I know we have a lot of running folk amongst the readership, and in the mass of volunteer, community organised stuff in recent years, one of the most impressive demonstrations of this has been the growth of the free, Saturday morning Parkrun phenomena, where volunteers and runners gather every Saturday in local parks for a run, totally free of charge.
The second Parkrun at Chasewater attracted more than 300 runners. Image from Susan Williams.
It’s not competitive – except against your own personal best – it’s properly marshalled and you have to register, but it’s a free, friendly thing that’s hugely popular and a stunning demonstration of community in action.
Having run for years now at Walsall Arboretum and Cannock Chase, we now have a 5km Parkrun at Chasewater that happens every Saturday (events in the park permitting) – and has been attracting over 300 runners already!
It’s on this Saturday (3rd August 2019) at 9:00am and the organisers have this to say:
What is Chasewater parkrun?
It is a 5km run – it’s you against the clock.
When is it?
Every Saturday at 9:00am.
Where is it?
The event takes place at Chasewater Country Park, Pool Rd, Burntwood, Brownhills, WS8 7NL. See Course page for more details.
What does it cost to join in?
Nothing – it’s free! but please register before your first run. Only ever register with parkrun once. Don’t forget to bring a printed copy of your barcode (request a reminder). If you forget it, you won’t get a time.
How fast do I have to be?
We all run for our own enjoyment. Please come along and join in whatever your pace!
Every week we grab a post parkrun coffee in the South Shore café – please come and join us!
Please, if you go for a run this Saturday, drop me a line and let me know how you get on – this is a fascinating thing and it’s growth is really wonderful. Comment here or mail me – BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com.
Just walking to the start shows the large number of runners already making this a great event! Image from Susan Williams.
Long term readers will remember the annual music and fun festival that’s taken place on the smallholding just off the A5 at Newtown, Brownhills, now renamed and revitalised as A5 Live.
This year the music, entertainment and fun returns to the smallholding just off the A5 Watling Street at Newtown, Brownhills, and takes place all this weekend from today, Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th August 2019, and tickets are still available but selling fast!
It promises to be the biggest and best A5 Live yet!
There are a fantastic range of bands – The Livewire, JR Hardbridge Band, Not Quite Dead Yet, The Dynamics, The Foo Fighters, Tin Soldier, Fleetwood Mad, Blacksheep, Slyder, Martian Social Club, The Endings, Teachers Pet, Arran Page, Skyfoil, Daisy D*ukes, Tin Alien and Caroline Bella.
A5 Live – the summer festival on your doorstep.
An unforgettable crowd, fantastic live bands, the amazing Humbuckers Licensed Bar, plus fantastic food vendors.
This is the 3rd year of A5 Live and the bands will be announced soon, the charity is Dementia Awareness and Livewire are headlining Friday night and a Foo fighters Tribute are headlining Saturday night.
In light of recent events, there’s a very interesting meeting taking place at 7:30pm tonight, Wednesday, 231st July 2019 – that of Rushall, Sheffield, Pelsall and Brownhills Neighbourhood Watch – and there’s a specific invitation to Brownhills residents.
Rushall Olympic is just off Daw End Lane. Imagery from Apple Maps.
The meeting takes place at Rushall Olympic Football Club in Dales Lane, Rushall, starting at 7.30pm.
With recent concerns about local crime and ongoing antisocial behaviour issues – this could be your chance to get your voice heard. If you’ve been unhappy with recent police performance, this would be a good forum at which to raise that, or any other related issue you may have.
The Watch group posted on Facebook:
Public meeting to discuss local crime issues and some new developments. Our AGM will form part of the meeting. Our neighbourhood police team will also be in attendance, subject to operational priorities.
Please, if you go along, do let me and the readers know what happened – either by commenting here, or mailing me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Thanks.
Whilst the popular Supporting the Rainbow autism support group is having a well-deserved summer break from it’s usual venue at the Smithys Forge pub, the group are organising some special meet-ups you can bring your kids along to – the first of which is today at Brownhills Community Centre from 1:45 to 2:45pm today, Tuesday 30th July 2019.
There will be a making your own rainbow activity, and the best one will be chosen as logo for the group! What’s not to love?
Brownhills Community Centre is the former school, located right on the Miner Island in Brownhills. Parking is at the rear.
Supporting the Rainbow is really growing in popularity – so why not pop along to see what it’s all about?
There has been a great response to the recent series of articles on local cinemas from an old, long out of print Ned Williams book David Evans has spotted in the huge Gerald Reece collection.
The Palace – or Blood Tub – in Brookland Road, Walsall Wood. Image from ‘Memories of Old Walsall Wood’ by Bill Mayo and John Sale.
However, a comment made by honorary grandfather of the blog Reg ‘Aer Reg’ Fullelove on the post about Walsall Wood’s Palace Cinema set the cat amongst the pigeons and bit I and the young David Evans are keen to learn more.
Reg had this to say on the Walsall Wood cinema post:
Hi readers
Fantastic reading! May I make one non criticism BLOOD TUB was as I’ve previously said was at the top of Lichfield Road by the Smithy I have recently found a photo copy given to me by a very good friend showing its location bless him…
God bless Reg
The Smithy is of course the site today of the pub, Smithy’s Forge.
Now, the 1984 book gives the most complete history I’ve ever seen of the picture houses of the area – including Walsall Wood, and it’s well worth bagging a copy – but you can find the articles on The Palace, Brownhills here, The Palace (‘Blood Tub’), Walsall Wood here and the Regent, Brownhills here – but it does seem that the Blood Tub in Lichfield Road escaped the attention of Ned Williams.
Whilst there’s no doubt the Wood folks called their Palace The Blood Tub, Reg is adamant this was the case in Brownhills too, so I’d like to find out more. He sent this photo to David Evans:
Lichfield Road, Brownhills from near where Smithy’s Forge is today, looking towards Co-op corner. Image kindly supplied by Reg Fullelove.
That is clearly Lichfield Road, and what’s more from the railway company bus, it’s pre-Great War. What I’m asking here is which building was the cinema – was it the low building, and if so what is before it?
From conversations David has had with Reg, he seems to think it was an early travelling picture show that settled here.
Does anyone have anything on this curious bit of lost history at all?
Reg also sent the following picture in of a Palace Cinema in Heath Hayes we’re also not familiar with, and we wondered what readers could contribute to the knowledge on that one?
The Palace Cinema, Heath Hayes. What do you know? Image kindly supplied by Reg Fullelove.
So please folks, can you expand on this topic please? If you have anything to add, please do: Comment here or on social media, or mail me on BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com.
Thanks to David and Reg, and to Ned Williams too, whose fine work set the course for this thread.
Just a headsup (I’ve only just noticed, sorry) to point out there’s a Big Bounce family fun event taking place at Holland Park, Brownhills (Next to the Library and Medical Centre) this Monday, 29th July 2019 with sessions starting at 11am and 1:30pm.
It’s actually looking like decent weather for the day too, in contrast to the weekend washout.
It’s £7 per child with adults and babies free.
There will be rides, inflatables, slides, toddler zone and all kinds of supervised fun.
The organisers said:
Holland Park, in Brownhills off the Parade WS8 7JB on Monday 29th July 2019
FOAM Party is back in the SUN! As a treat on the hot days we fire foam on the exit slide of an assault course at the end of the session
Big Bounce returns for our Summer tour around Walsall Parks, Staffordshire outdoor spaces & Stourbridges Crystal Leisure centre* Huge indoor arena. We return with…..
Big Bounce brings Loads of Inflatable fun for children of all ages. Huge Slide, challenging Obstacle courses, Bouncy Castles, Sweeper Games, Human wrecking Ball, Nerf Guns, Hungry Hippos Bungee run, Chair-O-Planes, animal hopperz for little ones & loads more.
We open for 2 sessions per day from 11am-1pm & 1.30pm-3.30pm Only £7 per child, Under 5’s £5, Supervising Adults & Babies in arms who cannot play are FREE
No booking required just turn up and pay by cash or card on entry.
I note that since it’s a decent day it would be an excellent chance to nip up to Stubbers Green with the kids, grandkids of even just by yourself and chat to the Swan Patrol.
The Patrol are there this afternoon – and every Sunday from 1-3pm and have bird books, binoculars and a wealth of knowledge to share – so why not join them? There’s so much more local wildlife than people think!
The reserve is by the pools on Stubbers Green Road, between Aldridge and Shelfield.
Ann Lawrence of the Swan Patrol said:
Do you want to know more about nature and wildlife?
Stubbers Green Nature Reserve Aldridge Swan Patrol every Sunday 1-3pm
Lollipops and stickers for children that bring good healthy bird foods. Sweet corn, lettuce, porridge oats, branflakes, cornflakes, vegetable peelings, bird seed.
We have binoculars and bird books available to use.
I notice that today, Sunday, 28th July 2019, there’s a rather fun looking craft and vintage event being staged at Chasewater Railway.
The fair runs from 11am until 4pm at Brownhills West Station (Use the Chasewater main entrance from the A5 and Pool Road) and there will be fun stuff to see and do, lots of stalls, the noted tea rooms and of course the wonderful atmosphere provided by a working preserved steam railway.
The whole thing is staffed by helpful and friendly volunteers who are always ready to chat and talk about the railway and rolling stock.
At Brownhills west station there are also a lovely model railway, plus a couple of great vintage and collectible stalls. The railway itself has a shop selling books, rail models, toys and other merchandise.
You can check their website here – trains run this and every weekend from 11am to 4pm with the museum, cafes and stations open earlier.
I’ve had some fascinating images sent in to the blog by regular reader Robert Sault, taken at the turn of the millennium as the M6 Toll motorway was being built trough our area.
