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Category Archives: Bad Science
Diminishing returns
Shocking new information has come to light over the figures quoted in the Walsall Council internal ‘Working Smarter’ film I shared a couple of weeks ago. This video is about an ongoing project to ‘streamline’ working methods at the authority.
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Posted in Bad Science, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Adrian Andrew, Allowances, Civic Centre, cuts, eight, Events, Gareth Illmann-Walker, Local politics, Mike Bird, million, New Photos, Politics, Redevelopment, refurb, Savings, Silly, Smarter Workplaces Programme, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Waste, Youtube
8 Comments
Benefits drop-in clinics today and tomorrow!
Changes to Welfare Benefits We are holding a drop in clinic for people who want help and advice about the changes that are taking place to the Welfare benefit system. Monday 4th March 2013 – 10.00am-12.00pm Tuesday 19th March 2013 – 2.00pm-4.00pm … Continue reading
A railway expert writes…
Top rail historian Ian Pell, late of this parish, dropped me a line today to point out the origins of the photos that I borrowed from the South Staffordshire Railway Site to illustrate yesterday’s article about Charringtons Oil Terminal and Anglesey Sidings.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Features, Followups, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged Anglesey Sidings, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Charringtons, corrections, errata, Ian Pell, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Oil Terminal, Redevelopment, South Staffordshire Line, Staffordshire
11 Comments
Walsall Council priorities… how they work
Thanks to Walsall Co-operative Labour Councillor for Willenhall north, Gareth Illmann-Walker, I can share the following video with you published discretely by Walsall Council on 8th February 2013.
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Posted in Bad Science, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Adrian Andrew, Allowances, Civic Centre, cuts, eight, Events, Gareth Illmann-Walker, Local politics, Mike Bird, million, New Photos, Politics, Redevelopment, refurb, Savings, Silly, Smarter Workplaces Programme, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Waste, Youtube
16 Comments
Never trust the ground beneath your feet
Over the last week, an incident of major proportions has occurred in the UK, at Hatfield, near Doncaster. It has gone largely under reported in the media, which is a scandal. This is a significant and worrying event, and is of interest to anyone interested in mining, industrial waste, spoil heaps, physical geography and geology.
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Posted in Bad Science, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local History, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged Aberfan, Accident, Blog, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, colliery, Dave Petley, Doncaster, Events, Geology, Geophysics, Hatfield, health and safety, Landslide, Landslip, Local History, mine, mining, mining inspectorate, New Photos, physical geography, pit, Railway, slag heap, Spoil heap, Stainforth, Things to do, Walsall Wood
2 Comments
Levelling out
Those who follow my 365daysofbiking journal will be aware that I’ve been a little bit obsessed with the rising water level at Chasewater over the summer and winter months. Since the lake was drained to enable improvement works to improve the dam and overflow resilience, it was considered that, unless we experienced very wet weather, the lake would take a good couple of years to refill.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged #365daysofbiking, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cycle rides, cycling, Dam works, Drain, ecology, Events, full, LDC, Lichfield, Lichfield District Council, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, Pier, refill, Reservoir, SCC, Silly, Staffordshire, Staffordshire County Council, Things to do, Water Level, weir, Wildlife
1 Comment
Cycle farcilities
anuary 31st – Someone asserted yesterday that I should be glad of increased cycling facilities in the UK. I am, and I’m not. Here’s why.
On the Coventry Road, Birmingham, near the St. Andrews ground, there are lights to control a ‘y’ junction. Prior to the junction, there is a green tarmac filter lane leading to an advance stop line (ASL).
