Perry Common dates back to the 1920’s when farmland was acquired by Birmingham City Council to re-house families from elsewhere in the city.
The development of the Perry Common Estate provided residents with a spacious 2 or 3-bedroom houses and the added bonus of a front and back garden.
But by the 1980s, these non-brick Boot Houses were in very poor condition with chunks of concrete falling from properties, dampness wreaking havoc with people’s health, and metal supporting frames becoming very weak.
In 1989 a total of 908 families received a letter from the City Council declaring their homes would have to be demolished. The implications of this were devastating but community spirit soon change the course of history,
Passionate residents, united in their fight against the demolition, established Perry Common Residents Association. Shortly after, in 1994, eight of its members became the founding directors of the new Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA).
Twenty-eight years later, WLCA has a long and proud track record of housing and capital asset development and management across the north of the city. The registered landlord is thriving, with a portfolio of 200 homes, providing affordable, safe sanctuary to families across North Birmingham.
In 2017, the Association set up a subsidiary, Witton Lodge Community Homes (WLCH) to progress housing and community asset development aspirations. It pursues a dedicated housing agenda, namely, to provide affordable and social housing which meets the needs of the local community.
WLCH targets such empty properties to bring them back into use while working with the City Council and other stakeholders to explore opportunities for new build development which can provide affordable housing solutions.
In February 2021 there were over 17,000 applicants on Birmingham City Council’s housing waiting list; the local authority area within which we deliver our services. In addition, there are more 9,000 empty properties in the city.
Having achieved registered provider status with Homes England, WLCH can now apply directly for funding to develop and manage properties.
WLCA Homes and Assets Development Manager, Gareth Hopkins, said: “We have invested in our homes to make them more energy efficient. Solar Photovoltaic panels have been installed on 93 of our properties (the remaining properties are not eligible for the SPV Panels) ensuring that our tenants benefit first hand from savings with electricity consumption costs.
“As a renewable source of power, solar energy has an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change, which is critical to protecting humans, wildlife and eco systems.
“We have also installed 132 A Rated Boilers. This has helped our tenants save up to £500 a year on their energy costs. The new boilers are also more energy efficient and help cut carbon footprint. We have also installed new doors and windows to 86 of our properties meaning our homes are more energy efficient.
“We have aspirations to do even more using our planned maintenance programme to replace more boilers (non-gas), doors and windows. When we purchase new properties we will retrofit them with new windows, boilers but also consider improvements such as solar water heating, floor and wall insulation where this is possible.
“We are proud to be investing in our properties and working towards local and national carbon zero targets and helping our Tenants save money on their energy bills.”
Today (Thursday 20 October) a special community group showcase will be held at Erdington Court Bowls Club – introducing activities and services supported by the Erdington Neighbourhood Network Scheme (ENNS).
Running from 11am to 1pm, with a light lunch and refreshments provided, ‘Let’s Get Together’ is totally free to attend – and a chance for people over 18 to discover, and get involved in, activities and programmes in their area.
From local art groups, coffee mornings, and adult swim classes, to support groups for carers and people suffering with Alzheimer’s, ‘Let’s Get Together’ will be an opportunity to learn about local services and community groups operating across Erdington.
There will also be a chance to meet an Adult Social Care Team and Occupational Therapists Team, alongside ENNS networkers who will help people find the right groups and services.
Further organisations attending the ‘Let’s Get Together’ event include: Midlands Medical Partners (Eaton Wood), The Alzheimer’s Society, Cuppa Squad, Salus Fatigue Foundation, No.7 Arts, Erdington Court Bowls Club, Compass Support, Care for Carers Group, The Meeting Place Café, Arts All Over the Place, CAMEO, and AquaBabes
The Erdington Neighbourhood Network Scheme (ENNS) is delivered by Witton Lodge Community Association and Compass Support, helping community groups access funding and support.
