Community Voice session run by WLCA at Perry Common Community Hall / Photograph supplied by WLCA
Words by Witton Lodge Community Association
With its rich tapestry of cultures and backgrounds, Erdington thrives on its diversity. While this multicultural makeup is a huge strength it also highlights the need for robust community engagement.
When people from all walks of life actively participate together, it doesn’t just feel good, it can become the engine for positive, lasting change across our constituency.
Community engagement in areas like Erdington is about more than just attendance at meetings. It’s about ensuring every voice is heard and valued, regardless of language, origin or background.
Our Community Voice project provides residents across the area with a platform to influence and create services to help tackle issues impacting people and communities, head-on. This united viewpoint and co-production of services is far more powerful than any initiative simply handed down from authority figures and decision makers.
That is why, since being established in May 2024 by Witton Lodge Community Association, the Community Voice initiative has proven to be a great vehicle for empowering people to make the changes they want to see happen. New initiatives around housing, arts, health and youth are currently being developed.
This approach ensures that efforts are impactful and sustainable and is helping to create a unified, supportive network working for the greater good of Erdington.
Community Voice is yours. Get involved and make things happen.
To find out more about Community Voice or to get involved with the project, please call Steve Sharma on (0121) 382 1930 or email: [email protected]
Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
If you’re ready to shine a deserved light on the incredible work volunteers do in our community, you need to join us for an essential information session on the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) —the highest and most prestigious honour a volunteer-led organisation in the UK can achieve!
This special event is free to attend and will be held from 1-3pm on Monday 20 October – at Hays, One Colmore Square, Birmingham, B4 6AJ.
To book your place at this event please click HERE.
The session is brought to you in partnership by Birmingham Voluntary Service Council (BVSC) and Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) and will be a definitive guide for understanding and securing this ultimate recognition for Birmingham’s finest volunteer groups.
This session is the perfect way to learn more about the KAVS, including:
The criteria that makes a volunteer group eligible.
How and who you can nominate to receive this esteemed lifetime recognition.
Hearing directly from BVSC and WLCA about the significance of this award and the nomination process.
KAVS is issued once a year to celebrate groups that have made a significant impact and a lasting difference to people and places. Previous sessions, like one recently held at Perry Common Community Hall, have highlighted the prestige and legacy of the award for the groups that receive it.
If you are a Birmingham resident, or work in the city and know of any amazing volunteer groups who deserve this recognition, this is your chance to give something back to the unsung heroes who work so hard and tirelessly to make life better for all of us.
For more information on the KAVS, visit the official website at www.kavs.dcms.gov.uk
To book your place at this event which takes place at Hays, One Colmore Square Birmingham B4 6AJ, from 1-3pm, please click HERE.
Witton Lodge Community Association is a leading partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
Guess what’s making its long-awaited return to thrill and delight all in one night?
That’s right, the beloved Witton Lodge Community Quiz – held at Perry Common Hall on Friday 3 October, as organised by Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA).
So, dust off thinking caps and refill your lucky pens for some quizzical fun with friends, family and neighbours.
After an absence of more than three years our popular brainteasing bonanza is back bigger and better than ever.
Running from 7pm to 8.30pm, this is your chance to enjoy a laugh-out-loud evening for young and old alike. You can expect rounds packed with fun twists and cheeky surprises.
So why not come and pit your wits against some of our community’s very own Stephen Fry’s and Carol Vorderman’s.
Perry Common Community Hall / Photograph by Ed King
The Witton Lodge Community Quiz is £2 per person with payment on the door. Teams of up to six people are allowed with children aged under 10 admitted free.
You can’t afford to miss the quiz that’s more than just a night of questions and answers, it’s a night of connection, laughter sprinkled with a little friendly competition.
Witton Lodge Community Association is a leading partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
Community anchor organisations across Birmingham are invited to join the ranks of a new collaboration network aiming to transform local lives and revitalise our neighbourhoods.
The offer is open to all community-led groups who deliver services which benefit city communities and the people living and working in them.
