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Category Archives: Walsall Council
A golden idea
In the miasma and lacklustre of the new year illness, I received this excellent email from The Clayhanger Kid, Brian Stringer. Many readers will remember that before Christmas, I featured an article here from the Express & Star, detailing his … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Express & Star, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brian Stringer, Brownhills, Brownhills Hoard, Brownhills local history, campaign, Express & Star, Hammerwich, information, Local History, Local politics, monument, Ogley Hay, Sandhills, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Staffordshire hoard, Warrenhuse, West Midlands
22 Comments
You couldn’t make it up…
Just a quick note to point out that while I’ve been ranting and fuming about the collective fit of madness down at the Civic Centre, The Plastic Hippo as yet again nailed the situation perfectly. After council leader Mike ‘Blofeld’ … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Allowance rise, Cheap tat, Councillors allowances, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, pay rise, Politics, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
1 Comment
Wild, wild life
Had this press release in today from the grey Lubyanka that is the civic centre in Walsall. Have to say, this is something I support fully. Morgan Bowers and Kevin Clements and all the team of employees and volunteers working … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged biodiversity, bird of prey, Birdwatching, Facebook, Kestrel, Kevin CLemments, local blogs, Morgan Bowers, Peregrinewatch, Pergrines, Perigrine Falcon, raptor, urban birdlife, Urban raptors, Urban wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Town Centre, Wildlife
4 Comments
Snouts in the trough
I note from today’s Express & Star (3rd January 2012) that the plan to increase Walsall Councillors Personal Allowances has again reared it’s ugly head. It seams that soon, the cabinet will vote wether to give themselves a juicy pay … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Events, Express & Star, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged austerity, Cheap tat, Councillor Aloowance, Express & Star, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, pay increase, Personal Allowance, Politics, Sean Coughlan, Silly, Social Services, The Plastic Hippo, Tim Oliver, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
10 Comments
A5 roadworks coming soon…
An interesting (or maybe not…) press release reaches my humble inbox from the Highways Agency, about pedestrian crossing improvements on the A5 by Brownhills School at Newtown. Sadly, the release gives absolutely no information regarding the work that’s actually being … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, News, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged A5, Brownhills, crap press releases, cycling, Deakin Avenue, Highways Agency, Howdles Lane, improvement, Newtown, Pedestrian Crossing, planning, Redevelopment, Silly, The Style, Walsall Council, Watling Street
3 Comments
Going soft in his old age…
Just a quick note to flag up fellow Walsall blogger and agent provocateur The Plastic Hippo and a great post he published yesterday evening. The usually reassuringly grumpy commentator has clearly started to go a bit doolally in his dotage. What … Continue reading
Posted in Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged dog, dog walking, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Plastic Hippo, Politics, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
1 Comment
What’s going on at Street’s Corner?
A number of friends and readers have recently asked me what’s going on on the old car sales lot at Street’s Corner where, after a long period of abandonment, hoardings have gone up and work seems to be underway. Permission … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Accord, Brownhills, co-op, Derelict, derelict flats, Local politics, Memories of old Walsall Wood, Old car lot, Panoramio, planning, Planning application, Redevelopment, Saturn Motor Sales, Shire Oak, Street's Corner, Tesco, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood, Wood
10 Comments
If it ain’t broke, why fix it?
I note today with some concern from a report in the Express & Star that Walsall Council is talking about moving the Local History Centre and Archives, as well as the local history museum, into a new custom-built centre near … Continue reading
Posted in Express & Star, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills local history, Cheap tat, Express & Star, Leisure Services, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, move to new site, planning, Politics, Redevelopment, Silly, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Leather Museum, Walsall Local History Centre, Walsall Local History Museum, Walsall politics
2 Comments
Back from the dead?
It seems a bizarre, defeated planning application that has been covered here before on the blog has been resurrected. The plan to demolish Brownhills Business Park currently existing on the former site of Walsall Wood Colliery, and latterly Brownhills Commercials … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local History, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Ashtenne Industrial Unit Fund Trust, Brownhills, Brownhills business park, Brownhills local history, Derelict, Effluent Disposal Limited, Local History, Local politics, planning, Redevelopment, Silly, Toxic dumping, Toxic waste, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Walsall Wood Colliery
6 Comments
Brownhills Cradle Club Christmas special today!
