Category Archives: Local politics

HSBC branch in Brownhills to close in November

Posted on September 1, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

I’m sad to report that the last High Street Bank bank in Brownhills, HSBC will close for good on Friday, 25th November 2016 – this comes amidst the slump in the use of High Street branches caused by online and telephone banking, and the general woes of the bank in general – HSBC has closed over 100 branches already this year.

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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged 2016, 25 November, bank, Barclays, branch, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Cheap tat, close, Closure, Derelict, Events, Facebook, HSBC, Lichfield, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, planning, Politics, Pubs, retail development, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics | 8 Comments

A pictorial record

Posted on August 28, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

Readers may well recall the awful and largely forgotten story surrounding Colenal James Kilian, and his cruelty and subsequent disgrace following the mistreatment of soldiers at the U.S. Army base stationed at Whittington, near Lichfield, duringWorld War Two – it’s a subject we’ve touched on occasionally and is little known about here in the UK, but somewhat notorious in the USA. Continue reading →

Posted in Bad Science, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council | Tagged Anglo American, barracks, Council, Court Marshall, David Evans, Freindship Week, General Kilian, GI, Jack Gieck, Lichfield, Lichfield Mercury, local blogs, Local History, Lorenzor, martial, Peter Cutler, scandal, Silly, Soup Tureen, Staffordshire, Tamworth Time Hikes, US Army on trial, US Troops, Walsall, WHittington, World War 2, WW2 | 12 Comments

The Friends of Brownhills Common – next meeting coming soon!

Posted on August 17, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

Here’s one for people interested in the issues surrounding Brownhills Common – theres a meeting at 7:00pm on Monday 12th September 2016 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.

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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 12 September, 2016, 9th November, 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

Oak Park Active Living Centre opens this week – find out more here

Posted on August 7, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

Just a note for anyone interested that Oak Park Active Living Centre – the new leisure centre in Walsall Wood – opens this Tuesday, 9th August 2016 as does the sister centre at Bloxwich.

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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged Active Living Centre, Brownhills, Brownhills Road, Coppice Road, crossing, Details, houses, housing, Junction, Leisure Centre, Leisure Services, Lindon Road, Local politics, Mike Flower, new, New Photos, Oak Park, Opening, Pedestrian, planning, Plans, Rebuild, rebuilt, Redevelopment, revised, Shire Oak, submitted, Tkevcro, trees, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood | 3 Comments

Good luck to the Brownhills in Bloom team!

Posted on July 27, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

I’d like to wish all the very best of luck to the hard working volunteers and community minded folk who’ve worked with Brownhills Town Centre Partnership on this year’s Brownhills in Bloom bird, which is judged this afternoon (Wednesday, 27th July 2016).

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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged Britain in Bloom, Browhills Town Centre Partnership, Brownhills, Brownhills Big Tidy Up, Brownhills Town Centre Partnership, Community Payback Team, Darlaston, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, planning, Princes Trust, Ravens Court, Things to do, Vandalism, Vickie Heydon-Matterface, Vivienne Aston, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Housing Group, Walsall politics | Leave a comment

More Costa jobs up for grabs in Brownhills

Posted on July 24, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

There’s been lots of talk here about the new Costa Coffee outlet due to open in Brownhills – and a couple of weeks ago I spotted a job advert for the new store – sadly, this was oversubscribed quickly and many were left disappointed.

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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council | Tagged 51 High Street, architecture design, blockbuster, branch, Brownhills, Cafe, Coffee, Costa, Derelict, High Street, jobs, Lichfield, Local politics, Opening, outlet, planning, Redevelopment, Restaurant, store, Twitter, Walsall Council | Leave a comment

Costa Coffee franchise advertising jobs in Brownhills

Posted on July 12, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

Some months ago it became evident that a franchise for Costa Coffee was planning on opening a branch in Brownhills – following mentions on Twitter by a design house and a subsequent planning application, which was approved last March, things went quiet.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council | Tagged 51 High Street, architecture design, blockbuster, branch, Brownhills, Cafe, Coffee, Costa, Derelict, High Street, jobs, Lichfield, Local politics, Opening, outlet, planning, Redevelopment, Restaurant, store, Twitter, Walsall Council | 6 Comments

The Friends of Brownhills Common – July meeting tonight

Posted on July 11, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

Here’s one for people interested in the issues surrounding Brownhills Common – theres a meeting at 7:00pm this Monday evening 11th July 2016 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.

