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Category Archives: Environment
Pictures from the 40th Anniversary Falklands Remembrance Service at St. James
I’m glad to see the public interest shown in the Remembrance Service undertaken at Brownhills Cenotaph to mark the 40th anniversary of the end of the Falklands War. The service, organised by Brownhills Branch of the Royal British Legion was … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
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Act of Remembrance for those lost in the Falklands to take place in Brownhills
This year it’s the 40th anniversary of the Falklands Conflict, which affected many towns like ours up and down the country, in that our lads went off to war in the South Atlantic – indeed, Brownhills lost a son whose … 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 40 years, Brownhills, Conflict, David Evans, Events, Falklands, Local History, RBL, Remembrance, Staffordshire, Things to do, time, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood, war
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Don’t forget: The Brownhills branch of the Royal British Legion are here for help and friendship
I have here an important message from the Brownhills Branch (and wider organisation, of course) of the Royal British Legion that old friend of the blog John Bird has asked me to share with you all. The young David Evans … 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, David Evans, Events, local blogs, Local History, Parade, RBL, Remembrance, Ron Dance, Staffordshire, Things to do, time, under threat, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
2 Comments
In memoriam, Nora Brayne: Funeral details published
Friend of the blog Mick Roseblade has asked me to share the sad news that local lady Nora Brayne has passed away – Nora was well known for her work with Brownhills Scouts which she undertook with her late husband, … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
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Brownhills McDonald’s Restaurant to be new Vegetarian Brand
Interesting news reaches me today, which I think will be very interesting to burger-lovers in Brownhills. Many of you will be aware that fast food company McDonald’s was recently given planning permission to demolish the former police station in Brownhills and build … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
12 Comments
Berry interesting….
Here’s a nice one to trigger a few memories from locals, and hopefully preserve a little lost local history – do you remember going fruit picking in Stonnall back in the day? Stonnall is a village that grew prosperous on … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
19 Comments
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
Aldi post images of likely new Brownhills development, ask for opinion
A very short post I’ve been meaning to do all weekend, but following on from the welcome news that Brownhills is very likely to lose it’s derelict 1960s shopping precinct Ravens Court under a larger brand new Aldi store, the … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
5 Comments
Beware – Avian Influenza – Bird Flu – is here and affecting our wildlife
I’m sad to report that Avian Influenza – Bird Flu – has claimed the lives of several swans and geese at Chasewater and this has been confirmed by government scientists from DEFRA. There have been other deceased birds found at … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
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Unexpected development in bagging area – Aldi buy Ravens Court
Well, this is the news I though I’d never share: 12 years after my first article here about Ravens Court and the then promise of Tesco’s new gold dream that crumbled to dust, it turns out bargain supermarket chain Aldi … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Express & Star, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 215 Notice, Blofeld, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Market, Canal, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Compulsory purchase, Derelict, Events, Facebook, John Bird, Lichfield, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, New Photos, New Tesco, planning, Politics, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, Retail, sympathy, Tesco, Tesco Development, teve Wade, Vandalism, Vivienne Aston, Walsall, Walsall Advertiser, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
8 Comments
Pictures and video from Brownhills and Walsall Wood 2021 Remembrance Sunday
Today, Sunday 14th November 2021 saw the annual marking of Remembrance Day in the UK and I’m pleased to say the local area did both themselves and the fallen proud staging a whole range of parades and events that were … 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, Events, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Parade, Remembrance, Ron Dance, Scouts, Service, Things to do, time, Walsall, Walsall Council
1 Comment
It’s not just about the lost, it’s about those that remain too
I normally post a wordy, slightly emotional essay on Remembrance Sunday encouraging people to think not just about the lost and suffering of the two world wars, but about the meaning of Remembrance, the forgotten conflicts like Korea and Aden, … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
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Geof Harrington’s funeral details released
Following the sad passing of respected local gentleman Geof Harrington, David Evans has kindly sent me details of the funeral arrangements to share with you all, via Geof’s old pal and writing partner, Bill Mayo. My sympathies and condolences remain … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
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Details of 2021 local Remembrance events – live list
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. As usual in a normal year, I will try and share with … 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 10 November, 2019, Aldridge, Bloxwich, Brownhills, Clayhanger, Details, Events, Heath Hayes, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Remembrance, Service, Staffordshire, Things to do, time, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
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The final days of 4-44 Ogley Road and Seedhouse’s Farm
Now I’m clearing some of the backlog and feeling much better, I thought it would be a good time to share some more of the remarkable images shared with David Evans by old friend of the blog, John Bird recording Brownhills … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
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Lost and found: The search for the war medals of a lost local hero
Some time ago I was proud and honoured to feature here the beautifully presented history of Richard Meanley Anson written by Desmond Burton, who was lost like so many local lads in the Battle of The Somme. Richard was Desmond’s … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
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Boys and Girls…
As I struggle to catch up with material sent in to the blog, here’s a great post for a Sunday from Pat Ward, who’s a long term reader and lady we’ve previously helped with family history matters here one the … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
5 Comments
Former Shire Oak Pupils Celebrate with a 6 decade reunion!