These are a remarkable selection from what Robert describes as a much larger collection, and are notable for the fact that these must have been aerial images from an aircraft, as drone photography wasn’t around twenty years ago.
Robert Sault said:
Hi Bob
While having a tidy up I came across a disc containing photographs of various stages of construction of the M6 Toll.
There are dated aerial shots referenced to their section and random structures, holes in ground, watercourses etc.
Obviously some are on our local patch and I’ve included a few for you to gander.
Best wishes,
Rob
I’d be fascinated to see more and I’ll certainly be in touch with Robert about this collection in the near future – Considering that by this stage I had a digital camera, I took next to no photos of this construction at all and I really have no idea as to why not. A lot of it seems to have passed me by at the time, which is something I’ll always regret.
Image generously supplied by Robert Sault. Click for a large version.
The image above shows the southern shore of Chasewater from the west looking towards Hammerwich. The route of the motorway can clearly be seen bisecting Hendnesford Road, Pool Lane and Wharf Lane. Note the lost Pear Tree Cottage pub bottom centre left, and the totally different road layout pithing Chasewater Park.
Image generously supplied by Robert Sault. Click for a large version.
The construction cuts Wharf Lane in two in this aerial shot of the Anglesey Branch, and a temporary bridge is installed for heavy construction traffic. Construction of the canal flyover is well underway.
The old motocross track in the former quarry has been destroyed.
Image generously supplied by Robert Sault. Click for a large version.
This one took me a while. This is the Chase Road flyover and new motorway construction again from the west, looking northeast. The Triangle is top left and the outlines of the future intersection and islands can bee seen. The stub of Green Lane, lined with tall trees, would remain truncated.
Image generously supplied by Robert Sault. Click for a large version.
That’s clearly Hammerwich Church in the background to the shot of concrete being poured; I’d say this is on the region of the flyover in the previous image on Chase Road, but I could be wrong.
Image generously supplied by Robert Sault. Click for a large version.
I’m n ot sure if this is the flyover above of not; it’s datestamped earlier, March rather than April 2002 and yet the guard rails in the preceding picture are temporary scaffold.
Anything to add, or memories you’ve resisted? Comment here, mail me open BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com or hit me up on social media. Lets see what we can recall!
Long term readers will remember the annual music and fun festival that’s taken place on the smallholding just off the A5 at Newtown, Brownhills, now renamed and revitalised as A5 Live.
This year the music, entertainment and fun returns to the smallholding just off the A5 Watling Street at Newtown, Brownhills, and takes place next weekend from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th August 2019, and tickets are still available but selling fast!
It promises to be the biggest and best A5 Live yet!
There are a fantastic range of bands – The Livewire, JR Hardbridge Band, Not Quite Dead Yet, The Dynamics, The Foo Fighters, Tin Soldier, Fleetwood Mad, Blacksheep, Slyder, Martian Social Club, The Endings, Teachers Pet, Arran Page, Skyfoil, Daisy D*ukes, Tin Alien and Caroline Bella.
A5 Live – the summer festival on your doorstep.
An unforgettable crowd, fantastic live bands, the amazing Humbuckers Licensed Bar, plus fantastic food vendors.
This is the 3rd year of A5 Live and the bands will be announced soon, the charity is Dementia Awareness and Livewire are headlining Friday night and a Foo fighters Tribute are headlining Saturday night.
I know we have a lot of running folk amongst the readership, and in the mass of volunteer, community organised stuff in recent years, one of the most impressive demonstrations of this has been the growth of the free, Saturday morning Parkrun phenomena, where volunteers and runners gather every Saturday in local parks for a run, totally free of charge.
The second Parkrun at Chasewater attracted more than 300 runners. Image from Susan Williams.
It’s not competitive – except against your own personal best – it’s properly marshalled and you have to register, but it’s a free, friendly thing that’s hugely popular and a stunning demonstration of community in action.
Having run for years now at Walsall Arboretum and Cannock Chase, we now have a 5km Parkrun at Chasewater that happens every Saturday (events in the park permitting) – and has been attracting over 300 runners already!
It’s on this Saturday (27th July 2019) at 9:00am and the organisers have this to say:
What is Chasewater parkrun?
It is a 5km run – it’s you against the clock.
When is it?
Every Saturday at 9:00am.
Where is it?
The event takes place at Chasewater Country Park, Pool Rd, Burntwood, Brownhills, WS8 7NL. See Course page for more details.
What does it cost to join in?
Nothing – it’s free! but please register before your first run. Only ever register with parkrun once. Don’t forget to bring a printed copy of your barcode (request a reminder). If you forget it, you won’t get a time.
How fast do I have to be?
We all run for our own enjoyment. Please come along and join in whatever your pace!
Every week we grab a post parkrun coffee in the South Shore café – please come and join us!
Please, if you go for a run this Saturday, drop me a line and let me know how you get on – this is a fascinating thing and it’s growth is really wonderful. Comment here or mail me – BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com.
Just walking to the start shows the large number of runners already making this a great event! Image from Susan Williams.
As well as Stay and Play, this Saturday 27th July 2019 if you’ve got older kids why not try the PEPA Active Sports Club at Brownhills Community Centre from 10amn-11am?
It’s suitable for kids from 6-11 years old and there’s all manner of fun stuff going on – Dodgeball, Archery, Nerf Wars – just £3 per week per kid.
See you there?
🌟 Saturday 8th June 🌟 🌟 Brownhills Community Centre and The Lamp 🌟 🌟 £3 per session 🌟 🌟 Bring a friend and get the next session free 🌟 🌟 6 – 11 year olds 🌟 🌟 Come and have a go on our smoothie bike🚲🌟 🌟10 am – 11am 🌟
If you’ve a child or children under 4 years of age, there is a great Stay and Play session running at Brownhills Community Centre in the heart of Brownhills this Saturday morning 27th July 2019 from 10-11:30am.
It costs just two quid per kid and includes fruit and a drink, so it’s great value and it’s run by those wonderful people at the Little Green Dragons Nursery, who are resident at the centre and are fully qualified nursery teachers.
There are games and toys and all manner of fun for the weans – and you get a break to boot.
Saturday 27th July 2019 MESSY MUD PIES
We will have all resources set out for your little ones to create messy mud pies this week! (This activity will be in the garden)
We will be continuing to explore the water play in the garden with our bikes, scooters, slides, footballs, large chalk boards and much more!
Our playroom has had a move around so come and explore our new areas…
Our creative table will be based around dinosaurs this week…
Our Sandtray will be open and accessible as it is every week…
…Along with all our other areas of play within the nursery setting:
• home corner • construction • small world • maths area • cosy book/music area • baby sensory area
See you all Saturday!
We will be both indoors & outdoors (weather permitting).
10.00am-11.30am £2 per child Snack included
Feel free to invite your friends with children aged 0-4 years and share our events
This group is held at Little Green Dragons Day Nursery every Saturday morning.
The Community Centre is what my generation would know as ‘The Annexe’ – the old Central Boy’s School, now a bustling community resource. To find out more, you can pop in or call them on 01543 452119.
The Community Association have lots of stuff going on, and loads of great facilities, right in the heart of Brownhills. I love what they’re about and all the great things they’re doing.
Ian is an experienced cyclist – and hopefully the road conditions will be a bit better than this for his journey to Blackpool! Image from Ian’s Facebook page.
Here’s an appeal to sponsor Brownhills poet and human dynamo Ian Neville who is today (Friday, 26th July 2019) riding from Brownhills to Blackpool by bicycle – a distance of 120 miles, a remarkable endeavour.
If paying by bank transfer, please put ’cycle 120’ as your payment reference so they know what its been donated for.
Thanks for your support already!
Next Friday 26th July 2019 I shall be cycling from Brownhills to Blackpool for a stag do – a distance of 120 miles give or take a few… I will probably get lost along the way so probably be more…
I’m doing this as a charity ride for the above organisation to help raise awareness and funds. It will be a struggle as I’ve not really trained for this one but I did say I’d do it one day and this seems as good a time as any – I’m getting no younger 😀
If I dont raise at least £300 i may as well go to work and donate the cash myself 😉
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN ADVANCE!
Ian’s a well know local lad and top bloke! Image from his Facebook page.
There’s also an appeal ongoing for people who may be interested to join the friends of New Hall Mill and help in all sorts of ways – the team need all kinds of expertise from guides to engineering types who may have time to spare. See the message at the door to the post.
The open day is free to enter too (although donations are welcomed).
The Friends of New Hall Mill said:
Bob
New Hall Mill – 28th July 2019 Open Day
The Friends of New Hall Mill will be opening the water mill to the public on Sunday 28th July. Come along and see flour being produced from wheat in the traditional way, have a go on a hand operated quern as still used in parts of the world today. Visit the gift shop, be entertained with Live music, see the many side stalls in the grounds and experience lovely walks alongside the streams and through the meadows.
There is an exhibition room and small tearoom selling cakes and beverages along with a garden shop where produce may be purchased from the millers garden. Don’t forget to visit Auntie Wainwrights to find that bargain that you always wanted.
For your entertainment, we have The Lichfield Lighthouse Company performing 20 min sessions in the mill yard at 12:30, 1:20 and 1:55
There will be a guided walk at approx 2.00 pm around the mill and the grounds.
In the meadows and grounds; we have Displays & Demonstrations by –
West Midlands Wood Turners
Owen Motoring Club
Erdington Historical Society
Bournville Bread Basket
Vintage Gardening Equipment Display
ECO Sutton
Lucy May’s Animal Days
Maidens Fayre Jams
The Beekeeper
Electrical Horrors
Vintage Electrical Display
The Turner Model Collection
Steel Pen Trade Display
International Plastic Modellers Society
Writing Equipment Display
Stockland Green Local History Group
Face Painting
Story Telling
Vintage Bicycles Display
Birmingham & The Black Country Wildlife Trust
I totally geeked out over this wonderful place.
