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Search Results for: andy dennis
Andy Dennis, rest in peace
I’m sad to announce the terrible news to readers that Brownhills lad, planning expert, superlative local historian and narrowboater Andy Dennis, who contributed so much to this blog, has recently passed away. Andy’s cousin, Frank Dennis announced Andy’s passing on … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
2 Comments
Honouring the local Fallen, an ongoing duty – help needed please
Hello folks – I have a very important request here from blog contributor, friend and historian David Evans who is helping a team from the Netherlands uncover the history of the forces that liberated their village of Dieteren in 1945. … Continue reading
Posted in News
4 Comments
Walsall Wood Trooper Henry Hall: A message from The Netherlands
A few weeks ago I featured a post here telling the remarkable story of a soldier from Walsall Wood – Trooper Henry Hall – who died in the liberation of Dieteren in The Netherlands from Nazi occupation, and of the … Continue reading
Posted in News
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Arthur John Craddock of Walsall Wood: Can you help, please?
This one has me in a bit of a head scratcher. Angie Barnett writes in all the way from New Zealand, referring to a gentleman I have apparently mentioned on the blog. There’s only one snag. Neither of us can … Continue reading
Posted in News
11 Comments
Can we solve the mystery of an old Ogley Hay influencer from the 60s?
A quick enquiry here from reader Ray who yesterday sent me in this headscratcher of a question which seems ideal for a Sunday. He wrote: Hi Bob I was hoping you may have information that can help me out. Whilst … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged 1964, 4a, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Events, Local History, Malcolm Kelly, Mr. Riley, New Photos, Ogley Hay, Ogley Hay Junior School, School, Staffordshire
21 Comments
So, there’s just time to say… Merry Christmas!
I’m just going to take time here to say a few words to wish all the readers, supporters and friends of the Brownhills blog – as well as those in our wider community – a very merry Christmas and a … Continue reading
Posted in News
4 Comments
Researching servicemen on the Brownhills War Memorial – can you help please?
Right, now work has slackened off a bit and I’ve got on top of other things that have been burning up my blogging time, it’s long overdue I caught up with some reader requests, and here’s a couple I had … Continue reading
Posted in News
11 Comments
Remembering Albert Stanley, M.P.
The subject of miner’s champion and Liberal Member of Parliament Albert Stanley has been a recurring theme on the blog over the years – he seems to have been a thoroughly good man who spoke up for the miners and … Continue reading
Little arrows…
Old friend of the blog Andy Dennis has been in touch from his new home in a narrowboat somewhere on the canals of the UK, I think perhaps up north somewhere – anyway, Andy has sent in a most interesting picture, which I think readers will be interested in. Continue reading
Laying some pipe
Thanks again to the continued treasure trove that is the local historian Gerald Reece and his astounding photo collection, I can now shed light on something that’s made me wonder for years – the arrangements for the modern overflow system … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared memories, Social Media, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Past, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater history, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cycle rides, cycling, Dave Fellows, Graham Evans, local blogs, Local History, nine foot, Reservoir, Staffordshire, steam engine, Steam pump, Wildlife
2 Comments
Update on recent Chasewater Dam works from Andy Dennis
There’s ongoing interest in the drainage works taking place at Chasewater Dam, and I’m indebted to reader and top blog contributor Andy Dennis who’s kindly sent me another bunch of pictures and a short video of what’s going on.
May be? Ogley Hay infants in the early 1960s
Reader Janet has sent me an absolutely gorgeous school photo from the early 1960s at Ogley Hay infants in Brownhills – from the activity and dress depicted, I think this may be a May Day celebration which I believe was customary at the school at the time?
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged 1964, 4a, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Events, Local History, Malcolm Kelly, Mr. Riley, New Photos, Ogley Hay, Ogley Hay Junior School, School, Staffordshire
9 Comments
Do you remember Joan and Les Jackson?
This original oil painting was based on a photograph, probably black and white, taken before Joan and her husband were forced to move after the house was condemned in about 1967.
Posted in News
8 Comments
Any road up?