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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 11 July, 2016, 9th November, 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

Friends of Clayhanger Park meeting this Thursday

Posted on July 6, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

A reminder for people concerned with the issues surrounding Clayhanger Park that there’s a meeting of the Friends Of Clayhanger Park group at the Clean and Green Depot, Pelsall Road, Brownhills this Thursday 7th July 2016) from 7:30pm.

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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Express & Star, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council | Tagged 2016, 7 July, Brownhills, Children, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Park, football, Friends of, kids, Lichfield, play, Politics, Skate Park, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Council | Leave a comment

Calling all local gardeners please!

Posted on July 4, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

Once more, Diane Mansell from Brownhills Town Centre Partnership has been in touch, and asked me to ask if I’d put out a plea for gardeners,volunteer groups or anyone else who can help the Brownhills in Bloom team remove some problematic shrubs in town.

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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged 27 June, Britain in Bloom, Browhills Town Centre Partnership, Brownhills, Brownhills Big Tidy Up, Brownhills Town Centre Partnership, Darlaston, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, Monday, planning, Princes Trust, Ravens Court, Things to do, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Housing Group, Walsall politics | Leave a comment

Can you help Diane make Brownhills bloom?

Posted on June 24, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

Once more, Diane Mansell from Brownhills Town Centre Partnership has been in touch, and asked me to point out that volunteers are needed for another planting event to prepare the remaining planters for the Brownhills Britain in Bloom entry this coming Monday 27th June 2016.

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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged 27 June, Britain in Bloom, Browhills Town Centre Partnership, Brownhills, Brownhills Big Tidy Up, Brownhills Town Centre Partnership, Darlaston, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, Monday, planning, Princes Trust, Ravens Court, Things to do, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Housing Group, Walsall politics | Leave a comment

Blooming wonderful!

Posted on June 14, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

Just a shoutout here to the volunteers and community mind folk of Brownhills Town Centre Partnership who yesterday, despite some pretty horrid weather, went out planting flowers in the tubs and planters in town and once again did Brownhills proud.

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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged Britain in Bloom, Browhills Town Centre Partnership, Brownhills, Brownhills Big Tidy Up, Brownhills Town Centre Partnership, Community Payback Team, Darlaston, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, planning, Princes Trust, Ravens Court, Things to do, Vandalism, Vickie Heydon-Matterface, Vivienne Aston, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Housing Group, Walsall politics | 4 Comments

Please help the Brownhills in bloom team – today!

Posted on June 13, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

The wonderful Diane Mansell from Brownhills Town Centre Partnership has been in touch, and asked me to see if anyone fancies helping out with the Brownhills Britain in Bloom competition entry from our town today (Monday 13th June 2016).

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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged Britain in Bloom, Browhills Town Centre Partnership, Brownhills, Brownhills Big Tidy Up, Brownhills Town Centre Partnership, Community Payback Team, Darlaston, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, planning, Princes Trust, Ravens Court, Things to do, Vandalism, Vickie Heydon-Matterface, Vivienne Aston, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Housing Group, Walsall politics | Leave a comment

Apologies – Brownhills in bloom planting event cancelled!

Posted on June 1, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

So sorry to announce this, but I’ve just been informed by the organisers that the planting event scheduled for tomorrow, 2nd June 2016 by Brownhills Town Centre Partnership has had to be deferred until Monday 13th June due to late arrival of the plants – sadly, this is affecting several towns in the borough and is unavoidable.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged 2016, Britain in Bloom, Browhills Town Centre Partnership, Brownhills, Brownhills Big Tidy Up, Brownhills Town Centre Partnership, Cancelled, Community Payback Team, Darlaston, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, planning, Princes Trust, Ravens Court, Things to do, Vandalism, Vickie Heydon-Matterface, Vivienne Aston, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Housing Group, Walsall politics | Leave a comment

Please help Brownhills bloom – tomorrow!

