#365daysofbiking JournalRecent tracks
Brass LocketFionn Regan13 hours ago
CalaFionn Regan13 hours ago
VolcaFionn Regan13 hours ago
The Ocean WaveFionn Regan13 hours ago
Riverside HeightsFionn Regan13 hours ago
Head SwimFionn Regan13 hours ago
Collar of FurFionn Regan13 hours ago
Cape of DiamondsFionn Regan13 hours ago
Running With The Wolves (Pablo Nouvelle Remix)Aurora20 hours ago
Lucky NumberKula Shaker20 hours agoRecent Comments
Dean on Those Craddocks in full… Dean on Those Craddocks in full… Sue on Those Craddocks in full… Dean on Those Craddocks in full… Dean on Those Craddocks in full…
Category Archives: Shared memories
For the wars fought, and those still fighting
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 … Continue reading
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 2016 local Remembrance events
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, 13th November 2016.
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 13th November, 2016, 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
Leave a comment
Come and pay your respects this Armistice Day in Brownhills
Theres a really important event taking place this Friday morning 11th November 2016), the Brownhills British Legion will hold a two minute Remembrance silence at the Cenotaph at St. James Church in Brownhills at 11:00am.
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 11 November, 2016, Armistice, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Cenotaph, Clayhanger, commemoration, day, Local History, Martin Littler, New Photos, RBL, Royal British Legion, Silence, St James, Staffordshire, Things to do, war
Leave a comment
2016 Remembrance services – 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 2016, 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
4 Comments
Wonderful news from Lichfield Waterworks Trust
Dave Moore, the Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire has been in touch with some great news about Lichfield’s greatest hidden asset, Sandfields Pumping Station and Dave’s campaign with the Lichfield Waterworks Trust to preserve this remarkable building for the community.
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, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, Bore Street, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, heritage, Kate Gomez, lecture, Lichfield, Lichfield Discovered, Lichfield Waterworks Trust, local blogs, Local History, Lore, Moore, pub, Sandfields, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do, Thursday
3 Comments
Chasewater Railway – ride the Ghost Train this evening!
I note Chasewater Railway have Halloween ghost trains running this evening (30th October 2016) with prizes for fancy dress, ghostly fun and games and much more spooky fun for all the family!
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 2016, 30 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
Leave a comment
A Ferrie on the cut – but who with, and where?
I love how the blog allows stories to unfold slowly, gradually adding more and more information and evidence as time passes; and so it is with the story of the Charles Ferrie narrowboat, which Ralph Ferrie donated to Brownhills Youth Club in 1962, and was named in memory of his father.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger 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, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1962, Amy, Barge, Brownhills Youth Club, Charles, Charlie, Ferrie, naming, Narrowboat, Ogley Junction, pleasureboat, Ralph, rocket, rocket science, Tony Wynn, University, unveiling, Walsall Observer
12 Comments
Huge progress being made on local canal restoration
Tom Reid from the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust has been in touch to let us know about the progress they’re making in opening up the former canal towpath as a walking route between Barracks Lane and Summerhill, aided by corporate volunteers.
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
Leave a comment
Don’t forget War Weddings – a great Talk in the Wood this Wednesday
Don’t miss your opportunity to attend another fascinating local history talk at Walsall Wood Library this Wednesday, 19th October 2016, when local historian Ethel Lote will be discussing the subject of war weddings.
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 2016, 28 September, Brownhills local history, David Evans, Ethel Lote, event, Events, Library, Lichfield, Local History, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Talk in the wood, Things to do, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood, War Weddings
Leave a comment
Don’t miss War Weddings – another brilliant Talk in the Wood!
Don’t miss your opportunity to attend another fascinating local history talk at Walsall Wood Library next Wednesday, 19th October 2016, when local historical Ethel Note will be discussing the subject of war weddings.
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 2016, 28 September, Brownhills local history, David Evans, Ethel Lote, event, Events, Library, Lichfield, Local History, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Talk in the wood, Things to do, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood, War Weddings
Leave a comment
You are my Sunnyside
A nice gentle one for a Saturday afternoon here, and people interested in the borderlands between Aldridge and Walsall Wood, known as The Vigo – David Evans have been in conversation with local man Ken Massey, who lived there in a more rural time, and has kindly donated mages of the farm and life there.