Wednesday 14th December 2011 Cradle Club Christmas Special Wednesday 14 December, 10.30am to 12 noon. Brownhills Library, Park View Centre, Chester Road North. Toys, songs, stories, rhymes and gifts for children aged 0-2years. Parents & grandparents welcome to join in … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, Christmas, Christmas events in Brownhills, Christmas Magic, Cradle Club, Library, Parkview Centre, Things to do
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The perfect gift…
So, what do you buy the person who has everything? I suppose penicillin might be a start, but until that’s available over the counter, there’s some great ideas from Walsall Council. I’ve been sent a couple of press releases in … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, 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, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Books, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Clayhanger, DVD, gifts, Local History, local history books, Memories of Brownhills Past, New Photos, Stuart Williams, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Local History Cente, Walsall Museum, Walsall Wood, WLHC
3 Comments
Slipping the reins
I have recently become rather concerned over what appears to be a new pre-Christmas trend. The exhibiting of real reindeer at fetes, events and in town centres locally seems to be increasingly fashionable. In an age when animal circuses are … Continue reading
Posted in Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged Caged deer, Chasewater, Cheap tat, Christmas, Deer, Facebook, Fallow, Lichfield, local blogs, Muntjac, New Photos, Red, Reindeer, Santa deer, Silly, Social media, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Town Centre management team, Wildlife
24 Comments
Christmas is coming…
Tomorrow, there’s a great Christmas Market scheduled in the Posh People’s Principality of Pelsall. The Pelsall Christmas Market is usually a corker, and this year, there’s to be a two-day ice rink for the kids, to boot. That’s right – … Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 2011, Christmas, Common people, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Fayre, Fete, Garry Perry, Ice Rink, Jayne Howarth, local blogs, Pelsall Christmas Market, Silly, Things to do, Walsall Council
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Information about public sector industrial action today
From the Website of Walsall Council (see the latest statement by clicking here, or check out TheYamYam for the latest news from Walsall media): Last updated: 29/11/2011 16:05:15 Walsall residents are being advised that some council services, including school closures … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged bin collection, Brownhills, Council Statement, industrial action, Local politics, Mike Bird, N30, Politics, school closures, Shire Oak, Social Services, Strike, The YamYam, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall strike, Walsall Wood, website latest
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Illegal offroading tackled on Brownhills Common
Thanks to the wonderful Kate Goodall at Walsall Council, I’m finally able to heap my praise on the people who’s been gradually improving the anti-vehicle barriers on the old railway line at Engine Lane, Brownhills. That area of the common … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged 4WD, Brownhills, Brownhills common, Chasewater, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, Engine Lane, four wheel drive, green laning, Illegal offroading, Illegal scrambling, mini moto, Off roading, offroading, Police, quad bikes, Scambling, Social media, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood, West Midlands Police, Wildlife
10 Comments
Interesting proposal for Staffordshire Hoard fans
I notice an interesting proposal has been put forward from Brownhills Blog reader and Clayhanger Kid Brian Stringer, to erect an information point near to where the Staffordshire Hoard was found in Brownhills. This doesn’t sound like a bad idea … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brian Stringer, Brownhills, Brownhills Hoard, Brownhills local history, campaign, Express & Star, Hammerwich, Hammerwich parish map, information, Local History, Local politics, monument, Ogley Hay, Sandhills, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Staffordshire hoard, Warrenhuse, West Midlands
2 Comments
Top author to appear at Brownhills Library
Inspirational local historian and all-round nice bloke David Hodgkinson recently contacted me to point out that former local lad, top lawyer and author David M Golden will be appearing on his childhood home turf at Brownhills Library (at the Parkview Centre) on Tuesday, … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, 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, Walsall Council
Tagged book signing, Brownhills, Brownhills Central Boy's School, Brownhills Library, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Reading Group, David Hodgkinson, David M Golden, Events, Izaak Gatehouse, local blogs, Local History, Parkview Centre, The case is open
5 Comments
Have your say on Holland Park Surgery
I had a message a few days ago from The Clayhanger Kid himself, Brian Stringer. He’s involved with a new community liaison project going on at Holland Park Surgery, the medical practice operating from The Parkview Centre in Brownhills. Hi … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brian Stringer, Brownhills, Facebook, Holland Park Surgery, local blogs, Local politics, NHS, Parkview Centre, patient participation group, planning, The Clayhanger Kid, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
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Road traffic incident in Brownhills High Street last night?
