Category: Balsall Heath

  • Community Garden Project with Rebecca at The GAP

    Community Garden Project with Rebecca at The GAP

    We want to develop an urban oasis that reflects the heart and history of Balsall Heath and its vibrant communities and cultures.

    We hope that as the garden grows it will provide a place and space to nurture our collective wellbeing and help us to deepen our connections to the more-than-human life that surrounds us.

    During the workshop sessions, our young people will work alongside a professional gardener and artist, Rebekah, to learn key skills needed to build and maintain a sustainable garden. Come prepared to get your hands dirty and touch some soil!

    🌳KEY DETAILS:

    ☀️This Project is for anyone between the ages of 16-25

    ✨Completely FREE!

    🪴No previous experience needed

  • Together We Cycle – film showing and panel discussion hosted by Biclas B12 and Ecobirmingham

    Together We Cycle – film showing and panel discussion hosted by Biclas B12 and Ecobirmingham

    ****Booking at the bottom of page via Eventbrite****

    We invite you to start thinking about the way you move around your neighbourhood. Exploring Birmingham by bike and foot allows you to see the city differently while connecting with people and places. Many of us are amazed by the wonderful Dutch cycling culture and infrastructure in the Netherlands. However, it wasn’t always like this.

    Join us at the film screening of ‘We Cycle Together’ and learn about the fantastic ways the country adapted to the influx of cars and how the Dutch society took a different turn to other big cities around the world and against all odds, people kept on cycling.

    In Together we cycle, key players tell the story of the bumpy road which led to the current state. Where cycling is an obvious choice for most citizens.

    The film will be followed by an open conversation with a special panel of Birmingham-based people sharing their everyday bicycle experiences and adventures. On the Panel will be

    Usma Chaudry – primary school teacher, a mother, a wife, a sister and also a friend.

    Esther Barnes – a mum who discovered her life changing love for cycling in Birmingham with her kids.

    Cath Palgrave – cyclist, mechanic, cycle instructor, gardener, camper, gig goer, coffee and cider drinker and

    Lisa Jones – Bicycle adventurer. Passionate about the outdoors, maps and travelling by bike. Chasing views, smiles and cafe stops.

    Please come along for what is set to be an fun evening discovering the possibilities of travelling by bike with an inspiring cycling film screening followed by collectively sharing our experiences and bicycle stories.

    Food from Change Kitchen and drinks will be available, or feel free to bring your own.

    A community event @balsallheathsecondsaturday hosted by @BiclasB12 @ecobirmingham and @TheOldPrintWorks EVERYONE WELCOME!

  • Family woodcarving with Pathcarvers -January

    Family woodcarving with Pathcarvers -January

    11am until 1pm, Drawing Room, Courtyard Entrance, The Old Print Works

    Monthly family carving club, all ages welcome, learn how to use a sharp knife to make beautiful things from wood

    Donation/ pay what you feel – drop in – get there early – limited spaces

    pathcarvers.co.uk

  • DROP IN PHOTO-BOOTH & PORTRAITS with Hayley Salter Photography

    DROP IN PHOTO-BOOTH & PORTRAITS with Hayley Salter Photography

    Join Hayley for a quick drop-in portrait, a new profile picture, a photo with your friends… whatever you’re looking for to make a lovely memory from Second Saturday.

    PRICE:

    Pay what you feel, suggested payment ÂŁ3-ÂŁ5

    Includes a print-out of your image. Digital copies of images available at different price points.

    TIME & LOCATION:

    11am – 6pm, drop-in, open to all

    Hayley Salter Photography, Top Floor Studio, at the top of the stairs by the Mix Cafe.

  • Sock Repair with Hannah

    Sock Repair with Hannah

    The Old Print Works 2pm – 4pm

    Learn a simple way to repair your socks with Hannah – part of Balsall Heath Repair Cafe

  • Repair Cafe – January

    Repair Cafe – January

    2 – 4pm Drawing room, The Old Print Works, Courtyard entrance

    Balsall Heath Repair Cafe is back again at Balsall Heath Second Saturday. Repairers include woodwork ,brass polishing, general repairs, textiles, knife sharpening, bike repair, scrapstore, mechanical electrics, textiles. Check balsallheathrepaircafe.org for repairers closer to the day

  • Palestinian Tatreez cross-stitching with The MIAH Foundation

    Palestinian Tatreez cross-stitching with The MIAH Foundation

    Come join us for our Saturday in–person workshop on Palestinian Tatreez cross-stitching, with a guided tutorial (materials will be provided).