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Posted in Bad Science, cycling, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media
Tagged Advance Stop Line, ASL, Cheap tat, Cycle rides, cycling, cycling facilities, cyle safety, dnager, Left hook, Lichfield, Local politics, Lorries, New Photos, planning, Politics, Silly, Things to do
10 Comments
Well, that was unfortunate…
Peter ‘Pedro’ Cutler continues his patient, thorough research into the Harrison empire. This was, of course, the local industrialist family that owned mines in South Staffordshire, and particularly the Grove Pit and others locally.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged Aldershawe, Alrewas, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Captain W. B. Harrison, Events, Lichfield, Lichfield Mercury, Lieutenant-Colonel W. E. Harrison, Local History, Military, mining, New Photos, OBE, Orgreave, Peter Pedro Cutler, Staffordshire, Tonsillitis, Wales, Wychnor
26 Comments
Chasewater Transport Show – future uncertain
Worrying news reaches me regarding one of my favourite annual events at Chasewater. Helen Borton, organiser of the brilliant, and very well attended annual Chasewater Transport Show has announced that two of the show’s sponsors have pulled out, leaving her in the lurch, and without replacement sponsors, the show just cannot go ahead.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2013, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater car show, Chasewater Transport Show, CHasewater Vintage & Classic Car Show, classic bikes, Classic cars, classic lorries, Grass, Helen Borton, Lichfield, Military vehicle show, New Photos, pulled out, Reservoir, sponsor, sponsorship, Staffordshire, Steam engines, Vintage Cars
1 Comment
They don’t like it up ’em
I haven’t stopped laughing. The Liberal Democrats in Walsall are very cross. Very cross indeed. So cross, Daniel Barker’s written a blog of his own instead of just copying Uncle Arthur.
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Posted in Bad Science, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Allowance, Brownhills, Coalition, Dads Army, Daniel Barker, Events, Ian Shires, Labour, Lib Dems, Liberal Democrats, Linda Mason, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Paul Wild, Plastic Hippo, Politics, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, Tim Oliver, Twitter, Wage rise, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
1 Comment
Ill-Liberal
Anyone taken in by the absolute load of old tut posted in the comments last night by the Walsall Liberal Democrat Membership Officer Paul Wild may also wish to read this post about their political flexibility, also published yesterday by The Plastic Hippo.
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Posted in Bad Science, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Allowance, Brownhills, Coalition, Events, Ian Shires, Labour, Lib Dems, Liberal Democrats, Linda Mason, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Paul Wild, Plastic Hippo, Politics, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, The Stymaster, Tim Oliver, Twitter, Wage rise, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
1 Comment
More on Walsall Councillors allowances…
Since I covered the original story on Monday, several very good online articles have been published about the disgraceful rise in allowances awarded to Walsall Council cabinet members.
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Posted in Bad Science, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Allowance, Brownhills, Events, Labour, Linda Mason, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Politics, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, The Stymaster, Tim Oliver, Twitter, Wage rise, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
3 Comments
Walsall Labour: somebody call an undertaker
Tonight, your local Labour Group on Walsall Council had the opportunity to vote against massive allowance increases for cabinet members and Council Leader Mike Bird. Walsall, you’ll recall, is currently a Tory-Liberal coalition, with three independents holding sway after being Tory for about a decade.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Allowance, Brownhills, Events, Labour, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Politics, Silly, Tim Oliver, Twitter, Wage rise, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
57 Comments
Selfish idiots
Readers will be well aware that on Christmas Day this year, there was a very nasty crash on the M6 between junctions 14 and 15. This crash caused the death of two young children and an adult travelling in the car. This resulted in the understandable closure of the motorway for some time.
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Posted in Bad Science, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged ABD, Accident, accident investigation, Alliance of BRitish Drivers, Association of British Drivers, crash, crass, Events, idiots, ignorant, insensitive, investigation, M6, motorway, Police, Silly, Staffordshire, Twitter
4 Comments
The money trail…
Yesterday, a story popped up on the BBC news that probably passed a lot of folk by in the blur of tinsel and turkey that is Christmas. I think this is worth pulling into the light. The plan for a … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brian Stringer, Brownhills, Brownhills Hoard, Brownhills Local Committee, Brownhills local history, campaign, Express & Star, finds.org, Hammerwich, Hoard trail, information, Local History, Local politics, monument, Ogley Hay, Silly, Staffordshire, Staffordshire hoard, Warrenhuse, West Midlands
10 Comments
Before we man the lifeboats…
Before the water level rises to such an extent that the residents of Brownhills and Walsall Wood are all encamped on Shire Oak Hill waiting for the waters to recede, I’d like to wish all readers, contributors and friends of this odd little blog a very merry Christmas and a very happy, peaceful and prosperous new year.
