above: interior of the modernised Stirchley Baths and the exterior of Smethwick Baths After 90 years of solid service to the entire community of Smethwick, the Smethwick Baths are under offer for sale by Sandwell MBC and The Peoples Orchestra (based in West Bromwich Town Hall) is known to have expressed an interest in operating in the premises of Smethwick Baths – perhaps with support from the West Midlands Combined Authority and possibly the Heritage Lottery Fund. I also note that local historian, Mary Bodfish, recently recalled that Thimblemill Baths and Smethwick Baths were promised and gifted to the people as one of the benefits of choosing to join with Smethwick Borough Council rather than Birmingham City Council in the early part of the 20th Century. As such it is surely morally incumbent on the local councillors of Abbey Ward (Cllr Piper, Cllr Hinchliff and Cllr Hemingway) and the collective Sandwell M B C to make good and affirm the building and site of Smethwick Baths be retained for the benefit of the public in a commensurate and similar fashion. In Bearwood/Smethwick we have a substantial number of active community groups and organisations which cannot easily or practically operate out of Thimblemill Library and the patchwork quilt of assorted faith buildings and ad hoc shop unit lets that have no wide public remit comparable to the role of Smethwick Baths. There are numerous models of comparison to be made, not least Stirchley Baths which closed in 1988 and finally reopened in 2016 with a £4m Heritage Lottery award as a 21st century community asset with space for small scale cinema, learning new skills, heritage volunteer activities, exhibitions, talks, an educational programme, conference space and local crafts and related markets. It also offers a kitchen space and hires out for weddings too. With all the above being noted I wonder if residents of Bearwood/Smethwick have an appetite to:
See this link for details Community_Right_to_Bid_-_Non-statutory_advice_note_for_local_authorities.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk) 2. Invite local Councillors and The Peoples Orchestra to a public meeting in early September 2023 to discuss options and ambitions with the local community This would be held at a venue to be confirmed. 3. Read up and examine all of the related paperwork linked to funding applications to the Heritage Lottery Fund and others. Welcome | The National Lottery Heritage Fund That’s everything really. If you want it you really have to speak up for it, explore and promote the idea to everyone that is remotely concerned so please do ‘like’ this post, share it and get in touch. [email protected] Adrian Johnson, MSc Storyteller and Writer Smethwick Sandwell, UK
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