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Category Archives: Shared memories
Accession to the throne Brownhills stye
Following Janet Bullock’s wonderful photo posted here in the last few weeks there has been a terrific response to the Ogley Hay May Day them, with a further image of the same event being Kindly donated by Kate Dixon, and her mum May Queen Linda Horobin – now we have a further great image sent in by Sheila Kelly of May Day the following year.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged 1964, 4a, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Events, Local History, Malcolm Kelly, Mr. Riley, New Photos, Ogley Hay, Ogley Hay Junior School, School, Staffordshire
6 Comments
Huge commitment to heavy lift beats big freeze
Tom Reid from the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust has been in touch to let us know about a rather interesting challenge the trust’s engineers had to deal with last weekend when the big freeze hit the UK.
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 2018, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, Facebook, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Staffordshire, Things to do, trust, Twitter
1 Comment
Bill Shaw: Tributes, and details of funeral released
Following the sad news of the passing of Bill Shaw, long time contributor to the blog, Clayhanger lad and great champion of local football there, has been a huge outpouring of sympathy and condolence – Bill was certainly a friend and familiar face to many, not just in local football, but in the wider community.
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
1 Comment
Goodbye Bill Shaw: There had better be good football up there
It’s my sad duty to report to you that old friend of the blog, Clayhanger lad and football reporter extraordinaire Bill Shaw sadly passed away yesterday following an ongoing, serious illness.
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, Marion Jones, meemories, Perfichrome, Round Table, VUK 800
4 Comments
Fit for a queen
Following Janet Bullock’s wonderful photo posted here a few days ago – which turns out indeed to be the May Queen celebrations at Ogley Ha Infants School in Brownhills – there was much discussion here and on social media about this traditional event, and reader Kate Dixon turned up local history gold.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged 1964, 4a, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Events, Local History, Malcolm Kelly, Mr. Riley, New Photos, Ogley Hay, Ogley Hay Junior School, School, Staffordshire
10 Comments
May be? Ogley Hay infants in the early 1960s
Reader Janet has sent me an absolutely gorgeous school photo from the early 1960s at Ogley Hay infants in Brownhills – from the activity and dress depicted, I think this may be a May Day celebration which I believe was customary at the school at the time?
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged 1964, 4a, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Events, Local History, Malcolm Kelly, Mr. Riley, New Photos, Ogley Hay, Ogley Hay Junior School, School, Staffordshire
10 Comments
A feast of wire
Local rail buff Simon Swain has been busy of late covering the momentous and important Chase Line Electrification Project, which is seeing the rail line between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley electrified for hopefully faster and more reliable services.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills railways, Derelict, Disused Railways, Facebook, John Whitehouse, Junction, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Old maps, Pelsall, Ryecroft, Si Swain, Simon Swain, Staffordshire, Station, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Wood
3 Comments
Two great events coming up from the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Trust!
Tom Reid from the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust has been in touch to let us know about a couple of events the local canal restoration project are holding in the coming weeks, a quiz night on Saturday 17th March 2018 and a guided walk of the Summerhill section on Saturday 21st April 2018.
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 17 March, 2018, 23 April, Barracks Lane, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Facebook, guided walk, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Parkview Centre, planning, project, quiz, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, The Boat, Things to do, trust, Twitter, Wildlife
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A great vintage – a brand new shop at Chasewater Railway
I’m always happy to see new attractions at Chasewater Railway, so I was pleased to note the carriage on Platform One now has a new business within, the Chase Vintage Carriage operated by Charley Hughes, and it’s currently open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am until 4pm.
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 Brownhills, Brownhills local history, carriage, Charley Hughes, Chase, Chasewater, Events, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Panoramio, Reservoir, Staffordshire, STeam, Steam Railway, Things to do, Trains, vintage
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Lichfield Waterworks Trust February 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 February 2018) there will be the February 2018 Public Meeting of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of Sandfields Pumping Station group.
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 February, 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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Could you help restore a lost, local canal?
Tom Reid from the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust has been in touch to let us know about the progress they’re making, and to send out an appeal for volunteers to help push the restoration forward.
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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 Barracks Lane, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Parkview Centre, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, The Boat, Things to do, trust, Twitter, Wildlife
1 Comment
A team line up and a pig roast: What do you know?
Brian Clenton contacted me again just before Christmas and asked if I could round these two photos again, as he’s still looking for names and information about the people in them – and they’re wonderful images, so it’s a pleasure.
New year quiz 2018 – come on, have a go if you’re up for it!
Hey folks, a little later than hoped it’s the 2018 Brownhills Blog New Year Quiz – and don’t forget the photo competition is also running alongside, and similarly has beer and book prizes to be won!