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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 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
22 Comments
High rise mice?
I’ve received a very interesting email from a long-time resident of Humphries House in Brownhills. Humphries House, readers will no doubt remember, is the last of two remaining system-build tower blocks in Brownhills, and along with it’s partner, the much smaller Severn House, it was recently reclad and renovated by it’s owners, Walsall Housing Group.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community
Tagged Brownhills, Cheap tat, Cladding, high rise, Humphries House, infestation, Mice, pest, pest control, planning, Redevelopment, renovation, rodents, Severn House, Shoddy workmanship, social housing, tenants, Tower block, Vandalism, Walsall Housing Group, WHG
6 Comments
Not in MY backyard (1896 style)…
Peter ‘Pedro’ Cutler has been in touch with a lovely quick snippet he spotted in the excellent History of the South Staffordshire Waterworks Company, which is available online for free. It really is an excellent read and deserves wider exposure.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged Aldershaw, Aldershawe, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Captain, Company, Dave Moore, Derelict, Harrison, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Lore, New Photos, NIMBY, Pedro, Peter Cutler, Pumping, Redevelopment, Reservoir, smoke, Snadfields, South Staffordshire, Staffordshire, Station, steam engine, Things to do, Water, Waterwoks
25 Comments
Strangers to the truth
Things seem to be going a bit awry at Walsall Council of late.
I notice from a report in yesterday’s Walsall Express & Star that park rangers in Walsall will be cut in April 2013 from 23 to 10 posts. This is despite a theoretically ongoing ‘budget consultation’, and totally contrary to statements made to Linda Mason and Roger Jones, of Save Walsall’s Green Spaces and Countryside Services, by Walsall Council officers Jamie Morris and Mark Holden.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, contamination, Countryside Services, cuts, Events, Facebook, fiasco, Greenspace, Jamie Morris, Linda Mason, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mark Holden, Politics, pride, protest, Recycling, Refuse, Roger Jones, Save, Shire Oak, Silly, static protest, street, Streetpride, Things to do, threat, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
5 Comments
Helping hands
In all the debate about the greenspace in Walsall, and the approach of our civic leaders towards this valuable asset, one comment made by a reader here stuck in many minds. I personally found it jarring, and somewhat misguided.
The post was Spirit of the Greenwood, and the comment went as follows:
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Greenspace, Hachidori, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Morgan Bowers, Mr keep your dog on its lead, Politics, protest, Purple is the new black, Roger Jones, Save, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
7 Comments
Murder in the park: Walsall Council’s cuts to greenspace revealed
Following the protest on Monday, 19th November outside the Council House in Walsall, lead members of the Save Walsall’s Greenspace and Country Services Group, Linda Mason and Roger Jones attended a meeting with Walsall Council officers Jamie Morris and Mark Holden.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Greenspace, Jamie Morris, Kevin Clements, Linda Mason, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mark Holden, Mike Bird, Politics, protest, Roger Jones, Save, Shire Oak, Silly, static protest, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
7 Comments
Fighting for our future
Nice to see a good turnout last night for the Save Walsall’s Green Spaces and Countryside Services Group protest vigil at the Council House, where a meeting of the Council was taking place. Following publicity throughout the Walsall online community, and much hard work on the part of concerned protestors, it’s becoming clear that the message is getting through to our elected representatives.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Greenspace, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, Politics, protest, Roger Jones, Save, Shire Oak, Silly, static protest, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
2 Comments
Without whom, we are nothing
There’s a great post up now on the blog of the campaign to Save Walsalls Green Spaces and Countryside Services. This is the subject I’ve been banging on about so much recently.
