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Category Archives: planning
The Swan, Brownhills: Come say farewell, and welcome a new era
It’s been six short years since Jane and Geoff Taylor took over The Swan pub on Pelsall Road, Brownhills, transforming it from a pub long closed and thought of as lost to an absolutely banging community real ale pub.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Geoff, Geoff Taylor, Jane, Jane Taylor, Local History, Pelsall Road, Pubs, retirement, Swan Inn, Taylor, The Swan
2 Comments
Clayhanger Park upgrade – drop in session this afternoon!
Late notice I know but there is a drop in session this afternoon )Wednesday, 12th July 2017) at Holy Trinity School in Clayhanger to discuss options for renovating and upgrading Clayhanger Park – anyone is welcome to come find out more and have their say – don’t worry if you miss this one, there’s another on Saturday afternoon (15th July 2017).
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 12th July, 2017, Brownhills, Children, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Park, football, Friends of, kids, Lichfield, play, Politics, Skate Park, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Council
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A message for the Yanks in 1943: What do you know?
I’ve had another interesting enquiry in from Val Ainsworth, who last week sent in the lovely tale of her husband visiting the Station Hotel in Brownhills in the late 1940s – this time, she has a fascinating enquiry about a possible wartime American Army camp between North Birmingham and Brownhills.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged Brownhills local history, camp, Events, Local History, Military, Mill Green, New Photos, Things to do, US, Val Ainsworth, war
6 Comments
Meet your local coppers right now in Aldridge!
I received notice of this great event from Walsall Police via the excellent WMNow service this morning, advertising a pop-up meet the police event this Saturday, 1st July 2017 at Aldridge Shopping Centre from 11am where you can meet your local policing team and get help, crime prevention and public safety advice.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 1 July, 2017, Aldridge, CommunitySafety Partnership, Events, home security, local blogs, planning, Police, Walsall, West Midlands
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Memories of the Station Hotel: A great couple of hours with lovely people
One lost local pub that always generates warm memories and lively conversations is the Station Hotel, which was a somewhat notorious pub that stood about where Aldi is today at the Miner end of Brownhills High Street.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 1980's, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Derelict, Events, island, Local History, Mike Leonard, miner, New Photos, planning, Pubs, Redevelopment, Roy Blakey, Silly, Station Hotel, Things to do, Val Ainsworth
7 Comments
Meet your local coppers this Saturday in Pelsall
I received notice of this great event from Walsall Police via the excellent WMNow service a few days ago, advertising a pop-up meet the police event this Saturday, 24th June 2017 at Pelsall Library from 10am until 12 noon where you can meet your local policing team and get help, crime prevention and public safety advice.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 2017, 24 June, CommunitySafety Partnership, Events, home security, Library, local blogs, Pelsall, planning, Police, Walsall, West Midlands
1 Comment
Meet your local coppers this Friday in Brownhills
I received notice of this great event from Walsall Police via the excellent WMNow service a few days ago, advertising a pop-up meet the police event this Friday, 16th June 2017 at Tesco, Brownhills where you can meet your local policing team and get help, crime prevention and public safety advice.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 16 June, 2017, Brownhills, CommunitySafety Partnership, Events, home security, local blogs, planning, Police, Tesco, Walsall, West Midlands
1 Comment
Friends of Clayhanger Park June 2017 meeting this Monday!
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 starting at 7:30pm on Monday evening, 12th June 2017.
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 12 June, 2017, Brownhills, Children, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Park, football, Friends of, kids, Lichfield, play, Politics, Skate Park, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Council
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Update: Recent spate of burglaries in our area
Following my general warning about local burglaries a couple of days ago, there’s an update to the post from reader Sophie whose mum lives in New Road, Brownhills.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 2017, 27 May, Aldridge, Brownhills, Burglary, crime, Events, laptop, Lichfield Road, Police, Stolen, walk in, walk in theft, Walsall, West Midlands
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Recent spate of burglaries in our area – be vigilant, folks.
A general warning folks: there seems to be an increase in burglaries locally in the last week, either where stuff has been stolen or where raiders have been scared off.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 2017, 27 May, Aldridge, Brownhills, Burglary, crime, Events, laptop, Lichfield Road, Police, Stolen, walk in, walk in theft, Walsall, West Midlands
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Shocking walk-in burglary in Brownhills – take care, folks.
A troubling burglary took place in Ogley hay this weekend, when on the evening of Saturday, 27th May 2017 opportunist thieves walked into the house of an old friend of the blog and took a purse and a Dell laptop, while the lady who lives there was at home.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 2017, 27 May, Aldridge, Brownhills, Burglary, crime, Events, laptop, Lichfield Road, Police, Stolen, walk in, walk in theft, Walsall, West Midlands
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The Metz office?
An intriguing enquiry reaches me from local historian and blog dynamo the young David Evans, who’s after a rather specific bit of history relating to a lost courtyard of dwellings in Brownhills High Street Called ‘The Metz’.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media
Tagged 1883, 1:2500, bad housing, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Urban District Council, clearance, David Evans, Dr. Bradford, George Bradford, Hill sisters, Lichfield Mercury, Local History, Metz, Norman Waine, Ogley Hay, Ogley Square, Old maps, Ordnance Survey, Peter Cutler, Richard Burnell, Slum clearance, snaitationG, Staffordshire, Things to do, UDC, Urban District Council
4 Comments
Mobile phone lost in Brownhills – can you help please?
