#365daysofbiking JournalRecent tracks
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Book of the MoonFionn Regan17 hours ago
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The Meetings Of The WatersFionn Regan17 hours agoRecent Comments
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Category Archives: Panoramio photo discussions
A long storey
This is something I’d like to expand on for a bit of summer picture fun, if any readers are up for it – since I featured Steve Wilcox’s remarkable Walsall panorama last week, and Rose Burnell’s great Chasewater image, I’m looking for odd views, panoramas or shots from on high of Brownhills or the wider area.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Clayhanger, Domesday project, Events, Humphries House Landscape, JH Poole, Local History, New Photos, Panorama, Panoramio, Phil Griffin, photos, Pubs, Shire Oak, Silly, Stonnall, Things to do, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Wood
2 Comments
A deep breadth
Following the wonderful panorama of Walsall taken last weekend by Steve Wilcox that I featured here, here’s another, this time taken by friend of the blog Rose Maria Burnell, who took this one with an iPhone, and it’s a great image.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged #365daysofbiking, Brownhills, Chasewater, cows, Cycle rides, cycling, fly bay, fly creek, fly pool, Lichfield, local blogs, Lowland Heath, maintenace, new path, New Photos, north heath, Panorama, Panoramio, Reservoir, Rose Maria Burnell, Staffordshire, Things to do, Twitter, Wildlife
2 Comments
The past, by George!
Brownhills George continues his patient work of converting and uploading his remarkable and breathtaking images of Brownhills history on to Panoramio – The collection in this remarkable poster’s gallery is growing steadily, and is forming a wonderful resource into a period of history not much recorded anywhere.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 1970, 1980, 1990, bridge construction, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Market, canal dam, Clayhanger Bridge, Clayhanger Common, Clayhanger Tip, demolished, Geogre, Greengrocers, Holmes, local blogs, Local History, Memorial Hall, New Photos, Panoramio, Pier Street, Pike Helve, Raden, Rebuild, rebuilt, reclamation, Redevelopment, Staffordshire, Things to do
10 Comments
Golden hours
Busy most of the day, I managed to slip out late afternoon for a ride – it was glorious -Chasewater was busy, yet there were deer on the dam. – the countryside was alive, and bursting into leaf and bloom everywhere I looked[caption id="attachment_13982" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
Wall church itself is impressive and unusual in style[/caption]
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Churches, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged Bluebell, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Church, Churchyard, Cycle rides, cycling, Hammerwich, Lichfield, Local History, New Photos, Panoramio, Red deer, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do, Wall, Wildlife
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A note of thanks
I’m not noted for agreeing with the council here on the Brownhills Blog, and have never held back in criticising them. – however, I like to think that when I feel they’ve got it right, it’s appropriate and correct to point it out.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brian Stringer, bridge, Brownhills, Brownhills stuff, Canal, Canal and River Trust, canal festival 2013, canal side, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Kid, Clayhanger stuff, cleaning, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Kate Goodall, Local media, maintenance, New Photos, Pedestrian, Pier Street, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
5 Comments
Farming controversy
I notice that over the past few weeks some outrage seems to be abroad over supposed plans to build a housing estate or industrial park, near Shire Oak on Lanes Farm, between the farmhouse at Sandhills and the Chester Road; broadly the site of the old Brawn’s Wood.
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 media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged Anthony Harris, application, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Catshill, Conservative, Consultation, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, estate, Events, Facebook, Home Farm, housing, In Touch, industrial, Lane's Farm, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Flower, New Photos, Panoramio, Pete Sears, planning, Planning 2026, Politics, Redevelopment, SAD, Shire Oak, Silly, St Modwen, Staffordshire, Stonnall, Things to do, Tory, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
19 Comments
Brownhills Canal Festival 2013 – details now available
Details of this year’s Brownhills Canal Festival have kindly been supplied by The Clayhanger Kid himself, Brian Stringer – I’m trying to get as much info as I can, but as usual, it seems to be Brownhills’ best kept secret.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Barge, Boats, Brian Stringer, Brownhills, Brownhills Canoe Centre, Canal, Canoe, Clayhanger, Committee, Contach, Contact, Events, Festival, Fete, information, june 23rd, Local, local blogs, Marina, Narrowboat, outdoors, pageant, planning, Richard Lee, Summer, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
6 Comments
Fun events at Chasewater this weekend!
