Subscribe to Blog via Email
Join 956 other subscribers-
Search the blog:
Top Posts & Pages
Archives
#365daysofbiking JournalActivism
Blogs & Stuff I like
Cycle stuff
Funny stuff
Local History
Local press
Local sites
Urban Exploration
Blog Stats
- 7,676,222 hits
Recent tracks
King Of The HillRoger McGuinn9 minutes ago
WindowFoo Fighters12 minutes ago
Bad NeighborsElliot Moss16 minutes ago
HomeZero 720 minutes ago
Stretch OutThe War and Treaty24 minutes ago
Heartattack and VineTom Waits28 minutes ago
Taking Islands in Africa (Steve Nye remix)Japan33 minutes ago
Lost Your GhostTwo Feet37 minutes ago
Cognitive DissidentThe The40 minutes ago
Cold Cold ColdCage the Elephant43 minutes agoRecent Comments
Dean on Those Craddocks in full… Dean on Those Craddocks in full… Sue on Those Craddocks in full… Dean on Those Craddocks in full… Dean on Those Craddocks in full…
Category Archives: Interesting photos
New Hall Mill first open day of 2018 today!
Theres a lovely thing to visit locally today (Sunday 13th May 2018), that’s close by, free and absolutely fascinating… New Hall Mill is open again today for their first open day of 2018, for National Mills Weekend. I can heartily recommend … Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged #365daysofbiking, 13th May, 2018, Alan Dawson, Art and Crafts day, bank holiday, Bank Holiday Monday, bike cam, collection, Cycle rides, Cycle Route, cycleway, cycling, Deer, History day, Muntjac, NCN, New Hall Mill, Newhall, off road, open days, Park, Pipe Hayes, Plants Brook, Sutton Coldfield, Things to do, urban, urban birdlife, Valley, Water Mill, Wylde Green
Leave a comment
Meet your local coppers this Saturday in Aldridge and Streetly!
I received notice of this great event from Walsall Police via the excellent WMNow service this morning, advertising a pop-up meet the police event this Saturday, 12th May 2018 at Aldridge Library from 10:00am until 11:00am where you can meet your … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 12 May, Aldridge, CommunitySafety Partnership, Events, home security, local blogs, planning, Police, Walsall, West Midlands
Leave a comment
New Hall Mill first open day of 2018 next Sunday!
Theres a lovely thing to visit locally next Sunday (13th May 2018), that’s close by, free and absolutely fascinating… New Hall Mill is open again next Sunday for their first open day of 2018, for National Mills Weekend. I can heartily recommend the place … Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged #365daysofbiking, 13th May, 2018, Alan Dawson, Art and Crafts day, bank holiday, Bank Holiday Monday, bike cam, collection, Cycle rides, Cycle Route, cycleway, cycling, Deer, History day, Muntjac, NCN, New Hall Mill, Newhall, off road, open days, Park, Pipe Hayes, Plants Brook, Sutton Coldfield, Things to do, urban, urban birdlife, Valley, Water Mill, Wylde Green
Leave a comment
Lichfield Waterworks Trust May 2018 public meeting this Monday – with a very special guest
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that this Monday evening (14th May 2018) there will be the April 2018 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 14 may, 2018, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, heritage, Ian Pell, Kate Gomez, lecture, Lichfield, Lichfield Discovered, Lichfield Waterworks Trust, local blogs, Local History, Lore, meeting, Moore, pub, Sandfields, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do, Thursday
1 Comment
Kids fun day at The Anchor Inn this Sunday!
