BIRMINGHAM’S RICH EMIGRATION HISTORY CELEBRATED AT HOUSEBUILDER’S COMMUNITY

A commemorative plaque was recently unveiled at a Barratt Homes development in Birmingham, to recognise the work of John Middlemore who founded The Children’s Emigration Homes in the heart of the city.

In partnership with Birmingham Civic Society and Balsall Heath Local History Society, the leading developer hosted the event at its B5 Central community with guests including Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Maureen Cornish and relatives of children who were emigrated.

The ‘Blue Plaque’ unveiling was to mark the extraordinary efforts of The Middlemore Homes in Birmingham, which emigrated over 5,000 children, chiefly to Canada, but also Australia, between 1873 and 1954.

On the site of where the emigration homes once stood before it relocated to Selly Oak, the plaque was recently installed on the open space at Spooner Croft Linear Park, part of the Stratford House Road community. Those in attendance at the ceremony to unveil the plaque were able to celebrate a key part of the city’s rich culture.

Dominic Harman, Managing Director at Barratt Homes Mercia, said: “It’s been an absolute privilege to work with our partners to make this event happen, and we’d like to offer our thanks to the representatives of Birmingham Civic Society and Balsall Heath Local History Society for their co-operation.

“The Blue Plaque will be a lasting legacy on the landscaped green space and we’re immensely proud that our B5 Central development is part of Birmingham’s fantastic heritage.”

Penny Colbourne, Volunteer at Birmingham Civic Society, said: “Birmingham Civic Society were delighted for the opportunity to work collaboratively with Balsall Heath Local History Society and Barratt Homes to bring this Blue Plaque to B5 Central. A conversation in 2019 and many meetings and planning sessions later resulted in this very fitting memorial to the work of John Middlemore and the Children’s Emigration Homes.

“We are very grateful to Barratt Homes for its financial support and for the interest it showed in this opportunity.”

Val Hart of Balsall Heath Local History Society said: “We are delighted with the Blue Plaque which remembers not only John Middlemore, but also the children themselves. Their stories are the subject of a free exhibition which is at The Back to Backs in Hurst St until the end of October.”

As part of its plans to honour the work of John Middlemore in its community in Birmingham, Barratt Homes also introduced the topic to Percy Shurmer Academy to encourage its pupils to take part in two activities.

The school’s pupils were encouraged to write postcards to their families from the perspective of the emigrated children. In addition to this, they were invited to name the new open space at the development and design a logo for it.

The recognition of John Middlemore will now be present for years to come at the B5 Central community as current and future residents get to know the story behind The Middlemore Homes in Birmingham.