Jack Brookes on campaign trail in Erdington during the 2022 by-election / Photograph supplied by Jack Brookes
Words by Jack Brookes
Remembrance Day… We must not forget the brave and the honourable. We must put veterans first. We must honour the dead by living each day with meaning and purpose.
Too many veterans feel let down; they have been let down. Their sacrifice was not worth it, but it doesn’t have to stay that way.
I had an ancestor that died a slave in imperial Japanese hands and another ancestor that fought in both world wars and survived. I had another relative serve in the Falklands War, and he died five years ago of pancreatic cancer.
My family has a history of serving this country and it is for this reason alone that I keep fighting in politics. I will put veterans first, in everything that I do.
Taking inspiration from our Armed Forces – especially their fitness standards – I have devised another policy for the area: installation of athletics/running tracks and basketball courts at schools.
In Taiwan there is a running track at 85% of all schools and over 92% have basketball courts; Taiwan has some of the best health outcomes in the world and spend much less on healthcare – this policy can save the NHS. These running tracks are available to the public in the evening and on the weekends.
Things must change. Things must get bettr. We must give ourselves strength and then we can reform the nation.
West Midlands Police have confirmed the rush hour chaos and widespread traffic gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas earlier today was caused by “a collision involving five vehicles”.
The local force also confirmed that despite the number of vehicles involved, and the busy location in which the incident occurred, none of those involved were “seriously injured”.
Reports came in early this afternoon after traffic on Chester Road was brought to a standstill following an incident – suspected to be near the M6 motorway interchange – that was creating widespread disruption across the area.
At around 5pm traffic was still at an absolute standstill, trapping hundreds of drivers trying to make their way across Northeast Birmingham on a Friday afternoon.
Incident causing major tailbacks and widespread gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Vehicles travelling along Fort Parkway, Chester Road, and leaving the Castle Vale estate were ground to a halt – as police tried to keep frustrated drivers calm and deal with the situation.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police told: “We were called to reports of a collision involving five vehicles on Chester Road, Birmingham, just before 3pm.
“Thankfully, no one was reported to have been seriously injured.”
They added: “Anyone who witnessed the collision can contact us via Live Chat on our website or by calling 101 quoting log 3109 of 21 November.”
Incident causing major tailbacks and widespread gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Castle Vale reporter Tracy Fisher, who spoke to officers at the scene, told how much of the uniformed police presence was involved in talking to drivers who were becoming “increasingly frustrated” at the gridlock.
Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin was also at the scene and told Erdington/Castle Vale Local that he witnessed a BT Open Reach van likely involved in the collision, that was “a bit dented”, but that by around 6:30pm police were successfully moving the traffic and the congestion was starting to ease.
Cllr Goodwin also noted other drivers who were becoming distracted by the incident and putting themselves and potentially others at risk.
Police responding to gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Early this evening, whilst still at the scene, Cllr Goodwin told Erdington/Castle Vale Local: “There has been a road traffic incident [on Chester Road] and people should stay away from the Chester Road area whilst police deal with this incident and keep people safe.”
He added: “The traffic is starting to move, but not a quick as you would normally see. Can people please drive safely as well, as it could cause another accident.”
An incident has sent the rush hour traffic into chaos on and around the Chester Road by Spitfire Island and up to the M6 motorway interchange – putting hundreds of drivers in “gridlock”.
Cars and vehicles are currently locked bumper to bumper on large parts of the Chester Road, from the Tyburn Road roundabout right up to the M6.
The incident has also created equal congestion on Fort Parkway, with drivers leaving the City Centre now forced into a standstill.
Traffic coming off the Castle Vale estate is also backed up with pictures on social media showing lines of stationary cars up Farnborough Road and Tangmere Drive.
Incident causing major tailbacks and widespread gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Erdington/Castle Vale Local reporter Tracy Fisher was at the scene and has taken a series of photos showing just how bad the traffic jam has become.
According to her report, traffic was in complete “gridlock” and drivers were becoming “increasingly frustrated” and irate – with some “honking their horns” and shouting.
Tracy tells that police attending were talking to drivers to try and temper their frustration, but there seemed to be little movement or improvement to the standstill
She was also told by emergency services at the scene there had been an incident near the M6 interchange but there had been “no serious injuries.”
Police responding to gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin told Erdington/Castle Vale Local: “I would advise everybody to stay at home and avoid both the Chester Road and the surrounding areas as there has been an incident which has now caused gridlock – on the estate and surround roads.