Entry to the site and Parking is free, donations are always welcome in order that we raise funds to maintain the buildings for all to see in the future.
Please note that we open at 10:00 and close at 16:00 with last entry onto site being at 15:45.
Only disability assistance dogs are allowed on site.
Access to the mill is off Wylde Green Road, Sutton Coldfield, B76 1QU some 200 metres from National Cycle Route 534.
Having seen what we do, could you be able to assist? In order to continue holding these events, we need additional membership to help out on Open Days and Work Days. It is not all about Flour production – We have ageing machinery to maintain, tea room staff are always welcome, there are openings in all areas. Have a chat with a volunteer on Open day.
Hoping to see you there
Alan Dawson – A friend of New Hall Mill.
This is certainly a project worth visiting and supporting – please do pop along if you can. You can check out a gallery of my photos taken there last year below. I had a great time.
Hello folks – great news reaches me from David Evans. It seems that he’s been in communication with the greatest historian ever to have written about Brownhills, Gerald Reece, who will be returning to Brownhills on the 10th August 2019 to undertake a Walk Into History.
Gerald and Cherry Reece: on whose shoulders all my work here stands. Image kindly supplied by David Evans.
He will be returning to do another of his walks around the parish boundary of Brownhills this year, as he celebrates his 80th birthday.
His last visit and walkabout was five years ago. He is inviting those interested to join him and enjoy seeing and learning about the local history that he has written about.
The walk will start from Chasewater Railway station, who kindly offer their facilities, cafe, and a room by the museum as well as free parking, at 10 a.m. on Saturday 10 August.
Gerald has told me the walk usually takes him around three hours.I would recommend strong walking shoes and a good camera for the occasion.
Many thanks and my kind regards David Evans
Members of the public interested in Gerald’s work are invited to join him and Beat the Bounds together, whilst Gerald shares his knowledge. The event will, as far as I’m aware, be free – but you’ll need to be nimble and attentive to keep up with Gerald!
I notice that this Sunday, 28th July 2019, there’s a rather fun looking craft and vintage event being staged at Chasewater Railway.
The fair runs from 11am until 4pm at Brownhills West Station (Use the Chasewater main entrance from the A5 and Pool Road) and there will be fun stuff to see and do, lots of stalls, the noted tea rooms and of course the wonderful atmosphere provided by a working preserved steam railway.
The whole thing is staffed by helpful and friendly volunteers who are always ready to chat and talk about the railway and rolling stock.
At Brownhills west station there are also a lovely model railway, plus a couple of great vintage and collectible stalls. The railway itself has a shop selling books, rail models, toys and other merchandise.
You can check their website here – trains run this and every weekend from 11am to 4pm with the museum, cafes and stations open earlier.
Ian is an experienced cyclist – and hopefully the road conditions will be a bit better than this for his journey to Blackpool! Image from Ian’s Facebook page.
Here’s a heads up for an appeal to sponsor Brownhills poet and human dynamo Ian Neville who will be riding from Brownhills to Blackpool by bicycle this Friday, 26th July 2019 – a distance of 120 miles, a remarkable endeavour.
If paying by bank transfer, please put ’cycle 120’ as your payment reference so they know what its been donated for.
Thanks for your support already!
Next Friday 26th July 2019 I shall be cycling from Brownhills to Blackpool for a stag do – a distance of 120 miles give or take a few… I will probably get lost along the way so probably be more…
I’m doing this as a charity ride for the above organisation to help raise awareness and funds. It will be a struggle as I’ve not really trained for this one but I did say I’d do it one day and this seems as good a time as any – I’m getting no younger 😀
If I dont raise at least £300 i may as well go to work and donate the cash myself 😉
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN ADVANCE!
Ian’s a well know local lad and top bloke! Image from his Facebook page.
I note that since it’s a decent day it would be an excellent chance to nip up to Stubbers Green with the kids, grandkids of even just by yourself and chat to the Swan Patrol.
The Patrol are there this afternoon – and every Sunday from 1-3pm and have bird books, binoculars and a wealth of knowledge to share – so why not join them? There’s so much more local wildlife than people think!
The reserve is by the pools on Stubbers Green Road, between Aldridge and Shelfield.
Ann Lawrence of the Swan Patrol said:
Do you want to know more about nature and wildlife?
Stubbers Green Nature Reserve Aldridge Swan Patrol every Sunday 1-3pm
Lollipops and stickers for children that bring good healthy bird foods. Sweet corn, lettuce, porridge oats, branflakes, cornflakes, vegetable peelings, bird seed.
We have binoculars and bird books available to use.
David Evans watched the showmen setting up in Lichfield this week and made the following observation – and it struck me that we’d never discussed Brownhills or local funfairs (and of course, circuses) much, if at all.
David Evans wrote:
A wonderful image of Carters setting up in Lichfield by Mark Smith.
Hi Bob
I was interested to see the sight of a classic showman’s caravan rolling into Beacon Park, Lichfield this week, which brings back some distant memories of the Brownhills Fair many years ago when I was a toddler.
My grandma’s niece was married to one of the showmen and I can remember climbing up steps to go in the caravan and then going on all the rides… For free!
The man she married was affectionately known as Coconut George and went onto became the wealthy owner of a fairground in the North East.
David
So, what do you remember of the smell of candy floss, toffee apples, shooting galleries with guns with bent barrels? Of the lights and the Waltzers and loud music? What daft prizes did you win?
Please do comment here of mail me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com – or collar me on social media.
Friend of the blog Chris Booth has been in touch to let me know about a rather nice Coffee Concert that’s due to take place this afternoon (Saturday 20th July 2019) at the Silver Street Methodist Church in Brownhills, featuring the talented tenor soloist Alan Hazel.
There’s coffee and cake afterwards, so what’s not to love? It kicks off at 2:30pm
Come and join us for our monthly 45 minute coffee concert with Tenor Soloist Alan Hazel with music from all genres followed by refreshments!
As well as Stay and Play, this Saturday 20th July 2019 if you’ve go older kids why not try the PEPA Active Sports Club at Brownhills Community Centre from 10amn-11am?
It’s suitable for kids from 6-11 years old and there’s all manner of fun stuff going on – Dodgeball, Archery, Nerf Wars – just £3 per week per kid.
See you there?
🌟 Saturday 8th June 🌟 🌟 Brownhills Community Centre and The Lamp 🌟 🌟 £3 per session 🌟 🌟 Bring a friend and get the next session free 🌟 🌟 6 – 11 year olds 🌟 🌟 Come and have a go on our smoothie bike🚲🌟 🌟10 am – 11am 🌟
If you’ve a child or children under 4 years of age, there is a great Stay and Play session running at Brownhills Community Centre in the heart of Brownhills this Saturday morning 20th July 2019 from 10-11:30am.
It costs just two quid per kid and includes fruit and a drink, so it’s great value and it’s run by those wonderful people at the Little Green Dragons Nursery, who are resident at the centre and are fully qualified nursery teachers.
There are games and toys and all manner of fun for the weans – and you get a break to boot.
Saturday 20th July 2019 Bathing the Babies Our messy tray will be bathing the babies this week.
Following the children’s interests from last week we will be continuing to explore the water play in the garden as well as bathing the babies alongside our bikes, scooters, slides, footballs large chalk boards and much more!
Our playroom has had a move around so come and explore our new areas.
Our creative table will be free flow with a variety of mark marking tools to explore.
Our Sand tray will be open and accessible as it is every week.
…Along with all our other areas of play within the nursery setting:
• home corner • construction • small world • maths area • cosy book/music area • baby sensory area
See you all Saturday…
Fingers crossed the sun still has her hat on ☀️☀️☀️
We will be both indoors & outdoors 🌈🌈🌈
10.00am-11.30am £2 per child Snack included
Feel free to invite your friends with children aged 0-4 years and share our events
This group is held at Little Green Dragons Day Nursery every Saturday morning …
The Community Centre is what my generation would know as ‘The Annexe’ – the old Central Boy’s School, now a bustling community resource. To find out more, you can pop in or call them on 01543 452119.
The Community Association have lots of stuff going on, and loads of great facilities, right in the heart of Brownhills. I love what they’re about and all the great things they’re doing.
There’s something for all ages at Barton Steam Rally. Image from the 2017 event.
There’s a great steam, vintage vehicle and generally fun event on this weekend near Barton Under Needwood, Staffordshire, which I think many blog readers would enjoy – Barton Under Needwood Steam Rally takes place this Saturday and Sunday 20th-21stnd July 2019 at Barton Gate, not far from Burton Upon Trent.
I’ve visited this one several times including in 2018 – a gallery of which you can see here – it’s a large event in a rural location and is wonderful for all the family. There are always loads of engines and vehicles, large and small, models, vintage ephemera and all manner of food, fun and entertainment – and usually a very good beer tent too.
Sadly I can’t make it this year so if you go, please do have fun and send me some pics.
The fair is open both days, 10am – 5pm Saturday, 10-4pm Sunday, with adult entry at £7 – but kids under 16 accompanied by an adult go free, which can’t be bad.
Parking is free, and the address for Satnav wranglers is Needwood Rise Farm, Barton Gate, Barton under Needwood, Staffs, DE13 8AP.
I know we have a lot of running folk amongst the readership, and in the mass of volunteer, community organised stuff in recent years, one of the most impressive demonstrations of this has been the growth of the free, Saturday morning Parkrun phenomena, where volunteers and runners gather every Saturday in local parks for a run, totally free of charge.
The second Parkrun at Chasewater attracted more than 300 runners. Image from Susan Williams.
It’s not competitive – except for against your own personal best – it’s properly marshalled and you have to register, but it’s a free, friendly thing that’s hugely popular and a stunning demonstration of community in action.
