#365daysofbiking JournalRecent tracks
Hyena - 2011 Remaster
R.E.M.
19 hours
Sleeping on Roads
Neil Halstead
2 days
Martha’s Mantra (For the Pain)
Neil Halstead
2 days
See You on Rooftops
Neil Halstead
2 days
Hi-Lo and Inbetween
Neil Halstead
2 days
Driving with Bert
Neil Halstead
2 days
Two Stones In My Pocket
Neil Halstead
2 days
Seasons
Neil Halstead
2 days
High Hopes
Neil Halstead
2 days
Dreamed I Saw Soldiers
Neil Halstead
2 daysRecent Comments
Rob on Brownhills Carnival, circa 197… Ron on Down the tubes jordankennethbird200… on Full details of upcoming 10/10… andyropes7 on Brownhills St. George’s… 10 Fabulous Ideas Fo… on Another family fun day –…
Author Archives: BrownhillsBob
Walsall – where grass cuttings and air conditioning are more important than supporting the vulnerable
I’m featuring here today an email I’ve received on a very important matter from someone whom I have a great deal of regard for – John Bird of Brownhills. John is a much respected older resident of our town and … 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 Brownhills, community alarm, local blogs, under threat, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
3 Comments
Fancy finding out more about local wildlife? You can, this afternoon!
I note that since it’s such a lovely day (or at least it seems that way after the grimness of the last couple of weeks) it would be an excellent chance to nip up to Stubbers Green with the kids, … Continue reading
Posted in News
Leave a comment
The Court of Sir Gerald and the crimefighting oss
Well, since it’s a miserable Saturday here in the Hills I thought I’d feature another gallery from the selection of wonderful photos donated to the blog by noted Brownhills historian Gerald Reece – and this set of Ravens Court is … Continue reading
Lichfield repair cafe – get together and get things fixed this afternoon!
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 afternoon (Saturday 16th March 2019) at … 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 cardigan, community, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, Fisherwick, free, Gomez, Kate Gomez, Lichfield, local blogs, Lore, Recycling, Repair and Share, Staffordshire, Things to do, WHittington, Woodhouse Farm
Leave a comment
Why not Stay and Play – at Brownhills Community Centre this morning
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 16th March 2019 from 10-11:30am. It costs just … Continue reading
Posted in News
Leave a comment
Soultime – Northern Soul and Motown Disco with DJ Leekie and pals this evening!
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, 15th March 2019 at Pelsall Community Centre, where he and a number of great … 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 18 January, 2019, Community Cnetre, entertainment, Events, Leek, leekie, Motown, Pelsall, Pete, Peter, Soul, Things to do
Leave a comment
Concerned about local crime issues? Meeting this Wednesday in Rushall
In light of recent events, there’s a very interesting meeting taking place at 7:30pm next Wednesday, 20th March 2019 – that of Rushall, Sheffield, Pelsall and Brownhills Neighbourhood Watch – and there’s a specific invitation to Brownhills residents. The meeting … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, 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 crime, Events, issues, Kevin Pitt, meeting, neighbourhood watch, Newsletter, Rushall, SPringfields, stuff to do, Things to do
Leave a comment
Can you identify these men? Walsall Police would like to hear from you
There’s been a working number of distraction burglaries and bogus caller scams locally lately, which is why I’m drawing to readers attention this appeal by Walsall Police posted yesterday (Tuesday 12th March 2019) – it involves a distraction burglary in … Continue reading
There’s a disco at the Motivation Hub soon for adults with additional needs
It’s good to see the Moivation Hub in Walsall Wood going from strength to strength – this wonderful facility for those with learning disabilities or other special needs fills a real local gap in provision and provides a warm, safe … Continue reading
Posted in News
Leave a comment
Help with the Brownhills Spring Clean this weekend!
There’s a community spring clean event taking place in Brownhills this weekend on Saturday morning 16th March 2019 from 10:00am and all are welcome – kit provided! This is being run by local lady Kathryn Grace and a band of … Continue reading
There’s a great autism support group meeting in Brownhills today and every Tuesday!
