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Category Archives: Walsall Council
No more sitting on the fence
I’m reblogging this from the wonderful Chaz Mason, who I’m sure won’t thank me for doing so – although this is important, and needs to be said, so down the hatch…
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged Antisocial Birder, birding, Brownhills, Chaz Mason, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Marsh Log, cut, escape, fence, Horses, local blogs, Local Wildlife, loose, planning, Redevelopment, Riding stables, Ryders Hayes, Ryders Mere, Silly, SSSI, Stevie Ansell, Vandalism, Wildlife
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Clayhanger skate park gathers support
A few weeks ago, I featured the deeply impressive letter written by the (then) eleven-year old Matty Keating from Clayhanger, who is appealing for help to get a skate park for Clayhanger.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Express & Star, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 2015, Brownhills, campaign, Children, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Park, Dylan Griffiths, Express & Star, football, kids, Lichfield, Matty Keating, play, Politics, Skate Park, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Council
2 Comments
An Urban Fox Hunt (Via The Reremouse)
This post is important, and was wholly written by Walsall Council Senior Wildlife Ranger Morgan Bowers (The Reremouse) – this is an issue of huge concern to me, and I repeat the post here as I think it will be a worry to all of us.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, destruction, Events, Facebook, Fibbersley, Fox, foxes, guns, killing, Lichfield, local blogs, Morgan Bowers, Nature Reserve, New Photos, shot, The Reremouse, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Wildlife, wildlife crime
1 Comment
Snow blind
Here’s a quick ride cam for the people out there who enjoy them – I know Trevor in Aus will like this one, as where he is, they don’t get much snow.
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Posted in cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Shared media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged #365daysofbiking, bad weather, bike cam, commute, Cycle rides, cycling, Darlaston, GoPro, HDHero 3+, Junction, night riding, Rain, Ride cam, Ring Road, Rushall, Snow, Things to do, urban, urban birdlife, Walsall, Walsall Wood, Winter
4 Comments
Can you help Matty in his campaign for a skatepark in Clayhanger?
I’ve received an astoundingly impressive email from Matty Keating, who’s a young lad aged eleven from Clayhanger – like me when I was his age, he feels his age group are not being well catered for in the village and he’s campaigning for a skate park.
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 Brownhills, campaign, Children, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Park, football, kids, Lichfield, Matty Keating, play, Politics, Skate Park, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Council
13 Comments
Post Morton
Readers with long memories may well recall that in December 2014 there was some furore over the selection of the next Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Aldridge Brownhills following the standing down of Richard Shepherd, who’s retiring from his 36 year tenure at the next general election.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 22 January, Aldridge Brownhills, Brownhills, Events, General Election, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, Marco Longhi, meeting, New Photos, Politics, PPC, result, Richard Shepherd, Selection, shortlist, Silly, Tory, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Wendy Morton, winner
6 Comments
Your guide to Walsall – 125 years ago
Here’s one I’ve been meaning to do for ages, but the sheer labour of it has been off-putting; but now I have access to a professional scanner, it’s a lot easier to scan publications like W Henry Robinson’s ‘Guide to Walsall – an illustrated guide’, which was published in 1889 and is a captivating gazetteer and document of a growing town and its life.
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Posted in Churches, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Book, Canal, download, Facebook, Guide to Waslall, Illustrated Handbook, Lichfield, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, Old maps, PDF, Pubs, Redevelopment, Staffordshire, Things to do, W Henry Robinson, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
9 Comments
Be on your guard – local spate of burglaries
It’s time, I’m very much afraid, to issue another warning – it seems local burglars are at is again – In the last week or so there have been shed, garage and vehicle break-ins in Shire Oak, Stonnall and Aldridge.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Aldridge, Brownhills, Burglary, Community Safety House, CommunitySafety Partnership, crime, Demonstration, Events, garage, home security, Kevin Pitt, local blogs, Opening, Pelsall, planning, Police, Safe House, Shed, Shire Oak, vehicle, Walsall, West Midlands
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Important appeal: Did you know Janette Walker?
Yet another sad request of a type that happens from time to time from the Environmental Health Department at Walsall Council, who are looking to trace any relatives or friends of Janette Walker (previously Jan Griffin) from Willenhall who has sadly passed away.
