If we ignore the reputationally ruinous bin strike saga for a moment and look at the bigger picture, one thing is clear: Birmingham has a whole lot to be proud of.
This week the Lench’s Trust almshouse charity celebrated its 500th birthday. A timely reminder of the history, heritage and character of Britain’s second city.
The trust provides support and accommodation to more than 200 over-55s across the WM region. It’s been doing this since Henry VIII was on the throne. Let that sink in.
Meanwhile in 2025 the University of Birmingham celebrates its 125th anniversary and Birmingham City Football Club celebrates its 150th.
UoB and the Blues announced a strategic alliance earlier this year to “create opportunities in research, education and health, raise aspirations across Birmingham, and enhance the city’s reputation on the global stage.”
This is badly needed.
Remember the 2022 Commonwealth Games? Yup, Birmingham smashed it. UoB shone brightly as did other organisations. Teamwork. Pride. All that good stuff.
But how quickly the buzz fades.
Sport is in Birmingham’s DNA and Thomas Wagner, BCFC’s chairman, recognises this. Which is why he’s investing not just in the city’s football team but in its cricket and netball teams too.
But Wagner isn’t just investing in some sports assets. He’s investing in the story and the culture of Birmingham (seeing past the bin strikes). Buying into its unique history – and the exciting chapters not yet written.