Posted on June 1, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

The wonderful Diane Mansell from Brownhills Town Centre Partnership have been in touch, and asked me to see if anyone fancies helping out with the Brownhills Britain in Bloom competition entry from our town, which involves planting, litter picking and general sprucing up.

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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged Britain in Bloom, Browhills Town Centre Partnership, Brownhills, Brownhills Big Tidy Up, Brownhills Town Centre Partnership, Community Payback Team, Darlaston, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, planning, Princes Trust, Ravens Court, Things to do, Vandalism, Vickie Heydon-Matterface, Vivienne Aston, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Housing Group, Walsall politics | Leave a comment

Please help Brownhills bloom this summer!

Posted on May 25, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

The wonderful Diane Mansell from Brownhills Town Centre Partnership have been in touch, and asked me to see if anyone fancies helping out with the Brownhills Britain in Bloom competition entry from our town, which involves planting, litter picking and general sprucing up.

Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged 2016, Britain in Bloom, Browhills Town Centre Partnership, Brownhills, Brownhills Big Tidy Up, Brownhills Town Centre Partnership, Community Payback Team, Darlaston, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, planning, Princes Trust, Ravens Court, Things to do, Vandalism, Vickie Heydon-Matterface, Vivienne Aston, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Housing Group, Walsall politics | Leave a comment

The Friends of Brownhills Common – Meeting and AGM next Monday!

Posted on May 11, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

Here’s one for people interested in the issues surrounding Brownhills Common – theres the AGM of the Friends of Brownhills Common ext Monday, 16th May 2016 at 7:00pm at the Environmental Depot, 200 Pelsall Road, Brownhills – WS8 7EN – please meet in the reception by 7:00pm.

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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 May, 2016, AGM, Annual General Meeting, 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

Finally my bin will go out less than I do…

Posted on May 10, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

As predicted here a couple of weeks ago, the announcement by Walsall Council has now been made, and a leaflet is currently being circulated regarding reducing collections of your grey non-recycling bin to once every two weeks – interestingly, the announce meant is directly following the local elections. Continue reading →

Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged 2016, Aldridge, bi-weekly, bin collections, Bins, Brownhills, changes, Clayhanger, collection, collection day, Events, household waste, information, Leaflet, Local politics, new, panic, Recycling, Refuse, rubbish, schedule, Silly, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood | 2 Comments

2016 Walsall local election results

Posted on May 6, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

It’s late, I’m knackered – but a big night for Labour in Walsall: Steve Wade held Brownhills by a fairly sizeable majority; Keith Sears held Walsall Wood and a shock result for Blakenall where Labour’s Matt Ward beat Pete Smith. … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged 2016, Aldridge, Aldridge North, Brownhills, Conservative, Council, Council Election, Councillors, Election, election results, Labour, Local, Local Election, Local politics, Mike Bird, North, Politics, results, Tory, Twitter, UKIP, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Ward | Leave a comment

Aldridge Manor Youth Club restarts in a new home this coming Tuesday!

Posted on April 29, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

Following the sad closure of Aldridge Manor Youth Club, local activist Paul Sharpe has been beavering away to try and continue the club in some form in a new venue – I posted his appeal for help here a couple of months ago.
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Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged Aldridge Arena, Aldridge Manor, Cheap tat, Closure, Croft, cuts, Facebook, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, May 3, Paul Sharpe, planning, Politics, Redevelopment, Shire Oak, Silly, sold, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Youth Club | Leave a comment

Binned off

Posted on April 25, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

Like most of the households in the borough, we’ve received a leaflet from Walsall Council recently in place of the normal bin collection calendar/schedule we normally receive at this time of year – the leaflet says a new calendar won’t be issued until ‘Late summer, 2016’ – I wonder why that might be?

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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged 2016, Aldridge, bin collections, Bins, Brownhills, Clayhanger, collection, collection day, Events, household waste, information, Leaflet, Local politics, new, Recycling, Refuse, rubbish, schedule, Silly, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood | 8 Comments

Is it our fault?