Posted in Environment, Local History, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged arrangements, Blakenall Lane, died, Durham Avenue, Family, funeral, Griffin, help, Janette, Lichfield, Neil Harris, passed away, releatives, request, search, Staffordshire, Walker, Walsall, Walsall Council, Warburton, Wellington Place, West Midlands, Willenhall
2 Comments
Light entertainment
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll probably realise by now that Brownhills is the subject of some media controversy at the moment – a story emerging here via the Express & Star and syndicated out to the wider daily papers has caused outrage and recrimination.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Cheap tat, christmas lights, Events, Express & Star, Facebook, laughing stock, Lichfield, Local Committee, Local politics, miner island, New Photos, Politics, press, Silly, Things to do, twelth night, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
15 Comments
Christmas bin collection information
Hi folks – I’m getting a lot of search hits for Christmas bin collection arrangements in the borough of Walsall, and thought I’d feature the bin calendar again for those that seem concerned about when the guys in orange will come and collect their rubbish.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2014, Aldridge, bin collections, Bins, Brownhills, Christmas, Clayhanger, collection, collection day, Events, household waste, information, Leaflet, Local politics, new, Recycling, Refuse, rubbish, schedule, Silly, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
4 Comments
Music and movement
I have some great images coming of of Walsall Wood from the 1950s from local man John Genders, whom the young David vans has been chatting to about the village, schools and particularly the local Boys Brigade.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, 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 Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1952, Audrey Smith, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, David Evans, Events, gym, interesting architecture, Josie Bull, keep fit, Lichfield, Local History, New Photos, PE, Rita Stokes, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Stella Warsden, teachers, Walsall Wood, Walsall Wood Secondary
4 Comments
It’s not Christmas without the cards
I’ve had this one in preparation for a while, and to paraphrase, it’s an absolute boster of a post – regular readers will remember with fondness Ruth Penrhyn-Lowe, who has previously sent scans of some remarkable postcards of Brownhills, a stunning large set of Aldridge, and another bunch from Aldridge and Stubbers Green – all of which were collected by her late father.
Posted in Cannock Chase, Churches, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1970's, 1980's, arboretum, best wishes, cards, Cathedral, Christmas, CLive L Roberts., Clock, Court, Grammar School, Hammerwich, Hednesford, High Street, Lichfield, Lichfield Street, local blogs, Local History, Marble Terrace, Minster Ppol, Postcard, Ruth Penrhyn Lowe, seasonal, Shenstone, Snow, Staffordshire, The Castles, The Railway, Tixall, Walsall, Walsall Wood, white
16 Comments
Well, THAT escalated quickly…
It seems my post of a couple of days ago about the curious selection delays and apparent favour of outside candidates for the next Consertive prospective parliamentary candidate for Aldridge-Brownhills yesterday caught the attention of Tory Pravda ConservativeHome.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2014, 2015, Aldridge Brownhills, Aldridge Musical Comedy Society, Brownhills, ConservativeHome, Events, General Election, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, Marco Longhi, New Photos, Politics, PPC, Richard Shepherd, Selection, shortlist, Silly, Tory, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
3 Comments
The state that we are in
I’m pleased to note that despite the celebratory tones of a report in the Express & Star a couple of weeks ago, Walsall Council are reinforcing the hard line taken on the owners of the derelict eyesore in the middle of Brownhills, Ravens Court, with a strongly worded press release issued a couple of days ago.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Express & Star, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 215 Notice, Blofeld, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Market, Canal, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Compulsory purchase, Derelict, Events, Facebook, John Bird, Lichfield, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, New Photos, New Tesco, planning, Politics, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, Retail, sympathy, Tesco, Tesco Development, teve Wade, Vandalism, Vivienne Aston, Walsall, Walsall Advertiser, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
7 Comments
What’s the Tory?
