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Category Archives: Walsall Wood stuff
Fighting for our greenspace: Please sign the petition!
People concerned about cuts to Walsall Countryside Services, the Ranger Team and related issues – as outlined here previously – can now sign the petition over at Walsall Council’s website. It’s completely electronic, and is administered as part of Walsall’s Democratic Services. If the petition gets enough support, it will be raised at full council.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Blog, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, Morgan Bowers, New Photos, Petition, Politics, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
3 Comments
Walsall Wood 1911, before and beyond
This article is the fourth – and final (at least until the 1921 census comes out…) part of blog reader, commentator and top contributor David Evans’ ongoing project to chart the growth of Walsall Wood just over a century ago. The first, second, and third instalments in the series have been published in the last two months, and generated quite a bit of debate and interest.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, 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, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1881, 1891, 1901, 1911, Batkins, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Census, colliery, David Evans, Grocer, growth, Headleys, health, history, Local History, pit, population, Pubs, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, store, teacher, Walsall Wood
21 Comments
The mystery of The Lost Stonnall Hoard
That there [Howmuch?] has found treasure. He actually found it in a charity bookshop in Lichfield, but his golden find actually pointed to a farmyard near Grove Hill, near Lower Stonnall/Thornes, in 1824. There was bronze in that there hill.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1824, Archeology, Bronze age, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, burial, David Cooms, Events, Find, finds, Gainsborough hill Farm, Greenborough, Hoard, Lichfield and South Staffordshire Archeological and Historical Society, Lily Chetty, local blogs, Local History, SGrove Hill, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Stonnall, Things to do, Walsall Wood
29 Comments
A green wave
The text of the following article was written by Stuart Williams of The Bloxwich Telegraph, and I reproduce it here to emphasise the campaign I mentioned here on Saturday. If you care about Walsall’s green space, please do join us.
The movement is gathering pace and I implore anyone who cares to get involved.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Blowich Telegraph, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, Morgan Bowers, New Photos, Politics, Shire Oak, Silly, Stuart illiams, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
10 Comments
Spirit of the Greenwood
This is really important. You’ll recall that a couple of weeks ago I, and other members of the local online community made a passionate plea for the preservation of the Walsall Council Countryside Services team, and the vital work they … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, 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, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, Morgan Bowers, New Photos, Politics, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
26 Comments
Please release me
On the day after my article about Oak Park Leisure Centre, and the odd case being made for it’s replacement, Walsall Council felt the need to issue the following press release. I have no idea why.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, 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 Brownhills, Conservative, Councillors, Leisure Centre, Local politics, Oak Park, Oak Park leisure centre, Objections, Redevelopment, strategic leisure, surveyor, Tkevcro, Tory, Walsal Council Press Offfice, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
15 Comments
Everyone enjoys a good bonfire…
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, 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, Events, fireworks, Guy Fawkes, Holland Park, Local politics, Pallet appeal, Silly, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
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Oak Park: this doesn’t smell right
The projected rebuild of the Oak Park Leisure centre in Walsall Wood seems to be causing some controversy hereabouts. Whilst I understand it, and I’m grateful for all your contributions – the whole thing is leaving me a bit puzzled.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, 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 Brownhills, Conservative, Councillors, Leisure Centre, Local politics, Oak Park, Oak Park leisure centre, Objections, Redevelopment, strategic leisure, surveyor, Tkevcro, Tory, Walsal Council Press Offfice, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
15 Comments
Probably a robbery
I’ve become aware in recent weeks – as have many of the local history community – of a series of connected groups appearing on Facebook, which invite users to submit old pictures of their area. This is a fine idea, which in principle, I support.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, 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, Chasewater, Content theft, copying, copyright, Events, Facebook, history groups, local blogs, Local History, manners, New Photos, Old maps, pages, Panoramio, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Vandalism, Walsall Wood
13 Comments
The secret army
There’s a nearby blog I love that’s going from strength to strength. It’s a blog I’ve plugged before, and it’s by Susan Marie Ward, who’s a great local historian. Susan lives out in South Staffordshire, but has historical connections to Aldridge, Walsall Wood and Stonnall.
Continue reading
Posted in Chasewater, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Aldridge, Chasewater, Facebook, Land Army, local blogs, Local History, Lynn, New Photos, Staffordshire, Staffordshirebred, Stonnall, Susan MArie Ward, Things to do, Walsall Wood, World War 2, WW2
7 Comments
An interesting Exchange
Following her comments here, reader and local history enthusiast Ann Cross recently somewhat gamely took on a private challenge I made to her, where I suggested that she might like to write up her work on her family and their history at Walsall Wood’s Royal Exchange pub.