Posted on April 9, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

Reader John Blanchard has been in touch all the way from Aukland in New Zealand with some interesting and hopefully debate-provoking memories of subsidence effects in Walsall Wood from the 1960s onwards.

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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Castlefornt, Derelict, Fort Crescent, Fred Burt, Howmuch, John Blanchard, Local History, Local politics, mine, mining, mining damage, Salters Road, Sewer, Subsidence, subsidence damage, Vandalism, Walsall Council, Walsall Housing Committee, Walsall Observer, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood | 6 Comments

Brown bin collections in Brownhills start this Friday

Posted on April 7, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

Just a heads up to all the bin botherers that there is the first brown (garden waste) bin collection of 2016 in Area 9 tomorrow (Friday, 8th February 2016) – that’s Brownhills, Pelsall, Shire Oak and Clayhanger – so get your bins out for the lads tonight.

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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged 2016, Aldridge, bin collections, Bins, Brownhills, Clayhanger, collection, collection day, Events, household waste, information, Leaflet, Local politics, new, Recycling, Refuse, rubbish, schedule, Silly, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood | 1 Comment

Bin collection information over Easter 2016

Posted on March 24, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

I’ve had a large number of queries today about bin collections for Good Friday and the Easter Weekend (Friday 25th March, Monday 28th March 2016) – collection services in Walsall Borough are operating normally as they doe for every Bank Holiday except the three over Christmas.

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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged 2016, Aldridge, bin collections, Bins, Brownhills, Christmas, Clayhanger, collection, collection day, Easter, Events, household waste, information, Leaflet, Local politics, new, Recycling, Refuse, rubbish, schedule, Silly, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood | 3 Comments

Planning application submitted for new Costa Coffee branch in Brownhills

Posted on March 18, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

As speculated in this post earlier this year, a franchise for Costa Coffee has applied for planning permission enabling conversion of the former Blockbuster store at 51, High Street, Brownhills into a Costa branch – the property has been empty since the video rental chain crashed in 2013.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council | Tagged 51 High Street, architecture design, blockbuster, branch, Brownhills, Cafe, Coffee, Costa, Derelict, High Street, Lichfield, Local politics, Opening, outlet, planning, Redevelopment, Restaurant, store, Twitter, Walsall Council | 5 Comments

Aldridge Manor Youth Club: Can you help it be reborn?

Posted on March 10, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

As a result of the imminent closure of Aldridge Manor Youth Club and sale of the Manor House by Walsall Council, local activist Paul Sharpe has got his thinking cap on, and is appealing for help from anyone who might be able to help him set up an alternative club.

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Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged Aldridge Manor, Cheap tat, Closure, cuts, Facebook, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Paul Sharpe, planning, Politics, Redevelopment, Shire Oak, Silly, sold, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Youth Club | 6 Comments

Second Northfields Way barrier consultation tonight

Posted on March 7, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

As Councillor Steve Wade is helpfully reporting, if you’re concerned about the issues surrounding traveller encampment and other ASB at Northfields Way in Clayhanger, there’s a consultation drop-in session tonight (Monday, 7th March 2016) open to all at Clayhanger Methodist Church, Clayhanger Lane, from 5:30-7:30pm.

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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council | Tagged 2016, 7 March, Brownhills, Clayhanger, Consultation, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, Methodist Church, Northfields Way, planning, Things to do, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics | 1 Comment

Friends of Clayhanger Park meeting this evening

Posted on March 2, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

A reminder for people concerned with the issues surrounding Clayhanger Park that there’s a meeting of the newly-formed Friends Of Clayhanger Park group at Clayhanger Community Centre, in Church Street, Clayhanger, this evening (Tuesday 2nd March 2016) from 7:30pm.

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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Express & Star, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council | Tagged 2 March, 2016, Brownhills, Children, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Park, football, Friends of, kids, Lichfield, play, Politics, Skate Park, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Council | Leave a comment

Bang tidy!