Written by Roger ‘Ziksby’ Jones, and featuring his artwork, the post is a wonderful expression of the aims and urgency of the group.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged @ziksby, axe, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Greenspace, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, Politics, Roger Jones, Save, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
2 Comments
Fighting for our greenspace: Please sign the petition!
People concerned about cuts to Walsall Countryside Services, the Ranger Team and related issues – as outlined here previously – can now sign the petition over at Walsall Council’s website. It’s completely electronic, and is administered as part of Walsall’s Democratic Services. If the petition gets enough support, it will be raised at full council.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Blog, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, Morgan Bowers, New Photos, Petition, Politics, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
3 Comments
A green wave
The text of the following article was written by Stuart Williams of The Bloxwich Telegraph, and I reproduce it here to emphasise the campaign I mentioned here on Saturday. If you care about Walsall’s green space, please do join us.
The movement is gathering pace and I implore anyone who cares to get involved.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Blowich Telegraph, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, Morgan Bowers, New Photos, Politics, Shire Oak, Silly, Stuart illiams, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
10 Comments
Spirit of the Greenwood
This is really important. You’ll recall that a couple of weeks ago I, and other members of the local online community made a passionate plea for the preservation of the Walsall Council Countryside Services team, and the vital work they … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, Morgan Bowers, New Photos, Politics, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
26 Comments
Please release me
On the day after my article about Oak Park Leisure Centre, and the odd case being made for it’s replacement, Walsall Council felt the need to issue the following press release. I have no idea why.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Conservative, Councillors, Leisure Centre, Local politics, Oak Park, Oak Park leisure centre, Objections, Redevelopment, strategic leisure, surveyor, Tkevcro, Tory, Walsal Council Press Offfice, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
15 Comments
Causing an obstruction
I see National Cycle Route 5, where it passes from Engine Lane/Coppice Lane in Brownhills, is still blocked with a chain, as highlighted by Warren Parry some weeks ago. Today, a fellow cyclist out with a child trailer who’s asked to remain anonymous came to use the track and couldn’t get through. I went to take a look.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chain, Coppice Lane, Cycle rides, cycling, Engine Lane, Events, local blogs, National Cycle Network, New Photos, public safety, Route 5, Silly, software, Staffordshire, Things to do, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Wildlife
8 Comments
Probably a robbery
I’ve become aware in recent weeks – as have many of the local history community – of a series of connected groups appearing on Facebook, which invite users to submit old pictures of their area. This is a fine idea, which in principle, I support.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Content theft, copying, copyright, Events, Facebook, history groups, local blogs, Local History, manners, New Photos, Old maps, pages, Panoramio, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Vandalism, Walsall Wood
13 Comments
There’s a bustle in your hedgerow
One thing I hope comes through from my work online – both on this blog, and on my 365daysofbiking journal – is my huge passion for being outdoors. Pretty much everything I write is somehow related to turning the computer off, and going outside and exploring the best of whats around.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, Morgan Bowers, New Photos, Politics, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
16 Comments
Respect the Authority
While mooching around Engine Lane last week, I noticed that the capped mine shaft that was formerly accessible in the scrub copse near the old level crossing has been fenced off by The Coal Authority. These are the folks responsible for the identification, cataloguing, management and remediation of historic (and in some cases, ongoing) mine workings in the UK.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills common, Brownhills local history, Brownhlls coal mines, Capped, Coal Authority, Coppice Colliery CO., Coppice Cottages, Coppice Pit, Derelict, Engine, Engine Lane, fence, Local History, mine workings, mining in brownhills, New Photos, Riding stables, Shaft, Staffordshire, Stevie Ansell, Ventillation, West Colliery
3 Comments
Living by numbers
A really great post has been brought to my attention on a blog I wasn’t previously following, and I’d like to share it with readers here. There are two current bugbears at the moment causing me irritation that anyone who follows me on Twatter will be aware of. The first is the woeful, shambolic nature of the local railway, and it’s use of performance figures. The second is the use of statistics by Walsall Police Superintendent Keith Fraser.