I’ve been busy with real-world work most of this weekend, so apologies for the reduced power in transmission, but here’s the first of two interesting articles I’ve had in from Ian James, both regarding the history and physical geography of Chasewater.
We will never forget
It’s that time of year when I note Remembrance here in the UK and personally express my gratitude and concern for those who lost their lives in the service of our country – this post is one I make every year, but evolves as I think and reflect on those who paid and continue to pay a huge price for our freedom.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills local history, Conflict, Korea, Local History, Memory, Remembrance, Soldiers off the Street, Sunday, WMP
3 Comments
Feeling the bumps
As I’m catching up (and I really am now, so folks waiting for articles to be posted – hang in there, especially Lynn Lynn who’s been very patient indeed) I’m getting more local history stuff up here at last, which after all, is why most of you are here, and it’s been a long time since we did any historical physical geography.
Posted in News
6 Comments
A game of Catshill and Mouse Hill
We’ve not been doing enough local history here lately, and I’m rectifying that forthwith a remarkable article from David Evans, whose research into what could well have been the first place of worship in Brownhills is stunning.
Posted in News
12 Comments
A mystery for the narrowboat folk
Here’s one I’ve been sitting on for a couple of weeks now, but it’s about time I shared this wonderful enquiry from the startlingly prolific Andy Dennis, who’s running a great local/genealogy/history blog that’s quite frankly, showing me a clean pair of heels at the moment.
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Posted in News
9 Comments
Knitting and Nitty Nora: a wartime schooling in Brownhills
The local history has been a bit patchy of late, thanks to a bit of a rash of news stories and the fact that I’ve been working very long hours – but I have a real treat today that’s come in from David Evans written by longstanding contributor and friend of the blog Pat Lynk.
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Staffordshire County Council issue statement on Chasewater Dam works currently ongoing
I’ve been asked by more than a few people this week what’s going on with Chasewater Dam – in the last few weeks water levels have been lowered and traffic blocked from the dam road; crews and equipment have been working on apparent drainage works.
Getting at the engines!
Following his donation of the picture of his uncle Frank training for a trotting race last week, friend of the blog Andy Dennis has been thinking more about his uncle, who lived in Brownhills for most of his life – it seems Frank was a very skilled man.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged Andy Dennis, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Castle Street, Events, Fleet Air Arm, Frank, Harlech, Local History, Machrihanish, Mystery, New Photos, RAF
2 Comments
Ogley Hay Class 4A, 1963
A lovely photo comes in via reader Malcolm Kelly, who’s dug out an excellent photo of Class 4A at Ogley Hay junior Schooling 1963, and is wondering if readers can help with the faces he can’t recall?
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged 1964, 4a, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Events, Local History, Malcolm Kelly, Mr. Riley, New Photos, Ogley Hay, Ogley Hay Junior School, School, Staffordshire
11 Comments
A case of the trots!
A great image has come in from friend of the blog and long time contributor Andy Dennis, who’s dug out this fascinating picture of a once prominent local sport that used to take place in Brownhills.
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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, Andy Dennis, April, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Chasewater Promotions, Chasewater Stadium, Cheap tat, Derelict, Events, 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
17 Comments
What’s my age again?
Andy Dennis, a longstanding contributor and friend of the blog continues his painstaking analysis of the 1861 census results for Brownhills, this time looking at the age distribution of the population at the time of the census.
The staff of William Harrison in 1944 – life during wartime
Long time supporter, friend of the blog and prodigious local historian Andy Dennis continues to generate a huge amount of material which he’s kind enough to share both on this blog and his own.
A given name?
Andy Dennis, a longstanding contributor and friend of the blog has been continuing his painstaking research into the data presented by the 1861 census, this time considering the names of Brownhills residents.
Peace at last – a Christmas message from The Brownhills Blog
Hey you lot – Brownhills Blog readers, browsers, information seekers, contributors, friends: have a great Christmas, and I wish you a happy, prosperous and peaceful 2017.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged 2015, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Christmas, Cycle rides, cycling, Greetings, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, Politics, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
18 Comments
2017 New Year Quiz – the results are in!
Hi folks – the quiz is over – sorry, I seem to have made it too hard this year.