Just a heads up to let folk know that there’s a popular and regular autism support group meeting in Brownhills every Tuesday lunchtime from 1:30-2:30pm at the Smithy’s Forge pub, Lichfield Road, Brownhills, just off the Miner Island. For parents, … Continue reading
Posted in News
Leave a comment
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
The Brownhills Canalside Festival is reborn in 2019 – and it looks magnificent
Absolutely terrific news and a huge raspberry to the naysayers – the successful and sadly missed Brownhills Canalside Festival is full steam ahead for a huge revival in May 2019 by the Birmingham Canal Navigations Society who are planning to … 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, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community
Tagged 2019, Brownhillls, Brownhills, Canal, Clayhanger, Details, Events, Festival, Live, required, stalls, Things to do, traders
2 Comments
A great toy and train collectors fair at Oak Park this Sunday
Here’s one I’ve been meaning to catch for a while, but always seem to miss somehow – the periodic Toy and Train Collectors Fair at Oak Park Leisure Centre, Walsall Wood. This one runs this Sunday, 10th March 2019 from … Continue reading
Walsall Wood FC v Dunkirk away this afternoon!
Saturday 9th March 2019 Walsall Wood travel to Nottingham Walsall Wood v Dunkirk Ron Steel Sports Ground Lenton Lane Nottingham Nottinghamshire NG7 2SA Don’t break your Wood vows, be there, be faithful to your local heroes 3:00pm kickoff Please get behind your … 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 2019, 9 March, away, Dunkirk, Events, FC, football, Footy, Good of the Wood, Oak Park, Saturday, soccer, Things to do, Walsall Wood, Walsall WOod FC
Leave a comment
Why not Stay and Play – at Brownhills Community Centre this morning
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 March 2019 from 10-11:30am. It costs just … Continue reading
Posted in News
Leave a comment
We’m gooin up Norton Pewul!
In the last few days there has been a lot of interest in the subject of Chasewater in the old days – when Brownhills Urban District Council ran it as an amusement park, which was sadly, ultimately unsuccessful. Many of … Continue reading
Lichfield Waterworks Trust March 2019 public meeting next Monday
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that next Monday evening, 11th March 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 11 March, 2019, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, heritage, Kate Gomez, lecture, Lichfield, Lichfield Discovered, Lichfield Waterworks Trust, local blogs, Local History, Lore, meeting, Monday, Moore, pub, Sandfields, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do
Leave a comment
The Brownhills Christmas Tree fund has started!
Further to the very successful public meeting regarding the plan by great friend of the blog Susan Forster to raise funds for a Christmas tree for Brownhills this year, an appeal page has been set up and is already doing … Continue reading
Posted in News
Leave a comment
The one that didn’t get away
Just a quick one I’ve been meaning to dig out for a week or more, following the ongoing interest in the monster of Norton Pool as detailed here a few weeks ago. Most focus seemed to be on the monster … Continue reading
Posted in News
3 Comments
There’s a great autism support group meeting in Brownhills today and every Tuesday!
Just a heads up to let folk know that there’s a popular and regular autism support group meeting in Brownhills every Tuesday lunchtime from 1:30-2:30pm at the Smithy’s Forge pub, Lichfield Road, Brownhills, just off the Miner Island. For parents, … Continue reading
Posted in News
Leave a comment
Good news: Ashley Hammerton Challener home safe and well!
Great news everyone! Lynne Challener has been in touch to tell me that Ashley has just (this morning, 4th March 2019) returned home following going missing on Friday evening. Lynne says he’s OK but hungry. Thanks to all who went … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 1 March, 2019, appeal, Ashley, Brownhills, Challener, Events, Facebook, Hammerton, Lichfield, Lost, missing, New Photos, Police, Shelfield, teenager, Things to do, Twitter
2 Comments
The lost Brownhills tramway: Did they give a dam?
