Several months ago as part of a local heritage project the idea to create a heritage trail for Handsworth emerged. What we found from talking to people was that many local people haven’t visited local heritage sites such as Soho House & Museum. Or know much about the great buildings across Handsworth.
People have also said that they are unhappy about negative images and media coverage about Handsworth. It is hoped that the trail will provide a way to positively promote Handsworth and attract some new visitors to the area.
We are also very keen to get people out walking in Handsworth and exploring their neighbourhood perhaps in a different way?
Initially a few of us got together and walk around the area taking photos of places that people might find of historic interest. See photos from this walk on Flickr
We then formed a steering group which included Pat Mills from Handsworth Historical Society, Brian Hall Rector at St Mary’s Church, Suzanne Carter from English Heritage, Annette French from Soho House, Rob Horricks local resident, Geoff Henderson trail designer from DNA and Tracey Thorne, Neighbourhood Manager.
On September 11th we held a taster walk as part of Heritage Open Days and ran three guided walks. Over 25 people took part and overall really liked the trail that they were taken on that day. This included Soho House, St Michaels Church, Handsworth Park & St Mary’s Church.
After much discussion the steering group selected 13 places that are of historic interest and prominence within the local area. It isn’t to say other buildings aren’t important or of value but we could only include 13 and had to think carefully about devising an interesting trail.
Hopefully this can be expanded and we can build up via Hands on Handsworth Blog information about other interesting places.
Send in your – places that are special to you. Please include a brief bit of text and a photo email to: tracey.thorne@birmingham.gov.uk
Handsworth Heritage Trail Leaflet – is now available from Handsworth Fire Station and very soon across Handsworth. If you’re interested in attending the launch event it is on Friday 11th March at 2pm email tracey.thorne@birmingham.gov.uk
Here is what the front cover looks like – pdf version will be put up on the blog very soon.
I would like to send out a BIG THANK YOU to all involved and hope people enjoy this walk. Special thanks go to Be Birmingham & Urban Living who have provided funding for the wider heritage project that has been used in part to develop this trail. The trail art work design has been done by Geoff Henderson from Digtal Native Acadmey and photos by Dee Patel outroslide – big thanks to them both!
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