“Please avoid leaving the estate unless you really need to, as emergency services deal with the ongoing incident. And our thoughts are with anyone who may have been involved in the incident.”
Erdington/Castle Vale Local has reached out to all emergency services for an update.
Incident causes gridlock on Chester Road and surrounding areas / Photgraphs by Tracy Fisher
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.
Erdington locals are invited to come and meet Pudsey Bear at a special fundraising event outside Greggs on Erdington High Street, on Saturday 8 November.
Taking place outside the popular store between 10am and 3pm, the famous BBC Children in Need mascot will be saying a big bear hig hello to children and families – as the kind hearted Erdington Greggs staff raise money for the longstanding BBC children’s charity.
As well as getting to meet the most famous bear to ever wear an eye patch, the Erdington Greggs organised event will have music, arts activities for young people, and a special Bric-a-Brac table top sale – with public donations being sold to raise funds.
There will also be a special ‘decorate your own Gingerbread Man’ table and organisers have told Erdington Local there may be a few more surprises in store.
100% of all money raised on the day will be donated to the BBC Children in Need charity.
Whist getting ready for the fundraising event on Saturday 8 November, the manager of Greggs Erdington – Kirstie McGibbon – told Erdington Local: “We’re all big supporters of Children in Need here. One of our staff members, Claire, has run fundraising events for the charity before and we wanted to get involved as well.
“We have lots of customers who would want to support Children in Need, and we have a busy shop right on Erdington High Street – so there’s a lot of footfall in and outside.
“We thought why not, let’s do something big and to support the charity and the children it helps.”
Greggs on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
Kirstie added: “We’d love to see lot of people come down and meet Pudsey on Saturday, and to help us raise money through the Bric-a-Brac table and children’s arts sessions.
“It’ll be a lot of fun and hopefully help raise some money for a really worthwhile cause.”
Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), the local organisation that manages Erdington Town Centre, welcomes the positive community action onto Erdington High Street.
A spokesperson for the Erdington BID told: “It’s fantastic that the Greggs staff want to hold this event and raise money for such a worthwhile charity – supporting young people and children across the UK.
“They already do so much for the community; people socialise at Greggs, and it’s a safe and welcoming place for many local residents and shoppers.
They added: “We’re lucky to have our Greggs on Erdington High Street; the staff that work there are truly lovely people, and the breakfast sandwiches and coffee are not a bad way to start the day either.”
Children in Need fundraising bucket outside Erdington Greggs / Photograph by Ed King
BBC Children in Need is an official charity organised by the UK broadcaster, supporting young people and disadvantaged children across the UK throughout the year.
Every November, BBC Children in Need also hosts a special telethon fundraiser on BBC One and BBC Two – with celebrities and guests presenting a range of entertainment and educational content to raise awareness and funds for youth focused outreach and support programmes.
Established in 1980, BBC Children in Need has raised over £1bn through sponsored events, fundraisers, and donations, and is the “UK’s largest independent funder of youth work” – as cited on the charity’s official website.
BBC Children in Need will hold its next annual telethon on 14 November 2025.
(**Ed’s note… this column was first published on Friday 17 October in the Erdington Local print edition.)
I am proud to share some fantastic news for our community. After months of campaigning, we have secured £20 million of long-term investment for Kingstanding through Labour’s Plan for Neighbourhoods.
This means £2 million a year for the next decade, going directly into the priorities that matter most to local people, whether that’s improving facilities, supporting community groups, creating opportunities for young people, or making our streets safer, cleaner, and stronger.
When I was elected, I promised to fight for investment after the Conservatives snubbed us with the Levelling Up Fund – twice.
Having already secured nearly £1 million for Operation Fearless in Erdington, I was determined that our area would not be overlooked again. This £20 million is the result of that fight, and today, we can proudly say our persistence has paid off.
But the real work starts now. The most important question is, how should this money be spent?
I want Kingstanding residents to lead the way so we can shape this investment around our community’s real needs. Whether it’s upgrading play areas, tackling anti-social behaviour, backing small businesses, this must be your decision.
For too long, communities like ours have been ignored. Labour is changing that by giving power back to local people. This £20 million is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and I will work side by side with you to ensure your priorities lead the way.
This is our chance to rebuild pride, tackle long-standing challenges, and create better opportunities for the next generation.
Councillor Ray Goodwing (Castle Vale, Labour) on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour Group
Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin
(**Ed’s note… this column was first published on Friday 17 October in the Erdington Local print edition.)
There is a song for that.