Last week I pointed out that there was to be a selection meeting at Aldridge Brownhills Conservative Association last Saturday (13th December 2014) to pick the replacement Tory candidate for Parliament in 2015, following the standing down of Richard Shepherd, who’s retiring from his 36 year tenure at the next general election.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2014, 2015, Aldridge Brownhills, Aldridge Musical Comedy Society, Brownhills, Events, General Election, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, Marco Longhi, New Photos, Politics, PPC, Richard Shepherd, Selection, shortlist, Silly, Tory, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
10 Comments
The magic of Christmas
I have to congratulate the people who worked so hard on Brownhills Christmas Market – I went yesterday, and it was a joy to see Brownhills so busy once more – considering the majority involved were volunteers and on a tight budget, this was an excellent event and I thank you all for your hard work.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local media, Local music, News, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged 14th december 2014, 2014, Brownhills, Brownhills Christmas Evens, Brownhills Christmas Windows, Christmas Fair, Christmas Magic in Brownhills, Cradle Club, Craft Club, David Evans, Donkeys, Festivity, Ice Rink, Market, Nicky Rolls, photos, pictures, Ravens Court, Santa Special, Shop Local, Shop smart, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
1 Comment
They know what’s good for us
This post will probably raise a few eyebrows, but I’d just like to draw the attention of readers who live in the Aldridge-Brownhills constituency to the fact that the person very likely to be their next MP is currently being selected by the local Conservative Party as Tory prospective parliamentary candidate for the 2015 general election.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2014, 2015, Aldridge Brownhills, Aldridge Musical Comedy Society, Brownhills, Events, General Election, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, Marco Longhi, New Photos, Politics, PPC, Richard Shepherd, Selection, shortlist, Silly, Tory, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
17 Comments
Magic beans
Well, it seems congratulations are in order – Steve Craddock, UKIP councillor for Brownhills and the man whose holiday was more important than political control of a borough governing 269,000 people – has apparently brought us the bacon. Or it … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Express & Star, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 215 Notice, Blofeld, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Market, Canal, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Compulsory purchase, Derelict, Events, Facebook, John Bird, Lichfield, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, New Photos, New Tesco, planning, Politics, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, Retail, sympathy, Tesco, Tesco Development, teve Wade, Vandalism, Vivienne Aston, Walsall, Walsall Advertiser, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
8 Comments
Did any of you know Alan John Pickering?
Yet again, this is one of those requests that Walsall Council make periodically, and was issued by the Communication Team at Walsall Council on Friday, November 21st 2014 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 Alan, BEL, Bell Lane, Bloxwich, Bloxwich ngineering, Comprehensive, died, Environmental Health, Family, help, john, Lichfield, Michael Syrett, Neil Harris, passed away, Pickering, Rebecca Evans, releatives, request, search, Staffordshire, Wales, Walsall, Walsall Council, Wednesbury Road, West Midlands
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Council consultation event in Brownhills today!
Sorry this is late, I was working on something else last night, but today, Tuesday 18th November 2014 from 10am-12noon, there’s a Walsall Council budget Consultation event in Brownhills Library at The Parkview Centre in Brownhills.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Aldridge, Brownhills, Budget, budget consultation, Clayhanger, Consultation, Events, have your say, Lichfield, Local politics, Mike Bird, planning, Politics, Shire Oak, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Advertiser, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
1 Comment
Details of 2014 local Remembrance events
Following my request for information to make a list of local Remembrance events, readers rallied round to help with information aplenty – for which I thank you all.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/silentandy/6341162834/ Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Aldridge, bad customer service, Bloxwich, Brownhills, Clayhanger, Details, Events, Heath Hayes, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Parade, Remembrance, Service, Staffordshire, Things to do, time, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood, wimblebury
3 Comments
2014 Remembrance services – can you help with details please?
This is just a quick request for help – last year, we 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 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
7 Comments
Latest bin collection information – October 2014
I’ve long held that if you want to start a revolution in the UK, just disrupt refuse collections, so this is a headsup for everyone in the local area – there’s a new issue of the refuse collection and recycling leaflet out now with a collection calendar, recycling guide and other information.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2014, Aldridge, bin collections, Bins, Brownhills, Christmas, Clayhanger, collection, collection day, Events, household waste, information, Leaflet, Local politics, new, Recycling, Refuse, rubbish, schedule, Silly, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
8 Comments
Bonfire and fireworks in Brownhills this Saturday!
Just a quick reminder that Brownhills Bonfire is at Holland Park this Saturday evening (1st November 2014) – the fire will be lit at 7pm and the fireworks kick off at 8pm.
