Balsall Heath Local History Society

website

Our new image based collection Digital Balsall Heath

For hundreds of Balsall Heath images (and new ones added every week) go to Digital Balsall Heath:- This is the home of our major project, the Heritage Lottery Funded “Our Community, Our History”. This captures memories of life in Balsall Heath from the Second World War onwards. We are exploring the varied stories of those who came and made (and still do) their homes here. We are also exploring the varied food that has added so much to the area. We are also looking at the history of the annual Carnival. If you have memories, photographs and favourite recipes we would love to hear from you at 0121 464 1890 or via the email addresses.

Over the last 30 years the Society has grown from strength to strength and has a part-time Development Worker, Chris Sutton. We also have a Victorian Schoolroom, a fascinating range of publications, some interesting projects and active participation in local events such as Balsall Heath Carnival.

Our History Base at St Paul’s Venture is open to visitors by appointment every monday or tuesday by prior booking. Either email chris.sutton@stpaulstrust.org.uk or ring 0121 464 1890 to arrange a visit.

Our monthly meetings are held at St Paul’s Venture, Malvern St. off Clifton Road, Balsall Heath, on the last Thursday of each month. The 2011 meetings are on the meetings page.

Why not come along? Visitors and new members are always welcome. We make a small charge for visitors.

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Latest News

  • St Martin's Flats Reunion

    Lisa Karim (lisakarim@hotmail.co.uk) wrote in: “I grew up in Highgate as did my Dad, I went to St Albans School and as an extra gcse with Mrs Bonham I started a project on St Martins flats. I don't remember the flats being there but do remember watching them being knocked down, I was 3 or 4. We got my Nan into school and interviewed her about the flats on video (I still have it 20yrs later) this started my fascination with the flats. A couple of years ago as more friends of my dads and uncles joined facebook I started a group called Old Highgateonians. We share photos and the older ones share their memories and catch up and reunite with old friends, someone said wouldn't it be nice to meet up again after all those years….” 6168_217246770374_688105374_7833737_8013629_n

    Accordingly Lisa has now organised a reunion for Saturday 21st July. There will be a walk around the flats area at 1pm and then the afternoon event from 2pm at Cobs Bar in Sherlock Street. The History Society has been invited to have a stall at this event and all are welcome to come along. They are hoping to raise money on the day for St Martin’s Youth Club and the event will be publicised on the Carl Chinn show and in the Birmingham Mail.

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  • The World War Two Classroom

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    We all know a shop that’s great to spend a pound in but what about elsewhere? How about one pound for a one hour experience of what it was like to be in class the day before you are evacuated?

    Balsall Heath History Society has a fully equipped World War Two era classroom which is open for bookings to schools or any other groups who want to travel back in time.

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  • Cluedo inventor born in Balsall Heath

    Added to our Famous Heathans page is Anthony Pratt who invented the Cluedo board game. Take the secret passage there and watch our for Colonel Mustard with the lead piping...

    anthony_pratt Anthony Pratt taken by Ron Moody

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