#365daysofbiking JournalRecent tracks
Tsuneni AiFionn Regan15 hours ago
Up into the RaftersFionn Regan15 hours ago
EuphoriaFionn Regan15 hours ago
Wall of SilverFionn Regan15 hours ago
AiFionn Regan15 hours ago
Book of the MoonFionn Regan15 hours ago
Cape of DiamondsFionn Regan15 hours ago
Turn the Skies of Blue OnFionn Regan15 hours ago
Cormorant BirdFionn Regan15 hours ago
The Meetings Of The WatersFionn Regan15 hours agoRecent Comments
Dean on Those Craddocks in full… Dean on Those Craddocks in full… Sue on Those Craddocks in full… Dean on Those Craddocks in full… Dean on Those Craddocks in full…
Monthly Archives: June 2016
Urgent appeal: Walsall NHS Trust looking for relatives of two patients
This is very unusual, but I think is somewhat important – this request was posted by the Communication Team at Walsall Manor Hospital Tuesday (28th June 2016) and I’d like all locals to have a think about it, and if any of you can, please do help.
Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Local History, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 1928, 1938, 1952, 2016, Aldridge, Blackpool, Bloxwixh, Family, help, Julie Venables, Kenneth Lloyd, Lichfield, Manor Hospital, Melvyn Jones, Norton Canes, Patient, releatives, request, search, Sid, Staffordshire, Walsall, Walsall Council, Wednesbury, West Midlands
Leave a comment
Missing ginger and white cat – can you help please?
Leoni Thacker has been in touch to ask readers to look out for her cat, who’s gone missing from the Claverdon Close area of Brownhills (That’s just off the Lichfield Road near the Memo) following some building work.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2016, 29 June, appeal, Brownhills, cat, claverdon, close, giner, Leoni, Lichfield, Lichfield Road, Lost, New Photos, Thacker, Things to do
3 Comments
Brownhills Somme Centenary Remembrance Service – this Friday
Theres a really important service taking place this Friday morning (1st July 2016), commemorating the centenary of the commencement of the Battle of the Somme – the service is being held by Brownhills British Legion at the Cenotaph at St. James Church in Brownhills at 11:00am.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1 July, 2016, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Cenotaph, centenerys, ceotaph, Clayhanger, commemoration, David Evans, ervice, Local History, Martin Littler, Memories of Walsall, New Photos, RBL, Royal British Legion, Somme, Staffordshire, Things to do, war
1 Comment
Charity night for Cancer Research – at King Street Club this Thursday!
Reader Nicola Khadhraoui has been in touch and asked me to give an event at King Street Club in Walsall Wood this Thursday evening (30th June 2016) a plug…
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2016, 30 June, 7pm, Breast Cancer, Brownhills, Cancer Research, charity, Events, Facebook, forever living, King Street Club, Lichfield, Nicola Khadhraoui, Pubs, Shire Oak, Sylvia Harper, Things to do, Walsall Wood
2 Comments
Pictures from the 2016 Brownhills Canalside Festival
I briefly passed through Brownhills Canalside Festival today, and had very little time there due to having some work stuff kicking off elsewhere, but this year’s event looked superb from the photos generously supplied below by the young David Evans and old online pal Dave Tucker.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community
Tagged 2016, Brownhillls, Brownhills, Canal, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, Events, Festival, New Photos, Panoramio, Tesco, Things to do
6 Comments
2016 Brownhills Canalside Festival today!
I note the creative advertising modification team have been out again this year, getting Brownhills Canal Festival noticed on social media – and any publicity is good, as the image above has been shared hundreds of times now since it was posted last week on Facebook by old friend of the blog Nathan Whittaker.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 10am-4pm, 2016, 26 June, Barge, Boats, Brian Stringer, Brownhills, Brownhills Canoe Centre, Canal, canalside, Canoe, Clayhanger, Committee, Contach, Contact, Events, Festival, Fete, information, Local, local blogs, Marina, Narrowboat, outdoors, pageant, planning, Summer, Sunday, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
Leave a comment
Going to pot
We’ve talked here a lot lately about local brick making, and also a little about curios and mementoes of coal mining – there certainly seems to be a culture of trades making ornaments or promotional items for their customers or families that remain fascinating years later.
