Women Between The Lines: Who, What, Where, Why?
March 10, 2022
Frankie Rhodes
The Women Between the Lines Walk is a guided tour of Ladywood and central Birmingham sharing the hidden histories of amazing local women. Tickets are available now for Saturday the 26 March, 1-3pm. This blog post outlines what you can expect from the walk, with some highlights from our previous event during #BirminghamHeritageWeek.
What?
This Women Between the Lines Walk is a chance to immerse yourself in local women’s history, and hear stories from in and around Birmingham that have been lost or untold. Take in views of the Edgbaston reservoir, and distinctive Birmingham buildings like the Tower Ballroom, Rep Theatre, and the Roundhouse Birmingham, where the walk will finish. Alongside hearing inspiring stories, this walk will also enhance your physical and mental wellbeing through gentle exercise and dwelling in nature. You might even feel empowered to share your own story.
Photo Credit: Pat Bodwell
Who?
This event is a collaboration between Bertz Associates, the Roundhouse and the Cultural Capital Exchange. It will be led by Iris Bertz (Director of Bertz Associates), Jen Wilbur (MA Art History) and poet Simone “Word” Smith, who will be sharing her spoken word pieces based on the herstories. Book tickets for the walk on the 26 March here. Tickets cost £15 for general admission and £12 for concessions.
The women in our walk will span suffragettes, artists, sportswomen and musicians. Learn about Francine Houben, architect of the Library of Birmingham, as you stand outside the grand iridescent building. And find out about the award-winning actress from Ladywood, Lorna Laidlaw, who is part of the first black family on ITV’s Coronation Street. Did we mention a record-breaking roller skater who started her career within the walls of the Tower Ballroom? Hear all these stories and more at our event.
Where?
The walk will begin at Tower Ballroom (Reservoir Road, B16 9EE) before tracing the streets of Ladywood and Birmingham’s ironic canals, then reaching the city centre and finishing at the Roundhouse (1 Sheepcote Street, B16 8AE). All walkers are warmly invited to join us for a drink afterwards to discuss and reflect on the stories.
Photo Credit: Pat Bodwell
The Cultural Capital Exchange are holding an exciting mini-festival on the theme of Women Walking: Histories, Movement and Mobilities from the 24-26 March, with many free online events taking place. Our walk is part of this festival, and we will also be hosting a free panel discussion on Friday 25 March on the theme of ‘Writing to Understand’. Hear from Iris, Jen and Simone as they reflect on walking as a poetic, historical and creative practice. Book your free place for the panel discussion here.
Why Should I Attend?
Sharing memories reminds us who we are, it grounds us in our past and helps us to envisage our future. It’s hard to feel connected to Birmingham if certain stories, so often those of women, are not being told. You will hear immersive and inspiring poetry from Simone “Word” Smith, such as her poignant piece about the Tower Ballroom, entitled ‘Birmingham’s Child’. With her glorious Brummie accent, Simone speaks with the voice of the building, proudly asserting: ‘though I’m short in stature, they call me Tower’.
At our #BirminghamHeritageWeek event last September, Simone wowed audiences alongside her acoustic band, Hidden Notes. She shared poems about historical women and those who are personally close to her heart, such as her grandmother, also reflecting on her own role as a storyteller. The event featured a compelling Roundtable discussion between Birmingham heritage professionals and arts advocates. You can watch a full livestream of this event on our YouTube channel here.
Booking Details
All are welcome to join our upcoming events, and please spread the word to your family and friends! We hope that you will learn something new, whether it’s the story of an amazing woman, or a new walking route to relax and unwind in. Booking details below:
Women Between the Lines Walk (£12/£15) – Saturday 26 March - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/words-and-walks-presents-birmingham-women-between-the-lines-tickets-274365874717
Walking to Understand (free panel discussion) – Friday 25 March - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/women-walking-untold-stories-and-hidden-histories-walking-to-understand-tickets-274671358427