Michael Wilkes

The ninth weekend celebrating the work of world renowned author JRR Tolkien takes place in Birmingham on the 17^th and 18^th of May at Sarehole Mill in Hall Green. This unique event will be open between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on each day.

Note that the name this year is the ‘Middle Earth Weekend’. It will, as usual, include a wealth of interest for fans of Tolkien’s work (incidentally, Tolkien preferred the hyphenated form ‘Middle-earth’, which you may see written elsewhere). There will also be a wide range of events, displays and activities for people of any age who like a festival with a deliberately traditional and old fashioned air about it. The attractions this year include craft workshops, a historic rope maker, flint knappers and falconry displays. Medieval re-enactment and the Bowmen of Swanshurst will be also amongst those at the weekend.

Hall Green based drama group Shire Productions will dramatise extracts from Beowulf in the setting of Moseley Bog. “I’m looking forward to this, but just a little nervously,” said Councillor Michael Wilkes. “I’ll be taking a role as Beowulf, but for those who know the story (see Beowulf and Birmingham on this site) there is the part where Beowulf is a young warrior and a part where Beowulf is, shall we say, somewhat more mature. No prizes for guessing which I’ve been asked to play!”

The Inaugural Meeting of Hall Green Preservation Group was held on March 20^th at Hall Green Library. Michael Wilkes, Paula Smith and 30 residents attended. In a lively and constructive meeting, many valuable contributions were made. The formation of HGPG was seen as highly desirable after the Planning Committee’s appalling decision that will lead to the loss of Highfield House and its replacement with a dense modern development including flats. Maximum protection should be sought for all remaining buildings of interest in and near Hall Green. In addition to the statutorily listed Sarehole Mill and the Church of the Ascension, these included: The Bulls Head (Stratford Road, around 1840); the Friends Meeting House (Hamlet Road); the late Victorian semis (‘the Hamlets’) in Hamlet Road and Fox Hollies Road; the former farm workers’ cottages in Paradise Lane and Cambrai House.

HGPG activities should extend beyond our ward to cover buildings of importance to the area. Amongst examples nearby buildings were: 264 Wake Green Road, the childhood home of JRR Tolkien; ‘Millmead’ in Wake Green Road (20^th century but may have been built using medieval materials); The Chalet (and Tudor barn) in Green Road; the Charles Lane Trust Alms Houses in Fox Hollies Road; the Foster Trust residential bungalows in Gracewell Road. It was noted that a small area includes Tolkien’s house, Millmead, the bungalows, the Chalet and Sarehole Mill making the area of particular value.

The meeting was advised that all pubs and churches in Hall Green had a degree of protection (the extent of this should be clarified) and that buildings earlier than 1840 apparently carried automatic statutory protection. Clarification of such protection was needed and the date may change. The meeting agreed to extend the reach of preservation to wider elements of our built and natural environment. Suggestions included: Four Arches bridge in the Dingles; the ‘middle path’ in the Dingles (arguably of great antiquity); the medieval hedges in Webb Lane, Paradise Lane, Robin Hood Lane and Scribers Lane. In liaison with The Shire Country Park Friends, the preservation group would also keep a close eye on elements of The Shire Country Park, which includes historic Moseley Bog with its Bronze Age burnt mounds as well as its Tolkien connections.

It was also noted that Hall Green had two interesting railway stations - Hall Green and Yardley Wood. Hall Green station would reach its centenary this year (for which a celebration will be organised in the summer) as would Yardley Wood (which may already be protected to some extent).

It was agreed that a comprehensive list should be made and, following the realisation that Local Listing carried trivial penalties and was easily overcome by developers and apparently little regarded by some planning officers, the precise nature of any apparent protection should be thoroughly investigated. It was noted with regret that there seemed to be little will in the Planning Department to support residents in their preservation efforts or even to enforce existing regulations.

It was noted with disappointment that Sarehole Mill had not been awarded capital funding from the Council for the de-silting of the mill pool. It was also noted that if funding was not found in the near future, milling would cease and that Birmingham would then have only one working water mill. It was suggested that if the flow of water was sufficient the mill could make its own electricity, adding to green credentials.

The rules covering Conservation Areas should be examined. Hall Green had one such area (Miall Road and part of School Road). Other areas could possibly be identified but so much building work and alterations were going on that essential features were being lost. This applied to the terraced farm worker cottages in Paradise Lane. The meeting noted that the materials of which a building was constructed could be of considerable interest. Apparently, little could be made of this at present since the materials belong to the owner who may do as they please.

An insidious process of ‘manufactured dereliction’ could be discerned. Developers first destroy the garden of a mature property. Then the property itself declines rapidly for reasons on which the meeting could only speculate. The claim is then made that there is nothing worth preserving and planning permission follows. In this way, the distinctive character of an area is lost. Gardens should therefore get early protection and that whatever force the Mature Suburbs Policy may have should be rigorously applied.