I’ve spotted the following on the Chasewater Country Park Facebook page, which should give some ideas to families wanting to enjoy the good weather but not travel too far this bank holiday weekend.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged bank holiday, Brownhills, Canal, Chase Sailing Club, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Railway, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, free sailing sessions, Lichfield, local blogs, New Photos, Panoramio, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do, Wildlife, Wildlife fair
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Mystery shopper
Here’s a quick one – The ever-fascinating Brownhills George has made yet more additions to his Panoramio gallery, one of them being this image.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, George, local blogs, Local History, Mystery, New Photos, Panoramio, Shop, Staffordshire, Things to do
2 Comments
Going back
This is a quick post to draw more attention to the rapidly growing, weird and wonderful Panoramio gallery being created by Brownhills George – Since I last featured George’s work here, he’s added loads more stuff, and it’s breathtaking.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Alpha Sports, Anchor, Anglesey Wharf, Autocraft, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Catshill Junction, Chandler's Keep, Chasewater, Cobblers, Derelict, Don Marine, Events, Fortune of War, Geogre, Iron Bridge, Jasmine Cottage, Lindale, local blogs, Local History, Meehans, Motorcycle Generation, New Photos, Panoramio, Pier Inn, Pier Street, Pike Helve, Plumbers Paradise, pub, Pubs, Raden, Redevelopment, Rileys, Shoe repairs, Shoulder of Mutton, Spot path, Staffordshire, Tesco, Tesco Development, The Station Hotel, Things to do, Walsall Wood, Watney, Wharf Cottage
3 Comments
By George, he’s got it!
Brownhills George continues to surprise and delight with a phenomenal selection of photos on Panoramio uploaded in the last week.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged Anglesey Wharf, Autocraft, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chandler's Keep, Chasewater, Don Marine, Fortune of War, Geogre, Iron Bridge, Jasmine Cottage, Lindale, local blogs, Local History, Motorcycle Generation, New Photos, Panoramio, Pier Inn, Pier Street, Pike Helve, pub, Pubs, Raden, Redevelopment, Spot path, Staffordshire, Things to do, Watney, Wharf Cottage
16 Comments
Local and distant
Here’s a wonderful thing I’ve been watching grow for a couple of weeks – a new Panoramio gallery has appeared for Brownhills and surrounds, curated by Brownhills George.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged Anchor, Anglesey Wharf, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Conveyor, Crown, Fingerpost, Geogre, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Panoramio, Pier Street, Pressings, Provost, pub, Pubs, Redevelopment, Rising Sun, RKG, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Tesco Development, Things to do, Timmings Tools
9 Comments
Buried dreams
In the miasma of stuff that passes by in the local news stream, I spotted this one from the Express & Star the other day, and It’s puzzled me…
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged artwork, Brownhills, Brownhills Market, Cheap tat, Derelict, Express & Star, Local politics, New Photos, Nikki Rolls, Panoramio, planning, Politics, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, Regeneration, Silly, Tesco, Tesco Development, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
20 Comments
Do something rasher…
Readers of my 365daysofbiking journal will remember that last year, I was fascinated by the fine pigs being kept on the smallholding on the patch of land between the A5 and canal at Newtown, Brownhills.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Big Tasties, Brownhills, Canal, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, free range, New Photos, Newtown, Night Market, piggery, pigs, sheep, Silly, Slow Loaf, smallholding, Tan Rosie, The Gables, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Council, Watling Street
2 Comments
Shut the wardrobe door!