Chantelle Holmes, WLCA Project Monitoring & Quality Officer, told Erdington Local: “The ENNS Let’s Get Together event is a fantastic opportunity for residents of Erdington over the age of 18 to find out what groups and activities are happening in the local area that help to reduce isolation and help them to live independent and connected lives.
“It is predominantly aimed at the over 50’s and for adults who have additional needs, the activities range from things like arts and crafts, day trips, groups for carers, swimming sessions, music lessons and many more.
“It is also an opportunity to meet some of the Occupational Therapists, some of the Adult Social Care Team and Social Prescribers too.”
Erdington Court Bowls Club is a registered charity, part of the Erdington Recreational Trust, and one of the few flat lawn bowls clubs in the area.
Ray Wood, trustee of the charity and Marketing Officer for Erdington Court Bowls Club, added: “The objectives of the charity have always been to support the local community. Earlier this year we decided to increase our local links in a number of ways.
“Our lounge has been under utilised in recent years and we were delighted when officers of the nearby Witton Lodge Community Association approached us to host their exhibition of local neighbourhood support groups.”
‘Let’s Get Together’ will be held at Erdington Court Bowls Club on Thursday 20 October, between 11am and 1pm. Free to attend, a light lunch and refreshments will also be provided.
Witton Lodge Community Association’s (WLCA) plans to redevelop the old Erdington Baths into a vibrant ‘Enterprise Hub’ are set to receive £795,000 from Birmingham City Council.
Announced today, the City will be allocating over three quarters of a million pounds from its Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) fund – to help repair the old public bath’s roof and allow WLCA to manage operations from the site.
The significant investment from Birmingham City Council follows a recent £2m commitment from the West Midlands Combined Authority, who pledged the money as part of its 2018 brownfield and housing delivery programme.
With further support from Birmingham City Council, the ambitious project – which would create jobs and opportunities for new business in the heart of Erdington – will be part a key of the revised Levelling Up Fund application which could bring millions to Erdington High Street.
As he approved today’s grant, Birmingham City Council Leader Cllr Ian Ward said: “For generations, the baths were a much-loved facility for the people of Erdington, and this is an important step in the efforts to give this historic building a new lease of life right at the heart of the community.
“I’m delighted we are working alongside Witton Lodge Community Association to transform the old baths building on Mason Road and this exciting project is a key part of the overall Levelling Up Fund bid for Erdington High Street, which will bring the community together, support local businesses and improve accessibility to wider employment opportunities for the residents of Erdington.”
Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton, who has worked with the City Council to develop the Erdington High Street Levelling Up Fund bid, added: “This funding is fantastic news. I hope it will kick start our plans for a brand new community and enterprise hub in Erdington run by Witton Lodge Community Association, who do amazing work locally.
“The new hub would bring enormous benefits for local people by providing employment opportunities, helping to develop skills and offering space for small businesses to develop and grow.
“The Council’s decision to help fund this project should send a message to Ministers about how committed we are to transforming Erdington High Street. We want to make the area a destination again, and now we need the Government to back our Levelling Up bid to make that a reality.”
Witton Lodge Community Association Chief Officer Afzal Hussain told Erdington Local: “We’re deeply grateful to the Council for its support and funding to kickstart Phase 1 works on the Erdington Enterprise Hub.
“The funding will enable us to refurbish the roof and entrance area and actively engage local residents, entrepreneurs and businesses to showcase and shape plans on the ambitious project.
“We have already secured funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority and with planning approval also in place, we’re now only waiting on the Government to approve Erdington’s Levelling Up bid. Fingers crossed!”
For more on the new Enterprise Hub visit www.erdingtonbaths.webflow.io
Bosses at the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) have pledged £2million of financial support to help Witton Lodge Community Association transform the former Erdington Swimming Baths, Mason Road, into an Enterprise Hub for social entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Planning approval has now been granted by Birmingham City Council, who have submitted a revised Levelling Up Fund application to Central Government for regenerating Erdington High Street.
It is hoped the proposed new state-of-the-art facility will be the catalyst for economic growth and investment in the constituency.
