#365daysofbiking JournalRecent tracks
Time & Place
Queens of the Stone Age
3 days
never too late
thenewno2
3 days
This Year's Girl
Elvis Costello
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Got My Mojo Workin'
Muddy Waters
3 days
Tamacun
Rodrigo y Gabriela
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Little Wing
Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble
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Good Love (w/ Billy Gibbons)
The Black Keys
3 days
Don’t Ever Let Nobody Drag Your Spirit Down
Eric Burdon
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So Much Trouble In The World
Bob Marley
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Carolina Low
The Decemberists
3 daysRecent Comments
Marauder on 1987: The end of a landmark Elizabeth Thomson on Made of bricks Gary Huskisson on When the lights go out Nichelle Smith on The Red, White and Blue: what… Jane Henry on The long march: 50 years of ja…
Category Archives: Shared memories
Urgent appeal: Do you know of a band that could support the Brownhills Remembrance Parade?
Wendy Dance, Treasurer of the Brownhills branch of the Royal British Legion has been in touch to ask if anyone knows a military band that might be available to play in the Brownhills 2018 Remembrance Sunday Parade? This is always … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged appeal, Brownhills, Events, Local History, military band, Parade, Remembrance, Ron Dance, Scouts, Service, Things to do, time, Wendy Dance
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Lichfield repair cafe – get together to get things fixed this Saturday!
Never one to sit back and let life pass her by, that there Kate Cardigan from the wonderful Lichfield Lore is involved with the wonderful Lichfield Repair Cafe project – which continues it’s regular run at their new home this Saturday (Saturday, … Continue reading
Posted in Churches, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 2017, 29 April, cardigan, community, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, Fisherwick, free, Gomez, Kate Gomez, Lichfield, local blogs, Lore, Recycling, Repair and Share, Staffordshire, Things to do, WHittington, Woodhouse Farm
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2018 local Remembrance events – let’s make a list – can you help please?
This is just a quick request for help – in past years, we have crowdsourced from readers a list of local Remembrance parades and events taking place throughout the area, that was popular and useful to many of the readership – … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Aldridge, Bloxwich, Brownhills, Clayhanger, Details, Events, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Parade, Remembrance, Service, Staffordshire, Things to do, time, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
2 Comments
BRD days – a 149 page history for you to explore
A few weeks ago I promised a treat for those who were interested in the history of the BRD company in Aldridge – many readers will have worked or had relatives that did in the huge, sprawling engineering company the … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 195, Aldridge, BRD, David Hughes, Derelict, Driveline, GKN, Linda Mason, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mad Old Baggage, Newsletter, Omtitis, Redhouse, Twitter
5 Comments
Chasewater Railway Coal Train event all this weekend
Sorry again for the late notice but I note Chasewater Railway have their Coal Train event this weekend (Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th October 2018) with a mixture of diesel and steam runnings, demo trains and working plant. This event will be … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 2018, 6, 7, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Coal Train WWeekend, Events, Gala, Gala Day, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, October, Panoramio, Reservoir, September, Staffordshire, STeam, Steam Railway, Things to do, Trains
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Lichfield Waterworks Trust October 2018 public meeting this evening
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that this coming Monday evening (8th October 2018) there will be the monthly Public Meeting of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 2018, 8 October, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, heritage, Kate Gomez, lecture, Lichfield, Lichfield Discovered, Lichfield Waterworks Trust, local blogs, Local History, Lore, meeting, Monday, Moore, pub, Sandfields, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do
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Working at the BRD – a couple of photos, a magazine… and a treat in store
A treat coming for those interested in recent industrial history of the area – many readers will have worked or had relatives that did, at the BRD factory in Aldridge – a huge, sprawling automotive component manufacturing company producing mainly … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 195, Aldridge, BRD, David Hughes, Derelict, Driveline, GKN, Linda Mason, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mad Old Baggage, Newsletter, Omtitis, Redhouse, Twitter
18 Comments
Lichfield repair cafe – get together to get things fixed this Saturday!