Posted on March 1, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

I note from the informative blog of Brownhills Councillor Steve Wade that there will be a Big Tidy Up day in Brownhills this Thursday, 3rd March 2016 organised by Walsall Council, the Town Centre and Area Partnerships.

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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, 3 March, 5 March, Ben Brittain, Brownhills, Canal, clean for the queen, Councillor, Derelict, Events, Facebook, flytipping, Lichfield, litter, local blogs, Local politics, pick, Politics, Ravens Court, Steve Wade, Tesco, Things to do, Town Cnetre Partnership, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics | 3 Comments

Northfields Way barrier consultation tonight

Posted on February 29, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

As top local activist blog Madwblog and Councillor Steve Wade are helpfully reporting, please don’t forget that if you’re concerned about the issues surrounding traveller encampment and other ASB at Northfields Way in CLayhanger, there’s a consultation drop-in session tonight (Monday, 29th February 2016) open to all at the community centre in the village.

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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council | Tagged Brownhills, Clayhanger, community centre, Consultation, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, Northfields Way, planning, Things to do, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics | Leave a comment

The Friends of Brownhills Common – February site meeting this Thursday

Posted on February 3, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

Here’s one for people interested in the issues surrounding Brownhills Common – theres a Friends of Brownhills Common site meeting to be held 10am Thursday 4th February 2016 meeting on the car park – Tim Cleary, Walsall Council Countryside Operations Manager to attend.

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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 2016, 4th February, Brownhills common, Chasewater SSSI, Conifer, Consultation, Countryside Services, Cycle rides, Events, forestry, Freinds, Greenspace, Heathland, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Management, Natural England, Plantation, scrutiny, site, site meeting, Special, Things to do, tree removal, Twitter, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council | 2 Comments

Costa Coffee coming to Brownhills?

Posted on January 29, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

I’ve been aware of rumours of the well-known coffee chain Costa opening a branch in Brownhills for a few weeks, but up to now have been unable to nail them down – but thanks to a couple of tweets by an architectural agency I spotted yesterday, it seems like the froth-mongers are indeed looking to establish in the town.

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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council | Tagged 51 High Street, architecture design, blockbuster, branch, Brownhills, Cafe, Coffee, Costa, Derelict, High Street, Lichfield, Local politics, Opening, outlet, planning, Redevelopment, Restaurant, store, Twitter, Walsall Council | 4 Comments

Wendy Morton MP to hold surgery in Brownhills this Friday

Posted on January 28, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

I’m pleased to note that the Member of Parliament for Aldridge Brownhills – your MP Wendy Morton – will hold a surgery at Brownhills Activity Centre, just off the Miner Island in town, from 2pm to 3pm this Friday, 29th January 2016 – she’ll also be ar Rushall later that afternoon.

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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged Aldridge Brownhills, Brownhills, Brownhills Activity Centre, Events, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, Member of Parliament, MP, Politics, Richard Shepherd, Silly, Surgery, Tory, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Wendy, Wendy Morton | Leave a comment

Don’t forget – Pelsall Road closed overnight for the next few weeks

Posted on January 25, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

It’s worth noting that for the next couple of weeks or so (Monday 25th January – Wednesday 10th February 2016) sections of the Pelsall Road in Brownhills will be closed from 8pm until 6am every night to allow for road resurfacing works to take place. Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council | Tagged 10 February, 2016, 25 January, Apex Road, Brownhills, Chester Road, Clayhanger Lane, Closure, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Lichfield, local blogs, overnight, Pelsall Road, resurfacing, Road Works, Steve Wade, Walsall Council | Leave a comment

Where there’s a will

Posted on January 24, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

I keep returning to the subject of the man I consider to be the father of modern Brownhills, the one and only William Roberts – railway plate layer, ganger, publican, entrepreneur, civic stalwart, JP and philanthropist.