Posted in Environment, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Bayliss, Brownhills local history, David Evans, General Store, Gill, Hollander, Local History, Marjorie Hadley, New Photos, Shire Oak, Shops, Staffordshire, The Vigo, The Vigo Stores, Vigo, Walsall Wood, Whitehouse
11 Comments
Chasewater Railway celebrate Teddy’s 75th birthday this Sunday!
I note Chasewater Railway have a celebration this Sunday (2nd October 2016)of their lovely little green locomotive Teddy with special services, brake van rides, photo opportunities and much more 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 2 October, 2016, 75, birthday, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Events, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Panoramio, Reservoir, Staffordshire, STeam, Steam Railway, Teddy, Things to do, Trains
Leave a comment
Lichfield Waterworks Trust – September 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 (29th September 2016) 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 2016, 29 September, 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
2 Comments
Your chance to catch a local legend – this Wednesday afternoon!
Just a quick headsup to those interested in Walsall Wood history and who are free this Wednesday afternoon (28th September 2016) – 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 2016, 28 September, 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
1 Comment
What’s the storey?
Here’s a quick one that’s piqued my intent and left me pondering, so I thought I’d share it – friend of New Hall Mill Alan Dawson has asked a really excellent question about my frequent 365daysofbiking muse, Shenstone Railway Station.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1945 aerial photos, 1962, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, first scout group, Local History, New Photos, Parade, Shenstone, Shenstone Scouts, Shenstone Station, Staffordshire, stairs, Steve Hickman, storey, Sunday, upper, Walsall Wood
3 Comments
Wise Council
One of the most important institutions in the development of Brownhills as a town is one we have scant record of – that is Brownhills Urban District Council, which existed as a separate entity before merger with Aldridge in 1966, the merged Council itself disbanded in 1974.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1960's, Aldridge, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Cawley, Council Urban District, Events, Jonah Deakin, Lichfield, Local History, New Photos, Staffordshire, Steve, Trevor
12 Comments
Walsall Wood bred and buttered… Your chance to catch a local legend
Just a quick headsup to those interested in Walsall Wood history and who are free next Wednesday afternoon (28th September 2016) – there’s a talk featuring the Brownhills Blog’s favourite Wood Mon™ and top contributor, the young David Evans.
Continue reading
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 2016, 28 September, 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
1 Comment
Telling the whole story of Richard Meanley Anson
Desmond Burton has again been in touch, still pursuing his extraordinary research on the subject of his Great uncle Richard Meanley Anson who died in a military hospital on The Somme 100 years ago, almost to the very day.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Features, Followups, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged Aerial Torpedo, Arthur Burton, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, David Evans, Diary, Flying Pig, Garnet Burton, Garnet Close, Graeme Clarke, Julian Ward-Davies, Local History, Military Medal, Morse, New Photos, Somme, Stonnall, Walsall Wood, Wartime, Wordsley House
4 Comments
The class of 62
Here’s a great addition to the canon of postwar class photos from Brownhills Central Boys School, posted by reader Malcolm Jemison last week – he thinks it’s from around 1962, and it sits well next to the photos from the same school a decade earlier sent in by Margaret Hampton – I’ve included them below for comparison.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community
Tagged 1950, 1951, 1952, 1962, boys, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Central, Class photo, Elizabeth Hampton, Lichfield, Local History, Malcom Jemison, Mick, Modern, Neville's, New Photos, School, Secondary, Stackhouse, Staffordshire, Things to do, Tom
14 Comments
Very late notice – Lichfield heritage walk to Sandfields starts soon!
Very late notice from the cardiganmonger Kate from the Lichfield Lore that her history group Lichfield Discovered is venturing out this morning (17th September 2016) for a Sandfields Waterworks history walk which is starting from Speakers Corner by Minster Pool at 11am.
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 cardigan, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, Fosseway, free, Gomez, history, Kate Gomez, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Lore, New Photos, pub, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, Twitter, walk
Leave a comment
Caught short on the Pelsall Road
I’ve received via Facebook from very generous reader Patricia Cotton who’s send a very interesting picture, not just because it’s a wonderful period photo, but because lurking on the skyline is an indication of something being present several people dispute.
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
4 Comments
Important appeal: Did you know Brian Turley?
