B31 Voices

[VIDEO] – Missed the Bournville Farmers’ Market? Don’t miss Novembers!

Marty Taylor — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 15:35:37 +0000

#SWBrumEVENTS – Bournville Farmers’ Market

Bournville Village Trust: “Missed the first Bournville Village Farmers Market? Don’t make the same mistake this November!”

First Saturday of the month
10am – 3pm
Sycamore Road – #Bournville
Wonderful #localproduce from local producers

B31 Voices is run by volunteers and is committed to supporting communities across south west Birmingham and surrounding by keeping them informed and engaged. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Bluesky, Mastodon, Threads, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Support us by donating at www.b31.org.uk/donate. Send us local story ideas to hello@b31.org.uk

Ambulance service celebrating incredible control room teams this International Control Room week

Marty Taylor — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 09:00:26 +0000

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) is celebrating the dedicated staff who work behind the scenes to help patients across the West Midlands every day as part of International Control Room Week.

From answering a 999 call from a distressed parent whose child is seriously unwell to arranging transport for a patient attending a vital hospital appointment, WMAS’s control room colleagues play a crucial role in ensuring patients receive the care and support they need.

Working alongside frontline ambulance crews and clinicians, control room staff are often the very first point of contact for patients and members of the public seeking help.

The Trust operates two Emergency Operations Centres in Brierley Hill and Stafford. Last year, WMAS received 1,592,831 emergency 999 calls.

Jeremy Brown, Emergency Operations Centre and Operational Planning Director, said: “It is a huge responsibility being the voice at the other end of the phone when someone calls 999 for help. Quite often, it will be one of the most difficult moments in that person’s life.

“Our call assessors are trained to stay calm under pressure, gather vital information and make sure patients get the right help as quickly as possible.

“What many people don’t see is the teamwork taking place behind the scenes. While a call assessor is speaking to a caller, dispatchers, controllers and clinicians are already working together to coordinate the most appropriate response. I am incredibly proud of our teams who continue to put patients at the heart of everything they do, no matter how busy it gets.”

Control rooms also play a vital role in supporting WMAS’s non-emergency Patient Transport Service (PTS). The Trust delivers five PTS contracts across the West Midlands and Cheshire and operates four dedicated control rooms in Stafford, Coventry, Warrington and Frankley.

Over the last year, these teams arranged 792,813 patient journeys, helping patients safely travel to and from essential hospital appointments.

Michelle Brotherton, Non-Emergency Service Operations Delivery Director, added: “Our control room staff are at the centre of everything we do. They answer calls, book journeys, support crews on the road and help patients with a wide range of needs every day.

“The service simply could not operate without them. Their professionalism, compassion and commitment make a real difference to the patients we serve.”

As part of International Control Room Week, WMAS is paying tribute to the dedicated colleagues working around the clock to provide reassurance, support and expert coordination for patients across the region. To find out more about the work of WMAS control rooms, visit www.wmas.nhs.uk.

CCTV images released after man sexually assaults boy in Birmingham

Marty Taylor — Sun, 25 Oct 2026 19:49:03 +0000

Detectives investigating a sexual assault at a railway station in Longbridge have released these images in connection.

At around 8pm on Thursday 22nd October at Longbridge railway station, a 17-year-old boy was approached by a man as he waited for a train.

He engaged the boy in conversation and after a short while the man exposed himself in front of the boy, then sexually assaulted him.

The boy got away from him and boarded a train. The man remained on the station platform.

BTP Detective Constable Alex Price said: “Our investigation into this sexual assault is moving at pace and we believe the man in the images may hold vital information that will assist our ongoing enquiries.

“If you know who he is, text us his name to 61016 with the reference 690 of 22 October. We would also like to speak to anyone who was at Longbridge station last night who may have witnessed what happened.

“The victim and his family are being supported officers while our investigation continues.”

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org

This Halloween dressing up pets might be more trick than treat

Marty Taylor — Sat, 24 Oct 2026 20:18:03 +0000

As Halloween approaches, the RSPCA has shared some great ways to enjoy the All Hallows’ Eve celebrations with your pets – but has warned against dressing up animals this spooky season.

Whilst putting pets in fancy dress might seem like a harmless and fun activity to do this Halloween, animal welfare experts have warned that many of our pets may find this uncomfortable or even distressing.

The RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index found six percent of pet owners have dressed up a pet for fashion or fun and shared it on social media, while a further three percent have used an animal to take part in an online video trend.

The RSPCA is concerned about an ever-growing pet clothing and fashion accessory industry, particularly at this time of year, as retailers sell pet Halloween costumes – and even run fancy dress competitions to encourage owners to get involved.