The mystery over the long lost tramway that is thought to have followed the route of The Parade over Brownhills Common in the 1800s continues today, as I feature another article from Ian Pell, who’s really got stuck in to … Continue reading
The bridges of Brownhills county…
Lately, I’ve been featuring a selection of wonderful photos from the collection of well-respected Brownhills historian Gerald Reece, which he’s kindly allowed David Evans to scan and share with readers here on the blog. Earlier this week, we featured a … Continue reading
Walsall Wood away to Stourport Swifts this afternoon!
This afternoon, Saturday 2nd March 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
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 away, boxing day, Events, FC, football, Footy, Good of the Wood, Oak Park, soccer, Stourport Swifts, Things to do, Walsall Wood, Walsall WOod FC
Leave a comment
Why not Stay and Play – at Brownhills Community Centre this morning
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 March 2019 from 10-11:30am. It costs just … Continue reading
Posted in News
Leave a comment
Can you help with the Brownhills Spring Clean? It’s coming soon!
I see from the local grapevine that there’s a community spring clean event going on in Brownhills in a couple of weeks on Saturday morning 16th March 2019 from 10:00am and all are welcome – kit provided! This is being … Continue reading
Bogus gardener strikes in Brownhills West stealing cash and bank cards
Walsall Police have issued an alert today via the excellent WMNow service to say that the bogus gardener distraction burglar is operating again. The latest incident took place in Hednesford Road, Brownhills West but it’s worth flagging up with elderly … Continue reading
Young boy taken to hospital following suspected hit and run incident in Brownhills High Street.
The air ambulance was called this afternoon to an incident in Brownhills High Street when a two ear old was hit by a van in what is suspected to be a hit and run incident. The boy sustained a head … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Uncategorized, Walsall community
Tagged 2019, 26 February, Accident, Brownhills, collision, public safety, RTA, toddler, Walsall Police, West Midlands Police
Under the bridge
Another quick one from the huge number of images generously donated to the blog by Sir Gerald of Reece recently, and this time we have an image of somewhere familiar to all of us, but I bet the folk from … Continue reading
There’s a great autism support group meeting in Brownhills today and every Tuesday!
Just a heads up to let folk know that there’s a popular and regular autism support group meeting in Brownhills every Tuesday lunchtime from 1:30-2:30pm at the Smithy’s Forge pub, Lichfield Road, Brownhills, just off the Miner Island. For parents, … Continue reading
Posted in News
Leave a comment
Looking for a local folk musician from the early 70s…
A quick enquiry here from reader Ann Horrell who’s looking for an acquaintance who she believes lived at Little Wyrley Hall in the early 1970s. Ann wrote: I am looking for a man that lived in Little Warley Hall in … Continue reading
Posted in News
12 Comments
Please look out for this stolen motorbike taken last night from central Brownhills
Hey folks – please be on the lookout for the above stolen motorbike, taken last night/this morning (23-24 February 2019) from the Watermead Estate, just by B&M in Brownhills. The bike, as shown above is a Leximoto 125 registration BL16FLC, and … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged BK17VBF, Brownhills, Events, Josh Anderton, Lichfield, mtorbike, New Photos, September 1, Stolen, taken, Theft, Things to do, Twitter, Walsall Wood, Yamaha
Leave a comment
Woodmen prove the equal of Westfields
Yesterday afternoon (23rd February 2019), Walsall Wood F.C. finally had a match at home following a few weeks away, having a looser schedule this year to help cover any bad weather. The Woodmen held their own against Hereford’s Westfields, coming away … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2019, 23 February, David Evans, draw, Events, FC, football, Footy, Good of the Wood, Hereford, home, match review, Report, result, soccer, support, Things to do, Walsall Wood, Walsall WOod FC, Westfields
Leave a comment
Finally a match: Walsall Wood FC at home to Westfields this afternoon!