It’s always great to hear from folks having school and workplace reunions, and I was very impressed to see the well organised and attended celebration of the first Shire Oak Grammar School intake in 1961. It was held on 4th … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
5 Comments
In memoriam, Mr. Ian Pell
I have some very tragic news for blog readers that I have to share, but which has saddened me greatly: Ben Spears contacted me in the week to inform me that local rail expert and historian, many times contributor the … Continue reading
Brownhills Canal Festival returns this weekend!
I’m so thrilled to share with you all that Brownhills Canal Festival returns this weekend for two days – today, Saturday 18th and tomorrow, Sunday 19th September 2021 – and is hosted by the wonderful Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
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Brownhills Canal Festival returns for 2021 next weekend!
Due to the nature of this strange pandemic year, I’ve held off advertising this one until I’m absolutely sure it’s going ahead, but I’m so thrilled to share with you all that Brownhills Canal Festival returns next weekend for two … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
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From Toffee Roberts to Tuckleys
Hello folks – I’m still getting better and gradually catching up with things, so on this grey Bank Holiday Monday, I thought it would be a good time to share some more of the remarkable images shared with David Evans by … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
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The future was bright…
A quick one here while I prepare another post – this was inspired by Peter ‘Pedro’ Cutler who spotted a different article mentioning the same firm in the British Newspaper Archive – Barbright USAM who were based on Lichfield Road … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
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Clearance – everything must go!
Well, hello everyone. Long time no post. My apologies: The ever present bad health this year has been very difficult in recent weeks, and I’ve not been able to post. My apologies. But I am backhand on the mend! Have … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
11 Comments
Blind date
Here’s an article to ponder I really intended to post up yesterday, but problems of a technical nature prevented me, which was a shame as it’s a real belter. The young David Evans has been given a three page, hand … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
3 Comments
On the Spot
Here’s a quick simple question for debate amongst the readership: Of late, the Young David Evans has given another talk to the children of Holy Trinity School in Clayhanger, about their local history. In the course of this talk, David … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
5 Comments
Happenstance: Two tales of Brownhills Canal Heroism
In one of those somewhat odd bouts of synchronicity that often befalls this blog, this week I have stories of two canal heroes that cropped up within days of each other yet are complete unconnected, except by location. A number … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
2 Comments
In the Buffs
An interesting enquiry here from old friend of the blog Bruce Littley who’s got an interesting, possibly local artefact from the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, of Buffs for short. The Buffs (who are still a fine and popular organisation) … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
2 Comments
From Shire Oak to way out West: Can you help with this family history?
It’s about time we got back to some local history here, so here’s a nice one for the family historians and archive diggers for a wet spring weekend. So sorry for the lack of posts lately: I am very busy … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
21 Comments
How Brownhills marked the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh
It’s always good to hear from old friend of the blog and respected elder of Brownhills, John Bird a man I’ve always respected, not just for his activities with and in support of the local Royal British Legion and 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 Brownhills, Duke of Edinburgh, Events, John Bird, local blogs, Local History, Prince Phillip, Remembrance, Staffordshire, Things to do, time
1 Comment
Sandfields reopens for volunteers today!
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to share the latest news for local history enthusiasts and members of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of Sandfields Pumping Station group – Sandfields is … 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 2021, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, heritage, Kate Gomez, Lichfield, Lichfield Discovered, Lichfield Waterworks Trust, local blogs, Local History, Lore, Moore, Sandfields, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do
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How you can support Baby Ciaran’s family, plus details of local church support
Sorry folks very, very late with this but following the awful tragedy at the weekend in which baby Ciaran Leigh Morris lost his life following a traffic collision in Brownhills High Street, many people are asking where they can get blue … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
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Ravens Court to be demolished in ambitious redevelopment plan
Readers who have been here for a while will know that one of the recurrent and most intractable stories on the blog over the 12 years of it’s existence has been the exasperating and somewhat depressing story of Ravens Court, … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
17 Comments
Ravens Court – A message from Councillor Steve Wade
A couple of weeks ago I told you to keep watching the Ravens Court situation, as it looks like something is going on. Local MP and West Midlands Mayor Andy Street have been having a big social media push on … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
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An interesting aside
Sorry folks a bit busy elsewhere at the moment, but something came to light recently I’d just like to point out to readers. In the Walsall Council Cabinet Meeting of 10th February 2021, a private session was held. This isn’t … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
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Cottage loafing…
Here’s news of a great new group on Facey for canal enthusiasts – particularly those into canal cottages. The BCN Canalside Cottages group has been created by BCN Society member and old friend of the blog Brenda Ward to try … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
3 Comments
A corner of Bloxwich remembered – heavy industry in it’s prime
Here’s a great bit of reminiscence for a chilly Sunday from Martin Hughes, the chap that works so very hard to keep the Brownhills Community Centre in the local eye by publicising it’s events and facilities. Martin grew up in … Continue reading
Posted in Environment
9 Comments
Distraction burglars and bogus callers operating locally: Be on your guard!
