Author Archives: BrownhillsBob

A military parade – but what, where and when?

Posted on November 10, 2019

Also apposite for the day, this single image from the immense pile of material donated to the blog by Sir Gerald of Reece – and I must say, it has the better of us. A military parade featuring what appear … Continue reading →

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What was (nearly) lost…

Posted on November 10, 2019

Here’s a little local Remembrance history, appropriate for the day I think. David Evans sent this article to me a week or so ago regarding two rolls of honour he’d been very kindly donated by local lady Gladys Preece. The … Continue reading →

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Fancy finding out more about local wildlife? You can, this afternoon!

Posted on November 10, 2019

I note that since we’ve finally got a decent day it would be an excellent chance to nip up to Stubbers Green with the kids, grandkids of even just by yourself and chat to the Swan Patrol. The Patrol are … Continue reading →

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To stand, and to remember

Posted on November 10, 2019

Today, Sunday 10th November 2019, is Remembrance Sunday when the people of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth come together to remember those who served, and those serving our country. Not only the ones who paid the ultimate, awful price of … 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 , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Fancy a ramble with a popular local historian? A great Christmas gift idea…

Posted on November 9, 2019

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 … Continue reading →

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Why not Stay and Play for longer – at Brownhills Community Centre this morning

Posted on November 9, 2019

If you’ve a child or children under 4 years of age, there is a great Stay and Play session running at Brownhills Community Centre in the heart of Brownhills this Saturday morning 9th November 2019 from 10-12pm – note the … Continue reading →

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Details of 2019 local Remembrance events – live list

Posted on November 8, 2019

This post is pinned to the top until Sunday – new material will appear below. Remembrance Sunday 2011 Aldridge, by Andrew Watson, posted in his Flickr photo stream. Following my request for information to make a list of local Remembrance … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Aldridge Shed – Open days this Friday and Saturday

Posted on November 7, 2019

Just a quick note that the Aldridge Shed project opens its doors at Alrewych Court, Northgate to members of the community (gentlemen and ladies!) tomorrow, Friday 8th and Saturday 9th November 2019 from 10am-2pm. You can pop in, have a … Continue reading →

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Police appeal following hit and run in Lindon Road

Posted on November 5, 2019

As many of you will know, there has been a hit and run road traffic collision on the Brownhills -Walsall Wood border at Lindon Road by the old Wheel Inn yesterday evening  (4th November 2019) at around 7:30pm. A man … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Brownhills very own autism support group meets this lunchtime in a new home

Posted on November 5, 2019

Just a heads up to let folk know that the popular local autism support group ‘Supporting the Rainbow’ is meeting today (Tuesday 5th November 2019) – and there have been some changes as now the group is inaugurated as a … Continue reading →

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AA group meetings in Brownhills off to a good start…

Posted on November 4, 2019

Here’s an important one – Brownhills has started its own Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings at Silver Street Methodist Church in Silver Street, Brownhills that take place this and every Tuesday (5th November 2019) from 7:30pm until 9pm. I’m told the … Continue reading →

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What stopped the merging of Aldridge and Brownhills? Muck and bullets!

Posted on November 3, 2019

Today I thought I’d share a gem again found in the British Newspaper Archive by the young David Evans who has finally found proof of what many of us who were kids in this area already knew – there was … Continue reading →

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2019 local Remembrance events – still making a list – can you help please?

Posted on November 3, 2019

This is just a quick request for help – in past years, we have crowdsourced from readers a list of local Remembrance parades and events taking place throughout the area, that was popular and useful to many of the readership. A … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Walsall Wood FC bonfire and fireworks event this evening

Posted on November 3, 2019

If you’re looking for an a great, family focussed and fun bonfire party, here’s a great event this evening (Sunday 3rd November 2019) at the Walsall Wood Football Club Ground, Oak Park, Walsall Wood, kicking off at 5:00pm. 🎇🔥BONFIRE NIGHT AT … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Fancy finding out more about local wildlife? You can, this afternoon!

Posted on November 3, 2019

I note that since the rain seems to be clearing it would be an excellent chance to nip up to Stubbers Green with the kids, grandkids or even just by yourself and chat to the Swan Patrol. The Patrol are … Continue reading →

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MATCH OFF! Walsall Wood at home to Uttoxeter this afternoon

Posted on November 2, 2019

Sadly called off due to poor weather GAME OFF Folks sorry@UttoxeterTownFC @TheWoodTV @sy968 @BrownhillsBob — Walsall Wood FC (@WalsallWoodFC) November 2, 2019 Walsall Wood’s famous stand and the hearty welcome the club is famous for.Image kindly supplied by David Evans.1 … Continue reading →

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Why not Stay and Play for longer – at Brownhills Community Centre this morning

Posted on November 2, 2019

If you’ve a child or children under 4 years of age, there is a great Stay and Play session running at Brownhills Community Centre in the heart of Brownhills this Saturday morning 2nd November 2019 from 10-12pm – note the … Continue reading →

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Fancy a Parkrun at Chasewater this Saturday morning?

