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: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk
Witton Lodge Community Association Chie Officer, Afzal Hussain, outside Wellbeing Hub on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
Words by Afzal Hussain – Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association
We all know neighbourhoods matter; they always have and always will.
Neighbourhoods have a profound impact on our daily lives and experiences, and a good neighbourhood is essential for our communities to thrive.
At Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) alongside our focus on communities, neighbourhood quality and safety has been at the heart of our work for over three decades. We have taken this commitment to the next level by bringing our communities together with leading academics to create a Decent Neighbourhood Standard.
Our ambition remains the same – to create neighbourhoods that are safe, inclusive, and sustainable. Through this initiative we aim to create a universal but adaptable standard that can be applied to both new and existing neighbourhoods.
This will help identify local priorities, guide policy and investment decisions that are actively shaped, influenced, supported, and led by local communities.
The success of Operation Fearless, a recent initiative by West Midlands Police, had a remarkable impact on community safety in and around Erdington High Street. And recent community activities organised by Erdington BID builds on this success.
At WLCA, we remain committed to supporting these efforts, through our services at our Erdington Wellbeing Hub, and our plans to transform the former Erdington Baths into a dynamic enterprise facility.
Over the coming months we will exploring how the Decent Neighbourhood Framework can be used to engage local communities, policy makers and investors to ‘lock-in’ improvements and continue the development of Erdington as a place that we’re all proud of.
Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
Promotional poster for Erdington BID’s Summer Fun Day on Saturday 26 July
Words by editorial team
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.
Following the success of their first event in June, Erdington BID will be bringing back the summer fun in July – with free games and activities for children, alongside a range of stands and stalls from local groups and services.
Completely free to attend, there will be face painting, arts and crafts sessions, and a bouncy castle for young people – all paid for by the Erdington BID, as supported by local retailers.
Families and young poeple enjoying the bouncy castle at Summer Fun Day / Photograph by Darren Dodd – supplied by Erdington BID
The event will be held in the same location, on the pedestrianised area of Erdington High Street in between the entrances to Wilton Market and the new B&M Superstore.
A family friendly day out, Erdington BID is organising the Summer Fun Days as part of the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign – to bring a programme of events back to Erdington Town Centre and give local families something fun to do on the High Street that won’t cost them a penny.
Alongside the children’s games and entertainment, local community groups and service providers will have information displays and engagement activities – including Erdington Litter Busters, Erdington Lunar Society, Short Heath Fields Trust, Aquarius, and Witton Lodge Community Association.
Face painting at Summer Fun Day / Photograph by Selina Gooden – supplied by Erdington BID
West Midlands Fire Service will also be bringing a real-life fire engine from the local station, on site between 2pm and 4pm – with adults and children alike invited to get up close and personal with the emergency vehicle, to meet the fire fighters, and learn about fire safety.
Then, once the outdoor activity has finished at 4pm, there will be a special free live music event held inside Oikos Café – as part of the citywide Blues and Jazz Festival.
New Zealand blues rockers Lazy Fifty will be performing live, taking inspiration from the stalwarts of 70’s British rock such as Black Sabbath and Led Zepplin. Free to attend, tickets will be allocated at the door at Oikos on a first come first served basis.
Stalls from local community groups and services at Summer Fun Day / Photograph by Selina Gooden – supplied by Erdington BID
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.”
Children’s free arts and craft sessions at Summer Fun Day / Photograph by Selina Gooden – supplied by Erdington BID
Another Summer Fun Day is being organised on Erdington High Street for Saturday 23 August.
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.
PICTURE GALLERY: Check out our photographs from Erdington BID’s first Summer Fun Day
GALLERY #1 / Photographs by Darren Dodd – supplied by Erdington BID
Gallery #2 / Photographs by Selina Gooden – supplied by Erdington BID
For more information about the LOVE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY campaign, or any events and activities in the Town Centre, please email Erdington BID at: erdingtonhighstreet@hotmail.co.uk
Witton Lodge Community Association are delighted to once more throw the doors open on our annual live music event Track Friday.
Residents are invited to enjoy a showcase of singing, dancing and poetry at Perry Common Community Hall on 11 July when some of North Birmingham’s most creative young talents take centre stage.
Once the lights go down people can enjoy the artistry of Chyna Victoria, Zach Gallagher, Tee Leonie, Ray Ritess, Sensei Jay, Spencer, Amadeus TMM, Satch, Chardevaughan, Rochae, Dsix Seven Ess, Roman, and Raja. A special artist hour will also feature Juddah James and Rufus Rose.