But, for many pets, being dressed up is actually more of a trick than a treat.

Dr Jane Tyson, pet welfare expert, said: “It’s absolutely understandable to want to involve your pets in your Halloween festivities. Our pets are an important part of our family and we naturally want to share the things we love with them, however, for many animals being put in clothing could be uncomfortable and even distressing. That’s why we’re keen to share more welfare-friendly ways of enjoying Spooky season with your pets.”

Top alternatives to dressing up pets this Halloween

Have a go at baking these spooktacular pumpkin dog biscuits. The recipe calls for just five ingredients.
A new game or Halloween-themed toy can provide vital stimulation and bonding time for you and your furry friend, and contribute to an Autumnal aesthetic at home!
Cats love boxes – so why not cut a hole in a box that’s big enough for them to get through and decorate it with your favourite Halloween character? When your cat pokes their head through, the box offers a great photo opportunity!
Create a quiet space for your dog or cat with your favourite Halloween themed blankets, pet beds and toys to help make them feel relaxed and safe during noisy periods – when trick or treaters may be visiting
Decorate pumpkins and put some yummy treats around them to create a cute photo opportunity of your pet and pumpkin display. Always make sure to dispose of pumpkins properly – and consider whether they could be used to help feed local wildlife. Place pumpkin pieces on bird tables or in bird feeders, to keep it high enough that hedgehogs can’t reach it and it won’t attract rodents into your garden.

Dr Jane added: “There are so many lovely things we can do with our pets this Halloween which means we don’t miss out on some spooky season fun with them.

“And there are of course some clear benefits for dogs wearing clothing in certain situations – to help keep them warm in cold weather, or to aid visibility at night during dog walks. However, any clothing needs to allow pets to behave normally so that they can go to the toilet, exercise, drink and eat. It should not restrict their hearing, sight or their ability to communicate.

“Like most animals, cats like to have choice and control. When they lose this, it can make them feel stressed – so most cats are unlikely to enjoy being put in a fancy dress costume. Our felines need to be able to clean themselves, reaching all areas of their body, and if they go outside whilst wearing the outfit, this could be particularly hazardous. It’s easier to miss the signs that cats may be stressed. You might think your cat is feeling chilled in their outfit because they are very still and haven’t run away, but this behaviour can indicate they are feeling stressed.”

And the RSPCA feels a growing pet fashion industry raises worrying questions as to how animals are perceived in an ever-changing society.

The concern comes as the Animal Kindness Index shows those aged between 18 and 34 were more likely to have dressed up a pet for fashion, or used an animal for an online video trend, than older counterparts.

Jane added: “The popularity of the ever-growing pet clothing industry raises some other concerns – not only from a welfare perspective; but on how society views sentient animals. Dressing them up in clothing often results in laughter and mockery which can belittle out animal friends and ignore their true intrinsic value and abilities.

“Clothing can also lead owners to view their pets as little humans. But thinking of animals as humans can blind us to their species-specific welfare needs. Treating pets like humans comes with the risk that owners may put them into situations which they enjoy, but their pets find stressful.

“We want to celebrate animals for their incredible uniqueness and all the qualities that make your pet a fantastic companion. The love, companionship and joy they bring to us far surpasses any thoughts that they look cute in a costume!”

More information on the RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index is available on the charity’s website.

Zero tolerance approach to any planned fireworks disorder

Marty Taylor — Sat, 24 Oct 2026 16:19:33 +0000

West Midlands Police (WMP) have said they have a robust policing plan in place to deal with any potential disorder involving fireworks in Birmingham around Halloween and Bonfire Night, and they won’t tolerate violence towards the public or their officers.

Last year officers saw an unacceptable, dangerous incidents of fireworks being let off at people, buildings, and police officers, in the city centre.

Which resulted in 21 people in total being arrested around Halloween and Bonfire Night
Nineteen were charged with a range of offences including violent disorder and assaulting police, with several currently going through the courts

WMP have said a robust plan is in place to deal with any similar disorder this year, and they’re warning anyone involved about consequences of their actions.

A spokesperson for WMP said: “You risk being arrested and charged, and if you’re a student living in the city, you could be in breach of your tenancy agreement and potentially being evicted – with your university education at risk.

“As ever, we’re working hard to make Birmingham the safest place possible, for everyone, and at times over the next couple of weeks, you can expect to see extra officers in key locations to prevent disorder.

“We would urge anyone with concerns or information to speak to them.”

Chief Inspector Dan Lowe, from our Operations Unit, said: “The scenes we saw last year were appalling, and we will not tolerate a repeat.

“That’s why we’re being clear: anyone who is involved in this irresponsible behaviour risks being arrested and prosecuted.