Having run for years now at Walsall Arboretum and Cannock Chase, we now have a 5km Parkrun at Chasewater that happens every Saturday (events in the park permitting) – and has been attracting over 300 runners already!
It’s on this Saturday (20th July 2019) at 9:00am and the organisers have this to say:
What is Chasewater parkrun?
It is a 5km run – it’s you against the clock.
When is it?
Every Saturday at 9:00am.
Where is it?
The event takes place at Chasewater Country Park, Pool Rd, Burntwood, Brownhills, WS8 7NL. See Course page for more details.
What does it cost to join in?
Nothing – it’s free! but please register before your first run. Only ever register with parkrun once. Don’t forget to bring a printed copy of your barcode (request a reminder). If you forget it, you won’t get a time.
How fast do I have to be?
We all run for our own enjoyment. Please come along and join in whatever your pace!
Every week we grab a post parkrun coffee in the South Shore café – please come and join us!
Please, if you go for a run this Saturday, drop me a line and let me know how you get on – this is a fascinating thing and it’s growth is really wonderful. Comment here or mail me – BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com.
Just walking to the start shows the large number of runners already making this a great event! Image from Susan Williams.
The inimitable soul DJ Leekie has been in touch to let me know that he’s DJing his regular Soultime event at Pelsall Community Centre this Friday evening, 19th July 2019 at Pelsall Community Centre, where he and a number of great soul pals will be fulfilling all your Northern Soul, Reggae, Mod, Ska and Motown requirements.
I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t like a bit of classic soul and Leekie is a great DJ for a wonderful night. A two-room event, it also features Moldie, J.C., Jon Harfield, Reggae Rita and of course, Leekie!
It’s just £5 a head (payable o the door) and kicks off at 8pm and runs until Midnight. What’s not to love?
That’s Pelsall Community Centre, Station Rd, Pelsall, Walsall WS3 4BQ. See you there?
Never one to sit back and let life pass her by, that there Kate Cardigan from the wonderful Lichfield Lore is involved with the excellent Lichfield Repair Cafe project – which continues it’s regular residency this coming Saturday afternoon (Saturday 20th July 2019) at Curborough Community Centre, Lichfield from 2pm until 5pm.
Kate, who’s more usually known for her excellent work with Lichfield local history group, Lichfield Discovered and other projects, started a community initiative to help people repair, recycle and put back to good use things that my be broken or need some love.
This looks like a great way to have fun, meet up with other like minded folk and also learn some new skills.
If you’re unsure where to find Curborough Community Centere, check out their contact page here, and the address for twatnav wranglers is 37, Reynolds Close, Lichfield Ws13 7NY.
I’ll let Kate explain:
Hello!
The Lichfield Repair & Share cafe meets again at Curborough Community Centre on Saturday 20th July 2019 between 2pm and 5pm. As a way of reducing waste whilst learning new skills, we have a team of volunteer repairers on hand to show people how to try and mend their broken or damaged items, rather than throw them away.
Bring your broken household items along to see if our team of volunteer repairs can help you fix them- or just pop in for a chat & a brew! All welcome, no charge but voluntary donations welcome 🙂
There will, as usual be a cafe with hot and cold drinks and cakes. Whilst there is no charge, voluntary donations are appreciated!
The cafe will be taking place at Curborough on the 3rd Saturday of every month and we are always looking for more people to get involved whether they want to offer their skills as a repairer or run a workshop. To find our more information, or to volunteer, please email lichfieldshare@gmail.com, join the group’s Facebook page Lichfield Repair Café or follow us on Twitter @lichfieldshare.
The Walsall Arms is a great little pub. Image posted on Flickr by Geoff Pick.
Here’s a quick plug for something I asked for help with a couple of weeks ago: Lichfield, Walsall and South Staffordshire Humanists – a philosophical debating group – have their quarterly meeting tonight, Wednesday 17th July 2019 at their new home – the Walsall Arms pub, 17 Bank Street, WS1 2EP.
The meeting kicks off at 7:45pm and goes on until about 10pm.
I asked for help with a new venue for the group a couple of weeks ago – they used to meet at the Boatman’s Rest in Walsall Wood but since the restaurant conversion, they pub has no meeting room. Thankfully they seem to have found an excellent and very suitable new venue.
Old pal of the blog, Charles Street let me know about the group and their meeting schedule – and the fact that’s it’s completely free to attend.
If you’re interested in philosophy, the nature of what we believe and accept, this could be a great evening with like minded people.
Charles said:
Hi Bob
I wonder if you’d be kind enough to give a mention to our Humanist group on your blog?
I’m a member of Humanists UK, and also a member of the local Humanist group (LWASS – Lichfield Walsall and South Staffs) Humanists – we hold a meeting every quarter for those interested in Humanism, Atheism, Secularism and related subject areas.
We meet on the 3rd Wednesday every quarter – January April July and October at 7:45pm-ish until 10pm-ish for those interested in Humanism and related matters.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday July 17, 2019 – venue: the Walsall Arms pub, 17 Bank Street, WS1 2EP.
The pub itself does not have on site parking but ample on street parking nearby. It is within easy walking of Walsall Town Centre and public transport. It has the advantage that it has projection facilities and as soon as we have understood the projection logistics we can show films for discussion.
At the moment there are around a dozen of us that meet up and have a general chat about Humanism – we’re looking for new people to come and add to the discussion.
There is no membership fee – anyone that’s interested just come and join in. We have a diverse range of members, and from all colours of the political spectrum. – If you’re interested come and say hello – we are really nice people!
If you pop along to the meeting please drop me the word and tell me how you got on – the Humanists have a whole bunch of stuff going on and their website above is worth a look: I’ve always been a big fan of Birmingham Sceptics in the Pub who post some very interesting, thought provoking stuff on social media.
Tell me more: Comment here, mail me on BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com or tug my coat on the antisocial media.
There’s a community litter pick event taking place in Brownhills this weekend on Saturday morning, 20th July 2019 from 10am until 12pm – and all are welcome. All kit will be provided!
Every bit helps! Image from the event Facebook page.
This is being run by local lady Kathryn Grace and a band of volunteers for the benefit of the community, so it’ll be a worthwhile event to get involved with and help improve the local environment.
Kathryn said:
It’s almost time for a summer spruce up! So take a hold of your community spirit and join us for a litter pick around the beautiful canal, Brownhills High Street and surrounding area.
Add your name to the list. Do come and meet your neighbours, bring along your children and let’s ‘Make Brownhills Great Again’.
Clean & Green will provide pickers, vests, gloves and bags.
Meet at ther lower car park near the Green Bridge.
Just a heads up to let folk know that there’s a popular and regular autism support group meeting in Brownhills this Tuesday lunchtime from 1:30-2:30pm at the Smithy’s Forge pub, Lichfield Road, Brownhills, just off the Miner Island.
For parents, carers, etc. of children and adults with autism.
Weekly support group every Tuesday at the Smithys Forge, Brownhills 1:30-2:30 🌈
The group has been running for a few months now and is growing in popularity – so why not pop along to see what it’s all about?
This is the last of thee articles that David Evans has spotted in the huge Gerald Reece collection that have really interested me and are very much worth a share – they are from a very much lost local history book by noted author and historian Ned Williams about local cinemas, and give the most complete history I’ve ever seen of the picture houses of the area – including Walsall Wood.
Today’s article covers the Palace Cinema, Walsall Wood – affectionately known as ‘The Blood Tub’ – and possibly the most warmly remembered of the three local picture houses.
The Palace stood win Brookland Road, Walsall Wood, where Lee Court is now.
Published in 1984 and sold for £1.95: Now changing hands for more than £30. Que sera.
The book was published by Uralia Press, of 28 Westland Road Wolverhampton with the ISBN of 0 946406 07 3 – do get a copy if you can. I pay tribute here to the immense cannon of work by Ned Williams, a truly remarkable author and researcher.
Ned wrote:
THE PALACE, WALSALL WOOD
When one looks for written documentation of the life and times of the little cinema in Walsall Wood one could almost be persuaded it never existed, but in the memories of local people it still survives and can be recalled in amazing detail. Thus it has been impossible to track down the precise opening or closing date of the Palace although the names of the people who worked in it are clearly remembered.
BVrookland Road, where The Palace – better known as the Blood Tub – is indeed seen on the left. Jan Farrow, whose book ‘Around Walsall Wood and Brownhills in Old Picture Postcards’ this image featured, clearly hadn’t red Ned Williams, and is a caution on. taking photo captions in such book at face value.
One published history of Walsall Wood claims that the Palace opened in 1924 but I think it was really in business long before that. The ledgers of a Birmingham film-renter, Britannic Films, record the regular renting of films to Messrs Nicklin and Barker of Walsall Wood Picture House from September 1916 to January 1918. As relatively few cinemas opened in the middle of the First World War it could be guessed that the ‘Picture House’ in Walsall Wood opened before the War, or in 1915 by the latest. Like the Palace in Brownhills, dating from the end of 1912, it was a corrugated-iron building, sometimes more evocatively described as a ‘tin shed’. It stood in Brookland Road, opposite the gates of the cemetery, not far from the Walsall-Lichfield Road that had become the main thoroughfare of the community.
Dolly Hood, bom in 1902, lived in Brookland Road and saw the cinema being built on the land where she once played. She worked at the cinema as a cleaner for many years and was first engaged by the Mr. Nicklin mentioned above. She can remember the cinema being acquired by Miles Jervis.