Independence Party at The Chase Inn tonight!
The Chase Inn at Newtown, Brownhills goes from strength to strength – there’s not only great ale and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, but great live music most weekends, too – and there’s a great party on this weekend.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 25th June, atmosphere, Brownhills, Chase Inn, Chasewater, entertainment, Events, Facebook, Independence Party, Karaoke, Lichfield, Local Recovery, New Photos, Newtown, Pubs, Real Ale, Saturday, The Chase Inn, Things to do, Twitter
1 Comment
Can you help Diane make Brownhills bloom?
Once more, Diane Mansell from Brownhills Town Centre Partnership has been in touch, and asked me to point out that volunteers are needed for another planting event to prepare the remaining planters for the Brownhills Britain in Bloom entry this coming Monday 27th June 2016.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 27 June, Britain in Bloom, Browhills Town Centre Partnership, Brownhills, Brownhills Big Tidy Up, Brownhills Town Centre Partnership, Darlaston, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, Monday, planning, Princes Trust, Ravens Court, Things to do, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Housing Group, Walsall politics
Leave a comment
Lichfield Blues and Jazz Festival 2016 – this weekend!
Fed up of politics and grim news – well, there’s something fun instead this week as it’s the 2016 Lichfield Jazz and Blues festival from today (Friday 24th June 2016) until Sunday (26th June 2016).
Posted in News
Tagged 2016, 24 June, 25 June, 26 June, blues, entertainment, Festival, gig, Jazz, Lichfield, live music, rich Spencer
Leave a comment
Clayhanger Community Sumer Tidy this Saturday!
I see from the excellent Madwblog that there’s a Community Spring Clean event going on in Clayhanger this Saturday morning (25th June 2016) from 8:30 to 10:20am and all are welcome – kit and gloves provided!
Something fishy afoot?
I’ve had an interesting question in from Taffy of Tamworth, who’s an angler who enjoys fishing Marklews Pond, off Engine Lane in Brownhills – but he’s recently noticed something.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Panoramio photo discussions, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Bug row, colliery, Common, Coppice, Coppice Side, Engine Lane, Internet Archive, little Wyrley, local blogs, Local History, Marklew's Pond, Old maps, Panoramio, Robert Webster, Side, Staffordshire, state, taffy, Tommy Shop, Tommy Tokens, Wayback Machine, William Marklew
19 Comments
Endowed like a Dame
An interesting thing reaches me from top local historian Bill Mayo, via David Evans – a study of the long-gone Norton Canes Endowed, or Dame School, which was demolished in the early 1950s, but seems to have been one of the earliest local schools.
2016 Brownhills Canalside Festival – this Sunday!
I note the creative advertising modification team have been out again this year, getting Brownhills Canal Festival noticed on social media – and any publicity is good, as the image above has been shared hundreds of times now since it was posted yesterday on Facebook by old friend of the blog Nathan Whittaker.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 10am-4pm, 2016, 26 June, Barge, Boats, Brian Stringer, Brownhills, Brownhills Canoe Centre, Canal, canalside, Canoe, Clayhanger, Committee, Contach, Contact, Events, Festival, Fete, information, Local, local blogs, Marina, Narrowboat, outdoors, pageant, planning, Summer, Sunday, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
1 Comment
Walsall’s first Community Showcase Event – coming soon!
Next Monday (27th June 2016 from 11am until 3pm), there’s a community showcase event taking place in Walsall which may well be of interest to blog readers – particularly those interested in community relations, activities and the voluntary sector.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 27 June, activities, aspire 2 engage, Besot Stadium, Brownhills, community, community showcase, John Morris, showcase, voluntary, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
1 Comment
Walsall Wood Ladies FC needs you!