The WMCA has now revealed that funds secured as part of its nationally acclaimed 2018 brownfield and housing delivery programme, have also been earmarked for the scheme.
Afzal Hussain, Chief Officer at Witton Lodge, said: “I’m delighted that we have achieved these important milestones in the creation of this exciting new hub.
“A first for North Birmingham, it will create jobs, promote enterprise and entrepreneurship, and offer relocation opportunities for existing businesses.
“Combined with other local facilities in the area we will create a Learning and Enterprise Quarter that will act as a catalyst for the wider transformation of Erdington Town Centre.”
The ambitious project is the latest in a series of WMCA housing and land investments using Government funds to provide new homes, jobs, and commercial spaces on brownfield sites, helping to support the region’s economic recovery from Covid-19 and to unlock private investment while reducing pressure on the green belt.
Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, added: “Transforming this site into a thriving enterprise hub will breathe new life into the heart of Erdington.
“It will create opportunity with brand new jobs that will regenerate the local community.
“It will also give local entrepreneurs and SME’s the chance to develop and grow, fuelling the reach and impact of social enterprise in the city.
“This is an example of how, across the West Midlands, the Combined Authority is committed to working in partnership with public, private and third sector organisations to unlock the potential of neglected buildings and locations to restore pride and aspiration.”
Both the High Street and old swimming baths regeneration plans also have the backing of MP for Erdington, Paulette Hamilton, who has worked with Witton Lodge and other constituency stakeholders since being elected in May.
Paulette Hamilton MP reiterated how vital it is that Erdington finally gets the financial recognition it needs to help fulfil its potential, to provide local residents and businesses with economic stability and success.
Sahe told: “These amazing plans have the potential to transform Erdington High Street and make it a destination again.
“The proposal to turn the former swimming baths site into a thriving business hub is exactly the sort of forward-thinking innovation we need in our area.
“Witton Lodge Community Association already do so much fantastic work in our community and I’m sure the new hub would bring enormous benefits for local people looking to develop their skills.
“Our High Street desperately needs this boost, and I’m crossing my fingers that Ministers will give it the green light.”
Witton Lodge Community Association partnered with Erdington Job Centre for its monthly Job Fair, providing support to job seekers in the area.
There was a great range of individuals who attended Wednesday event, either looking for some form of training – with a focus on digital skills – employability support or actual employment.
More than seventy job seekers attended the fair with most of the employment stands busy and lined with people waiting to speak to recruiters representing a range of different industries across North Birmingham.
“The turnout for these events is always great,” said DWP Employer Advisor Kym Marshall.
Not only do these job fairs prove effective in providing training and contact with employers, they also provide an opportunity for job seekers to interview for vacancies.
Witton Lodge’ Employment Coach, Marcia Lewis used her connection with Savers and Cancer Research to set up interviews for some of those attending the Jobs Fair. In total, 15 people were interviewed for Store Assistant positions with Savers and seven for Store Assistant and Customer Service roles with Cancer Research.
“There was an amazing effort from the team,” said Witton Lodge Employability Co-ordinator Melissa Gayle.
“The energy and atmosphere was fantastic and it was great to be part of an event supporting clients.”
DWP Employer Advisor, Michael Davis, added: “These events are periodically held to get job seekers enthusiastic about getting back into work.
He also recalled the story of a man in his 60s who attended a previous job fair event.
“At a previous jobs fair, a man, in his 60s, did not feel confident in the success of his job applications due to his age. However, after engaging with one of the training providers, he joined a course for HGV truck driving and is, now, advancing through the practical stage of the course.”
Charis, a second-year university student, attended Wednesday’s event unsure of which career path she should follow. But after the event, she said she felt “optimistic and encouraged” having spoken to the Witton Lodge team who gave her CV support and secured her an interview with Savers.
“We would like to send a big thank you to Lorraine Brown for trusting Witton Lodge to be part of this Jobs Fair event and to Savers and Cancer Research for taking the time to interview individuals,” added Melissa.