Never one to sit back and let life pass her by, that there Kate Cardigan from the wonderful Lichfield Lore is involved with the wonderful Lichfield Repair Cafe project – which starts a regular run at it’s new home this Saturday (Saturday, … Continue reading
Posted in Churches, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 2017, 29 April, cardigan, community, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, Fisherwick, free, Gomez, Kate Gomez, Lichfield, local blogs, Lore, Recycling, Repair and Share, Staffordshire, Things to do, WHittington, Woodhouse Farm
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Lichfield Waterworks Trust September 2018 public meeting this evening
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that this evening (Monday 10th Septembert 2018) there will be the August 2018 Public Meeting of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of Sandfields … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 10 September, 2018, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, heritage, Ian Pell, Kate Gomez, lecture, Lichfield, Lichfield Discovered, Lichfield Waterworks Trust, local blogs, Local History, Lore, meeting, Moore, pub, Sandfields, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do, Thursday
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At the end of the line
An interesting and memory- jogging image came to me last week via local football dynamo Brian Beard, who spotted the original photo for sale on everyone’s favourite tat bazaar, eBay. This is a photo of the near-derelict Walsall Wood Railway … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Aldrdge, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Cheap tat, Derelict, Fox covey, Heath's scrapyard, Leighswood, Littleredglass, Local History, New Photos, Ralph Ferrie, Walsall Wood, Walsall Wood station, war scrap
2 Comments
Something wonderful for princesses and pirates alike this Bank Holiday Monday!
Chasewater Railway – the little gem of a local preserved industrial railway is this Bank Holiday Monday (27th August 2018) staging a Princesses and Pirates Day, when the railway will be operating with steam trains and there will be fun, games, competitions, … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 12th August, 2018, Aston Manor, Award, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Charities, Chasewater, day, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, loco, Newsletter, Railway, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do
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Picture this: A Chasewater childhood
A wonderful one reached me yesterday morning from old pal of the blog Stuart Cowley, whose memories of growing up at Chasewater in the 1960s and 70s have been some of the most popular posts in the history of the … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community
Tagged 1960's, 60's, amusement park, Blumer, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, childhood, Cycle rides, Local History, memories, New Photos, Norton Pool, Panoramio, pleasure park, Reservoir, sculpture, Staffordshire, Stuart Cowley, Wildlife
6 Comments
Lichfield Waterworks Trust August 2018 public meeting this Monday evening
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that this Monday evening (13th August 2018) there will be the August 2018 Public Meeting of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of Sandfields … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 13 August, 2018, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, heritage, Ian Pell, Kate Gomez, lecture, Lichfield, Lichfield Discovered, Lichfield Waterworks Trust, local blogs, Local History, Lore, meeting, Moore, pub, Sandfields, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do, Thursday
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Do you remember the Station Hotel talking clock?
I’ve had an interesting enquiry come in from reader Bee who’s asked something that has very much intrigued me – do you remember the ‘speaking clock’ next to the Station Hotel, Brownhills? For those too young to remember, the Station … Continue reading
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
2 Comments
Chasewater Railway – 2018 Annual Charities Day this Sunday!
Chasewater Railway – the little gem of a local preserved industrial railway is this Sunday (12th August 2018) staging it’s Annual Charities Day, when the railway will be operating with steam trains, and there will be charity stalls and activities at Brownhills West … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 12th August, 2018, Aston Manor, Award, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Charities, Chasewater, day, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, loco, Newsletter, Railway, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do
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New season kicks off today for Walsall Wood FC!
Images and captions by the inimitable and young David Evans Nice to see Walsall Wood FC are gearing up for the new season with a full match schedule, revitalised spectator facilities and a whole host of great stuff to come, … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2017, David Evans, Events, FC, football, Footy, friendlies, Good of the Wood, Lichfield, New Photos, new season, photos, soccer, Things to do, Walsall Wood, Walsall WOod FC
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Mabel’s Vintage Fair at Chasewater Railway today!