“We’re grateful for the support of our partners, including universities and accommodation block management, who share that view, and will also be taking appropriate action against anyone involved.

“As ever, we’re continuing to work with those partners, and others including West Midlands Fire Service, to keep everyone safe during this period.”

If you have concerns or information about fireworks and associated anti-social behaviour, call WMP on 101 or Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk

Alternatively, you can also pass on anonymous information by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or visit http://www.crimestoppers-uk.orgstoppers-uk.org

Always call 999 to report a crime in progress.

Pedestrian seriously injured following collision in Stirchley

Marty Taylor — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 19:36:26 +0000

A pedestrian has sustained serious injuries following a road traffic collision involving a car in Stirchley, Birmingham, last night (Wednesday).

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a collision involving a car and a pedestrian on Pershore Road, Stirchley, shortly before 7pm. One ambulance and the WMAS Critical Care Car attended the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Upon arrival, ambulance staff found the male pedestrian being cared for by bystanders. He was assessed and found to have sustained serious injuries.

“Ambulance staff provided advanced trauma care at the scene. He was conveyed to hospital under emergency blue light conditions for further treatment.”

#MISSING – Thank you, the 13yr old from Kings Norton area has been found

Marty Taylor — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 19:28:38 +0000

Big event atmosphere has arrived at the Bulls Head in Kings Norton following exciting refurbishment

Marty Taylor — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 17:44:54 +0000

The Bulls Head in Kings Norton reopened on 21st October. It is the next local Marston’s pub to be relaunched under the new sports concept, Grandstand, with new market-leading big screen technology, menus, and events.

The Bulls Head in Kings Norton has undergone an exciting refurbishment, reopening as a ‘Grandstand’ sports pub, following an investment of £300,000.

The refurbishment included the installation of market-leading technology, including multiple massive screens, a state-of-the-art sound system, and flexible tiered seating to guarantee a great view of the action.

The beer garden has also been refurbished, with new TV screens added, and locals will be able to order through the Marston’s ‘Order & Pay’ app to ensure they never miss a minute of the action.

The Bulls Head has also been decorated with local sports memorabilia. It is on the hunt for photographs and merchandise, giving pub-goers the chance to fill the walls and celebrate the achievements of local sports stars and teams, past and present.

The Bulls Head was proud to invite Malcom Hoare and John Egan as its Community Heroes to pull the first pint and officially mark the pub’s opening. Both Malcolm and John have been loyal patrons of the pub for more than 50 years, making them fitting representatives of the local community and reinforcing the importance and rewards of loyalty and community for this pub. The two regulars are well known in the community and will feature in all of the pub’s future events and charity plans going forward.

The pub will show all key sporting fixtures, including football, rugby, cricket, tennis, F1, darts, horse racing, you name it, they will show it! Regulation dart boards and pool tables will provide entertainment well after the final whistle, with new competition leagues and ‘free to play’ recreational sessions taking place throughout the week.

The new menu features light bites such as chicken wings and nachos, and pub favourites such as fish & chips, grills, and burgers, perfect for enjoying with friends while watching the latest fixture. The Bulls Head has also refreshed its drink range, with all draught beer available in 2-pint cups.

There will also be the chance for local sports teams to get their hands on a ‘Black Card’, securing them bottomless fries when they visit for team drinks, and even more rewards if they win their game.

The new Grandstand concept has been introduced after industry research* revealed that 8.5M consumers have watched sports games at the pub, and 86% of sports fans say that they watch games at sports pubs due to a livelier atmosphere, better screens, sound, and connecting with friends and family.

Marston’s picked the Bulls Head as one of the pubs to receive the Grandstand makeover due to its involvement with local sports teams, community groups, and charities. The refurbishment has created a new and exciting proposition for local sports fans from Kings Norton and beyond.

Marston’s Operations Manager, Adrian Grant, said: “We’re delighted to welcome customers back to the new and improved Bulls Head. We’ve introduced some amazing new technology, food and drink offers, and events, and we’re keen to feature as many local people on our walls as possible. We can’t wait to welcome back our regulars and meet some new faces.”

The Bulls Head reopened on 21st October.

For more information or to book a table, visit their website:
https://www.bullsheadpub.co.uk/

Garden becomes haven for families of premature babies

Marty Taylor — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 14:12:17 +0000

Part of the grounds of Woodbrooke, a former Quaker study centre in Bournville, have been transformed into a wellbeing space for families of premature babies.

Bournville Village Trust has provided the space to Noah’s Star, a charity that supports families of premature and sick babies, providing emotional, practical and sibling-focused care.

The charity is a tenant at Woodbrooke, which was handed back to Bournville Village Trust in 2023 following a decision by the then Study Centre’s trustees to close it and focus on its founding purpose.