The Birmingham Community Action Network (B:CAN) brings together some of the most dynamic and influential community organisations in support of one strategic goal – to drive and deliver impactful change across the city.
A number of B:CAN led initiatives have already taken shape in communities across Birmingham. B:CAN Mental Health is being coordinated and delivered by five partners who deploy friendly service advisors to help people on a range of issues.
B:CAN Energy, supported by Energy Redress funding, involves teams of Community Energy Advisors providing people with accessible energy advice to help them save money, reduce household energy use and support with suppliers and debt issues.
Strength in numbers
Now, organisations are being invited to apply to join the Network to further strengthen collaboration, improve provision and extend the reach of services to those people who need it most across Birmingham.
Witton Lodge Community Association is a proud member of B:CAN with Chief Officer, Afzal Hussain leading the network as its current Chair. He said the Network’s potential to impact lives and create a legacy of positive change for Birmingham is an opportunity not to be missed.
“This new network has come together to do things differently in tackling and reducing inequality and deprivation in Birmingham and local communities need a central role in the decision-making process, so effective change is delivered where it is needed most,” told Afzal.
He added: “We welcome applications from organisations and groups based in Birmingham that share our ethos of community-led action. This is a fantastic opportunity to not only strengthen the B:CAN network and reach more residents but to make new connections and access funding opportunities.
“Whether you’re a small, local group just starting out, or a larger established organisation, B:CAN is your chance to develop sector connections that will help develop and grow your business while enhancing the Network’s reach and output.”
So far, 21 of the city’s most respected community organisations have joined B:CAN to work together to collaboratively bring positive and impactful change across the city.
Join B:CAN
Applications are now being invited from Birmingham based community organisations to join the network as either a Member or Affiliate and we also welcome applications from partners who are interested in funding the B:CAN network or B:CAN projects.
Witton Lodge Community Association is a leading partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
Kingstanding police helping distribute school uniforms at McDonald’s in Kingstanding / Photograph supplied by WLCA
Words by Witton Lodge Community Association
Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) were thrilled and privileged to support a wonderful school uniform giveaway which has given local families a timely boost ahead of the new academic year.
Kingstanding Police Constable, Faye Purcell, came up with the fantastic idea of kitting out primary school children, while sitting in her garden three weeks ago!
Community collaboration
More than 40 families have benefited from the Back-To-School initiative which was delivered in partnership with Vision 4 All, Perry Common Community Watch, and Remmer Restaurants (McDonald’s).
“A few weeks ago I was on leave, just sat in my garden and thinking to myself, what can I do to give something back to the local community,” said Faye.
“Then the school uniform idea just popped into my head and I felt it was something that could be achieved. I made a couple of phone calls to see if people would be interested in supporting the idea and lo-and-behold here we are, three weeks later, giving families and their children a real boost. It’s fantastic.”
An appeal was put out to Erdington families with children aged from five-to-11 years inviting them to claim free school essentials including uniform, stationary, pencil cases and bags.
Within 24-hours of the project being posted on social media all the had been claimed; issued to parents on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Vision 4 You helping distribute school uniforms at McDonald’s in Kingstanding / Photograph supplied by WLCA
Families benefit
Two sessions, one held at Witton Lakes Eco Hub and the other at the McDonald’s restaurant on College Road in Kingstanding gave families the chance to collect their items.
Franchise Manager at McDonald’s Nikki Remmer, said: “It’s been really wonderful to support families in the local community in this way.
“As soon as we heard about the project we wanted to get involved.”
The uniforms were donated by Vision 4 All.
Founder of B Major CIC, Bianca-Jade Adeniran, said: “This was the group’s second annual school uniform giveaway which is an amazing initiative, especially in these times that are challenging for so many families.”
Witton Lodge Community Association is a leading partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
The next Summer Fun Day comes to Erdington High Street on Saturday 23 August, as organised by the Erdington Business Improvement District (BID).