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Posted in Bad Science, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged blogs, Cheap tat, concellations, data, delays, Inspector Guilfoyle, local blogs, Local politics, London Midland, numbers, Performance, Police, Politics, Statistics, stats, Superintendent Keith Fraser, Twitter, visualisation, West Midlands Police
5 Comments
Chase Nursing Home: new statement issued
The saga of Chase Nursing Home in Brownhills, and the withdrawal of it’s contract after a damning inspection report by the Care Quality Commission rumbles on. I’ve just received the following press release from Walsall Council which details current events.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, It makes me mad!, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged bad, Brownhills, Care Quality Commission, Chase Nursing Home, Events, Express & Star, facility, Heritage Healthcare, Local politics, Mental health, Politics, poor, psychiatric, Report, Road, unit, Vicarage, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
1 Comment
The all-seeing eye
Just a quick note to point out that BrownhillsDog – the roving canine Brownhillian blogger who I highlighted last week – has a great post up expanding on the residential neighbourhood CCTV issue I touched on here with my Watchers … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhillsdog, Canal, CCTV, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, local blogs, Local politics, Night, Pigblog, Silly, Stymaster, Things to do, Twitter, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
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Canal trust?
Here’s an interesting one from fellow Brownhills historian David Hodgkinson. David has been musing on the fate of a piece of public art erected at Catshill Junction as part of the canal towpath renovations a few years ago. I must … Continue reading
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, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Art, British Waterways, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal and Rivers Trust, Catshill Junction, Cheap tat, Cycle of Life, Cycle rides, cycling, David Hodgkinson, Events, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, Politics, Redevelopment, sculpture, Staffordshire, Things to do
2 Comments
Dog Daze
Just a quick heads up; since I mentioned a few other blogs last weekend, there’s a local one I’ve been following for a while now, that’s funny and sharp. I would have included it in the post at the time, … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Shared media, Walsall community
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Cheap tat, Events, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Redevelopment
5 Comments
Why when it rains?
I’ve long ago noticed that the general standard of road use falls when it rains. This was all filmed on last night’s ride home from Walsall. The white courier type van at the beginning was marked ‘Internal Mail Only’, and … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged #365daysofbiking, bad driving, bike cam, bus, bus lane abuse, commuting, cycling, Hatherton Road, Lichfield Street, Moped, No right turn, Rushall, traffic, traffic police, traffic violations, Walsall, Walsall one way system, Walsall Police, West Midlands Police
9 Comments
Stay safe this winter!
Kate Goodall, top Walsall Council operative and top human dynamo behind Walsall Neighbourhoods, asked me last week if I might share this with the readers. Of course, I’m only too happy to do so. Please accept my apologies for not getting … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, 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 Council
Tagged Blanket, Brownhills, Cheap tat, Electric, Events, free, OAP, Regulatory Services, testing, Things to do, trading standards, Walsall, Walsall Council, West Midlands Fire Service
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12 good men – The verdict
So, the final instalment. Regular readers will recall that we’ve been discussing the fatal explosion at Pelsall Coal and Iron Company, that took place in December, 1887. The inquest into the deaths, having been adjourned, was resumed, and this is … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Environment, Events, Followups, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 1887, adjourn, Andy Dennis, Birmingham Daily Post, Boiler, Canal, coal, Company, Events, Explosion, inquest, iron, Local History, New Photos, Pelsall, Peter Pedro Cutler, Richard Burnell, Staffordshire, verdict
13 Comments
Urgent – please help to save a life
This is an appeal on behalf of a fellow cyclist, who tragically appears to have a very short life expectancy. I am very concerned for his welfare. If he continues in the vein he’s going, he’s not going to last … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community
