Category: General

The Heathan Relaunches, join us!

On Saturday 11th April 11 to 3pm we’ll be hosting a special free event at ‘The Mix Cafe’, Old Print Works, to launch The Heathan online! Food is provided by Change Kitchen and we will be part of Second Saturday activities happening all day there.

The first Heathan newsletter
The first Heathan Zine

Saturday marks a new chapter for one of Birmingham’s most loved zines. Dedicated to providing authentic, community-led journalism, the site returns as the definitive online source for news, culture, and local voices within Balsall Heath.  The Heathan will put the focus back where it belongs: on the Heath and the Heathans.

Muhmood Tahir has also drawn us two beautiful paintings we’ll be unveiling as part of the day – about Balsall Heath and inspired by Mick Turner’s photography, the man responsible for much of the photography in early Heathans.

And that’s where we’re starting too – come along, have your say, have your photo taken to become a part of it! We’ll also have copies of old Heathans to flick through and a quick demo of the iconic ‘Cow Gum’ method we used to use for ‘paste up’ before digital design was a thing. Cow gum itself was, of course, highly flammable, gave off strong fumes and is no longer available.

By the Community, For the Community

‘Balsall Heath is like nowhere else’

Anon

Balsall Heath needs a voice more than ever in changing times. As development plans are reviewed residents want to be kept informed on council decisions and have a means to have their voices heard.

Led by an Alliance of Balsall Heath organisations and  ‘Believe in Balsall Heath’, We’ll celebrate the rich history of Balsall Heath and its diverse communities. We’ll put the spotlight on local legends, artists, community heroes and all people in Balsall Heath.  We’ll develop our own curated guide to the best independent shops and services in the area.

We’re also listening to what you want. Balsall Heath misses it’s Carnival – we’re working with local partners to bring a Community Festival from 3rd July to 13th July – watch this space for more details!

Carnival Heathan
Carnival Heathan

Bridging the Gap

The relaunch comes at a vital time for Balsall Heath. The Heathan will link long-standing residents and newcomers – everyone is welcome here, sharing belonging.  The Heathan will feature dedicated community contributions, inviting Heathans to submit their own stories, photos, and event listings.

Feeding the world

The Heathan can lay claim to the first known written use of the term ‘Balti’.  A classic ‘Glocal’ fusion dish, made to please people from all communities in Sparkbrook and Balsall Heath in the 1970s, it has since become a national dish and many are calling for UNESCO protected status as an internationally significant cultural dish.

The Heathan is for Balsall Heath and Balsall Heathans. We want to be seen, heard and connected.’

Marcus Belben, co-editor
First known use of 'Balti' in print, The Heathan 1981
First known use of ‘Balti’ in print, The Heathan 1981
Balti presentation

About The Heathan

Originally established to capture the grassroots energy of the district, The Heathan was formerly printed and delivered to everyone in Balsall heath.  It will remain independent but will now be an online news publication. It operates on the belief that local journalism is the bedrock of a strong community.

The online Balsall Heathan was originally created by Dr. Anita Halliday, former CEO of St Pauls Trust, initially named ‘Neighbourhood News Online’. The original neighbourhood magazine ‘The Balsall Heathan’ was published monthly and circulated to every home in Balsall Heath.

Since Anita’s death it is currently maintained on a voluntary basis by local people and organisations.

‘…from sparsely populated heathland in the 18th century, to the ‘genteel neighbourhood’ of the 1840s, the populous quarter of 1891, to the busy and crowded suburb of the 1920s and 30s to Balsall Heath present day, there is no place like it.’ 

Val Hart Local Historian

The Heathan in modern times

2026 to today!

We’ve been working with Balsall Heath Alliance and Believe in Balsall Heath and a team of local Heathans to share news and represent our stories our way!  Building on the work of the Neighbourhood News Team and Balsall Heathans we’re relaunching the Heathan online!

March 2020 to March 2022

Neighbourhood News Online responded to the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown by creation of an information page to support local residents and the Balsall Heath Mutual Aid group. This page was used to signpost people to essential services and support and also gave clear, relevant information from trusted sources, including the NHS, Public Health England and Birmingham City Council.

