Outdoor activities with Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB) / Photograph supplied by UDB
Words by Urban Devotion Birmingham (UDB)
The football World Cup was an exciting time, and all the way from England’s dramatic victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo to their sad farewell from the tournament after losing to Argentina – people shared the experience together.
And whilst it wasn’t always an easy watch, the celebrations or commiserations at the final whistle showed just how much sport can make us feel. Joy, disappointment, excitement and hope can all come in the space of 90 minutes.
The tournament also reminds us that summer has arrived. And not long after the World Cup was over, children and young people finished school and have six weeks stretching out ahead of them.
While a slower pace can be welcome, it’s also a great opportunity to get outdoors.
Scan the QR Code above to find out more on Urban Devotion Birmingham
Playing outside, being active and spending time with friends does far more than fill the hours. It builds confidence, strengthens friendships, encourages creativity, and supports good mental wellbeing.
Whether it’s football in the park, games, or simply exploring, outdoor play helps children and young people grow in healthy ways.
At Urban Devotion Birmingham, we’ll be running activities across Erdington throughout the summer holidays, creating safe spaces where children and young people can have fun, make friends and try something new.
What organisers are promoting as the ‘world’s biggest tent pegging show’ is set to take place at Ward End Park on Sunday 26 July, brought to Birmingham by the Prince Malik Ata Tent Pegging Association (PMATPA).
Completely free to attend, and a fun day out for all ages, the tent pegging event starts at 11am and runs throughout the day.
Public parking is available at Wood End Park, with the ground accessible by the No 94 and No 95 buses on Washwood Heath Road.
Being held in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II, the tent pegging event on 25 July will bring together skilled riders from across the country – competing for the coveted ‘Tent Pegging Memorial Cup 2026’.
The West Midlands Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Dame Beverly Lindsay DBE OD OBE, will also be in attendance at the event.
Malik Ata at Horse and Cattle Show in Lahore, Pakistan / Photograph by Malik Amin Khan
Alongside the ten pegging competition, organisers are promoting a variety of attractions and activities – including horse riding demonstrations and a traditional cavalry display.
First played in the 4th Century BC, the sport requires riders to gallop at speed towards as small ‘tent peg’ embedded in the ground – the rider must make contact with the ‘peg’ and lift it from the ground using a sword or lance.
Reported to have evolved from the Indian and Pakistani subcontinent, the sport came from skills learned by cavalry in combat, where they would train to attack the soft flesh on the feet of elephants used in battle.
Requiring immense precision, ancient cavalry riders would charge the elephant and strike the vulnerable flesh behind the toenails of the big beasts – who would then rear up and throw their riders to the ground.
The term ‘tent pegging’ also derives from similar pre-dawn raids made at enemy encampments, where the riders would pull the literal tent pegs from the ground and collapse the messes and sleeping quarters of their opponents before attacking.
An official Olympic sport in Asia, tent pegging now is one of the ten equestrian disciplines and held it’s first ‘World Cup’ in Oman in 2014 – where South Africa beat the host nation to take home the inaugural championship cup.
The recognised international governing body of tent pegging is International Tent Pegging Federation (ITPF) which has its headquarters in Muscat, Oman – with branches across the world in England, Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, and India.
Wood End Park / Still image taken from video by Birmingham City Council
The official governing both in the UK is the British Tent Pegging Association (BTPA), with the sport further championed in Britain by the Prince Malik Ata Tent Pegging Association – named after the first elected President of the Equestrian & Tent Pegging Federation of Pakistan, and one of the ITPF founders.
Tent pegging in the UK has grown from just a handful of riders in 2006 to now boasting over 25 clubs across the country.
Mixed squad of young players at FC Elite / Photograph supplied by FC Elite
Words by Sebastian Muscroft
FC Elite are one of Birmingham’s youngest football academies. But since being founded in 2013 they have already reached some impressive milestones and set out big plans for the future.
Original formed as a women’s team, FC Elite saw early success as they gained promotion within their first season. This then prompted them to form a men’s team the following year and a youth side in 2016. The local Football Academy now have 15 teams across different age groups.
