On St.Patrick’s day we ran a successful sharing event at St. John and St. Martin Catholic Church in Balsall Heath. It was a day dedicated to celebrating our community’s rich heritage, connecting people of all ages, and preserving the precious stories that shape our Community.
A Feast for the Senses (and the Soul)
The Church provided delicious asparagus soup, an assortment of snacks, and plenty of tea and coffee. The church community incredibly generously provided these refreshments, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Journeying Through Time: Images and Interviews
Photos from the Mick Turner archive offered a glimpse into the area’s past. Complementing these historical photos were precious images from the church’s own photo albums, which they kindly allowed us to access. These personal snapshots gave an intimate perspective on the community’s history. We prepared a slide show and audio recordings. These interviews, conducted by Marcus and church regular Dawn, captured the lived experiences at St.John and St.Martin Church.
Sharing Memories, Preserving Heritage
The true magic of the event lay in the conversations – People of all generations gathered around tables, sharing their memories, experiences, and reflections on Balsall Heath’s past and present.
One former pupil of the school (on which the very hall we were in was based!) reminisced about his family and vividly recalled walking onto the stage in 1971, which is still there, dressed as a Roman soldier. Others shared fond memories of shopping at Freeman Hardy Willis and Woolworths, playing football against a wall in the park adjacent to the church, helping identify locations and more about the Church history and the Irish Community which used it.
Connecting Generations, Celebrating Balsall Heath
The event brought together a diverse group of people, spanning generations. It was inspiring to witness the exchange of stories between older residents, who remembered Balsall Heath in its earlier days, and younger community members, who are helping shape its future.
The conversations naturally turned to how the area has changed over the years. We discussed the ways in which Balsall Heath has evolved, reflecting on both the enduring aspects of its character and the significant changes that have shaped its current identity. There was a sense of shared understanding that while much has changed, a core spirit of the community remains.
A Testament to Community Spirit
Everyone agreed the importance of heritage, and the enduring value of sharing our stories – we intend to repeat this event in early July and are looking to the possibility of a ‘Faith Trail’ recognising the many significant Faith Centres there have been, and are, across Balsall Heath.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated, from those who shared their memories to the dedicated individuals who made the event possible. We hope this event has inspired others to connect with their own heritage and to cherish the stories that make our communities so unique.
Thank You to St. John and St. Martin Catholic Church
We’re interested to talk and share your memories and reflections on Balsall Heath’s history, and looking towards wider conversations and celebrations across Balsall Heath. Contact me if you are interested in running your own event or perhaps taking part (or helping lead) a ‘Faith Trail’ this July.
Marcus@balsallheathhistory.co.uk
The sudden death of Jim on October 8th has come as a great shock to us all. He has been a member of the Society for nearly 20 years and has made a huge contribution to our understanding of Balsall Heath’s history. He was committed to collecting stories from Balsall Heath people and spent a lot of time interviewing people, writing up the results and presenting them in an illustrated form for the Gazette newsletter.
Jim was also a member of the Birmingham History Theatre Company . He used often to tell people that he originally got involved as a scenery shifter but somehow got roped in to play significant parts in a host of productions. He was willing to try his hand at anything and dress up appropriately too.