There’s a great spring Bank Holiday weekend fun day for adults and kids this Sunday (6th May 2018) at the Anchor Inn, just on the Anchor Bridge on the Chester Road between Shire Oak and Brownhills. The organisers said: Kids … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 2018, 6 may, Anchor, Brownhills, cover, Events, Facebook, fun day, kids, Lichfield, Live, New Photos, Pubs, Sunday, Things to do, Twitter
Leave a comment
Meet your local coppers this Saturday afternoon in Brownhills
I received notice of this great event from Brownhills Policing Team via the excellent WMNow service yesterday, advertising a pop-up meet the police event this Saturday afternoon, 5th May 2018 at The Parkview Centre, Brownhills (right on the Miner Island) from 1pm … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 2018, 23 March, Brownhills, CommunitySafety Partnership, Events, home security, Library, local blogs, Pelsall, planning, Police, Tesco, Walsall, West Midlands
Leave a comment
Lots to do at the Chase Sailing Club open day this bank holiday Monday
An interesting event is taking place next weekend, Bank holiday Monday 7th May 2018 at Chasewater, where the Chase Sailing Club (that’s the one on the north shore) will be holding their annual open day for people to come and check … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 2018, 7 May, Boats, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chase Sailing Club, Chasewater, chasewater-country-park, Events, Express & Star, Lichfield, Local History, New Photos, open day, regatta, Reservoir, Sailing, sailing club, Staffordshire, Things to do, watersport
Leave a comment
Some top brass, a tuba groover and an unsung hero
There has never been enough attention paid anywhere that I’m aware of to the Victorian father of modern Brownhills, William Roberts – sometime railway plate layer, ganger, brewer, publican, entrepreneur, civic stalwart, JP and philanthropist, William was a very rare man … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged brewer, Brewery, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Farm, Gerald Reece, JP, Lichfield, Local History, Local politics, philanthropist, Pubs, q, Staffordshire, Station Hotel, Things to do, William ROberts
3 Comments
Meet your local coppers this Saturday afternoon in Brownhills
[Sorry folks this post originally contained an error: I had stated this was on Saturday 28th April: My apologies, it’s a week later on Saturday 5th May 2018. My idiot hat is on and I apologise for any confusion or … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 2018, 23 March, Brownhills, CommunitySafety Partnership, Events, home security, Library, local blogs, Pelsall, planning, Police, Tesco, Walsall, West Midlands
Leave a comment
Joe Titley found safe and well
Thanks everyone for your help and concern – Joe Titley, who police were looking for as a missing person yesterday (Wednesday 26th April 2018) has been found. They posted a simple message late yesterday afternoon: Thanks for your help everyone, … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged appeal, concern, Interesting photos, Local media, Lost, misper, missing, News, Police, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social media, Walsall, West Midlands
Leave a comment
New Hall Mill: The historic wonder on our doorstep gears up for a new season
I’m glad to say that Alan Dawson, Friend of New Hall Mill and also of the blog has been in touch to ask if I’d continue to support the Mill’s activities this summer and of course, I’m delighted to do … Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged #365daysofbiking, 13 August, 2017, Alan Dawson, Art and Crafts day, Bank Holiday Monday, bike cam, collection, Cycle rides, Cycle Route, cycleway, cycling, Deer, History day, Muntjac, NCN, New Hall Mill, Newhall, off road, open days, Park, Pipe Hayes, Plants Brook, Sunday, Sutton Coldfield, Things to do, urban, urban birdlife, Valley, Water Mill, Wylde Green
1 Comment
Full of love for Mr. Fullelove
Images Kindly supplied by Brian Stringer via the young David Evans. Last week I pointed out that this weekend, there was to be an unveiling ceremony of the restored George Fullelove Memorial Shelter near The Parade in Brownhills – well, … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged balladeer, Brownhills, Brownhills Choral Society, Brownhills local history, choir, Choral, co-op, Co-operative, David Evans, George Fullelove, Langford, Local History, Master, New Photos, Peake, Plaque, Preece, Road, Silver Street Methodist Church, Singer, Staffordshire, Things to do, Waine, Walsall Wood
Leave a comment
Going above and beyond
I’m pleased to see that the expansion of online history resources continues apace, with lots of formerly quite restrictive services opening up with more sensible usage terms and conditions – one such archive is the British Library’s Aerofilms archive of … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1938, 1946, Aerial Photos, Aerofilms, archive, Britain from the Air, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, English Heritage, Gas Works, Local History, New Photos, Pike Helve, Pubs, Staffordshire, Walsall, Walsall Wood
1 Comment
Looking after the legacy of a great son of Brownhills
There’s something that’s quite historically important been going on for months now right in the heart of Brownhills, that whilst not earth shattering, is very significant to our local history, and helps to preserve the memory of one of the … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged balladeer, Brownhills, Brownhills Choral Society, Brownhills local history, choir, Choral, co-op, Co-operative, David Evans, George Fullelove, Langford, Local History, Master, New Photos, Peake, Plaque, Preece, Road, Silver Street Methodist Church, Singer, Staffordshire, Things to do, Waine, Walsall Wood
5 Comments
Where’s the fairness in Remembrance funding?
I’ve hd a really interesting email in from a respected elder in Brownhills, someone whose comments on the area I’ve always respected greatly and whose opinion I value and usually agree with – John Bird. John Bird has periodically written … 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 12 November, 13 November, 2017, Brownhills, Cancelled, David Evans, Events, Heath Hayes, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Parade, Police, Remembrance, Ron Dance, Roy Smythe, Scouts, Service, Staffordshire, Things to do, time, under threat, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
Leave a comment
Who’s on this team, and who are they?
