Words and pics supplied by Kingsthorne Primary School
(Ed’s note – this BTS article was first written for the Erdington Local printed edition and initially published on 20.12.24)
Play-tropolis in Wombourne, Wolverhampton
On a wet and windy Thursday in December the Y1 children boarded a coach and went on a visit to Play-tropolis in Wombourne, Wolverhampton – a local role play centre for young people, with nine purpose built play areas that offer an immersive experience and introduce children to the grown up worlds of work.
The Kingsthorne children had a great time because they got to visit a model street where they practiced some grown up jobs. They had the chance to be firefighters, vets, hairdressers and police officers to name a few!
They were allowed to visit the Play-tropolis Café, supermarket and Post Office. The children had a fantastic day trying out different jobs and seeing miniature versions of shops and businesses.
Play-tropolis in Wombourne, Wolverhampton
Later that day, at the school disco the children got to meet and talk to Father Christmas! He was visiting for the day and chatted to them about what they wanted for Christmas and what they had put on their lists. A truly magical experience!
Although the journey back took much longer than expected, all the Y1 pupils had a fantastic day and learned about future careers.
Kingsthorne Primary School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.
If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local please email: [email protected]
Paulette Hamilton MP attending Remembrance Day event at Abbey Primary School / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP
(Ed’s note – this column was written for the Erdington Local printed edition and first published on 20.12.24)
Last month has been one of celebration, remembrance, and important parliamentary debates. I was delighted to join the 30th anniversary celebrations of Witton Lodge Community Association, a cornerstone of our community.
Their remarkable achievements over three decades are a testament to the strength and power of what local communities can achieve by working together.
On Remembrance Day, I had the privilege of joining Abbey Primary School for a heartfelt ceremony to honour those who gave their lives for our freedoms. Their moving tribute reminded us of the sacrifices that form the foundation of our liberties today.
In Parliament, the Assisted Dying Bill sparked an emotional debate. After much thought, I voted against the Bill, with 70% of the constituents who contacted me urging the same. As a former NHS nurse, I firmly believe in the dignity and value of every life.
Paulette Hamilton MP in Westminster, London / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP
I remain deeply concerned about introducing such a law, particularly when our NHS is already overstretched. I am committed to championing improved palliative care, working with Hospice UK, Birmingham Hospice, and others to ensure no one is left without the support they need at the end of life.
November also marked 50 years since the Birmingham Pub Bombings, a heartbreaking chapter in our city’s history. I have written to the Home Secretary, calling for justice for the victims and their families.
As we approach the festive season, I wish everyone in Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale, and South Oscott a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
Erdington Litter Busters community litter pick / Pic by Ed King
50% of adults across the UK will be volunteering and giving their free time to local endeavours this year, according to a survey conducted by the National Lottery Community Fund. And Erdington is heavily supported by a widespread array of community groups – bolstering the constituency with everything from litter picking to providing mental health care services.
But the line between Birmingham City Council’s civic duty and the goodwill of local residents has never been thinner, with several longstanding volunteers feeling the city should be more involved.
With Volunteer Week 2025 just over six months away, Erdington Local kickstarts a series of stories, features, and profiles celebrating our local volunteers and community groups.
One of the silver linings from the Coronavirus pandemic was the rise in people volunteering and setting up constituted groups, supporting their community with everything from food distribution to art therapy, domestic violence outreach to keeping the High Street safe. Amidst the fear and suffering, the brightest side of human nature also shone – with many individuals and groups continuing their community work well after the masks came down and the High Streets opened back up.
But beneath the altruism and community spirit that brought so much good over recent years, with half the UK population now looking at volunteering and 14% of them doing so for the first time, there is a growing argument that mismanaged local authorities are pulling back on their statutory obligations as prominent community groups pick up the civic slack.
Kaleidoscope volunteer at Central Square, Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King
Volunteer Week 2025 starts in June 2025, where people across the country will be encouraged to throw their hat in the ring and get involved in local agendas for free.