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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, Gerald Reece, JP, Lichfield, Local History, Local politics, Pedro, Peter Cutler, philanthropist, Pubs, q, Staffordshire, Station Hotel, Things to do, William ROberts | 6 Comments

Bin collection tomorrow for Brownhills, Pelsall, Shelfield and East Aldridge

Posted on January 7, 2016 by BrownhillsBob

Just a heads up to all the bin botherers that there is a bin collection tomorrow (Friday, 8th January 2016) for areas 9 and 10 – that’s Brownhills, Pelsall, Shelfield, High Heat, Shire Oak and West Aldridge – so get your bins out for the lads tonight.

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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged 2016, Aldridge, bin collections, Bins, Brownhills, Christmas, Clayhanger, collection, collection day, Events, household waste, information, January 8, Leaflet, Local politics, new, Recycling, Refuse, rubbish, schedule, Silly, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood | Leave a comment

Remember folks – bin collection tomorrow for Brownhills, Pelsall, Shelfield and East Aldridge

Posted on December 27, 2015 by BrownhillsBob

Just a heads to all the bin bothers that there is a bin collection tomorrow (Monday, 28th December 2015) for areas 9 and 10 – that’s Brownhills, Pelsall, Shelfield, High Heat, Shire Oak and West Aldridge – so get your bins out for the lads tonight.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged 2015, Aldridge, bin collections, Bins, Brownhills, Christmas, Clayhanger, collection, collection day, Events, household waste, information, Leaflet, Local politics, new, Recycling, Refuse, rubbish, schedule, Silly, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood | 1 Comment

We finally made it to Christmas…

Posted on December 24, 2015 by BrownhillsBob

I’d like to wish all blog readers, contributors and friends a merry Christmas and a very happy, peaceful and prosperous new year – may 2016 bring all you hope for.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife | Tagged 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 | 15 Comments

2015 Christmas bin collection information

Posted on December 17, 2015 by BrownhillsBob

Hi folks – I’m getting a lot of enquiries regarding Christmas bin collection arrangements in the borough of Walsall, and thought I’d feature the bin calendar for those that seem concerned about when the guys in orange will come and collect their rubbish.

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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged 2015, Aldridge, bin collections, Bins, Brownhills, Christmas, Clayhanger, collection, collection day, Events, household waste, information, Leaflet, Local politics, new, Recycling, Refuse, rubbish, schedule, Silly, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood | 4 Comments

Photos from Brownhills Christmas Tree Festival 2015

Posted on December 12, 2015 by BrownhillsBob

Don’t forget that today Saturday 12th December 2015 Brownhills is hosting it’s Christmas market, with lots of other attractions for all the family from young to old.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries | Tagged 12 December, 2015, Brownhills, Brownhills Christmas Evens, Brownhills Christmas Windows, Christmas Fair, Christmas Magic in Brownhills, Christmas tree festival, Craft Club, Donkeys, Festivity, Ice Rink, Nicky Rolls, Ravens Court, Santa Special, Shop Local, Shop smart, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood | 2 Comments

Brownhills Christmas Music and Light Festival – this Saturday evening

Posted on December 10, 2015 by BrownhillsBob

Brownhills Community Association have been in touch and asked my top give this excellent looking event a push – it’s a Christmas Music and Light festival taking place this Saturday, 12th December 2015 at 4:30pm, taking place at the Canoe and Outdoor Centre in Silver Street, Brownhills – right on the canalised.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries | Tagged 12th December, 2015, Brownhills, canoe centre, Christmas Events, Christmas Fair, Christmas Magic in Brownhills, Community Association, Festival of Light, Festivity, Saturday, Silver Street, Walsall, Walsall Wood | 1 Comment

Me engine’s flooded!

Posted on December 10, 2015 by BrownhillsBob

I’ve been contacted by readers Denis Jones and Ian Race, who both spotted a rather extraordinary thing at Chasewater yesterday: an echo of the past, whit modern amphibious cars cruising around the lake.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community | Tagged 1960's, 1965, Amphibian, amphibicar, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Car, Chasewater, Events, Ferrie, Local History, New Photos, pleasureboat, Ralph, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, tony Winn, Walsall Observer | 2 Comments

Brownhills Christmas Market Magic 2015 – this weekend!