The garden space is providing families and their children with a safe, welcoming space to meet and support one another. It features a newly refurbished summer house, furniture and a pergola.

Jo-Anne Shellum, Founder of Noah’s Star, said: “For families who have been through neonatal care, finding a place where they can feel safe, breathe and simply be together can mean more than people realise. When you have spent weeks or months surrounded by monitors, alarms and uncertainty, having somewhere peaceful to come back to can be incredibly powerful.

“For me personally, Noah’s Star was born from our own experience of neonatal care and loss, so I know how important it is to have somewhere that feels like a safe haven. We are incredibly grateful to Bournville Village Trust for helping us create that for other families.

“We also have to give a huge shout-out to Scott, the Site Supervisor at Woodbrooke, who has been absolutely wonderful. Scott has gone above and beyond to make us feel welcome and to help us turn this space into something really special for families.”

Scott Bird, Site Supervisor at Woodbrooke, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to take a space that wasn’t being used and give it a new lease of life for families using the services of Noah’s Star. We were delighted to refurnish the space and build new equipment for it. Woodbrooke is surrounded by beautiful gardens, and we often hear how beneficial and therapeutic they are for both the tenants of Woodbrooke and their clients.”

Bournville Village Trust pledged to secure the best future for Woodbrooke for the benefit of the whole community when it was handed back in 2023 and it re-opened in 2024.

Since then, all the spaces it’s made available for small businesses, organisations and health services to hire have now been let. And some of Woodbrooke’s existing accommodation, including 21 ensuite rooms, has opened under a guardianship model, catering mainly to nurses looking for short term accommodation.

Recently, Bournville Village Trust transformed Woodbrooke’s garden room into a useable space once again after it was damaged by a leaking roof. Bournville Village Trust would like to thank Abbey Maintenance and DPM Electrical – who donated time and labour to support this work. Woodbrooke needs millions of pounds of investment to bring it up to an environmentally sustainable and accessible standard.

Bournville Village Trust’s current priority is to invest in improving its existing homes and buildings.

This includes spending millions of pounds this year on its socially rented homes. Bournville Village Trust will continue to manage Woodbrooke until it finalises a long-term investment plan for the building.

Bournville Village Trust is one of the Midlands’ longest-serving independent charitable trusts. It works within more than a dozen diverse communities in south and central Birmingham and Telford and aims to create and sustain communities where people can thrive.

It was founded by social reformer and chocolate maker George Cadbury in 1900 and provides services to over 9,000 households and 25,000 people.

Digital portal linking Birmingham and Frankfurt to mark 60 years of friendship

Marty Taylor — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 19:23:58 +0000

Sister cities Birmingham and Frankfurt are to be linked by a digital portal, enabling Brummies to interact with German citizens, which opens in the city centre this week.

The two cities will be linked by a large digital screen inside a freight crate located in Hippodrome Square, Southside, which will go live on Friday (23 October 2026) and host a range of interactive sessions until 4 November.

Birmingham has been twinned with Frankfurt since 1966, so this year marks the 60th year of friendship between the two cities.

Sister Cities Dialogue is a digital project linking Frankfurt with three of its twin cities – Birmingham, Krakow in Poland, and Lviv in Ukraine – where people can walk-in to the portal and see, speak and engage with twin citizens in real time.

The idea is that every encounter through the portal offers an opportunity to step into someone else’s world and discover common ground, by listening to one another.

Councillor Deborah Harries, Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “Birmingham’s friendship with Frankfurt has grown over 60 years through educational exchanges and cultural encounters – such as the Frankfurt Christmas Market, which has been a festive fixture for 26 years.

“The Sister Cities Dialogue project will help bring citizens in both cities closer through conversation, engagement and understanding – enabling us all to discover common ground.”

Eileen O’Sullivan, Deputy Mayor for International Affairs of Frankfurt am Main, said: “Our partnership with Birmingham has been part of Frankfurt’s international identity for six decades, and it has never depended on official agreements alone, but on people. It is cities and their citizens who hold Europe together and Sister Cities Dialogue does exactly that, by linking Frankfurt with Birmingham, it gives our citizens a direct way to talk and listen to each other.”

A special launch event will take place in Hippodrome Square from 3.30pm on Friday (23 October), where the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Zaker Choudhry will officially open the portal.

The portal is open Monday to Friday, between 10am and 8pm, with free sessions ranging from street art to music history, coffee and cake to wine tasting, and conversations between the cities’ various communities.

Full details of sessions being held from 23 October to 4 November are on Frankfurt am Main’s website – click the UK flag icon to translate the page into English.