If you’re a job seeker in need of support, please contact the Employment and Skills team at Witton Lodge Community Association on 0121 382 1930
Local resident and Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) volunteer Marie Deane is on her marks for the experience of a lifetime, working at the Commonwealth Games 2022.
The 50-year-old, who has actively supported WLCA for more than five years, will be helping facilitate the hockey and squash tournaments – two of the most popular sports in the Games, with athletes battling it out every day after the opening ceremony.
Recruited as part of the Stand Out project, which opened up volunteer roles for people across the city, Marie will spend the 11 days of the Games’ competitions helping organisers prepare the venues for spectators.
In total, the Commonwealth Games 2022 enlisted over 10,000 volunteers to help deliver and support the prestigious sporting event – with about 30,000 people expected to attend.
Marie will also assist stadium staff with catering and cleaning duties, as well as getting rooms prepared for the athletes coming to compete in Birmingham.
Throughout the Games, over 5000 athletes will be taking part in 280 events across 23 sporting categories.
“It is so exciting and I can’t wait to get started, I just want to get stuck in,” said Marie.
“On a personal level, the experience will help to boost my confidence and make me feel more self-assured. The training I have received has been very positive and brought the Games to life for me. I know a lot more about it now than I did before.
“I feel energised just by the idea of playing a part in this historic event,” she added.
“I really believe I will thrive. I am a people person and there will be so much going on around the whole event, it will be dynamic.”
The Commonwealth Games 2022 begins in Birmingham on Thursday, 28 July and runs until Monday, 8 August. It will be the third time the international sporting competition has been held in England since its inaugural event in 1930.
The main venue for the Games is the Alexander Stadium in Perry Barr, but sites across the city are also being utilised – such as Sutton Park for the Triathlon and Para Triathlon events, with Powell’s Pool, the park itself, and surrounding roads ‘providing the ideal topography required to host the three triathlon disciplines.’
Further sporting events will be held outside Birmingham, such as cycling in Warwick, Wolverhampton and London, lawn bowls in Leamington Spa, and rugby sevens in Coventry.
Ahead of the Games’ opening ceremony, The Queen’s Baton Relay will be coming through Pype Hayes Park on Thursday, 28 July – with a celebration event held near the tennis courts by the Chester Road entrance at 12:25pm.
Afzal Hussain, Chief Officer at Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA), has been appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands.
The role comes in recognition of his work and contributions to communities and social enterprise in Birmingham and across the region. He is one of six new Deputy Lieutenants with backgrounds ranging from education, entrepreneurship, homelessness, and music.
A royal appointment, the Deputy Lieutenants participate in civic, voluntary, and social activities within the lieutenancy.
Afzal will support The Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Mr John Crabtree OBE – the Queen’s personal representative in the county – in a number of ways including attending on Royalty during official visits, representation at citizenship ceremonies, supporting the armed forces of the Crown, and encouraging charitable and voluntary work and local initiatives to benefit the community.
“I am honoured to have been appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands,” said Afzal.
“Our many citizens, community and voluntary organisations play a vitally important role in the life of our region and I look forward to promoting and encouraging this further.’
During the pandemic, Afzal convened the Erdington (Covid 19) Task Force and the North Birmingham Economic Recovery Task Force, which have supported thousands of residents and vulnerable groups to access health and wellbeing, housing, employment, training, and enterprise support services.
Afzal is also an active member of several Boards in Birmingham and the West Midlands, providing experience and insight in community-led approaches to tackle deep-seated challenges, as well as capitalising on opportunities that unlock and nurture talent.
Prior to running WLCA, his previous roles include Director of Coventry New Deal for Communities and Deputy Chief Executive of Aston Pride NDC – where he worked with the board, local government, community leaders, and senior officers to successfully re-establish and manage the £54m multi-partnership initiative tasked with regenerating one of Birmingham’s most deprived wards.
