In addition to the young people’s film project, we asked the pupils of Chandos Primary School to nominate whom they thought worthy of a special centenary Blue Plaque. Years 4 and 5 researched local organisations and individuals, and after some impressive presentations at an assembly for years 4,5 and 6, they took to the polls and voted for their winner; the honour going to homeless charity SIFA Fireside. The plaque will be unveiled at Chandos by the Lord Mayor and the pupils on Thursday 13 September, 1.45-3pm, during Heritage Week. Email Penny if you would like to attend.

The warm July weather was a bonus for Ian Jelf’s city centre walking tour and the Ranger Service heritage walk around Brookvale Park and Witton Lakes. Adrian de Redman, the city’s Amorist, gave the second in our The City Beautiful talks, looking at the legal and illegal uses of coats of arms, and then, in August, there was plenty for children to do with over 30 budding comedians attending Library Laughs at the Children’s Library and a steady stream of families casting and decorating their own name plaques at the Coffin Works Casting Creations event.

From 6–16 September, Birmingham’s rich and diverse history will be celebrated with inspiring events, walks, talks, open days and visits to hidden gems. The city-wide festival, now in its fourth year, has 10 days of fun-filled events and whether you want to discover more about Birmingham’s manufacturing history or much loved parks or travel on a narrow boat, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Jane and Rachel, of Mrs History, will be at the B&MI’s history fair on Saturday 8th, representing the Society, so pop along and say hi!

If you have yet to renew, we do hope that you soon will as your continuing support is vital. Our centenary year has been a splendid celebration of what has been at the heart of the Society since we formed in 1918 – promoting and protecting our local heritage combined with the passion and energy of local people, proud of their great city and wanting to make it a better place for everyone. At the opening meeting Neville Chamberlain said that the Society was an 'experiment worth trying'... and we’re pleased to say that we are all still full of energy, passion and commitment to trying out that experiment for the next 100 years!

Corporate members, The Beatfreeks Collective, are bringing together young people, businesses and decision makers for their Brum Youth Trends summit to launch their pioneering and flagship research report designed to gather insight from one of the most elusive, sophisticated and fluid demographics; young people. Join them on Wednesday 10 October, 12-5pm at the Town Hall, to hear lightening talks from individuals such as Andy Street, Brigid Jones, Deborah Cadman and Sir Nick Serota, as well as a number of inspiring and influential young people. 

The John Feeney Trust, who generously awarded us a grant of £1000 towards our centenary heritage programme, each year offer two Feeney Fellowships, with bursaries of up to £3000, to provide opportunities for Birmingham-based artists to broaden their expertise and develop their careers. Deadline for applications is Sunday 30 September and applicants will be expected to have had a minimum of three years professional practice in their field.