{"id":1606,"date":"2026-02-09T12:47:59","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T12:47:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/balsallheathhistory.co.uk\/?p=1606"},"modified":"2026-02-10T11:23:44","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T11:23:44","slug":"changing-times-whats-next-for-balsall-heath","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/balsallheathhistory.co.uk\/changing-times-whats-next-for-balsall-heath\/","title":{"rendered":"Changing Times: What\u2019s Next for Balsall Heath?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The “Changing Times” project is in full swing! We want to share how we\u2019re exploring the rich heritage of Balsall Heath and look towards the future. Inspired by thousands of historic photographs and the voices of our residents, check out what we\u2019ve been up to and what\u2019s coming next.<\/p>\n

Preserving the Past, One Story at a Time<\/h3>\n

Our incredible core group of volunteers has already clocked over 200 hours of work. A massive part of this effort involves cataloguing thousands of\u00a0 incredible photographs, capturing Balsall Heath from 1960s to 1990s.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve also been busy behind the microphone – 17 interviews\u00a0so far.\u00a0 We are currently transcribing and editing these sessions to create online clips linking to longer stories of Balsall Heathans.\u00a0 If you’re interested in being interviewed or interviewing, please get in touch!<\/p>\n

These stories provide a fabulous picture of 20th-century Balsall Heath and help us understand what “Balsall Heathans” want for the community today.<\/p>\n

Community Connections & Reminiscence<\/h3>\n

We’ve been running reminiscence sessions at St. John and St. Martin\u2019s Church Hall, led by Dawn and Marcus.\u00a0 As part of this work we’ll be creating a showcase exhibition in the Hall in March, date to be confirmed.<\/p>\n

We’ll be working with other Local Community Hubs to share more of our stories, reflect and celebrate what it means to live here.<\/p>\n

Putting Balsall Heath on the Map\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

Following the success of the 750th Birthday event, we are making Second Saturdays<\/a> our monthly home. We want everyone to place themselves in Balsall Heath and tell their stories, so we\u2019re going to start mapping our stories:<\/p>\n

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  1. \n

    The Physical Map:<\/b> A 6ft x 4ft\u00a0 banner map for people to add their stories to and for us to map our stories at Second Saturdays.\u00a0\u00a0It will help us identify exactly where people want new heritage info boards should be placed throughout Balsall Heath.\u00a0 These will link via QR code to more on our website and a heritage trail we’re planning later this year with Birmingham History Theatre<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    The Digital Map:<\/b> An online version where images, interviews, and stories can be pinned to specific locations.\u00a0 This will be available later in February, sharing our stories and linking to existing resources and stories from across Balsall Heath.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The Heathan’s return<\/h3>\n
    \"Cover
    Cover of the Heathan Summer 1977<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    We are excited to announce that we\u2019ve secured the domain balsallheathan.org<\/b>! In collaboration with “Believe in Balsall Heath<\/a>“, “Neighbourhood News Online<\/a>“, Balsall Heath Alliance<\/a> and all the associated groups, we are relaunching this valuable online site to share stories and information about what’s happening locally.<\/p>\n

    Looking Ahead: Celebrating in Art and Festival<\/b><\/h3>\n