Launching a series of articles on the build up next June, Erdington Local asked some existing volunteers and community groups – many of whom rely on the free time given by others – if they felt their support work was properly appreciated by the local authorities.
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Lemia, The Shed – Elim Life Church: “We are running a community outreach activity which has invited several volunteers and we still need more to function fully. Therefore, we do appreciate the presence of the volunteers.”
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The Recovery Foundation exhibition at Secret Arts Studio Space, Central Square, Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by The Recovery Foundation
Emma Sitole, The Recovery Foundation: “Here at The Recovery Foundation we have seen first-hand how charities and voluntary, grass roots organisations are working hard to support our local community. An already overstretched NHS is struggling to cope with the rise in referrals for mental illness and so the third sector steps up. We see this as a privilege, but it’s not without its challenges.
“To be able to support our community is something we love doing. The Recovery Foundation is built on hope and, to end on our favourite quote ‘Hope, the only thing that by giving away, you get more of.”
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Portland Jones, InkWell: “We provide writing sessions for people in recovery from addictions, trauma or life-changing events. What we offer is a different way of meeting people; it is recreational but with additional benefits. It’s a new hobby, a new outlet. Our byline is sharing strength through writing.
“Do we pick up the slack left by other providers? I think what we do is supplement what others do. This is almost a continuation of the recovery process, meeting with people with the same lived experience, who fully understand what you are going through.”
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Adam Khan at LGBTQ+ rally in Mexico / Pic supplied by Adam Khan
Adam Khan, LBGT+ activist: “Volunteering helps empower communities to overcome barriers and inaction from other providers and institutions creatively.
“Volunteering helps with community cohesion as it builds trust within the community, and often provides the catalyst needed to provide much-needed provisions for communities, especially for those who feel that they have been left behind due to austerity or lack of commitment from local authorities and the government.”
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First meeting on Save Short Heath Playing Fields campaign, on Short Heath Playing Fields / Pic by Ed King
Stephen Hughes, Short Heath Fields Trust: “We have only secured a one-year licence with Birmingham Education Department… under this licence Shirt Heath Fields Trust (SHFT), in partnership with FC Elite, now cut the grass, paint the lines and maintain the playing fields. But still, due to Birmingham City Council’s financial situation, we are waiting and fighting to secure the long-term future of Short Heath Playing Fields (SHPF).
“Local councillors Jane Jones and Amar Khan (Stockland Green, Labour) and neighbouring councillor Jilly Bermingham (Perry Common, Labour) say they’re supporting what SHFT are doing at Bleak Hill Park and SHPF, but what are they actually doing?
“The simple answer is nothing, while SHFT is working hard to develop sport and secure the future of SHPF and struggle to raise funding because we don’t have a long-term lease, these councillors have done nothing.”
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Rev. Emma Sykes by St Barnabas Church, Erdington High Street – Pic by Ed King
Rev. Emma Sykes, St Barnabas Church: “We are consistently seeing an increase in numbers of people accessing our community hub for support and signposting to other agencies and support services. There are several areas where we pick up the slack.
“We are constantly dealing with and supporting people with complex mental health issues. We provide a place where [addiction] support services can come and meet with their service users – we are able to provide a safe and free meeting point.
“We are often engaging with both the victims and perpetrators of anti-social behaviour and are able to liaise with the police to aid in reporting offences.
“We regularly are engaging with people who need help with poor housing – SIFA are based with us most Friday afternoons to offer housing support – and our Friday Warm Welcome attendance has increased significantly over the last few weeks and we envisage it will increase further as the colder weather sets in.”
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Harold MacDonald-Taylor (3rd right) with Erdington Walking Group (EWG) at Perry Common Library / Pic supplied by EWG
Harold MacDonald-Taylor, volunteer: “I recently volunteered to help out with ‘tarting up’ the outside of the old Erdington Swimming Baths, with Witton Lodge Community Association – who paid for all the materials, wooden planters, soil, bark, plants, shrubs, floor chippings, paint, brushes, etc.