In his role as WLCA Chief Officer, Afzal was also a key part in the multi million pound regeneration bids for Erdington High Street and continues to work with local stakeholders at sourcing further investment opportunities.
Working alongside NHS Property Services, WLCA were further responsible for the new Health and Wellbeing Hub that took over the old walk-in centre site on Erdington High Street. WLCA are also developing plans for an ambitions Enterprise Hub at the old Erdington Swimming Baths.
With the Commonwealth Games coming to Perry Barr in July/August – and satellite events held across the region – the recently appointed Deputy Lieutenants for the West Midlands will also support the city in delivering this premiere sporting event.
“The West Midlands is this year welcoming visitors from throughout the world and the West Midlands Lieutenancy is committed to supporting and representing every community in the County,” said Mr Crabtree.
“As the second largest lieutenancy in England and Wales and home to nearly three million citizens, the enthusiasm and additional reach of the new Deputy Lieutenants will complement the great work of my existing Deputy Lieutenants.
The West Midlands Lieutenancy comprises Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton. It was established in 1974.
Established in response to coronavirus, the Erdington Covid-19 Task Force was set up to support people during the pandemic – reaching thousands of vulnerable and isolated residents with food, essential supplies, financial advice, health and wellbeing activities, and further support services.
Now as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted and communities across the world are looking at life beyond the pandemic, so is the Taskforce – dropping the coronavirus moniker and exploring how it can continue to support people across Erdington.
Renamed the Erdington Task Force, the collective of local stakeholders has issued a new manifesto, with housing, education, employment, and regeneration at its core.
Continuing their duty of care for the vulnerable, isolated, and elderly, the Erdington Task Force want to carry on providing what many have found to be essential support services – finding whilst Covid-19 restrictions are being lifted, people across Erdington are still suffering from the impact of the virus.
To help deliver this programme of support, Erdington Task Force mobilises a squad of almost 250 volunteers to carry out tasks and activities across the constituency.
Chair of the Erdington Task Force is Afzal Hussain, Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA). Mr Hussain told Erdington Local:
“The Erdington (Covid-19) Task Force provided a crucial and rapid response to the pandemic.
“Members repurposed existing and developed new services to support our communities by mobilising hundreds of volunteers and co-ordinating vital food distribution and support activities to thousands of vulnerable residents across the constituency.
“The pandemic highlighted and exacerbated deep-seated inequalities, especially poverty and economic hardship, health inequalities and digital exclusion.
“So now is the right time to refresh our partnerships and create a new settlement, which recognises and celebrates the central role of the refreshed Erdington Task Force in the life, prosperity and future of the constituency.”
Comprised of local charities, support organisations, community champions, and politicians, the Erdington Task Force is a collective of local stakeholders who have deep rooted relationships within the constituency.
Facilitated by WLCA, the Erdington Task Force also has organisations including Active Arts, Spitfire Service, The Pioneer Groups, Bethany Foodbank, Erdington Community Volunteers, Urban Devotion, West Midlands Police, and The Active Wellbeing Society as members – establishing a network of support from Castle Vale to Kingstanding.
The Erdington (Covid-19) Task Force was established in April 2020, to support the constituency during the coronavirus pandemic.
Erdington High Street has been the centrepiece of many recent political battles – from clarion calls for more community policing and a Public Space Protection Order, to ambitious regeneration plans that could bring in millions, a buzz has been returning to the once vibrant throughfare.
But on Sunday 16 January the High Street stood still, as hundreds gathered to pay their respects to “a giant of Birmingham politics and a very, very good man.”
Just over a week beforehand, the Erdington MP Jack Dromey was discovered dead at his constituency residence. Following ten days of shock and sadness, this was the day people came to say their goodbyes.
“We’re all Jack’s friends,” exclaims Gerard Goshawk, the well known minister from Six Ways Baptist Church who is introducing speakers onto the stage – a temporary platform outside the Co-op on Erdington High Street – and reminding the bipartisan crowd they are indeed just that.
