St.John and St.Martin – Balsall Heath Local History Society

For Birmingham Heritage Week we’re thrilled to confirm a multi-venue touring FREE exhibition, ‘In Changing Times‘ by Balsall Heath Local History Society. Featuring the photographic archive of Mick Turner, community oral histories, poetry, art, and history trails exploring Balsall Heath through the eyes of those who live it.

Balsall Heath’s story is one of dramatic transformation and social change. Within living memory, we’ve seen bomb sites used as playgrounds well into the 1970s, mass demolition and redevelopment, and the arrival of different communities that reshaped our streets.

Touring Exhibition & Venue Highlights

Six local hubs across Balsall Heath will host unique events, workshops, guided trails, and activities:

SS. John & Martin Catholic Church. Guided heritage tour exploring the building’s architectural and community legacy.
Moseley Road Heritage Trail. Guided walking tour with local Historian Val Hart
The Old Print Works & Creation Climbing Centre. Pop-up archival displays, film and art.
St. Paul’s Venture, special event (September 20th). An intimate afternoon with acclaimed poet Liz Berry, featuring poetry readings, film screenings, and shared local memories.

Find out more

Inspired by our Past

Local artist Muhmood Tahir, inspired by archive images and Mick Turner’s photography painted his Balsall Heath. Meet the artist, sketch and paint alongside him – bring your contemporary visual perspective on our Balsall Heath – all free, including materials, at Second Saturday, 12th September.

Mick Turner Archive of photographic images is a vast collection of images, thousands of which were published in the Balsall Heathan from 1960 to 1990. We used these images as a starting point to understand Balsall Heath through the eyes of people who have lived there.

Join our Trail or make your own!

The best way to see Balsall Heath is to be there! Join our FREE history tours during Heritage Week on 12th, 15th and 18th September – book on eventbrite.

Explore Balsall Heath for yourself and find our nine history panels across Balsall Heath, discover local stories where you stand, or map out your own self-guided Heritage Trail:

Union Flag leads the Carnival Procession 1979

Fireman checks out History Interpretation Panel — Union Flag leads the Carnival Procession 1979

For our Heritage Week Grand Finale, joining us with Liz Berry for poetry, film created by Haqi Ali, as well as our fantastic exhibition:

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.

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 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