“As well as enjoying the fresh air, exercise, and general banter with the other volunteers, I couldn’t help but notice just how many passersby would go out of their way to come over and say thanks for our efforts.”
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Cathy Crossley, Arts All Over the Place: “There are at least three volunteers working away each week, setting up, making tea, welcoming folk and clearing up. Some teach skills to others, from crochet, to how to manage their phone etc.
“The volunteers say it’s a great way of building their confidence and helping them gain experience which could be included on a job application.”
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Evening of Creativity live streaming at Secret Arts Studio Space, Central Square, Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King
Jobe Sullivan, Ceol Agency: “We’ve had some volunteers who have donated 100s of hours over the seven years I’ve been around. That being said, sometimes just one volunteer donating one hour, or literally donating resources, can give you such an incredible will and desire to keep going and can really rally the group.”
“Volunteers that come to mind are Rob Tanley for his tireless work setting up the Erdington Traditional Irish Music Sessions, Mig Braithwaite (sp) for extending this into another, first Sunday session, and Tamara Francis, one of our longest serving camera-volunteers. That’s regular, monthly graft for the community.”
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Zuzanna Kiewel, POMOC: “POMOC, a non-profit organisation that organised Eastern European migrants towards justice, safety and community cohesion.
“We have been slowly building our base of Polish migrants in Erdington, aiming to develop a campaign that would eventually involve all residents and create bridges for understanding between different marginalised groups.”
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Fundraising at Erdington Court Bowls Club / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club
Ray Woods, Erdington Court Bowls Club: “To me volunteers are golden nuggets. They should be treated with respect – and a thank you costs nothing.
“Our Club has no paid staff – we are all volunteers. Some do more than others, but every little bit of help counts when you have a large facility like ours to run.
“At a time when City Council facilities are being cut back, more volunteers than ever are needed in all sorts of ways in the community – including our Club.
“Volunteering can be a great way for younger helpers to build up their CV’s for future employment.”
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Erdington Litter Busters community litter pick / Pic by Ed King
Erdington Litter Busters: “Volunteering is not only good for the community but can improve a person’s physical and mental health and wellbeing. It encourages someone to learn new skills, to make new friends and above all to give something back to society.
“Getting out into the local area will develop a sense of connection to others, enhance one’s confidence, improve how things work for the better and above all, show commitment.”
PICTURE GALLERY: Community groups and volunteers from across the Erdington constituency
Active Arts at Secret Arts Studio Space, Central Sqaure, Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King
Adam Khan at LGBTQ+ rally in Mexico / Pic supplied by Adam Khan
Arts All Over the Place welcome table / Pic supplied by Arts All Over the Place
Arts All Over the Place workshop at Secret Arts Studio Space, Central Square, Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by Arts All Over the Place
Fundraising at Erdington Court Bowls Club / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club
Erdington Litter Busters community litter pick / Pic by Ed King
Erdington Litter Busters community litter pick / Pic by Ed King
Erdington Litter Busters community litter pick / Pic by Ed King
Erdington Street Pastors on Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King
Erdington Walking Group at Perry Common Library / Pic supplied by Erdington Walking Group
Evening of Creativity live streaming at Secret Arts Studio Space, Central Square, Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King
Evening of Creativity at Oikos Cafe, Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by Erdington Arts Forum
Friends of Bleak HIll Park / Pic by Ed King
Helping Hands of Birmingham by St Martin Church, Bull Ring, Birmingham City Centre / Pic supplied by Helping Hands of Birrmingham
Kaleidoscope/Active Arts volunteer at Central Square, Erdington High Street / Pic by Ed King
Short Heath Fields Trust volunteer on Bleak Hill Park / Pic by Ed King
First meeting on Save Short Heath Playing Fields campaign, on Short Heath Playing Fields / Pic by Ed King
Short Heath Residents Action Group at public meeting with Cllr Ian Ward, on Short Heath Playing Fields / Pic by Ed King
The Recovery Foundation exhibition at Secret Arts Studio Space, Central Square, Erdington High Street / Pic supplied by The Recovery Foundation
Volunteers whitewashing boards in preparation for community mural around old Maplins site, Sutton New Road / Pic by Ed King
Volunteers working on 'Pocket Park' outside Erdington Enterprise Hub, Mason Road / Pic supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association
Erdington Local is looking to expand its network of COMMUNITY ANCHORS, volunteers, and community groups. If you are an active member of the local community we want to hear from you.
