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Category Archives: Shared memories
One of the final few
Local rail buff Simon Swain has been in touch with a remarkable image of Brownhills recording the very last days of the railway here – just before construction of the Miner Island in 1984.
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
3 Comments
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
Lichfield Rotary Cars in the Park – On this weekend!
There’s a really good classic and vintage car show on this weekend (thats Saturday and Sunday, 1st & 2nd July 2017) in Beacon Park, Lichfield as part of Festival Weekend – the annual Rotary Cars in the Park event.
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 1 July, 2 July, 2017, 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
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Tugging at the memories
After I posted the wonderful Clayhanger tug of war image here at the weekend kindly shared by Brian Stringer, I received many responses from readers across a range of media – this one clearly got memories flowing and I’ll feature a few of those responses in the coming days.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 1980, Brian Stringer, bridge, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills stuff, Canal, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Kid II, Clayhanger Kid Two, Clayhanger stuff, Holy Trinity, local blogs, Local History, Railway Tavern, Reader enquiries, School, Shared memories, Staffordshire, The Clayhanger Kid, Tug of war, Victorian Day
2 Comments
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
A tug of war, a railway themed restaurant and a Victorian day – great memories from the Clayhanger Kid
Friend of the blog, community activist and Clayhanger Kid himself, Brian Stringer has recently shared three remarkable image of recent historical interest in the Brownhills and Clayhanger area.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 1980, Brian Stringer, bridge, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills stuff, Canal, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Kid II, Clayhanger Kid Two, Clayhanger stuff, Holy Trinity, local blogs, Local History, Railway Tavern, Reader enquiries, School, Shared memories, Staffordshire, The Clayhanger Kid, Tug of war, Victorian Day
4 Comments
Gearing up for the new season at Walsall Wood FC!
Nice to see Walsall Wood FC are gearing up for the new season with a host of great new signings, a refreshed management team and a whole host of great stuff to come, both in terms of local football and activity within the community.
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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
2 Comments
A great local history legend at Walsall Wood Library soon !
Just a quick headsup to those interested in Walsall Wood history and who are free on the Wednesday afternoon of 28th June 2017 – there’s a talk featuring the Brownhills Blog’s favourite Wood Mon™ and top contributor, the young David Evans.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2017, 28 june, Brownhills local history, David Evans, event, Events, Library, Lichfield, Local History, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Talk in the wood, Things to do, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
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Important appeal: Did you know Leslie Horton?
This is one of those requests that pops up from time to time, and was issued by the Communication Team at Walsall Council this week and I’d like all locals to have a think about it, and if any of you can do so, please help.
Posted in Environment, Local History, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Becky Evans, died, Family, help, Leslie Horton, Leyland Croft, Lichfield, passed away, Pelsall, releatives, request, search, Staffordshire, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Road, West Midlands
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Report and photos from the 2017 Walsall Wood FC presentation dinner
Last Friday evening (9th June 2017) saw the annual presentation dinner of Walsall Wood Football Club, and I’ve been sent the following report by the young David Evans.
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, 9 June, Andy Roper, David Evans, Dinner, end of season, Events, FC, football, Footy, Good of the Wood, Lichfield, New Photos, photos, presentation evening, soccer, Things to do, Walsall Wood, Walsall WOod FC
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Lichfield Waterworks Trust – 2017 Annual General 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 June 2017) there will be the Annual General 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 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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Find out about the restoration of our lost canal next Friday!
Just a quick note to point out that the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust are holding their Annual General Meeting next Friday nevening (Friday, 9th June 2017) in Brownhills, at the Parkview Centre (the old Council House on the Miner Island), and all are welcome to attend.
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, 9 June, AGM, Barracks Lane, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Cross City Line, 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
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
Look, there’s a familiar man on the TV…
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore revealed a surprise today – he’s been on BBC Midlands Today with presenter Bob Hockenhull talking about the remarkable project behind which David has been the prime mover – that of preserving and putting to community use the iconic Victorian building in south Lichfield.