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2018, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Lichfield, Local History, New Photos, New Year, prize, quiz, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Wood
5 Comments
Lichfield Waterworks Trust January 2018 public meeting this Monday
lds Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that this Monday evening (8th January 2018) there will be the January 2018 Public Meeting of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of Sandfields Pumping Station group.
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 January, 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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New year quiz 2018 – get stuck in!
Hey folks, a little later than hoped it’s the 2018 Brownhills Blog New Year Quiz – and don’t forget the photo competition is also running alongside, and similarly has beer and book prizes to be won!
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2018, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Lichfield, Local History, New Photos, New Year, prize, quiz, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Wood
52 Comments
Whistle and flute?
I have a really simple enquiry and request in from a reader this week relating to a local shop I’d completely forgotten about, and I think it’s worth asking you readers for help.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, 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, Uncategorized, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
18 Comments
Living next door to the Grove – what do you know?
Last year I featured a very popular set of images from a place I genuinely didn’t realise still existed: The Grove Colliery, the remnants of which – the house and offices situated just off Lime Lane, between Pelsall, Brownhills, Norton and Great Wyrley – were documented by old pal of the blog Simon Swain and drone wizard Steve Martin also captured the site from the air.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged archive, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal and River Trust, Cannock Extension Canal, colliery, Derelict, Disaster, Events, freight, Grove, Grove Colliery, House, images, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, mining, New Photos, Norton, photos, pit, pits, Redevelopment, Si Swain, Simon, Staffordshire, Things to do, tramway, viaduct, Wyrley common
1 Comment
1444 (Brownhills) Squadron Air Cadets say thanks!
A lovely note reaches me from Flt Lt Carolyn Sault of the 1444 (Brownhills) Squadron Air Cadets, who do so much good work with the youth of Brownhills – people who shop locally will know that young people from the local Squadron often undertake bag packs at local stores in return for donations.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 1444 squadron, bag pack, Barnetts Lane, Brownhills, Brownhills activities, Brownhills Air Cadets, Brownhills local history, Brownhills youth, Carolyn Sault, Features, Local History, New Photos, Royal Air Force, Staffordshire, thanks
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Carols by the canal – and memories of great friends
Just a quick note to point out that the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust are holding a carol evening at their Fosseway Nature Reserve site, just off Falkland Road, Lichfield on Saturday 16 December 2017 from 7-9pm and all are welcome.
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 2017, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Things to do, trust, Twitter, Wildlife
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Aldridge Christmas events start today and run through the weekend
It’s that time of year again, and I welcome news of Christmas Fairs, tree festivals and festive events of all kinds to share with readers – first up there are three great Christmas events in Aldridge this weekend, with the three-day Christmas Tree Festival kicking off at 11am this morning.
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Posted in Churches, 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, Walsall community
Tagged 1 December, 2 december, 2017, 3 December, Aldridge, Aldridge Village Partnership, AMRTM, Aston Manor Transport Museum, charity, Christmas Gift Fair, Christmas Tree, Cycle rides, Events, Festival, fun day, Isabella, Lytte, Sunday, Things to do, Walsall
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Pictures and video from Brownhills and Heath Hayes 2017 Remembrance events
Last weekend, Saturday and Sunday 11-12th November 2017 saw the annual Remembrance weekend in the UK and I’m pleased to say Walsall Borough and South Staffordshire did themselves proud and staged a whole range of parades and events that were well supported and attended – and I was especially pleased to see the wonderful turnout and effort in Brownhills.
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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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Walsall Wood Remembrance Sunday 2017 pictures
The young David Evans yesterday (Sunday, 12th November 2017) went to his local Remembrance event in Walsall Wood and sent in a wonderful gallery of images to mark this most sombre of days.
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, 2017, Brownhills, David Evans, Events, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Parade, Police, Remembrance, Scouts, Service, Staffordshire, Things to do, time, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
1 Comment
We will never forget
It’s that time of year when I note Remembrance here in the UK and personally express my gratitude and concern for those who lost their lives in the service of our country – this post is one I make every year, but evolves as I think and reflect on those who paid and continue to pay a huge price for our freedom.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills local history, Conflict, Korea, Local History, Memory, Remembrance, Soldiers off the Street, Sunday, WMP
3 Comments
Details of 2017 local Remembrance events – live list
Following my request for information to make a list of local Remembrance events, I can again share with readers a list of local Remembrance services taking place locally this Remembrance Sunday, 12th November 2017 – this list will be updated with more info as I get it.
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 11 November, 12 November, 2017, Aldridge, Bloxwich, Brownhills, Clayhanger, Details, Events, Heath Hayes, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Remembrance, Service, Staffordshire, Things to do, time, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
1 Comment
Lichfield Waterworks Trust November 2017 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 (13th November 2017) there will be the November 2017 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 13 November, 2017, 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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2017 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.
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 2017, 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
8 Comments
Chasewater Railway – ride the Ghost Train this evening!