Please email our Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS correspondent, Hema Chumber: [email protected]
On Friday 18 October, Year 4 children from Kingsthorne Primary School went to Twycross Zoo on a coach. When they were there, they saw lots of different animals – read some of their experiences and memories from the days below.
Rainbow Lorikeets:
“The rainbow lorikeets were one of the first animals we saw. They are rainbow birds with tongues instead of teeth. We got some disgusting yellow food and went to the exhibition. At first, the rainbow lorikeets where nowhere to be seen but then they kept coming and coming! They were attracted by the awful looking food!”
Orangutans:
“The orangutans were so big and orange it was quite scary! They had a big play enclosure with lots of equipment for them to climb, swing and jump off. Maybe we could have some of that for our playground…”
Butterflies:
“The butterflies are kept in a warm enclosure because this is more like their habitat at home. They were really bright and colourful and ate very sweet fruits. Up close, you could see how delicate their wings are.”
Other memories from the day:
“We were lucky enough to see bonobos, guerillas, rhinos, penguins and cheetahs too.”
“It was a great day at the zoo and when we got back on the coach to return to school we were tired but very happy!”
Thank-you to all of the Y4 children that contributed to this article, including: Zofia, Almamo, Layla, Kobie, Alis, Rim, Rebecca, Khadeza, Anomika, Jessie-Ann, Pernell, Lincoln, and Amelia.
Kingsthorne Primary School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.
If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local please email: [email protected]
Paulette Hamilton MP for Erdington, BIrmingham, in Westminster / Pic supplied by Paulette Hamilton MP
(Ed’s note – this column was written for the Erdington Local printed edition and first published on 15.11.24)
At the end of October, the Chancellor delivered the autumn budget – the first under a Labour government in 14 years. After over a decade of Conservative mismanagement, we’re finally taking steps to rebuild Britain and restore faith in our economy.
This budget focuses on the issues that matter most: fixing the NHS, raising wages, supporting our schools, and strengthening our communities – all without increasing taxes on working people.
So, what does this mean for Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale and South Oscott?
First, the increase in the National Living Wage will benefit thousands locally, putting more money in the pockets of hardworking families.
Our NHS will receive a £25.6 billion boost over the next two years, ensuring more appointments and better care for all. Schools will see a £2.3 billion increase in funding, 6,500 more teachers, and a £30 million investment in free breakfast clubs, ensuring every child starts the day ready to learn.
To tackle crime, we’re ending the neglect of low-value shoplifting and other petty crimes slipping through the cracks.
This budget funds 13,000 more neighbourhood officers and PCSOs, so our streets and local traders – like those at Erdington High Street, Slade Road and Kingstanding Precinct – will be safer. And with £500 million to fix potholes, our roads will finally see the improvements they deserve.
This budget fixes the foundations to deliver change, with working people and local communities at its heart. It’s the reset our economy and country have needed.
Words and pics supplied by Kingsthorne Primary School
Kingsthorne Nursery children on a bug hunt
Life at Kingsthorne has continued to be very busy this month. Last week, our youngest children in Nursery went on a bug hunt around their outdoor area.
As well as finding ants, earwigs, worms and snails there was the opportunity for mark making and vocabulary development. The children also made a bed for ten in a bed which allowed for physical development and collaborative discussions.