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, 8 may, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, Bore Street, Bowling Green, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, Friary Road, 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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BRD Sports and Social club newsletter, 1954 – what do you remember?
A lovely period piece reaches me from reader David Hughes, who’s been kind enough to scan a complete November 1954 copy of ‘The Omtitis’ magazine, which was the BRD Sports and Social Club newsletter.
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
1 Comment
Lichfield Waterworks Trust – May 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 (8th May 2017) there will be a public progress meeting for 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 2017, 8 may, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, Bore Street, Bowling Green, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, Friary Road, 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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It’s good to repair (and share!) – a great event this afternoon near Lichfield
Never one to sit back and let life pass her by, that there Kate Cardigan from the wonderful Lichfield Lore is involved with a new project – Lichfield Repair and Share – which starts today (Saturday, 29th April 2017) at Woodhouse Farm, just north of Whittington, between 2pm and 4pm.
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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Urgent appeal: Walsall NHS Trust looking for relatives of John Elkes
Another important appeal for readers of the blog – this request was posted by the Communication Team at Walsall Manor Hospital Tuesday (24th April 2017) and I’d like all locals to have a think about it, and if any of you can, please do help.
Posted in Environment, Local History, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 2017, 24 April, Family, help, Hospital appeal, John Elkes, Julie Venables, Lichfield, Manor Hospital, Patient, releatives, request, search, Staffordshire, Walsall, Walsall Council, West Midlands, Willenhall
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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
A choral treat in store this afternoon!
This is late news just in, but those readers who enjoy choral music can catch a great performance this very afternoon (Wednesday 12th April 2017) at Silver Street Methodist Church in Brownhills.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills Choral Society, Brownhills local history, choir, Choral, co-op, Co-operative, concert, Deryck, dog, Douglas, George Fullelove, Langford, Local History, Marathon, MBE, New Photos, Silver Street Methodist Church, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall Wood, Wednesday Singers
1 Comment
Important appeal: Did you know James Green?
This is one of those requests that pops up from time to time, and was issued by the Communication Team at Walsall Council this week and I’d like all locals to have a think about it, and if any of you can do so, please help.
Posted in Environment, Local History, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Becky Evans, Blockall Close, Darlaston, died, Family, help, James Green, Lichfield, passed away, releatives, request, search, Staffordshire, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Road, West Midlands
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The gnomons of Aldridge
Here’s just a quick note to regular readers not on social media or who perhaps haven’t noticed that Linda Mason, ‘The Mad Old Baggage’ has a new post up about a very interesting situation in Aldridge, concerning planning and a curious bullishness evident in some quarters, and it’s rather curious stuff.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged Aldridge, Facebook, Lichfield, Linda Mason, local blogs, Local History, Mad Old Baggage, Mason, planning, Sundial, Things to do, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Wood
7 Comments
Have a great night out – and support a great local canal project!
Tom Reid from the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust has been in touch to let us know about their annual Spring show, taking place at Whittington Village Hall on Friday, April 7th 2017.
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, 7 April, 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, Spring Show, Staffordshire, Summerhill, Things to do, trust, Tunnel Vision, Twitter, Wildlife
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Lichfield Waterworks Trust – March 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 coming Monday (27th March 2017) there will be a public progress meeting for 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 2017, 27 March, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, Bore Street, Bowling Green, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, Friary Road, 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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Chasewater Railway 2017 Industrial Gala this weekend!
Chasewater Railway – the little gem of a preserved industrial railway right on our doorstep is holding it’s annual Industrial Gala this weekend, Saturday and Sunday 18-19th March 2017.
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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
2 Comments
Don’t miss Back to Backs – another brilliant Talk in the Wood!
Don’t miss your opportunity to attend another fascinating local history talk at Walsall Wood Library this Wednesday, 15th March 2017, when Birmingham Historian and National Trust Guide Clive Katz will be discussing the subject of the Birmingham Back to Backs.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 15th March, 2017, Brownhills local history, Clive Katz, David Evans, event, Events, Library, Lichfield, Local History, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Talk in the wood, Things to do, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
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Urgent appeal: Brownhills Royal British Legion need our help!
