Author: Achim Jung

I am Chair of the Kings Heath Neighbourhoods Forum. I am also Emeritus Professor of Computer Science at the University of Birmingham.

Kings Heath Community Arts Centre public consultation

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Kings Heath Walk of Fame are campaigning to turn the former Ritz Ballroom site on York Road into a new community arts centre. The site, which was used most recently by Cash Converters, was destroyed by fire in March 2013.

Ideas on how such an arts centre could be used include a Birmingham Pop History Museum and cinema, with performance and rehearsal space for music, comedy, theatre and dance.

At this stage, Kings Heath Walk of Fame are looking for the thoughts of local residents, businesses and organisations as to what the arts centre should do. They would also like to find out who may be interested in getting involved.

You can let them know by completing this very short survey:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/R98H3YM

To find out more in the meantime, you can email them at info@kingsheathwalkoffame.org.uk or contact them via Facebook and Twitter.

Kings Heath Residents’ Forum public meeting and AGM 20 September 2014

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We will be hosting a public meeting – ‘Your generation My generation’ – at All Saints Centre (Main Hall) on Saturday 20 September 2014, 11am-1:30pm.  This will be followed by our Annual General Meeting (AGM) from 2-3pm.

The meeting is free for all to attend. The venue is wheelchair-accessible.

We are holding the meeting to give you some information about what is going on in Kings Heath for our youth and seniors. We are looking in particular at the provision of support and services in the area. This includes youth activities, lunch clubs, etc.

It would be great if you could come on the day to see what Kings Heath has to offer you (or your children, parents, grandparents, friends and neighbours).

What is happening on the day?

AGE UK will attending to provide advice and general information.

CircusMASH are on a mission, striving to drive circus arts within the West Midlands region. That’s right folks… Circus in Birmingham! A bag of fun, they specialise in developing lives by promoting the opportunity of positive change through circus arts and performance for adults and children in the West Midlands. They will be giving a presentation at 11am.

NeighbourWatch will be on hand to provide some security advice.

Sainsbury’s will show how they have been working with a local community youth group as part of their business charity work.

Kings Heath Explorer Scouts will be attending to let you know about all their activities and trips.

Councillor Lisa Tricketts has agreed to attend to answer questions or provide advice.

Following the open meeting, there will be the Kings Heath Residents’ Forum AGM from 2–3pm.

We would really like you to stay for the AGM so that you can hear what we have been doing about litter in Kings Heath, road safety, planning applications and the bingo hall to mention a few.

Paul Slatter is planning to attend to talk about timebanks. Timebanks are ways for people to provide services to others and get something back in return. They help people volunteer their time to someone else and get anything back without going into any financial arrangements. For example, someone could mow your lawn for you and you could make them a cake.

Kings Heath Residents’ Forum is run by residents for residents. We are unpaid volunteers. We are funded by a grant from Birmingham City Council.

Birmingham Big Green Lunch 7 June 2014

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Download Big Green Lunch Flyer (pdf)

From the Green Commission and Birmingham City Council:

“We’re holding the second Big Green Lunch on Saturday 7th June 2014 from 10.30am to 5.00pm at the beautiful Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

There’ll be music from local bands, dance performances, games on the lawn, cookery demonstrations and green information and advice on offer.

For sale will be ethical and fair trade goods, bedding plants and hanging baskets and of course – food! All this at a discounted entrance price of £1 for adults.

Bring the family and tell your friends to come on down and enjoy a fun, green day out – don’t miss it.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3TR″

2014 local election candidates

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The 2014 local elections take place on 22 May. Here is some more information about the candidates for Moseley and Kings Heath.

(Please note that this information and the views expressed are those of the candidates, not those of Kings Heath Residents’ Forum.)

Ernie HendricksErnie Hendricks (Liberal Democrat)

It’s time to decide if you want me to represent you for another four years. Many of you know me as a local lad who moved into the ward in 1976 as a foster child. While I admit I haven’t got all the answers, I’m proud of what I’ve achieved in the last eight years. If elected, I will continue to:

Fight for the ward in city council meetings

We are going through difficult times, the ward needs an experienced councillor to ensure we get the best deal. I’ve spoken at council, moved motions and asked questions for residents. I’ve presented petitions and attended police tasking meetings – dealt with the issues raised and updated residents as to outcomes.

Support and work with the residents

I’ve completed over 3,000 casework enquiries, dealing with issues from housing to removing dumped and uncollected rubbish. I’ve set up initiatives working with residents like Street-Watch.

Build a youth programme

The youth officers in the ward have been cut, we need to develop something new. I found funding to support youth-related activities including street dance and basketball sessions.

Develop an anti-litter campaign

The ward is getting dirtier: you can’t help but notice. I will embark on an anti-litter campaign for the ward which will make a difference.

Fight for Moseley Road baths

Labour wants to close Moseley Road baths in 2015. This would harm Moseley and Balsall Heath but also Birmingham too.

Seek other funding for the ward

I have, with residents, delivered over £100,000 of external funding for our ward. Finding alternative income will become important if we are to keep our services. The Moseley Community Alcohol Partnership would not have happened without me working in partnership with Moseley CDT and finding additional funds.

Don’t lose a good councillor: VOTE FOR ERNIE

Amil KhanAmil Khan (Conservative)

  • Vice-Chair of the Governing Body at a special needs primary school in Birmingham
  • Chair of the Finance and Buildings Cttee at said SNE school
  • Studied History and Political Science at the University Of Birmingham
  • Currently at Bar school, training to be a barrister here in Birmingham as a Middle Temple Scholar
  • Interested in planning issues, namely ensuring that the unique character and heritage of our suburbs are protected
  • Active with pro bono work in my spare time

Conservative Party Manifesto/Alternative Budget

  • Garden waste collection to be free once more and those who have already paid to be refunded
  • £100,000 community chest fund for Moseley and Kings Heath Ward
  • An extra Youth Community Chest to fund services for young people
  • Local libraries to remain open
  • Every household to be eligible for a free bulky waste collection each year (Labour are charging for this service now)
  • Every district to have a special clean up crew dedicated to ensuring the streets are cleared of rubbish and fly tipped waste.
  • The funding for Moseley and Kings Heath to get a new micro park/public square over the next four years

Claire SpencerClaire Spencer (Labour)

My name is Claire: I live in Kings Heath, work for a European climate change project in Birmingham, and have volunteered with various community organisations over the last few years: notably Moseley CDT, SusMo and Moseley Forum. I have been selected by Labour and the Co-operative Party to stand for the local elections, and wanted to tell you why.

With cuts hitting year on year, local government is feeling the impact. Meeting the needs and aspirations of local citizens with less is challenging: and the decisions we make are even more important to get right.

To me, citizens knowing their power is a key part of getting it right. What I have learned from volunteering locally is that people do not have to be the passive recipients of services. I’ve seen Moseley in Bloom work with council officers to make Moseley an award-winning neighbourhood. I’ve seen Kings Heath experience tragedy, but pull together to create a Road Safety strategy that will change the lives of thousands. I worked with others as part of SusMo to bring clean solar energy to local community buildings, and used the momentum from that project to start Community Energy Birmingham, which is now delivering similar projects across the city.

Local government is uniquely placed to restore faith in democracy. It is close to people’s lives, and decisions made are quickly felt. A pavement resurfaced, a discretionary housing payment granted, a game of football in a cleaned local park: people experience the difference, and know that they had a part in it.

I want local government to enable citizens to lead contented lives, and if I am elected, you will be part of every decision I make.