FC Elite Football Academy club founder and chairman, Mario Gerroni, told: “I started the club out of passion. Passion for football. But then it grew into having a sight, starting the roots, and leaving a legacy.”
FC Elite founder Mario Gerroni / Photograph supplied by FC Elite
The Academy used grounds across Erdington, including working with Short Heath Fields Trust to bring community sports to Short Heath Playing Fields, but found their permanent home at Twickenham Park on College Road – moving to the Kingstanding fields in 2016.
Since training and playing at Twickenham Park, FC Elite have overseen some big developments there – with a car park currently being built, as well as increasing the amount of football pitches.
“Developing the site is one of the biggest things,” adds Mario, “because now people can see it growing as it went from a closed off field to hopefully a facility now.”
This ambition is mirrored by local residents, with one telling Kingstanding Local: “It would be nice to have a good sports facility within walking distance and what the club are doing and have already done looks good.”
Map of proposed developments at Twickenham Park in Kingstanding, home ground to FC Elite / Image supplied by FC Elite
But what’s next for FC Elite?
“On the football side of things, it would be nice to get up to 20, 25 teams,” tells Mario. “We’d also like to build a sports hub for the people of Kingstanding making sure they don’t have to leave the ward for quality provisions.”
“But if we could develop the site as much as we can, we could have other things down here,” he adds, “like disability football, walking football… we’ve got paddle courts we’d like to embrace as well as tag rugby. There’s loads of things we can have down here.
“If we had a building down here, we could potentially have other organisations use it and have little offices on site, so the possibilities are endless.”
FC Elite Football Academy are also using sport to support the Kingstanding community off the pitch as well.
“One of the initiatives that I’d like to do is Club Captains,” tells Mario, “which will help to address the issue of knife crime.”
“[We’re] asking Nike to donate football boots,” he adds, “and working in schools trying to get workshops going.
“The idea is about trying to get people from different wards to come along and embrace each other rather than engaging in postcode wars and carrying a knife.”
FC Elite Academy is open to new members and have stated anyone is welcome to come down to Twickenham Park for a free trial session.
If you are from a community group or an active volunteer anywhere in the Erdington constituency then we want to hear for you. Please email: community@erdingtonlocal.com
Birmingham Bulls team photo for 2025 season / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Bulls
Words by Sebastian Muscroft
Birmingham Bulls are one of the oldest American Football teams in the UK, having been founded in 1983, as well being as the longest standing squads not merging or changing their name.
The club has had a successful past, winning four National Championships and multiple European campaigns – including winning a bronze medal along the way. To add to this, they have also had (and still) have GB athletes within their members.
The club used to train near Kings Norton, in South Birmingham, before moving to Spring Lane Playing Fields – run by Spring Lane CIO – at the start of the 2025 season.
The move was due to their Kings Norton training group being too far out of the city, with poor transport links, and the problems this posed to recruiting new players and staff – as well as the difficulties some squad members had accessing the grounds.
But why Spring Lane Playing Fields, why Erdington? And why now? LOCAL AMBASSADORS spoke to Birmingham Bulls’ Head Coach Doug Cotterell to find out more.
“Erdington have been an absolute God send,” told Doug, “[Spring Lane CIO have] been very accommodating and can’t do enough for us.
“Where they are and what they’re offering us, it makes sense to move all the Birmingham Bulls set up – the academy, everything.’’
Birmingham Bulls on Spring Lane Playing Fields / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Bulls
Birmingham Bulls’ move coincides with Spring Lane CIO’s recent plans to re-develop the playing fields and include a multipurpose 4G pitch, a new café, and a new club house – which Coach Cotterall also explained played a crucial role in the club’s decision to move grounds.
He added: “The space they’ve got is massive, as well as the new stuff that’s coming on board… everything going on is attractive for us and they’ve offered the world – they can’t do enough for us – so that’s the main reason we moved’’.