Saturday 23rd February 2019 After weeks without a home match, the boys are back in town – and what’s more it’s a crunch league match! The Wood are at home! Walsall Wood FC versus Westfields Kick off is 3:00pm Hopefully, a 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 2019, 23 February, Events, FC, football, Footy, Good of the Wood, home, Oak Park, soccer, Things to do, Walsall Wood, Walsall WOod FC, Westfields
Leave a comment
Why not Stay and Play – at Brownhills Community Centre this morning
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 23rd February 2019 from 10-11:30am. It costs just … Continue reading
Posted in News
Leave a comment
Looking for Les Hudson, please
Hey up – an interesting enquiry here I’m hoping readers can help with regarding a gentleman who served in the army, and married a lady from the Avenues in Brownhills. Old pal Fred Seabury is trying to trace Les Hudson … Continue reading
Posted in News
Leave a comment
Soultime – Northern Soul and Motown Disco with DJ Leekie and pals tonight!
Late notice from Leekie, but he’s been in touch to let me know that he’s DJing his semi-regular Soultime event at Pelsall Community Centre this evening, 22nd February 2019 at Pelsall Community Centre, where he and a number of great … 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 18 January, 2019, Community Cnetre, entertainment, Events, Leek, leekie, Motown, Pelsall, Pete, Peter, Soul, Things to do
1 Comment
1987: The end of a landmark
I’ve long been interested here in the lost chemical works in Brownhills that once produced tar and cleaning chemicals, and latterly scrapped old aeroplanes and military waste for the valuable metal alloys they contained. The adjacent area of canal has … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged Bobdcuk, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Scrapyard, Canal, Cheap tat, Derelict, foundry, Local History, New Photos, Staffordshire, Super Alloys, Superalloys, typhoon, Vandalism, war scrap, Wildcat, york wings
8 Comments
Urgent help needed with the Daffodil Appeal in Brownhills…
I have an important and urgent request here from reader Julie Gray who is staging a collection for Marie Curie cancer care this Sunday, 24th February 2019 at Tesco in Brownhills and she needs some help if at all possible. … Continue reading
Posted in News
Leave a comment
Tree, cheers!
Here’s an important one from old pal and top Brownhills community person Susan Forster of Brownhills. Every year I receive complaints that Brownhills has no Christmas tree, the lights aren’t good enough and so forth – we even made the … Continue reading
Did you know the Kennedy family from Occupation Road?
An odd little one here that’s come to me from a reader who has received a letter from a firm of Lincolnshire solicitors who are trying to locate members of the Kennedy family who may at some point have been … Continue reading
Posted in News
Leave a comment
Another Brownhills XI
A reminder to readers who may remember Brownhills Cricket Club that Dave Slatcher is still looking for former member s to hold a reunion some point in the future. As an incentive, former Brownhills cricketer and local teacher Eryl Powell … Continue reading
Close to the wall – but where?
A quick mystery for a Saturday: This image was found in the whole wedge of stuff generously donated to the blog by Sir Gerald of Reece recently, and the young David Evans is very puzzled by it. I’ll be honest, … Continue reading
Don’t tell him pike!
Over the years, writing a great deal about Chasewater, I’ve become used to hearing the recounted mythology of the lake north of Brownhills. One legend says excess bombs were dropped there during the war, another that it was covered at … Continue reading
Posted in News
15 Comments
Don’t miss Walsall Wood away at South Normanton Athletic this afternoon!
Saturday 16h February 2019 After a two-week break in the schedule to allow for bad weather… Walsall Wood FC away to South Normanton Athletic FC Don’t break your Wood vows be there and be faithful to your local heroes! 3:00pm kickoff Please come … 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 16 bFebruary, 2019, away, Events, FC, football, Footy, Good of the Wood, Saturday, soccer, South Normanton Athletic, Things to do, Walsall Wood
Leave a comment
Why not Stay and Play – at Brownhills Community Centre this morning
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 16th February 2019 from 10-11:30am. It costs just … Continue reading
Posted in News
Leave a comment
The weather may be mild but you can get Frozen in Brownhills this Saturday!
There’s a great sing-along showing of kid’s cult classic animated film Frozen this Saturday afternoon (16th February 2019) in the cinema right at the heart of Brownhills: The Lamp, at Brownhills Community Centre. It kicks off at 1:30pm and you … Continue reading
Posted in News
Leave a comment
