Chivenor Primary School 60 year anniversary event / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
Ed’s note… This article was first published in the Erdington Local monthly newspaper, out on shelf from 18 June.
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Words by Chivenor Primary School
Chivenor School officially marked its 60th anniversary year with a vibrant Heritage Evening, bringing together generations of students, staff, and community leaders to honour six decades of local education.
Co-Heads of School Mrs Cox and Mrs Werrett opened the evening by reflecting on Chivenor’s unique beginnings in 1965. Originally designated as ‘School Number 1’ under founding headteacher Mrs Wise, the institution famously had no pupils when it opened. However, growth was rapid; by 1967, enrolment soared past 1,000 children, prompting the opening of a second school on the Vale.
The celebration seamlessly blended past and present, highlighting the revival of beloved traditions like balancing a sweet tin on children’s heads for their birthday.
Recognition was a central theme, with certificates awarded to the Head Boys and Girls, Pupil Parliament members, and dedicated ‘Heritage Heroes’ who championed the history project.
Attendees, including current and former staff, alumni, and community representatives, enjoyed uplifting performances from the school choir and the St. John’s Ambulance Brass Band who had the children dancing in the aisles.
Mrs Cox and Mrs Werrett shared that the event aimed to honour Mrs Wise’s 1965 vision for Chivenor. A newspaper article stated that she wanted Chivenor to be “A place of happiness where children grow in body, mind, and spirit”.
Sixty years later, the joint heads noted that these core values remain alive through the school’s modern pillars of High Achievement, Wide Horizons, and Proud Traditions and they hoped these values would remain strong in 60 years time.
PICTURE GALLERY: Chivenor Primary School’s 60 year anniversary event / Photographs by Tracy Fisher
Chivenor Primary School is part of Griffin Schools Trust, for more information visit www.griffinschoolstrust.org
Chivenor 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: edking@erdingtonlocal.com
Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) group photo, outside Hope House in Perry Common / Supplied by UDB
Words by Amy Heyes, Urban Devotion Birmingham
Here at UDB, we believe that every child and young person in Erdington is important, unique and worth our time. This is rooted in our Christian faith and overflows into our care for and support of everyone, regardless of their religion or background.
We know that life has its ups and downs, challenges and celebrations, and we want to be there for children, young people and their families through it all.
That’s why you can find us in local schools throughout the week, as well as running free clubs and activities for families, children and young people.
It’s why young people drop in to chat with us at Hope House on Witton Lodge Road. It’s also why you might see our team in blue UDB hoodies alongside the Mobile Youth Van, parked roadside or out walking the streets.
If you’ve not joined us before — or haven’t been along for a while — we would love to see you.
Self-professed patriotic campaigners from Kingstanding have started an online petition to see a commemorative statue of King Charles I officially erected at Kingstanding Circle, as a replacement for the unauthorised flag displays.
Legend has it Charles I reviewed his troops while standing on a neolithic barrow north of present-day Kingstanding Circle, in the run up to the first major clash of the Civil War, the Battle of Edgehill.
Artist’s impression of King Charles I commanding his forces at the Battle of Naseby in 1645 / Image taken from Adobe Stock ImagesSean Keatley of Raise the Colours Kingstanding, who have been responsible for the proliferation of Union Flags and St George’s Cross flags around the ward, says the story of the troop review “adds character to our community” and “connects us to our country’s rich historical tapestry”.
Charles I statue and Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square / Photohraph taken from Adobe Stock Images
Keatley says that growing up locally, he often wondered why there was no monument to King Charles, given the name of the area, and argues Kingstanding deserves the equivalent of Brownhills’ 40 foot Tin Man or Spitfire Island in Castle Vale. His vision is of a statue similar of Charles I on horseback in scale and style to the one in the centre of London, at the top of Whitehall.
Now he is looking to amass support for the statue and has told media if approval is given to the monument the sea of St George’s Cross and Union flags on the Circle could “come down permanently”. Raise the Colours’ Chris Davis adds that “having something a lot more permanent would be a lot more fulfilling”.
For several months, the Kingstanding ‘flaggers’ have played cat and mouse with Council workers and anti-flagging activists over the display around Kingstanding Circle – with local residents debating if the campaign represents patriotism or jingoistic aggression.