The early history of the Palace becomes a little clearer with the arrival of the Jervis family. (Previously mentioned in the chapter about the Regent, Brownhills). Miles Jervis I was established in the market hall at Chasetown, which had originally been converted to a cinema by his brother, Ted Jervis. Tom Jervis was successfully running a cinema at Heath Hayes. Suddenly the little cinema at Walsall Wood came on the market. Miles Jervis I and Tom Jervis formed a partnership to acquire it, presumably doing so at the end of the First World War. One of the earliest rate books relating to Walsall Wood that still exists records, that, in 1919, the ‘Picture Palace’ was owned by the ‘Jervis Brothers’.
Subsequently Miles Jervis I bought out his brother’s interest and then, while still running the Palace, set about building another cinema at Sankey’s Corner, Chase Terrace. According to Miles Jervis’ son the cinema was sold to Enoch Simpson but the story told by the entries in the rate books shows an interesting variation to that sequence of events. The 1928 rate book lists Edward Jervis as the proprietor, but we can almost be certain that he had been running the Palace, Walsall Wood earlier than that. Bill Hatton left school to start working for Edward Jervis at Walsall Wood in 1924. He is certain that no other member of the Jervis family was associated with the Palace at that time.
Miles Jervis I, on the left, facing camera, poses at the Kings Lynn fairground with the future King George VI, standing in front of a traction engine’s wheel! (Collection of Miles Jervis II)
At this stage I will have to introduce the Hatton family. They lived in a row of houses in Jobern’s Brickyard and Mrs. Hatton also worked for Mr. Jervis at the Palace as a cleaner. Every Thursday she scrubbed the building clean from top to bottom. Joe Hatton found work at the Palace as an operator and general assistant. (For a time the operators were Mr. Beard, and his son, two miners from Chasetown who cycled over to Walsall Wood every night).
Jim Hatton became the doorman — and apparently bought himself an impressive uniform in which to carry out the task. As a school-leaver young Bill Hatton assisted in a very general way. He used to collect and deliver the films to and from Birmingham and shunt the films around between Walsall Wood and the cinemas at Heath Hayes and Chasetown. The three cinemas could share three two-day programmes. Later Heath Hayes and Walsall Wood shared serials and when there were two shows a night this created intense work. The serial had to be shown at the end of the first house and the beginning of the second house at the Palace between its screenings at Heath Hayes! Bill Hatton also assisted the Jervises in setting up and taking down fairground rides. While helping Edward Jervis build the Regent (see previous chapter) he still managed to work during the evening at the Palace.
After opening the Regent it seems that Edward Jervis managed to persuade Enoch Simpson to buy the Palace. Enoch Simpson was in business in Brownhills. It is thought that he was at first involved in selling insurance. However, he is most frequently remembered as a proprietor of a garage. He had three sons, Enoch, Edgar and Ernest, and a daughter, Edith. Thus some people recalling the cinema distinguish between ‘Old Enoch’ and ‘Young Enoch’. He certainly took a very personal role in running his cinema. Patrons can remember him taking the money in the pay box, and carrying the takings in a bulging Gladstone bag out to his car at the end of the evening to drive back to Brownhills. In 1930, when the Palace’s existence is first recorded in the Kine Year Book, Mr. Simpson boasted that it could seat 1100 patrons. This is an amazing figure compared with the 1948 figure of 330 and the 1955 figure of 285. The benches that formed the front rows must certainly have been well-packed in Mr. Simpson’s time!
From the mid twenties to the early thirties, admission to bench seats was 2d, (children Id). Behind them, plush seats could be obtained for 4d. At the back of the auditorium a few rows of more luxurious seats formed a gallery — a step or two up from the cheaper seats. Patrons in the gallery paid 6d. (at crowded shows ‘extra’ seats were borrowed from nearby houses!)
During the thirties Mr. Simpson was still assisted in running the Palace by the Hatton family Bill Hatton cycled between Heath Hayes and Walsall Wood with the serials during that period, and occasionally sold 4d tickets from a small pay box reached by a side entrance to the auditorium. The cheaper seats were reached by this side entrance. These patrons had to make their way down the side of the auditorium in a passage between the cinema and Mr. & Mrs. Bacon’s house next door. They also had to sit within earshot of the gas engine generating power at the back of the cinema. Some of the power was used to illuminate two arc lamps that lit up the front of the cinema.
The cinema’s popularity spread beyond the boundaries of Walsall Wood. People from Clayhanger would walk along the railway line to come to the Palace. Of course the Saturday afternoon matinee performance was for children and on many occasions a funeral would be arriving at the cemetery opposite while the young folk of Walsall Wood were making an incredible noise in the cinema. Jim Hatton would try to quieten them down by shouting out that a funeral was in progress! Children were admitted to the matinee for one penny, but if they bought a special ticket for two pennies they were also allowed to attend a Wednesday afternoon ‘after-school’ matinee that started at about 4.30p.m.
Bill Hatton’s driving work, particularly long distance jobs, began intervening with his part-time work for Mr. Simpson and eventually his brother, George, took his place. This perhaps explains why some Walsall Wood residents seem to have confused memories of which brother they are recalling.
While Enoch Simpson was running the Palace, Harry Russell reappears in the history of local cinemas.His first encounter with the business had been at the Palace, Brownhills, but his second encounter was at Walsall Wood. He came along to operate the non-synchronised music provided towards the end of the silent period — staying, in fact, until the Gyrotone Sound System was installed and the talkies came to Walsall Wood.
Some time later Enoch Simpson approached Harry Russell again and asked him to do the film-booking and to assist in running the place. During the Second World War Harry was assisting Enoch, and was occasionally relief operator for George Davidson at the Avion, as well as making himself responsible for film transport. At the end of the War he was General Manager of the Aldridge Cinema Company, running both the Avion and the Dale, Willenhall. Almost immediately his association with the Palace, Walsall Wood, was renewed when the company took over the Palace from the Simpson family. By this time Enoch had passed on and ‘Young Enoch’ and Ernest Simpson were concerned with running the Palace. Technically the Palace was run by the Walsall Wood Cinema Company, of which the directors were Leslie Brain, Harry Russell and a Mr. Nightingale.
About 1940 Jeff Collins left school at the age of 14 and started working part-time at the Palace, his first duty being to tear tickets in half as patrons entered the auditorium. Like many other people who worked in the local cinemas, he worked at the Walsall Wood Colliery by day. He progressed to the operating box, learning the trade from an operator who was a railwayman by day. Later he assisted Harry Russell and finally became chief operator himself at the time Harry went to the Avion. When the Palace was taken over by the Avion directors, Jeff Collins was put in charge of the place. Even then, looking after the Palace remained a part-time job, and Jeff Collins found his Monday lunchtime was fully occupied with dashing to the bank with the cinema’s weekly takings! Towards the end of the cinema’s life, Jeff’s wife, Dorothy, worked in the pay box. Other men from Walsall Wood Colliery or from the brickyard took their turn in the operating box, including Alan Clift, Malcolm Corfield, Roy Dukes and Terry Gill, one of the last lads to be trained at the Palace. Roy Dukes recalls the curtains that could not be opened automatically from the box – the operator had to leave the box to manually open them before each performance.
Another operator who assisted Jeff Collins was Ray Hudson, he was also a gentleman that worked in more than one of the cinemas described in this book. Ray had worked part-time at the Avion during the War, with Charlie Turner and knew the Avion at the time of George Davidson’s strict management. While at the Palace, Ray witnessed an amusing incident involving George Hatton in the latter’s capacity as ‘chucker-out’. One night a Customs and Excise officer came to inspect the tickets. He approached George Hatton saying, ‘I believe it’s possible to get into this cinema for nothing’. While saying this he strode into the auditorium and sat down — but not for long: George Hatton followed him in and then bodily threw him out!
The Blood Tub inside and out, in the 1950s: Again, consider the dates in the caption. Is this the new ‘brick frontage’? Image from ‘Memories of Old Walsall Wood’ by Bill Mayo and John Sale.
In keeping with the obscurity that surrounds the precise dates in the Palace’s history it has been impossible to make a dated account of its post-war history. At some stage the Palace closed and endured a fairly extensive re-building programme that probably lasted about six months. Some say the work was prompted by a projection room fire. Others say there was a fire but it was not the cause of the rebuilding programme. It also seems that there were plans to drastically rebuild and enlarge the Palace. The new projection box was sited with this in mind. The rebuilding that did take place changed the projection box and replaced the original timber frontage of the cinema. The contractors were the Hardy Brothers of Aldridge, one of which went on to become a prominent local house-builder.
A new brick frontage was built and apparently the local Magistrates seized the opportunity to be fussy about a number of matters at the Palace before renewing its licence. It was also an opportunity to modernise the equipment. The old Kalee 6 projectors were replaced with Kalee 8’s and the old Gyrotone sound system was replaced with BTH. This change of equipment is recorded in the 1951 Kine Year Book suggesting that the rebuilding took place in 1950, but there is also reliable evidence that it took place in the summer of 1951! The strange thing is that after all these improvements the Palace never seemed to recover from its period of temporary closure. Business never returned to what it had been, but nevertheless the Palace continued showing films right into the sixties, and the Palace outlived the Regent in Brownhills, but closed its doors before the Avion.
It seems that the Palace closed in 1964. Jeff Collins remembers that business was good during the final week and that they probably closed with a Tarzan film, but the precise date of this event has again slipped away without memories or documentation to name the day it happened. The building was not immediately demolished and seems to have stood empty for about three or four years. Planning permission could not be obtained for any alternative use of the building. At the end of 1967 the Palace was included in the sale of the Avion and Dale, Willenhall, to Robert Gillette. The Midlands Electricity Board has a record of removing the electricity supply in August 1968, and this probably marks the demolition of the building. The land was sold again and today a small block of flats stands on the site, known as Lee Court. Perhaps it should have been called ‘Blood Tub Place’.