A fierce trade unionist before being elected MP in 2010, Jack Dromey was known as a dyed in the wool “Labour man”, but also a canny campaigner who would extend a hand “across the political divide” to get the job done.
Standing shoulder to shoulder at his memorial are the leaders of both the Birmingham Conservative and Labour parties, further reflecting the impact of a man who, as Cllr Ian Ward would later state on stage, “was never blinkered or tribal when it comes to working constructively”.
Today’s cold January concourse hosts hundreds more well wishers from all backgrounds and belief systems – local MPs and councillors, Erdington residents and families, business owners and house builders.
Also in attendence are local campaign groups such as Short Heath Fields Trust – who despite spending much of their time locked in heated debates with Jack Dromey, maintained a healthy respect for a politician who ultimately “kept his word.”
Organised by the Erdington Covid-19 Taskforce, of which Jack Dromey was a “driving force” behind, the memorial is being delivered by two organisations who knew the late MP well – Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) and Active Arts – alongside Reverend Gerard Goshawk.
With more friends and figureheads waiting in the wings, a friendly reminder from Gerard to keep all speeches under two minutes launches proceedings gets a ripple of laughter from the crowd – mirroring the minister’s call for celebration and humour amongst the grief.
First to speak is Cllr Josh Jones (Lab, Stockland Green), who talks through his memories of meeting Jack during his first General Election campaign in 2010, to standing beside him as one of the city’s youngest campaign agents in the MP’s subsequent bids for the Erdington seat.
But it was the heartfelt memory of Jack and wife Harriet Harman cancelling their family holiday to be at Josh’s wedding that hammers home the closeness of their relationship, one evolving from professional to personal, and rubber stamps the sentiment of remembrance that would be reiterated throughout the afternoon.
“It feels incredibly strange and weird to be thinking of Erdington without Jack… a wonderful MP, a wonderful friend, a wonderful comrade. I will miss him very, very dearly.”
Cllr Paulette Hamilton (Lab, Holyhead) follows Josh Jones, regaling her own memories of a man who “came with so many titles…” and “encouraged people to be a better version of themselves”. Before the stage is set for Cllr Robert Alden (Con, Erdington), arguably Jack Dromey’s most immediate political postcode rival.
Immediately paying tribute to the late Penny Holbrook, the Stockland Green councillor who was also found dead at home back in November last year, Cllr Alden goes on to honour Jack Dromey’s “formidable reputation” in trade unions and politics, a man “passionate for worker’s rights”.
Afzal Hussain and Linda Hines MBE, WLCA Chief Officer and Resident Director respectively, stand together next – representing one of the key constituency stakeholders, who worked closely with Jack Dromey for over a decade on projects ranging from social care to High Street regeneration.
“Jack was a principled politician,” begins Afzal, “he had huge convictions and sense of justice and fairness,” before reminding the crowd of Jack’s pivotal work through the “the dark days” of the coronavirus crisis and his role on the Erdington Covid-19 Taskforce.
A quick joke about Jack’s love of a “a good photo”, and an anecdote from Linda about meeting Jack when she was a last minute stand in for Santa (there are pictures), round off a eulogy from two more people who will struggle to see Erdington in the same way again.
Stepping back into the political arena, Birmingham City Council Leader and Shard End representative, Cllr Ian Ward, is next to speak – mourning the loss of “a great friend, inspirational colleague, and a good man.”
A close personal and professional ally, Cllr Ward continues to reiterate Jack Dromey’s ability to bring warring fractions together for the greater good – celebrating the late MP’s commitment “to give a voice to the unheard” and his “tireless enthusiasm and dogged determination”. Traits many in today’s crowd will both recognise and be grateful for.
But simplicity is often the clearest full stop, as Cllr Ward sums up his earnest goodbye to “ultimately a decent and principled man” by extending condolences to the grieving family he has left behind – hoping they know just “how much Jack was loved here in Birmingham.”