I notice that today Sunday, 29th July 2018, there’s a rather fun looking vintage event being staged at Chasewater Railway by Mabel’s Vintage. The fair runs from 11am until 4pm at Brownhills West Station (Use the Chasewater main entrance from the … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 1940s, 2017, 23 July, 40s, Brownhills, carriage, Chasewater, Chasewater Railway, Events, Facebook, Mabels, New Photos, nostalgia, Staffordshire, Sunday, Things to do, Twitter, Vintage Event, Vintage Fair, We'll Meet Again
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The way of the Sons of Waetla
As I’m still catching up, I thought today might be a good time to feature the writings of an old pal of the blog, Gerald Reece, and his musings on the A5 Watling Street, Newtown, Knaves Castle and the pubs … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills activities, Brownhills local history, Canal, Cannock Chase Colliery Company, Gerald Reece, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Old maps, Panoramio, Redevelopment, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Stonnall, Warren House
5 Comments
Lichfield Waterworks Trust – 2018 AGM this Monday followed by an evening with the Time Healers
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that this Monday evening (9th July 2018) there will be the Annual General Meeting of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of Sandfields Pumping … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 12 June, 2017, Architecture, at risk, Bird Street, Black Country, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, heritage, Kate Gomez, Kings Head, lecture, Lichfield, Lichfield Discovered, Lichfield Waterworks Trust, local blogs, Local History, Lore, meeting, Moore, pub, Sandfields, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do, Thursday
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Lichfield Rotary Cars in the Park 2018 – On this weekend!
There’s a really good classic and vintage car show on this coming weekend (thats Saturday and Sunday, 7th and 8th July 2018) in Beacon Park, Lichfield – the annual Rotary Cars in the Park event. For those missing the late, lamented … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 2018, 7 July, 8 July, Beacon park, Cars in the park, classic, classic bikes, Classic cars, Cycle rides, Lichfield, New Photos, rotary, Round Table, Staffordshire, Things to do, Transport, vintage, Vintage Cars
1 Comment
Brownhills Motor Sales at Streets Corner – what do you know?
Old pal of the blog Alvin Cox contacted me yesterday asking if I had any images of the motor sales workshop/garage that existed at Streets Corner, Walsall Wood, before the Co-op was built: Latterly it was Saturn Motor Sales. He … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills Commercials, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Motor Sales, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Ralph Ferrie, Reader enquiries, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood
4 Comments
A sale that shaped Stonnall
A delayed one here today courtesy of old friend of the blog and Stonnall historian Desmond Burton, who’s sent me scans of the sale particulars for Wordsley House Farm in 1918, and it’s attached estate including Fighting Cocks Farm. The … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 1918, 1958, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Desmond Burton, Facebook, Farm, House, Ice Cream, local blogs, Local History, Main Street, sale, Shire Oak, Sonnall, Staffordshire, Stonnall, video, Walsall Wood, WH Cooke, Wordsley, Wordsley House
2 Comments
Lichfield Waterworks Trust June 2018 public meeting this Monday evening
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that this Monday evening (11th June 2018) there will be the June 2018 Public Meeting of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of Sandfields … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 11 June, 2018, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, heritage, Ian Pell, Kate Gomez, lecture, Lichfield, Lichfield Discovered, Lichfield Waterworks Trust, local blogs, Local History, Lore, meeting, Moore, pub, Sandfields, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do, Thursday
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A message from Lynn Shaw: A date set for those who wish to remember Bill Shaw
It’s been a while now since the sad passing of Bill Shaw and Bill’s wife Lynn has an important announcement to make – the date has been set for the ceremony to scatter Bill’s ashes at Walsall Wood Football Club. Lynn … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged Bill Shaw, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Clayhanger, football, Lichfield, Local History
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Chasewater Railway Made in Staffordshire Gala this weekend!