Andy Trueman sits on the Board of Trustees at Spring Lane CIO, the recently registered charity committed to establishing Spring Lane Playing Fields ‘as a resource for Sport, Education and Wellbeing for the community of Erdington and its surrounding areas’ as stated on their website.
Birmingham Bulls on Spring Lane Playing Fields / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Bulls
Spring Lane Playing Fields has already been used for community events, and host regular training sessions and fixtures for sports teams including Erdington Rugby Football Club, Erdington Cricket Club, Walmley Cricket Club, and Colron Football Club. Now they welcome Birmingham Bulls to their grounds.
Andy explained: “Most of the sites in Erdington are football so we wanted to include some minority sports or slightly different sports and that was a good fit when the Bulls approached us, as it gave us variety.
“With the Bulls coming to the site it also means we have an alternative contact sport for both summer and winter, which is particularly important as one of the key concepts for the site is about trying to get kids out of knife crime and into sport.’’
Birmingham Bulls on Spring Lane Playing Fields / Photograph supplied by Birmingham Bulls
He added: “It makes sense for the Bulls; it allows them to consolidate both the men’s and junior sections onto one site. At Spring Lane, they have pitch of their own which will be fully licenced to them in the next couple weeks.’’
Birmingham Bulls are set to stay at Spring Lane Playing Fields for the foreseeable future, hoping the move will grow the club and participation. The club also states anyone is welcome to come and get involved, both on the pitch and off.
Birmingham Bulls play their next game at Spring Lane Playing Fields on Sunday 19 April, against the visiting Wakefield District Raiders.
PICTURE GALLERY: Birmingham Bulls during their 2025 season
To find out more about joining our LOCAL AMBASSADORS programme and editorial team, supporting community journalism and grassroots content creation, email: la@erdingtonlocal.com
(l-r) Representatives from Birmingham United FC and Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph supplied by The Pioneer Group
Words supplied by The Pioneer Group
Birmingham United FC is proud to announce a major milestone in the club’s journey — the first team will now play its home fixtures at Castle Vale Stadium, marking the first time since adopting the name Birmingham United that the senior side will compete within the city of Birmingham itself.
This move represents more than just a change of venue — it is a homecoming, a statement of intent, and a foundation for further impact and growth.
Founded with the goal of creating opportunities for talented young footballers across Central Birmingham, Birmingham United FC has built a reputation for developing players both on and off the pitch.
Sign outside Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph by Ed King
The relocation of the first team to Castle Vale aligns with the club’s mission to be based at the heart of the Birmingham footballing community and to use sport as a tool for positive change.
“Playing in Birmingham has always been a key goal for us,” said Rajab Noor, Birmingham United FC Chairman.
He adds: “Castle Vale Stadium offers fantastic facilities and a passionate local community. We’re excited not only to bring semi-professional football to the area but also to support the next generation of players through new grassroots and youth initiatives.”
The club intends to work closely with The Pioneer Group – who own and operate Castle Vale Stadium – and other local stakeholders in and around Castle Vale to create accessible football pathways for children and young people.
Public attending football match at Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph by Ed King
Plans are already underway to expand Birmingham United’s grassroots programme — developing new youth teams, delivering coaching sessions, and supporting initiatives that harness the positive social impact of sport.
A spokesperson for the local football club added: “Football has the power to transform the lives of young people, unite communities together and remedy society’s greatest inequalities.
“By basing ourselves in Castle Vale, we feel well-placed to have a significant positive impact on young people across the area.”
As Birmingham United FC embarks on this exciting new chapter, the club invites local residents, fans, and supporters to join them at Castle Vale Stadium and be part of a growing movement that champions opportunity, ambition, and community spirit.
Irfan Mehboob, The Pioneer Group’s Head of Community Facilities, told: “It’s fantastic to have Birmingham United FC hosting their home games here at Castle Vale Stadium. The stadium remains an integral part of our community, and we’re delighted to see more people making use of this great facility.”
He added: “Since investing in the stadium, we hope even more people will take advantage of the excellent facilities we have here.”