October 2019 – March 2020

A commission from Ageing Better in Sparkbrook involved Rachel Gillies and Elisabeth Charis worked with a range of local community organisations to support them in promoting their activities for the elders they serve. 10 organisations received tailored support with developing their promotional work. This included developing websites, a series of short films and support with using Social Media through a range of Social Media surgeries.

April – July 2019

The Active Wellbeing Society supported a series of community media workshops with residents across Balsall Heath and Sparkbrook. Their interest in storytelling to connect people led to the development of ‘Humans of the Heath’ – a series of profiles of local people.

October 2018 – April 2019
Neighbourhood News Online was part of a commission from Balsall Heath Forum as part of a Local Innovation Fund grant, which came to an end in April 2019. The website was developed into a community news, directory and events page for Balsall Heath and Sparkbrook by freelancers, Rachel Gillies, Elisabeth Charis and Hayley Frances. We have a passion for this area and wanted to use our skills and experience living and working here to connect residents and organisations together. This grant also funded the production of two print newsletters, delivered to residents and community venues.

Heathan printed and distributed across Balsall Heath from 1973 to 2018

Opportunity for Balsall Heath missed as stations open

It’s an exciting time for Birmingham commuters! We are finally seeing the re-opening of the line from Kings Norton to New Street, complete with three brand new stations. This investment in our local infrastructure has been much anticipated but for those of us in Balsall Heath, the news comes with disappointment.

Souvenir Postcard celebrating the re-opening of Moseley, Kings Heath and Pineapple stations
Souvenir Postcard celebrating the re-opening of Moseley, Kings Heath and Pineapple stations
Jess Carter train
Shock move as Jess Carter returns to Birmingham City assisting Moseley Commuters

Despite being a key feature of the 2015 Neighbourhood Plan, the re-opening of a station in Balsall Heath was not approved. It feels like a missed opportunity for Balsall Heathans.

A Tale of Two Stations

Camp Hill Station stood at the junction of Moseley Road and Highgate
Road. Both Camp Hill station opened in 1840 when the railway was first laid through Balsall Heath. The Camp Hill site is now occupied by Logmoor, and the original stationmaster’s house can still be seen just by the bridge over the road in the picture below.

Camp Hill Station 1905
Camp Hill Station
View of the station in 1905

Brighton Road station was the second station on the line to Gloucester from Birmingham and was opened in 1875 by the Midland Railway. Its close proximity to the city centre meant it was always vulnerable to competition first from the trams which had a terminus nearby and later the No. 50 bus.    

John Bagwell was appointed station master in 1876 and he held this position until the station was placed under the supervision of the Camp Hill station master on 15 July 1907. The station was hit by bombs in 1941, closed and never reopened.

The bridge across Brighton Road enlarged in 1923
The bridge across Brighton Road was enlarged in 1923 under a scheme to support unemployed workers.
Brighton Road station was smashed to pieces by bombing in 1941
Brighton Road station was smashed to pieces by bombing in 1941 and never re-opened.
What remains of Brighton Road Station 2026
View from the train of what remains of Brighton Road Station on the re-opening of Camp Hill Line 2026
Part of Midland Railway Distance Diagram Sheet 47 dated 1913 showing the two routes south from New Street to Kings Norton. Original Print supplied by Malcolm Peakman
Part of Midland Railway Distance Diagram Sheet 47 dated 1913 showing the two routes south from New Street to Kings Norton. Original Print supplied by Malcolm Peakman https://www.warwickshirerailways.com/lms/mr_generic1430b.htm
Balsall Heath Station on site of the old Brighton Road station
The 2015 plan for Balsall Heath Station, drawn by Joe Holyoak

Soup, Stories and St.Patrick at St.John and St.Martin’s

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.

Mick Turner photo 1970s
Mick Turner photo 1970s

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.

A wedding photo outside the church
A wedding photo, unidentified people late 1940s

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 First Holy Communion procession, probably 1950s, where children receive the Eucharist for the first time, often processing through the local streets.
A First Holy Communion procession, probably 1950s, where children receive the Eucharist for the first time, often processing through the local streets.