The Walsall Wood Football Club season may be over, but preparations are gearing up for the 2016/17 season – none more so than the ladies teams who are appealing for junior players to start the new football year. Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2016, 2017, Alex Turner, appeal, Brownhills stuff, Events, Facebook, FC, football, Footy, Fun stuff to see and do, Good of the Wood, juniors, Ladies, Local media, new players, News, Oak Park, Reader enquiries, Shared media, soccer, Social media, Things to do, Twitter, Walsall community, Walsall Wood, Walsall WOod FC
Leave a comment
Nailed it!
Back at the end of May, I received an enquiry from reader Emma Smith who was interested in the history of an old smithy in the garden of her Grandmother’s house in Coppice Road, Walsall Wood, which spawned a lot of interest.
Fired up
Last week, we looked at early evidence of local brick making on an industrial scale, after a remarkable passage describing a local brickworks was spotted in an 1850 book by the wonderful Simon Briercliffe.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Aldridge, Brawn, brickworks, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Coppice, Coppice Colliery, House, Ian Pell, joberns, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Redevelopment, Simon Briercliffe, Staffordshire, Utopia, Walsall Wood
13 Comments
Chasewater Railway: a great Fathers Day treat!
Chasewater Railway – the little gem of a preserved industrial railway is this this weekend staging a coal train special event, which sounds just the thing for train-loving dads and their families who may be looking for a special treat for the old fellow.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 2016, Award, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, call train weekend, Chasewater, Events, Facebook, fathers day, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Newsletter, Railway, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do, treat
Leave a comment
Fantastic live music at The Chase Inn this weekend!
The Chase Inn at Newtown, Brownhills goes from strength to strength – there’s not only great ale and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, but great live music most weekends, too – and there’s a great act on this weekend.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 18th June, atmosphere, bands, Brownhills, Chase Inn, Chasewater, entertainment, Events, Facebook, gig, Lichfield, live music, Local Recovery, New Photos, Newtown, Pubs, Real Ale, Saturday, The Chase Inn, Things to do, Twitter
Leave a comment
Aldridge Remembers the Great War – coming soon
There is a vey interesting pair of Great War Remembrance events coming to Aldridge in a couple of weeks for people who wish to pay respects, those who had family involvement or perhaps historical interest in the Battle of the Somme.
Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 1st july, 2016, Aldridge, Blue, ceremony, Events, House, Len Boulton, Library, Lichfield, Linda Mason, local blogs, Local History, Manor, Plaque, Somme, Staffordshire, Sue Satterthwaite, Talk, Things to do, Walsall Council, whistle
1 Comment
The smell of celluloid – help needed please!
I’ve had a fascinating email from Gordon Payne of Brownhills Air Cadets who’s got a rather exciting item that requires a caring and experienced film technician to help with – a so far unseen Edgar Pritchard film.
Arrests made following attempted child abduction incidents
Following yesterday’s warning from local police to be vigilant regarding a couple of suspected attempted child abduction incidents in Little Bloxwich, Walsall Police yesterday made two arrests and issued the following statement on Facebook (Wednesday 15th June 2016):
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 13 June, 14 June, 2016, 9 June, approached, arrest, Attempted, boy, Brownhills, called, crime, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, Little Bloxwich, Maple Street, Police, Ryle Street, schools, van, Walsall Wood, warning, Waslall, white
Leave a comment
Parents warned after children approached by men in van in Little Bloxwich
Walsall Police have issued a warning to local parents after two reported incidents of children being approached by a pair of men in a white Transit van in the little Bloxwich area.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 13 June, 14 June, 2016, 9 June, approached, Attempted, boy, Brownhills, called, crime, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, Little Bloxwich, Maple Street, Police, Ryle Street, schools, van, Walsall Wood, warning, Waslall, white
1 Comment
Blooming wonderful!