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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 1 November, 2014, Bonfire, bonfire night, Brownhills, Events, fireworks, Guy Fawkes, Holland Park, Local politics, Mike Bird, Pallet appeal, Silly, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
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Retail unit required in Brownhills – can you help?
Hi folks – you all know I like to support local businesses here on the blog – there’s not much I can add to this one, but the enquiry came in last week – can anyone help John Davies find a place with a nice flexible lease for his project?
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Aldridge, Bloxwich, Brownhills, Cannock, Cats Protection, Clayhanger, Lease, Lichfield, Pelsall, photography, planning, Shire Oak, Shop, Things to do, Walsall Animal Care, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
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Walsall Local History Fair on right now!
Walsall Local History Fair will take place now, today (25th October 2014) at The Crossing at St. Pauls, Darwall Street, Walsall, between 10:30am – 3:30pm – it’s free, and a great event.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Clayhanger, Events, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Things to do, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Local History Centre, Walsall Local History Fair, Walsall Museum, Walsall Wood
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Walsall Wood Councillor Mike Flower to stand down at next election
It’s with some surprise that I noted a post on the long dormant blog of Walsall Wood Councillor Mike Flower yesterday lunchtime, announcing that at the next election, he was to stand down.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Followups, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2015, Brownhills, Burger Boy, Conservative, Councillor, down, Events, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Flower, Politics, Shire Oak, step, Tory, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
5 Comments
Building your new transport network… in 1974
I’m hoping some of the bus and rail enthusiasts can help with this one – a few weeks ago I picked up a 40 year old bus route map for Walsall, Aldridge Lichfield, Brownhills and Cannock, and it’s an interesting little time capsule all of it’s own.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1974, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, bus, Clayhanger, free, Harpers, Leaflet, Lichfield, Local History, Local politics, map, Midland Red, Old maps, Passenger Transport Executive, Politics, PTE, public transport, Rail, scan, Staffordshire, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, West Midlands, WMPTE
4 Comments
Brownhills Bonfire 2014 – can you help with pallets?
People keep contacting me and asking when Brownhills Bonfire is this year, so tonight I went looking for info – and I can see why folk are asking me, because there’s nothing out there.
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 2014, Bonfire, bonfire night, Brownhills, date, Events, fireworks, Guy Fawkes, Holland Park, Local politics, Mike Bird, Pallet appeal, Silly, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
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Michael Syrett: Funeral arrangements announced
Way back on the 13th August 2014, I published a very sad appeal from the Walsall Council Environmental Health Team who were attempting to locate any remaining family of retired Darlsaton teacher and musician Michael Syrett, who died a few days earlier – sadly, no relatives were located, and the council has now released details of Mr. Syrett’s funeral.
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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 Comprehensive, Darlaston, died, Family, help, Lichfield, Michael Syrett, passed away, releatives, request, search, Staffordshire, teacher, Wales, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Road, West Midlands
2 Comments
It’s a special occasion – get on your Sunday best!
A couple of great images reach me from top blog contributor the young David Evans, and reader Maria Fitzgerald – both are of kids in their Sunday best clothes in celebration.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, 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 Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1948, 1967, 1968, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, celebration, David Evans, Ebenezer, Ebenzer, Events, Facebook, Infants, Lichfield, Local History, Maria Fitzgerald, May day, Maypole, New Photos, Ogley Hay, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Sunday School, teachers, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
6 Comments
Michael Syrett: thanks for your help
Way back on the 13th August 2014, I published a very sad appeal from the Walsall Council Environmental Health Team who were attempting to locate any remaining family of Michael Syrett, who died a few days earlier.