Apparently, there was a road traffic incident in Brownhills High Street last night (5th Novvember 2011) at around 9pm. Most of the details I have are due to social media – Twatter and Facebook are invaluable at times like this. … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Accident, Brownhills, Brownhills High Street, Car Crash, Christine Burgess, David Baker, Facebook, incident, local blogs, PC Liam Marshall, Rose Maria Burnell, RTA, Twitter
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Brownhills Bonfire & Fireworks tonight at Holland Park!
Mark Bonfire Night in Brownhills Families are being invited to Remember, Remember the 5th of November at a bonfire at Holland Park, Brownhills, this weekend. The fire will be lit at 7pm at the park in Chester Road North with … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Bonfire, bonfire night, Brownhills, Cake or Death, Events, fireworks, Guy Fawkes, Holland Park, Local politics, Mike Bird, Pallet appeal, Silly, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
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Don’t forget – Daffodil planting in Brownhills today!
Brownhills Town Centre Partnership Local school children and community groups will be planting 8000 daffodil bulbs along the grass verge of Cheter Road North in ten days time. We need your help to finish the planting off on Saturday 5 … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Daffodil panting, fun stuff, Things to do, Town Centre Partnership
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Walsall planning appeal shock!
Readers may well recall the excellent article about the regeneration of the Reedswood power station site, written by top contributor and Brownhills bloke Andy Dennis. In it, Andy pointed out that further development of the site outside the council’s guidelines … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Andy Dennis, Beechdale, Birchills, Canal, City Challenge, contaminated land, Demolition, Derelict, developers, Development, flickr, Local History, Local politics, mervyn_w, New Photos, Parhill Reclamation, Parkhill, Parkhill Estates, planning, Politics, power station, Redevelopment, Reedswood, Reedswood Way, Regeneration, town planning, Walsall, Walsall 1955, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall power station
1 Comment
Get ready for the burn
For those interested, the Brownhills bonfire night event in Holland Park will take place on Saturday, November 5th. There will be a display and bonfire. Fireworks begin at 8pm, but please note, there will be no alcohol permitted on site. … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Bonfire, bonfire night, Brownhills, Cake or Death, Events, fireworks, Guy Fawkes, Holland Park, Local politics, Mike Bird, Pallet appeal, Silly, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
1 Comment
Daffodil planting in Brownhills
Brownhills Town Centre PartnershipLocal school children and community groups will be planting 8000 daffodil bulbs along the grass verge of Cheter Road North in ten days time. We need your help to finish the planting off on Saturday 5 November … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Daffodil panting, fun stuff, Things to do, Town Centre Partnership
2 Comments
Brownhills Big Tidy Up
Brownhills Town Centre Partnership have been in touch and asked me to promote the first Brownhills Big Tidy Up, which seems like a decent event. Brownhills is always in need of some serious TLC, and as I pointed out yesterday, … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Browhills Town Centre Partnership, Brownhills, Brownhills Big Tidy Up, Community Payback Team, Facebook, Local politics, planning, Princes Trust, Ravens Court, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Housing Group, Walsall politics
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Clayhanger Common fire: damage not too bad
I meant to post these Yesterday. Taken on Tuesday evening, these low-quality pictures show the damage from the scrub fire on Monday Night, which was spotted and reported to the blog by top reader Rachel Gosling. It seems that the … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged antisocial behaviour, ASB, Brownhills, Canal, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Common, Cycle rides, cycling, Facebook, Fire, litter, New Photos, Panoramio, Rachel Gosling, reader contributions, scrub fire, Silly, Vandalism, Walsall Council, Wildlife
2 Comments
Silver Surfers event in Brownhills West today!