Posted on November 1, 2019

I know we have a lot of running folk amongst the readership, and in the mass of volunteer, community organised stuff in recent years, one of the most impressive demonstrations of this has been the growth of the free, Saturday … Continue reading →

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Bogus gardeners still operating in Brownhills – be vigilant

Posted on November 1, 2019

Reader Andy from Shire Oak has been in touch who is very concerned and upset that his mother has been again conned by bogus ‘gardeners’ who claimed to have undertaken gardening for her and then charged an extortionate fee. Andy said: … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community | Leave a comment

Trick or Treat Halloween party at Beaudesert this Thursday

Posted on October 30, 2019

Not had many halloween events and activities flagged up this year which is a shame – but I did spot this one which looks fun. The Chase at night is wonderfully spooky and in the safe environment of Beaudesert Activity … Continue reading →

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Bonfire and Fireworks Spectacular at Hammerwich Cricket Club this Saturday

Posted on October 30, 2019

Quite a few bonfire events this weekend – one of them being the legendary Hammerwich  Cricket Club Bonfire and Fireworks Spectacular. It takes place on Saturday evening 2nd November 2019 and is always a great night out and the weather … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Big Bounce family fun day today at Oak Park!

Posted on October 29, 2019

Just a headsup to point out there’s a Big Bounce family fun day taking place at Oak Park Active Living Centre, Walsall Wood WS9 9BH today, Tuesday 29th October 2019 – if you can’t make it today, there are identical … Continue reading →

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Ogley Hay Juniors Football Team, 1963

Posted on October 27, 2019

Another great Ogley School image was sent to me a couple of days ago by reader Malcolm Kelly, who was reading my post last week regarding the mystery of the name of a forgotten teacher, and took part in the … Continue reading →

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Heart bypass

Posted on October 27, 2019

I’m a bit busy today but one of the things I’ve come across in the Newspaper Archive deserves sharing here: A bizarre proposal in 1964 to tear up Brownhills Common in order to construct a bypass to relieve traffic on … Continue reading →

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Coming soon – Aldridge fireworks event!

Posted on October 26, 2019

  Another fireworks event coming up next weekend that looks a much better value affair than Walsall Council’s gigs this year will be taking place next Saturday 2nd November 2019 at Aldridge Stick and Wicket Club, The Green, Aldridge. Gates … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Walsall Cats Protection Autumn Bazaar today

Posted on October 26, 2019

If you follow my 365daysofbiking journal or have me on social media, you’ll know I have a great fondness for cats, for which I make no apology. I note that today, October 26th 2019, Walsall Borough Cats Protection have an … Continue reading →

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Walsall Wood away to Stourport Swifts this afternoon!

Posted on October 26, 2019

This afternoon, Saturday 26th October 2019 The Wood are away on their travels again! Walsall Wood FC versus Stourport Swifts FC Walshes Meadow Stourport on Severn Worcestershire DY13 0AA Kickoff 3pm Hopefully, a match report will follow… For the Good of … Continue reading →

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Why not Stay and Play – at Brownhills Community Centre this morning

Posted on October 26, 2019

If you’ve a child or children under 4 years of age, there is a great Stay and Play session running at Brownhills Community Centre in the heart of Brownhills this Saturday morning 26th October 2019 from 10-11:30am. It costs just … Continue reading →

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Fancy a Parkrun at Chasewater this Saturday morning?

Posted on October 25, 2019

I know we have a lot of running folk amongst the readership, and in the mass of volunteer, community organised stuff in recent years, one of the most impressive demonstrations of this has been the growth of the free, Saturday … Continue reading →

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2019 local Remembrance events – let’s make a list – can you help please?

Posted on October 24, 2019

This is just a quick request for help – in past years, we have crowdsourced from readers a list of local Remembrance parades and events taking place throughout the area, that was popular and useful to many of the readership. I’d … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Details of Walsall Wood FC bonfire and fireworks event now available!

Posted on October 23, 2019

If you’re looking for an alternative to the frankly extortionate Walsall Council bonfire and fireworks event at Holland Park this year, there’s a great event at the Walsall Wood Football Club Ground, Oak Park, Walsall Wood on Sunday 3rd November … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Brownhills very own autism support group meets this lunchtime in a new home

Posted on October 22, 2019

Just a heads up to let folk know that the popular local autism support group ‘Supporting the Rainbow’ is meeting today (Tuesday 22nd October 2019) – and there have been some changes as now the group is inaugurated as a … Continue reading →

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New AA group meetings in Brownhills starting soon

Posted on October 21, 2019

Here’s an important one – Brownhills is starting its own Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings at Silver Street Methodist Church in Silver Street, Brownhills beginning Tuesday 29th October 2019 from 7:30pm until 9pm. All are welcome. Parking is free, the venue … Continue reading →

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When Amy Turtle silenced the skinheads at Chasewater

Posted on October 20, 2019

You all know I’m fascinated by Chasewater and it’s history – but there’s a period of history that’s not too well documented or understood, and is full of myth and foggy reality: The Amusement Park era from the 60s.  At … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Can we solve the mystery of an old Ogley Hay influencer from the 60s?

