture of philanthropy’, ‘industrial heritage’, and ‘more Michelin restaurant than anywhere else in the country outside London’ – even offering to show Mrs Wheeler around his proud home city when she visits for the Conservative Party conference.

Birmingham has been the host of the Conservative Party Conference for many years, with the next all-party event planned for October 2022.

Member of Parliament for South Derbyshire, and both a Cabinet Office Parliamentary Secretary Assistant Government Whip, Mrs Wheeler made the remark during the launch of the Government’s new digital strategy on Thursday 9 June.

Mrs Wheeler MP was reported as saying: “I was just at a conference in Blackpool or Birmingham or somewhere godawful.”

Apologising for her remarks the following day, Mrs Wheeler MP posted on Twitter she had “…made an inappropriate remark that does not reflect [her] actual view”.

But the derisive comment had already been picked up by mainstream media, sparking ager and defence from politicians and public alike – with many taking to social media to visually and verbally challenge the comments.

Erdington neighbour and Yardley MP Jess Phillips was quick to respond, stating that whilst she understands: “people make off the cuff remarks regrettably all the time” it is the “implied snobbery that’s the problem.”

Phillips continued to recognise that whilst “it’s ok not to like everywhere. It’s not ok to look down on them in a sneering way” – before challenging Mrs Wheeler’s perceived “patriotism” as needing to be “much more than singing Jerusalem and waving flags” and “finding the joy from the people and the grit as well as the scenery in our country.”

Also appearing on social media, a post of Heather Wheeler MP contributing to Parliament via a digital platform in 2020, amidst social distancing restrictions, seems to show the South Derbyshire MP use inappropriate language whilst addressing the House.

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BACK TO SCHOOL: St Barnabas Primary School receives Bishop of Birmingham Award

Words by Ed King / Pics by Ed King and St Barnabas Primary School

Erdington’s St Barnabas Church of England Primary recently received a Bishop of Birmingham Award, one of only three schools across the diocese to achieve the accolade.

Bishop David Urquhart, the longest serving bishop in the Church of England, presented the award during a special visit to the Spring Lane school last month.

Having been notified about winning the award in March 2022, the school staff and children had waited months to welcome the bishop – who brought a special trophy to recognise the school’s commitment to Christian values.

In an official citation sent to St Barnabas, Bishop Urquhart commended how Christian ‘values are illustrated and lived out by all in the school’ and how the children there can ‘use them to reflect upon their lives.’

Arriving in time for morning assembly, the bishop was met by St Barnabas’s Values and Ethos Committee, made up of children from across the school year groups.

Visibly excited and curious to meet the bishop, the children engaged with the senior clergyman and talked about the school theme of the week, ‘honesty’ – and how Fridays were ‘peace and quiet’ days at St Barnabas.

Bishop Urquart was patient and unpatronising with all the children, looking through the book pf reflections and talking to them about their individual beliefs, faiths, and the school’s core principles and values, before heading into the main school hall for a special assembly.

Hosted by Reverend Emma Sykes from St Barnabas Church, the assembly began with singing ‘Oh Happy Day’ before members of the Values and Ethos Committee told Bishop Urquhart the lessons they learned from the Christian parable of the Good Samaritan.

Harvey, Year 5, explained: “Out of all our key Bible stories which help us understand our footprint values, our favourite is the Good Samaritan. I think it teaches a lot about helping people and that everyone can make a difference through their actions.”

Safiyah, Year 3, added: “I think the Good Smartian teaches us to be respectful of others no matter your colour or religion.”

Leo, Year 4, said: “I think the Good Smartian is a good story because it helps people to help other people no matter who they are they don’t have to be our friend.”

Umaiza, Year 6, told Bishop David: “It helps us to understand that no matter who you are you can help people and other people can help you.”

Jeevan, Year 4, believed the parable “is important because it teaches us kindness and all faiths can be united and work together.”

Whilst Molly, Year 4, agreed “because of this story, we include everyone no matter who they are because we want to be like the good Smartian

Bishop Urquhart then told how the Good Samaritan was one of his first and favourite Christian stories, but how similar lessons of bravery and fortitude could be found from in David and Goliath.