    1.30 – 3pm | Saturday 13th January 2024 | MIAH Gallery, Moseley Community Hub | 496 Moseley Road Balsall Heath B12 9AH.

    To secure your place, please book in advance using ‘register’. We will allow a small number of walk-up bookings on the day, subject to availability.

  • Introduction to Geometric Patterns: Breath of the Compassionate

    Introduction to Geometric Patterns: Breath of the Compassionate

    Introduction to Geometric Patterns: Breath of the Compassionate

    2pm-3:30pm | Sat 9th December 2023 | MIAH Gallery | 496 Moseley Road Balsall Heath B12 9AH

    Our next event is part of the Balsall Heath Second Saturday programme – a monthly mini-festival celebrating making, creativity, community, local culture and the arts held on the second Saturday of every month. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a maths lover, or simply curious about the beauty of patterns, this event is for you!

    Join us for this introductory workshop where Rumina Parveen will delve into the intricate designs and symmetrical wonders that grace designs from across the Muslim world.

    This workshop is based on the four-fold pattern called the Breath of the Compassionate (al-Nafas al-Rahman). It is often associated with the Muslim philosopher Ibn Arabi. The pattern symbolises harmony and unity, which are shown through the expansion of the khatams and then compresses back into a cross.

    Who is this course for? All levels of ability are welcome. Suitable for age 9-99 years. All materials are provided.

    To ensure accessibility, we are not charging a specific amount for this event. We ask that you ‘pay what you feel’. If you are able to, we suggest a donation of ÂŁ5 or more.

    Image: Lustre tiles from Iran, probably Kashan (1262). Accession No 1837&A, C, E, F-1876, Victoria & Albert Museum

  • EcoBirmingham Led Bike Ride

    EcoBirmingham Led Bike Ride

    12-1pm – Led Ride – Explore the local area by bike and build confidence riding as a group

  • The GAP Winter Craft Market

    The GAP Winter Craft Market

    ✨❄️The GAP Winter Craft Market❄️✨ Saturday 9th December, 11am – 4pm

    Pop down to on 9th December for a festive fun-filled day out whilst supporting local artists and young people. Expect an exciting array of unique handmade gifts and goodies for sale – all made by local young artists, designers and crafters – in amongst our cosy community cafe and during the bustling – in The GAP

  • Second Saturday Crafty Christmas Party

    Second Saturday Crafty Christmas Party

    Its that time of year – Crafty Christmas party – make some crafts for Christmas, bauble making, gifts for under the tree all sorts of stuff, have some food, a drink or two – all invited- Food pay as you feel, bring your own booze or take advantage of the bar.

    Christmassy (kind of), tunes from the usual dj too – all welcome –

  • Up- Cycled Jewellery Workshop with Ecobirmingham

    Up- Cycled Jewellery Workshop with Ecobirmingham

    Make your own bracelet from used bike parts! 2pm until 4pm, Drawing Room

  • Ecobirmingham Walking and Cycling Activities

    Ecobirmingham Walking and Cycling Activities

    Walking & Cycling Activities @ Second Saturday Balsall Heath

    Have Fun • Explore & Connect with Your Local Area • Make Friends • Build Confidence • Learn New Routes

    10am – 1pm – Pop by our stand to chat about walking/cycling and route planning + Pick up a FREE 69Wards by Bike or Foot Map

    10am-11am – Walk & Talk – Get social, explore the local area by foot and share your thoughts

    12-1pm – Led Ride – Explore the local area by bike and build confidence riding as a group

  • First Impressions with ATHAC Creative artists and the Ort Gallery

    First Impressions with ATHAC Creative artists and the Ort Gallery

    The GAP Gallery 2 – 3.30pm/ exhibition all day

    To celebrate the opening of the ATHAC Creative Artists exhibition join Ort Gallery for this drop in pottery workshop exploring pattern and texture, using a range of mark making tools and air drying clay.

    Create a unique selection of nature inspired tiles that you can take home and paint.

    The workshop will be assisted by one of our ATHAC Creative Artists.

  • Family woodcarving with Pathcarvers -December

    Family woodcarving with Pathcarvers -December

    11am until 1pm, Drawing Room, Courtyard Entrance, The Old Print Works

    Monthly family carving club, all ages welcome, learn how to use a sharp knife to make beautiful things from wood

    Donation/ pay what you feel – drop in – get there early – limited spaces

    pathcarvers.co.uk

  • Ottoman Flower Motifs with The MIAH Foundation

    Ottoman Flower Motifs with The MIAH Foundation

    The MIAH Foundation is now part of the ‘Balsall Heath Second Saturdays’ – a monthly mini-festival celebrating making, creativity, community, local culture and the arts held on the second Saturday of every month.