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

Mick Turner photo 1970s
Mick Turner photo 1970s
Inside cover of a Souvenir leaflet from 1996
Inside cover of a Souvenir leaflet from 1996
Mick Turner photo 1970s
Mick Turner photo 1970s
A wedding photo outside the church
A wedding photo, unidentified people late 1940s
A First Holy Communion procession, probably 1950s, where children receive the Eucharist for the first time, often processing through the local streets.
A First Holy Communion procession, probably 1950s, where children receive the Eucharist for the first time, often processing through the local streets.
A street procession in the 1950s, most likely on a Saint's day
A street procession in the 1950s, most likely on a Saint’s day
Cutting a cake to celebrate in the old school hall
The ‘Benemerenti’ Medal is an honour awarded by the Pope for long and exceptional service to the Catholic Church.
Street view of George Street with St.Martin and St.John Church central
Street view of George Street with St.Martin and St.John Church central
Street view of George Street with St.Martin and St.John Church central
Street view of George Street with St.Martin and St.John Church central

Why we’re celebrating 750 years of history

Balsall Heath is 750 years old, and the evidence takes us right back to Edward 1st ‘Longshanks’ or  ‘Hammer of the Scots’.

The Earliest Record: 1275

The earliest documented mention shows he original spelling was Bordeshale (Later contracted to the familiar ‘Balsall’). This places the area’s first official record early in King Edward I’s reign.

Copy of the written document, the Lay Subsidy Roll, which lists 'Roberto de Bordeshale, living in the Royal Manor of Bromsgrove and Norton in Worcester'
Copy of the written document, the Lay Subsidy Roll, which lists ‘Roberto de Bordeshale, living in the Royal Manor of Bromsgrove and Norton in Worcester’

Bromsgrove and King’s Norton were Royal manors held ‘in ancient demesne’ by the king. 

What Happened in 1275?

The official documentation was a direct result of the King’s efforts to modernize and tax people, passing laws to bring order and better admin.  A key piece of legislation was the first Statute of Westminster. This law included new rules for taxes and land ownership.  Before 1275 boundaries and ownership could be proven with simple oral evidence, but the new laws demanded that everything be formally recorded.  A drive for better governance and tax collection that “Bordeshale” was officially put on the map!

Copy of image introducing 'The Statute of Westminster'
Thanks Ian, image in Article, ‘Time Immemorial’ https://www.ianvisits.co.uk/

Defining the Boundary

Long before it became an inner-city suburb, the area now known as Balsall Heath was defined by natural boundaries.  The boundary of the historic Kings Norton manor was marked by the Bodesehale Brook.  This brook ran roughly parallel to the present-day Belgrave Road before flowing into the River Rea.

This ancient line was so significant it was still used centuries later. In 1796, the brook was clearly marked on a Gooch estate map as the dividing line between Kings Norton parish in Worcestershire and Aston parish in Warwickshire:

Gooch estate sketch map from 1796 in John Morris-Jones in “Bygone Balsall Heath’ 1979

What was Balsall Heath Like in 1275?

While the area was officially recorded, it wasn’t a town. Life in 1275 Balsall Heath was rooted in the landscape:

A watermill was certainly operating nearby, near what is now Cannon Hill Park, with records dating back even earlier to 1231.  Farms likely dotted the fertile land along the Rea Valley.

The Heath. The higher ground was dominated by open heathland, which lay along the ancient ridgeway track—the same route that eventually developed into the Moseley Road.

So, when we celebrate 750 years, we’re celebrating its official birth, connecting our modern community back to the medieval landscape of Bordeshale!

November Meeting of the Society

The next meeting will be held on Thursday November 27th at 2 pm at The Creation Centre ( old Tram Depot), 582, Moseley Road, B12 9AA

The speaker will be Betty Hagglund, talking about Mary and Martha Russell, daughters of William Russsell, who was Unitarian and close friend of Joseph Priestley.
The two women grew up at Showell Green House but this was destroyed by rioters in the 1791 riots, after which the family fled to America.

Welcome

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  Gap 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:07776899352

Facebook: Balsall Heath Local History Society




Balsall Heath. A History

“Balsall Heath, a History” by Val Hart was first published in 1992. It had many reprintings but has been out-of-print for some time. This is a revised and updated edition.

The price is £10.95 plus £2.30 postage to UK.  So a total of  £13.25. Please pay through the Donate button  below, after the info about our meetings and pffice base.

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You can find us on Facebook at Balsall Heath Local History Society