Jess Phillips MP for Yardley is next to address the crowd, having known Jack since working in his constituency office before becoming elected and whose own Yardley office has now stepped in to assist with “urgent” casework in Erdington.
A defiantly human face in the political mirror, Jess begins telling the second city crowd, “your stories, your lives, were always his very first and most pressing concern.
“Jack fell in love (with Birmingham), he chose us, and he saw what many outside of Birmingham don’t see – it may not be the prettiest but the people are magnificent. You won his heart.”
Reminding us of Jack Dromey’s devotion to his family, be it round a dinner table or in the halls of power, a memory of “the regulation weekly slide show of the pictures of Jack’s grandchildren” makes way for a live performance of a special jig written in Jack Dromey’s honour by the head of the Erdington Arts Forum, Jobe Baker Sullivan.
And as the music plays, paying homage to Jack Dromey’s Irish roots, the sun literally begins to shine.
A sharp reminder of Jack Dromey’s important role in the lives of his Erdington constituents comes as Jane Roche celebrates the MP’s support for the Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice campaign. Jane lost both her sister and father to coronavirus within a week of each other, with Jack picking up the charge and pushing for a public inquiry in the house.
Ray Goodwin joins Jane on stage, both from the Castle Vale based Spitfire Support Services, and reiterates the impact of “the most remarkable man we have met; fearless, passionate, and caring – he fought for justice and fairness all his life.”
The day continues and the temperature drops, but the crowd standfast, as further messages of love and memories of laughter come flooding off stage. Representatives of local community groups, religious institutions, law enforcement, and local schools all offer their reasons for celebrating the life and legacy of Jack Dromey.
The crowd are invited to write messages of condolences for Jack Dromey’s family, hand written notes to be delivered by Active Arts and the Erdington Covid-19 Taskforce, before the last opportunity to speak goes to Liam Byrne – Member of Parliament for the neighbouring constituency of Hodge Hill.
Liam’s own father was at school with Jack Dromey, the MP remembers, and the actions and integrity of that generation have clearly left their mark on the man – as Hodge Hill’s voice in the house walks us down Jack’s “long march for justice”.
“Sometimes that road is steep,” continues Liam, “sometimes that road is hard, sometimes on that road we get weary.
“And it’s at those points that you need someone to put an arm around you, to give you warm words, to tell you it’s going to be OK, to tell you you’re a superstar.
“Jack put the fuel in the tank all of us in the fight for justice. He was the best booster that has ever been invented… Britain’s second city has lost its greatest citizen.”
R.I.P. Jack.
Watch Liam Byrne MP speaking at the memorial for Jack Dromey MP
VOX POP quotes & pics taken by Claire Taylor / Intro words & pics by Ed King
Soon after the announcement of Jack Dromey’s death on Friday 7 January, flowers and messages of remembrance started to appear outside his constituency office on Mason Road. – with further tributes flooding social media.
Many were in shock at the sudden and unexpected news, sharing their stories and grief both online and off.
Erdington Local took to the High Street he fiercely championed and asked for comment from some of his constituents – for our weekly VOX POP.
(Ed’s note… we used the headline quote to show how Jack Dromey was perceived, by many, as a ‘local man’ – despite being born in Middlesex. The full quote is the last in the VOX POP, which we felt was a testament to the fervour with which Jack represented his Birmingham constituency.)
Holding a position where concerns and complaints were part of the day to day, Jack Dromey heard first hand about the issues affecting people across Erdington – with many looking to his office for answers.
From large scale employment strategies to supporting school fundraisers and independent retailers, the ‘to-do-list’ in the local MPs office was often as varied as it was unending. But as Erdington’s elected voice in Parliament, it was down to Jack Dromey and his colleagues to work through it with tireless dedication.
When Erdington Local asked for comments on Jack Dromey’s death, and life, many people had many things to say – but not all were comfortable having their condolences captured on camera.
Thank you to everyone who stopped to share thier thoughts and stories with us, and to all who agreed to be featured in the article.