The assembly then concluded by singing ‘Lord I Lift You Name On High’, and series Christian, Sikh, and Muslim prayers, alongside a special private prayer delivered by Bishop Urquhart.

After saying goodbye to the school and posing for a group photo with children and staff, Bishop Urquhart was keen to praise the good work and commitment to Christian values from everyone at St Barnabas.

He told Erdington Local: “The Bishop of Birmingham Award is for particular focus on Christian values and ethos in a school, and St Barnabas has integrated their values into the ordinary life of the school.

“They’re not just a ‘tick box’ – they’re really being lived and discussed and practiced by the children and staff, both at school and at home.

“And the welcome I’ve had this morning from the Values and Ethos Committee, which is made up of the children, has been really remarkable. They’re able to talk about the difficulties and realities of being honest as one of the important bits of our relationship together.

“Faith is caught rather than taught, and children have a rather wonderful way of inquiring into the really big questions: why are we here, who is God, how do we pray, does it matter…? They also look at adults to see if the things that adults say are being put into practice, so in that sense they bring an openness and honesty.

“And the idea that faith is just an idea is not good enough, it’s actually lived and so that’s what’s happening here – they are practicing, living, and building trust in God and each other and trying to live in a complicated and uncertain world.”

For more on St Barnabas Primary Church of England School visit www.stbarnabas-erdington.com

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NEWS: Erdington author and Castle Vale LGBTQ+ campaigner chosen as Commonwealth Games Batonbearers

Words Erdington news team

Erdington and Castle Vale will be represented in this year’s Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay – with a local author and LGBTQ+ campaigner chosen to carry the prestigious symbol on part of its journey.

The Queen has placed a message inside the Baton which will be read out at the Opening Ceremony of Birmingham 2022 on 28 July, after travelling to all 72 Commonwealth countries.

Erdington author and entrepreneur CJ Lloyd Webley has been chosen as a Batonbearer and will be carrying the iconic baton in the final stages of the relay as it makes it way to Alexander Stadium.

He said: “I’m so honoured to have been chosen as a Batonbearer for the West Midlands. Being able to carry the Baton in my home area is so special.

“The anticipation is really ramping up for the Queen’s Baton Relay and Birmingham 2022. I’m thrilled I get to play a part in it.”

Brought up on the Lyndhurst estate, CJ chose drama as a diversion from the crime which his peers fell into – after landing a part in a production of Oliver Twist.

Through his talent as an actor and then as a writer, CJ forged a successful career which has seen him being described as one of the hottest talents in the UK.

Penning plays which reflect the lives of his and other marginalised communities for the Birmingham Rep, CJ recently was an assistant director on a project about the Grenfell Tower disaster.

He also established Black Pounds in 2020 which runs a mentorship programme, offering support to freelancers, sole-traders, and start-ups.

A spokesman for Birmingham 2022 said: “CJ Lloyd Webley has been chosen as a Batonbearer for the West Midlands for making a positive impact within his community.”

As his role as Batonbearer, CJ has already met Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

He added: “It was great to have been asked to facilitate a meet and greet between the Prime Minister and Birmingham 2022 volunteers and baton bearers.”

Follow CJ’s Batonbearer journey on Twitter @cjlloydwebley

Castle Vale LGBTQ+ campaigner Piero Zizzi has also been chosen as a Batonbearer ahead of the Commonwealth Games 2022.

Piero founded the West Bromwich Albion LGBTQ+ supporters’ group which has won awards for its inclusivity.

He also runs Pride House which will be welcoming LGBTQ+ athletes and visitors to Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games.

Piero said: “Pride House is a safe and welcoming space, which aims to provide an inclusive environment for LGBTIQ+ supporters, athletes, staff, volunteers, and organisations at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth games.

“As a proud Brummie, I’m honoured to be carrying the #QBR2022 baton on its last stretch as it reaches the West Midlands and Birmingham.”

He added: “We have a unique opportunity; through the power of sport, to bring together communities and organisations from across the city to celebrate the diversity, innovation and talent that makes this city so great.”

