#365daysofbiking JournalRecent tracks
Book of the MoonFionn Regan15 hours ago
Cape of DiamondsFionn Regan15 hours ago
Turn the Skies of Blue OnFionn Regan15 hours ago
Cormorant BirdFionn Regan15 hours ago
The Meetings Of The WatersFionn Regan15 hours ago
Under the Waves / TokyoFionn Regan16 hours ago
GlaciersFionn Regan16 hours ago
Hunting DogFionn Regan16 hours ago
Brass LocketFionn Regan16 hours ago
CalaFionn Regan16 hours 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: Local Blogs
Find out about the restoration of our lost canal next Friday!
Just a quick note to point out that the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust are holding their Annual General Meeting next Friday nevening (Friday, 9th June 2017) in Brownhills, at the Parkview Centre (the old Council House on the Miner Island), and all are welcome to attend.
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 2015, 2017, 9 June, AGM, Barracks Lane, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Cross City Line, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Parkview Centre, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, The Boat, Things to do, trust, Twitter, Wildlife
1 Comment
Shocking walk-in burglary in Brownhills – take care, folks.
A troubling burglary took place in Ogley hay this weekend, when on the evening of Saturday, 27th May 2017 opportunist thieves walked into the house of an old friend of the blog and took a purse and a Dell laptop, while the lady who lives there was at home.
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 2017, 27 May, Aldridge, Brownhills, Burglary, crime, Events, laptop, Lichfield Road, Police, Stolen, walk in, walk in theft, Walsall, West Midlands
Leave a comment
Don’t forget New Hall Mill open day this Bank Holiday Monday!
Theres a lovely thing to visit locally this Bank Holiday Monday (29th May 2017), that’s close by, free and absolutely fascinating…
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, 2017, 29 May, 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
Beware: Lady intimidated at Chasewater Heath
I note in the last couple of days a worrying report of a lady being followed by a male behaving oddly on Chasewater North Heath, and post the following to warn dog walkers, particularly other women, to.beware.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 2017, 25 May, appeal, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Council, crime, Events, followed, footpath, incident, intimidation, Lichfield, local blogs, north heath, Police, Railway, Walsall
3 Comments
New Hall Mill open day this Bank Holiday Monday – could you be a Friend of the Mill?
Theres a lovely thing to visit locally this Bank Holiday Monday (29th May 2017), that’s close by, free and absolutely fascinating…
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, 2017, 29 May, 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
Look, there’s a familiar man on the TV…
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore revealed a surprise today – he’s been on BBC Midlands Today with presenter Bob Hockenhull talking about the remarkable project behind which David has been the prime mover – that of preserving and putting to community use the iconic Victorian building in south Lichfield.
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 2017, 8 may, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, Bore Street, Bowling Green, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, Friary Road, heritage, Kate Gomez, lecture, Lichfield, Lichfield Discovered, Lichfield Waterworks Trust, local blogs, Local History, Lore, meeting, Monday, Moore, pub, Sandfields, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do
Leave a comment
BRD Sports and Social club newsletter, 1954 – what do you remember?
A lovely period piece reaches me from reader David Hughes, who’s been kind enough to scan a complete November 1954 copy of ‘The Omtitis’ magazine, which was the BRD Sports and Social Club newsletter.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 195, Aldridge, BRD, David Hughes, Derelict, Driveline, GKN, Linda Mason, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mad Old Baggage, Newsletter, Omtitis, Redhouse, Twitter
1 Comment
New Hall Mill first open day of 2017 this Sunday – could you be a Friend of the Mill?
Theres a lovely thing to visit locally this Sunday (14th May 2017), that’s close by, free and absolutely fascinating…
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, 14 may, 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
2 Comments
The Friends of Brownhills Common – May 2017 meeting next Monday!
Here’s one for people interested in the issues surrounding Brownhills Common – theres a meeting next Monday 15th May 2017 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 15th May, 2017, 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
1 Comment
Lichfield Waterworks Trust – May 2017 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 (8th May 2017) there will be a public progress meeting for 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 2017, 8 may, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, Bore Street, Bowling Green, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, Friary Road, heritage, Kate Gomez, lecture, Lichfield, Lichfield Discovered, Lichfield Waterworks Trust, local blogs, Local History, Lore, meeting, Monday, Moore, pub, Sandfields, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do
Leave a comment
New Hall Mill first open day of 2017 next Sunday!