Year 6, travelled further afield on their visit to the Heights of Abraham in Derbyshire. To go, the children had to be at school very early and didn’t get back until after half past 4!
Kingsthorne Year 6 children exploring the caves at Heights of Abraham, Derbyshire
Whilst they were there, they had the chance to explore the caves and discovered how the landscape is now used to support tourism after being mined for many years.
The children had the chance to take a ride on the cable car and experience the amazing view – a first for most of them. The visit was linked to their learning about mountains around the world.
They have been researching Mount Everest and the hostile climate there – even colder than Kingstanding in winter.
Kingsthorne Primary School is part of the Erdington Local BACK TO SCHOOL programme, working together to celebrate school life from staffroom to classroom.
If your school would like to know more about going BACK TO SCHOOL with Erdington Local please email: [email protected]
Words by Ed King / Pics by Grant Archer – with screenshots from the film by Chris Neophytou
‘Odeington’ / Screenshot from film by Chris Neophytou
Erdington born poet and spoken word artist, Joe Cook, has penned an homage to the lives and achievements of people from where calls home.
‘Odeington’ was commissioned as part of the St Barnabas Church bicentennial, to commemorate the cultural legacy of an area that gets more than its fair share Black Sabbath references. But born and raised in Stockland Green, Joe Cook wanted his words to stand testament to the modern day success stories from Kingstanding to Castle Vale.
Erdington Local caught up with the prolific poet, youth worker, and creative, to find out just what drums he thinks the North Birmingham constituency should be banging louder.
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The urban myth suggests if you type ‘Erdington’ into an online search engine you’ll see mainly news story about crime. The reality is you will, from media outlets reporting on crime. Ours included (although I hope we present more balanced content).
But you’ll also see Council information, estate agent postings, links to local facilities and sports clubs, historical features – albeit many about now aging rockers on Erdington High Street, and a range of “top rated holiday rentals” from Air B’n’B.
Image by Grant Archer
Desperate to reset the narrative, Stockland Green born and raised poet and spoken word artist, Joe Cook, used a recent commission to celebrate the modern day success stories from across the North Birmingham constituency – arguing when you start to refocus and scratch a more positive surface, there is quite a lot of them. And if you want to get all postcode and territorial about it, more than most.
“What I was really trying to get across, is that a lot of people in Erdington they often talk retrospectively – like, ‘it used to be great, it used to be this,” tells Joe Cook, after giving Erdington Local a sneak peak look and listen to his poem ‘Odeington’ – a portmanteau titled celebration of where he was born and raised.
“[People say] we used to have Mothers,” Erdington’s iconic music club and worldwide musical blue plaque, “and how amazing it was, and a lot of the online groups celebrate things in the past.” You can sense a restrained frustration from a man who used words for a living, “and I don’t think there’s enough celebrating the present.”
Image by Grant Archer
Without letting the stray cat out of the coal sack, Cook’s lyrics in ‘Odeington’ challenge the too often held view that Erdington is “all kind of hot spot here, think it’s just gunshot here, police line do not cross here” – delivered in a heartfelt piece to camera filmed underneath the Spaghetti Junction, as part of the accompanying video shot by local artists and filmmaker Chris Neophytou.
“And I just feel like everyone has this… I call them ‘Erdington ex-pats’ in the poem,” continues Cook, “saying ‘oh it used to be like this…’ but there’s still good community stuff happening here.”
Erdington has a vast network of local activists and community groups, again arguably more than other areas of the city, from the award-winning Erdington Litter Busters to the softer touch socially inclusive Erdington Walking Group.
There is also a significant Central and Eastern European support network, a raft of religious and secular ‘warm spaces’, and widespread grassroots mental health support services – growing from the legacy of Highcroft and Northcroft hospitals and the tragedy of the ‘Care in the Community’ programme.