For more on Birmingham United FC and links to the club’s social media visit: www.linktr.ee/bhamutd
Erdington’s undefeated professional MMA star, Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair, is preparing for his next fight – this time taking on Sweeden’s Mateo Lerena on Saturday 13 September.
To be held at the Västerås Kongress entertainment and exhibition venue – in Västerås, Sweeden – the international bout is being organised by Fight Club Rush (FCR), Scandanivia’s self-declared ‘fastest growing MMA organisation’.
Taking a break from training, Mo Zubair told Erdington Local: “I’m looking forward to showcasing my skillset on FCR – it’s a huge show, live on UFC Fight Pass which goes out to millions of people across the world.”
He added: “I’ve worked hard for this opportunity a win here takes me one more step closer to my dream of signing to the UFC.”
UFC Fight Pass, the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s official digital streaming service, is a global media platform for the sport – broadcasting over 40 fights each year to over 600,000 subscribers across the world.
The attention from UFC in broadcasting this event is a shot in the arm to Zubair’s rising profile within the world of MMA, as he attempts to follow in the footsteps of Team Renegade peer and UFC World Champion Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards.
Both Mo Zubair and Leon Edwards were raised in North Birmingham and trained at the Ultimate Training Centre gym, that was once located on Erdington High Street, with the two young sportsmen finding the world of MMA a lifeline in their youth.
Zubair previous told Erdington Local: “Leon is a big inspiration to me; he has been really supportive. He has let me join him in training camps and join him on the circuit.”
He added: “He proves what can be achieved. We are alike, we both came from the streets and just turned up to the gym and changed our lives.”
Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair announced winner after beating Spain’s Santata Nester, March 2024 / Photograph supplied by Mo Zubair
Mo Zubair moved into professional MMA in March 2024, facing off against Spain Santata Nester and beating his opponent by corner stoppage in the first round.
His next fight, against Darlington’s Liam Thoams – who stood three inches over Zubair – saw him knock out his opponent with a precision placed left hook in the first ten seconds of the fight, despite Zubair only accepting the bout eight days prior to stepping in the ring.
Zubair currently has five professional fighters to his name, winning four of them in the first round.
Only Mauro Pina, also from England, managed to last the distance with Zubair – but lost to unanimous judges’ decision, allowing Zubair to maintain his unbeaten professional record.
Mateo Lerena has fought two professional MMA bouts and is also undefeated.
Zubair fights mostly in the Bantamweight class, standing 5ft 7in and weighing in at 126lbs. Mateo Lerena fights both Bantamweight and Flyweight, standing at 5ft 7in and weighing in at 130 lbs.
Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair will face Mateo Lerena on 13 September at the Västerås Kongress in Sweeden.
The fight will be broadcast on UFC Fight Pass, for more details and to secure a live stream visit: www.ufcfightpass.com
Alternatively, for more details for on Mo Zubair’s fight against Mateo Lerena visit www.facebook.com/fightclubrushfcr
And click on the following links to follow Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair on Instagram and Facebook.
Castle Vale Town FC playing AFC Birmingham on Saturday 2 August at Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Words by Tracy Fisher
Castle Vale Town FC, aka the Spitfires, played their first game of the season against AFC Birmingham on Saturday 2 August – with the match played at their home ground, Castle Vale Stadium.
Established in 1998, and currently seventh in Division Three of the Midland Football League, the Castle Vale club recently signed four young players – including Rayarn Henry – who enjoyed their first competitive debut this month.
Minutes into the first half a visitor injury halted play, but as the game continued both sides fought hard to keep possession of the ball. A breakthrough for the Spitfires came shortly before half time with Josh Pitters scoring the first goal.
The second half created some good chances, and the team built momentum with Jordan Mackenzie scoring a second goal and setting the pace for the rest of the game.
Despite a missed penalty, five minutes later Owen Reynolds leapt into the box scoring the Spitfire’s third goal. An altercation between Zaman and one of the visitors created friction but was quickly diffused.
Just three minutes before full-time, Edam Suliman scored an impressive fourth goal, securing a win for Castle Vale Town FC before backflipping to celebrate the victory.