Completely free to attend, the August Summer Fun Day runs from 12noon to 5pm on the pedestrianised area between Wilton Market and the B&M Superstore.
Hosting a range of free games and activities for children, there will be arts and crafts sessions, live music from local artists and choirs, and a bouncy castle for young people – all free to enjoy and paid for by the Erdington BID, as supported by local retailers.
Children on bouncy castle at Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on 26 July ’25 / Photograph by Ed King
Alongside the activities for young people, local community groups and services will be hosting tabletop displays, introducing residents to the volunteer and support activities they can access across the constituency.
Groups that have been present at the Summer Fun Days include Erdington Litter Busters, Erdington Walking Group, Short Heath Fields Trust, Erdington Lunar Society, Aquarius, Hope in Action, POMOC, Make a Change, Incredible Surplus, Arts All Over the Place, Erdington Arts Forum, Witton Lodge Community Association, and Erdington Local.
Erdington Lunar Society stall at Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on 26 July ’25 / Photograph by Ed King
Erdington BID will also be hosting a special pop-up kitchen, cooking up some burgers, hotdogs, and baps with fresh produce from longstanding Erdington butchers, City Meats – located in Wilton Market.
All money raised for the sale of food will be reinvested straight back into Erdington Town Centre, supporting future community events and projects on and around the High Street.
Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton will also be hosting a constituency surgery from a branded gazebo between 12noon and 2pm, inviting residents to talk to her directly about their concerns and issues affecting them on the local area.
Community groups stalls at Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on 26 July ’25 / Photograph by Ed King
Members of the local police team will be at the event, meeting local residents and talking to people about the work carried out by the Neighbourhood Police Team across the Town Centre and wider constituency.
West Midlands Fire Service Green Watch will also be bringing a real-life fire engine from the local station and inviting people to explore the emergency response vehicle and meet the fire fighters.
Organised over the summer months, the Summer Fun Days have run from June to August – brining hundreds of people and families to Erdington High Street, as part of a programme of community focused events from the new Town Centre Management team.
Children and families sitting on hay bales at Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on 26 July ’25 / Photograph by Darren Dodd
Erdington BID has organised the Summer Fun Days as part of its LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign – encouraging people to celebrate the positives of Erdington Town Centre.
As the autumn and winter months come in, future events will be held that reflect the seasons – utilising the pedestrianised area and others spaces up and down the High Street for community activities and engagement.
A spokesperson from Erdington BID told: “We’re looking forward to another fantastic Summer Fun Day and hope to see families, residents, and shoppers back in the Town Centre for another free afternoon of family fun.”
LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY banner and volunteers at Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on 26 July ’25 / Photograph by Ed King
They added: “We’ve had a lot of fun over the summer months, and it’s been amazing to see so many people have such a good time back on Edrington High Street.
“Now we’re looking at what we can do in autumn and winter, how we can build on these first community events, how we can better celebrate our Town Centre, and how we can continue to encourage people to LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY.”
Check out some pictures from the previous Erdington BID Summer Fun Day events.
PICTURE GALLERY #1: Erdington BID’s first Summer Fun Day on 21 June / Photographs by Darren Dodd and Selina Gooden
PICTURE GALLERY #2: Erdington BID’s second Summer Fun Day on 26 July / Photographs by Darren Dodd and Ed King
For more information about the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, or any events and activities in the Town Centre, please email Erdington BID at: [email protected]
Groundwork West Midlands Corporate Volunteers working at Witton Lakes Eco Hub / Photograph supplied by WLCA
Words by Witton Lodge Community Association
A partnership project with Groundwork West Midlands saw a team of Corporate Volunteers pour into Witton Lakes Eco Hub to carry out landscape improvements.
Volunteers from HS2 were on site to help to demolish the Community Orchards existing raised beds, relocate Compost Bins and repaint several metal benches.
Supported by volunteers from the Friends of Witton Lakes (FOWL), they also completed preservation treatment works on the Eco Hub’s fencing and wooden play equipment.