Just a shoutout here to the volunteers and community mind folk of Brownhills Town Centre Partnership who yesterday, despite some pretty horrid weather, went out planting flowers in the tubs and planters in town and once again did Brownhills proud.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Britain in Bloom, Browhills Town Centre Partnership, Brownhills, Brownhills Big Tidy Up, Brownhills Town Centre Partnership, Community Payback Team, Darlaston, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, planning, Princes Trust, Ravens Court, Things to do, Vandalism, Vickie Heydon-Matterface, Vivienne Aston, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Housing Group, Walsall politics
4 Comments
Please help the Brownhills in bloom team – today!
The wonderful Diane Mansell from Brownhills Town Centre Partnership has been in touch, and asked me to see if anyone fancies helping out with the Brownhills Britain in Bloom competition entry from our town today (Monday 13th June 2016).
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Britain in Bloom, Browhills Town Centre Partnership, Brownhills, Brownhills Big Tidy Up, Brownhills Town Centre Partnership, Community Payback Team, Darlaston, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, planning, Princes Trust, Ravens Court, Things to do, Vandalism, Vickie Heydon-Matterface, Vivienne Aston, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Housing Group, Walsall politics
Leave a comment
A very close shave on Brownhills High Street
AutoElite, the vehicle security and audio specialists from Shenstone have kindly allowed me to share this alarming video on the blog which was recently recorded on their dashcam, showing a lady walking along the pavement by Farmfoods in Brownhills, when the rear of a container lorry, apparently turning into Brickiln Street, nearly hits her.
Shire Oak for sale… in 1846
Here’s a curious thing I’ve been meaning to run for a few weeks now – noted local historian Sir Gerald of Reece, now resident in Devon (from whom, more later this week) has recently been in communication with David Evans, and amongst other goodies, has sent the above poster.
Continue reading
The kiln fields
I am this week indebted to fellow Black Country blogger and history wonk Simon Briercliffe of the superlative Up The Oss Road blog for pointing out the following text about Walsall Wood that he spotted in a Victorian account of brickmaking and structural ceramic manufacture, published in 1950.
Get some Iron, man – Event and road closure details for this Sunday
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that this Sunday (June 12th 2016), the second Staffordshire Ironman Triathlon will be staged, with a 1.2 mile swim in Chasewater being amongst the highlights.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 12 June, 2016, Brownhills, Chasewater, Cycle rides, cycling, Details, Diversions, Events, Express & Star, Facebook, Ironman, Lichfield, list, local blogs, New Photos, Reservoir, ride, road closed, Road Closure, Run, Shugborough, Staffordshire, Sunday, swim, Things to do, traffic
Leave a comment
Watch the footy and then enjoy live music at The Chase Inn this weekend!
The Chase Inn at Newtown, Brownhills goes from strength to strength – there’s not only great ale and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, but great live music most weekends, too – and tonight (Saturday 11th June 2016) there’s the England match on tonight followed by a top local band.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 11 June, atmosphere, bands, Brownhills, Chase Inn, Chasewater, England, entertainment, Events, Facebook, football, gig, Lichfield, live music, New Photos, Newtown, Pubs, Real Ale, Saturday, The Buzz, The Chase Inn, Things to do, Twitter
Leave a comment
Coming soon: St. James Community Fun Day!
Old friends of the blog Brian Stringer and Geoff Harrington have asked me to point out that on Saturday, 2nd July 2016 there will be a Community Fun Day at St. James Church, Ogley Hay, Brownhills.
New Hall Mill open again this Sunday!
