Latest News
Marie Lloyd tribute: A Little Bit Of What You Fancy?
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! This evening of great entertainment is enhanced by wine and a mince pie and all for £2 if you are a non-member.
The World War Two Classroom
We all know a shop that’s great to spend a pound in but what about elsewhere? How about one pound for a one hour experience of what it was like to be in class the day before you are evacuated?
Balsall Heath History Society has a fully equipped World War Two era classroom which is open for bookings to schools or any other groups who want to travel back in time.
Moseley Road comes to life!
On Sunday,October 16th. astonishing scenes will take place in Balsall Heath as a history trail along the Moseley Road is dramatically interrupted by various scenes from the past ,including the escaped lion from the Sherbourne Road Zoo, the 1791 Church and King Riots, the 19th. Century Fire Brigade and its wandering horse…..and much more!
This FREE event will run twice, starting at 11a.m. and 2.30 p.m. from the Local History Exhibition at the old Butchers Print Works ( now The Make It Zone) on the Moseley Rd opposite the top of Edward Rd. Open to all comers who dare!
Balsall Heath History Exhibition coming soon!
The Society is mounting a huge exhibition at the former Butcher's Print Works on Moseley Road (opposite the Baths and Library). The venue is now called Make It Zone and is available for businesses and community groups to rent or use space in to draw attention to their work.
Cluedo inventor born in Balsall Heath
Added to our Famous Heathans page is Anthony Pratt who invented the Cluedo board game. Take the secret passage there and watch our for Colonel Mustard with the lead piping...
Anthony Pratt taken by Ron Moody
BHOPS till you drop
On 7th July we attended Older People's Day at the Church Centre on Edward Road taking along a display of old photographs,our book range and a nice selection of washday artefacts.
Nippy Times at the Carnival
This years's Carnival theme - The Mad Hatter's Tea Party - was right up our street. Dressed as waiters and waitresses through the ages we in fact led the procession up and down many a local street.
Cannon Hill Weekend
The weekend of 18th/19th June saw us in the environs of Cannon Hill Park. The weekend has been organised to celebrate the life and works of Louisa Ryland, one of the most generous benefactors to the City of Birmingham. as well as the 21st anniversary of Conductive Education services at Cannon Hill House. Grade 2 listed Cannon Hill House was once owned by Ms Ryland and it was she who donated Cannon Hill Park to the City and benefit of recreation for its growing population and the local neighbourhood.
The History Fair
The Society attended the annual Birmingham History Fair on 12th June. This year the venue was Trefoil House off Blucher Street and there was a good turnout from many other local societies and booksellers.