Remembering Jack memorial service on Sunday 16 January
A wider public memorial service is being organised by the Erdington Covid-19 Taskforce on Sunday 16 January, to be held outside the Co-op supermarket on Erdington High Street from 1:30/2pm.
Speakers will include colleagues from Jack’s constituency office, alongside figureheads from local organisations and community support groups such as Witton Lodge Community Association, Urban Devotion, Erdington Street Pastors, and Spitfire Advice and Support Services.
Jack Dromey’s political peers will also be attending, with further public condolences and remembrance coming from Liam Byrne MP (Hodge Hill), Jess Phillips MP (Yardley), Cllr Paulette Hamilton (Lab, Hollyhead, Birmingham Conservatives Leader Cllr Robert Alden (Con, Erdington), and Birmingham City Council Leader Cllr Ian Ward (Lab, Shard End).
The memorial for Jack Dromey is open to all members of the public – with the Erdington Covid-19 Taskforce inviting people to gather by the Co-op from 1:30pm, with the service scheduled to begin at 2pm.
A spokesperson for the Erdington Covid-19 Taskforce told Erdington Local:
“On behalf of the people of Erdington, partners of the Erdington Covid-19 Task Force have come together to organise this tribute event for Jack.
“His legacy went beyond politics. His tireless campaigning on behalf of constituents touched so many lives so we wanted to create a fitting tribute to a man who was progressive and impactful in positively changing lives and communities.
“It’s a chance for the people of Erdington to pay their respects to Jack, to reflect on his work and to share memories of him.
“It should be a great occasion, celebrating the life of a man whose commitment to improving lives made him a hero for the community he served with such passion and honesty.”
Here are a few more memories and messages of condolences from people on Erdington High Street.
Harriet Spencer, Oikos Café, Erdington High Street
“He used to come relatively frequently into Oikos and he would always order a strawberry milkshake, which we used to love.
“He was such a champion of the café and enjoyed that we were hear and all the things we did, especially the music event. It’s really a shock to the area and all of us.”
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Christine Scarl, Pype Hayes
“I heard that he had died… its such a shame. He was really good at letting us know what was going on in the area, we would always be getting the leaflets through the door and everything. It’s such a shame.”
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Pat Wandby, Stockland Green
“I’m sad that Jack Dromey died… it was a shock, he was a nice chap and he always seemed to be fighting for the workers – to help them keep their jobs.
“Like with the HP Sauce factory, which should never have been closed. And he was always fighting for the Jag (Jaguar Land Rover, Castle Bromwich) and other industries.
“He came to our house once over an issue with some garages at the back… I did have a moan at him about Stockland Green and the potholes on the road, by the chip shop. But since then it’s been done.”
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Vera, Holly Lane, Erdington
“He passed away, bless him. He did a lot for Erdington, as out local MP. He did a lot for Jaguar and everything else.
“He was a Birmingham man; he was a local man. And he cared.”
If you have something to say about any of the issues raised in this VOX POP (or anything else you want to tell us about) please email: mystory@erdingotnlocal.com
The development of the Perry Common Estate provided residents with a spacious 2 or 3-bedroom houses and the added bonus of a front and back garden.
Passionate residents, united in their fight against the demolition, established Perry Common Residents Association. Shortly after, in 1994, eight of its members became the founding directors of the new Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA).
WLCH targets such empty properties to bring them back into use while working with the City Council and other stakeholders to explore opportunities for new build development which can provide affordable housing solutions.
WLCA Homes and Assets Development Manager, Gareth Hopkins, said: “We have invested in our homes to make them more energy efficient. Solar Photovoltaic panels have been installed on 93 of our properties (the remaining properties are not eligible for the SPV Panels) ensuring that our tenants benefit first hand from savings with electricity consumption costs.
“We have aspirations to do even more using our planned maintenance programme to replace more boilers (non-gas), doors and windows. When we purchase new properties we will retrofit them with new windows, boilers but also consider improvements such as solar water heating, floor and wall insulation where this is possible.