September is always a month of change — the end of summer, the start of something new, and a reminder that progress never stands still in Castle Vale. This month, we’ve seen that spirit in action across our community.
We began with another Mobile Tip Truck event, tackling fly-tipping and helping residents keep our streets clean and tidy. It’s been inspiring to see so many people come together with real pride in the Vale.
When we work side by side, we don’t just improve our environment — we strengthen our community.
Community safety has remained a top priority. Following reports of antisocial behaviour and off-road biking, I’ve been meeting with local police, housing officers, and partners to ensure your concerns are heard. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own neighbourhood, and I’ll keep pushing for greater visibility, faster responses, and stronger enforcement.
There’s also positive news on the horizon: the rebuilding of our parks will begin shortly. These green spaces mean a lot to families, children, and older residents alike — places to relax, play, and connect.
It’s taken time and persistence to get here, but it’s wonderful to see our shared efforts turning into real investment for the future.
As autumn settles in, I’m reminded of what makes Castle Vale special — determination, unity, and hope. Whatever challenges come our way, we’ll face them together. Because here on the Vale, there really is a song for that.
Jack Brookes on the campaign trail in Erdington, during the 2022 by-election / Photograph supplied by Jack Brookes
Words by Jack Brookes
(**Ed’s note… this column was first published on Friday 17 October in the Erdington Local print edition.)
Paulette Hamilton says that Kingstanding will get another £2 million extra per year. Therefore, my monthly columns will be focused on how we can improve Kingstanding: empower the residents and improve our quality of life. Positive politics.
The following ideas of what I think we should spend the extra money on were inspired by my travels to Taiwan.
Firstly, we can construct several extremely affordable outdoor calisthenics facilities (pull up bars etc) throughout the ward; in Asian nations these facilities are around every corner and provide full-time access.
A perfect site for a calisthenics addition would be at the Wheeldon Recreation Ground. Additionally, we could upgrade Wheeldon and turn it into a covered MUGA (Multiple Use Games Arena).
Secondly, we can have indoor/outdoor calisthenics equipment installed at the schools. Gymnastics and calisthenics will help get our youngsters strong and positive. Plus, the facilities can be accessible to the public via appropriate clubs.
Furthermore, we should make the most of the space on Warren Farm and build a new covered MUGA with a green roof. This construction would provide everyday access and be a positive benefit to the community.
A strong and a positive body creates a strong and positive mind. We must be healthier and more positive. Motion is lotion. Sport saves lives and reduces crime. Let’s build some strength together! Reform yourself and you will Reform the nation.
And keep flying the flags. The council can take one down, but we will raise two!
Erdington’s long running arts and music showcase, the Evening of Creativity, was launched back in May 2017 by the Erdington Arts Forum. The idea was simple, to bring art and music into a public setting, and deliver a creative live programme led by the artists themselves.
But what started as a passion project soon became an internationally recognised platform for Erdington’s homegrown creative talent artists – giving them the chance to perform alongside a variety of acts from across the world.
Having never missed a month – not even during the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread lockdowns – the Evening of Creativity is now one of the longest running live events in Birmingham and another bright feather in the cap of Erdington’s proud creative heritage.
Evening of Creativity at Oikos Cafe / Photograph supplied by Erdington Arts Forum
“It came from frustration really,” explains Jobe Baker Sullivan, Erdington multi-instrumentalist and co-founder of the Evening of Creativity (EoC) events. “It came from a place saying we can have this, but you need to put the groundwork in. You need to work for it.”
A talented Erdington musician, who struggled finding supportive venues on the “quite fallow ground” of his home turf, Jobe came up with the idea for a regular arts and music showcase event whilst attending a jazz festival at the Midlands Arts Centre (MAC).
“We can have this,” he told his longstanding creative collaborator, Claire Marshall, was the MAC’S Creative and Partnership Director at the time. And three weeks later the pair had programme their first ever Evening of Creativity, to be held at Okios Café on Erdington High Street.
“I didn’t want it to be just another consultancy, or a dry meeting,” explains Jobe, “where people who don’t practice the arts tell you how to run arts – because they’re sitting on a fund. I wanted it to be arts in action, very directly, where everyone can access it.”
He adds: “It was my way of rebelling against what I refer to as the ‘lanyard wearers’, who are the people who tell us how to do arts between 9-5pm. Then go home and don’t think about it anymore.”
Evening of Creativity at Oikos Cafe / Photograph supplied by Erdington Arts Forum
May 2017 saw their opening night at Oikos Cafe, presenting a varied line up of music, poetry, and arts that would become the EoC trademark.
