During the early 1980’s, School Road Residents’ Association and Albert Road Residents’ Association were the joint active ‘voice’ for various matters in the community, and included people such as Jeff Hogg and Cathy Crossley among others, who held a genuine interest in community affairs. For example, organizing campaigns to try and prevent the closure of the public baths in Institute Road, and also the shutting down of the Ritz cinema, (now a bingo hall) in the High Street. When the company that owned the cinema completed their final accounts, a ‘spare’ sum of over £400 was found and, as a gesture of good will, this was offered to the anti-closure campaigners. However, there wasn’t an overseeing body to receive the money, so the loosely-knit resident associations formed into the Kings Heath Association.
One of the early enterprises instigated by the KHCA was the Kings Heath Fete which, for its first three years, was held at the bottom of Albert Road, where a small park now exists. This fete subsequently relocated to Kings Heath Park. Active links were formed with the Maypole Unemployed Group and also with the Maypole Centre. In addition, the KHCA “newsletter” was born. As time and expertise progressed, the KHCA became involved with planners, for example, advising with regard to the aesthetics of the new building at Scotts’ Corner, (High Street/Institute Road) focusing on its harmony with existing premises.

By March 1984, plans for a purpose-built community centre were not too distant a dream. Ideas were being sought from those running the Maypole Centre, as well as c/o people at the other centres visited around the City. The AGM of the KHCA was held at All Saints Church, (corner of High Street/Vicarage Road). Architects were now being consulted re construction of a community centre and fundraising went ahead in earnest. During the 1984/5 period the KHCA committee was being ably led by Jeff Hogg (chair), Barbara Fella (vice-chair), and Frankie Goode (secretary)
In September 1986, construction of Kings Heath Community Centre began in Heathfield Road. The initial intended site for the centre had been in Institute Road, but an exchange of land resulted in the centre being built in Heathfield Road. The centre was completed by the Autumn of 1987 and was officially opened by “Malcolm and Rosie” from the “Barmaids’ Arms”, (a local radio programme). The building at this point included a bar run by Kings Heath Social Club. Events included pub quizzes, a dominoes group, Karate, a Caribbean Nite Dance and also Tea Dances organized by “Generation Link”. Other activities followed with daytime pursuits for both under-fives and retired folk.

In 1988 a successful exhibition called “All Sorts of Arts” was held at the Centre. With poor acoustical quality in the hall, acoustic boards were installed making the hall far more comfortable for general use. By this time the KHCA Newsletter had become established as the literary voice regarding issues and events in the local neighbourhood.

Many enterprising ideas from staff at the Centre were to be realized. One notable example, as recalled by Clerical Assistant Jean Rose, was the “Tappers” entertainment troupe. Formed at the Centre, the troupe regularly visited old peoples’ homes and other community venues. With Jean at the helm as compere, the Tappers reached memorable heights when they performed at Cadbury’s in Bournville.

In 1989 the Association began to struggle financially and eventually plans were made to close the Centre. However, discussions with the Department of Recreation and Community Services resulted with the City Council taking over the running of the Centre. On July 2nd 1990 Community Development Officer Di’ Wheeler, Jean Rose and Community Development Worker Pat’ Rowland began the task of liaising with Centre users and volunteers to keep the place open. The bar, without a licensee, had to close, and the Sheriff, on behalf of Banks’s Brewery, arrived to remove furniture, etc., against outstanding debts. But once it was explained that the premises was now under the auspices of the City Council, the Sheriff departed without removing anything!

In October 1990, Tony Bates, Community worker, joined the team as full time manager, and later Des Hardwick was employed as caretaker. With great difficulty the team managed to encourage new groups to hire rooms at the Centre, and eventually a wider programme developed. On November 3rd the KHCA was permitted to hold a bonfire party and fireworks display on the Centre’s car park. On March 9th of the following year, a women’s festival event took place at the Centre proving very successful, remaining an annual event until 1997.

At the end of March 1993, Centre Manager Tony Bates retired, and Brian Postlethwaite was subsequently appointed as Manager, with Pat Rowland continuing as Neighbourhood Community Development Worker. In February 1994, Andy Stevenson joined the team as Caretaker.

May 1995 saw V.E. Day celebrated at the Community Centre. And in June, staff and volunteers organized Kings Heath Festival, a ten-day event involving local groups. Entertainment and a barbeque were arranged for two Saturdays in that month at the Albert Road play area. Stalls were also held in the grounds of All Saints Church.
In June 1996, Centre staff and volunteers undertook the organization of Kings Heath Carnival at Kings Heath Park. This was such a success that a committee was formed specifically to continue this popular event.

Kings Heath Community Centre celebrated its 10th Anniversary in October 1997, by holding a week of special events including a quiz night, open days and a children’s party. Centre staff were delighted to welcome back Malcolm Stent and Rosie to the Centre on Saturday 18th; just a decade after they had officially opened it.
Brian Postlethwaite occupied his managerial post until May 2002, when he left the Centre. In April of the following year, Jean Rose retired after sixteen years service. Heather Mason, who has worked at the Centre since 1994, has since became our full time centre manager.

Pat’ Rowland is also Editor of the Kings Heath “First!” newspaper, a bi-monthly publication covering local news, issues, events and businesses, as well as activities and events taking place at the Centre. Reportage, design and layout etc, is carried-out for the most part by volunteers attached to the Centre.

Kings Heath Community Centre has evolved over the years to become an active and integral part of the local community. A respective overview illustrates this participation with a variety of pro-active roles in events, such as “Celebrating Cultural Diversity” and “Black History Month”, as well as the now mammoth year-round task of planning the Summer Carnival, which now attracts thousands of visitors. Many charities are afforded regular profile at the Centre, with the likes of “Age Concern”, “Overeaters Anonymous” and the “Experience Corps” often represented, ‘In-house’ activities have been, and continue to be very diverse. For example, this is currently mirrored in activities ranging from academic studies, e.g., English and maths tuition, to social dance groups and ‘better health’ groups like “Weight Watchers” and yoga sessions, and, for the very young, well attended play groups.

As is historically reflected, presenting and actively promoting many facets of community life has proven to be pivotal in the success of the Community Centre, a philosophy still very much in evidence today.