Yes, even though it was Saturday, a researcher's work is never done - well, that's not quite true, but this sounds more interesting!

Another fascinating walking interview discovering new streets and old histories.  One place I have visited is St Basil's in Heath Mill Lane.  (Soap box alert!) NB, make sure you support St. Basil's Big Sleep Out/ Sleep In (I particularly like the 'Sleep In' for those of us who have a choice about such things and like our beds) on November 30th!  In talking to people who have become homeless or reading the Big Issue, I am often struck by how easy it is to lose one's home, so help prevent youth homelessness by supporting St Basil's. (Down off the soap box and back to the interview!)

As I was saying, another fascinating walk round in (fortunately) unremarkable weather and some amazingly quiet streets - away from the main roads and the Gigbeth events.  I learnt about 'Dirty Deritend' not necessarily being a derogitory comment, more a factual observation, given the animals, etc.  Also, while most of the stories told related to within a lifetime, right at the end we talked about the Civil War history of Birmingham.  Just because you can't see it, doesn't mean it isn't there....

I still need people to talk to - not all have to do a walk.  I would like to do some 'normal' interviews, too, just sitting down (perhaps with a coffee - milk, half a sugar, please).  So if you have been following the blog or seen the leaflets and have ANY link with Eastside (living, working, now, in the past) do get in touch.