Since the sad passing of Bill Shaw, old friend of the blog, champion of local football and Clayhanger lad, the tributes have been fullsome, and so richly deserved – but it’s also wonderful to hear the memories and see photos … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged Bentley, big house, Bill Shaw, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Clayhanger, football, Lichfield, Local History
2 Comments
Meet your local coppers this Saturday in Aldridge and Streetly!
I received notice of this great event from Walsall Police via the excellent WMNow service this morning, advertising a pop-up meet the police event this Saturday, 14th April 2018 at Aldridge Library from 10:00am until 11:00am where you can meet your … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 10th February, Aldridge, CommunitySafety Partnership, Events, home security, local blogs, planning, Police, Walsall, West Midlands
Leave a comment
A Chemical Romance
I’ve been asked the question by reader Norman Taylor as to what I know about Brownhills Chemical Works – otherwise known as The Chemical or The Chemy, later the site of a notorious war scrapyard local kids were all attracted … 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
6 Comments
Lichfield Waterworks Trust April 2018 public meeting this Monday
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that this Monday evening (9th April 2018) there will be the April 2018 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 12 March, 2018, 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, Moore, pub, Sandfields, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do, Thursday
Leave a comment
A great chance for tea and cake in a great country canalside garden this Saturday!
There’s a great event going on in Whittington this acoming Saturday (31st March 2018) in aid of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust ‘Tunnel Vision’ appeal – Eric and Doreen’s All Day Easter Coffee Morning.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged All, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Coffee Morning, Cycle rides, cycling, day, Derelict, Doreen, Easter, Eric, Facebook, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Parkview Centre, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, Things to do, trust, Tunnel Vision, Twitter, Wildlife
Leave a comment
The race for space
Thanks to Stuart Williams of Walsall Local History Centre, I can share with readers today another piece in the remarkable jigsaw that is the Ferrie family history – the Ferries, as many old hands will recall, were a larger than life father and son who were well known in Aldridge and Brownhills for their entrepreneurialism and propensity to acts of community largesse and showmanship.
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, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1958, Bristol, Charles, Ferrie, Howmuch, ICI McKechnie, IMI, Kynoch, Ph.D, physicist, Ralph, rocket, rocket science, Shelfield, Space Reasearch Group, Sputnik, University, Walsall Observer
8 Comments
Bill Shaw: Further details of funeral arrangements announced
The sheer number of people who have paid tribute following the sad news of the passing of Bill Shaw has been heartwarming, and many have expressed their desire to attend his funeral – well, Bill’s wife, Lynn has been in touch to give further details, including the details of the function afterwards.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged Bentley, big house, Bill Shaw, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Clayhanger, football, Lichfield, Local History
Leave a comment
Meet your local coppers today in Brownhills, Pelsall and Rushall
Well, what do you know – just as I published the advert for the police pop-up event taking place at Tesco today (Friday 23rd March 2018), another email dropped into my inbox from the excellent WMNow service pointing out there there are actually four separate events today – one each in Brownhills, Shelfield, Pelsall and Rushall.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 2018, 23 March, Brownhills, CommunitySafety Partnership, Events, home security, Library, local blogs, Pelsall, planning, Police, Tesco, Walsall, West Midlands
Leave a comment
It’s a diesel takeover – this weekend!
Chasewater Railway – the little gem of a preserved industrial railway right on our doorstep is holding it’s annual Diesel Gala this weekend, Saturday and Sunday 24-25th March 2018.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 18 March, 19 March, 2017, Award, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Events, Facebook, Industrial gala, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Railway, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do
Leave a comment
Meet your local coppers this Friday afternoon in Brownhills
I received notice of this great event from Brownhills Policing Team via the excellent WMNow service a yesterday, advertising a pop-up meet the police event this coming Friday afternoon, 23rd March 2018 at Tesco, Brownhills from 3pm until 5pm where you can meet your local policing team and get help, crime prevention and public safety advice.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 2018, 23 March, Brownhills, CommunitySafety Partnership, Events, home security, Library, local blogs, Pelsall, planning, Police, Tesco, Walsall, West Midlands
Leave a comment
In the Regency period
There has been some discussion of late on Facebook and other places about local cinemas, and with Russia topical at the moment too, this is a good time to share this one from reader Sam that came in a few weeks ago.