‘Odeington’ / Screenshot from film by Chris Neophytou
Then you have the musical lineage that spawned from the onetime Erdington High Street music venue, Mothers – with local legends like Black Sabbath, Led Zepplin, and Judas Priest notched on its bedpost. But as Cook’s lyrics warn: “we can’t spend our days spinning soundtracks, throwbacks, staring at blue plaques, we’ve got to welcome the next acts.”
“From a musical perspective there’s good [contemporary] artists that have come out of Erdington and still are doing stuff,” argues Cook, who has long championed local and upcoming artists through his verse and wider creative endeavours.
“That was the kind of tone I was going for; I was trying to celebrate some of the stuff that came out of [Erdington] but not just doing the obvious things.
“I do talk about Mothers, but I also talk about Lady Sanity, Aashley Allen, Reuben Reynolds, and Mist… and Hoodrich [clothing brand], you know, and the guy that founded that was from Erdington.” All now internationally known names who were born from humble beginning across B23 or B24.
Cook is quick to add the B44 born Jilted Royalty clothing line to the list of local luminaries too, whose internationally loved and respected founder, Jay Read, recently passed away.
Image by Grant Archer
“He was from Kingstanding,.. and he was a really influential streetwear slash creative guy.” The ‘Odeington’ poet can been seen sporting one of Jilted Royalty’s limited edition t-shirts in the accompanying video.
Outside of music, Joe Cook uses ‘Odeington’ to champion the vibrant local sports community – and if you think that’s a stretch, the hyperbole is anchored by a 1500 capacity. four pitch football football stadium nestled behind a children’s play area on Farnborough Fields, Castle Vale.
“And I talk a little bit about Lean Edwards,” adds Cook, “there’s a lot of people who have come from Erdington or come via Erdington which I think is something really important,” giving the Erdington adopted MMA World Champion his resoundingly deserved dues.
But the starting point for this hand-crafted love letter to Erdington’s contemporaries is altogether more visceral. And as with many wars and marriages, it begins over food.
‘Odeington’ / Screenshot from film by Chris Neophytou
“My initial inspiration was when I was walking from [Erdington] train station and I could smell jerk chicken,” explains Joe Cook. “Then there’s an Italian [restaurant], then a Romanian, then you go down the road and there’s a Vietnamese… and that was my starting point – we’ve got all these cultures right here, all this cuisine. And that made me start thinking outwards about it.”
But behind the food lies a cultural melting pot which mirrors Cook’s own family experience, after his mother’s family moved to Erdington from the back to backs in Hockley and his dad’s Irish/Maltese family followed from Balsall Heath after emigrating to the UK.
Erdington is a place, like many other industrial or port town and cities, that was carved out of stones from all corners of the world – giving it strong foundations and a rich history, but on occasion rocks to throw.
And when it comes to using his words to celebrate his community, Joe Cook takes his position as local poet as seriously as the youth engagement work he has delivered across the region.
‘Odeington’ / Screenshot from film by Chris Neophytou
“I think the idea of being a laureate, or in the West African tradition of a griot, or folk music, it’s all about that localisation and communities – and art should try and serve the community as best as possible,” tells Cook, who has previously been shortlisted for Birmingham Laureate, “and these are the best kind of examples of what poetry should be, to me.”
“I think North Birmingham is forgotten about in a lot of ways, economically and whatever, [but] one of the amazing things about Erdington is that people do have each other’s back and do try and help each other.
“We haven’t got this big infrastructure; we haven’t got these big community hubs. But there’s these little pockets of grassroots activities that make a big impact on people’s lives. And that’s what I’d want to shout about more.”
‘Odeington’ – written and performed by Joe Cook, film by Chris Neophytou
It’s been another busy month across Erdington, Kingstanding, Castle Vale and South Oscott, despite the Parliament recess for conference season.
I have had the opportunity to visit some of our amazing community groups, such as Northside Welcome Centre and Growth Path, who do incredible work supporting local people.
Recently, I held my regular Erdington High Street meeting, where I met with residents, traders, Birmingham City Council representatives, and the police to discuss ongoing efforts to address the issues plaguing Erdington High Street.