Theres a lovely thing to visit locally next Sunday (14th May 2017), that’s close by, free and absolutely fascinating…
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, 14 may, 2017, 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
It’s good to repair (and share!) – a great event this afternoon near Lichfield
Never one to sit back and let life pass her by, that there Kate Cardigan from the wonderful Lichfield Lore is involved with a new project – Lichfield Repair and Share – which starts today (Saturday, 29th April 2017) at Woodhouse Farm, just north of Whittington, between 2pm and 4pm.
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 2017, 29 April, cardigan, community, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, Fisherwick, free, Gomez, Kate Gomez, Lichfield, local blogs, Lore, Recycling, Repair and Share, Staffordshire, Things to do, WHittington, Woodhouse Farm
Leave a comment
Fabulous at Fifty – local theatre going strong!
It’s good to see local theatre doing so well these days, with not one but great local companies staging shows in the coming weeks – last week I pointed out Brownhills Musical Theatre Company’s latest 9-5 was coming up, and today it’s the turn of Aldridge Musical Comedy Society who have a rather special anniversary this year and are putting on a show to celebrate it.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2017, Aldridge, Aldridge Musical Comedy Society, amateur dramatics, Cannock, Events, Lichfield, local blogs, Performance, Prince of Wales Theatre, Show, Theatre, Things to do, tickets, Walsall Wood
Leave a comment
A great chance for tea and cake in a great country canalside garden this afternoon!
I know it’s late on but there’s a great even going on in Whittington this afternoon (Saturday, 15th April 2017) 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 15 April, 2017, 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
1 Comment
Get the Community Doodle bug!
That there Lucy Wood from the Saxon Hill Craft Barn shop at Chasewater Innovation Centre has written to let me know that they’re holding a free Community Doodle Workshop this Saturday, 8th April 2017 from 10am until 2pm, and all are welcome!
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, 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
Tagged Brownhills, care, Carers, Chasewater, community, craft barn, Craft Village, disability, Doodle, Events, Facebook, Innovation centre, Lichfield, local blogs, Lucy Wood, saxon hill, Saxon Hill School, social enterprise, Srap Barn, Staffordshire, Things to do, Twitter, workshop
Leave a comment
Have you got a lot of bottle?
Here’s an odd but important request I had in yesterday from Walsall Countryside Ranger Helen Sanger – she needs loads of clean, empty 2 litre drinks bottles!
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 bottles, Brownhills common, Chasewater SSSI, Countryside Services, Events, Greenspace, Heathland, Helen Sanger, local blogs, Special, Things to do, Twitter, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council
6 Comments
The gnomons of Aldridge
Here’s just a quick note to regular readers not on social media or who perhaps haven’t noticed that Linda Mason, ‘The Mad Old Baggage’ has a new post up about a very interesting situation in Aldridge, concerning planning and a curious bullishness evident in some quarters, and it’s rather curious stuff.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged Aldridge, Facebook, Lichfield, Linda Mason, local blogs, Local History, Mad Old Baggage, Mason, planning, Sundial, Things to do, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Wood
7 Comments
Walsall Local History Centre: Council clarifies their position
A turn up for the books a couple of days ago as it appears the folk over at Walsall Council’s Press Office still read the blog – you’ll remember the post from a couple of days ago when I passed on the news that opening of the Local History Centre in Essex Street was being cut back to allow for the move of the archive to central Walsall.
Have a great night out – and support a great local canal project!
Tom Reid from the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust has been in touch to let us know about their annual Spring show, taking place at Whittington Village Hall on Friday, April 7th 2017.
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 2017, 7 April, Barracks Lane, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Parkview Centre, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Spring Show, Staffordshire, Summerhill, Things to do, trust, Tunnel Vision, Twitter, Wildlife
Leave a comment
Important news for those interested in Walsall local history
This is just a quick note to flag up some really important news regarding opening hours at Walsall Local History Centre which will, from April 1st 2017, only be open for two days per week, to enable moving of the service to the Central Library in Walsall.
Continue reading
Lichfield Waterworks Trust – March 2017 public meeting this Monday!