Follow Piero’s Batonbearer journey on Twitter @PieroZizzi

The Baton is now part way through its 294-day-long journey, travelling through Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Caribbean, and the Americas, covering approximately 90,000 miles.

The Commonwealth Gales 2022 comes to Birmingham from 28 July to 8 August, with the main bulk of the competition held at the Alexander Stadium, Perry Barr – alongside further events in Solihull, Coventry, Cannock, Leamington Spa, Warwick, and Wolverhampton, and London.

Have you or someone you know been chosen as a Batonbearer?

Are you involved in the Commonwealth Games 2022, are you competing, or taking part in a weird or wonderful way? If so, Erdington Local wants to hear for you – email: edking@erdingtonlocal.com

For more on the Queen’s Baton Relay visit www.birmingham2022.com/queens-baton-relay

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NEWS: ‘Picnic in the Park’ on Short Heath Playing Fields – today from 12noon to 4pm

Words by Ed King

On Saturday 4 June, a special ‘Picnic in the Park’ will be held on Short Heath Playing Fields between 12noon and 4pm – as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrations.

Full details and updates can be found via the ‘Picnic in the Park’ Facebook event page, click here.

Completely free to attend and open to people of all ages, today’s ‘Picnic in the Park’ will host a range of family and children friendly activities including soft archery, swing ball, and football.

A special raffle will also be held with prize hampers to be won from local entrepreneurs Leanne’s PJ Pamper Hampers and Claire’s Body Treats, containing luxury personal care and bathroom goodies and a few grown up drinks.

There will also be as a special sweet tooth prize from Chocolate Bouquets by Claire, and a children’s raffle with prize hampers made just for young people.

Tickets are £1 per strip for the adult raffles and 50p per strip for the children’s raffle.

There will also be extra refreshments on site for anyone who wants to top up their picnic hamper – available from the Short Heath Wombles tent and served by the local ‘Wombles’ who diligently clean up the playing fields and surrounding areas.

All proceeds from both the raffle and the refreshment tent will be invested back into the local area, to help maintain the playing fields pay for more community events on the beloved green space.

Organised by Short Heath Fields Trust and supported by numerous other local community groups, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee ‘Picnic in the Park’ is the latest in a series of well attended community events to be held on the playing fields.

Following widespread success of their ‘Sports Day’, ‘Easter Egg Hunt’, and ‘Pumpkin Hunt’ events, Short Heath Fields Trust are hoping to bring the community together once again to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s 70 years on the throne.

The events are organised by SFHT to help raise money to support the playing fields, which the local community saved from an 84 strong housing development – but also to show the importance of green spaces.

A statement from Short Heath Fields Trust said: “Many of us remember being on Bleak Hill Park years ago for previous Jubilee’s. This time we are on the newly saved Short Heath Playing Fields.

“We are hoping the weather stays dry so that families can come down and enjoy the day. Bring their own picnic, we have a refreshments tent, and ice cream van and plenty of outdoor games to play for family fun.”

Across the UK this weekend people are holding street parties and community events in celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, marking Her Majesty’s 70 years ruling over the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth – making her Britian’s longest ever serving monarch.

The Short Heath Fields Trust ‘Picnic in the Park’ has been supported by Birmingham City Council and the Erdington Neighbourhood Network Scheme.

For more on the Short Heath Fields Trust ‘Picnic in the Park’ visit www.facebook.com/events/975529143134382

For more on Short Heath Fields Trust visit www.shortheathfieldstrust.godaddysites.com

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NEWS: Vandals damage Queen’s Jubilee decorations from Spitfire Play Park on Castle Vale

Words by Ed King / Pics and video supplied by Yvonne Hughes

CCTV has caught two lads stealing decorative flags and ripping down banners from a children’s play park on Castle Vale, hours before the country woke up to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Paid for by local resident Yvonne Hughes, who lives on Castle Vale, the flags had been put up around the Children’s Play Park by Spitfire Way a week before – in preparation for the following weekend of jubilee celebrations.