I note Chasewater Railway have Halloween ghost trains running this evening (28th October 2016) with prizes for fancy dress, ghostly fun and games and much more spooky fun for all the family!
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 2017, 28th October, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Evening, Events, ghost train, Halloween, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Panoramio, Reservoir, spooky, Staffordshire, STeam, Steam Railway, Things to do, Trains
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Lamping it
For those who missed it, I had an interesting question commented to an old post in the week, and I thought I’d make a post out of it as it deserves a wider audience – this certainly sounds like a remarkable family history, which someone out there must be able to help with.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local History, Local media, Local politics, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Around Pelsall & Brownhills, Brian Rollins, Brownhills, Brownhills And Aldridge, Brownhills local history, Cannock Chase Mining Historical Society, Coal Mining, Coal Mining in Walsall Wood, Colsa Oil, Coppy Pit, David F. Vodden, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, Nigel A Chapman, Old maps, Petrol engine mine, Protector Lamp, Redevelopment, Shire Oak, Spoil Heaps, Staffordshire, The South Staffordshire Coalfield, Walsall Wood, Walsall Wood Colliery Co, Walsall Wood old maps, Walsall Wood olliery, Walsall Wood Pit, Washer Mound
15 Comments
Lichfield Waterworks Trust October 2017 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 October 2017) there will be the October 2017 Public Meeting of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of Sandfields Pumping Station group.
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 2017, 9 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, Moore, pub, Sandfields, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do, Thursday
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A hole lot of sink
One of the curious things about writing and keeping this blog has always been the steady, curious dynamic of story arcs – where an old subject gets continually, slowly and gradually expanded as Google lists it, people search and find the post, comment and expand it.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, 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, Walsall community
Tagged Anchor Bridge, Anglesey Branch, Brawns Wood, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Past, Canal, canal breach, Canal Leak, canal repair, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater history, Chasewater Wildlife Group, culvert, Cycle rides, cycling, David Hodgkinson, Lane's Farm, local blogs, Local History, Milfield School, New Photos, Old maps, Repair, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Steve, Subsidence, Turner
10 Comments
Chasewater Railway Coal Train event this weekend
Sorry again for the late notice but I note Chasewater Railway have their Coal Train event this weekend (Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th October 2017) with a mixture of diesel and steam runnings, demo trains and working plant.
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 2017, 7, 8, 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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Pictures from the 2017 Huddlesford Heritage Gathering
Yesterday (Saturday 23rd September 2017) I got chance to go to the first day of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust’s Heritage Gathering at Huddlesford, near Whittington.
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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 2017, 23 September, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Heritage gathering, Huddlesford, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, photos, pictures, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, Things to do, trust
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Lichfield and Hatherton’s huge canal Heritage Gathering is this weekend!
Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust are busy preparing for their Heritage Gathering call and vintage festival which is running on both Saturday and Sunday this weekend (23-24th September 2017), and takes place at their Huddlesford base, near Lichfield.
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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 2017, 23 September, 24 September, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Heritage gathering, Huddlesford, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, Things to do, trust
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Less than two weeks to go until Lichfield and Hatherton’s huge canal Heritage Gathering!
Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust are busy preparing for their Heritage Gathering call and vintage festival which is coming up over the weekend of 23-24th September 2017, and takes place at their Huddlesford base, near Lichfield.
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 2017, 23 September, 24 September, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Heritage gathering, Huddlesford, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, Things to do, trust
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A remedy to the shortage of water
Several times over the previous eight years of this blog the question of the function and decommissioning of the steam pump that once stood at Chasewater has cropped up, and always provokes interesting debate – well, reader Ian James has been in touch with a snippet of information he’s found in a book relating to the long gone pumping plant.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Followups, 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, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canals of the West Midlands, Charles Hadfield, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater history, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cycle rides, Ian James, local blogs, Local History, nine foot, Postcard, Reservoir, Ruth Penrhyn Lowe, Staffordshire, steam engine, Steam pump, Wildlife
2 Comments
Lichfield Waterworks Trust – September 2017 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 (11th September 2017) there will be the September 2017 Public Meeting of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of Sandfields Pumping Station group.
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 September, 2017, 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
1 Comment
Chasewater Railway Late Summer Gala this weekend
Sorry again for the late notice but I note Chasewater Railway have their late Summer Gala this weekend (Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th September 2017), with special guest engine Bagnall 0-4-0ST 2842 Kent No 2 and a much busier running timetable than normal.
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 10, 2017, 3rd, 9, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Events, Gala, Gala Day, Late Summer, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Panoramio, Reservoir, September, Staffordshire, STeam, Steam Railway, Things to do, Trains
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Restoring a lost canal – and creating a new haven for wildlife
Just a quick note to point out that the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust are keen to share the news that they’re now creating a new nature reserve along the line of the soon to be restored canal between Wall and Lichfield.