This is one of those requests that pops up from time to time, and was issued by the Communication Team at Walsall Council yesterday, September 5th 2016 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 Bet Parslow, Brian Turley, died, Family, help, Lichfield, passed away, releatives, request, search, Staffordshire, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Road, West Midlands, Woodcross Nursing Home
1 Comment
The long march: 50 years of jazz band history
Readers who’ve been hanging around this ramshackle, leaky village pump for a while will no doubt remember how we’ve touched here on the history of local marching bands, particularly the Burntwood Blue Birds Jazz Band.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, 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 2015, Book, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Burntwood Blue Birds, Cannock, Carnival, Chase Royals, Chasewater, Competition, Events, Facebook, Jazz bands, Lisa Ashby, local blogs, Local History, marching bands, New Photos, Parade, reunion, Rushall, Staffordshire, Stuart Cowley, Things to do, Walsall Wood, Walsall Wood Red Caps, Wendy Jones
17 Comments
Cockfest 2016 – thank you to all!
Friend of the blog and top lady Keryl Williams has been in touch to ask if I’d thank all the people who came to, and supported her local family music festival Cockfest, hosted back in the summer up on the A5 at Newtown, Brownhills.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 2015, 2016, 29 July, 30 July, 31 July, Brownhills, Carl Findon Kent, charity, Cockfest, Events, Facebook, Festival, July 31, Keryl Jenkins, Lichfield, Live, Midland Air Ambulance, music, Newtown, Staffordshire, The Chase, Things to do
1 Comment
Chasewater Railway Late Summer Gala this weekend
I note Chasewater Railway have a Late Summer Gala this weekend (Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September 2016), with special guest engine Andrew Barclay 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 2016, 3rd, 4th, 6, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chase Falconry, 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
Leave a comment
Dropping a Cla’nger
Friend of the blog, community activist and Clayhanger Kid himself, Brian Stringer has sent the above image of the members of Clayhanger Working Men’s Club around 1953, and is trying to identify as many people in the picture as he can.
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 1953, Brian Stringer, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills stuff, Clayhange, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Kid II, Clayhanger Kid Two, Clayhanger stuff, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, local blogs, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared memories, Social media, Staffordshire, The Clayhanger Kid, Walsall community, Working mens club
6 Comments
Temperance, even!
Sometimes, enquiries on the blog take a while to resolve – and this one is just such an example, and a good reason why one should never give up hope with finding answers, as you never know who’s passing.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, 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
Tagged 1974, @brownhillsmemo, Ambulance, Brian Edwards, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Christmas, Crabtree, Facebook, factory, First Aid, Hednesford, Infants, Lichfield, Local History, Maria Fitzgerald, May DayMemo, New Photos, OAP, Ogley Hay, senior citizens, St Johns, Staffordshire, Temperence Union, Things to do
4 Comments
Lichfield Waterworks Trust – August 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 (25th August 2016) 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 2016, 25 August, 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
Leave a comment
A remarkable local rail journey – stepping right out of time
There’s currently a buzz in the local rail community and in some groups on Facebook about a 1968 cinefilm recently converted to digital and uploaded online by rail historian and blog regular, Ian Pell – it’s a remarkable, wonderful thing, and Ian has written a fascinating account of the film and line it covers especially for the blog, which I feature below.
Posted in 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, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1966, Aldridge, Brawn, brickworks, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Conduit, Coppice, Coppice Colliery, Film, House, Ian Pell, joberns, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, planet, Railway, Redevelopment, Simon Briercliffe, Staffordshire, Utopia, Walsall Wood
9 Comments
Christmas, 1957 – but who’s that girl?
As anyone who reads my other channels will know its been a hard week, and frankly, I’ve been too knackered to properly manage the blog – sorry for the lack of content over the last week and thanks for bearing with me.
Continue reading
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 1957, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Events, Kathleen Martin, Kathleen Schnabel, Local History, Mystery, nativity, New Photos, Ogley Hay, play, School, Staffordshire
1 Comment
Urgent appeal: Walsall NHS Trust looking for relatives Norman Smith
Another important appeal for readers of the blog – this request was posted by the Communication Team at Walsall Manor Hospital Tuesday (19th August 2016) and I’d like all locals to have a think about it, and if any of you can, please do help.
Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Local History, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 19 August, 2016, Aldridge, Bentley, Family, help, Hospital appeal, Julie Venables, Lichfield, Manor Hospital, Navy, Norman Smith, Norton Canes, Patient, releatives, request, search, Staffordshire, Walsall, Walsall Council, West Midlands
Leave a comment
Would you like a chat about local history?