But at around 1am on Thursday 2 June, two young men entered the children’s play area and began ripping down the decorations – captured on CCTV walking up to the park and plucking the flags from the railings.

Later one of the young men was seen pulling off one of jubilee the banners, also attached to the park’s railings.

Local residents were quick to challenge act of vandalism, with Gillian Graham asking: “Why do people always spoil other people’s pleasure,” and hoping the young men responsible “have a conscience and take them back.”

Other residents had seen the decorated park “yesterday and thought how nice it looks” whilst several gave reports of how they’d been worried about their own decorations getting vandalised or stolen.

Yvonne Hughes herself was angry at the attack, wanting to see Castle Vale “pull together” to tackle crime on the estate. But in the true blue stiff upper lip spirit of community, she added: “It’s not the flags, I can replace them.

“It’s just why, all they had to do is come and ask if I’ve got anymore – not come at 1 am in the morning (and steal the flags) … but never mind it won’t spoil tomorrow.”

Other residents were quick to offer support, rallying round to find new decorations for the Spitfire Way Children’s Play Area.

Recently elected Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin asked for any evidence or CCTV footage of the crime so he could help “forward it to the right people”, whilst also joining others to help locate extra jubilee decorations to replace what had been stolen.

Cllr Goodwin told Erdington Local: “I am very saddened and disappointed to see the hard work and the pride residents have taken to celebrate the Queen’s jubilee ruined by mindless individuals.

“I will be supporting residents to report the vandalism to CVCH (Castle Vale Community Housing) and the police.”

From Friday 3 to Sunday 5 June, the UK will be celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – marking the 70 years Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has ruled over the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth countries, making her the longest ruling monarch in British history.

Born 21 April 1926, the young Elizabeth ascended to the throne in 1951 after the death of her father King George VI – retaining the name Windsor for the royal household, as it has been since 1917.

Vandals damage jubilee flags and banner – Spitfire Way Children’s Play Park

 

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NEWS: Commonwealth Games 2022 mascot Perry the Bull visits Wilson Stuart School

Words by Jobe Baker Sullivan / Pics supplied by Wilson Stuart School

On 18 May, Wilson Stuart School were lucky enough to be visited by Perry the Bull – the official mascot for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, to be hosted in Birmingham this summer.

Perry was well received by all as he moved around the school meeting and greeting both staff and students.

Perry first visited Bluesky nursery and Primary, dancing, skipping, and giving out ‘hi-fives’ with the students at every given moment before then making his way across school to secondary where he was greeted with yet more cheers and happy faces.

Wilson Stuart School in Perry Common is a special school that caters for 229 pupils aged 2-25 years.

The SEND students fully embraced the experience and were able to get photos with the Commonwealth mascot ahead of the Games. Students further took part in an action packed morning of activities, including a ‘find Perry’ orienteering course, medal design and athlete growth mindset workshops.

The visit from Perry the Bull “helped capture the family, fun and friendly feeling of the games and to get the students geared up to Birmingham hosting the games later this year,” said Tom Elmes, Associate Head of Secondary at Wilson Stuart School.

He added: “There was a real buzz of excitement from the students about our special visitor, it was great to see both staff and students interacting with Perry and the projects that we are part of are now starting to take shape ahead of the games this summer.”

Perry the Bull is a unique mascot for the Commonwealth Games 2022, named after both Perry Barr – where the main bulk of the Games will be held – and the Bull Ring Market.

His appearance is based upon the design of 11-year-old Emma Lou, winner of a national design competition that took place in 2020.

Artist in residence at Wilson Stuart School, Benny Semp, has also been working with students on a wall hanging to act as a legacy piece for the Games.

The Commonwealth Games will take place in venues across Greater Birmingham, the Midlands, and London between 28 July and 8 August.

For more on Wilson Stuart School visit www.wilsonstuart.co.uk

For more on the Commonwealth Games visit www.birmingham2022.com

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NEWS: Public Space Protection Order finally back on Erdington High Street

Words & pics by Ed King

After years of campaigning, Erdington High Street and the surrounding streets are now back under a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) – giving local law enforcement greater powers in tackling street crime, drinking, and anti-social behaviour.