Some even call the campaign racist in its intent, echoing the historic concerns over cultural division in Kingstanding – where the British National Party candidate Sharon Ebanks was nearly elected as local councillor in 2006.
(L-R) Sean Keatley, Chris Davis from Raise the Colours Kingstanding by Kingstanding Circle / Image supplied by Sean Keatley
But Keatley insists things have moved on in the last twenty years and believes “we should be able to celebrate our history and our culture.”
“If we aren’t doing anything to celebrate it, it’s being taken away,” he adds.
Raise the Colours Kingstanding is optimistic about the statue, after receiving support from several candidates in the recent local elections. They now hope to progress the idea with the ward’s new Reform councillors, including the Birmingham group’s newly appointed leader, Jex Parkin.
Reform UK Deputy Leader, Richard Tice, who visited during the local elections campaign, “is in full support of our movement and what we stand for”, Keatley adds, and he’s waiting to see if Tice “will help us make it happen”.
Keatley suggests funding could come from the £20 million awarded to Kingstanding under the Government’s Pride in Place scheme.
Announced by the Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton in September last year, after funds were released by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), Pride in Place will see £20m come into Kingstanding over the next decade – with £2m allocated for projects annually.
Following an open application process, Birmingham Settlement boss Martin Holcombe has been appointed Chair of the Pride in Place Board that will oversee spending – with additional members being made up from local stakeholders and residents.
Hamilton says she is proud to have secured the funding and decisions on spending must be community-led. “This funding should reflect the priorities of local residents, whether that is investing in youth services, safe and welcoming spaces for older people, improving parks and public spaces, or indeed proposals such as a statue of King Charles I,” she confirmed.
Charles I (1600-1649) on engraving from the 1800s – as published in London by L.Tallis / Image taken from Adobe Stock Images
But historians warn that claims about Charles I’s presence at Kingstanding should be treated with due scepticism.
Professor Andrew Hopper, a Civil War specialist who grew up in Solihull, says he knew the story years ago, “but only from ‘tradition’ and oral sources”. Professor Hopper adds that enthusiasm for a Charles I statue is ironic, given Birmingham’s noted Parliamentarian sympathies in the Civil War and the sack of the city by Prince Rupert – an incident recalled by several Erdington Local readers.
After reading about Keatley’s petition on Erdington Local’s social media, James Wells from Erdington Lunar Society posted: “Let’s commemorate someone who attempted to take our democratic rights away, caused a civil war that divided the country and whose son viciously attacked Birmingham who supported the parliamentary side. I don’t think so.”
Artist’s impression of King Charles I commanding his forces at the Battle of Naseby in 1645 / Image taken from Adobe Stock Images
Doyen of Birmingham history Carl Chinn says a more prosaic explanation is that the name comes from a ‘standing’ – a hunter’s station – which Chinn thinks is plausible given the area’s proximity to Sutton, a royal chase.
Meanwhile researcher Ronald E. Crook once documented the word ‘king’ was common in the names of local fields before the Civil War and that there are stories linked to the Kingstanding barrow about a medieval Danish king’s exploits too.
Claire Almond, Teaching Assistant at Chivenor Primary School, at the Rob Burrows Leeds Marathon 2026 / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
Words and photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
Usually found guiding the youngest learners at Chivenor Primary School, teaching assistant Claire Almond demonstrated a powerful lesson in perseverance by completing a half marathon on Sunday, 10 May.
Almond tackled the gruelling 21-kilometre Leeds Marathon course to raise vital funds for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research, a cause close to her heart.
The challenging route began and ended at Headingley Stadium, the hallowed home ground of the late rugby league legend Rob Burrow. For Almond, a dedicated women’s rugby player, Burrow’s courageous battle with the neurodegenerative condition served as a profound inspiration.
Runners running in the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon 2023 / Photograph from Adobe Stock Images
After witnessing the impact of the disease on the sporting community, she felt compelled to trade her rugby cleats for running shoes to make a difference.
Almond’s journey to the finish line, which she completed in an impressive two hours and twenty minutes, is particularly remarkable given her recent start in the sport.