At full time the score was 4-0 to Castle Vale.
Castle Vale Town FC playing AFC Birmingham on Saturday 2 August at Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Manager Luke Evans told Castle Vale Local: “I’m really, really happy, we didn’t know what to expect from them today but they’re always a good side.
He added: “We’ve had a really good pre-season, and we prepared well, the kids that come off the bench did a really good job also, it was just a good day really, a good day in the office.”
Castle Vale Town FC are based at Castle Vale Stadium, behind Farnborough Road on the Castle Vale estate.
Castle Vale Town FC playing AFC Birmingham on Saturday 2 August at Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph by Tracy Fisher
Castle Vale Stadium has been managed by The Pioneer Group since 2014, after the prominent estate landlord took responsibility for the sports facility from Birmingham City Council and saved it form closure.
Castle Vale Stadium also hosts local squads including Concords FC and Romulus FC.
PICTURE GALLERY: Castle Vale Town FC beat AFC Birmingham at Castle Vale Stadium / Photographs by Tracy Fisher
Team players celebrate on outdoor lawn at Erdington Court Bowls Club / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club
An open day at Erdington Court Bowls Club (ECBC) is hoping to attract new members to the sport and “defeat the killer armchair” that stops too many people from enjoying regular exercise – according to a club spokesperson.
Held on Monday 26 May, the free to attend event will give Erdington locals the chance to have a go at lawn bowls on a full sixed indoor pitch, with the hope they will take up the sport as a regular activity.
EBCC boasts a wide range of facilities, with both indoor and outdoor lawns, enabling people of all ages and abilities to take part in the sport – whatever the weather.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic alone, over £150,000 has also been fundraised by ECBC to allow people with a range of physical confidence to take an active part in the club and encourage a variety of new members.
Support has come from funds including the Erdington Neighbourhood Network Scheme (ENNS), facilitated by Witton Lodge Community Association on behalf of Birmingham City Council and partners.
Fundaraising at Erdington Court Bowls Club – with Paulette Hamilton MP (centre left) and Ray Woods (centre right) holding a cheque / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club
The longstanding club also hosts a range of social events and activities for the local community, hoping to challenge social isolation through a healthy and interactive pastime.
The clubhouse has a bar and lounge area, and regular events such as the club’s popular Bowl for Health programme – which combines an hour of bowls on the indoor court with a social event afterwards – have been providing extra sessions for people living with Parkinsons diseases and brain injury.
The Erdington club was also recently shortlisted for two awards in the prestigious Bowls England National Awards 2025, sponsored by AVIVA.
ECBC, which was founded 100 years ago this year, was recognised for its work encouraging new members to the sport and supporting the wider community with a nomination in the ‘Diversity & Inclusion’ category.
The second nomination is for Club Charity Trustee and lead on community affairs, Ray Woods, who has been celebrated as an ‘Unsung Hero’ for his tireless work at the century old club.
A collage of members and activities at Erdington Court Bowls Club / Pic supplied by Erdington Court Bowls Club
A spokesperson for ECBC told Erdington Local: “The open day a part of our campaign to defeat the killer armchair and celebrate our centenary at the same time. It is a chance for people of all ages to try a new sport and meet other people at our club – which is open the whole year round.”
They added: “Too many people now spend hours sitting in armchairs watching sport or flicking through mobile phones – but not being active themselves. We want to reverse that trend and offer local residents of all ages the chance to try bowls for themselves in our full size indoor arena.”
The Erdington Court Bowls Club open day on 26 May is part of the nationwide Big Bowls Weekend, where over 800 bowls clubs across the country will be organising events to promote the sport and encourage new members.
Erdington Court Bowls Club is situated on Bowling Green Close, off Goosemoor Lane, in Erdington.
Rose Hanks in official racing attire / Pic supplied by Hanks family
Earlier this year, Erdington’s pioneering TT sidecar racer Rose Hanks passed away. A stalwart in the male dominated sport, Rose Hanks became the first female competitor to stand on the winners’ podium at an Isle of Man TT – inspiring women and girls everywhere to take up motor racing.