Following a combined effort from the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), Erdington Ward Councillors Robert Alden and Gareth Moore, and members of the North Local Partnership Delivery Group (LPDG) – working alongside West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council – Erdington’s PSPO was finally approved and back in operation from Monday, 16 May.

Brought in under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, a PSPO allows local police teams to forcibly remove anyone from the ‘Restricted Area’ they suspect are intoxicated, behaving aggressively, or causing problems for other people – without an official crime being reported.

Starting on the corner of Oakfield and Wood End Road, the PSPO for Erdington covers from Orchard Road and across Sutton New Road – encompassing Abbey Catholic Primary School and Highclare School – then back up Summer Road to Six Ways Island and Erdington High Street.

With the previous PSPO running out in 2018, many residents, businesses, and constituency stakeholders have been championing to have it reinstated.

The latest application being submitted in December 2021, following a period where objections against the order could be heard.

But despite seeming to be a unified ambition, there have historically been some objections against the PSPO in Erdington which stymied the process of reinstating the order.

Several reasons for the four year delay have been suggested, with Terry Guest, Erdington Town Centre Manger, previously telling Erdington Local:

“There’s a few stories about why it hasn’t been renewed. One is that someone objected on the grounds that the PSPO included beggars, and there was an objection against the human rights of beggars – because initially the order included the removal of beggars off the High Street.

“No one should be homeless, and we’ve done quite a lot of work with the police and their partners in helping people who are homeless.

“There’s another aspect to this and that’s professional begging, where people aren’t homeless, aren’t poor, and are begging on the High Street as a crime basically.”

Policing across the West Midlands has been slashed since 2010, with the regionwide budget losing £175m over the last 12 years. Over 2200 police officers have been lost, including around half of all officers allocated to neighbourhood and community policing.

With policing resources stretched and response teams taking priority, many have felt the PSPO would give much needed support to those officers still patrolling Erdington High Street.

However, even after the PSPO was passed at the end of 2021 the order still required Birmingham City Council to install signage before it could be enforced – which took nearly another six months.

Special training for local business owners was also needed from West Midlands Police, working alongside the Erdington Street Warden, Erdington Street Pastors, and private businesses security staff.

Following the eventual reinstalment of the PSPO last month, Erdington Ward Councillor Robert Alden said:

“We’re disappointed it has taken as long as this to get the signage up and training in place – for the zone to be enforceable it requires signs to go up on lampposts and training to be provided by the police, which we needed to get the Council to implement.

“But it’s now really positive that everything’s in place, and Gareth (Moore) and I have been working with the Erdington BID and the police to make sure that got moving.

“Now the police can start enforcing it (the PSPO) and hopefully it will lead to a safer High Street for people to be able to enjoy spending their time and shopping on.”

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NEWS: Castle Vale to host first Neighbourhood Festival Site for Commonwealth Games 2022

Words by Jobe Baker-Sullivan

Castle Vale will host the first in a series of Commonwealth Games Neighbourhood Festival Sites, as organisers set up suburban satellite events across the city to allow those who can’t attend the main events to enjoy the Games.

On 28-29 July, Farnborough Fields will host the very first Neighbourhood Festival Site event, coinciding with the official opening ceremony for the Commonwealth Games 2022.

Further Festival Sites will be set up in Victoria Square and Smithfield – the current site of Birmingham’s Wholesale Market.

The Neighbourhood Festival Sites will celebrate the sport and culture of the Games, whilst providing food, drink, and entertainment – allowing a citywide audience to access and enjoy some of the key sporting moments on a big screen, alongside a programme of live performances from artists and community groups.

Organised by Birmingham based ‘female-led, multidisciplinary arts and events producing house’ OPUS (Outdoor Places Unusual Spaces) each Neighbourhood Festival Site is being produced by professionals who either live or have strong links to the location.

Festival producer for the Castle Vale Neighbourhood Festival Site, Lateesha Johnson, told Erdington Local: “We really want to see the Festival Sites reflect the spirit and culture of the neighbourhood they are located in.