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that this coming Monday (27th March 2017) there will be a public progress meeting for 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 2017, 27 March, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, Bore Street, Bowling Green, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, Friary Road, heritage, Kate Gomez, lecture, Lichfield, Lichfield Discovered, Lichfield Waterworks Trust, local blogs, Local History, Lore, meeting, Monday, Moore, pub, Sandfields, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do
Leave a comment
Where does the water go? Find out this Sunday!
An interesting history walk is taking place this Sunday, 26th March 2017 at Chasewater, entitled ‘Where does the water go?’ which takes a look at how the dam infrastructure functions, and some of the industrial history of Anglesey Basin and surrounds.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, 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, Wildlife
Tagged 2017, 26 March, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Countryside, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, guided walks, Rangers, Reservoir, Shared media, Staffordshire, Things to do, whats on, Where does the water go, Wildlife
Leave a comment
Chasewater Railway 2017 Industrial Gala this weekend!
Chasewater Railway – the little gem of a preserved industrial railway right on our doorstep is holding it’s annual Industrial Gala this weekend, Saturday and Sunday 18-19th March 2017.
Continue reading
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
2 Comments
Meet your local coppers this Friday – and help Beat the Burglar!
I received notice of this great event from Walsall Police via the excellent WMNow service a few days ago, advertising a bunch of events across the borough this Friday, 17th March 2017 where you can meet your local policing team and get help and 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 Brownhills, Community Safety House, CommunitySafety Partnership, Demonstration, Events, home security, Kevin Pitt, local blogs, Opening, planning, Police, Safe House, Walsall, West Midlands
Leave a comment
Don’t miss Back to Backs – another brilliant Talk in the Wood!
Don’t miss your opportunity to attend another fascinating local history talk at Walsall Wood Library this Wednesday, 15th March 2017, when Birmingham Historian and National Trust Guide Clive Katz will be discussing the subject of the Birmingham Back to Backs.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 15th March, 2017, Brownhills local history, Clive Katz, David Evans, event, Events, Library, Lichfield, Local History, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Talk in the wood, Things to do, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
Leave a comment
The Friends of Brownhills Common – March 2017 meeting his Monday!
Here’s one for people interested in the issues surrounding Brownhills Common – theres a meeting tonight, Monday 13th March 2017 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 13 March, 2017, 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
Leave a comment
Brownhills West Estate Cleanup Day today!
Late notification I know, but today there’s a littler pick/tidy up afoot in Brownhills West and volunteers are needed – meet at Shannon Drive Centre at 10am.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 2016, 2017, 9 March, Brownhills, Brownhills West, Community Association, Events, Facebook, flytipping, Lichfield, litter, local blogs, pick, Things to do, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council
5 Comments
Beware: Indecent exposure incident at canal near Clayhanger
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news yet again, but just a heads up that there’s been an indecent exposure incident near the canal in Clayhanger today (Tuesday, 7th March 2017).
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 2017, appeal, Brownhills, Canal, Clayhanger, crime, Events, exposure, flasher, incident, Indecent, indecent exposure, Lichfield, local blogs, March, Police, Walsall
Leave a comment
Vehicle break-ins in Walsall Wood – be on the lookout, please
Sad to report a couple of vehicle break-ins in Walsall Wood on Sunday night/Monday Morning – this time at the Beech Tree Road car park in Walsall Wood.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2017, 6 March, Beech Tree Road, break in, Brownhills, Burglary, Car burglary, Car Crime, Car Park, crime, Events, Facebook, Kevin Shaw, local blogs, Police, public safety, tools, Twitter, van, Walsall Police, Walsall Wood, West Midlands Police
1 Comment
Chasewater Railway 2017 season starts today!
I’ve noticed that Chasewater Railway – the little gem of a preserved industrial railway right on our doorstep is re-starting passenger services this weekend after the winter shutdown.
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 Award, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Newsletter, Railway, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do
Leave a comment
Get tunnel vision and help with a great local history preservation project!
Tom Reid from the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust has been in touch to let us know about the launch of their Tunnel Vision appeal, which has been established to raise funds in order to construct a canal tunnel under the railway near Lichfield.