Oh, my goodness – Narnia has escaped from the wardrobe again, and as ever, I’ve been out having fun The cycling was fine on main roads, but side roads and tracks were bad. The snow – falling gently all the time I was out – was being driven by a northeasterly surely crafted on Satan’s back doorstep.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged black path, Brownhills, Brownhills common, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, cold weather, culvert, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, ice, level, New Photos, nine foot, overflow, Panoramio, Parade, Reservoir, Snow, Spillway, Staffordshire, Things to do, Watling Street, Wildlife
3 Comments
Oh deer me
As expected, the usual Brownhills Blowhards are now in top gear over the proposal to undertake heathland management on a portion of Brownhills Common, and have been fulminating to the Express & Star, and presumably, anyone else who’ll listen.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged Barrie Poxon, Brownhills common, Chasewater, Chasewater SSSI, Conifer, Consultation, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Deer, Events, forestry, Greenspace, Heathland, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Management, Natural England, Plantation, Red deer, Things to do, tree removal, Twitter, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council
31 Comments
Commoners wrongs
I’m aware that recently, there has been some scaremongering and showboating locally about Walsall Council and Natural England’s long term plans for heathland management on Brownhills Common.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills common, Chasewater SSSI, Conifer, Consultation, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, forestry, Greenspace, Heathland, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Management, Natural England, Plantation, Things to do, tree removal, Twitter, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council
13 Comments
Light and grace
It’s not been a good few days, personally. Nothing overly wrong, but things have been going a little awry. Technical strife, work fiddling and just general bad luck. The weekend seemed lost.
Cooperation
Friend of the blog Lee Braggington, Walsall Wood Group Scout Leader, has been in touch to let me know that the new Co-op store at Streets corner will finally open this coming Thursday, 21st March 2013, as I noted on my 365daysofbiking journal on Wednesday.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, co-op, community, Competition, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Lee Braggington, litter pick, new, New Photos, open, Opening, Panoramio, planning, Redevelopment, Scout Leader, Shire Oak, store, Tesco, Things to do, Twitter, Walsall Wood, Walsall Wood Scouts
5 Comments
The first good day of the year
First weekend in march is always Erdington Bike Jumble. I usually go if the weather’s OK, and potter round, enjoying the company and chatter of other cyclists. Normally a pretty isolated activity, it’s nice to meet other riders socially for a change. A chance to meet old mates, compare machines and have a natter.
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Posted in Churches, cycling, Environment, Events, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media
Tagged Architecture, Birmingham, Canal, contamination, Curdworth, Cycle rides, cycling, Erdington, Events, New Photos, Panoramio, Pubs, Snow Hill, Spaghetti Junction, Spring, Staffordshire, sun, Things to do, Washwood Heath
3 Comments
Medical history?
A quick enquiry reaches me from reader Elizabeth Downs. Elizabeth asks an interesting question – Doctor Clamp was a noted General Practitioner in Brownhills, and worked from the Brickiln Street Surgery up until, I believe, the early 1980s.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged Brickiln Street, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Clamp, Clayhanger, daughter, Doctor, Dr, Elizabeth Downs, General Practitioner, GP, Liz Downs, Local History, New Photos, Redevelopment, Short Street, Surgery
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Laurels and the setting Sun
An interesting query for the researchers amongst us comes in from reader and Brownhills Resident Joe Lloyd. Joe asks a question several of us have been asking for a while – who owns the Rising Sun, the derelict pub on the A5 near the island?
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community
Tagged 1901, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills West, Derelict, heath, Joe Llyod, Laurel Cottages, Local History, miner, New Photos, ownership, planning, Pubs, Rising Sun, Staffordshire
16 Comments
Brownhills Common – don’t panic!
There seems to be some concern amongst readers of The Brownhills Blog about upcoming heathland management work on Brownhills Common, currently being discussed in some quarters.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills common, Chasewater SSSI, Conifer, Consultation, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, forestry, Greenspace, Heathland, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Management, Natural England, Plantation, Things to do, tree removal, Twitter, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council
26 Comments
Those Craddocks in full…
The Craddocks are one of Brownhills most notable and mentioned families; they’re one of those names that just keeps cropping up whenever you delve into local history.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Burnell, Clayhanger, Craddock, David Evans, David Evens, David Okley, Family, Local History, New Photos, Panoramio, Redevelopment, Richard, Rose Mariia, Staffordshire, Things to do, Twitter, Vandalism
28 Comments
A place of common resort, and a school for inferior education
There was a surprising and good deal of interest shown recently when I scanned sections of a recently acquired book, ‘Visitations of the Archdeaconry of Stafford 1829-1841′ published by the Historical Manuscripts Commission and Her Majesty’s Stationary Office (HMSO). This copy was published in 1980, and bears the ISBN of 0 11 440066 0. The work is edited by David Robinson MA, Ph D.
