#365daysofbiking JournalRecent tracks
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My HomeIgit1 hour ago
Ramble OnLed Zeppelin1 hour ago
Nobody's Fault But MineThe Blind Boys Of Alabama2 hours ago
You Got To LoseThe Black Keys2 hours ago
Silver LiningRilo Kiley2 hours ago
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Category Archives: Panoramio updates
Just one day like this…
Today I escaped for a bit – the weather was reasonably good, I had nothing pressing, and rather than fiddle with blog posts and other stuff, I decided to go for a decent ride.
Posted in Churches, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media
Tagged Canal, Canwell, Church, Churchyard, Crow's Castle, Cyclamen, Cycle rides, cycling, Footherley, Ford, Golden hour, Hays Wood, Hints, Hopwas, Lichfield, New Photos, Panoramio, Pillbox, Staffordshire, Stockfields, Sunset, Things to do
2 Comments
The end and the beginning
Thanks to several people including reader and friend of the blog Caz and the Young David Evans who’ve both pointed out that the former Royal Oak in Bullings Heath, Walsall Wood, is currently being demolished.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged alehouse, beer house, Black Cock, Black Cock Bridge, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Bullings Heath, Camden Street, Canal, Cawarden, close, David Evans, Demolition, Derelict, Events, Goblin Pit, Green Lane, Hall Lane, Hillary Little, Local History, New Photos, newbuild, old inn, Old maps, Pepper Alley, Pubs, Ron, Royal Oak, Smith, Staffordshire, Val, Walsall Wood
7 Comments
The last big weekend of the summer
It’s been another heat bank holiday weekend, and I got to cycling over the Chase and through East Staffordshire – too many pictures for 365days, so I thought I’d do a gallery.[caption id="attachment_15473" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Elderberries, Walton upon Trent[/caption] Continue reading
Posted in Cannock Chase, Churches, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media
Tagged Bevins Birches, Cannock Chase, Church, Cycle rides, cycling, Derbyshire, Dunstall, hall, Handsacre, Hoar Cross, Longdon, New Photos, Old Quarry, Panoramio, Rowley, Staffordshire, Stonywell, Walton, Wolseley Plain
8 Comments
Up hill and down dale
Today, I got into the Derbyshire Dales and crossed into North Staffordshire – a straightforward trip along the High Peak Trail and down the full length of the Tissington Trail was just what was needed, and once at Ashbourne, I doubled back and headed back to Ilam via Mapleton and Blore.
[caption id="attachment_15388" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
Minninglow Great Barrow[/caption] Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media
Tagged Cromford, Cycle rides, cycling, Dales, Derbyshire, hall, High Peak trail, Hoe Grange, Ilam, Manifold Valley, Minninglow, New Photos, Panorama, Panoramio, Staffordshire, Throwley, Tissington Trail, Weaver Hills
3 Comments
To be in England, in the summertime
Another day, another great ride – I headed out early afternoon, firstly to Chasewater then on to Lichfield and the festival market, then from the busy city, I headed to the quiet of the east Staffordshire countryside – Whittington, Croxall, Walton, Rosliston, Lullington, Harlaston and back via Wall.
[caption id="attachment_14740" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Pipe Hill poppies[/caption] Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Churches, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Croxall, Cycle rides, cycling, Harlaston, Lichfield, Lichfield Festival Market, Lullington, New Photos, Panoramio, Pipe Hill, poppies, Reservoir, River Trent, Rosliston, Staffordshire, Things to do, Wakeboard, Wakelake, Walton, Walton on Trent, WHittington, Wildlife
9 Comments
Photographic memory
I note that over on Panoramio, Brownhills George is continuing his patient work, assembling a great collection of historic Brownhills images – I thought is was about time I featured the latest ones here, as they’re absolutely remarkable, and haven’t got many views yet.
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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, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 1970, 1980, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Market, Chasewater, Clayhanger Common, Clayhanger Tip, co-op, Currys, demolished, Geogre, Golden Grill, Great Mills, Hillards, Humpries House, Lindale, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Panoramio, Pier Street, pub, Pubs, Ravens Court, Rebuild, rebuilt, Redevelopment, Staffordshire, Tanday, Things to do, White Horse
5 Comments
It’s festival weekend in Brownhills!
This weekend, we not only have the Brownhills Canal Festival on Sunday (June 23rd 2013), but Brownhills Town Centre Partnership and Walsall Council are running Browhills Town Festival the day before (Saturday, 22nd June 2013).
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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 22, 23, Barge, Boats, Brian Stringer, Brownhills, Brownhills Canoe Centre, Brownhills Town Festival, Canal, Canoe, Clayhanger, Committee, Contach, Contact, Events, Festival, Fete, information, June, june 23rd, Local, local blogs, Marina, Narrowboat, outdoors, pageant, planning, Richard Lee, Summer, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
4 Comments
Pictures from Pelsall Canal Festival 2013
Well, the weather behaved, mostly – a couple of sharp showers and a strong wind couldn’t dampen spirits with loads of stalls, activities, people and boats – Pelsall Canal Festival was a great afternoon out.