“We’re encouraging all local residents to come and participate with workshops, celebrate a variety of art and culture and enjoy some fantastic cultural cuisine. All sites will act as a welcoming space to enjoy the Games and give local people an opportunity to embrace and celebrate this historic event.”

As Farnborough Fields is the first location in a series of seven Neighbourhood Festival Sites, and running alongside the official opening ceremony for the Games, the theme for the Castle Vale event is ‘The Warm Up’.

The Farnborough Fields festivities will be a local starting point for people to ‘discover a new interest, skill or local artist and spend two days immersed in the excitement of the Games’.

Recently elected Caste Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin, and CEO of Spitfire Services, said: “the Commonwealth Games mean a lot for the people of Birmingham, not just because it is bringing in a lot of new career opportunities and revenue streams but because sport is extremely important for our people.

“I am looking forward to Castle Vale becoming the first Festival Site wherein people will be able to play, enjoy music, meet each other, all in the friendly name of international sports”.

Castle Vale resident Tracey Barrington added: “I love seeing exciting things on the Vale, and a big thing like a Festival Site is just what we need after the difficult time of Covid. Praying for good weather to see Castle Vale come alive.”

The Commonwealth Games, or the ‘friendly games’, were first held in 1930, and take place every four years.

Birmingham will host the main 2022 event at Alexander Stadium, Perry Barr, which like much of the city has undergone extensive renovation, predicted to have cost around £72 million.

As well as other large outdoor spaces and indoor sports venues in Birmingham, the Commonwealth Games will also use venues in Solihull, Coventry, Cannock, Leamington Spa, Warwick, and Wolverhampton, with the furthest venue being at Lee Valley VeloPark in London.

Louise Martin CBE, Commonwealth Games Federation President, adds: “Birmingham is truly the Commonwealth’s city, and we look forward to showcasing its humanity and pride over the coming months and years.”

More details about the Castle Vale Neighbourhood Festival Site are to be announced, for updates direct from the Commonwealth Games visit www.birmingham2022.com

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NEWS: Erdington Litter Busters receive Lord Mayor Award for cleaning up constituency

Words by Ed King

On Thursday 24 May, Erdington Litter Busters (ELB) received a Lord Mayor’s Award for their services to Erdington.

ELB have been sweeping up the constituency streets since 2018 and currently have a ‘growing community of volunteers’ going out across Erdington on the first Saturday of each month.

The group also look after a 3.5 mile track of canal and run their ‘Adopt a Street’ programme, where individual members litter pick around where they live – the initiative currently has around 200 streets ‘adopted’ across Erdington.

A social group as well and an enterprise, the Erdington Litter Busters also meet for ‘a friendly coffee and chat’ after each monthly litter pick, tend a local allotment together, and can be seen involved in countless other community groups – from street paintings to saving playing fields.

Nominated for the Lord Mayor’s Award by Cllrs Robert Alden and Gareth Moore (Local Conservatives, Erdington) and Cllr Mick Brown (Labour, Gravelly Hill), Erdington Litter Busters were notified of their success in a special letter from the Lord Mayor’s office at the end of April.

One of the last duties before his yearlong term came to an end, Birmingham’s erstwhile Lord Mayor Muhammad Afzal presented two of the ELB founders, Dawn Edwards and Rob Gunnell, with the award in the Council Chamber at the Birmingham Council House in Victoria Square.

Given annually by the exiting Lord Mayor, the awards recognise individuals and organisations who have ‘improved the reputation’ of Birmingham or ‘improved the lives of a great number of people’ in the city.

The nomination criteria highlight the awards will only be given to honour “outstanding achievement or exceptional service to the City and people of Birmingham”.

Joining Dawn and Rob at the awards ceremony were the three local councillors who nominated the group, and who have all put party politics aside for the good of the community and joined the ELB on numerous ‘clean ups’.

Many political wards across Erdington are blighted by roadside rubbish, illegal fly tipping, and waning Council waste disposal services – with virtually every candidate in the recent local elections highlighting the issue on their campaign trail.

