This week on Heath Talk, Chris and Chris catch up on the local news from around Kings Heath, Birmingham, UK — including a new café at the Brandwood Centre and the now-infamous cheese security cameras at Lidl. They also cover the results timeline for the Kings Heath Park landscaping consultation. Then it's onto a jam-packed week ahead: World Cup screenings at the Kings Heath Community Centre and the Hare & Hounds, a paint-your-own-planter night at the Kitchen Garden Café, live music at All Saints Café, the Brandwood Bash community day, a school bike sale, a quiz and curry night, the Kings Heath Art Market, a gig at the Highbury Inn, Kings Heath Pride, a jobs fair for over-50s, a community centre volunteer day, and comedy at the Patrick Kavanagh. Your weekly guide to what's on, what's up, and who's who in Kings Heath.

Heath Talk – Episode 3 Summary

Rebrand announcement – The podcast has moved on from the Kings Heathens name and is now independently operating as Heath Talk. Paul and the Kings Heathens Facebook group are given a warm shout-out, with the door left open for future collaboration. Chris Crouch is credited with the name.

What's been happening in Kings Heath:

• Muso Monday at The Station – an open mic night with a great crowd; possibly a regular event, TBC
• The old Pear Tree site (near the 50 bus stop) – new shutters and signage have appeared, the "to let" sign is gone; much community speculation about what's moving in (suggestions included pro wrestling and a Turkish barber/chicken shop combo)
• Poisoned meat in Kings Heath Park – reports of raw meat being left in the park; warning for dog owners with dogs off the lead
• New Life Food Bank – supporting B13/B14 postcodes; open Wednesdays 12–2pm and 2nd/4th Sundays 2:30–5pm at Kings Heath Community Kitchen. Donations welcome.

What's on this week:

• Tonight (Wed 10th) – Kings Heath Neighbourhood Forum, Brandwood Community Centre, 7pm. Local councillors Hamza Sheikh and Jordan Philip attending
• Tonight (Wed 10th) – Free comedy night, Patrick Kavanagh pub, Moseley, 8pm (£5–10 donation suggested)
• Thursday 11th – Sip & Paint evening at Loco Lounge, Matisse-inspired, led by artist Keelyan; 7–9:30pm, from £25.50
• Saturday 13th – Day in the Sun at Cannon Hill House, Russell Road; free entry, stalls, games, alpacas
• Weekly Tuesdays – Kings Heath Casual Board Games at Loco Lounge, 7pm; bring your own or use theirs
• Kings Heath Community Kitchen – launching Wednesday drop-in sessions seeking volunteers and organisations (housing, CAB, debt, mental health, employment etc.). Contact Adam: 07507 896218

Close – Invite for backup presenters and a researcher to help aggregate local forum posts. Contact: heathtalkpodcast@gmail.com

Episode 2 – Kings Heath Catches Fire (And More)

Join Chris Smith & Chris Crouch for a catch-up on everything happening in and around Kings Heath.

We talk about the dramatic electric vehicle fire that brought the high street to a standstill for over three hours (everyone was fine), and a timely warning about scammers targeting the Kings Heath Artisan Market with fake pitch bookings on Facebook.

Then it's on to what's coming up — and there's a lot. The FIFA World Cup kicks off next Thursday (Mexico vs South Africa, 8pm), and if you want to watch it without the full football fervour, Hublon on Institute Road are doing something a bit different with a 14-inch TV from 2004. There's also a drawing for beginners course at Cartlands Tea Room on Thursday 4th June (£10, reserve a place), a mobile recycling truck on Yardley Wood Road on Friday 5th, sunflower planting at the Community Centre on Saturday 6th, and the One Retreat Wellness Festival at Highbury Hall — 40 classes, yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, a live DJ and a market. Highbury Hall also has an Open Day on Sunday 7th with free tickets on Eventbrite.

Plus — Councillor Jordan Phillip's monthly drop-in sessions at the Community Centre, and an early heads-up on the HiViz Comic Con coming in September.

Got something to say? Send us a voice note or email: kingsheathenspodcast@gmail.com

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