Posted on October 20, 2019

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 , , , , , , , , , , , , | 21 Comments

Woodmen fight hard to send Leicester up the road in last minute nailbiter

Posted on October 20, 2019

Photos kindly supplied by Simon Evans Walsall Wood FC last weekend (Saturday 12th September 2019) ventured out to Leicester Road FC, hopefully to continue their unbeaten run – but the Leicester lads had other ideas, and a spirited, nailbiting match … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

2019 Autumn Leaves Running Day at Aldridge Transport Museum this Sunday

Posted on October 19, 2019

  This Sunday 20th October 2019 it’s the annual ‘Autumn Leaves’ running day at Aldridge Transport Museum, when you can ride vintage and classic busses for free, browse stalls, admire classic and vintage cars, explore the museum – and visit … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Lichfield repair cafe October meet up – get together and get things fixed this Saturday!

Posted on October 19, 2019

Never one to sit back and let life pass her by, that there Kate Cardigan from the wonderful Lichfield Lore is involved with the excellent Lichfield Repair Cafe project – which continues it’s regular residency this Saturday afternoon (Saturday 19th October 2019) … Continue reading →

Posted in Churches, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Walsall Wood away at Coventry Sphinx this afternoon!

Posted on October 19, 2019

This afternoon, Saturday 19th October 2019 The Wood are away to Coventry Sphinx! Sphinx Drive, off Siddeley Avenue, Stoke, Coventry, CV3 1WA Kick off is 3:00pm Hopefully, a match report will follow… For the Good of the Wood! Check out Walsall Wood … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Followups, 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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Why not Stay and Play – at Brownhills Community Centre this morning

Posted on October 19, 2019

If you’ve a child or children under 4 years of age, there is a great Stay and Play session running at Brownhills Community Centre in the heart of Brownhills this Saturday morning 19th October 2019 from 10-11:30am. It costs just … Continue reading →

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Fancy a Parkrun at Chasewater this Saturday morning?

Posted on October 18, 2019

I know we have a lot of running folk amongst the readership, and in the mass of volunteer, community organised stuff in recent years, one of the most impressive demonstrations of this has been the growth of the free, Saturday … Continue reading →

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Community litter pick in Walsall Wood this Saturday morning!

Posted on October 18, 2019

I know folk always complain they never caught notice of these, so this is just a note to say there’s a community litter pick this Saturday morning in Walsall Wood, organised by the fab Walsall Wood Wombles group. Tomorrow, Saturday 19th … Continue reading →

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Soultime October – Northern Soul and Motown Disco with DJ Leekie and pals tonight!

Posted on October 18, 2019

The inimitable soul DJ Leekie has been in touch to let me know that he’s DJing his regular Soultime event at Pelsall Community Centre this evening, Friday 18th October 2019 at Pelsall Community Centre, where he and a number of … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Don’t forget there’s a Navy Cadet Force Open Day in Clayhanger this Saturday

Posted on October 17, 2019

Just a heads up that the local Navy Cadet Force – T.S. Vigo based in Clayhanger at the Community Centre in Church Street – are having an Open Day this Saturday, 19th October 2019. There will be loads of family … Continue reading →

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Stuart Williams – goodbye my friend

Posted on October 16, 2019

It is my sad duty to share the news with readers here that yesterday afternoon, Tuesday 15th October 2019, fellow local blogger, friend of the Brownhills Blog, total geek and dedicated local historian Stuart Williams passed away following a period … Continue reading →

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Why not come meet Walsall Humanists this Wednesday evening in their new venue!

Posted on October 15, 2019

Here’s a quick plug for Lichfield, Walsall and South Staffordshire Humanists – a philosophical debating group – who have their quarterly meeting this Wednesday 16th  October 2019 at their new home – the Walsall Arms pub, 17 Bank Street, WS1 … Continue reading →

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Lichfield Waterworks Trust October 2019 public meeting takes place this evening

Posted on October 13, 2019

Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that this evening, Monday 14th September 2019 there will be the monthly Public Meeting of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of Sandfields … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

On Annie Thomas, and Friezland Lane Working Men’s Club…

Posted on October 13, 2019

In my neglectful absence, David Evans has been busy gathering material as he does, and he sent me the following, very generous and lovely photographic donation from local lady Shirley Downes regarding Annie Thomas. Now I believe Annie was a … Continue reading →

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When it was all different

Posted on October 13, 2019

After a frighteningly busy few weeks which have left me tired and unable to do as much as I’d like on the blog, it’s nice to get back onto a bit of local history, which let’s not forget, is the … Continue reading →

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Fancy finding out more about local wildlife? You can, this afternoon!

Posted on October 13, 2019

I note that since the rain seems to be clearing it would be an excellent chance to nip up to Stubbers Green with the kids, grandkids of even just by yourself and chat to the Swan Patrol. The Patrol are … Continue reading →

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