This is an important one I’m hoping readers can help with – a user of Brownhills Parkview Centre surgery yesterday (Tuesday 25th April 2017) lost their mobile phone possibly while using the disabled facilities there.
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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 Brownhills, Centre, Clayhanger, diasabled, doctors, Events, Lichfield, Parkview, phone, Surgery, Theft, toilet, Walsall
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A great chance for tea and cake in a great country canalside garden this afternoon!
I know it’s late on but there’s a great even going on in Whittington this afternoon (Saturday, 15th April 2017) in aid of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust ‘Tunnel Vision’ appeal – Eric and Doreen’s All Day Easter Coffee Morning.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 15 April, 2017, All, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Coffee Morning, Cycle rides, cycling, day, Derelict, Doreen, Easter, Eric, Facebook, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Parkview Centre, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, Things to do, trust, Tunnel Vision, Twitter, Wildlife
1 Comment
Meet your local coppers this Friday – and help Beat the Burglar!
I received notice of this great event from Walsall Police via the excellent WMNow service a few days ago, advertising a bunch of events across the borough this Friday, 17th March 2017 where you can meet your local policing team and get help and crime prevention and public safety advice.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, Community Safety House, CommunitySafety Partnership, Demonstration, Events, home security, Kevin Pitt, local blogs, Opening, planning, Police, Safe House, Walsall, West Midlands
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Scouting for assistance!
I have been contacted by John Currie of the 2nd Brownhills Scouts who’d like to appeal to folk who could help the group thrive and grow in the coming year.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2nd, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Cubs, Events, Fire, help, John Currie, New Photos, safety, Scouts, Shire Oak, volunteer, Youth
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The Electric Movie
I’ve been asking for years for more material on Crabtree and other local factories, as I’m sure there’s an untapped and rich seem of material to be found from these great lost local employers – but sadly little has emerged.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Features, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged 1954, 1976, aerial photo, April, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Crabtree, Crabtree Society, Fred Butler, Lichfield Road, Line, Local History, MCB, Mike Blakeway, New Photos, production, Redevelopment, Staffordshire, Superalloys, video
7 Comments
Friends of Clayhanger Park November 2016 meeting tonight
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 tonight, Tuesday 22nd November 2016 from 7:00pm.
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, 22 November, Brownhills, Children, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Park, football, Friends of, kids, Lichfield, play, Politics, Skate Park, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Council
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Another burglary this week in Brownhills – be on your guard
It seems the shed, garage and outbuilding burglars are still out and about in Brownhills and the wider area, so please take care – in the last few days, friend of the blog Jane Booth has written to me to tell me that her garage was broken into this week.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 2016, Aldridge, bikes, Booth, Brownhills, Burglary, crime, Events, garage, garages, home security, Jane, Lichfield Road, local blogs, Pelsall, Peter, Police, Shed, Sheds, Stolen, vehicle, Walsall, West Midlands
2 Comments
Watling Street School burgled over half term – did you see anything?
It’s time, I’m very much afraid, to issue another warning – it seems local burglars are at is again – in this case they targeted Watling Street School up on the A5 twice over half term, with computer equipment being stolen on both occasions.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 2016, break in, Brownhills, Burglary, computer, crime, Eryl Powell, Events, ipad, laptop, local blogs, Police, School, Walsall, Watling Street, West Midlands
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Friends of Clayhanger Park October 2016 meeting tonight
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 tonight, Monday 17th October 2016 from 7:00pm
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 17 October, 2016, Brownhills, Children, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Park, football, Friends of, kids, Lichfield, play, Politics, Skate Park, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Council
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Shire Oak Quarry expansion consultation event – this Friday
You may recall a couple of years ago that the operator of the former Shire Oak Quarry site, JPE, was mooting the proposal to extend the site they’re currently landfilling at Shire Oak, to extract virgin material pusihing back restoration of the site for some years.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, It makes me mad!, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged 2014, 2016, 30 September, Brownhills, Consultation, County Council, expansion, extraction, Hays, Hints, Hopwas, Lichfield, Local politics, mineral, Minerals Local Plan, planning, Politics, quarry, Redevelopment, Sandhills, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Stonnall, Things to do, Village Hall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
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Fancy taking the Lichfield Towpath Trail For Charity this weekend?
This Sunday 26th September 2016, there’s a charity dog walk being held by Oscars Pet Foods of Lichfield and the Lichfield & Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust, taking place along the Lichfield Canal Heritage Towpath Trail near Borrowcop on the A51.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged 2016, 26 September, A51, Borrocop, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, dog, Hatherton, Lichfield, Lichfield Canal Towpath Trail, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Oscars, Petfoods, planning, project, renovation, Staffordshire, Sunday, The Boat, Things to do, trust, Twitter, walk, Wildlife
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Blooming golden – Brownhills volunteers for the win!