    Ottoman flower motifs (or biomorphic patterns) can be found across Ottoman and Persian art, including in manuscripts, ceramics, textile and armour. The five petal flower motif was particularly popular and gives this type of art its name (penç means five in Farsi), even though some of the flowers in this style had more than five metals. Each flower also follows a basic geometric and symmetrical division.

    Join us on Saturday 11th November 2023 at either 1pm or 2pm to draw Ottoman flower motifs (penç). You will learn to draw four flower motifs and then create your own either freehand or using a template.

    Session 1: 1pm-2pm (please book in advance using the ‘register’ to confirm your place)

    Session 2: 2pm-3pm; drop-in (advanced booking is not necessary – first-come, first-served until we reach capacity)

  • Apple Tasting with Fruit and Nut Village 11-1

    Apple Tasting with Fruit and Nut Village 11-1

    Come along and try some apple varieties with Sally, the new Postcode Gardener for Balsall Heath. Find out more about the work that will be going on in Balsall Heath to make it a more beautiful place, and how you can get involved!

  • Bike donation with The Bike Project

    Bike donation with The Bike Project

    Do you have an unused bike collecting dust? 🚲 Consider donating it to a refugee!

    The Bike Project collects secondhand bikes, refurbishes them, and provides them to refugees and people seeking asylum. In the UK, over 230,000 refugees and people seeking asylum face challenging circumstances, having fled persecution and war, often unable to work and reliant on limited allowances. Meanwhile, there are around 38 million unused bikes across the country. Matching the two can offer immediate financial relief and practical benefits.

    “When you have to go from charity to charity to feed yourself, a bike becomes very important to your life.” – Adam, Bike Recipient

    Join us at the Balsall Heath Second Saturday with a pop-up drop-off point. Donate your bike on Saturday, November 11th, from 10 am to 4 pm at The Old Print Works, 498-506 Moseley Road, Birmingham, B12 9AH.

    Your unused bike can transform the life of a refugee! Register your bike here: thebikeproject.co.uk/donate-bike

  • Sundragon Community Pottery clay Xmas Decoration making workshop

    Sundragon Community Pottery clay Xmas Decoration making workshop

    12 – 4pm The Old Print Works

    Sundragon Community Pottery will be hosting a FREE Christmas decoration making workshop.

  • Tattoo flash day

    Tattoo flash day

    Local artist Julia Frost is holding a very special tattoo flash day in collaboration with our neighborhood women’s charity Anawim.

    There will be plenty of pre-drawn, small designs to choose from at set prices. Simple requests such as text and linework designs are also welcome. Walk in anytime between 10am to 6pm on Saturday the 11th Nov. 

    All net proceeds of the event will go to Anawim, an independent charity dedicated to supporting and empowering women in and around Birmingham.

    Stop by to have a look and a chat and find out more about what Anawim does and how you can help.

    Check out Julia’s work on Instagram @juliafrosttattoo

  • Oriental Star Express exhibition

    Oriental Star Express exhibition

    10-4 upper gallery The Old Print Works

    Another chance to see this piece of Balsall Heath and South Asian music history.

  • Myrtle Cottage Garden Project with The GAP

    Myrtle Cottage Garden Project with The GAP

    Join us this Saturday between 12-3pm to find out all about our new garden project and how you can get involved! ✨🌱

    You will be able to….

    👀 …have a rare opportunity to look around the charming front garden of Myrtle Cottage, the oldest house in Balsall Heath and the former home of The Old Print Works director

    👋🏽 …meet Rebekah Warmington, Nature Pedagogue and Environmental Educator, who is collaborating with The GAP and young people to regenerate the garden

    💡…share your ideas for how the garden can be transformed into an urban oasis which reflects the heart and history of Balsall Heath and its vibrant communities and cultures

    🍂 …get crafty with some Autumnal Activities to get your ideas flowing!

