Here’s a quick one – a lovely photo sent in by Marion Jones from her father’s collection – a photo of a grassfire on the land that would become Clayhanger Common. But it’s not the grassfire itself (and this is a fine picture of that), it’s what’s going on in the background.

Burn, baby burn – builders down tools to watch from the top of a partially built Bayley House. Image very kindly supplied by Marion Jones. Click for a larger version.

Yes, that’s Waine and Bayley House under construction. Both blocks were demolished in 2004; Waine, on the right, was replaced by Knaves Court, and the site of Bayley House has just had permission granted for a new development of flats and houses.

Note the workers watching from the top of Bailey Hose. Note also the electricity pole in the foreground – that would end it’s days at a curious angle in the bottom of the drainage bund for the refuse tip.

This is one of the few images of the blocks under construction I’ve ever seen, and it’s certainly the best.

Marion Jones sent in the wonderful material on Clayhanger pumping station, and of the Jones family gardens at the Big House, just before Christmas. She has a long family connection with the village.

Marion sent me the following note:

Hi Bob,

Congratulations to all involved in getting Bullings Heath back on the map. I’m sure all your readers will agree you do a grand job, a great platform for local history.

I can only imagine how much of your time is taken up keeping your blog going. Where would we be without people like you taking the time and trouble to record the past and present for everyone to read, it is our future history. Please keep up the good work as long as you can Bob and know that it is very much appreciated.

The photo attached is out of my late fathers collection. No doubt he was taking a photo of the grass fire in the foreground and inadvertently captured the flats in Brownhills being built.

Kind regards,
Marion

Thank you Marion for the very kind words, and for an utterly remarkable photograph. All such submissions are welcome, and it’s always wonderful to hear from readers.

If you have anything to add, comment here of BrrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Cheers.