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Posted in Churches, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Walsall community
Tagged 1830, Alison Ball, Archdeacon, Church, Curch Hill, George Hodson, Inspection, local blogs, Local History, Old maps, parish, Report, Rushall, Slum, St Matthews, Stafford, Staffordshire, Things to do, Visitation, Visitations of the Archdeaconry of Stafford, Walsall
5 Comments
Falling steadily
I promise, this is the last one, but it was requested that I take some images within the borough. As usual, more on my 365daysofbiking journal. I escaped on Sunday afternoon, between 4 and 5pm, just as the day was dying. … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Social Media, Wildlife
Tagged Annexe, beauty, Brownhills, Central Boys School, Clayhanger, Common, Coppice Lane, Cycle rides, Cycle trail, cycling, Engine Lane, Events, january 2013, miner, Morris, New Photos, Night photography, Panoramio, photos, pictures, ride, Snow, Staffordshire, Things to do, tin man, Winter
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Enchanting forest
Well, I made it. Yesterday, I cycled up onto Cannock Chase. Starting from Brownhills, I headed up to Chasewater – which was stunning – and on through Heath Hayes and Hednesford, up to Rifle Range Corner. The going at Chasewater was very heavy, and a fine, wet sleet was making it quite uncomfortable. Wrestling with turning back, I pushed on, and as the temperature dropped, the sleet turned to powdery snow and the air cleared.
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Posted in Cannock Chase, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Social Media, Wildlife
Tagged Abraham's Valley, beauty, Cannock Chase, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, forest, Hednesford, Hills, january 2013, New Photos, Panoramio, photos, pictures, ride, Rifle Range Corner, Snow, Sow Street, Staffordshire, Sven Springs, Things to do, Winter
8 Comments
A freshly fallen, silent shroud of snow
Today, I left for work as usual and after a bit of a battle, got to work, only to find it was closing up and everybody was going home. Undeterred, I cycled back into Birmingham and caught a train back to Blake Street, from where I went for a wonderful snowstorm ride around the backlanes of Footherley, Shenstone, Chesterfield and Hilton.
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Posted in cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media
Tagged Chesterfield, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Footherley, Hilton, january 2013, New Photos, Panoramio, pictures, ride, Shenstone, Shire Oak, Snow, Staffordshire, Stonnall, Things to do
5 Comments
New Co-op on Streets Corner: Any news?
I keep getting messages and emails about this. The new store that’s been built on the old car lot in Walsall Wood seems to have been ready to open for weeks, but nothing seems to be happening:
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Aldridge, Avion, Brownhills, Cheap tat, co-op, coop, hold up, local blogs, Local politics, New Photos, Panoramio, planning, progress, Pubs, Redevelopment, Shire Oak, Silly, stalled, stopped, Street's Corner, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood, Wetherspoons
13 Comments
Competition closes 12 noon today, 5th January 2012
Last chance, folks. The 2013 new year competition closes at 12 Noon today, 5th January 2012. Answers received after that time will not be counted. Running scores: Andy Dennis has 6 points. Fred Butler has 4 points. Oakparkrunner has 4 … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2013, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, cycling, Events, Local History, New Photos, New Year quiz, Pubs, Reservoir, score, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall Wood
8 Comments
Cycling trivialities
Thanks to everyone who took time to express opinions on my navel gazing contemplation on completion of my 365daysofbiking goal. I really was touched by the unexpectedly large amount of goodwill expressed about the project by a hugely diverse range of commentors. The compliments, encouragement and kindness are not something I’ll readily forget.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged #365daysofbiking, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, local blogs, New Photos, Panoramio, Reservoir, Silly, Spring, Staffordshire, Stonnall, Things to do, tumblr, Twitter, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
1 Comment
2013 New Year quiz: only five questions left
The 2013 New Year Quiz closes at Noon, this Saturday, 5th January 2013. I’m amazed at how popular it’s been and thank everyone for their sporting good humour, interesting answers and thoughtful, considered sleuthing.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2013, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, cycling, Events, Local History, New Photos, New Year quiz, Pubs, Reservoir, score, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall Wood
2 Comments
A fleeting chance
This is a post about being lucky. About being in the right place and the right time. About being fortunate to witness nature at it’s best. About loving where you live. About loving being outdoors.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged #365daysofbiking, beauty, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, New Photos, Panoramio, photography, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Sundown, Sunset, Wildlife
7 Comments
Fall guy
Autumn is now in it’s beautiful phase. Colours are bright and golden, frost has begun to dust the lanes, gardens and hedges in the morning. A low sun paints foliage orange and bronze. Continue reading
Paint the whole world…
Readers who’ve been following my 365daysofbiking Tumblr journal will be aware that, of late, I’ve been feeling a little disheartened by the absence of summer and the impending autumn and winter. I get this seasonal sadness at this time every … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Uncategorized, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Hammerwhich, New Photos, Panoramio, Rainbow, Staffordshire, weather, Wildlife
3 Comments
Empires and us
Reader Mick Roseblade writes in with a surprisingly common email enquiry. I’m answering this publicly, as I must have answered this four or five times by email to different people over the last couple of years. I’m not sure why … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Market, Canal, Local History, Local politics, planning, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, Silly, Staffordshire, Tesco, Tesco Development
6 Comments
Laburnum Cottage, Brownhills: What do you know?