Continue reading
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 2016, Barracks Lane, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, cycling, December 3, Derelict, Facebook, guided walk, Hatherton, John Suchet, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Parkview Centre, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, The Boat, Things to do, trust, Tunnel Vision, Twitter, Wildlife
Leave a comment
Get stuck in the bog…
For those of you into conservation and the local environment, there’s this event going on at Norton Bog (that’s north Chasewater) this Sunday, 26th February 2017 – the Friends of Norton Bog are a great group and you can find out more about them at the event.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cycle rides, cycling, Friends of Norton Bog, Graham Evans, local blogs, Norton Bog, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Wildlife
Leave a comment
Lichfield Waterworks Trust – February 2017 public meeting next Monday!
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that this coming Monday (13th February 2017) there will be a public progress meeting for the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of Sandfields Pumping Station group.
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 2017, 9 January, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, Bore Street, Bowling Green, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, Friary Road, heritage, Kate Gomez, lecture, Lichfield, Lichfield Discovered, Lichfield Waterworks Trust, local blogs, Local History, Lore, meeting, Monday, Moore, pub, Sandfields, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do
Leave a comment
A found connection
Way back last year, Patricia Cotton sent in the above photo of her brother Tony, family friends Dora Rathbone and her son Bob enjoying a picnic and a paddle in 1955 by the canal in Brownhills, aroundabout where the banks of the old clay pit are today.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 1955, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chris Pattison, Clayhanger, Company, Cotton, Dave Moore, Derelict, Dora, Gerald Reece, Hemming, Jolly Collier, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Morturn, New Photos, Old maps, Patricia Cotton, Pedro, Pumping, Rathbone, Reservoir, Sandfields, Shire Oak, South Staffordshire, Staffordshire, Station, surge stack, Things to do, ventilator, Walsall, Water, Water tower, Waterwoks
Leave a comment
Subaru car stolen from Aldridge – keep an eye out folks
Diane Mansell, of Aldridge Village Partnership has asked that readers could please be on the lookout for this somewhat distinctive Subaru car (registration K23DHN) which was stolen from Aldridge last night (21st January 2017).
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Aldridge, Brownhills, Car burglary, Car Crime, Car Theft, Clayhanger, crime, Diane Mansell, Events, Facebook, local blogs, Police, public safety, Stonnall, Village Parnership, Walsall Police, West Midlands Police
Leave a comment
The Friends of Brownhills Common – January 2017 meeting tonight!
Here’s one for people interested in the issues surrounding Brownhills Common – theres a meeting tonight, Monday 16th January 2017 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 16 January, 2017, 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
Leave a comment
Scouting for assistance!
I have been contacted by John Currie of the 2nd Brownhills Scouts who’d like to appeal to folk who could help the group thrive and grow in the coming year.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, 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, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2nd, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Cubs, Events, Fire, help, John Currie, New Photos, safety, Scouts, Shire Oak, volunteer, Youth
Leave a comment
Don’t forget – chance to catch a local legend this Wednesday!
Just a quick headsup to those interested in Walsall Wood history and who are free on the Wednesday afternoon of 11th January 2017 – there’s a talk featuring the Brownhills Blog’s favourite Wood Mon™ and top contributor, the young David Evans.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 11 January, 2017, Brownhills local history, David Evans, event, Events, Library, Lichfield, Local History, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Talk in the wood, Things to do, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
3 Comments
Lichfield Waterworks Trust – January 2017 public meeting tonight!
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that this evening (Monday 9th January 2017) there will be a public progress meeting for the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of Sandfields Pumping Station group.
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 2017, 9 January, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, Bore Street, Bowling Green, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, Friary Road, heritage, Kate Gomez, lecture, Lichfield, Lichfield Discovered, Lichfield Waterworks Trust, local blogs, Local History, Lore, meeting, Monday, Moore, pub, Sandfields, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do
Leave a comment
The Friends of Brownhills Common – January 2017 meeting coming soon!
Here’s one for people interested in the issues surrounding Brownhills Common – theres a meeting on Monday 16th January 2017 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 16 January, 2017, 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
Leave a comment
A view from behind the inkwell… Your chance to catch a local legend
Your second chance to catch a Walsall Wood legend in action – not to be missed.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 11 January, 2017, Brownhills local history, David Evans, event, Events, Library, Lichfield, Local History, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Talk in the wood, Things to do, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
Leave a comment
Peace at last – a Christmas message from The Brownhills Blog
Hey you lot – Brownhills Blog readers, browsers, information seekers, contributors, friends: have a great Christmas, and I wish you a happy, prosperous and peaceful 2017.