Sorry again for the late notice but I note Chasewater Railway have their Made in Staffordshire 50th Anniversary Gala this spring Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday 26th through to Monday 28th May 2018), with loads of steam and diesel heritage traction and … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 2018, 26, 27, 28, anniversary, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Events, Gala, Gala Day, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Made in STaffordshire, May, New Photos, Panoramio, Reservoir, September, Staffordshire, STeam, Steam Railway, Things to do, Trains
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An important message from Lynn Shaw
It’s been a while now since the sad passing of Bill Shaw and Bill’s wife Lynn has an important announcement to make – there was to have been a ceremony to scatter Bill’s ashes this weekend, but unfortunately it’s had to … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged Bill Shaw, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Clayhanger, football, Lichfield, Local History
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Lichfield Waterworks Trust May 2018 public meeting tonight – with a very special guest speaker
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that tonight, Monday evening (14th May 2018) there will be the May 2018 Public Meeting of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of Sandfields … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 14 may, 2018, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, heritage, Ian Pell, Kate Gomez, lecture, Lichfield, Lichfield Discovered, Lichfield Waterworks Trust, local blogs, Local History, Lore, meeting, Moore, pub, Sandfields, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do, Thursday
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Lichfield Waterworks Trust May 2018 public meeting this Monday – with a very special guest
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that this Monday evening (14th May 2018) there will be the April 2018 Public Meeting of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of Sandfields … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 14 may, 2018, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, heritage, Ian Pell, Kate Gomez, lecture, Lichfield, Lichfield Discovered, Lichfield Waterworks Trust, local blogs, Local History, Lore, meeting, Moore, pub, Sandfields, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do, Thursday
1 Comment
Full of love for Mr. Fullelove
Images Kindly supplied by Brian Stringer via the young David Evans. Last week I pointed out that this weekend, there was to be an unveiling ceremony of the restored George Fullelove Memorial Shelter near The Parade in Brownhills – well, … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged balladeer, Brownhills, Brownhills Choral Society, Brownhills local history, choir, Choral, co-op, Co-operative, David Evans, George Fullelove, Langford, Local History, Master, New Photos, Peake, Plaque, Preece, Road, Silver Street Methodist Church, Singer, Staffordshire, Things to do, Waine, Walsall Wood
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Going above and beyond
I’m pleased to see that the expansion of online history resources continues apace, with lots of formerly quite restrictive services opening up with more sensible usage terms and conditions – one such archive is the British Library’s Aerofilms archive of … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1938, 1946, Aerial Photos, Aerofilms, archive, Britain from the Air, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, English Heritage, Gas Works, Local History, New Photos, Pike Helve, Pubs, Staffordshire, Walsall, Walsall Wood
1 Comment
Looking after the legacy of a great son of Brownhills
There’s something that’s quite historically important been going on for months now right in the heart of Brownhills, that whilst not earth shattering, is very significant to our local history, and helps to preserve the memory of one of the … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged balladeer, Brownhills, Brownhills Choral Society, Brownhills local history, choir, Choral, co-op, Co-operative, David Evans, George Fullelove, Langford, Local History, Master, New Photos, Peake, Plaque, Preece, Road, Silver Street Methodist Church, Singer, Staffordshire, Things to do, Waine, Walsall Wood
5 Comments
Where’s the fairness in Remembrance funding?
I’ve hd a really interesting email in from a respected elder in Brownhills, someone whose comments on the area I’ve always respected greatly and whose opinion I value and usually agree with – John Bird. John Bird has periodically written … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 12 November, 13 November, 2017, Brownhills, Cancelled, David Evans, Events, Heath Hayes, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Parade, Police, Remembrance, Ron Dance, Roy Smythe, Scouts, Service, Staffordshire, Things to do, time, under threat, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
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Who’s on this team, and who are they?