One wet Sunday over the summer – 3rd June, to be precise – I featured the now-empty Laburnum Cottage on my 365daysofbiking journal. This house, which stands on the corner of New Road and High Street, Brownhills, just opposite … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community
Tagged #365daysofbiking, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Derelict, Events, High Street, Laburnum Cottage, Local History, Matthew Bedworth, New Photos, New Road, old buildings, planning, printers, Redevelopment, Silver Court
16 Comments
Something to build upon
Just a quick note to point out that I’ve had a fantastic response to my musings on the subject of the BOAK fire, and my desire to channel some of the creative anger abounding in the online community into something … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged arson, BOAK, Brownhills, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Events, heritage, Jabez Cliff, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, planning, Politics, Pubs, Redevelopment, The Plastic Hippo, The YamYam, Twitter, Urbext, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
2 Comments
BBC Midlands Today report on arson
I was contacted late on Tuesday afternoon by BBC journo Ben Sidwell, who was compiling a report for local news TV magazine show ‘Midlands Today’, and was enquiring if he could use one of my images of the BOAK Ravenscraig … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged arson, Ben Sidwell, Bloxwich Telegraph, BOAK, Cheap tat, Derelict, Events, heritage, Jabez Cliff, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Midlands Today, New Photos, planning, Politics, Pubs, Redevelopment, Twitter, Urbex, Urbext, Vandalism, Walkways, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
2 Comments
A token of my respect
Today, I’m going to do something I should have done a while ago. Students of Brownhills Local History will be aware of an elusive, long lost site by local chap Robert Webster. This great resource ceased to exist a few … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Panoramio photo discussions, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Bug row, colliery, Common, Coppice, Coppice Side, Engine Lane, Internet Archive, local blogs, Local History, Marklew's Pond, Old maps, Panoramio, Robert Webster, Side, Staffordshire, Tommy Shop, Tommy Tokens, Wayback Machine, William Marklew
9 Comments
It’s time to let go…
I suspect this post will meet with some derision or controversy, but I’ve been mulling it over for four or five months now, and the issue has just come to the fore again. A very short article in this week’s … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged apartments, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Derelict, Events, Express & Star, Facebook, flats, Local History, Local politics, MacWarreners, madonalds, Ogley Road, Panoramio, planning, Pubs, Redevelopment, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Warreners Arms
11 Comments
Tenths
One of the wonderful things Gerald Reece sent me following our recent email exchange is a scan of a compilation of tithe maps of western Brownhills. I wasn’t actually aware this existed, and it helps clear up a few things, … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media
Tagged 1840, Auction, Bell pit, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Clayhanger, Derelict, Engine Piece, Gerald Reece, Local History, map, mining, Norton, Ogley Hay, Old maps, Panoramio, Peter Cutler, Pump, Staffordshire, Swingbridge Farm, Tithe, Watermead
25 Comments
Keep your eye out, folks. Lost GPS at Chasewater…
This is just a heads-up for people using Chasewater. Reader, Panoramio old-timer and good friend of the blog Facade66 has lost his GPS unit from his bike handlebars his bike at Chasewater this morning. Hi Bob, I went to examine … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Cycle rides, cycling, Etrex, Events, facade66, GPS, local blogs, Lost, New Photos, Panoramio, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Wildlife
1 Comment
Primitive worship
Top reader and local history wonk David Evans sent me an essay this week that neatly connects in with the enquiry I made a week ago about religion in mining communities. One of the most prolific forms of ecclesiastical architure … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local music, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chapel, Clayhanger, corrugated iron, David Evans, Derelict, early temporary buildings, Local History, Methodism, New Photos, Panoramio, prefabs, Redevelopment, Staffordshire, Tin Tabernacle, Walsall Wood