Having only begun running last summer through the NHS ‘Couch to 5K’ program, the transition to a half marathon represented a monumental leap in distance and endurance. “I never even thought I’d be able to run 5 kilometres, let alone 21K,” Almond shared, reflecting on her rapid progression from novice jogger to long-distance fundraiser.
Her grit and determination have resonated throughout her community.
The children and staff at Chivenor Primary School are incredibly proud of Claire’s fantastic achievement.
By pushing her physical limits, she has not only raised essential funds for MND research but also provided an inspiring example of dedication for her students.
Chivenor Primary School is part of Griffin Schools Trust, for more information visit www.griffinschoolstrust.org
Chivenor 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: edking@erdingtonlocal.com
Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) on residential with young people / Photograph supplied by UDB
Words by Steph Porter, Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)
Let me take you back to your first school residential… mounting nerves about a night away from your mom, brewing excitement about the quantity of Haribo you’re going to eat at 11pm and the all-nighter with your dorm room buddies, anticipation of the ‘leap of faith’ which your older brother told you is a death wish, all whilst wondering if you have as much pocket money as your friend, Michael, for the gift shop, where you hope to buy a massive pencil with the camp logo on.
I’ve been running residentials for the last four years and I must tell you, they haven’t changed much! At UDB, it is a crucial part of our work in the community to give our children and young people the opportunity to go away.
As a youth worker, I love connecting with young people outside of their normal contexts because they often let their guards down in a different way to a normal drop-in or mentoring session.
Giving them a spare toothbrush when they forget theirs (frequent), needing a pep-talk pre-kayaking, finding them something different to eat when they don’t like the dinner (also frequent) are all relational luxuries when you’re away together.
We love doing life with the people we work with, and residentials are a wonderful display of this.
Chivenor Primary School main entrance / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
Words and photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
The Chivenor school community is celebrating a major milestone following official confirmation that the Department for Education (DfE) has approved funding for a brand-new, on-site nursery facility.
The announcement, which reached parents and staff via email this week, marks the culmination of months of dedicated “behind the scenes” advocacy and strategic planning. School leadership expressed immense pride in the achievement, noting that the successful bid represents a significant investment in the area’s early years provision.
This new addition will allow the school to support its “mini Griffins” from the very start of their educational journey.
“This achievement is the result of months of hard work,” shared Lisa Guest, Executive Head, who extended gratitude to the staff and partners involved in the complex application process.
While the funding is now secured, the work is far from over and the school is now entering a rigorous phase of preparation to ensure the environment is ready for its first cohort. The project will involve several months of detailed planning and infrastructure development to meet the specific needs of the youngest learners, with the nursery doors opening in September 2026.
Local families have welcomed the news, with many places already being snapped up.
As the school community looks toward the future, this initiative stands as a testament to Chivenor’s commitment to providing comprehensive, high-quality local education for the next generation.
If you would like more information or to request an application pack, please contact the school office or email nursery@chivenor-gst.org
Chivenor Primary School is part of Griffin Schools Trust, for more information visit www.griffinschoolstrust.org
Chivenor 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: edking@erdingtonlocal.com
Generic image of young people working in a classroom / Photograph taken from Adobe Stock Images
Words by Emma Winmill, Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)
If you’ve got teenagers revising at the moment, you may recognise the pattern: procrastination, followed by long hours trying to catch up, and suddenly the whole house feels tense.
It might feel like the answer is to just work longer, but research suggests something different. Most of us concentrate best in short bursts of around 25 to 40 minutes, followed by a proper break.
This approach helps the brain process and retain information more effectively. By contrast, revising for hours without stopping often leads to overload, where much of what’s learned is quickly forgotten.
Breaks are not wasted time. Getting outside, moving around, or doing something enjoyable helps reset focus and reduce stress.
At Urban Devotion Birmingham, we see every young person as more than how they do at school. Exams matter, but they do not define who someone is or what they can become. Every young person has their own strengths, and part of our role is helping them recognise that.
So this exam season, aim for balance. Encourage steady revision, proper rest, and time to recharge. We will be there every weekday, providing spaces for young people to rest and reset. Visit www.urbandevotion.org/activities for details.