If you have any thoughts or questions on the The Palace (Blood Tub) or any other cinema in Brownhills, please do share them – comment here, find me on social media or mail me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Thanks.
Gerald and Cherry Reece: on whose shoulders all my work here stands. Image kindly supplied by David Evans.
Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust are busy preparing for their Heritage Gathering call and vintage festival which is coming up over the weekend of 21-22nd September 2019, and takes place at their Huddlesford base, near Lichfield.
A wonderful day out in store for all! Image from Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust.
There will be boats, vintage and classic vehicles, stalls, food, displays and all the usual fun and games. This is a great show and previous years have been excellent, and well worth the visit.
I had a great time at the last of these biennial events in 2017, and I’m looking forward to this one immensely. You can see a gallery of images from 2017s event at the foot of this post.
All funds raised will help support the canal restoration project, whose volunteers are currently beavering away on the route of the lost line between Barracks Lane, Ogley Hay and The Boat restaurant, on the Lichfield Road at Summerhill, opening the route for walkers, as well as the more general restoration work to restore the old canal, particularly at Borrowcop on the A51 at Lichfield and near Fosseway between Lichfield and Wall.
If you’re into history, canals, vintage transport and craft, keep that weekend free!
The Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust said:
Weekend of Entertainment at Heritage Gathering
Huddlesford Heritage Gathering promises to be bigger and better than ever this year.
More than 6,000 people came to the biennial event in 2017 and with new attractions and the return of old favourites, this year’s Gathering, on September 21-22, really does have something for everyone.
Organised jointly by Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust and Lichfield Cruising Club, the Gathering features historic boats, floating traders, private boats and classic vehicles, with exhibitors and displays on the field.
With music, entertainment, food and bar all day, the Gathering, held at Lichfield Cruising Club, Huddlesford, Lichfield WS13 8PY, is open to visitors from 10am to 5pm on both days.
Entry is £5 with free parking.
The Gathering’s mini music festival includes the chance for aspiring dancers with the Reel Hot Ceilidh Peppers, playing lively barn dance and ceilidh music, and Beggars Oak, who perform clog and Morris dancing.
Talented 17-year-old Lichfield singer Amelia Harrison, Wildfire Folk and Lighthouse Company are among the other local musical acts on the main stage, while there is also a slot on Buskers Corner for amateur or professional performers hoping to impress the crowds.
The Saturday night evening entertainment will be provided by BBC Radio2 Young Folk Award nominees Granny’s Attic and a pig roast will be available before the music starts. Tickets priced £15 must be purchased separately for this event.
The fully booked classic car spaces include Lotus, Jaguar, Triumph and MG enthusiasts, while floating traders offer everything from cheese and chutneys to traditional narrowboat art.
There is still room for exhibitors and land traders, and the Gathering offers excellent sponsorship opportunities for potential corporate partners.
I note that since it’s a decent day it would be an excellent chance to nip up to Stubbers Green with the kids, grandkids of even just by yourself and chat to the Swan Patrol.
The Patrol are there this afternoon – and every Sunday from 1-3pm and have bird books, binoculars and a wealth of knowledge to share – so why not join them? There’s so much more local wildlife than people think!
The reserve is by the pools on Stubbers Green Road, between Aldridge and Shelfield.
Ann Lawrence of the Swan Patrol said:
Do you want to know more about nature and wildlife?
Stubbers Green Nature Reserve Aldridge Swan Patrol every Sunday 1-3pm
Lollipops and stickers for children that bring good healthy bird foods. Sweet corn, lettuce, porridge oats, branflakes, cornflakes, vegetable peelings, bird seed.
We have binoculars and bird books available to use.
The Maclean Way is gorgeous – I cycled it this weekend and can really vouch for that – but it needs a lot of maintenance.
Since it’s the growing season and they’ve been working hard in specific spots of late, the crew need help getting vegetation and litter in check particularly on the stretch from Smithys Forge to Newtown.
I know lots of readers have been keen to volunteer on this one – and now’s your chance. You can get the rosy glow that comes of helping a great community project, go home with the satisfaction of a job well done, and also feel in awe having met living legends like Brian Stringer and Tim Kitchen [I’m really not sure how much of a draw that last one is to be honest – Bob].
Just turn up at 10:30am with any tools you can find that might be useful, and suitably stout clothing. Meet at the entrance by Smithy’s Forge (the green gates to the left of the pub as you face it).
Back the track said:
Date for the Diary: On Sunday 14th July we are hoping to have a community workday to trim back encroaching vegetation so if anyone would like to take part we are meeting up at Smithys Forge at 10.30. If you are interested please bring tools like loppers, litter pickers, secateurs, hedge clippers, gloves, rakes and sturdy boots. Hope to see you there, at the moment the forecast is good.
This is all against the background of the Back the Track efforts to create a walking and cycling trail, intersecting with Route NCN 5 from where it currently leaves the old rail line in Pelsall to Brownhills, and eventually beyond to Lichfield.
For a man claiming to be the antisocial birder he’s a genuinely lovely man.
In short, if Chaz has a view on wildlife or the local environment, it’s bang on as far as I’m concerned.
Anyway, there’s some news on local Fluttering wings and Chaz’s findings on the heathland restoration on Brownhills Common that has been so controversial in recent years.
Chaz said:
Hi Bob,
Hope you are in good fettle? just thought I would pass on a bit of local wildlife info that some of your followers might be interested in.
Acting on information received, I proceeded in a disorderly manner to Ryders Mere today and was pleased to find that the information received was correct, and I spent a happy half hour in the sunshine watching three specimens of my favourite British butterfly, the Marbled White (Melanargia galathea).
I can almost hear the ‘good for you but so what?’ as you read this however this is actually a quite significant occurrence as the
furthest north I have previously seen this species is Gloucestershire.
I had a single record of one on the Mere last summer and this week I received a text to say that there were two specimens present. I notified a few interested parties today, only to find that so far this year there have been records of this species at various points in the Midlands including Sandwell Valley, Stubbers Green and yesterday on Cannock Chase.
This really does seem to be an almost unprecedented rapid colonisation by a species expanding its range northward (I was monitoring butterflies locally in the eighties when Speckled Wood butterflies were arriving in our area and it took them best part of five years to become established).
Painted Lady Vanessa cardui
It also appears that we are on the leading edge of an invasion of
Painted Lady Butterflies (Vanessa cardui) . I have already seen three around Clayhanger so far. This is a species that often goes several years before occurring in the Midlands in any quantity but during occasional eruption years, can occur in very high numbers.
The interesting thing about this species is that the original progenitors of the specimens arriving here were probably hatched on the African side of the Mediterranean earlier this year and the specimens currently arriving were probably born across the channel (so I guess for them, Brownhills is a holiday resort)!
Finally, I will touch on a sensitive wildlife issue. I know that opinion is divided locally about the removal of tree cover from Brownhills Common. I have always said that I support this strategy wholeheartedly as the Lowland Heath that is being restored is statistically a rarer habitat than Rain Forest, so no matter what anyones personal feelings are, we have a duty to the world to support this habitat restoration.
I just wanted you to know that I went over the common earlier this spring and was amazed at the numbers of Small Heath Butterflies (Coenonympha pamphilus) present. This is a species that a few years ago was in massive decline locally and this year I saw more on the common in one morning than I had seen at any local site for thirty to forty years!
Brownhills Common is still beautiful, but a lot of trees have been removed. It’s controversial, but appears to be working. Image from my 365days journal.
I was also aware of a massive increase in the wild flower Heath
Bedstraw. In the past there have been small areas of this heathland plant but this year it has become almost ubiquitous. Great signs that (despite the Nay-Sayers) the work being done is restoring the order of things and having really positive impacts for local wildlife.
Anyway hope this is of some interest, I will go back into hibernation again until Autumn arrives properly (cant deal with this level of excitement – or the sunshine).
All the best Mukka!
—
Chaz Mason
Clayhanger, West Midlands
Thanks to Chaz for that – nobody has more knowledge of Clayhanger Marsh and it’s environs than he does. And he’s a top bloke, too.
For what it’s worth, to me the work being done on Brownhills Common is very well thought out and it’s nice to see the bug and small mammal habitats that have been made from cut brush on the ground, and the conifer’s relentless march seems to have been arrested.
If you have anything to say, please do comment: either comment here, find me on social media or mail me – BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Cheers.
I see from the events list that Aston Manor Road Transport Museum in Aldridge have their annual Open and Running Day this Sunday, 14th July 2019 – It starts at 10:00am and runs until 4:00pm and should be just the thing for vintage transport fans, bus enthusiasts, petrol heads and big and little kids of all kinds.
Aston Manor Road Transport Museum events are always popular – and it’s only up the road in Aldridge. What’s not to love? Image from the AMRTM Facebook page.
There will be stalls and displays, free bus rides, vintage cars and all the usual goodies for all the family to enjoy.
The organisers said:
This year we’re having a West Bromwich theme, with several former West Brom buses promised already, and there will be a display related to West Brom bus history as well.
For family visitors, there will be a good range of buses running free services on four or five routes – more information as we get visiting vehicle details confirmed.
June’s funeral will be at St. Johns, Walsall Wood. Imagery from Apple Maps.
John Lakin has been in touch to let readers know of the sad passing of his mother, June Lakin (nee Mole) who passed away on the 4th July 2019, and to invite all who knew her to her funeral at St. John’s Church, Walsall Wood on Monday 22nd July 2019.
My and our sincerest condolences – and I speak for all of the blog community here – go out to John and his family and all who knew and loved June.
John wrote:
For those who didn’t know, my mom June Lakin (nee Mole) sadly passed away on 4th July 2019.
Mom was the daughter of Alf and Doris Mole from Hall Lane Walsall Wood, and was well known in Brownhills as she worked at Archers Florist shop for many years.