Theres a lovely thing to visit locally this Sunday (12th June 2016), that’s close by, free and absolutely fascinating…
Posted in cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged #365daysofbiking, 12 June, 2016, Alan Dawson, Art and Crafts day, collection, Cycle rides, Cycle Route, cycleway, cycling, Deer, History day, NCN, New Hall Mill, Newhall, off road, open days, Park, Pipe Hayes, Plants Brook, Sunday, Sutton Coldfield, Things to do, urban, urban birdlife, Valley, Water Mill, Wylde Green
Leave a comment
Pictures from the second Brownhills Big Tidy
Last Wednesday saw the second instalment of the Brownhills Big Tidy event, with Brownhills Town Centre Partnership, Tesco, Walsall Council’s Clean and Green team, Community Payback and volunteers doing more work to remove litter-trap shrubs and create bark chip beads in Brownhills.
Urgent appeal: Walsall NHS Trust looking for relatives of three patients
This is very unusual, but I think is somewhat important – this request was posted by the Communication Team at Walsall Manor Hospital Tuesday (7th June 2016) and I’d like all locals to have a think about it, and if any of you can, please do help.
Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Local History, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 1928, 1938, 1952, 2016, Aldridge, Arthur Povey, Blackpool, Family, help, Jaqueline Flood, Julie Venables, Leonard Baggott, Lichfield, Manor Hospital, Patient, releatives, request, search, Staffordshire, Walsall, Walsall Council, Wednesbury, West Midlands
2 Comments
It’ll soon be time for the 2016 Brownhills Canalside Festival
Details of this year’s Brownhills Canal Festival have kindly been supplied by The Clayhanger Kid himself, Brian Stringer – this yeart it’s Sunday, 26th June 2016.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 10am-4pm, 2016, 26 June, Barge, Boats, Brian Stringer, Brownhills, Brownhills Canoe Centre, Canal, canalside, Canoe, Clayhanger, Committee, Contach, Contact, Events, Festival, Fete, information, Local, local blogs, Marina, Narrowboat, outdoors, pageant, planning, Summer, Sunday, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
1 Comment
Your chance to get involved with the restoration of our lost canal – this Friday!
Just a quick note to point out that the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust are holding their Annual General Meeting this Friday, 10th June 2016) in Brownhills, at the Parkview Centre (the old Council House on the Miner Island), and all are welcome to attend.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2015, 5th June, AGM, Barracks Lane, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Cross City Line, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Parkview Centre, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, The Boat, Things to do, trust, Twitter, Wildlife
1 Comment
The Aldridge Men’s Shed – Open this Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday!
Just a reminder from Area Manager John Morris that the Aldridge Men’s Shed project opens it’s doors at Alrewych Court, Northgate to members of the community (gentlemen and ladies!) from tomorrow, Tuesday 7th June 2016 – then on Wednesday and Thursday, the hours being 10am-3pm.
Brownhills riding stables vandalism incidents – can you help?
An appeal reaches me from Stevie Ansell who runs the riding stables on Pelsall Road; after a fairly quiet few months, it seems the vandals are back and after a spate of incidents last week, she has the following appeal to make:
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media
Tagged 2016, appeal, Brownhills, Brownhills common, burgled, clearance, crime, Engine Lane, field, June, livery, New Photos, opened, Police, Raid, raided, Riding school, Stevie Ansell, Vandalism, Wildlife
Leave a comment
History is never easy – but many hands make light work
Andy Dennis, a long time friend and contributor to the blog has been beavering away in the background lately, not only continuing his research into what exactly Brownhills People did to earn a crust through the years (this time he tackles 1881 – last time 1861, see here) – but Andy has also finally taken the plunge and started his own blog!
Mirror, mirror
Last week I brought to the attention of readers a couple of interesting images which I used to point out the fact that you can’t always take what you see in local history books at face value.
A taste of the Klondike
Yesterday (Saturday 4th June 2016) I cycled up the A515 to the annual Steam Party event at Klondyke Mill in Draycott in the Clay, home of the North Staffordshire and Cheshire Traction Engine Club – It’s an event I often go to; quintessentially British, it’s a feast for mechanical geeks, people watchers and vintage buffs of all stripes – and it’s running today, too.