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 2015, 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
18 Comments
2016 Christmas Fair and Lantern Parade at Chasewater this Sunday!
There’s a further chance to get into the Christmas spirit this Sunday (11th December 2016) – there’s the Annual Christmas Fair and Lantern Parade being held at Chasewater Innovation Centre.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, 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, Wildlife
Tagged 11 December, 2016, Brownhills, Chasewater, Christmas, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Fayre, Lantern Parade, local blogs, New Photos, Reservoir, Santa, Special, Staffordshire, Sunday, Things to do, Wildlife
Leave a comment
Our Village – a great new local history book for Aldridge – out now and selling fast!
There are a handful of great local history books out at the moment, just in time for Christmas, that would makes great gifts for those with a local interest – last week I noted the new book on Brownhills pubs by Clive Roberts, and I’m posting today to point up the new book by Sue Satterthwaite and Len Boulton covering Aldridge.
Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 2016, Aldridge, Book, ceremony, December, Events, House, Len Boulton, Library, Lichfield, Linda Mason, local blogs, Local History, Manor, Our Village, Somme, Staffordshire, Sue Satterthwaite, Things to do, Walsall Council
3 Comments
Beware: Children approached in Brownhills in two recent incidents
Somewhat worryingly, a couple of incidents involving men approaching schoolchildren have been reported today (Friday, 2nd December 2016) in the local area that will be of concern to all local residents, but particularly parents.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged accosted, appeal, approached, Brownhills, Car, Children, Clayhanger, crime, Events, footpath, guard, hi-vis, High Street, Holy Trinity, incident, Lichfield, man, Police, schools, security, Shire Oak School, text, Walsall, Walsall Wood
Leave a comment
Find out about a great local canal restoration with a guided walk this Saturday!
Tom Reid from the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust has been in touch to let us know about the organised walk of the SUmmerhill section that’s taking place this Saturday, 3rd December 2016.
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 2016, Barracks Lane, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, cycling, December 3, Derelict, Facebook, guided walk, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Parkview Centre, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, The Boat, Things to do, trust, Twitter, Wildlife
Leave a comment
Disturbing incident in Shire Oak – householders be on your guard!
A reader living in the Commonside/Occupation Road area of Shire Oak has just been in touch with me asking to share with readers a frightening incident they experienced on Sunday Evening (27th November 2016) when it appears a youth tried to gain entry to their house while the occupants were watching TV.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2016, attempted break in, break in, Brownhills, Car, Commonside, crime, Events, Lichfield, local blogs, Oak Park, Occupation Road, Police, public safety, Shire Oak, Stolen, Theft, Vandalism, Walsall Police, West Midlands Police
6 Comments
Lichfield Waterworks Trust – November 2016 public meeting this Thursday
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that this Thursday evening (24th November 2016) there will be a public progress meeting for 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 2016, 24 November, Architecture, at risk, Bird Street, Black Country, Bore Street, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, George IV, 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
Pictures from Brownhills 2016 Remembrance events
Thanks to the generosity of those good folks at the Facebook page of St. James Church in Brownhills I can feature these galleries of images from their 2016 Remembrance events held in Brownhills.
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 11 November, 13 November, 2016, Brownhills, Cancelled, David Evans, Events, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Parade, Police, Remembrance, Scouts, Service, Staffordshire, Things to do, time, under threat, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
Leave a comment
Joan Lockley the Local Hoglet Hero – a great Talk in the Wood this Wednesday
Don’t miss your opportunity to attend another fascinating talk at Walsall Wood Library this Wednesday, 16th November 2016, when remarkable hedgehog rescuer and champion Joan Lockley will be discussing her work – and bringing along a spiky guest for you to meet!
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 16 November, 2016, Brownhills local history, David Evans, event, Events, Hedgehog Rescue, Hero, hoglet, Joan Lockley, Library, Lichfield, Local History, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Talk in the wood, Things to do, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood, West Midlands
Leave a comment
RSS - Posts