For anyone wishing to attend the funeral service it is at 2pm on Monday 22nd July 2019 at St. John’s church Walsall Wood, then on to Stonnall cemetery.
The wake will be at the Swan in Stonnall at 3.30pm.
Flowers will be provided by her two sons and partners and grandchildren hopefully there will be a collection box at the church and at the wake for the Air Ambulance who were fantastic.
Mr Chris Greene, 7 Terry Drive, Walmley, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B76 2PT. Tel: 0121 351 3509
Balleny Green is a narrow gauge, passenger-carrying miniature model railway located at Little Hay, east of Shenstone and north of Sutton Coldfield, just down the lane from the Holly Bush pub.
The railway runs it it’s own grounds which are beautiful, and is skilfully and safely operated by dedicated and clever engineers. It’s genuinely breathtaking.
May 1st – Today, I did something I’d been meaning to do for years – I paid a visit to Balleny Green, a little-known narrow gauge railway layout run by Sutton Coldfield Model Engineering Society at Little Hay, between Lichfield and Sutton Coldfield.
I’ve known this place was here for years, but never caught it open. This time, I made a concerted effort to find out when it was a ‘steam up day’ and popped in.
This was just so English. No entry fee. No charges to ride. Just a bunch of people sharing their love of a fascinating, beautifully engineered hobby in the middle of rolling countryside in gorgeous grounds.
There is a long layout consisting of several tracks – including a miniature one – but on the larger one, which interestingly is dual gauge – passengers sit in or on carriages and are conveyed by small locomotives – today one steam, one electric – through tunnels, over junctions, level crossings, past ponds, signals, signal boxes. It’s gorgeous.
The whole thing is clearly a labour of love.
There were no other attractions, and none were needed: tea and biscuits, and a tin for donations to cover running costs.
All right here on the doorstep, and few know about it. A wonderful thing.
It’s good to see the Moivation Hub in Walsall Wood going from strength to strength – this wonderful facility for those with learning disabilities or other special needs fills a real local gap in provision and provides a warm, safe and welcoming atmosphere for folk to socialise, learn and hang out.
This Friday (12th July 2019) at 10:30am, there will be a coffee morning with cakes and a prize raffle too!
It runs from 10:30am until 12 noon.
All this takes place at the Hub’s premises in the former Youth Club behind Walsall Wood Primary School at Streets Corner Walsall Wood – Call Suzanne Sant for more information on 07388 553615 or email her on santsuzanne@yahoo.com – you can also check out the Motivation Hub’s Facebook page here.
Just a heads up to let folk know that there’s a popular and regular autism support group meeting in Brownhills every Tuesday lunchtime from 1:30-2:30pm at the Smithy’s Forge pub, Lichfield Road, Brownhills, just off the Miner Island.
For parents, carers, etc. of children and adults with autism.
Weekly support group every Tuesday at the Smithys Forge, Brownhills 1:30-2:30 🌈
The group has been running for a few months now and is growing in popularity – so why not pop along to see what it’s all about?
We all love the common, but its management has proven controversial. Why not pop along to the meeting and discuss the issues with the experts and other users?
Here’s one for people interested in the issues surrounding Brownhills Common – theres a meeting tonight, Monday 8th July 2019 of the Freinds of Brownhills Common group at the Environmental Depot, 200 Pelsall Road, Brownhills – WS8 7EN – please meet in the reception by 7:00pm.
Brownhills Common needs a good active friends group and this is your opportunity to join in and have your say in shaping the future management of the open space we all love.
The meeting is also open to the general public who may not wish to join the friends group, but are encouraged to attend and hear what everyone has to say.
If you’ve only heard the alarmists, it’s a good opportunity to go out and meet, talk and listen to people who understand the issues and want to preserve the wildlife, and to help shape the future of Brownhills’ greatest asset.
The Maclean Way is gorgeous – I cycled it this weekend and can really vouch for that – but it needs a lot of maintenance.
Since it’s the growing season and they’ve been working hard in specific spots of late, the crew need help getting vegetation and litter in check particularly on the stretch from Smithys Forge to Newtown.
I know lots of readers have been keen to volunteer on this one – and now’s your chance. You can get the rosy glow that comes of helping a great community project, go home with the satisfaction of a job well done, and also feel in awe having met living legends like Brian Stringer and Tim Kitchen [I’m really not sure how much of a draw that last one is to be honest – Bob].
Just turn up at 10:30am with any tools you can find that might be useful, and suitably stout clothing.
Back the track said:
Date for the Diary: On Sunday 14th July we are hoping to have a community workday to trim back encroaching vegetation so if anyone would like to take part we are meeting up at Smithys Forge at 10.30. If you are interested please bring tools like loppers, litter pickers, secateurs, hedge clippers, gloves, rakes and sturdy boots. Hope to see you there, at the moment the forecast is good.
This is all against the background of the Back the Track efforts to create a walking and cycling trail, intersecting with Route NCN 5 from where it currently leaves the old rail line in Pelsall to Brownhills, and eventually beyond to Lichfield.
It’s nice to get back to some local history – and this is an absolute cracker from the young David Evans on a topic that gets visited here from time to time, and upon which David has recently been inspired to research: The origin of a local lane’s curious name.
In this piece David has researched Barracks Lane and the derivation of the name, and how it’s altered through time. To do this he’s used a host of evidential material, not least that provided so generously by Gerald Reece, but also census records and other historical documentation.
My thanks to David and Gerald for more top work – and I’m sure this will generate a lot of debate. Please do comment: Either on this post, on social media or by email on BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Thanks!
David Evans wrote:
In this rolling, but unassuming countryside a gold hoard lay undiscovered for over a thousand years… Image from my 365days journal.
Just on the edge of Brownhills and Walsall Wood lies the boundary with Staffordshire County, running along the A461 it crosses the junction with the A452 at Shire Oak ,and soon passes the junction with Barracks Lane and Cartersfield Lane before continuing to the junction with the A5 at Muckley Corner.
Barracks Lane crosses Springhill and connects Sandhills with Newtown at the Watling Street. One suspects it’s a very, very old road. Imagery from Apple Maps. Click for a larger version.
One of these lanes has an intriguing name, and one that over the years has given rise to much folklore and myth. Nowadays this lane is called Barracks Lane. Why does this stretch of a long lane, whose first part is Hanney Hay Road and which finishes as Cartersfield Lane at the nearby village of Stonnall have such a seemingly odd name?
In Brownhills we see that one part of the western boundary of that settlement was originally called ‘Palmers Hay,’ and looking through the abstract of title copy deeds for this area, thanks in great measure to the sterling original research of Mr Gerald Reece over thirty years ago we learn that a ‘Hay’ in the times of Queen Elizabeth I was a clearing, an open land, that was being used for farming.
Originally transcribed research, pre internet, by the remarkable Gerald Reece. The attention to detail, that script! Click for a larger version.
The name ‘Cartersfield’ is the part of the way that leads from the A461 to Stonnall and we see that references a farming connection.
But, Barracks? This is where the myth merchants and possibly the migrant seasonal agricultural workers at the local farms, may have played a part.
Thanks again in huge measure to Mr Gerald Reece, we are able to see the 1861 and 1871 census for this part of Brownhills/Ogley Hay/ Stonnall for the years 1861 and 1871. Gerald made his own, large- scale accurate copies from the relevant censuses to create a unique Census for Brownhills many years ago.
In these two volumes we see that the name for the Barracks lane has varied. More importantly, there is reference to Barrack House… And Barrick in the singular – in these years.
Census entries, painstakingly copied by hand by the great Gerald Reece. Click any one to see a full size version.
So, was Barrick/Barrack the name of a person? The 1841 census does show a canal boatman, Benjamin Barick, and his family, living ‘canal side’ in the Staffs-Wolverhampton East district 25. He was born in 1799. But is has not been possible to see where he was born? An ultimately fruitless line of enquiry, maybe.
Various suggestions have been made for the origin of this name. In the course of research, I found the following on the Name Origin Reaseach database which is worth holding in mind:
Last name: Barrick
This interesting surname is of English locational origin from a number of places e.g. Berwick in Kent and Shropshire, Berrick in Oxfordshire, Barwick in Norfolk and the West Riding of Yorkshire, etc., which are recorded respectively in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Berewic, Berewic, Berewiche, Bereuuica and Bereuuith. All the placenames derive from the Old English pre 7th Century ‘bere’ meaning barley plus ‘wic’ an outlying farm; hence ‘a granary lying some distance away from the main village’. The surname is first recorded in the latter half of the 13th Century, (see below). One Edward Barwyk, appears in ‘The Register of the Freemen of the City of York’, 1463. In the modern idiom the surname has many variant spellings including Barwick, Barrick, Berrick, Borwick, etc.. On December 9th 1651, Mary, daughter of Edward and Sarah Berwick, was christened at St. Margaret’s, Westminster. The marriage of Elizabeth Berwick and William Damerell took place on August 14th 1652, at St. Dunstan’s, Stepney. John Berwick married Frances Major on February 9th 1684, at St. Mildred Roultry with St. Mary Colechurch, London. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Laurence de Berewyke, which was dated 1278, in the Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire, during the reign of King Edward 1, known as ‘The Hammer of the Scots’, 1272 – 1307. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to ‘develop’ often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
More originally transcribed research, pre internet, by the remarkable Gerald Reece. The attention to detail, that script! Click for a larger version.
But perhaps ‘Barrick’ referred to a feature, an object of some sort that may have had a farming connection at some point in history? Lets explore this possibility.
Gerald Reece’s card index shows this item – ‘barracks – Old English for barley.’
‘Barrick… Derived from the Old English pre 7th century ‘bere’ meaning barley and ‘wic’ an ‘outlying farm’ hence a granary lying some distance away from the main village’.