Bill Shaw: A personal memorial, by David Evans
Everyone involved with the blog has been saddened and dismayed by the loss of Bill Shaw, Clayhanger lad, champion of local football, commentator and all round decent bloke – and I’m proud and honoured to feature here an obituary for Bill from his fellow match reporter at Walsall Wood, David Evans.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged Bentley, big house, Bill Shaw, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Clayhanger, football, Lichfield, Local History
5 Comments
Car crashes into former shop on Lindon Road, Brownhills
There was a very nasty car accident on the Walsall Wood/Brownhills border last night (Wednesday 14th March 2018) when a car crashed into the former butcher’s shop on the corner of Pauls Coppice and Lindon Road, just opposite the derelict Wheel Inn pub.
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 2017, 4 January, Accident, Brownhills, collision, crash, Events, Express & Star, High Street, hurt, Lichfield, New Photos, Police, Shire Oak, Statement, Stephen Hill, Twitter, Walsall Wood
2 Comments
It’s good to repair (and share!) – a great event this Friday in Lichfield
Never one to sit back and let life pass her by, that there Kate Cardigan from the wonderful Lichfield Lore is involved with another project – Lichfield Repair and Share workshop – which takes place this Friday, 16th March 2018 at the Tesco Community Room, Tesco Extra, Church Street, Lichfield from 7-9pm.
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 2018, cardigan, community, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, Gomez, Kate Gomez, Lichfield, local blogs, Lore, March 16, Recycling, Repair and Share, Staffordshire, Tesco, Things to do
Leave a comment
Meet your local coppers this Saturday in Aldridge!
I received notice of this great event from Walsall Police via the excellent WMNow service this morning, advertising a pop-up meet the police event this Saturday, 17th March 2018 at Aldridge Library from 10:00am until 11:00am where you can meet your local policing team and get help, crime prevention and public safety advice.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 17 March, 2018, Aldridge, CommunitySafety Partnership, Events, home security, local blogs, planning, Police, Walsall, West Midlands
Leave a comment
Lichfield Waterworks Trust March 2018 public meeting this Monday
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that this Monday evening (12th March 2018) there will be the March 2018 Public Meeting of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of Sandfields Pumping Station group.
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 12 March, 2018, 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, Moore, pub, Sandfields, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do, Thursday
2 Comments
Branch line summers fade
I always love expanding railway threads here on the blog – and it’s always great to hear from local railway historian and expert Ian Pell.
Continue reading
Accession to the throne Brownhills stye
Following Janet Bullock’s wonderful photo posted here in the last few weeks there has been a terrific response to the Ogley Hay May Day them, with a further image of the same event being Kindly donated by Kate Dixon, and her mum May Queen Linda Horobin – now we have a further great image sent in by Sheila Kelly of May Day the following year.

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged 1964, 4a, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Events, Local History, Malcolm Kelly, Mr. Riley, New Photos, Ogley Hay, Ogley Hay Junior School, School, Staffordshire
6 Comments
Huge commitment to heavy lift beats big freeze
Tom Reid from the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust has been in touch to let us know about a rather interesting challenge the trust’s engineers had to deal with last weekend when the big freeze hit the UK.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2018, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, Facebook, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Staffordshire, Things to do, trust, Twitter
1 Comment
Bill Shaw: Tributes, and details of funeral released
Following the sad news of the passing of Bill Shaw, long time contributor to the blog, Clayhanger lad and great champion of local football there, has been a huge outpouring of sympathy and condolence – Bill was certainly a friend and familiar face to many, not just in local football, but in the wider community.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged Bentley, big house, Bill Shaw, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Clayhanger, football, Lichfield, Local History
1 Comment
Goodbye Bill Shaw: There had better be good football up there
It’s my sad duty to report to you that old friend of the blog, Clayhanger lad and football reporter extraordinaire Bill Shaw sadly passed away yesterday following an ongoing, serious illness.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged Bentley, big house, Bill Shaw, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Clayhanger, football, Lichfield, Local History, Marion Jones, meemories, Perfichrome, Round Table, VUK 800
4 Comments
Fit for a queen
Following Janet Bullock’s wonderful photo posted here a few days ago – which turns out indeed to be the May Queen celebrations at Ogley Ha Infants School in Brownhills – there was much discussion here and on social media about this traditional event, and reader Kate Dixon turned up local history gold.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged 1964, 4a, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Events, Local History, Malcolm Kelly, Mr. Riley, New Photos, Ogley Hay, Ogley Hay Junior School, School, Staffordshire
10 Comments
May be? Ogley Hay infants in the early 1960s
Reader Janet has sent me an absolutely gorgeous school photo from the early 1960s at Ogley Hay infants in Brownhills – from the activity and dress depicted, I think this may be a May Day celebration which I believe was customary at the school at the time?