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 2015, 2017, Barracks Lane, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Parkview Centre, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Things to do, trust, Twitter, Wildlife
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Plea to find family of deceased former Rushall man
Walsall Client Welfare Services Department have issued an appeal to trace the family of Walsall resident Mr. Ronald Arthur Smith, who passed away in Parklands Court Nursing Home, Bloxwich on the 29th July 2017.
Posted in Environment, Local History, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Bloxwich, died, Environmental Health, Family, help, Lichfield, Parklands Court, passed away, releatives, request, Ronald Arthur Smith, Rushall, search, Staffordshire, Walsall, Walsall Council, West Midlands
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Up the Ryecroft Junction
Local rail buff Simon Swain has once again been busy with the camera and maps, tracing out the history of the South Staffordshire railway line that used to run from Wychnor near Alrewas to Dudley, but called at Lichfield, Brownhills and Walsall on the way.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills railways, Derelict, Disused Railways, Facebook, John Whitehouse, Junction, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Old maps, Pelsall, Ryecroft, Si Swain, Simon Swain, Staffordshire, Station, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Wood
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Lichfield and Hatherton’s huge canal Heritage Gathering coming soon!
Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust are busy preparing for their Heritage Gathering call and vintage festival which is coming up over the weekend of 23-24th September 2017, and takes place at their Huddlesford base, near Lichfield.
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 2017, 23 September, 24 September, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Heritage gathering, Huddlesford, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, Things to do, trust
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A Sandfields staff photo – Can you help identify the people in it?
Dave Moore, the Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire dropped me a line with an interesting social history question regarding the waterworks at Lichfield over the weekend, which I thought I’d share here today as a gentle reminder that it’s the group’s August monthly public meeting tonight (Monday 14th August 2017).
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 August, 2017, 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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Lichfield Waterworks Trust – August 2017 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 (14th August 2017) there will be the August 2017 Public Meeting of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of Sandfields Pumping Station group.
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 August, 2017, 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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Chasewater Railway – Annual Charities Day this Sunday!
Chasewater Railway – the little gem of a local preserved industrial railway is this Sunday (6th August 2017) 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 Station.
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 2017, 6 August, 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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The Grove Colliery – remembering a lost pit
Last year I featured a very popular set of images from a place I genuinely didn’t realise still existed: The Grove Colliery, the remnants of which – the house and offices situated just off Lime Lane, between Pelsall, Brownhills, Norton and Great Wyrley – were documented by old pal off the blog Simon Swain and posted here as a gallery I include below.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged archive, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal and River Trust, Cannock Extension Canal, colliery, Derelict, Disaster, Events, freight, Grove, Grove Colliery, House, images, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, mining, New Photos, Norton, photos, pit, pits, Redevelopment, Si Swain, Simon, Staffordshire, Things to do, tramway, viaduct, Wyrley common
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Mabel’s Vintage Fair at Chasewater Railway this Sunday!
I notice that this Sunday, 23rd July 2017, there’s a rather fun looking vintage event being staged at Chasewater Railway by Mabel’s Vintage Carriage, who have a regular vintage stall in a carriage at the preserved railway.
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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Brownhills war hero Edward Tunstall: can you help locate the lost photos please?
I’ve had a fascinating and very detailed enquiry come in from reader Emma Smith that I’m hoping some of the old blog hands and researchers can help with – I know that Brownhills still has a British Legion Branch (whose current appeal for the Remembrance Parade is very important) and I hope someone can hook up with them to perhaps light this enquiry up.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged british Legion, Brownhills, Brownhills Library, Brownhills local history, Clayhanger, David Evans, Edward Tunstall, Emma Smith, Local History, Memories of Walsall, MP, New Photos, Parkview Centre, Plaque, RBL, Royal British Legion, Staffordshire, Things to do, unveiling, war, WVS
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2017 Chasewater Grand Prix – this weekend!
This Saturday and Sunday (15th and 16th July 2017) will be quite a special weekend for the local powerboat community as Chasewater hosts the PowerBoatGP 2017 Chasewater Grand Prix at our favourite reservoir and country park.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, 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
Tagged 15, 16, 2017, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Events, Grand Prix, July, Lichfield, New Photos, Powerboat GP, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do
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Lichfield Waterworks Trust – July 2017 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 (1oth July 2017) there will be the July 2017 Public Meeting of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of Sandfields Pumping Station group.
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 July 2017, 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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The death throes of the local line
Local rail buff Simon Swain last week sent in the above image of one of the last freight workings on the South Staffordshire Line through central Brownhills – and there was a large amount of interest in this remarkably evocative photo.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills railways, Derelict, Disused Railways, Facebook, John Whitehouse, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Old maps, Pelsall, Si Swain, Simon Swain, Staffordshire, Station, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Wood
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