Chair of Witton Lodge Community Association, Linda Hines MBE, who has the same position with FOWL, praised the collaboration effort.
“Several years ago, Groundwork West Midlands got in touch with us to inform us that they organise groups of Corporate Volunteers to help with community projects.
“Over the next three years we had volunteers from different organisations come to help us twice a year. Today’s visit has been fabulous!! The volunteers worked solidly all day long and have transformed the grounds. We are really proud of what they have done and they are rightly proud of themselves too.”
Groundwork West Midlands Corporate Volunteers working at Witton Lakes Eco Hub / Photograph supplied by WLCA
Rachel Riley, Healthy Lifestyles Project Officer at Groundwork West Midlands, helped to coordinate the work.
She said: “We brought 21 volunteers to Witton Lakes Eco Hub. The site is beautiful and very well run by the staff and volunteers.
“We were made to feel very welcome by the team at Witton Lodge Community Association, so I just want to say, on behalf of all of us, a big thank you.”
Witton Lodge Community Association is a leading partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
Witton Lodge Community Association Chief Officer Afzal Hussain, outside Wellbeing Hub on Erdingotn High Street / Photograph by Ed King
Words by Afzal Hussain – Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association
At Witton Lodge Community Association, we’re proud to see our Witton Lakes Eco Hub continue to thrive as a vibrant, welcoming space for local residents.
This summer has been especially exciting, with a packed programme that has brought together people of all ages and backgrounds to learn, connect, and just enjoy nature. With a mix of workshops, outdoor learning, and family-friendly activities – there really is something for everyone.
A key highlight has been the completion of the Makers Yard – a brand-new creative maker-space rooted in the principles of recycle and the circular economy. Designed to spark creativity and enterprise, the Makers Yard gives residents the chance to develop practical skills, explore new ideas, and contribute to a culture of recycling and sustainable making.
We’re grateful to support from BMet College, PF Stokes and Bournville Village Trust and of course Friends of Witton Lakes who have either offered or are already running workshops from the Makers Yard.
We’ve also had the pleasure of welcoming a number of key stakeholders to the Eco Hub, including funders, partners, and civic leaders. Their visits reflect the growing recognition of the work we’re doing to build vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable neighbourhoods.
At Witton Lodge, we know that real change starts locally. The Eco Hub and Makers Yard are more than just facilities – they’re platforms for showcasing local talent and strengthening community connections.
Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
On your marks, get set and go go go and enjoy an Active August at Witton Lakes Eco Hub!
Our action-packed schedule of fun family-friendly activities means there something for everyone to savour, every weekday from Monday 4 to Friday 29 August.
You can unleash your creative instincts with our arts and crafts sessions and Bulls in The City workshops; get closer to local wildlife with Duckling Watch and give those green-fingers a good work out with gardening activities which include growing fruit, herbs and vegetables.
You can also learn how to build your own planter.
Family enjoying summer activities with Witton Lodge Community Assocation / Photograph supplied by WLCA
For the more adventurous of you why not share your detective skills in our scavenger hunts or put your imagination to good use with our creative sessions or in our newly opened Makers Yard!
With a range of outdoor games, workshops and a food/gardening events, every appetite is catered for – so get involved and make sure this August is your most active yet!
Most Active August activities are FREE – check the flyer for full details.
It all kicks off on Monday, 4 August from 1pm at Witton Lakes Eco Hub, off Faulkners Farm Drive, B23 7XX.
If you have any questions or need further information please call our friendly team on (0121) 227 3200.
Witton Lodge Community Association is a leading partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
Fire Service and working fire engine at community evemt / Photograph supplied by West Midlands Fire Service
Words by editorial team
Erdington Fire Service will be coming to the Summer Fun Day on Erdington High Street this Saturday (26 July), giving locals a chance to meet the team and explore a real-life working fire engine.
A crew from Erdington Fire Station, situated on the corner of Orphanage Road and Edwards Road, will be driving the fire engine onto the High Street for 2pm.