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, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1881, 1891, 1901, Ann Cross, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Census, David Evans, Family history, history, licensee, Local History, pub, Pubs, Royal Exchange, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, victualler, Walsall Wood, William Cross
21 Comments
There’s a bustle in your hedgerow
One thing I hope comes through from my work online – both on this blog, and on my 365daysofbiking journal – is my huge passion for being outdoors. Pretty much everything I write is somehow related to turning the computer off, and going outside and exploring the best of whats around.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, Morgan Bowers, New Photos, Politics, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
16 Comments
Are you being cervine?
This is just a quick note to warn people given to exploring the open spaces of the area that the deer population are getting amorous. It’s rutting time for our large brown friends, and that means one thing: the heaths around Brownhills, Clayhanger, Pelsall and Chasewater in particular are likely to be host to rather grumpy, aggressive stags guarding their female harems.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Chaz Mason, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Marsh, Cycle rides, cycling, local blogs, Neil Tipton, New Photos, Red deer, Reservoir, rut, rutting, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
1 Comment
Aston Manor Transport Museum saved again!
I see Aston Manor Transport Museum have apparently been saved again.
I was sad to note that over late summer, the news had emerged that the transport collection formerly resident in the old tram shed in Witton, and forced to move by landlords Birmingham City Council, was having to move a second time from it’s ‘new’ base in Northgate, Aldridge.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, 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, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Adrian Hipkins, Aldridge, Aston Manor, Brownhills, local blogs, Local History, Mike Cooper, museum, new Home, New Photos, Northgate, planning, Redevelopment, Road Transport Museum, Shenstone Drive, Stymaster, Transport, Volant, Witton
5 Comments
War child
Here’s an interesting bit of postwar ephemera, lent to top reader and contributor David Evans for use here on the blog by local lady Marjorie Hadley.
I know nothing about this unusual document, who issued it or any details. I’ve certainly never seen one before. Did every war-child receive them? What effort of campaign were they linked with? Was it a local or national thing? Church or school?
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 8th June 1946, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, card, commemoration, David Evans, Events, Important war dates, King George, Local History, Marjorie Hadley, My families, Staffordshire, Today we celebrate victory, Victory, Walsall Wood
2 Comments
When waterways were motorways
Here’s a quick post that may be of interest to blog readers. Spotted by blog reader Nick Elliot and posted on Facebook, I thought these historic information films and photo compilation deserved a wider audience than they might otherwise receive.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chasewater, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, Facebook, Local History, Staffordshire, Things to do
1 Comment
Top local historian to give talk in Brownhills!
Top contributor, commentor and all round good egg David Evans has been busy over the last few weeks organising a treat for local history buffs in Brownhills and the wider community. Continue reading
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 Brownhills, Brownhills a walk into history, Brownhills bypass, Brownhills local history, Canal, charity, Chasewater, Clayhanger, David Evans, Engine Lane, Events, Gerald Reece, historian, history, History Talk, Local History, Macmillan Cancer Support, mining, planning, Staffordshire, Things to do
7 Comments
Odd occurrences at Oak Park?
Reader Tkevcro commented this last week, about some odd activity by surveyors at Oak Park in Walsall Wood, which I think deserves a wider exposure. I’m under the impression that Oak Park is indeed held in trust, and I think selling it off would be highly unlikely, but you never know. Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Leisure Centre, Local politics, Oak Park, Oak Park leisure centre, Redevelopment, strategic leisure, surveyor, Tkevcro, Walsal Council Press Offfice, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
10 Comments
Walsall Wood, 1901: Into a new century
This article is the third part of blog reader, commentator and top contributor David Evans’ ongoing project to chart the growth of Walsall Wood just over a century ago. The first and second pieces in the series have been published in the last month, and generated quite a bit of debate and interest.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1881, 1891, 1901, Batkins, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Census, colliery, David Evans, Grocer, growth, Headleys, health, history, Local History, pit, population, Pubs, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, store, teacher, Walsall Wood
26 Comments
Engine Lane mischief afoot?
I notice today from Warren Parry’s excellent Ogley Dirt Farmer blog that somebody has blocked the public right of way from Engine Lane, Brownhills onto the off-road section of National Cycle Route 5 towards the canal on the old mineral line. This is a worrying development. Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, 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, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged bike path, Brownhills, Cattle, Cycle rides, cycling, Engine Lane, Events, Facebook, local blogs, NCN 5, New Photos, obstruction, Ogley Dirt Farmer, Riding school, Stevie Ansell, Things to do, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood, Warren Parry
19 Comments
Walsall Local History Fair on right now!