And whose army?
Oh boy, is this a cracker – this wonderful enquiry came in yesterday from Derek Broadhurst, who’s found a very curious postcard which may shed light on the derivation of the name ‘Barracks Lane’, which is the road that funs from the A461 Lichfield Road at Sandhills, right over to the A5 Watling Street, east of Newtown.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged Army, barracks, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Crestacre, factory, Farm, Horse, Huts, Ice Cream, Isolation Hospital, Lane, Lichfield, Liz Wellington, local blogs, Local History, Maddever, Nursery, Old maps, Pelari, Redevelopment, Selwyn Smith, Shire Oak, Springhills, Staffordshire, Stonnall, Things to do, UDC
13 Comments
Bar staff still required at the Chase Inn, Brownhills
Kim Savage from The Chase Inn at Newtown, Brownhills has been in touch to ask if I’d advertise the fact that she’s looking for bar stuff at the popular local pub.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 2016, A5, ale, bar staff, Brownhills, Cider, Cleaner, Events, Facebook, Kim Savage, Lichfield, May, Newtown, Pubs, Real, required, scrumpy, Staffordshire, Things to do, vacancy, Watling Street, work
Leave a comment
Chasewater Railway: award winning, and on your doorstep!
I’ve noticed in the last few days that Chasewater Railway – the little gem of a preserved industrial railway, running steam and vintage diesel trains around Chasewater Park- has won royal recognition for it’s work.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged Award, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Newsletter, Railway, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do
2 Comments
Fantastic live music at The Chase Inn this weekend!
The Chase Inn at Newtown, Brownhills goes from strength to strength – there’s not only great ale and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, but great live music most weekends, too – and there’s a great act on this weekend.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 4 June, atmosphere, bands, Brownhills, Chase Inn, Chasewater, entertainment, Events, Facebook, gig, Lichfield, live music, New Photos, Newtown, Pubs, Real Ale, Saturday, The Chase Inn, Things to do, Thunder Daze, Twitter
Leave a comment
Remembering Chasewater Stadium
Following my recent request for memories of Chasewater Stadium, I had a great contribution from long time friend of the blog Fred Butler, who has a rather interesting contribution. I’m after any ephemera or memorabilia anyone can supply, as there’s … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community
Tagged 1971, 1977, April, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Chasewater Promotions, Chasewater Stadium, Cheap tat, Derelict, Events, Fred Butler, Howmuch, International Long Track, JB Cox, Local History, MCN, motorbike, Motorcycle, Motorcycle News, Opening, planning, programme, race, Race of the Year, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Stadium, Staffordshire, Things to do, track, Trotting
5 Comments
Was it really ten years ago?
How time flies; I received news recently of tenth birthday celebrations for Brownhills Library and Parkview Centre, which opened in it’s current home, the former Council House on Brownhills Miner Island on 11th June 2006.
As old as coal?
An interesting enquiry has been sent in by Philip Cooper, and this one has me puzzled – in mining culture and history, mounted (and often polished) pieces of coal as mementoes and memorials are quite common – but there’s a very curious aspect to this I’m hoping some of the more knowledgable contributors here can help with.
Apologies – Brownhills in bloom planting event cancelled!
So sorry to announce this, but I’ve just been informed by the organisers that the planting event scheduled for tomorrow, 2nd June 2016 by Brownhills Town Centre Partnership has had to be deferred until Monday 13th June due to late arrival of the plants – sadly, this is affecting several towns in the borough and is unavoidable.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2016, Britain in Bloom, Browhills Town Centre Partnership, Brownhills, Brownhills Big Tidy Up, Brownhills Town Centre Partnership, Cancelled, Community Payback Team, Darlaston, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, planning, Princes Trust, Ravens Court, Things to do, Vandalism, Vickie Heydon-Matterface, Vivienne Aston, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Housing Group, Walsall politics
Leave a comment
RSS - Posts
