The Lost Children Exhibition and Play

2022 marks the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Children’s Emigration Homes in Highgate, founded by John Middlemore. Balsall Heath Local History Society have a series of events planned to mark this.

Between the years 1873 and 1954 they emigrated over 5000 deprived children chiefly to Canada but also to Australia aiming to give them the opportunity of a better life. For many years the children went to farming families in the remote backwoods of Canada and then later to Fairbridge Farm Schools in both Canada and Australia.

Exhibition

  • Sat, June  11th to Sun June 19th 10.30 a.m to 4 p.m at The Old Print Works. 498 to 506 Moseley Road, Balsall Heath. B12 9AH in the Director’s office accessed by the courtyard. Good disability access.
  • Mon, June 20th to Thurs, 23rd June 9 a.m to 4 p.m  at  Stanhope Hall,. Ketley Croft, B12 0XG off Emily St, Good disability access
  • Sat June 25th to  Mon July 4th  at  Moseley Road Baths, From 9 a.m daily.  Closing times vary.  B12 9BX. 5 steps to front door. Disability access on request
  • July 14th to end of October at The Back to Backs at Hurst St, B5 4TE No disability access – steep stairs

Presented by Balsall Heath Local History Society with support from  Celebrating  Communities funding from Birmingham City Council and Midland Ancestors.

Launch of a Blue Plaque at St Luke’s Rd, Highgate

The plaque will be in a green area in St Luke’s Rd and surrounded by maple trees, to mark the place where the homes were established. The footpath next to it is to be named “Middlemore Way.”

A new play “The Lost Children”

To be performed on Friday evening, July 8th & Sun afternoon July 10th at the Hexagon Theatre in the MAC, Cannon Hill. Friday eve, July 29th & Sat eve, July 30th at the Blue Orange Theatre in the Jewellery Quarter as part of BirminghamFest.

The Lost Children Book

The book  has been selling well both in the UK and abroad. Thanks to all those who have bought it already and all the lovely feedback. It is on sale via our website: www.balsallheathhistory.co.uk or from eBay. It costs £4 plus post & packing.

Email: info@balsallheathhistory.co.uk

Websites: www.balsallheathhistory.co.uk and www.thelostchildren.uk

Facebook: lostchildrenproject

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