I’m not going to beat around the bush here – this is a very important issue that I’ve been vocal about for some time, and this year it’s coming to a head.
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 2017, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Clayhanger, John Bird, Local History, members, Memories of Walsall, New Photos, RBL, remembranceparade, Royal British Legion, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall Advertiser, war
1 Comment
Chasewater Railway 2017 season starts today!
I’ve noticed that Chasewater Railway – the little gem of a preserved industrial railway right on our doorstep is re-starting passenger services this weekend after the winter shutdown.
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 Award, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Newsletter, Railway, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do
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Get tunnel vision and help with a great local history preservation project!
Tom Reid from the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust has been in touch to let us know about the launch of their Tunnel Vision appeal, which has been established to raise funds in order to construct a canal tunnel under the railway 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 2016, Barracks Lane, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, cycling, December 3, Derelict, Facebook, guided walk, Hatherton, John Suchet, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Parkview Centre, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, The Boat, Things to do, trust, Tunnel Vision, Twitter, Wildlife
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Appeal – do you know Barbara Roberts, formerly of Valley View?
Hi folks, an unusual enquiry please but I hope it’s one the readership might be able to help with.
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Appeal – did you know Kathleen Coley?
Hi folks, an unusual enquiry please but I hope it’s one the readership might be able to help with.
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Posted in Environment, Local History, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Aldridge, Bentley, Family, help, Hospital appeal, Kathleen Coley, Lichfield, Manor Hospital, Norton Canes, Patient, releatives, request, search, Staffordshire, Walsall, Walsall Council, West Midlands
5 Comments
Lichfield Waterworks Trust – February 2017 public meeting next Monday!
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that this coming Monday (13th February 2017) there will be a public progress meeting for 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 January, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, Bore Street, Bowling Green, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, Friary Road, 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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Urgent appeal: Walsall NHS Trust looking for relatives of several patients
Another important appeal for readers of the blog – this request was posted by the Communication Team at Walsall Manor Hospital yesterday, Tuesday 31st January 2017 and I’d like all locals to have a think about it, and if any of you can, please do help.
Posted in Environment, Local History, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Aldridge, Bentley, Family, help, Hospital appeal, Julie Venables, Lichfield, Manor Hospital, Norton Canes, Patient, releatives, request, search, Staffordshire, Walsall, Walsall Council, West Midlands
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A found connection
Way back last year, Patricia Cotton sent in the above photo of her brother Tony, family friends Dora Rathbone and her son Bob enjoying a picnic and a paddle in 1955 by the canal in Brownhills, aroundabout where the banks of the old clay pit are today.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 1955, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chris Pattison, Clayhanger, Company, Cotton, Dave Moore, Derelict, Dora, Gerald Reece, Hemming, Jolly Collier, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Morturn, New Photos, Old maps, Patricia Cotton, Pedro, Pumping, Rathbone, Reservoir, Sandfields, Shire Oak, South Staffordshire, Staffordshire, Station, surge stack, Things to do, ventilator, Walsall, Water, Water tower, Waterwoks
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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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Ogley Hay Class 4A, 1963
A lovely photo comes in via reader Malcolm Kelly, who’s dug out an excellent photo of Class 4A at Ogley Hay junior Schooling 1963, and is wondering if readers can help with the faces he can’t recall?
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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
11 Comments
Don’t forget – chance to catch a local legend this Wednesday!
Just a quick headsup to those interested in Walsall Wood history and who are free on the Wednesday afternoon of 11th January 2017 – there’s a talk featuring the Brownhills Blog’s favourite Wood Mon™ and top contributor, the young David Evans.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 11 January, 2017, Brownhills local history, David Evans, event, Events, Library, Lichfield, Local History, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Talk in the wood, Things to do, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
3 Comments
Lichfield Waterworks Trust – January 2017 public meeting tonight!