Posted in Environment, Local History, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Comprehensive, Darlaston, died, Family, help, Lichfield, Michael Syrett, Neil Harris, passed away, releatives, request, search, Staffordshire, teacher, Wales, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Road, West Midlands
1 Comment
Plan for 200 new homes in central Brownhills approved
Way back in April this year, I first noted the consultation and plan to finally redevelop the wasteland in Brownhills that was once Silver Court Gardens, the notorious tenement maisonette estate that was demolished in 2004, into over 100 dwellings.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 14/0767/FL, 14/0771/OL, 157, 40, Brownhills stuff, Canal, Clayhanger, Consultation, Court, Derelict, Development, dwellings, Environment, Events, Facebook, Fun stuff to see and do, gardens, homes, Humphries House, Lichfield, Lindon Drive, Local politics, Market Place, new houses, News, phased, planning, Planning application, planning interactive, Politics, Redevelopment, Regeneration, Shared media, Silver, Spotted whilst browsing the web, street, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Housing Group, Walsall politics, WHG
2 Comments
Living on the skyline
Hey you lot – I owe you all, and the wonderful people at Distinctly Black Country an apology – for far too long I have neglected to share the excellent work been done by locals and professional historians alike into recording the remarkable histories of high-rise and system built housing across the Black Country.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chaz Mason, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Marsh Log, Derelict, flats, high rise, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, planning, Redevelopment, Slum, Social History, social housing, Staffordshire, Things to do, tower lock, Walsall, Walsall Council, Wildlife
12 Comments
Flower power
I’m pleased to note that Brownhills this year won a Silver Gilt Award in the ‘Heart of England in Bloom’ competition – not the kind of thing you’d normally associate with Brownhills, but year after year, the floral displays here have been improving, and this year they looked wonderful.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Aldridge, Britain in Bloom, Brownhills, Brownhills Town Centre Partnership, Darlaston, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, Things to do, Vickie Heydon-Matterface, Vivienne Aston, Walsall, Walsall Council
2 Comments
The Acropolis cafe shuts; Middle Oak to close and B&M to open in Focus, Aldridge
Just a heads up on some local taking points I’ve had buzzing around for a couple of days now – A few readers including David Evans and Martin Littler have pointed out the longstanding Ravens Court cafe The Acroplolis seems to have closed down.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, 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, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2014, application, B&M, Big K, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Cheap tat, David Evans, Derelict, Events, Focus, for, housing, Lichfield, Local History, Local politics, Middle, Mike Bird, New Photos, Northgate, Oak, planning, Pubs, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, Royal, sale, Shire Oak, sold, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
3 Comments
Black Country Echoes – 1950s Vintage Vehicles & Views – On today!
For early September, there’s an awful lot happening this weekend and I’m making a point of advertising this event, as it’s part something special, and very close to my heart – Black Country Echoes.
Posted in Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 1950's, 2014, 50s, aerodrome, Airport, Albion Road, Aldridge, AMRTM, Aston, BC Echoes, Black Country Echoes, bus, Car, classic, Duretti, Events, Facebook, Guy Motors, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Manor, Rock n Roll, Swallow, Things to do, top hangar, Transport, vintage, Vintage Vehicles & Views, Walsall, Walsall Council
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Smooth operators
Here’s a nice one to run for a change – a few days ago the young David Evans dropped me a line to tell me how impressed he was with the new road surface recently laid in Friezland Lane, Shire Oak by Tarmac LaFarge working for Walsall Council.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged August, Brownhills, complete, cycling, David Evans, Events, Friezland Lane, Green Lane, Lafarge, Lichfield, planning, praise, resurfacing, Shire Oak, Tarmac, thanks, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
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Consultation event in Brownhills this Wednesday!
This Wednesday, 3rd September 2014 from 10am-12pm, there’s a Walsall Council budget Consultation event in Brownhills Library at The Parkview Centre in Brownhills. Everyone is invited to attend and offer their view on prospect cuts to the local council budget, and Council Officers will be on hand to discuss matters.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 3 September, 5th November, Aldridge, Brownhills, Budget, budget consultation, Clayhanger, Consultation, Events, have your say, Lichfield, Local politics, Mike Bird, planning, Politics, Shire Oak, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Advertiser, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
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You can’t trust all you read in the paper…
Whew – panic over Yesterday, following a report in the Express & Star, I wrote of my concern that the old leisure centre at Oak Park in Walsall Wood would be demolished before a new one was built to replace it.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Express & Star, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Coppice Road, Demolition, Express & Star, houses, housing, Labour, Leisure Centre, Leisure Services, Local politics, new, New Photos, Oak Park, planning, Plans, Rebuild, rebuilt, Redevelopment, revised, Sean Coughlan, Shire Oak, submitted, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
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Demolition, man?