After receiving the coveted award, Erdington Litter Busters Dawn Edwards and Rob Gunnell told Erdington Local:

“This was a golden opportunity to receive such a prestigious award on behalf of our ELB team and for the many volunteers who continue to make such a huge difference to where we live.

“It also continues to be a huge privilege to be a part of a community initiative which started out four years ago and has now diversified significantly with other projects in the area.

“We very much appreciated being nominated by local councillors, Mick Brown, Robert Alden and Gareth Moore, who have been supportive from the onset.

“It is our desire to build on our partnership with the City Council in a way which enhances our understanding of their plans and strategies for supporting community groups like ours”

Cllr Robert Alden commented: “We were delighted to jointly nominate Rob and Dawn for the Lord Mayor’s Award and were delighted to be there for the awarding of it. They have both done brilliant work for our area helping to tackle fly tipped rubbish, litter and graffiti.

“All of the litter busters do a wonderful job, and we have and continue to be very happy to support the group in any way we can to help us all show pride in Erdington.”

Cllr Gareth Moore said: “Congratulations to Dawn and Rob for all their brilliant efforts leading Erdington Litter busters. A massive thank you to everyone who also volunteers with the litter busters all your efforts are hugely appreciated.

“We have been delighted to work with all the litter busters over the last few years and look forward to continuing to do so in the years ahead – together we are all making a real difference to our local area.”

Cllr Mick Brown added: “You often hear stories in the media about people who have made a real difference in their communities but never expect to actually meet one; well in Dawn and Rob I have had the privilege of meeting not one but two.

“I never cease to be amazed at not only their commitment to personally making a difference but to their ability to inspire others to want to make difference as well.”

For more on Erdington Litter Busters visit www.erdingtonlitterbusters.com or www.facebook.com/groups/ErdingtonLitterBusters

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NEWS: The Festival of Flying launches at Greenwood Academy today – with free to attend outdoor aerial theatre show, CastAway

Words by Ed King / Production pics by Andy Moore – Highly Sprung

On Friday, 20 May, Greenwood Academy will host the launch of The Festival of Flying – an ongoing project with local residents, Active Arts, and Highly Sprung Physical Theatre.

Free to attend, members of the public should get to Greenwood Academy on Farnborough Road for 4pm – to see a special performance of CastAway, Highly Sprung’s renowned outdoor aerial theatre show.

Suitable for people of all ages, the event will finish by 5pm.

A spectacular outdoor production, using a specially designed ‘gyroscopic flying machine’, CastAway explores the impact of today’s throwaway society on our waterway – in an innovative and fresh approach to aerial theatre with parts of the performance happening 26ft above the audience.

CastAway’s all female cast takes you through an underwater world where performers dive, twist, and float, in a narrative inspired by the Great Pacific Garbage Patch – a floating island of everlasting plastic that has now grown to 6½ times the size of the UK.

The free performance of CastAway, to be held at Greenwood Academy at 4pm on Friday, 20 May, will mark the official launch The Festival of Flying, 

Organisers hope to ‘inspire the next generation of innovative engineers’ through special workshops and the outdoor ariel theatre show.

For more on CastAway check out the trailer from Highly Sprung Physical Theatre below.

Exploring the industrial, regeneration and green future of Castle Vale, The Festival of Flying will work with Castel Vale residents and the local community to produce a week long fusion of music, aerial, and mass performance this September.

Led by Active Arts, The Festival of Flying will champion ‘the creativity, energy, and passion of communities in Castle Vale,’ with organisers of the programme working with local communities over the coming months to ‘produce a unique event, celebrating local history, heritage, and innovation’.

Presented as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival, The Festival of Flying is a Creative City Project generously supported by Birmingham City Council.

Artistic Director, Sarah Worth, said: “The Festival of Flying will be working with young people to inspire them to find new ways to express untold stories. We are proud to realise it in Castle Vale and to be part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival.”

CastAway – Highly Spring Performance

For more on Active Arts Castle Vale visit www.activearts.wordpress.com