And remember, success is not just about results. It is also about being well, growing in confidence, and holding onto hope for what comes next.
Representation of boulder pulled back from Jesus’ tomb on Easter Sunday / Image from Adobe Stock Images
Words by Joel Goodlet, Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)
On the very first Easter Sunday, John’s gospel tells us that a woman called Mary Magdalene was alone in the empty tomb where Jesus had been buried.
Two of Jesus’ more famous male followers have found the tomb empty, inspected the folded burial clothes and left with a story they don’t yet understand.
Mary can’t leave. John tells us that she walks into the tomb with tears in her eyes.
When the risen Jesus appears and calls her name, he stands between her and the world she has left behind to grieve him. She turns. In a society that didn’t accept women as legal witnesses, the Bible tells us God chose Mary as the first witness of the resurrection.
This year our TV screens and social media feeds have been filling up with news of violence and abuses of power. The peace of a struggling planet seems fragile. Perhaps you’ve felt like Mary. Perhaps you’ve turned your back on the world. Perhaps this Easter feels like a time of grief.
At UDB, we believe Easter Sunday’s story.
What Mary discovered remains true today. The hidden and the hurting have not been overlooked. There is a reason to turn your gaze back out to the world. It’s worth letting the sunrise show you how this day might look more hopeful.
There are so many sad, terrifying stories all around us in 2026. But there is another story, too. There is a hope that outlasts them all.
Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) team outside Hope House, Perry Common / Photograph supplied by UDB
Words by Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)
At Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) we know how important places of safety and play are for children and young people in our communities. We aim to provide places like this across Erdington, utilising brilliant shared spaces like Family Hubs and churches, and teams of faithful, friendly volunteers.
Play is often an underrated activity for young people and adults alike! Play involves fun and enjoyment, builds bridges between different people and helps to relax the body. Play fires up the brain, boosting resilience, creativity and well-being.
At our Youth Café, based at St Barnabas Church on Erdington High Street, our team of Youth Leaders listen to, care for and engage young people in play – and have a great time!
Through the ups and downs of life in secondary school, plus the dark, cold winter months, we are present and available for young people to come and play, leave the day behind for a short time and find rest for their mind, body and spirit.
“Thank you for giving us a safe and fun place to hang out…”
“Thank you all for being there for us when we needed a safe place to talk about our day…”
“I appreciate your effort in making Youth Club a place where I can unwind…”
Do you know a young person in need of a safe place to play, find rest and have fun?
For more information about Youth Café and other activities visit www.urbandevotion.org and get in touch – or scan the QR code above.
Urban Devotion Birmingham is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
Chivenor alumni holding logbooks (centre) with current pupils / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
Words supplied by Chivenor Primary School
History leaped off the pages of dusty logbooks, as two former students returned to Chivenor Primary School, marking a nostalgic start to the school’s heritage project. The alumni, who first entered the school over fifty years ago, provided a living link to a vanishing era for today’s local youngsters.
Current head boys and girls bombarded the past pupils with questions, eager to compare childhoods across the decades.
While football was popular then and remains a firm favourite today, the visitors explained to the pupils that they also used to play “marleys” – a traditional game of marbles. When asked about the teachers, the men fondly described Miss Palmer and Mr. Fletcher as “kind and fun”.
Chivenor alumni holding logbooks (centre) with current school staff / Photograph supplied by Chivenor Primary School
However, they noted that Mr Fletcher also had the job of disciplining the pupils, recalling classmates receiving “the slipper” for misbehaviour. This contrasted to the nicer memory of a birthday biscuit during assemblies.
The highlight of the day was when the gentlemen looked through the school archives, delighted to find their names in the official register. They also read the school logbook, which chronicled milestones including the time they were filmed for a television segment regarding energy conservation.
They also spoke warmly of school trips to the farm, laughing as they remembered constructing a giant papier-mâché cow.
Chivenor Primary School was originally opened in 1965 before an official opening in 1967. If you attended in the 60’s 70’s or 80’s please contact the school to share your stories and take part in their heritage project: heritage@chivenor-gst.org
Chivenor Primary School is part of Griffin Schools Trust, for more information visit www.griffinschoolstrust.org
Chivenor 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: edking@erdingtonlocal.com