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged 1964, 4a, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Events, Local History, Malcolm Kelly, Mr. Riley, New Photos, Ogley Hay, Ogley Hay Junior School, School, Staffordshire
10 Comments
Meet your local coppers this Monday afternoon in Brownhills
I received notice of this great event from Brownhills Policing Team via the excellent WMNow service a yesterday, advertising a pop-up meet the police event this coming Monday afternoon, 26th February 2018 at Tesco, Brownhills from 3pm until 5pm where you can meet your local policing team and get help, crime prevention and public safety advice.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 2018, 26 February, Brownhills, CommunitySafety Partnership, Events, home security, Library, local blogs, Pelsall, planning, Police, Tesco, Walsall, West Midlands
2 Comments
A feast of wire
Local rail buff Simon Swain has been busy of late covering the momentous and important Chase Line Electrification Project, which is seeing the rail line between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley electrified for hopefully faster and more reliable services.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills railways, Derelict, Disused Railways, Facebook, John Whitehouse, Junction, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Old maps, Pelsall, Ryecroft, Si Swain, Simon Swain, Staffordshire, Station, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Wood
3 Comments
Fun day event happening at Walsall Wood FC for Teddiesmile RIGHT NOW!
Here’s a quick one I’ve just noticed going on right now (Saturday afternoon, 24th February 2018) at Walsall Wood FC’s Oak Park ground – a fun day in support of the Teddiesmile appeal.
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 2018, 24 February, bonfire night, Events, FC, football, Footy, fun day, Good of the Wood, Lichfield, Oak Park, soccer, Teddiesmile, Things to do, Walsall Wood, Walsall WOod FC
Leave a comment
The Friends of Brownhills Common – March 2018 meeting coming soon!
Here’s one for people interested in the issues surrounding Brownhills Common – theres a meeting soon, Monday 19th March 2018 of the Freinds of Brownhills Common group at the Environmental Depot, 200 Pelsall Road, Brownhills – WS8 7EN – please meet in the reception by 7:00pm.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged 19 March, 2018, Brownhills common, Chasewater SSSI, Conifer, Consultation, Countryside Services, Cycle rides, Events, forestry, Freinds, Greenspace, Heathland, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Management, Natural England, Plantation, scrutiny, Special, Things to do, tree removal, Twitter, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council
5 Comments
Meet your local coppers in Pelsall this Friday afternoon!
I received notice of another useful late afternoon ‘Meet the public’ popup event via the excellent WMNow service yesterday – it takes place this Friday afternoon, Friday 16th February 2018 in Pelsall – these are great initiatives where you can meet your local policing team and get help, crime prevention and public safety advice.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 16 February, 2018, CommunitySafety Partnership, Events, home security, local blogs, Pelsall, planning, Police, Walsall, West Midlands
Leave a comment
Warning: Attempted break in to occupied house in High Heath
A warning here for readers of the blog throughout the area, but particularly in the Shelfield/High Heath area, where at 11:45pm last night (Tuesday 13th February 2018) a good friend of the blog suffered an attempted break in while they were at home.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 13th February, 2018, Attempted, break in, Brownhills, Burglary, car keys, crime, Events, Field Lane, High Heath, Pelsall, Police, Walsall, West Midlands
1 Comment
A great vintage – a brand new shop at Chasewater Railway
I’m always happy to see new attractions at Chasewater Railway, so I was pleased to note the carriage on Platform One now has a new business within, the Chase Vintage Carriage operated by Charley Hughes, and it’s currently open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am until 4pm.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, carriage, Charley Hughes, Chase, Chasewater, Events, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Panoramio, Reservoir, Staffordshire, STeam, Steam Railway, Things to do, Trains, vintage
Leave a comment
Meet your local coppers this Saturday in Aldridge!
I received notice of this great event from Walsall Police via the excellent WMNow service this morning, advertising a pop-up meet the police event this Saturday, 10th February 2018 at Aldridge Library from 10:00am until 11:00am where you can meet your local policing team and get help, crime prevention and public safety advice.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 10th February, Aldridge, CommunitySafety Partnership, Events, home security, local blogs, planning, Police, Walsall, West Midlands
Leave a comment













RSS - Posts