Since the sad passing of Bill Shaw, old friend of the blog, champion of local football and Clayhanger lad, the tributes have been fullsome, and so richly deserved – but it’s also wonderful to hear the memories and see photos … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged Bentley, big house, Bill Shaw, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Clayhanger, football, Lichfield, Local History
2 Comments
A Chemical Romance
I’ve been asked the question by reader Norman Taylor as to what I know about Brownhills Chemical Works – otherwise known as The Chemical or The Chemy, later the site of a notorious war scrapyard local kids were all attracted … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged Bobdcuk, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Scrapyard, Canal, Cheap tat, Derelict, foundry, Local History, New Photos, Staffordshire, Super Alloys, Superalloys, typhoon, Vandalism, war scrap, Wildcat, york wings
6 Comments
Lichfield Waterworks Trust April 2018 public meeting this Monday
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that this Monday evening (9th April 2018) there will be the April 2018 Public Meeting of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of Sandfields … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 12 March, 2018, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, heritage, Kate Gomez, lecture, Lichfield, Lichfield Discovered, Lichfield Waterworks Trust, local blogs, Local History, Lore, meeting, Moore, pub, Sandfields, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do, Thursday
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A great chance for tea and cake in a great country canalside garden this Saturday!
There’s a great event going on in Whittington this acoming Saturday (31st March 2018) 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 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
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The race for space
Thanks to Stuart Williams of Walsall Local History Centre, I can share with readers today another piece in the remarkable jigsaw that is the Ferrie family history – the Ferries, as many old hands will recall, were a larger than life father and son who were well known in Aldridge and Brownhills for their entrepreneurialism and propensity to acts of community largesse and showmanship.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1958, Bristol, Charles, Ferrie, Howmuch, ICI McKechnie, IMI, Kynoch, Ph.D, physicist, Ralph, rocket, rocket science, Shelfield, Space Reasearch Group, Sputnik, University, Walsall Observer
8 Comments
Bill Shaw: Further details of funeral arrangements announced
The sheer number of people who have paid tribute following the sad news of the passing of Bill Shaw has been heartwarming, and many have expressed their desire to attend his funeral – well, Bill’s wife, Lynn has been in touch to give further details, including the details of the function afterwards.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged Bentley, big house, Bill Shaw, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Clayhanger, football, Lichfield, Local History
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It’s a diesel takeover – this weekend!
Chasewater Railway – the little gem of a preserved industrial railway right on our doorstep is holding it’s annual Diesel Gala this weekend, Saturday and Sunday 24-25th March 2018.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 18 March, 19 March, 2017, Award, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Events, Facebook, Industrial gala, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Railway, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do
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In the Regency period
There has been some discussion of late on Facebook and other places about local cinemas, and with Russia topical at the moment too, this is a good time to share this one from reader Sam that came in a few weeks ago.
Bill Shaw: A personal memorial, by David Evans
Everyone involved with the blog has been saddened and dismayed by the loss of Bill Shaw, Clayhanger lad, champion of local football, commentator and all round decent bloke – and I’m proud and honoured to feature here an obituary for Bill from his fellow match reporter at Walsall Wood, David Evans.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged Bentley, big house, Bill Shaw, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Clayhanger, football, Lichfield, Local History
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It’s good to repair (and share!) – a great event this Friday in Lichfield
Never one to sit back and let life pass her by, that there Kate Cardigan from the wonderful Lichfield Lore is involved with another project – Lichfield Repair and Share workshop – which takes place this Friday, 16th March 2018 at the Tesco Community Room, Tesco Extra, Church Street, Lichfield from 7-9pm.
Posted in Churches, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 2018, cardigan, community, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, Gomez, Kate Gomez, Lichfield, local blogs, Lore, March 16, Recycling, Repair and Share, Staffordshire, Tesco, Things to do
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Lichfield Waterworks Trust March 2018 public meeting this Monday
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that this Monday evening (12th March 2018) there will be the March 2018 Public Meeting of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of Sandfields Pumping Station group.
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Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 12 March, 2018, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, heritage, Kate Gomez, lecture, Lichfield, Lichfield Discovered, Lichfield Waterworks Trust, local blogs, Local History, Lore, meeting, Moore, pub, Sandfields, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do, Thursday
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Branch line summers fade
I always love expanding railway threads here on the blog – and it’s always great to hear from local railway historian and expert Ian Pell.
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