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Posted in News
9 Comments
Howdley Doody?
A really quick question that a reader raised in the week I’m having trouble finding anything out about, so if readers can help that’s be really wonderful.
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Posted in News
12 Comments
Christmas, 1957 – but who’s that girl?
As anyone who reads my other channels will know its been a hard week, and frankly, I’ve been too knackered to properly manage the blog – sorry for the lack of content over the last week and thanks for bearing with me.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged 1957, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Events, Kathleen Martin, Kathleen Schnabel, Local History, Mystery, nativity, New Photos, Ogley Hay, play, School, Staffordshire
1 Comment
For the wars fought, and those still fighting
It’s that time of year when I note Remembrance here in the UK and personally express my gratitude and concern for those who lost their lives in the service of our country – this post is one I make every … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills local history, Conflict, Korea, Local History, Memory, Remembrance, Soldiers off the Street, Sunday, WMP
3 Comments
Wolves at the door
I’m having the IT builders in this weekend, so posts are a bit scattergun as I move things, fix them up and reinstall them, so please bear with me – but helpfully, the blog regulars in the form of the young David Evans, Pedro Cutler, Andy Dennis and dear old Reg Fullelove have supplied lots of material to tide us through.
Posted in Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 1975, Art Gallery, David Evans, gallery, local blogs, Local History, Old pictures, Reg Fullelove, Staffordshire, Tarmac, Wolverhampton, year of achitecture
1 Comment
Gainful employment
Also busy with the research at the moment is long-time contributor to the blog Andy Dennis, who’s been applying himself to the question of what occupations Brownhills residents had in 1861, and how that compares to today. This research is … Continue reading
Where does the water go? Find out this Saturday!
An interesting history walk is taking place this Saturday, 7th May at Chasewater, entitled ‘Where does the water go?’ which takes a look at how the dam infrastructure functions, and some of the industrial history of Anglesey Basin and surrounds.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2016, 7 May, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Countryside, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, guided walks, Rangers, Reservoir, Shared media, Staffordshire, Things to do, whats on, Where does the water go, Wildlife
2 Comments
HSBC branch in Brownhills to close in November
I’m sad to report that the last High Street Bank bank in Brownhills, HSBC will close for good on Friday, 25th November 2016 – this comes amidst the slump in the use of High Street branches caused by online and telephone banking, and the general woes of the bank in general – HSBC has closed over 100 branches already this year.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2016, 25 November, bank, Barclays, branch, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Cheap tat, close, Closure, Derelict, Events, Facebook, HSBC, Lichfield, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, planning, Politics, Pubs, retail development, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
8 Comments
Miss Hall’s girls
by reader Mandy Cockram, whose mother went to Ogley Hay Girls School in Brownhills in the e
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged Andy Dennis, Barbara Dennis, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chase Terrace, Country Dancing, Events, Local History, New Photos, Ogley Hay, Pedro Cutler, Peter Cutler, School, Staffordshire
6 Comments
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!
Bramble wine’s orff, sir!
In a welcome change from the constant stream of Parish Notices this week (sorry, it’s just like that sometimes), I thought I’d share this wonderful contribution from long term friend of the blog Andy Dennis, who yesterday inspired me to go check out Chasewater on the way home, as it’s currently full to overflowing.
Circling Ravens
I’ve been meaning to write on the subject of Ravens court for probably more than a year now – but quite simply, I have nothing to constructively add about the derelict, decaying shopping precinct in the centre of Brownhills – the Council still press on in taking legal action against it’s owners, and we’re still left with a blot on our town.
Posted in News
19 Comments
Able Seaman John Thomas Faunch mystery solved – thanks for your help!
I know I keep banging on about it, but the community and helpfulness exhibited by both contributors and readers of this blog never cease to amaze me – and yesterday, on the question of lost Brownhills Seaman John Thomas Faunch, you surpassed yourselves.
2016 New Year Quiz results
Well, this year’s quiz is complete, and we have winners – thanks for taking part, being good sports and for persevering with what were, on reflection, very tough questions!