LOCAL AMBASSADOR and journalist, Sheila Pennell, interviewed Rose for a feature in Yours Magazine some years ago – and with fresh quotes from her family, and some kindly donated photographs, Sheila has put together a special feature remembering the life and achievements of this exceptional woman.
With thanks to the Hanks family.
—————
Words by Sheila Pennell / Pics donated by the Hanks family
Erdington’s dare-devil sidecar racer, Rose Hanks, passed away peacefully in February this year, aged 86. Her achievements in the sport, including becoming the first female rider to stand on the winners’ podium at the Isle-of-Man TT, were featured in the Radio 4 show Last Word with input from her daughter, Julie Hanks-Elliott.
Julie’s twin daughters, Jamie and Bobby, are ensuring that today’s growing female interest in TT and motorcycle sports will live on – with Julie currently competing at the World Women’s Road Race Championships.
Rose Hanks (left) with grandaughter Jamie (middle) and daughter Julie (right) / Pic supplied by Hanks family
The Hanks motorcycle dynasty had humble beginnings, starting life after the war when Fred Hanks and his wife Maizie opened Fred Hanks Motorcycles at 247 Slade Road, Erdington.
Fred decided ‘motorisation’ was going to be the future, and ran the Slade Road store with his two sons – Norman who often raced with Rose, and Roy who was the one who finally won her heart.
However, being a woman in a male dominated sport at the time garnered attention from some more surprising places.
Rose remembered: “When the Duke of Edinburgh passed on, I had an urge to look through my scrap book and reminisce about the time I met him at the TT races in 1968 – and, in typical Prince Philip style, he asked ‘if I ever scraped my bottom on the ground’ as he presented my award. I blushed and replied that the double rubbers protected us quite well.
“What a vivid memory – I was the first woman to take a place on the winner’s rostrum in 65 years of racing. I’d won second place in the sidecar 750cc Race.”
A young Rosetta Barty / Pic supplied by Hanks family
Rose Hanks was born Rosetta Barty, in Bedworth, in 1938. The oldest child, Rose was soon followed by six sisters and two brothers, and it was in her family home where her interest in motorbikes began. “My Dad always had motorbikes, and I started to love them so much I can remember every registration number,” admitted Rose.
“To get away from all the kids at home, I moved to Birmingham. I worked as a gas welder, making hoods for sports cars – but hankered after a bit more excitement in life.
“Then one day a friend, Ken West, took me out to an airfield. He’d bought a scramble outfit and said ‘Rose, come on, sit in and have a try’ – and I never looked back. In that position, low down and keeping the bike balanced, you ‘look forward’ all the time.”
Rose Hanks and Norman Hanks racing / Pic supplied by Hanks family
But as the racing bug took hold, Rose built ambitions that were more than just getting out of the house – and soon she would get to start living her dream.
“My ambition was to ride in the TT. And in the TT Jubilee year, 1967, I got my big break – the chance to ‘passenger’ for a local chap, Norman Hanks. Well, we had engine problems and came 27th, but it turned out the ‘top prize’ was just twelve months away.”
Rose continued: “Dozens of weekends away came and went. Norman and I entered events all over the country – Mallory Park, Brands Hatch, Silverstone, Oulton Park, Cadwell Park – gaining some wins, vital experience, and a few lucky escapes with our lives along the way.
“The word ‘passenger’ might make it sound easy, but I had to lie flat on the straights and put my weight where it was needed on the bends.
“1968 was the first year of the TT’s 750cc Sidecar class and, riding a 750cc BSA with Norman, we came second. Our time for the three laps – 113 miles – was 1.21.44.0, our speed 83.1 mph – only a point or two behind the winners Terry Vinicombe and John Flaxman. I’d secured my place on the winners’ rostrum; I could hardly believe it.
“The other sidecar crews gave me a bouquet and I was taken on to Hillberry to be presented to Prince Philip. The American and Canadian Division of the Women’s International Motorcycle Federation presented me with a trophy too.”
