Greensnapper Photography

INHABIT: A POP UP ARTS TEAROOM (146 Bromford Drive, Hodge Hill, Birmingham, UK)

Documenting Bromford High Street

Bromford is young in its years. Forty or there about. Then, what was once a racecourse became a shiny new housing estate full of promise. The sound of horses hooves turned to the pitter patter of children’s feet as young families moved in to what felt like a new beginning. New homes, new friends, new shops and even a new football team. Everything was shiny, beautiful, full of hope. Today many of those fresh faced children still live here, now aged, some in retirement, some still frequenting the same old pub to reminisce, take stock and put the world to rights. One thing that really stands out is the strong sense of community here.

The younger generation and those who have moved here since only know Bromford for what it is now, tired and worn, so it’s hard for them to join in and reminisce and easier to look at the now. But behind the faded scenes there are a few dedicated people working hard to restore Bromford to its former glory; youth workers and spirited local residents alike, engaging at times with the local authority.

Of course the shops take geographical centre stage. Some take their position with pride and hold their heads high in these difficult economic times. Some are worn down by years. Some shops have changed, some remain the same.

And that’s were Inhabit has taken centre stage too, on the high street. It’s four walls witness to stories of the past, present and future; of hopes and dreams for what is yet to come here in Bromford and also Stirchley… I am Stirchley

Copyright © 2011 Jane Baker. All Rights Reserved