My huge apologies to Stuart, Paul and Ruth at Walsall Local History Centre. I meant to run this last night, but I was so knackered from work (to be quite frank) that I went straight to bed. My apologies. This does look great, though, and it’s on now, so pop in to the Museum in Walsall Town Centre if you get chance.
There are running updates on their Facebook Page and twatter.
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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The all-seeing eye
Just a quick note to point out that BrownhillsDog – the roving canine Brownhillian blogger who I highlighted last week – has a great post up expanding on the residential neighbourhood CCTV issue I touched on here with my Watchers … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhillsdog, Canal, CCTV, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, local blogs, Local politics, Night, Pigblog, Silly, Stymaster, Things to do, Twitter, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
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Walsall Wood, 1891. Fit to burst…
This article is part of an effort by top reader, commentator and contributor David Evans to chart the growth of Walsall Wood, towards the turn of the last century. The first article in this series was published a couple of … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1881, 1926, Aerofilms, Batkins, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Census, colliery, David Evans, Growcer, growth, health, history, Local History, Nootmaker, pit, population, Pubs, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, store, teacher, Walsall Wood
18 Comments
Underground investigations – The Grove Pit Disaster remembered
The 1st October 2012 – a couple of hours away from when I post this – will mark 82 years since the Grove Pit Disaster that killed fourteen local men in the mine that stood just off Lime Lane, on … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills 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 Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills mining disater, Chasewaterstuff, colliers, Grove Colliery, Grove pit, local blogs, Local History, Mine disaster, miners, Staffordshire, The men below, Wyrley common, Wyrley Grove
7 Comments
Walsall Wood, 1881. A melting pot…
This is an effort to chart the growth of Walsall Wood, towards the turn of the last century. At this time, the village was growing; the expansion (I hesitate to use the word ‘wealth’) that this created shaped the community … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1881, Batkins, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Census, colliery, David Evans, Growcer, growth, health, history, Local History, Nootmaker, pit, population, Pubs, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, store, teacher, Walsall Wood
29 Comments
The Harrison dynasty: Beginnings in Coal, 1849
Regular reader, commentarian and contributor extraordinaire Peter ‘Pedro’ Cutler sent me this article some weeks ago now, and I’ve been waiting to finish the Pelsall Boiler Explosion series, so it has a clear deck. This is a continuation in Peter’s … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, colliery, Cutler, Harrison, Local History, mining, New Photos, Nigel Chapman, nutty, Pedro, Peter, Staffordshire, The South Staffordshire Coalfied, Walsall Wood
8 Comments
From one end to the other…
Here’s another ride video of Walsall Wood and Brownhills for the expats, exiles and vicarious cyclists, but especially Trevor in Australia. Hope all is going well, old chap, and that the treatment isn’t knocking you about too much. We’re all thinking of … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Beechtree, bike cam, bike ride, Brookland Road, Brooland, Brownhills, Cam, Chasewater, Coppice, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, GoPro, High Street, King Street, Lichfield Road, PorkTorta, Road, Silly, street, Things to do, tour, Twitter, video, Vigo, Walsall Wood
8 Comments
Wood work
This is a post for top reader, contributor and friend of the blog David Evans. A couple of days ago, he emailed me asking if I had any old maps covering the general Walsall Wood area. Well, it took me … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1884, 1902, 1919, 1938, 1:2500, aerial imagery, Aerofilms, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, David Evans, Local History, New Photos, Old maps, Ordnance Survey, Redevelopment, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood
2 Comments
Watchers of the night
I have been contacted by a resident of Friezland Lane, Walsall Wood, who understandably would like to remain anonymous. They have noticed that a CCTV surveillance camera has appeared in the lower end of Friezland Lane, mounted high on a … Continue reading
Cycling up The Wood
Yesterday (Saturday, 1st September 2012) was a nice day, particularly in the late afternoon. I’ve just got a copy of Final Cut for editing videos, and was keen to have a play, so I thought I’d turn out another ride … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged bike cam, bike ride, Brookland Road, Brownhills, Cam, Canal, Chasewater, Chester Road, Cycle rides, cycling, Final Cut, GoPro, Hall Lane, High Street, Holly Bank, Holly Lane, Lichfield Road, PorkTorta, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, tour, Twitter, video, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
9 Comments
End of an era?
