I’ve been contacted in the last few days by local historian, friend of the blog and top lad Clive Roberts who tells me that his latest book, ‘Ramblings of a Local Historian’ is still available, but is selling out fast – so be quick if you want a copy.

This would make an excellent Christmas gift for anyone into local history – but could be a great memory jogger for older folks in your life whit memories of Brownhills and Walsall Wood, and a great talking point to introduce our history to the youngsters.

Clive has previously written excellent and sought after books on Shire Oak, Walsall Wood and Brownhills. He comments and contributes frequently here on the blog and is a stalwart of the local history community.

Clive says he still has a few copies of the second pub book available too.

In this work, Clive covers a diverse range of subjects – including a lost canal wharf in Brownhills I knew nothing about, some great info on Manchester House in Brownhills High Street and the book is packed with photos and archive material.

Clive wrote and published parts one and two of the pubs of Brownhills over the last two years, which have proven a great success, and this book continues Clive’s painstaking and fascinating work.

I know Clive also sells by eBay and can pop copies on there if requested.

Clive wrote:

Hello Bob and readers of the blog.

Just a reminder that my latest book is still available, but there aren’t may left.

The book is on sale at Brownhills Library. The book covers mainly Brownhills; there’s a bit on Clayhanger; Pelsall; and Walsall Wood also.

Price: £8 each and there’s 59 pages.

I also often have them for sale on eBay, and hopefully shortly at Chasewater Railway Museum.

When they’re gone they’re gone, so please get in quick!

Best wishes
Clive L. Roberts

Clive’s previous works have garnered him a great reputation for well researched, engaging local history writing that uncovers detail that others may well miss. They are written in a friendly, conversational style and are an absolute treat.

If you have any questions or observations for Clive, please do comment here or mail me: BrownhillsBob at  Googlemail dot com, and I’ll draw them to his attention.

I wish Clive all the best – this is a fantastic book!