Jobe and Claire looked at venues across the Erdington constituency they could host further EoC events in, but it seemed the first cut was the deepest. On 19 September Oikos Café will open its door for the hundredth consecutive EoC event, with all taking place at the Erdington High Street café apart from the series of socially distanced live streams that got them through the Covid pandemic.
“We tried [running EoC events] in various places,” tells Jobe, “but we realised that it was Oikos who were going to continue to provide the care and in-kind support we really needed. Oikos just got it.”
In the past eight years, the Evening of Creativity has brought artists from across the works to join local musicians form in and around Erdington. And whilst Jobe feels “it’s too early to tell the impact the Evening of Creativity will have” on the performers cutting their teeth at the events, the list of luminaries they have had on their stage is impressive.
It’s also too long to list here, but let’s just say it includes a BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year and four Birmingham Poet Laureates.
Xhosa Cole performing at the Evening of Creativity, at Oikos Cafe / Photograph supplied by Erdington Arts Forum
But one of the proudest achievements for the team behind the Evening of Creativity events, aside from its uninterrupted tenure, are the opportunities it creates – both on stage, and off.
“The fact that there’s a team… that we’ve grown from just a grass roots live presentation,” explains Jobe, “and now there’s a live stream, sound recording, lights… and there are so many ways for people to get involved. This is something really special.
“It is unlike any other open mic night; it brings all this opportunity,” he adds, “and this is a great achievement. It is truly a community event.”
Evening of Creativity hundredth show – Friday 19 September
The Evening of Creativity (EoC) celebrates its hundredth show on Friday 19 September 2025.
On this very special anniversary, the long running arts and culture showcase will be welcoming back some old faces and introducing you to some new ones, performing live at the EoC’s regular home turf venue on Erdington High Street.
Birmingham’s alt-folk fourpiece, Kings of Spain will be playing a unique headline live set with blues and soul influences. Current lineup features John McElwee (aka Mac) as lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Deryck Wilson on bass, Stephen Thorne on percussion, with harmonies and backing vocals from Melonie Paige-Gibbins.
Evening of Creativity at Oikos Cafe / Photograph supplied by Erdington Arts Forum
International performance artist and visual creative Tereza Bušková will be coming back to Erdington, soon after her Mothers Without Hands project, to showcase a special film at the Evening of Creativity’s hundredth show.
Moseley born and bred gospel singer Sandra Daniels, and one of the first ever artists to perform at an Evening of Creativity, will be bringing her powerful vocals to the EoC stage – singing live with an ensemble of local musicians and multi-instrumentalists.
Come and join the local artists, musicians, and audience members as the EoC ushers in its hundredth consecutive event since its launch back in 2017.
Date: Friday 19 September Times: Doors open from 6pm, with performances and music running until 9pm Ages: All ages are welcome Venue:Oikos Café, 58 High St, Erdington, Birmingham, B23 6RH Tickets: £5 / Bought in advance through Eventbrite – or pay on the door. Donations also welcome
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PICTURE GALLERY: Evening of Creativity from 2017 to 2025
The Evening of Creativity hundredth show will be held at Oikos Café on Erdington High Street, on Friday 19 September – as promoted by the Erdington Arts Forum.
Castle Vale Councillor Ray Goodwin – standing on Castle Vale High Street / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Labour
Words by Cllr Ray Goodwin
This past month in Castle Vale has been one of the busiest I can remember, but also one of the most rewarding. Every week has reminded me just how special our estate is, and how lucky I am to serve such an incredible community.
At the heart of my work has been the drive to make Castle Vale cleaner and greener. From joining residents at community litter picks to working with partners on environmental projects, I’ve seen the pride people take in their neighbourhood. That same determination is guiding our efforts to tackle rising energy costs, as I explore ways we can help residents reduce bills and make homes more sustainable.
One of the highlights of the month was the Castle Vale Community Festival. It was fantastic to see families, neighbours, and friends coming together to celebrate what makes this estate unique – its energy, diversity, and spirit of togetherness. Events like this show Castle Vale at its very best.
We’ve also taken time to reflect and remember, particularly through the commemoration of VJ Day. Standing alongside residents to honour those who served was humbling, and it reminded me how important it is to inspire the next generation of leaders here in Castle Vale.
It’s been a busy month, but if anything, the pace is only increasing. I know big things are coming for our community, and I’m determined to keep putting Castle Vale first – always.