Thanks to the anonymous reader who flagged this up with me a couple of days ago. Further to our recent rumination on the matter of the former Royal Oak, at Bullings Heath, it’s been noted that the piece of land … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Bullings Heath, David Evans, Derelict, Development, Green Lane, Land for Sale, Local History, Paul Carr, planning, Redevelopment, Royal Oak, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
2 Comments
New Ambulance Station for Brownhills…
Just had this interesting press release from West Midlands Ambulance Service. It’s sort of full circle, really, as the last time Brownhills had an ambulance station, it was barely a couple of hundred yards away from the new base at … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Ambulance, Ambulance Station, Annex, Brownhills, Brownhills Activity Centre, Brownhills local history, Central Boys School, Clayhanger, Events, first responder, Jan Davis, local blogs, Local politics, New Photos, Paul Baylis, planning, Walsall Council, West Midlands Ambulance Service
2 Comments
The Royal Oak, Bullings Heath: The last century
This is the second of a multi-part epic. Researched painstakingly by David Evans, top bloke and stalwart of this blog, he wrote this up some months ago, and I’ve been working on bringing the information out in the best way … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged alehouse, beer house, Black Cock, Black Cock Bridge, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Bullings Heath, Camden Street, Canal, Census, David Evans, Derelict, Events, Goblin Pit, Green Lane, Hall Lane, Hillary Little, Local History, New Photos, old inn, Old maps, Pepper Alley, Pubs, Royal Oak, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood
22 Comments
Back to the Future outdoor screening at Walsall Wood this evening!
This one in from Andy Hollyhead, Walsall Wood resident and top brainy bloke of this parish – looks like great fun. Why not pop along? Travel back in time for a special outdoor screening of 1980’s classic Back to the … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 26th August, Back to the future, Brownhills, cinema, event, Events, Facebook, fun, Leisure Centre, local blogs, Oak Park, Outdoor, outdoors, planning, screening, Silly, Sunday, Things to do, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Wood, Walsall Wood football club, WWFC
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Fortitude?
An interesting enquire from reader Mike Stackhouse, who’s researching his family history. Mike mailed me to ask the following: Hi Bob, I wonder if you could help me. I have been doing a bit of family tree tracing and with … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, 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 Avenues, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Bug row, Castle Gate, Castlefort, Fort, Local History, Mike Stackhouse, Pear Tree Lane, Pier Street, Redevelopment, Silver Street, Staffordshire, The Castles, Walsall Wood
10 Comments
Yew could be right…
Here’s an interesting theory from David Evans regarding Walsall Wood High Street, and the recent debate over pubs, beer-houses and other purveyors of the holy pint.Not sure I totally agreed with this hypothesis, but I’ll chuck it out there and … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local music, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Bullings Heath, Compensation Authority, David Evans, Drunken Duck, Hawthorn, Local History, New Photos, Norridge, Politics, pub, Pubs, Royal Oak, Staffordshire, Terry, Walsall Wood, Yew Tree Cottage
7 Comments
Something wonderful from Omaha, Nebraska
Today, I received a wonderful, touching note concerning our combined research into the Derry Family, and Goblins Pit in Walsall Wood, from John Derry, a resident of Omaha, Nebraska. I know lots of you put a great deal of effort … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, 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 Andy Dennis, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Bullings Heath, Charles, Charles Derry, Coppice Woods, coppy woods, David Evans, Derry, George, Goblin, Goblin Pit, Goblings Pit, Gomez, Grave, Green Lane, John Derry, Kate, Lichfield Lore, Local History, Moromn, Nebraska, Old maps, Omaha, Staffordshire, The Poor Widow's Offering, Walsall Wood, Woodbine
11 Comments
Don’t believe everything you read…
I’ve been droning on now for some months about the need for accuracy and careful research in local history. It’s because I know that I’m as fallible as the next man that I, like you readers, worry so much about … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1905, Black Cock, Black Cock Bridge, Brick Arch, Bridge replacement, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Bullings Heath, Camden Street, Canal, Errors, Girder bridge, Grove Pit Bridge, Hall Lane, Howmuch, Lime Lane, Local History, mine damage, Mining Subsidence, Mistaken, mistakes, Pelsall Past and Present, Silly, Staffordshire, Subsidence, Walsall Wood, Walsall Wood Colliery, Walsall Wood Pit, Wyrley and Essington
4 Comments
Sharp shooters from the Wood
A couple of great images here from reader Beverley Hollyhead, of local air gun shooters in the mid 50s. I’m hoping we might be able to name some of these prizewinning marksmen, so for those who were around the area … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Features, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Airgun, Airgun Team, Beverley Hollyhead, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Events, Hussey Arms, Joseph Birch, Labour Club, Local History, New Photos, Pubs, Samuel Birch, shooting, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood
9 Comments
Cutting down the Oak?