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2016, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, Events, Lichfield, Local History, New Photos, New Year, prize, quiz, results, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Wood, winners
7 Comments
Heinz 47?
Here’s an intriguing bit of offbeat local history from blog stalwart Andy Dennis, relating to a friendship his father, Derrick Dennis developed immediately following the war, during military service.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged 1947, Andy Dennis, Berlin Wall, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Derrick Dennis, Events, Harlech, Heinz, Leipzig, Llanbedr, Local History, Mystery, New Photos, POW, RAF, Staffordshire, Tangmere, VE Day
9 Comments
We finally made it to Christmas…
I’d like to wish all blog readers, contributors and friends a merry Christmas and a very happy, peaceful and prosperous new year – may 2016 bring all you hope for.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged 2015, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Christmas, Cycle rides, cycling, Greetings, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, Politics, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
15 Comments
Illuminating Ray – one for the researchers?
I have here an excellent enquiry for a Sunday afternoon which I feel many readers will be very, very interested in – not least Andy Dennis, if he’s passing, but maybe others concerned with the Newtown area on the Watling Street, which has been the subject of so many past articles here on the blog.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged 2015, 60's, 70's, Anglesey Arms, Avenue, Barbara, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, cinefilm, Colin Ray, David Evans, Deakin, Dorothy Emma Tunstall, dual carriageway, Film, Foxes Row, Fre, history, Howdles Lane, Lichfield, Local History, Maisonettes, Mavis Woodhouse, memories, New Photos, Newtown, Shingler, Staffordshire, The Fault, Things to do, Watling Street
21 Comments
The Old Hednesford Pit Disaster: a question of Merrit
Incisive and tenacious historian Peter ‘Pedro’ Cutler has been quietly continuing his investigations into the Old Hednesford Colliery Disaster, the 1911 accident that was brought to our attention when Reg ‘Are Reg’ Fullelove donated a poem he’d come to have in his collection to the blog.
Posted in Bad Science, Cannock Chase, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1911, Bravery, Hednesfold, Henry Merrit, Hero, heroism, inquest, journalism, Lichfield, Lichfield Mercury, local blogs, Local History, Medal, New Photos, Old, Pedro, Peter Cutler, pit disaster, Poem, Report, South Staffordshire Times, Staffordshire, Thomas Stokes
7 Comments
The men would rather starve, than work and starve…
I am very lucky indeed to have some wonderful contributors to the Brownhills Blog, who work tirelessly in the background ferreting around in local history, responding to new submissions and generally researching and writing new material based on things we’re sent.
Posted in News
14 Comments
Following the old roads
Last week, I posted the first part of Andy Dennis’s wonderful exploration of the old roads that formed our area, and received a wonderful response: here, I conclude the piece with some remarkable – and maybe contentious – research.
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Posted in News
9 Comments
The estate we’re in
I had an interesting email from reader and top local history technician Andy Dennis a couple of weeks ago that expands on a recent topic beautifully: that of William Roberts and his empire.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 1943, Andy Dennis, bagby, brewer, Brewery, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, clara, Coppice, death, deceased, Farm, Gerald Reece, inheritance, JP, Lichfield, Lichfield Mercury, Local History, Local politics, Marklew, Pedro, Peter Cutler, philanthropist, Pubs, q, sale, Staffordshire, Station Hotel, The Coppice, The Old Tommy Shop, Things to do, Tommy Shop, will, William ROberts
10 Comments
He staked his all for the miners
Today I post another great piece from Peter Cutler that I’ve had in the bag for a while – undeservedly so, for it’s important and yet again shines light on someone the more lofty local mining historians seem to have cruelly overlooks: Albert Stanley MP.
Fast and sluice
Last week, I featured the third batch of images from the Canal and River Trust Archive, of the Grove Colliery near Brownhills in the late 1950s – also revealing the archive and inviting readers to go see what they could find.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 2015, Andy Dennis, archive, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal and River Trust, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, images, Lichfield, LichfieldLive, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, photos, Reservoir, Sluice, Staffordshire, Things to do
7 Comments
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