During this meeting, I also shared the results of my survey, which highlighted the main concerns of residents and their suggestions for improvements. The full survey results are available on my website – www.paulettehamilton.org
Paulette Hamilton MP at meeting with local police
I am pleased to report that, as part of Operation Skybridge in Erdington, the police have successfully removed drugs from the streets and made several arrests. This is a welcome step forward in our fight against crime.
Additionally, I recently hosted the Kingstanding Crime Conference with the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster and local police. Residents voiced their concerns about crime and antisocial behaviour, and I am delighted to see that Kingstanding residents are now exploring local initiatives to support our collective efforts.
Addressing crime and antisocial behaviour remains a top priority for me. I am committed to working closely with our partners, the police, and residents to ensure our community remains safe and our neighbourhoods secure.
Words by Ed King / Pics by Grant Archer – with screenshots from the film by Chris Neophytou
‘Odeington’ / Screenshot from film by Chris Neophytou
(Ed’s note – the Oct/Nov printed edition of Erdington Local has a cover story interview with Joe Cook, giving you a one on one insight into the inspiration behind the ‘Odeington’ poem. To be the first to get our monthly newspaper through your door email: [email protected])
Erdington born poet and spoken word artist, Joe Cook, has penned a special poem celebrating the modern day lives and achievements of people from Kingstanding to Castle Vale.
Now set to music with a specially commissioned video, ‘Odeington’ gets its online release on 17 October – available to steam on YouTube and other online media platforms.
The video to ‘Odeington’ was shot by Erdington artist, photographer, and filmmaker Chris Neophytou, making the creative collaboration a very local love letter to the place the people behind it call home.
Challenging the too often held view that Erdington is “all kind of hot spot here, think it’s just gun shot here, police line do not cross here”, Cook uses razor sharp rhyme to champion the litany of success stories that have come – and continue to come – from in and around the B23 and B24 postcodes.
Image by Grant Archer
But first, Cook gives Erdington’s array of international cuisine a roll call of appreciation, from the “smell of jerk chicken rice and pea, drifting through the air of B23” to the “Pane and Vino family, favourite dish of Pavarotti” that run an intimate restaurant on Gravelly Lane.
MMA champion Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards gets a few verses of recognition, for his “jab from Jamaica, a back hand from Brum” and inspirational career that saw him crowned UFC Welterweight Championship in 2022.
Erdington’s own international clothing brand Hoodrich, who’s founder Jay Williams went from designing and selling just 30 t-shirts to “a fabric mantra” worn across the world, is another local success story Cook is keen to remind us of. Hoodrich celebrates it’s 10 year anniversary in 2024 and is now sold in over 1000 outlets across 24 countries.
Kingstanding’s Jilted Royalty clothing label, launched by local lad Jay Read with sales stretching across the Atlantic, also gets celebrated – with Cook sporting one of the B44 born limited edition t-shirts in the ‘Odeington’ video.
‘Odeington’ / Screenshot from film by Chris Neophytou
And whilst no homage to Erdington would be complete without a look back at the rock legends who cut their teeth at the renowned Mothers music club, Cook is quick to remind us to look forward too – listing the modern musicians who are putting Erdington on the international map.
Lady Sanity, Mist, Ashley Allen, Rueben Reynolds… as Cook warns and champions, “we can’t spend our days spinning soundtracks, throwbacks, staring at blue plaques, we’ve got to welcome the next acts.”
Born and raised in Stockland Green, Joe Cook’s family represent the diaspora that has made so many UK towns and cities rich and diverse, with his lineage hailing from Britian, Malta, and Ireland.
Commissioned by Ceol Agency to pen a poem that celebrates Erdington, as part of the St Barnabas Church bicentennial celebration, Joe Cook wanted to use his creative talents to champion the constituency in a modern context – tired of the “Erdington expats” who attack the area from outside.