Readers anticipating the next instalment of the Royal Oak story – the lost pub in Bullings Heath – could be forgiven for thinking I’d forgotten the subject, but nothing could be further from the truth. At the moment, I’m just … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged alehouse, beer house, Black Cock, Black Cock Bridge, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Bullings Heath, Camden Street, Canal, Census, David Evans, Derelict, Events, Goblin Pit, Green Lane, Hall Lane, Hillary Little, Local History, New Photos, old inn, Old maps, Pepper Alley, Pubs, Royal Oak, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood
7 Comments
In pursuit of the truth
Peter ‘Pedro’ Cutler, one of several readers and contributors without whom this blog would be nothing at all, has something to say, and I think we need to listen. Carefully. There’s something disturbing him, and me, in the way some … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Cheap tat, colliery, conditions, Cutler, Edward Brown, Grove, Harrison, local blogs, Local History, mines, mining, Pedro, Peter, pit disaster, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood
27 Comments
Men bailed following arrests in connection with indecent exposure incidents
West Midlands Police has now updated their press statement from yesterday,(26th July 2012) relating to their arrests in connection with the flashing incidents in Brownhills and North Walsall. 12/07/2012 Police in Walsall are continuing to investigate a series of indecent … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills stuff, Dave Reilly, Environment, Events, Followups, Keith Fraser, Local media, News, Shared media, Social media, Statement, Superintendent, Supt, Twitter, Walsall community
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The Royal Oak, Bullings Heath: Explorations in local history
This is the first of a multi-part epic. Researched painstakingly by David Evans, top bloke and stalwart of this blog, he wrote this up some weeks ago, and I’ve been working on bringing the information out in the best way … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged alehouse, beer house, Black Cock, Black Cock Bridge, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Bullings Heath, Camden Street, Canal, Census, David Evans, Derelict, Events, Goblin Pit, Green Lane, Hall Lane, Hillary Little, Local History, New Photos, old inn, Old maps, Pepper Alley, Pubs, Royal Oak, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood
47 Comments
Scouting for assistance
I have been contacted by the Group Leader of 1st Walsall Wood Scout Group, friend of the blog Lee Bragginton, who needs some help raising money for a minibus for the group. This is a fine aim for a great … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1st, 38th Walsall, appeal, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Cubs, Events, history, Lee Bragginton, Local History, minibus, New Photos, planning, Scouts, Shire Oak, sponsorship, Walsall Wood, Youth
3 Comments
An unimaginable hell
Peter ‘Pedro’ Cutler has been continuing his diligent work of researching the history of the Harrison Company and Family, looking into the darkest corners of the mining industry in Brownhills and its surrounds over a century ago. Peter is particularly … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1871, Accident, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Croxall, Disaster, Edward Reeves, Fatality, Highbridge Colliery, Joseph Williams, Local History, Mick Drury, Mine rescue, mining, Pedro, Pelsall, Peter Cutler, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood, William Harrison, William Harrison Company Limited
12 Comments
The boys were back in town
Here’s a quick one for the Walsall Wood contingent: Specifically the fine lads who were members of the local Boys Brigade. They held a reunion back in March, I think at Walsall Wood Football Club. I’ve been supplied this picture … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Events, Features, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Boys Brigade, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, D Evans, David Evans, Ebenezer Boys Brigade, Ebenezer Primitive Methodist Church, football, Local History, new organ, New Photos, reunion, sixties, Staffordshire, team, team photo, Walsall Wood
8 Comments
Walsall Wood – A short history by Margaret Brice
The readers of this humble blog really are remarkable people. No sooner had I mentioned yesterday that I was looking for a copy of Margaret Brice’s Walsall Wood book, than I had two readers offering me copies. Reader and top … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged A Short History of Walsall Wood, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, David Evans, Lichfield Road, local books, Local History, Margaret Brice, Mrs. Proffit, New Photos, off licence, Outdoor, Panoramio, Redevelopment, Shire Oak, Street's Corner, The Ivy House, Walsall Wood
22 Comments
The Ivy League
I’ve just had this one come in this afternoon from reader, contributor and all round top chap David Evans. It’s jarred me awake a little, as I know a reader locally to be researching this very subject, so I’m posting … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged A Short History of Walsall Wood, Betty Fox, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, David Evans, Lichfield Road, Local History, Margaret Brice, Mrs. Proffit, New Photos, off licence, Outdoor, Panoramio, Redevelopment, Shire Oak, Street's Corner, The Ivy House, Walsall Wood
5 Comments
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