There have been several incidents locally in the last week where elderly people have had money stolen by bogus callers pretending to be from the Water Board. This warning from West Midlands Police is important – please care it with … Continue reading
Bogus callers preying on the elderly are about again: Be on your guard!
There have been several incidents locally in the last couple of weekss where elderly people have had money stolen by bogus callers, or have been conned out of cash by people posing as workers. In one case reported this week, … Continue reading
May I make a correction?
An interesting mail winged its way in here a couple of weeks ago from longstanding reader Keith Jemison-Mills who was a pupil at Ogley Hay School and featured in a couple of the wonderful May Day celebration photos we’ve featured … 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 Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Events, Local History, Malcolm Kelly, Mr. Riley, New Photos, Ogley Hay, Ogley Hay Junior School, School, Staffordshire
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Walsall Wood away to Stourport Swifts this afternoon!
This afternoon, Saturday 17th October 2020 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 Strict social distancing measures to be observed! 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 away, boxing day, Events, FC, football, Footy, Good of the Wood, Oak Park, soccer, Stourport Swifts, Things to do, Walsall Wood, Walsall WOod FC
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Walsall Wood play Worcester City this afternoon at Oak Park
Saturday 10th October 2020 Walsall Wood FC at home to Worcester City in a big-name match! Don’t break your Wood vows be there and be faithful to your local heroes 3:00pm kickoff STRICT SOCIAL DISTANCING TO BE OBSERVED! Please come and … 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 2018, Events, FC, football, Footy, Good of the Wood, home, Oak Park, Saturday, soccer, Things to do, Walsall Wood, Walsall WOod FC, Worcester City
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Walsall Wood send Selston forth
Images kindly supplied by David Evans Last Tuesday evening (6th October 2020) Walsall Wood F.C. entertained Selston F.C. at Walsall Wood. A belter of a match and home victory ensued, that roving reporter the young David Evans clearly enjoyed very … 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 Events, FC, football, Footy, Good of the Wood, home, match review, Oak Park, Report, result, soccer, Things to do, Walsall Wood, Walsall WOod FC
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Woodmen take swift Lye down
Images kindly supplied by David Evans Last Tuesday evening (29th September 2020) Walsall Wood F.C. entertained Lye Town at Walsall Wood. An more even match than the final score belied, this fine game has very much impressed the young David … 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 draw, Events, FC, football, Footy, Good of the Wood, home, Lye Town, match review, Oak Park, Report, result, soccer, Things to do, Walsall Wood, Walsall WOod FC
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90 years ago today: The Grove Pit Disaster
Ninety years ago today, the 1st October 1930, an underground blast killed 14 men working in a coal mine, The Grove Colliery, underneath Brownhills Common. Ten of those lost souls are buried in the Churchyard of St James, Brownhills, in … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Alan Paul, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills mining disater, Chasewaterstuff, colliers, Grove Colliery, Grove pit, local blogs, Local History, Mine disaster, miners, Staffordshire, The men below, Wyrley common, Wyrley Grove
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It’s time for the rut – beware, folks – the deer are getting horny….
Time to repeat this post as I’m starting to hear stories of deer with a cob on again… The above excellent video is a fallow deer stag filmed up on Cannock Chase by reader, contributor and top friend of the blog Peter … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, 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, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Chaz Mason, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Marsh, Cycle rides, cycling, local blogs, Neil Tipton, New Photos, Red deer, Reservoir, rut, rutting, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
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Catch a great match at Oak Park this afternoon – the Woodmen face Gresly!
Today, Saturday 19th September 202 The Wood are at home, entertaining Gresley Walsall Wood FC versus Gresley FC Kick off is 3:00pm Social distancing will be fully observed! For the Good of the Wood! Oak Park, Lichfield Road, Walsall Wood. WS9 9NP. … 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 Events, FC, football, Footy, Good of the Wood, Gresley, home, Oak Park, soccer, Things to do, Walsall Wood, Walsall WOod FC
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Walsall Wood away to Worcester City this afternoon
Saturday 12th September 2020 Walsall Wood FC away to Worcester City in a big-name match! Worcester City FC, Claines Lane, Worcester WR3 7SS 3:00pm kickoff This is a ticket only match restricted to 300 spectators in compliance with social distancing rules – … 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 Events, FC, football, Footy, Good of the Wood, home, Oak Park, Saturday, soccer, Things to do, Walsall Wood, Walsall WOod FC, Worcester City
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