Top contributor, commentor and all round good egg the young David Evans has been busy over the last few weeks organising a treat for local history buffs in Brownhills and the wider community – he’s been asked to do a couple of talks on the history of Walsall Wood.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2016, 7 September, Beacon Way, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, charity, Coffee Morning, David Evans, Events, historian, history, History Talk, Local History, mining, Staffordshire, The Well, Things to do, Walsall Wood
1 Comment
A gentle reminder
This is just a gentle reminder that tomorrow sees the funeral of much-missed son of Aldridge and talented musician Roger Mosedale, about whom much has been posted in the last few weeks.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Band, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Colin Corbett, deceased, died, funeral, Jake Williams, Lichfield, Local History, memories, memorium, Midland songwriters, music, New Photos, passed away, Roger Mosedale, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Sundowners, Walsall Wood
1 Comment
Cliff and the Bluebirds – not Dover, but Birmingham!
Last week here I featured a film clip made be photo restorer and friend of the blog Lisa Ashby, celebrating Brownhills and the Black Country – Well, Lisa’s been at it again, and made a lovely clip about The Burntwood Bluebirds, the award-winning marching band from Burntwood.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Blue Birds, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Burntwood, Cannock, Carnival, Chase Wakes, Chasewater, cinefilm, clip, Competition, Events, Facebook, Film, Jazz bands, Lisa Ashby, local blogs, Local History, marching bands, mini-train, New Photos, Parade, Staffordshire, Stuart Cowley, Take me Higher, Things to do, Wendy Jones
Leave a comment
More from The Sundowners set
I continue to be surprised and charmed by the genuine outpouring of warmth and fond memory shown for Roger Mosedale, guitarist and Aldridge lad who sadly passed away recently.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Band, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Colin Corbett, deceased, died, funeral, Jake Williams, Lichfield, Local History, memories, memorium, Midland songwriters, music, New Photos, passed away, Roger Mosedale, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Sundowners, Walsall Wood
2 Comments
See Lichfield in twenty buildings and sixteen steps – this Monday!
I see that there Kate Cardigan from the wonderful Lichfield Lore is organising a great Monday evening historical walk visiting twenty buildings around Lichfield, with her informal and fun Lichfield local history group, Lichfield Discovered.
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 2016, August 8, cardigan, Discovered, Evening, event, Events, Facebook, free, Gomez, Kate Gomez, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Lore, Monday, New Photos, Panoramio, photo, ramble, Silly, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do, Twenty Buldings, Twitter, walk
Leave a comment
Three museums day this Sunday – linking Cannock Chase with Chasewater and Aldridge!
There’s a great thing happening this Sunday (7th August 2016) when a bus service operated by classic vehicles will operate between Aston Manor Road Transport Museum in Aldridge, Chasewater Railway and the Museum of Cannock Chase.
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 2016, 6th August, Aston Manor, Award, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Burton Brewery, Chasewater, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, link up, local blogs, Local History, loco, Museum of Cannock Chase, Newsletter, Railway, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do, treat
Leave a comment
Chasewater Railway – Annual Charities Day this Sunday!
Chasewater Railway – the little gem of a local preserved industrial railway is this Sunday (7th August 2016) 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 2016, 7th 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
2 Comments
Never give up on a dream
One topic that steadily recurs here is the local motorcycling hero engineer that is Brian Crighton, who used to own the Honda Shop in Brownhills in the 70s and 80s – Brian is much liked and respected by the biking community, and his fame stretches far beyond Brownhills.
Posted in Environment, 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 2006, 2007, 80's, bike, Brian Crighton, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Classic bike, Clive Roberts, Events, Film, footage, Honda Shop, Lichfield, Local History, Mallory Park, Motorcycle, Shire Oak, Silver Court, Staffordshire, Things to do, Triumphman7
9 Comments
Cockfest 2016 on this weekend!