Warrenhouse Farm is, I suspect, one of the longest continuously settled sites in Ogley Hay and wider Brownhills. It was a stones throw from the Hoard; William Roberts retired here from the thrumming metropolis of Brownhills towards the end of his life, but found it way too quiet and soon returned. This barn, one of several on the former farm is now a dwelling, but is, I suspect, the oldest local building in existence. Image from my 365days journal.
I think we may still find such a building in this lane, though perhaps not an original Saxon barley barn, but perhaps the census does indicate that the name for such that has survived down through the centuries until the mid to late 19th century locally.
This just leaves the mystery of the ‘Old Engine House’ shown in the 1861 census.
Now, that’s a new mystery. An engine House? (last line). Click for a larger version. Any ideas? Original document transcribed by Gerald Reece.
I would like to thank Mr Gerald Reece for making his amazing cache of original research notes and documents available to me and so making this further research / clarification possible.
I note that since it’s a decent day it would be an excellent chance to nip up to Stubbers Green with the kids, grandkids of even just by yourself and chat to the Swan Patrol.
The Patrol are there right now – this and every Sunday from 1-3pm and have bird books, binoculars and a wealth of knowledge to share – so why not join them? There’s so much more local wildlife than people think!
The reserve is by the pools on Stubbers Green Road, between Aldridge and Shelfield.
Ann Lawrence of the Swan Patrol said:
Do you want to know more about nature and wildlife?
Stubbers Green Nature Reserve Aldridge Swan Patrol every Sunday 1-3pm
Lollipops and stickers for children that bring good healthy bird foods. Sweet corn, lettuce, porridge oats, branflakes, cornflakes, vegetable peelings, bird seed.
We have binoculars and bird books available to use.
David Evans has been busy of late putting together a lot of articles in the background while I’ve been busy – and he’s turning up some gems, like this set of five photos kindly offered by Derek Blakemore of birthday parties on Shire Oak Hill in the 1950s.
Some great expressions in this one, particularly from the cross looking lad on the right. Image very generously shared by Derek Blakemore. Click for a larger version.
I believe all were taken at a house on Lichfield Road Shire Oak, but I could well be mistaken.
Great party dresses on this one. Wonder if the yard where this was taken still exists? Image very generously shared by Derek Blakemore. Click for a larger version.
Do you recognise any of these children or adults? Many of them must surely still be local.
This is a brilliantly composed image. I’m interested particularly in the lady on the right. Image very generously shared by Derek Blakemore. Click for a larger version.
There are fantastic images here that show a community and kids having fun. It’s a wonderful set.
The birthday cake! Six if I’m not mistaken. Two kids blowing out the candles. Twins, perhaps? Image very generously shared by Derek Blakemore. Click for a larger version.
My thanks to Derek Blakemore for generously sharing these images – scanned beautifully, I must say – and to David for all the tireless work he puts in to the blog for slim reward, I must say!
Love the proud girl on the left. The house in the background could possibly locate this shot? Image very generously shared by Derek Blakemore. Click for a larger version.
If you recognise anyone, can remember whose birthdays these were, or have anything else at all to add, please feel free to contact me: Comment here, mail me on BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com or tug my coat on social media.
On this Sunday 7th July 2019 at Walsall Arboretum Bandstand will be a great live family show – the Chuckery Music Festival 2019 Bandstand Music Event – featuring great local bands and musicians to suit all tastes with food, drink and kids rides also available.
The fun starts at 12 noon and runs right through the afternoon – and the best bit? It’s absolutely free to attend.
There are some great bands on, food, entertainment for the kids… And the weather forecast looks decent too.
On Sunday 7th July at Walsall Arboretum bandstand between 12.00 and 5.00 Chuckery Festival presents an afternoon of free music and fun for everyone. There will be 5 live bands, you’ll be able to buy food and drink, the big trampoline and balloon modelling free for children.
We are also pleased to be able to tell you that vegan food will be provided, as last year, by Brownins. Their vegan take on traditional Caribbean dishes are surprising and delicious. This will be in addition to the meat and chicken barbeque provided by West Midlands Catering Academy.
There’ll be a barrista coffee stall, cakes, ice cream, in fact your full al fresco Sunday lunch which you can enjoy while listening to 5 hours of music.
Who’s playing?
12.00 The Canalies playing covers from the 60s to the 00s;
1.00 After Midnight playing covers and original music,
2.00 Voodoo Sioux, playing bass driven original hard rock;
3.00 The West Coast Eagles, possibly the finest Eagles Tribute band ever (and let’s face it there would be a riot if we didn’t have them back)
4.00 The Steve Gibbons Band.
That’s four new bands for Chuckery Festival.
How much will this cost you?
Nothing. Nada. Zilch. Rien.
This is Chuckery Festival, Walsall’s biggest free music festival. Sunday 7th July at Walsall Arboretum Bandstand.
Tell your friends, please share and like this post and our FB page if you haven’t done that already. Thanks
If you attend please feel free to share pictures and other media!
The weather is looking good – it’s free – so why not pop down? Image from Chuckery Festival’s Facebook Page.
As well as Stay and Play, this Saturday 6th July 2019 if you’ve go older kids why not try the PEPA Active Sports Club at Brownhills Community Centre from 10amn-11am?
It’s suitable for kids from 6-11 years old and there’s all manner of fun stuff going on – Dodgeball, Archery, Nerf Wars – just £3 per week per kid.
See you there?
🌟 Saturday 8th June 🌟 🌟 Brownhills Community Centre and The Lamp 🌟 🌟 £3 per session 🌟 🌟 Bring a friend and get the next session free 🌟 🌟 6 – 11 year olds 🌟 🌟 Come and have a go on our smoothie bike🚲🌟 🌟10 am – 11am 🌟
If you’ve a child or children under 4 years of age, there is a great Stay and Play session running at Brownhills Community Centre in the heart of Brownhills this Saturday morning 6th July 2019 from 10-11:30am.
It costs just two quid per kid and includes fruit and a drink, so it’s great value and it’s run by those wonderful people at the Little Green Dragons Nursery, who are resident at the centre and are fully qualified nursery teachers.
There are games and toys and all manner of fun for the weans – and you get a break to boot.
Saturday 6th July 2019
RAWRRR…. DINOSAURS 🦖 🦕
Our messy tray will be DINOSAUR FOOTPRINTS this week. Following the children’s interests from last week we will be continuing to explore bubbles in the garden alongside our water play tray!, bikes,scooters,slides and much more!🤭
Our playroom has had a move around so come and explore our new areas 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩
Our creative table will be free flow with a variety of mark marking tools to explore 🤔
Our Sandtray will be open and accessible as it is every week 👍🏼
Along with all our other areas of play within the nursery setting:
• home corner • construction • small world • maths area • cosy book/music area • baby sensory area
see you all Saturday ….
Fingers crossed the sun still has her hat on ☀️☀️☀️
we will be both indoors & outdoors 🌈🌈🌈
10.00am-11.30am £2 per child Snack included feel free to invite your friends with children aged 0-4 years and share our events
This group is held at Little Green Dragons Day Nursery every Saturday morning …
The Community Centre is what my generation would know as ‘The Annexe’ – the old Central Boy’s School, now a bustling community resource. To find out more, you can pop in or call them on 01543 452119.
The Community Association have lots of stuff going on, and loads of great facilities, right in the heart of Brownhills. I love what they’re about and all the great things they’re doing.
Just a quick headsup that over in the principality this Saturday afternoon, 6th July 2019 is Pelsall Carnival – just head for the common and the noise.
There will be entertainment, food, a fairground, stalls, car boot sale and all manner of fun for all the family.
If you’re not from Pelsall, passports not required but try to act naturally and take a pitchfork.
Any photos from the event welcome!
PUBLIC NOTICE Please be aware that a rolling road closure will be in force from 1.45pm on Saturday 6th July, it will follow the parade, closing the road sections as the parade approaches, and reopening when safe to do so. All roads should reopen by approximately 3.15pm. – Please organise your travel to avoid delays. We apologise for any inconvenience.
I know we have a lot of running folk amongst the readership, and in the mass of volunteer, community organised stuff in recent years, one of the most impressive demonstrations of this has been the growth of the free, Saturday morning Parkrun phenomena, where volunteers and runners gather every Saturday in local parks for a run, totally free of charge.
The second Parkrun at Chasewater attracted more than 300 runners. Image from Susan Williams.
It’s not competitive – except for against your own personal best – it’s properly marshalled and you have to register, but it’s a friendly thing that’s hugely popular and a stunning demonstration of community in action.
It’s suitable for runners of all experience levels and paces.
Having run for years now at Walsall Arboretum and Cannock Chase, we now have a 5km Parkrun at Chasewater that happens every Saturday (events in the park permitting) – and has been attracting over 300 runners already!
It’s on this Saturday (6th July 2019) and the organisers have this to say:
What is Chasewater parkrun?
It is a 5km run – it’s you against the clock.
When is it?
Every Saturday at 9:00am.
Where is it?
The event takes place at Chasewater Country Park, Pool Rd, Burntwood, Brownhills, WS8 7NL. See Course page for more details.
What does it cost to join in?
Nothing – it’s free! but please register before your first run. Only ever register with parkrun once. Don’t forget to bring a printed copy of your barcode (request a reminder). If you forget it, you won’t get a time.
How fast do I have to be?
We all run for our own enjoyment. Please come along and join in whatever your pace!
Every week we grab a post parkrun coffee in the South Shore café – please come and join us!
Please, if you go for a run this Saturday, drop me a line and let me know how you get on – this is a fascinating thing and it’s growth is really wonderful. Comment here or mail me – BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com.
Just walking to the start shows the large number of runners already making this a great event! Image from Susan Williams.
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