HGPG committee and sub-groups will draw up a full list, identify priorities, establish the nature of the various forms of protection and outline pro-active and reactive courses of action. Many people volunteered to be active within the group and a register of contact details was taken. People would be kept informed and there would be general meetings from time to time.

Hall Green Focus readers will recall that despite the intensive local campaign and the massive petition presented by Councillor Michael Wilkes (who also spoke at the meeting of the Planning Committee) the applications by Tesco to install themselves in Robin Hood Lane near to the junction with Highfield Road were given the go ahead.

We understand that it is intended to open this latest Tesco Express in late May or early June. We take the view that an over-dominant supplier will inevitably mean that there is less choice for the consumer in the longer term.

We encourage residents to continue to use the local convenience stores who have worked very hard to provide services to the community. Long may they continue to do so.

Michael Wilkes (as Vice Chair and still stiff from a lengthy litter pick in the Dingles in the morning!) and Paula Smith took part in the Annual General Meeting of The Shire Country Park Friends on Sunday afternoon on 30^th March. The Friends have had a very productive year and there were very informative presentations at the AGM from committee members representing Priory Fields, The Dingles, Moseley Bog, Greet Mill Meadows and Burbury Brickworks.

The Shire, extending for about four miles along the River Cole and with satellite areas, is one of the most interesting and varied country parks in the midlands. It takes its name from associations with JRR Tolkien and has an intriguing cultural, industrial and agricultural history. It has a wide variety of habitats and wildlife (including around 80 species (some rare) of birds, rare heathland, and a wide range of plants that include meadow flowers and orchids). Ancient agricultural use leaves traces at various points. The outstanding ridge and furrow field in the Dingles probably dates from the 11^th century. There is evidence of agricultural use in Anglo Saxon times in Priory Fields and there are Bronze Age burnt mounds in Moseley Bog.

The four main pools are at Priory Fields (described as a Mill Pool but made as a fish pond - the once nearby mill was a windmill), Trittiford pool (the original name of which was Titterford, meaning ‘place of small birds’) the Mill Pool at Sarehole and the pool at one end of Moseley Bog (originally a garden feature). The bog itself (the probable basis of the Old Forest in Tolkien’s works) was once a feeder pool to Sarehole Mill.

An open-air performance area (a grassed mini-amphitheatre) in a natural setting - the Withywindle Arena - is being prepared by volunteers near to historic Sarehole Mill (withy is an old word for willow). Members of TSCP Friends have also taken part in three weekend litter picks recently to leave the park looking its best. With so little open space in Hall Green, we should make the most of this lovely and historic green environment on the edge of our area.

The loss of Highfield House has been a massive blow to the residents of Hall Green. But directly as a result of that, a new group has been brought together to ensure that the loss of historic buildings is not such an easy ride for grasping developers and compliant planners.

In Hall Green our heritage is vitally important to us and we will fight to protect it. This goes for other parts of the city too - as our courageous colleagues in Moseley have shown.

The new body is to be called the Hall Green Preservation Group. HGPG had its inaugural meeting on 20th March at Hall Green Library. Many local people turned out and signed up to the principal of a preservation group that is to be proactive rather than reactive. All of your Focus team have signed up. If you are interested in taking part, contact Councillor Paula Smith on 0121-778-6679 or Councillor Michael Wilkes on 0121-777-2462 or email Michael directly from here.

We will work hard, side by side with residents to protect all the history we have left in and near Hall Green so future generations can enjoy the environment, both built and natural, that we have today.

The costs of energy are taking increasing chunks out of family incomes. Since privatisation, the power companies have ruthlessly exploited their position. They hike costs for low energy users even more than their huge headline increases - up to 50% more. This is effectively a standing charge with the first kilowatts being priced even higher than the rest.

“People on modest fixed incomes are being hit hard,” said Councillor Michael Wilkes. “Pensioners, other modest energy users and those trying to do their bit for the environment should be aided not penalised. And with the likes of BT increasing their take from those who don’t want to hand over their bank details and rising ‘line rentals’ - another standing charge - the problem is made worse. These anti-social money grabbers would be brought to book by a government worth its salt.”

Just a few weeks after the first of the public demonstrations of support for retaining Highfield House, bitterness was tinged with sadness for local residents as the Planning Committee voted to approve the application to build flats and houses at 187 Highfield Road and demolish the historic house. “The committee should be ashamed of themselves,” said Councillor Michael Wilkes. “Nobody wants this apart from the developers, planning officers (who again recommended approval) and those councillors who voted for it. If I never see another planning officer in Hall Green it will be too soon,” he continued.