Parked up alongside B&M Superstore, children and families attending the Summer Fun Day event will be invited climb aboard and explore the fully kitted emergency response vehicle.
Working fire engine out on call / Photograph from Adobe Stock Images
Fire crew will also be offering helpful advice and guidance around issues including fire safety and safer driving. The team will also be offering support around water safety – as concerns over children and young people plating around open water are heightened in the summer months.
A spokesperson from Erdington Fire Station confirmed: “[Erdington Fire Service] will be attending in the afternoon from about 2pm.
“We will be showing children around the appliance (fire engine) and giving out advice around home fire safety, safer driving and water safety.”
Erdington Business Improvement District (BID) is organising it’s second Summer Fun Day event on Erdington High Street – running from 12noon until 4pm on Saturday 26 July.
The event is part of a wider year long programme of activity in the Town Centre, in line with the Erdington BID’s LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign.
Completely free to attend, the Summer Fun Day will offer free games and activities for children – alongside a range of stands and stalls from local groups and services.
Face painting at Erdinigton BID’s Summer Fun Day in June / Photograph by Selina Gooden
Young people will be able to get their face painted free of charge, with free arts and crafts sessions also being run by local creative group Arts All Over the Place.
Inclusive sports charity Make A Change will also be running games that people of all physical abilities can enjoy, including wheelchair basketball and soft play archery – helping to promote inclusivity through sport and encourage physical activity.
There will also be a free bouncy castle for young people to enjoy, with event staff on hand to keep all the activities safe and make sure everyone gets a go. Very small children will be able to enjoy the front space of the bouncy castle, under supervision of a parent or carer.
Bouncu Castle at Erdington BID’s June Summer Fun Day / Photograph by Darren Dodd
The Summer Fun Day will also have a series of tabletop displays and stalls from local community groups, engaging with local people and letting them know about the community activities and services in their area.
Attending the Summer Fun Day on Saturday 26 July will be Erdington Litter Busters, Short Heath Fields Trust, Erdington Lunar Society, Erdington Local, and members of the Erdington local police force.
There will also be displays from POMOC – a local charity that represents Erdington’s Eastern European community, and Incredible Surplus – offering some free food and snacks, as part of their mission to challenge food waste.
Stalls from local community groups and services at Erdington BID’s June Summer Fun Day / Photograph by Selina Gooden
Then, once the outdoor activity has finished at 4pm, there will be a special free live music event held inside Oikos Café – as New Zealand blues rockers Lazy Fifty will be performing live, as part of the citywide Blues and Jazz Festival.
Taking inspiration from the stalwarts of 70’s British rock such as Black Sabbath and Led Zepplin, the Lazy Fifty gig will be completely free to attend – with tickets allocated at the door at Oikos on a first come first served basis.
Erdington BID is organising a yearlong programme of events and activities as part of its LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, encouraging people to celebrate the positives of the Town Centre and to and support local business on and around the High Street.
New Zealand blues rockers Lazy Fifty – performing a free live gig at Okos Cafe on Saturday 26 July
A spokesperson from Erdington BID told: “The first Summer Fun Day in June was a really lovely day, with a great atmosphere and lots of fun for local families and children.
“We’re excited to be back on the High Street for another free and family focused event on Saturday 26 July – and hope to see lots of smiling faces again. And a few painted like tigers and butterflies.”
They added: “Erdington High Street, as with High Streets across the country, has seen businesses rise and fall over recent years – with both shoppers and retailers moving online.
“But the community spirit is as strong as it has ever been, and the BID events are all about breathing life back into our Town Centre.”
The first Summer Fun Day was held in June, with another free event planned for Erdington High Street on Saturday 23 August.
Erdington BID is supported by local businesses and retailers, raising extra money for the Town Centre through from community events and fundraising.
PICTURE GALLERY: Games and activities at Erdington BID’s first Summer Fun Day / Photographs by Selina Gooden and Darren Dodd
For more information about the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, or any events and activities in the Town Centre, please email Erdington BID at: [email protected]