Had this press release yesterday, which looks like a good event for any senior citizens looking to get online. Seems like a decent project to be engaged in, and there’s a wealth of stuff online for those of more mature … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills Area Partnership, Brownhills West, Kennet Close, Move!, OAP, planning, senior citizens, Silver Surfers, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Council
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Walsall Wood Library under threat
I notice from Monday’s Express & Star that Walsall council – fresh from their self congratulation over the promise not to close any libraries ‘…in this financial year’, seem to be tentatively floating the idea of moving Walsall Wood’s Library … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Express & Star, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Cheap tat, Closure, Express & Star, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Mike Flower, Oak Park, planning, Politics, Redevelopment, Shire Oak, Silly, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Walsall Wood Library
5 Comments
Do your bit
Yesterday, I had a great email from Lee Bragginton, leader of the First Walsall Wood Scout Group. I have a lot of time for the Scouts and the work they do with the youngsters, and this seems like a wonderful … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1st, appeal, Brownhills, Brownies, community centre, Cubs, Guides, hall, Lee Bragginton, planning, Redevelopment, Scouts, Shire Oak, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
3 Comments
Slip sliding away
In light of reader Caz’s recent interest in Brownhills clay, and the continuing fascination with the old clay pit in Pelsall Road, Brownhills, I thought I’d draw readers attention to an article that yesterday appeared on This is Staffordshire, website … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cheap tat, Cycle rides, New Photos, Staffordshire
2 Comments
Digging for victory
Here’s a quick one from top bloke David Evans relating to the tank testing alleged to have occurred at Shire Oak during the Second Word War. He’s kindly contacted Len Jones, of the Gentleshaw Sand & Gravel co. (Hence Jones … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, 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, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chester Road sand and gravel, Ernest Jones, Gentleshaw Sand & Gravel, Hoveringham, Len Jones, Local History, Sandhills, Second World War, Shire Oak, Shire Oak nature reserve, Shire Oak quarry, Staffordshire, Tank, tank testing, Walsall Wood, world war two
4 Comments
Ticket to raid?
I’m rapidly coming to the conclusion that the parking system in Walsall, and it’s enforcement, is a scam directed at easy targets for maximum profit. Chuckery resident TraceyQ, a well respected, community spirited, long time friend of this blog, who … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Express & Star, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged APCOA, Chuckery, easy pickings, Express & Star, fines, Local politics, Mike Bird, New Photos, on street parking, Parking, parking enforcement, parking fines, PCN, penalty notice, Politics, Silly, Tesco Development, TraceyQ, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
6 Comments
Renovation for Brownhills flats
I’ve just noticed this press release from Walsall Housing Group, issued earlier this week. It seems the worst kept secret in Brownhills is now out, and the two remaining sixties monstrosities – Humphries House and Severn House will be renovated … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged blocks, Brownhills, Cheap tat, flats, Humphries House, improvement, Local politics, planning, Politics, Redevelopment, Regeneration, renovation, Severn House, Silly, Towerblocks, Walsall, Walsall Housing Group, WHG
6 Comments
The madness of King Bird
If I’m honest, the world-weary citizens of Walsall long ago tired of local politics. Voter turnouts are low at local elections, and fed up of never really seeing any improvements in their local areas despite years of multi-whatever committees, LNP’s, … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Express & Star, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Cheap tat, Conservative, Derelict, Express & Star, King Bird, Labour, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, New Photos, planning, Politics, Redevelopment, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, Tim Oliver, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
18 Comments
On borrowed time…
Since there’s been a welcome focus on the treatment of our local architectural heritage in the days since the Jabez Cliff fire in Walsall, I thought I’d once again delve into the urban exploration community and their activities in Walsall. … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Express & Star, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, planning, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 28dayslater, arson, BOAK, Cheap tat, civic failure, Derelict, Dweeb, Express & Star, Fire, Guardians office, Jabez Cliff, Leatherworks, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mellish Road church, Mike Bird, New Photos, planning, Politics, Ravenscraig, Redevelopment, rookinella, Silly, urban exploration, Urbex, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Union, Workhouse
10 Comments
Hide and seek
This week, we lost another historic building to a fire in Walsall. I covered the event here. on my 365daysofbiking Tumblr and one of the side effects on YouTube. The Stymaster lamented it, as did the Hippo. Today, there’s a … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Andy Dennis, arson, donebythehandsofabrokenartist, Express & Star, Fire, Flicker, heritage, Hev Ince, Imran Azam, Indy 500, Jabez Cliff, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, old buildings, Pigblog, planning, Politics, Redevelopment, Shannon's Mill, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, The Stymaster, Twitter, Urbex, Vandalism, VERY URGENT photography, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
18 Comments
Medium rare (via The Plastic Hippo)
This evening, I was planning to write on the subject of the terrible fire at the former Jabez Cliff works (indeed, I mentioned it on my 365daysofcycling mini-blog) but the Plastic Hippo has once again beaten my tardy arse to it, and … Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged arson, Cycle rides, Derelict, Express & Star, Fire, heritage, Jabez Cliff, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, old buildings, Pigblog, planning, Politics, Redevelopment, Shannon's Mill, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, The Stymaster, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
7 Comments
Part of the establishment
Oh dear, it looks like I’ve been assimilated. Last week, I posted an oddly popular piece entitled ‘Why I ride’, containing some videos and a short essay on why I’m so keen on cycling. I wrote this at the request … Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged biking, biking in Walsall, Council web site, cycle advocacy, Cycle rides, cycling, local blogs, Local politics, riding a bike, Silly, smug, Social media, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, why I ride
2 Comments
Antisocial media
Since Walsall Council started it’s interaction with the public on social media, I have, on the whole, been supportive and appreciative of their efforts to forge a way forward in the new media. I’ve criticised them a couple of times when … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Blog, countering myths, Dan Slee, emergency communications, Facebook, local blogs, Local politics, myths, Politics, riots, rumours, Silly, Social media, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Town Centre management team, WMPolice
2 Comments
Prophet margin?