“Despite passionate appeals from Liberal Democrat members, who all voted against, the Conservatives, belying their name, all voted in favour, two Labour members voted in favour and the rest of them abstained. In our view, members have a moral duty to support the public interest. If they do not, what is the purpose of being an elected representative?” Ward colleague Councillor Paula Smith said: “Local people fought very hard to preserve this house. It is a very sad sign of the times that we see yet more of our history thrown away for the sake of profit”. Cllr Jackie Hawthorn commented: “There are those in positions of power who have learnt nothing from the mistakes of the 1960s. The decision is lamentable.”

Your councillors are now setting up the Hall Green Preservation Group that will seek to protect and list all our remaining historic buildings so that the tragedy of Highfield House will never be repeated. This is essential. A malign circus has developed. A locally significant property, long cared for, is sold for ‘development’ either because the owners die and offspring don’t have the same values or, as with Highfield House, the managers of a Housing Association do not hold to traditional values. First the garden is destroyed with trees cut down - in the case of Highfield House a stand of poplars and a rare variety of apple of Victorian vintage - and a proper environmental assessment rendered impossible. The condition of the property then rapidly and mysteriously deteriorates - one can only wonder how. Meanwhile the target besotted Government threatens penalties for failure to grant planning approvals at a rate of knots and continues to ensure that the law, weak as it is, is biased in favour of developers. Planning officers, fearful of possible legal costs of standing up for the community and heedless of the extent of public feeling, disregard their own conservation advice and recommend approval. Local listing, with its feeble penalties, is seen to be worthless. The majority of members on the Planning Committee then, perhaps after crocodile tears, lamely comply and reward the developer with approval. Yet another building - in the present case, Highfield House with a unique and intriguing history - is then torn down to be replaced by yet more high density flats and housing.

Despite the clear moral obligation on elected members to fight for their constituents, Lib-Dem Councillors striving to cut through this malign circle are said to be ‘stirring it up’ or, as in a nearby ward, are even threatened with the Standards Committee for exposing another case of startling deterioration suffered by a historic building. “It is not just our history that is being lost but our very identity as communities,” said Councillor Wilkes. “We must show this up for what it is and marshal our communities in defiance”. The associated file, HighHous.pdf, 

highhous.pdf

is a slide show in Adobe Acrobat format and has pictures of the interior of Highfield House just 18 months ago. We could weep for that which was lost.

It’s known that properties are sometimes code marked by gang members, often posing as salesmen or representatives, as a way of tipping off fellow criminals of times when a property is empty or where insufficient security may make them vulnerable. A break-in could subsequently occur. Following reports of a house apparently being marked in this way in Tixall Road, local residents may wish to be vigilant.

Councillor Jackie Hawthorn advises: “Have a look around doorways, exterior brickwork and porches for suspicious markings. These may take the form of an arrow, a circle, a wavy line or such like. Check the pavement outside your property too. It should be obvious if marks have been put there by the Council or utility firms. A wire brush should get rid of markings on brickwork or the pavement. Take particular care with your porches and windows. We want our houses to be inviting - but to the right sort of people!”

Residents of long standing may recall the ominous ring of this title. But spirits were high when 32 local residents assembled outside Highfield House at 6-45 a.m. one February morning. The occasion was to take part in a live radio broadcast to make clear the public support for the retention of Highfield House.

The house was in very good condition some 18 months ago but, since it has been in the ownership of developers / speculators the once lovely garden has been devastated and the house itself has been allowed to decline. Based on items and photos supplied by several people, Michael Wilkes produced a slide show of the house (if you would like a copy email Michael as Michael.Wilkes@birmingham.gov.uk - it is a 1mb file). “Neglect of a locally listed building is tantamount to vandalism and should not be rewarded with permission to demolish and develop for a maximum haul of money” said Councillor Wilkes. “It shows what can happen when a good house falls into the wrong hands. I spoke at the Planning Committee and submitted five pages of arguments as to why the application should be refused and Councillor Paula Smith worked tirelessly organising the campaign to save the house”.

As ever, the dice are loaded against the general public when it comes to profitable development. Successive governments have done nothing to change this situation and the present lot have made it even worse with their obsession with targets. Hall Green Focus believes that the only target that should count is the preservation of the character of communities. There is nothing wrong with a fair profit (given the point reached we would accept build on the site that preserved the structure of the house) and this could have been done had the will - and or appropriate legislation -been there.

The Birmingham Tolkien Group (BTG) which is chaired by Councillor Michael Wilkes continues to work hard to make the most of JRR Tolkien’s close connection with Birmingham and Hall Green in particular. The international popularity of Tolkien remains very high, and in February Michael officially welcomed a group of visitors from Poland who were being shown round Tolkien sites in Birmingham.

Naturally, their first port of call was Sarehole Mill and our picture shows Michael with some members of the visiting party. Volunteers from the Tolkien Weekend group guided the visitors throughout the day, which was very successful and much appreciated.

This year’s Tolkien weekend at Sarehole Mill will be on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May and will include a special performance from Shire Productions, the Hall Green based drama group.