Rose Hanks meeting Prince Phillip / Pic supplied by Hanks family
Despite a recognised dare devil on the track, Rose was to face other obstacles as a woman racing on a notoriously mal dominated track – and racing at a time when conversations about equality in sport were only just beginning to happen.
She remembered: “The headlines that year in the national press wouldn’t go down well nowadays. ‘Housewife stars among the 130 mph men’; ‘A wife doing a man’s job’; ‘A rider for the girls to root for’, and ‘A woman’s world now’.”
But Rose’s legacy lives on, both on the track and at home, inspiring her daughter and granddaughters to compete in motor sports as they grew to love what is now a family tradition.
After her mum passed away, Rose’s daughter Julie Hanks-Elliott, paid a final tribute to LOCAL AMBASSADORS: “When I was born, Dad said perhaps best mum stay home more. I’m not sure if she did, but she made a brilliant job of everything – even when her knees started to go.”
Julie added: “We miss her terribly but are so proud of her achievements. The rest of us live – and still do – within five houses of each other in Erdington. The Hanks-Elliott dynasty will race on. Mum has inspired us all.”
PICTURE GALLERY: Rose Hanks and family
Rose Hanks meeting Prince Phillip / Pic supplied by Hanks family
Rose Hanks and Norman Hanks racing / Pic supplied by Hanks family
Rose Hanks in official racing attire / Pic supplied by Hanks family
Roay and Rose Hanks celebrate 50 years of TT racing / Pic supplied by Hanks family
Rose Hanks (left) with grandaughter Jamie (middle) and daughter Julie (right) / Pic supplied by Hanks family
A young Rosetta Barty / Pic supplied by Hanks family
Rose Hanks's graddaughter,Jamie, racing aged 14 / Pic supplied by Hanks family
Rose Hanks, taken a few years before her death / Pic supplied by Hanks family
Erdington MMA fighter, Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair’, is competing for his first professional title on Saturday 12 April – facing off against Mike Jurik from the Czech Republic at the Northamptonshire County Cricket Ground.
Promoted by Battle Arena, Zubair and Jurik will be the headline bout in the featherweight category, with a total of 28 fights, both professional and amateur, on the evening’s bill.
Standing at 5ft 7”, and with fights both the Featherweight and Bantamweight class, Mo ‘Terminaror’ Zubair entered the world of professional MMA in March 2024 – where he beat Spain’s Nestor Santana by corner stoppage after the first round.
Mo’s next fight, the following June, saw him step up last minute to fight Darlington’s Liam Thomas, beating the established British in only 12 second with a ferocious first round knock-out.
Video of the fight went viral on social media and got the Erdington fighter on the radar of promoters across the sport.
Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair knocks out Liam Thomas in first round / Pic supplied by Mo Zubair
The spectacular first round KO also drew platitudes from other MMA stars – including the former UFC Welterweight champion from Aston/Erdington, Leon Edwards, whom Zubair shared a gym with as part of Team Renegade.
Subsequent fights would see Mo Zubair defeat the UK’s Maro Pina by unanimous decision and finish off Sweden’s Martin Fouda with a Guillotine Choke in the first round.
Dedicated to his rising MMA career, Mo previous told Erdington Local: “I train twice a day, I go home and do the same the next day. I don’t go to any nightclubs, or any of that. I want to fight in the UFC.
“That is where the action is and I will not settle for anything less, it is the Premier League of MMA.”
Talking about Leon Edwards, Mo added: “Leon is a big inspiration to me, he has been really supportive. He has let me join him in training camps and join him on the circuit.
“He proves what can be achieved. We are alike, we both came from the streets and just turned up to the gym and changed our lives.
“And it would be great to have two fighters from Erdington as champions. It can be done.”
Mo ‘Terminator’ Zubair fights Mike Jurik at the Northamptonshire County Showground on Saturday 12 April. For further information and links to online ticket sales visit www.facebook.com/mma.battlearena
Click on the links to follow Mo ‘Terminaror’ Zubair on Instagram and Facebook.
