The Commonwealth Games & The Lost Children Project
2022 marks the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Children’s Emigration Homes in Highgate, founded by John Middlemore. Between the years 1873 and 1954 they emigrated over 5000 children chiefly to Canada but also to Australia.
Over 100,000 children were emigrated in total by many different agencies. However, there are also many relatives and descendants living here in the Birmingham area.
We are celebrating this extraordinary Commonwealth link
with a programme of events, with Games related funding and
support from Barratts the builders.
1. July. Launch of a Blue Plaque at St Luke’s Rd, Highgate, where the Homers were established.
2. June to October. A Touring Exhibition on pop up banners finishing at the Back To Backs where it will stay until October.
3. A new play “The Lost Children” to be performed on:
Friday evening, July 29th & Saturday evening, July 30th at the Blue Orange Theatre in the Jewellery Quarter as part of BirminghamFest
Do please save the dates! Come and support us!
The Lost Children Exhibition
July 14th to end of October at The Back to Backs at Hurst St, B5 4TE
No disability access – steep stairs
2022 marks the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Children’s Emigration Homes in Highgate, founded by John Middlemore. Between the years 1873 and 1954 they emigrated over 5000 deprived children chiefly to Canada but also to Australia aiming to give them children the opportunity of a better life. For many years the children went to farming families in the remote backwoods of Canada and then later to Fairbridge Farm Schools in both Canada and Australia.
Presented by Balsall Heath Local History Society with support from Celebrating Communities funding from Birmingham City Council and Midland Ancestors
Over the last 40 years the Society has grown from strength to strength. We have a fascinating range of publications, some interesting projects and active participation in local events
We are now based in The Old Print Works, in the eighteenth century house which fronts on to the Moseley Road, and next to the Ort Café. Our base is right next to the lovely gallery space at the Works, which is ideal for exhibitions.
Our address is:
Balsall Heath Local History Society
The Old Print Works,
498-506 Moseley Road,
Balsall Heath.
Birmingham B12 9AH
info@balsallheathhistory.co.uk
Phone number for the office. 07565 194822
or phone Val Hart: 0121 689 2584
Facebook: Balsall Heath Local History Society
Twitter: @BalsallHeathLHS
Our monthly meetings are held at St Paul’s Venture, Malvern St. off Clifton Road, Balsall Heath, on the last Thursday of most months. The next meeting will be on May 26th,2022. at 7 for a 7.30 pm start.
Why not come along? Visitors and new members are always welcome. We make a charge of £3 for visitors, which includes a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits.
We have an extensive indexed collection of photographs, Directories from the past, maps, local books, resources and a selected range of artefacts for use with schools and groups.
You can also find us on Facebook at Balsall Heath Local History Society.
CHARITY NUMBER: 1101945