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that this evening (Monday 9th January 2017) there will be a public progress meeting for 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 January, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, Bore Street, Bowling Green, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, Friary Road, 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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A view from behind the inkwell… Your chance to catch a local legend
Your second chance to catch a Walsall Wood legend in action – not to be missed.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 11 January, 2017, Brownhills local history, David Evans, event, Events, Library, Lichfield, Local History, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Talk in the wood, Things to do, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
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New year quiz 2017: part two for the explorers…
Right, here’s the second half of the Brownhills Blog New Year Quiz 2017 – these questions are for those who can explore the area and have a nose around – the first set were released yesterday, and are for those who may be unable to explore or just prefer to research their answers online.
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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 2017, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, Events, Lichfield, Local History, New Photos, New Year, part 2, prize, quiz, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Wood
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New year quiz 2017: part one for the researchers…
Well, much earlier than last year, hopefully for a wider audience I can now present the first half of the 2017 Brownhills Blog New Year prize quiz!
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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 2017, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, Events, Lichfield, Local History, New Photos, New Year, prize, quiz, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Wood
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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
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Peace at last – a Christmas message from The Brownhills Blog
Hey you lot – Brownhills Blog readers, browsers, information seekers, contributors, friends: have a great Christmas, and I wish you a happy, prosperous and peaceful 2017.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged 2015, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Christmas, Cycle rides, cycling, Greetings, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, Politics, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
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Brownhills 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 Cadets 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, Tracy Bluck
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Our Village – a great new local history book for Aldridge – out now and selling fast!
There are a handful of great local history books out at the moment, just in time for Christmas, that would makes great gifts for those with a local interest – last week I noted the new book on Brownhills pubs by Clive Roberts, and I’m posting today to point up the new book by Sue Satterthwaite and Len Boulton covering Aldridge.
Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 2016, Aldridge, Book, ceremony, December, Events, House, Len Boulton, Library, Lichfield, Linda Mason, local blogs, Local History, Manor, Our Village, Somme, Staffordshire, Sue Satterthwaite, Things to do, Walsall Council
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Find out about a great local canal restoration with a guided walk this Saturday!
Tom Reid from the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust has been in touch to let us know about the organised walk of the SUmmerhill section that’s taking place this Saturday, 3rd December 2016.
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 2016, Barracks Lane, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, cycling, December 3, Derelict, Facebook, guided walk, 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
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Lichfield Waterworks Trust – November 2016 public meeting this Thursday
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that this Thursday evening (24th November 2016) there will be a public progress meeting for 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 2016, 24 November, Architecture, at risk, Bird Street, Black Country, Bore Street, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, George IV, 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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Pictures from Brownhills 2016 Remembrance events
Thanks to the generosity of those good folks at the Facebook page of St. James Church in Brownhills I can feature these galleries of images from their 2016 Remembrance events held in Brownhills.
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, 13 November, 2016, Brownhills, Cancelled, David Evans, Events, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Parade, Police, Remembrance, Scouts, Service, Staffordshire, Things to do, time, under threat, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
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Joan Lockley the Local Hoglet Hero – a great Talk in the Wood this Wednesday
Don’t miss your opportunity to attend another fascinating talk at Walsall Wood Library this Wednesday, 16th November 2016, when remarkable hedgehog rescuer and champion Joan Lockley will be discussing her work – and bringing along a spiky guest for you to meet!
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 16 November, 2016, Brownhills local history, David Evans, event, Events, Hedgehog Rescue, Hero, hoglet, Joan Lockley, Library, Lichfield, Local History, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Talk in the wood, Things to do, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood, West Midlands
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Walsall Wood Remembrance Sunday 2016 pictures
Just a quick one – The young David Evans today (Sunday, 13th November 2016) went to his local Remembrance event in Walsall Wood, which regulars will remember was subject to some controversy with policing issues in 2015 – well, this year there was an independent traffic management company employed and the parade proceeded in full.
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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 13 November, 2016, Brownhills, David Evans, Events, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Parade, Police, Remembrance, Scouts, Service, Staffordshire, Things to do, time, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
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