Posted on December 9, 2015 by BrownhillsBob

Don’t forget that this Saturday, 12th December 2015 – Brownhills will be hosting it’s Christmas Market magic event from 10am until 4pm, with lots of other attractions for all the family from young to old.

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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries | Tagged 12 December, 2015, Brownhills, Brownhills Christmas Evens, Christmas Fair, Christmas Magic in Brownhills, Christmas tree festival, Craft Club, Festivity, Ice Rink, Market Magic, Ravens Court, Santa Special, Shop Local, Shop smart, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood | Leave a comment

Can’t see The Wood for the trees

Posted on November 28, 2015 by BrownhillsBob

Earlier today I was contacted by reader Tkevcro who was worried about construction activity around the Coppice Road/Brownhills Road junction near the new leisure centre site in Walsall Wood.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills Road, Coppice Road, crossing, houses, housing, Junction, Leisure Centre, Leisure Services, Lindon Road, Local politics, new, New Photos, Oak Park, Pedestrian, planning, Plans, Rebuild, rebuilt, Redevelopment, revised, Shire Oak, submitted, Tkevcro, trees, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood | Leave a comment

It’s time to have your say

Posted on November 20, 2015 by BrownhillsBob

As many of you will know, the cuts are ongoing at Walsall Council and in the coming year the authority faces a shortfall of another £25 million, and sadly, this is really going to impact on local services we take for granted.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged 2015, 2016, austerity, Brownhills, Budget, budget consultation, Closure, Consultation, event, Events, Library, Lichfield, Local politics, Mike Bird, Oak Park, planning, Politics, Shire Oak, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Advertiser, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood | Leave a comment

The Friends of Brownhills Common – November meeting tonight

Posted on November 9, 2015 by BrownhillsBob

Here’s one for people interested in the issues surrounding Brownhills Common – theres a meeting at 7:00pm this Monday evening 9th November 2015 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.

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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 2015, 9th November, 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 Christmas Market Magic 2015 – can you help?

Posted on October 19, 2015 by BrownhillsBob

Diane Mansell at the Walsall District Management Team has written to let me know that there will be a Christmas market event in Brownhills this year, planned for Saturday 12th December 2015, and the team are appealing for stallholders.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries | Tagged 12 Decemebr, 2015, Brownhills, Brownhills Christmas Evens, Brownhills Christmas Windows, Christmas Fair, Christmas Magic in Brownhills, Christmas tree festival, Craft Club, Diane Mansell, Festivity, Ravens Court, Santa Special, Shop Local, Shop smart, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood | Leave a comment

Why we fight

Posted on October 11, 2015 by BrownhillsBob

In the anger, outrage and recrimination over the plans to curtail the annual Remembrance Sunday parade in Walsall Wood which came to light last week, it’s easy to lose sight of what Remembrance is about.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged 1st World War, Brownhills local history, Details, fallen, First World War, Great War, Lichfield, list, Local History, loss, memorial, Remembrance, Roll of Honour, Royal British Legion, Spreadsheet, Sunday, Walsall Wood, war, war memorial, WW 1 | 4 Comments

56 bus service: Travel West Midlands to fill the gap

Posted on October 6, 2015 by BrownhillsBob

Excellent news from Councillor Steve Wade on the future of the 56 bus service from Brownhills to Birmingham following his meeting with Travel West Midlands last Thursday.

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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged 2015, 56, axe, Birmingham, Birmingham city centre, Brownhills, bus, cancellation, Clayhanger, cut, Diamond, Diamond bus service, Diamond Buses, Events, Facebook, Gina Young, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, New Photos, planning, Service, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, Twitter, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood | 16 Comments

A true friend of Walsall

Posted on October 1, 2015 by BrownhillsBob

It is with great sadness that I share with readers the passing of a true friend, not just of the blog, but of our borough – Roger ‘Ziksby’ Jones, who passed away as Aldridge Court Nursing Home on Friday 25th September 2015, after suffering Motor Neurones Disease for some time.

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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Wildlife | Tagged 2015, @ziksby, Brownhills local history, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Malvern, Motor Neurones, passed away, Roger Jones, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council | 3 Comments