Local singer Jamie Lee, who appeared at last year’s Track Friday, will be back to wow the crowds again. Having stolen the show 12 months ago, Witton Lodge’ directors booked her to perform at our 30th anniversary gala in November!
Performing artists and event founder, Dellano Lewis (second from right), at Track Friday 2024 / Photograph supplied by Witton Lodge Community Association
Dellano Lewis, Community Engagement Officer at Witton Lodge, established Track Friday in 2016. The annual community engagement showpiece provides a platform for the organisation to connect young people to some of its services.
Dellano, who will also be performing at the event as his creative alter-ego, BeeNiice, said: “Track Friday is more than just a live music show.
“It gives the performers, and everyone who attends the show, the opportunity to access Witton Lodge services which can support their education, training and employment needs.”
This year’s event is being sponsored by, and delivered in partnership with, Birmingham Metropolitan College; with a number of its students set to perform.
Hosted by Junelle Jae, with music courtesy of DJ Gaz H, and featuring guest speaker Evo Wiser, the doors open on Track Friday 2025 at 5.30pm at 87 Witton Lodge Road (B23 5JD) with the live performances starting at 6pm. There will also be a prize raffle, food and refreshments.
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 Executive, Afzal Hussain, outside the Wellbeing Hub on Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
Words by Witton Lodge Community Association
(Ed’s note… this column was written the June/July Erdington Local newspaper and first published, in print, on Thursday 12 June.)
June has launched Erdington into summer with a host of exciting and memorable events which celebrate the strengths of our community.
Volunteers Week started the ball rolling, giving us the chance to thank all the wonderful people who give their time to support their communities and our work at Witton Lodge Community Association. Our volunteers are the bedrock of who we are and what we do. It was a privilege to recognise their efforts during a special ceremony held at Perry Common Community Hall.
If you would like to find out more about volunteering opportunities or any aspect of our work, please get in touch with us.
Most of you will be aware of Operation Fearless, a West Midlands Police operation launched to tackle and reduce crime on and around Erdington High Street. The campaign also saw businesses and community groups work together to create a safer High Street.
Building on this initiative, we warmly welcome the series of community events organised by Erdington Business Improvement District (BID), where families can enjoy activities, games and entertainment along Erdington High Street – a throwback to the summer community carnivals of yesteryear.
Over the years, through the launch of the Erdington Wellbeing Hub, and the refurbishment of the former Erdington Baths we continue to play our part in helping to restore the vibrancy to the High Street.
Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
If you would like to develop new skills, meet new people and enjoy new experiences, then you should try volunteering.
Whether your passion is gardening, cooking, DIY, engineering, IT, marketing or childcare, there’s something for everyone.
On Thursday, 12 June, a Volunteer Recruitment event takes place from 11am to 2pm at St Barnabas Church on Erdington High Street.
A range of organisations will be attending to promote all their volunteering opportunities and offering advice and guidance on how you can support local people and local communities while learning something new.
So, if you have a few hours to spare each week, why not start a new adventure. Volunteering has so many benefits.
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 Erdington High Street / Photograph by Ed King
Words by Afzal Hussain – Chief Officer of Witton Lodge Community Association
Erdington Baths, a cherished community landmark, proudly marks its 100 year anniversary this month. This historic site has been a cornerstone of local sports, recreational, and social life for generations.
Many of you will know about Witton Lodge Community Association’s ambitious plans to refurbish and repurpose the facility as a Community & Enterprise facility, ensuring it remains a vibrant hub for future generations.
Since its closure, the building has deteriorated significantly and the first phase will involve undertaking essential repairs, repairing the roof, and ensuring the building’s structural integrity. This will be followed by transforming the main reception area and pool hall into co-working spaces, studio pods, events, and meeting rooms.
Earlier this month we were able to undertake strip-out works to enable further detailed structural surveys to be undertaken.
This builds on the creation of the pocket park which has improved the external frontage of the building, and we remain hopeful that we will be able to appoint a main contractor later in the year to commence the substantive works.
For those of you that venture to Witton Lakes, you will notice that the Makers Yard in the grounds of the Eco Hub is nearing completion, and residents will shortly be able to participate in range of new activities, including carpentry and horticulture taster courses.
Additionally, we have initiated improvements to the car park at Witton Lakes, to enhance accessibility and the visitor experience.
Against a tough backdrop, we remain committed to investing locally, celebrating all that is great about our area, and demonstrating the #PowerOfCommunity.
Witton Lodge Community Association is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