I’d like to say a big thank you on behalf of Brownhills if I may, to those people who worked so very hard on the Brownhills in Bloom competition entry this year: to all those who helped, planted and laboured, and to human dynamo Diane Mansell from Walsall Council, praise is due, for Brownhills and Aldridge both won gold awards.
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
1 Comment
Beware – garage and shed burglaries occurring again locally
It’s time, I’m very much afraid, to issue another warning – it seems local burglars are at is again – In the last few weeks there have been a number of break-ins to sheds and outbuildings in the Brownhills, Walsall Wood, Pelsall and High Heath areas in particular.

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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 2016, Aldridge, Brownhills, Burglary, crime, Events, garage, garages, home security, local blogs, Pelsall, Police, Shed, Sheds, Shire Oak, vehicle, Walsall, West Midlands
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Would you like a chat about local history?
Top contributor, commentor and all round good egg the young David Evans has been busy over the last few weeks organising a treat for local history buffs in Brownhills and the wider community – he’s been asked to do a couple of talks on the history of Walsall Wood.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2016, 7 September, Beacon Way, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, charity, Coffee Morning, David Evans, Events, historian, history, History Talk, Local History, mining, Staffordshire, The Well, Things to do, Walsall Wood
1 Comment
Oak Park Active Living Centre opens this week – find out more here
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.
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!
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).
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
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More Costa jobs up for grabs in Brownhills
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
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A case of the trots!
A great image has come in from friend of the blog and long time contributor Andy Dennis, who’s dug out this fascinating picture of a once prominent local sport that used to take place in Brownhills.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community
Tagged 1971, 1977, Andy Dennis, April, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Chasewater Promotions, Chasewater Stadium, Cheap tat, Derelict, Events, Howmuch, International Long Track, JB Cox, Local History, MCN, motorbike, Motorcycle, Motorcycle News, Opening, planning, programme, race, Race of the Year, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Stadium, Staffordshire, Things to do, track, Trotting
18 Comments
Costa Coffee franchise advertising jobs in Brownhills
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
Walsall Arboretum Environment Day this Saturday free fun for all the family!
Here’s great event kicking off in Walsall Arboretum tomorrow, (Saturday 9th July 2016) with activities and music running from 12 noon until 8pm – loads of free nature and wildlife stuff to do for all the family – including birds of prey, craft demos, woodland wildlife garden, plant sales, real ale and ciders – and much more.
Posted in Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local music, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 15 August, 2015, arboretum, chainsaw, cycling, Environment, Events, free, fun day, Nature, New Photos, sulting, Walsall
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Friends of Clayhanger Park meeting this Thursday
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.
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
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Calling all local gardeners please!
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.
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
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Can you help Diane make Brownhills bloom?
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.
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
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Blooming wonderful!
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.
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!
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).
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
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Remembering Chasewater Stadium
Following my recent request for memories of Chasewater Stadium, I had a great contribution from long time friend of the blog Fred Butler, who has a rather interesting contribution. I’m after any ephemera or memorabilia anyone can supply, as there’s … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community
Tagged 1971, 1977, April, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Chasewater Promotions, Chasewater Stadium, Cheap tat, Derelict, Events, Fred Butler, Howmuch, International Long Track, JB Cox, Local History, MCN, motorbike, Motorcycle, Motorcycle News, Opening, planning, programme, race, Race of the Year, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Stadium, Staffordshire, Things to do, track, Trotting
5 Comments
Apologies – Brownhills in bloom planting event cancelled!
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
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Please help Brownhills bloom – tomorrow!
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
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Chasewater Stadium – what do you recall?
Thanks to a curious sale on eBay, I can now share exactly when Chasewater Trotting Track opened – it was Monday 16th August, 1971.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community
Tagged 1971, 1977, April, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Chasewater Promotions, Chasewater Stadium, Cheap tat, Derelict, Events, Howmuch, International Long Track, JB Cox, Local History, MCN, motorbike, Motorcycle, Motorcycle News, Opening, planning, programme, race, Race of the Year, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Stadium, Staffordshire, Things to do, track, Trotting
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Resurfacing of A5 Watling Street – warning of road closures
Sorry, a bit late with this I know, but a post from Brownhills Councillor Steve Wade on his blog has just caught my attention – there’s currently a road closure on the A5 Rising Sun Island until 6am tomorrow morning (Thursday, 26th May 2016), and further closures Tuesday 31st May and 1st and 2nd June 2016.
Please help Brownhills bloom this summer!
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
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The Warners, the Wheatsheaf, and Pat the dog!
Further to Wendy Gates’ enquiry about the Wheatsheaf pub last week, and of her father, Jack Warner, Wendy posted some more family images to share with readers and maybe jog a few memories of the family and the popular lost Brownhills pub.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged beer hosue, Bill Blakemore, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, dogrio5630, Emily, Gerald Reece, Harry, Helen Dalton, Henry, John Insull, Lichfield Mercury, Local History, Ogley, Ogley Hay, planning, Pubs, Redevelopment, Square, Staffordshire, The Wheatsheaf, Things to do, Tony Williams, Twitter, Warner, Wendy Gates, William Danks
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