    Be sure to pop by, have a little browse, let your imagination wander and share your ideas and inspiration to support the project 💫

    All ages.
    Free.
    Drop-in

  • Family woodcarving with Pathcarvers -October 14th from 11am

    Family woodcarving with Pathcarvers -October 14th from 11am

    11am until 1pm, Drawing Room, Courtyard Entrance, The Old Print Works

    Monthly family carving club, all ages welcome, learn how to use a sharp knife to make beautiful things from wood

    Donation/ pay what you feel – drop in

    pathcarvers.co.uk

  • Sundragon Community Pottery clay pumpkin lantern making workshop.

    Sundragon Community Pottery clay pumpkin lantern making workshop.

    12 – 4pm The Old Print Works

    Sundragon Community Pottery will be hosting a FREE clay pumpkin making workshop.

  • A Bedroom For Everyone –

    A Bedroom For Everyone –

    Join us at the Old Print Works for the community screening of A Bedroom For Everyone, a new film commissioned by Ed Webb-Ingall, currently showing at Grand Union 1pm-4pm The Drawing Room, The Old Print Works

    Taking inspiration from Leeds Animation Workshop’s powerful short animation ‘Home and Dry’ from 1987, which remains strikingly relevant today, ‘A Bedroom for Everyone’ serves as a sequel of sorts, shifting our focus to the current housing crises and the essential role of grassroots organizing. It prompts us to reflect on the progress we have made and the work that still lies ahead. 💪🏠⁠
    ⁠
    The script of this animation was crafted collaboratively with members from four inspiring activist and community groups: Save Druids Heath and Acorn Union from Birmingham, Akwaaba Social Centre for Migrants and Housing Action Southwark & Lambeth from London. By incorporating the voices and perspectives of those with lived experience of the housing crisis, the film acts as a powerful resource, inspiring individuals to seek out local groups, lend a helping hand, raise awareness, and contribute to the cause. It is a testament to the strength of collective action and the transformative potential it holds. 🌍❤️⁠
    ⁠
    We invite you to engage with ‘A Bedroom for Everyone’ as a resource that can be shared with anyone interested or engaged in housing struggles. Reach out to us at info@grand-union.org.uk if you would like to showcase this impactful film in your community setting. Let’s empower one another, raise our voices, and ignite positive change. Together, we can make housing a fundamental right for all. 📧🎉 Available in Arabic, English, Polish, and Spanish. 🌍🌟 ⁠
    ⁠
    Made by: ⁠
    @Edwebbingall⁠
    @Sofia_niazi⁠
    @astroidg⁠
    ⁠
    With support from: ⁠
    @acornbirmingham⁠
    @sifafiresideofficial⁠
    @leedsanimation⁠
    @makinglevel⁠
    @stirchleycd⁠
    @granby4streetsclt⁠
    @Acorn_notts⁠
    @nottm_contemp⁠
    @luxscot⁠
    @rule_of_threes⁠
    The Women Asylum Seekers Housing Project⁠
    ⁠
    Generously funded by: ⁠
    @oak_foundation⁠
    @aceagrams⁠
    @artfund⁠
    @unibirmingham⁠
    @serpentineuk

  • Hell Bus Tour 2023

    Hell Bus Tour 2023

    The ‘Hell Bus’ is an exciting interactive art installation by artist Darren Cullen (@SpellingMistakesCostLives) exposing the dirty tactics polluting industries employ to green their public image. Joined by campaign group Adfree Cities and environmental organisation Switch It Green, people of all ages will be welcomed aboard the exhibition to be entertained, educated, and encouraged to get involved.

    The bus has already made appearances at COP26, Glastonbury Festival and Boomtown, and featured in comedian Joe Lycett’s Channel 4 documentary ‘Joe Lycett vs The Oil Giant’. It is sure to catch some eyes in Birmingham.

    The exhibition’s tour is timely, as public concern surrounding planet-harming activities and fossil fuel expansion is high while greenwashing by large corporations is leaving individuals feeling unsure of the solutions. The ‘Hell Bus’ tells this story in a fun and accessible way, while Adfree Cities and Switch It Green are on hand to provide people with simple, effective ways to take positive action against oil and gas companies like Shell.

  • Celebrate Local Heroes with Friction Arts at Moseley Road Baths

    Celebrate Local Heroes with Friction Arts at Moseley Road Baths

    We are celebrating your local heroes…

    Please join us 2 to 5pm, 9th September in the foyer to Moseley Road Baths.

    Young people will exchange flowers and our stories for your stories of local heroes at Moseley Road Baths and locally as part of ‘Balsall Heath Second Saturday’ 9th September 2023.

    Please join us 2 to 5pm in the foyer to Moseley Road Baths.