Ever wondered how young people change the world? Woodcraft Folk is one hundred years old, and has been strong across Birmingham, including Balsall Heath, since its earliest days, working with young working class people for Social Change.
Find out more at the presentation on Thursday, 28th May 7pm, ‘100 years Spanning the World with Friendship in Birmingham’.
A Century of Co-operation and Education for Social Change
An educational, empowerment and advocacy movement for children and young people, Woodcraft Folk is the UK’s co-operative movement for Young People, committed to the international co-operative principles.
For a century, Woodcraft Folk has been empowering young people to understand the world around them and to take an active role in changing it for the better. “Spanning the World with Friendship” it has taught generations about environmental sustainability, peace, co-operation, and international solidarity through outdoor education, camping, and weekly group activities, linking to international organisations and campaigns.
As the movement marks its historic centenary, this upcoming talk will dive deep into its remarkable journey—and how its values still resonate today.
Spanning Birmingham with Friendship
While the movement is international, Birmingham’s young people have been a vital part of this cooperative story as has been true for it’s centenary celebrations and activities. From local Woodchip and Elfin groups for the youngest members to pioneering youth-led social and environmental campaigns, Birmingham’s children have grown up learning how to co-operate.
We shall cry peace to all, And claim kinship with every living thing; That we hate War, Sloth and Greed, And love fellowship. And that we shall go singing to the fashioning of a new world.
Woodcraft creed
Exploring History Through 100 Objects
The guest speaker for the evening is Marcus Belben, for eight years Woodcraft Co-ordinator in Birmingham and dedicated Project Officer for the ‘100 Objects Spanning 100 years’ project in 2025.
Woodcraft Folk have been digging into their archives as well as adding to it to curate a digital and physical UK wide touring exhibition of over 100 unique objects, 50 interviews, 50 workshops, over 200 postcards, thousands of badges and stories. From vintage camping gear and historic badges to protest banners and international logbooks, each object offers a fascinating window into the lives of the young people and leaders who shaped the organization.
Marcus will be sharing the stories behind these objects, giving attendees an exclusive look at how a century of grassroots activism and youth empowerment has left its mark on society.
Event Details:
- What: ‘Woodcraft Folk, 100 years Spanning the World with Friendship in Birmingham’– A Presentation by Marcus Belben
- When: Thursday, 28th May 7pm
- Where: St Paul’s Venture, Malvern St (off Clifton Rd), Birmingham, B12 8NN
- Admission: All are welcome!
Learn more about the centenary celebrations, explore some of the objects ahead of the talk, or visit woodcraft.org.uk.
Come along, bring a friend, and let’s celebrate a hundred years of spanning the world with friendship right here in Birmingham!
