Author: Val Hart

2 pm. July 24th , 2025 A Society Trip to The West Midlands Fire Service Museum
Ettington Road, off Witton Road, Aston . B6 6ED

Visit the oldest fire station in Birmingham, with a guided tour of the museum. It tells the story of the history of firefighting with lots of early equipment and appliances on display as well as equipment, and artefacts used throughout their own fifty-year existence. Several themed rooms are open to visitors. The tour is likely to take two & a half hours

We will meet outside at 1.45 pm Limited parking is available in the rear yard accessed from Prestbury Road, Aston, B6 6EE. Look for the green gates.
There will be a charge, payable on the day, of £5, half of which will be donated to rthe Museum. The trip is opnen to non members.

Future Meetings
This trip is instead of a meeting in July and there will be no meeting in August. The next meeting after that will be held on Thursday September 25th at 2 pm at The Creation Centre ( old Tram Depot). This is the first of our autumn meetings which are scheduled for daytime. Please note a change of meeting time which we hope will be more convenient for members.

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.

I will remember Jim for his unfailing support, his creativity, his kindness and generosity. When I had a bereavement in 2018 he stepped up to take a lead part in producing The Gazette newsletter and has continued this for the last five years, expanding and enriching the content.

The play is now available to see on Youtube via this link:  https://youtu.be/mp6cm9oT99E

In the play we attempted to present conflicting opinions about the work of the Middlemore Homes – illustrating the desperate conditions which led to parents sending their children abroad as well as a glimpse of what happened to them in Canada. The outstanding feature of the play, however, was the music. Peter Churchill, Community Musician, has written some brilliant songs which are emotive, thought provoking and humorous.

Reviews

*It was easily the best show that the Birmingham History Drama Group has performed. Peter Churchill’s songs could easily grace the Westend or a musical film out of Hollywood. A.M.

*This is a story people should know about and is told here very well. H.O.

*Great production. So well thought out. I must say the final song bought a tear to my eye. P.R.G Creative   City Projects.

* It was heart breaking. No one talks about these ‘Children in Need’ Andy.

*Wonderful performances and the songs were great. Ceri.

*Really enjoyed very heart-warming and interesting to see an unknown bit of history. Nicky.

*Wonderfully produced, thought provoking even for us who know. P & J( Relative of emigrated child)

* Congratulations to all on a superb show.  I thought it was one of the best theatrical productions I’ve ever seen. Great music and songs, well sung. J.A.

*Moving, impressive performance with community heart. Anon.

*Very, very good totally memorable performance. Well done to everyone involved. Anon.

Very moving and a part of my family’s history. Anon

2022 marks the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Children’s Emigration Homes in St Lukes Road, Highgate. Founded by John Middlemore, the Homes emigrated over 5000 children, chiefly to Canada but also Australia, between the years 1873 and 1954. The children were from desperate families who consented to their emigration as they saw it as an opportunity for a better life for them.

The original buildings were demolished in 2018 and the area has now been developed by Barratts the builders for housing. The plaque is surrounded by maple trees as a homage to Canada.

The plaque will stand as an enduring reminder of this extraordinary Commonwealth connection which is also a significant part of Birmingham’s heritage

The Unveiling Launch was a glittering occasion, attended by The Lord Mayor, Birmingham Civic Society representatives, relatives of children who were emigrated and Patricia Roberts -Pichette , the leading authority on the Homes, who flew in specially from Canada for the event.

The Lock-Up, Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham B4 6BJ

Cost £15 per person. Please pay a £5 deposit at the meeting on May 26th or June 30th or pay by the Donate button on the Local History Society website, by the end of June. Places are limited so book early!

Times
The Museum will be open for our group visit from 5 p.m so there is a chance to look round but you can arrive at a time of your own choosing.
Then 6.15 p.m Gather in the basement for refreshments and a talk from 6.30 to 7.30. Another half hour after that to look round until the visit finishes at 8 pm..

Discover what it was really like to spend time on both sides of the bars in our one-of-a-kind police museum, located in the heart of Birmingham. Transport
yourself back in time as you learn about two centuries of policing history

• Explore our Victorian lock-up that was built in 1891 and remained a working police cell block until 2016

• Find out about our policing pioneers, those who worked in the Lock-up and the people who paved the way for equality and inclusivity. The police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, who fought in the world wars and those who died carrying out their duty.

• Discover what life was like for those who stepped through our doors. Find out about some of Birmingham’s most notorious criminals who were held at the lock-up, including the real Peaky Blinders.

• Investigate and solve crimes in our forensics lab.

• Get hands on and join in the fun by taking part in our interactive displays, dress up in our police uniforms or take your very own mugshot.