Our new image based collection
Digital Balsall Heath
For hundreds of Balsall Heath images (and new ones added every week) go to Digital Balsall Heath:- This is the home of our major project, the Heritage Lottery Funded “Our Community, Our History”. This captures memories of life in Balsall Heath from the Second World War onwards. We are exploring the varied stories of those who came and made (and still do) their homes here. We are also exploring the varied food that has added so much to the area. We are also looking at the history of the annual Carnival. If you have memories, photographs and favourite recipes we would love to hear from you at 0121 464 1890 or via the email addresses.
Over the last 30 years the Society has grown from strength to strength and has a part-time Development Worker, Chris Sutton. We also have a Victorian Schoolroom, a fascinating range of publications, some interesting projects and active participation in local events such as Balsall Heath Carnival.
Our History Base at St Paul’s Venture is open to visitors by appointment every monday or tuesday by prior booking. Either email chris.sutton@stpaulstrust.org.uk or ring 0121 464 1890 to arrange a visit.
Our monthly meetings are held at St Paul’s Venture, Malvern St. off Clifton Road, Balsall Heath, on the last Thursday of each month. The 2011 meetings are on the meetings page.
Why not come along? Visitors and new members are always welcome. We make a small charge for visitors.
Our meeting at 7pm on Thursday 15th December at The Venture on Malvern Street features Lisa Jayne Smith performing as Marie Lloyd. Lloyd was an incredibly popular star of the music halls and theatres who became world famous for her renditions of songs such as "A little bit of what you fancy", "My old man", "The boy I love is up in the gallery" and "Oh Mr Porter". Lloyd managed to add different meaning to the most innocent of lyrics and was often taken to task about it, although the public adored her! 