‘Odeington’ / Screenshot from film by Chris Neophytou
Joe Cook is a celebrated local creative who has also worked on many arts and community engagement projects, including The GAP Arts Project, City of Colours, and Soundlounge with B:Music.
Ahead of the online release of ‘Odeington’, Cook told Erdington Local: “I think the idea of being a laureate, or in the West African tradition of a griot, or folk music, it’s all about that localisation and communities – and art should try and serve the community as best as possible. And these are the best kind of examples of what poetry should be, to me.
“From my experience of work on a grassroots level in the community, I’m most proud of are the little everyday things, like people helping people on the school run. Or people checking in on their neighbours, bringing the food round when they’re struggling.”
Image by Grant Archer
He adds: “I think North Birmingham is forgotten about in a lot of ways, economically and whatever, and I think one of the amazing things about Erdington is that people do have each other’s back and do try and help each other. And that’s what I’d want to shout about more.
“We haven’t got this big infrastructure, we haven’t got these big community hubs. But there’s these little pockets of grassroots activities that make a big impact on people’s lives. And that’s what I’d want to shout about more.”
‘Odeington’ – written and performed by Joe Cook, film by Chris Neophytou
Kingstanding Crime Conference poster / Supplied by Paulette Hamliton MP
This evening, 3 October, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, will be attending and speaking at the Kingstanding Crime Conference.
Held at the Kingstanding Leisure Centre, Dulwich Road, from 6pm to 7:30pm, the conference is free to attend and open to members of the general public.
Tickets can be secured by registering through a special Eventbrite page – click here, or type ‘Kingstanding Crime Conference Eventbrite’ into an online search engine.
Organised by Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton, who will also be speaking at the event, the conference has been set up to hear local residents’ concerns over crime in the area and “[lay] the groundwork for key community initiatives” which the MP hopes will “enhance safety and security in Kingstanding.”
Kingstanding Leisure Centre / Google Maps
Ms Hamilton recently became the representative for the entire Kingstanding Ward after the Boundary Commission changed the constituency boarders ahead of the 2024 General Election.
She told Erdington Local: “[Kingstanding residents] feel like nothing is being done” to tackle crime in the area, with a focus on “off-road bikes, gangs, and other forms of antisocial behaviour.”
She added: “I have been working tirelessly across our constituency to tackle these issues head-on. The Kingstanding Crime Conference is an important step in this effort.
“This event aims to bring together the police, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (WMPCC), local partners, and residents. The goal is to provide strong leadership and long-term solutions to the challenges we face in the area.
“Our ultimate aim is to create a community where everyone feels safe and proud to call it their home.”
Simon Foster talking to a member of the public on Erdington High Street / Ed King
After attending similar events in Castle Vale and Erdington Town Centre, Mr Foster – who is responsible for the region’s policing and anti-crime strategy – will now be meeting with Kingstanding residents.
As outlined on the conference agenda, Mr Foster will be telling Kingstanding locals what ‘resources have/can be allocated to help the police’ tackle crime in the area, before taking questions for 30 minutes.
The conference will also be a chance for Kingstanding locals to input into the region’s Police and Crime Plan, which is set to be published in 2025 and will guide the regional anti-crime strategy for the next four years.
Mr Foster will be inviting those attending the Kingstanding Crime Conference to complete a survey that will help shape the final plan.
Police and public / Ed King
Ahead of the Kingstanding Crime Conference, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner told Erdington Local: “The conference is an important opportunity to listen to local residents about matters that are of concern to them, discuss achievements, explain challenges and identify the further action required by West Midlands Police and partners, so that we all work together to prevent and tackle crime, to keep people, families, business and the local community safe and secure.”
He added: “I am in the process of an extensive and wide-ranging consultation, on the preparation of my new Police and Crime Plan.
“It is important the Plan reflects the needs, priorities and objectives of the people and communities of the West Midlands, when it comes to crime, policing and community safety.”