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Posted in cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community
Tagged 2013, bad weather, boaters, Boats, Brenda Ward, Canal, canal festival, Cheese Boat, Cycle rides, Events, Narrowboats, New Photos, Panoramio, Pelsall, Pelsall Canal Festival, Pelsall North Common, Rain
15 Comments
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
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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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
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
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
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
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
1 Comment
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
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
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
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
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
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
‘Shawe thing
Peter ‘Pedro’ Cutler has been little short of prodigious this week, demonstrating just why I love curating this blog. Peter, together with Andy Dennis and others has been gradually untangling the history of the Harrison family and their home at … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, cycling, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged Aldershaw, Aldershawe, big house, Craft Village, estate, Harrison, Lichfield, Lichfield Mercury, livery, Loge, Pedro Cutler, Pedrocut, Peter Cutler, software, stables, Tamworth Herald, Wall
5 Comments
Chasewater dam: a look around the remaining works
I’ve been trying to post this all week, but haven’t had the time up until now. Last Sunday (26th February, 2012), I visited Chasewater, and to my surprise, the security fence around the remaining dam works site, surrounding the Pool … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, planning, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cycle rides, cycling, Dam works, dredging, Local politics, New Photos, nine foot, Panoramio, planning, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, Spillway, Staffordshire, Wildlife
1 Comment
Hurry on sundown
I noted a couple of weeks ago on my #365daysofbiking Tumblr journal that this was the time of year to expect great sunsets. There have been some wonderful ones of late, but yesterday’s was spectacular, and by a twist of … Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Events, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged #365daysofbiking, Aldershawe, Cycle rides, cycling, landscape, Lichfield, New Photos, Panoramio, photos, Staffordshire, Sundown, Sunset, sunset pictures, Wall, Wildlife
4 Comments
Spring. There’s certainly something in the air.
Today, I set our for a short ride in the snow at 10:30am. Just a potter, things to do, you know how it is. I came back at 6pm. A nice 55 mile run through a chilly,lightly snow-dusted but sunny … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, cycling, Environment, Events, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Bullmoor Lane, bunker, Canal, Church, Croxall, Croxall Hall, Cycle rides, cycling, Harlaston, Local History, Lower Stonnall, New Photos, Packington Moor, Panoramio, Potato Beds, ROC post, Smiths Mill, Staffordshire, Stonnall, Sunset, Wildlife
7 Comments
Driven like the snow
Today, we finally had some real winter weather. After the unseasonal warmth of Christmas, these last few cold, frosty, clear days have been a breath of fresh air for me. Yesterday, I watched the weather forecast hoping for snow. As … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged Bleak House, Brownhills, Brownhills common, Cannock Chase, Cannock Road, Chasewater, Cuckoo Bank, Cycle rides, cycling, Hednesford Hills, herd, Hind, New Photos, Night photography, Panoramio, Parrs Warren, Pubs, Red deer, Rifle Range Corner, Snow, Staffordshire, Stag, Winter, Wolseley Arms, Wolseley Bridge
1 Comment
I read the news today, oh boy…
I had a really useful and informative mail the other day from top walker and fellow Panoramio poster Peter ‘Pedro’ Cutler. Peter, whose walking exploits are documented extensively in his huge, beautiful gallery, loves local history just like I do … Continue reading
Posted in 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
Tagged British Newspaper Archive, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, old newspapers, Panoramio, Pedro, Pete Cutler, Staffordshire
2 Comments
Remnants
Yesterday, I cycled over St. John’s hill in Shenstone, and up through the churchyard and down into the village. Shenstone is a remarkable church, but never one of my favourites, as I find it’s dark, Victorian gothic to be overdramatic … Continue reading
Posted in Churches, cycling, Environment, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Hill, Local History, New Photos, Norman, remains, Saxon, Shenstone, Shenstone Church, St Johns, Staffordshire, tower
2 Comments
A rainy night in Lichfield
Yesterday at 5:30pm, I was caught in the rain while shopping at Lichfield. After a cuppa, I ventured out into the quiet city to capture it in it’s damp, glistening glory. I’m quite pleased with the results. For more of … Continue reading
Posted in Churches, cycling, Environment, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media
Tagged Bakers Lane, Breadmarket Street, Conduit Street, Cycle rides, cycling, Dam Street, Guildhall, Lichfield, Market Place, New Photos, Night photography, Panoramio, Pubs, Rain, Staffordshire, Tamworth Street
2 Comments
The hour of darkness
It’s the end of British Summer Time again; long term readers will know well just how much I hate this. Although it changes my photography, and the nature of my cycling, I mourn the passing of the warmth and light … Continue reading
Engine Lane: a quick message from Stevie Ansell.
Readers may well remember the sudden clearance of the field in Engine Lane, Brownhills a couple of weeks ago. It seems the mystery has been solved – Brian Stringer, friend of The Brownhills Blog and the original Clayhanger Kid sent … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills common, clearance, Cycle rides, Derelict, Engine Lane, field, New Photos, planning, Redevelopment, Riding school, Stevie Ansell, Wildlife
11 Comments
Engine Lane, Brownhills – mystery solved!
Readers may well remember the sudden clearance of the field in Engine Lane, Brownhills a couple of weeks ago. It seems the mystery has been solved – Brian Stringer, friend of The Brownhills Blog and the original Clayhanger Kid sent … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills common, clearance, Cycle rides, Derelict, Engine Lane, field, New Photos, planning, Redevelopment, Riding school, Stevie Ansell, Wildlife
5 Comments
The lost and found
Enjoying the unseasonal weather yesterday, I took another spin around Brocton Field on Cannock Chase before heading out to Blithfield Reservoir. I’ve been idly looking for an oddly English monument for some time, but in the way of things I … Continue reading
Posted in Cannock Chase, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Brereton, Brocton, Cannock Chase, Cycle rides, cycling, Freda, Freda's Grave, Friend of Cannock Chase, Local History, New Photos, New Zealand Rifles, outdoors, Panoramio, Staffordshire, Wildlife
5 Comments
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