8 Comments
Silver Waters. I kid you not…
I notice with some amusement that the Taylor Wimpey housing development between the Watermead and the Tesco petrol station in Brownhills has been given the nod, and has been christened with the utterly preposterous name of ‘Silver Waters’. Obviously harking … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, Derelict, estate, house building, Local politics, Morris Homes, New Photos, newbuild, planning, Redevelopment, Silver Street, Silver Waters, Strange Notices, Taylor Wimpey, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Watermead Estate, Watermead Grange
7 Comments
Pictures from today’s MGs in the Trees event at Chasewater
I’m not much of a petrol head, really, as regular readers will have worked out. I do, however, love old cars and car shows, particularly local ones like the Chasewater Transport Show. Since it was such a bright sunny day … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Events, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged BGT, Brownhills, Car Show, Chasewater, Chasewater Railway, Chasewaterstuff, Classic cars, Events, local blogs, Local History, MG, MGs in the Tress, New Photos, Panoramio, Reservoir, South Staffs MG Owners Club, Staffordshire, Things to do, Twitter
3 Comments
Union and Chapel
I am fascinated and encouraged by the diligent work being undertaken by top reader, commentor and Panoramian Peter ‘Pedro’ Cutler into the the mining history of our area. Not just the mines, the engineering and their history, but also the … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Features, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local History, Local media, Local politics, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 8 hour system, Aldershaw, Aldershawe, Cannock Chase miners, Chapel, estate, Harrison, March, mine, orking conditions, Pedro Cutler, Pedrocut, Peter Cutler, Rev G Poole, Strike, Tamworth Herald, Unions, William Harrison
26 Comments
Some days catch the light like diamonds
It’s been an odd spring. After the warmth and almost summer-like weather of March, April was a cool, wet disappointment. Spring has sneaked in under the wire, everything gently inching ahead, afraid to make itself noticed. Nature is holding it’s … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Churches, cycling, Environment, Events, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Canal, Castle Ring, Chase Teraace, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Railway, Cycle rides, cycling, Deer, Engine, Fallow, Hayfield Hill, Locomotive, Longdon, New Photos, Oilseed Rape, Panoramio, Penkridge Bank, Ramsons, Rifle Range Corner, Rugeley, Rugeley Power Station, Sailing, Staffordshire, Stonywell, Tadpoles, Trent Aqueduct, Wild Garlic, Wildlife
9 Comments
Culvert investigations
Before I start, I’d like to point out that this investigation was conducted by two people – myself and [Howmuch?]. We are both sensible (well, usually) adults and have experience of, and training for, confined spaces. Entering such environments – … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared memories, Social Media, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Past, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater history, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cycle rides, cycling, Dave Fellows, Graham Evans, local blogs, Local History, nine foot, Reservoir, Staffordshire, steam engine, Steam pump, Wildlife
25 Comments
On the ‘Shawe
Since there’s been so much interest in the Aldershawe Estate, sate high on Harehurst Hill overlooking Lichfield, I thought I’d try and get some pictures of the place yesterday. It’s been part of my cycling world for years, but until … Continue reading
Posted in Churches, cycling, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged Aldershaw, Aldershawe, big house, Bill Tandy, Craft Village, Cycle rides, cycling, estate, Harehurst Hill, Harrison, Lichfield, Lichfield Mercury, livery, Local History, Loge, New Photos, Panoramio, Redevelopment, software, stables, Staffordshire, Tamworth Herald, Wall
12 Comments
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