Tagged Arboretum Junction, bad cycling, bike cam, Brownhills, Cycle rides, cycling, cyclist, Events, idiocy, idiot, idot, jumper, jumping, New Photos, Rain, red light jump, RLJ, Silly, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Wood
17 Comments
Watchers of the night
I have been contacted by a resident of Friezland Lane, Walsall Wood, who understandably would like to remain anonymous. They have noticed that a CCTV surveillance camera has appeared in the lower end of Friezland Lane, mounted high on a … Continue reading
Parking for one bicycle…
Thanks to the keen eye of reader and friend of the blog Trevor Bond, I now know that the long awaited cycle parking at Tesco in Brownhills has arrived and been installed. Trevor alerted me this afternoon on twitter, so on … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community
Tagged bike, Brownhills, Cheap tat, Cycle Racks, Cycle rides, cycling, Facebook, facilities, Lee Slater, local blogs, New Photos, planning, rack, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, refresh, sheffield stand, Silly, Tesco, Tesco Development, Trevor Bond, turd polish, Walsall, wheel bender
3 Comments
When journalism and politics fail
I’ve been a bit busy for the last couple of days with work, but while I have, a blistering post seems to have slipped under the radar from the best blogger in Walsall, The Plastic Hippo. Walsall folk will be … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Environment, Events, Express & Star, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Bad journalism, Cheap tat, Childrens services, Events, Express & Star, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Ofsted, Politics, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
13 Comments
Don’t believe everything you read…
I’ve been droning on now for some months about the need for accuracy and careful research in local history. It’s because I know that I’m as fallible as the next man that I, like you readers, worry so much about … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1905, Black Cock, Black Cock Bridge, Brick Arch, Bridge replacement, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Bullings Heath, Camden Street, Canal, Errors, Girder bridge, Grove Pit Bridge, Hall Lane, Howmuch, Lime Lane, Local History, mine damage, Mining Subsidence, Mistaken, mistakes, Pelsall Past and Present, Silly, Staffordshire, Subsidence, Walsall Wood, Walsall Wood Colliery, Walsall Wood Pit, Wyrley and Essington
4 Comments
In pursuit of the truth
Peter ‘Pedro’ Cutler, one of several readers and contributors without whom this blog would be nothing at all, has something to say, and I think we need to listen. Carefully. There’s something disturbing him, and me, in the way some … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, 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, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Cheap tat, colliery, conditions, Cutler, Edward Brown, Grove, Harrison, local blogs, Local History, mines, mining, Pedro, Peter, pit disaster, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood
27 Comments
BBC Midlands Today report on arson
I was contacted late on Tuesday afternoon by BBC journo Ben Sidwell, who was compiling a report for local news TV magazine show ‘Midlands Today’, and was enquiring if he could use one of my images of the BOAK Ravenscraig … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged arson, Ben Sidwell, Bloxwich Telegraph, BOAK, Cheap tat, Derelict, Events, heritage, Jabez Cliff, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Midlands Today, New Photos, planning, Politics, Pubs, Redevelopment, Twitter, Urbex, Urbext, Vandalism, Walkways, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
2 Comments
Brownhills Tesco: Access denied
Shopping giant Tesco, fresh from expecting the residents of Brownhills to get excited over the fact that they have painted their store and fixed a few leaks for the first time in nearly two decades, seem to be intent on … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, Cheap tat, Derelict, Events, Local politics, New Photos, planning, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, Silly, Tesco, Tesco Development, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
10 Comments
After the fire had gone out – an appeal
Last Friday evening, I came back home via Walsall at around 7:30pm. On the way through what was a very weary, against the wind journey, I popped down to take a shufty at what was left of the BOAK building, … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Churches, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged arson, BOAK, Brownhills, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Events, heritage, Jabez Cliff, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, planning, Politics, Pubs, Redevelopment, The Plastic Hippo, The YamYam, Twitter, Urbext, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
25 Comments
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