I spotted this on Facebook today, and I’m not really sure what to make of it. The author, Walsall Prophet, has created a newsletter style .PDF file in the manner of stuff by the blogging community in Walsall, making the … Continue reading
Posted in Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Facebook, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, new writers, PDF, Politics, Silly, Social Services, The YamYam, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Prophet
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Why I ride
I was recently asked by a reader to write a piece about why I ride a bike. I thought about it quite hard, and it’s something I’ve not really considered too much before. The best answer I can give, I … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged bicycles, bike cam, Brownhills, commuting, Cycle rides, cycling, cycling advocacy, cycling tips, riding tips, Walsall, Walsall by bike, Walsall Council, why I ride a bike
11 Comments
Brownhills Memorial Hall: Frankie goes to Brownhills
I’ve been sent advance notice of a great 1980’s tribute night planned for Friday, September 16th 2011 up at The Memo. I think everybody loves the music and acts of the decade that taste forgot, and a fine time is set … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Followups, 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, Walsall Council
Tagged 80's night, Adam Ant, Blondie, Boy George, Brownhills, Brownhills events, Brownhills Memo, Brownhills Memorial Hall, Debbie Haary, Frankie, Laura Hucker, local blogs, Silly, Things to do, Tribute, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, what's on in Brownhills
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Ryders Mere fishery plan withdrawn
Spotted a couple of days ago on Chaz Mason’s excellent Clayhanger Marsh Log, and from a comment this morning by reader Tim, it seams the application to convert peaceful wildlife haven Ryders Mere into a commercial fishing venue has been … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Followups, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged birding, Brownhills, Chaz Mason, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Marsh Log, Commercial Angling, local blogs, Local politics, Local Wildlife, Parkhill Estates, planning, Railswood, Redevelopment, Ryders Hayes, Ryders Hayes Lane, Ryders Mere, Silly, SSSI, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Wildlife, withdrawn application
13 Comments
Summer fun for kids in Holland Park tomorrow
Summer holidays, eh? Kids already driving you mad? Tomorrow, Wednesday 27th July 2011, there will be an opportunity to get them off that games console and out into the fresh air with a summer fun event at the popular Brownhills … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, Events, fun day, Holland Park, kids fun day, stuff to do kids events, summer holiday activities, Walsall, Walsall Council
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Acceptable in the 80’s
Long term readers will remember that last year, I published a post about local music fanzines of the late eighties produced by David Frost of Brownhills, and what a profound effect they had on the young BrownhillsBob. Whilst rooting for … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 1988, 80's, Apna Sangeet, Biss the Pocket Opera, Blue Ox Babes, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, David Frost, Dogs D'Amour, eighties, Fanzines, Jo Digger, Little Red Schoolhouse, Local History, Mother, Noise News, Noize Neuze, Nose Flutes, Overstrand, Punch and Judy, Ron's Neighbours, Sandkings, Split in Two, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall local music, Walsall Musicians Collective, Wimpletodes, WMC, Woderstuff
4 Comments
The graduate – Part one (via The Plastic Hippo)
The Plastic Hippo has turned out one of his best posts yet, and that’s saying something. This is pointed, prescient and precise. I have yet to meet anyone at all in the field of education who thinks that Gove is … Continue reading
Posted in Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Conservative, Education, history, local blogs, Local politics, Michael Gove, Politics, rights, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
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