There was an interesting report in Monday’s Express & Star (18th August 2014) which points out the project to replace Oak Park leisure centre in Walsall Wood and the similar facility in Bloxwich is to start ‘next month’.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Express & Star, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Coppice Road, Demolition, Express & Star, houses, housing, Labour, Leisure Centre, Leisure Services, Local politics, new, New Photos, Oak Park, planning, Plans, Rebuild, rebuilt, Redevelopment, revised, Sean Coughlan, Shire Oak, submitted, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
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Road closure in Brownhills from tomorrow
I see that tomorrow, Friezland Lane in Shire Oak will be closed from 9am-5pm by Walsall Council for ten days for much needed resurfacing works – this is good news for residents and folk who use this cut through, but may cause delays and disruption to busses that use the route.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 20, 2014, 29, August, Brownhills, Clive Roberts, cycling, David Evans, Events, Friezland Lane, Green Lane, Lafarge, Lichfield, micro asphalt, planning, resurfacing, Shire Oak, Tarmac, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
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Important appeal: Did you know Michael Syrett?
This is one of those requests that pops up from time to time, and was issued by the Communication Team at Walsall Council last Wednesday, August 13th 2014 and I’d like all locals to have a think about it, and if any of you can do so, please help.
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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 Comprehensive, Darlaston, died, Family, help, Lichfield, Michael Syrett, Neil Harris, passed away, releatives, request, search, Staffordshire, teacher, Wales, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Road, West Midlands
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Photos from the 2014 Brownhills Community Fun Day
Last Saturday, as I advertised here on the blog, it was Brownhills Community Fun Day at the Activity Centre – what used to be the old Central Boy’s School or Annexe, and Bonita Clayton from the Community Association has been in touch with a note of thanks and some photos of the day.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2014, 9 August, activities centre, Annex, BCA, Brownhills, Brownhills community association, Clayhanger, Community Fun Day, Events, fun day, images, Lichfield, pictures, Shire Oak, thanks, Things to do, Walsall Area Partnerships, Walsall Council, Walsall Housing Group
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Aspirational my backside
I noticed in early summer that someone had been undertaking clearance work on a site near Brownhills, just down the Chester Road to the south of Shire Oak Nature Reserve, and was curious about it – it now seems that my question has been answered.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 14/0910/FL, application, Aspirational, astlehill, block, Brownhills, Chester Road, Derelict, Lichfield, local blogs, New Photos, planning, Politics, quarry, Redevelopment, Shire Oak, Silly, Stonnall, Upper Stonnall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Works
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Brownhills Community Fun Day this Saturday!
Hey – if you’re looking out for stuff to do this coming Saturday (9th August 2014), look no further than Brownhills Activity Centre (The old Central Boy’s School, or Annex to my generation), just off the Miner Island in Brownhills.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2014, 9 August, activities centre, Annex, BCA, Brownhills, Brownhills community association, Clayhanger, Community Fun Day, Events, fun day, Lichfield, Shire Oak, Things to do, Walsall Area Partnerships, Walsall Council, Walsall Housing Group
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World War One Centenary events in Walsall this Monday
As you will no doubt be aware, it’s the centenary of our entry into World War One on Monday, 4th August 2014, and Walsall Council and other organisations in the borough have arranged some interesting, respectful and well considered events to mark the 100 years.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 4 August 2014, Brownhills local history, Cecil Burton, Conflict, David Evans, Events, first, folly, Great, Harry Patch, Levi Cooper, Local History, memorial, Moday, Peter Cutler, Remembrance, Royal British Legion, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood, war, world
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You can’t bank on it
There has been a fair amount of dismay and disbelief locally in response to the decision of Barclays Bank to close their branch in Brownhills, which will apparently cease trading on Friday, 24th October 2014.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged bank, Barclays, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Cheap tat, Closure, Derelict, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, planning, Politics, Pubs, Redevelopment, retaildecline, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
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Holland Park fun day today – get down there with the kids!
Summer holidays – kids already driving you mad – today, Wednesday 30th July 2014, between 10:30am and 4:00pm 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 park.
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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 2014, 30th July, Brownhills, community games, Events, fun, fun day, Holland Park, kids fun day, Park, stuff to do kids events, summer holiday activities, Walsall, Walsall Council
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