Here’s a really, really great thing happening this weekend, Friday 29th – Sunday 31st July 2016 at Newtown, Brownhills – a weekend music and fun festival with proceeds going to the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 2015, 2016, 29 July, 30 July, 31 July, Brownhills, Carl Findon Kent, charity, Cockfest, Events, Facebook, Festival, July 31, Keryl Jenkins, Lichfield, Live, Midland Air Ambulance, music, Newtown, Staffordshire, The Chase, Things to do
Leave a comment
Funeral details for Roger Mosedale announced – and more of Roger’s music emerges
Following the announcement of the sad passing of local lad and noted musical talent Roger Mosedale last week, and the subsequent huge interest shown in Roger’s music, kindly donated by Jake Williams, Jake has been back in touch with funeral details and more music, this time dating from the late 1960s.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Band, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Colin Corbett, deceased, died, funeral, Jake Williams, Lichfield, Local History, memories, memorium, Midland songwriters, music, New Photos, passed away, Roger Mosedale, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Sundowners, Walsall Wood
Leave a comment
Lichfield Waterworks Trust – July 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 (28th July 2016) 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 2016, 28 July, 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
Leave a comment
Fondly remembering a local musical talent
It was with a very heavy heart that I announced the sad passing of local lad and noted musical talent Roger Mosedale this week – Roger had many, many friends and was well known, and the reaction to the tragic news was very marked indeed.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Band, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Colin Corbett, deceased, died, Jake Williams, Lichfield, Local History, memories, memorium, Midland songwriters, music, New Photos, passed away, Roger Mosedale, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Sundowners, Walsall Wood
1 Comment
Mabel’s Vintage Fair at Chasewater Railway this Sunday!
I notice that this Sunday, 24th July 2016, there’s a rather fun looking vintage event being staged at Chasewater Railway byMabel’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, 2016, 24 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
Leave a comment
In memoriam: Roger Mosedale
It’s my sad and solemn duty to report to readers of the blog that local lad and friend to many regulars on this blog, Roger Mosedale sadly passed away in St. Giles hospice in Goscote on Tuesday, 19th July 2016.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Band, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Colin Corbett, deceased, died, Lichfield, Local History, memories, memorium, music, New Photos, passed away, Roger Mosedale, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Sundowners, Walsall Wood
14 Comments
Urgent appeal: Walsall NHS Trust looking for relatives of a patient
This is very unusual, but I think is somewhat important – this request was posted by the Communication Team at Walsall Manor Hospital Tuesday (19th July 2016) and I’d like all locals to have a think about it, and if any … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Local History, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 19 July, 2016, Aldridge, Bentley, Constance Collett, Family, help, Hospital appeal, Julie Venables, Lichfield, Manor Hospital, Norton Canes, Patient, releatives, request, search, Staffordshire, Walsall, Walsall Council, Wednesbury, West Midlands
Leave a comment
Getting at the engines!
Following his donation of the picture of his uncle Frank training for a trotting race last week, friend of the blog Andy Dennis has been thinking more about his uncle, who lived in Brownhills for most of his life – it seems Frank was a very skilled man.
Continue reading
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 Andy Dennis, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Castle Street, Events, Fleet Air Arm, Frank, Harlech, Local History, Machrihanish, Mystery, New Photos, RAF
2 Comments
2016 Chasewater Grand Prix – this weekend!
This Saturday and Sunday (16th and 17th July 2016) will be quite a special weekend for the local powerboat community as Chasewater hosts the PowerBoatGP 2016 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 16 July, 17 July, 19 July, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Events, Grand Prix, Lichfield, New Photos, Powerboat GP, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do
Leave a comment
Get set for Cockfest 2016!
Here’s a really, really great thing happening on the weekend of Friday 29th – Sunday 31st July 2016 at Newtown, Brownhills – a weekend music and fun festival with proceeds going to the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 2015, 2016, 29 July, 30 July, 31 July, Brownhills, Carl Findon Kent, charity, Cockfest, Events, Facebook, Festival, July 31, Keryl Jenkins, Lichfield, Live, Midland Air Ambulance, music, Newtown, Staffordshire, The Chase, Things to do
9 Comments
A case of the trots!
A great image has come in from friend of the blog and long time contributor Andy Dennis, who’s dug out this fascinating picture of a once prominent local sport that used to take place in Brownhills.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community
Tagged 1971, 1977, Andy Dennis, April, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Chasewater Promotions, Chasewater Stadium, Cheap tat, Derelict, Events, Howmuch, International Long Track, JB Cox, Local History, MCN, motorbike, Motorcycle, Motorcycle News, Opening, planning, programme, race, Race of the Year, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Stadium, Staffordshire, Things to do, track, Trotting
18 Comments
RSS - Posts
