There’s a community spring clean event taking place in Brownhills this weekend on Saturday morning 4th May 2019 from 10:00am and all are welcome – kit 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 time for another spring clean, so take a hold of your community spirit and join us for a litter pick around Holland Park, 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’
Walsall Council: a real swing to the Tories with only a mild resurgence of UKIP, which was a surprise. It looks like Marco Longhi won’t have to cling on to the mayor gig this year after all…
As is traditional here, I stayed up on local election night (Thursday 2nd May 2019) with a mug of tea and matchsticks propping up the eyelids to see how results were in notoriously knife-edge Walsall.
It turns out it was a pretty bad night for Labour locally who lost two seats to the tories, leaving the council fully in the control of Mike Bird’s Conservative group for the first time (for any group) since 2011: Tories have 32 seats, Labour 26 and Lib Dems 2.
All this on a turnout that despite many protestations that folk wouldn’t vote – seems to be broadly similar to 2018: Woeful, but normal.
In Brownhills Independent Ian Neville beat Labour candidate Dave Morgan to take second place, with incumbent Ken Ferguson holding his seat. Can’t help feeling UKIP would do better here if they fielded someone other than Derek for a change.
In the immediate locality there was little change with tories holding Aldridge, Walsall Wood and Pelsall seats. There was a small drift towards UKIP in several seats but not as large as I expected if I’m honest.
An interesting election for sure.
Congratulations to the winners, commiserations to the losers.
I don’t know why people read this or appear to enjoy it. My part in it is badly written, badly organised and my typing, rather than improving with practice, has become far worse. Ten years ago today I was smacked in the face and bundled into the back of a van. It’s still careering downhill and I’m in the back with no idea where it’s going but hanging on by the skin of my teeth.
The ride has been incredible fun and had fantastic highs and occasionally, deep, very deep lows. But it has been a wonderfully rewarding and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
I wish I could remember pushing the first ‘publish’ button, when I reblogged some pithy observation by Politics Penguin of Willenhall as a test at 7:11am one Saturday. Remarkably, the Politics Penguin blog still exists although its curator is not enjoying the best of health. My best wishes to Gareth.
I know I had no clue what I was doing and didn’t know what I wanted the blog to be. Local history was never really the intention, more mischief. And over the years it’s evolved. I don’t do politics so much anymore, as Walsall and national politics are now so bizarre you can’t parody either, and sadly, the people I used to bounce off… Are no longer around. So there’s this odd combination of events, parish notices, local history, cycling and stuff that catches my eye.
Walsall had a great political and current affairs writer in The Plastic Hippo. I came to know both he and Mark well – Mark was the impish, Norren Oirish, wonderfully gay real media man; Hippo the ex pat northern Brian Blessed tribute who filled my heart with fire and my head with sedition and sharp, excoriating one liners.
I had no idea you could miss people like this so much.
I never thought I’d still be here today.
This last couple of years, work has been tough and I’m getting old. I no longer have the boundless energy I did to write into the wee small hours every night, and without my comrades, little reason to bother. Following the loss of Janey too, later last year, I resolved to stop writing this blog at the ten year anniversary. I was lower than I’d been for a decade or more. My heart was broken. I was tired.
I had been encouraging Janey to write. She was chaotic, manically enthusiastic but really could write and do local history, as her wonderful and thoughtful stewardship of her group showed (in reality, it was a lot more considered than many people thought). I was convinced if I could focus Janey’s boundless energy she would have a great outlet on the blog. I will always feel I didn’t work hard enough to nurture her talent. I failed. My heart went from broken to hollow.
Christmas came and went. It still was not improving. Nothing was healing.
I thought I knew that I wouldn’t still be here today.
Then, something odd happened. I started feeling it again, as the sun and flowers came in an early spring. Just gently. Gerald Reece came up with some wonderful donations. I felt the warmth and passion of David Evans’ quest on a local history matter. I realised folk were still reading what I wrote, even if I wasn’t feeling g the love. Maybe it was worth having a think about.
So I am still here today. And it will continue.
I never thought I’d still be here today.
My thanks for ten years of boundless help to the young David Evans, Peter ‘Pedro’ Cutler, Aer Reg, Ian Pell, David Oakley, Gerald Reece, Geof Harrington, Bill Mayo and all who have contributed so much to this thing over the years. Without you all, and all of the many I haven’t named, and to those behind the scenes thanks so much. You have been part of something strange but wonderful.
Thanks are also due to those who help online too – old friend Linda, Phil, Stymaster and Rich who put up with far more shite than anyone should for no return whatsoever. Thank you friends.
There is still great stuff to come, I promise. But I’m going to have to slow down. I missed a lot of last summer writing a blog when I should have been out in the sun recharging. This thing is still here today, and hopefully for the future. But I need to slow down a bit.
I never thought I’d still be here today.
‘Some have died, some have fled from themselves, struggled from here to get there.’ – Paul Simon
‘It doesn’t seem right. I want to say no But the only thing to do is let it go I wanted to speak. I wanted to say… But all these different words got in the way’ – Ivan Doroshuk
I note that top local performers Brownhills Musical Theatre Company have their next show The Sound of Music coming up at Lichfield’s Garrick Theatre next week, and this is probably your last chance to get tickets as it’s sure to be a sellout.
The show is running from next Tuesday 7th May until until Saturday 11th May 2019 at the Garrick Theatre right in the heart of Lichfield. There are still performances you can catch but you need to be quick with getting your tickets – they’re selling fast!
This will be yet another great production from a very competent, talented and professional cast of local folk.
Brownhills Musical Theatre Company have a great pedigree and a wonderful track record for fun, endearing, entertaining and very professional shows. They really are a hidden gem and well worth catching.
Brownhills Musical Theatre Company wrote:
The Sound Of Music
These Midlands hills are alive with a dynamic new production of The Sound of Music, presented by Brownhills Musical Theatre Company.
This is an ‘all time classic’ guaranteed to touch everyone’s heart, featuring Climb Ev’ry Mountain, Edelweiss and So Long, Farewell – This Oscar winning musical will be one of your ‘favourite things’ to see with all the family.
The children of Captain von Trapp fill their days playing funny tricks on everyone all around them but secretly want a mother to love them…only one person fits the bill, Maria! So, starts the adventure of a lifetime, and one that will change their lives forever.
Chase Sailing Club are a busy and popular institution going back decades. Image from the Express & Star.
An interesting event is taking place this Bank Holiday weekend, Monday 6th May 2019 at Chasewater, where the Chase Sailing Club (that’s the one on the north shore) will be holding their annual open day for people to come and check out what they do.
There will be sailing boat rides, safety boat rides, stand up paddle boarding, windsurfing, dinghy sailing, refreshments and other fun and games.
In the true tradition of the Hitchiker’s guide to the Galaxy, you’re advised to bring a towel.
The event runs from 10am until 3pm, so plenty of time to get up there,
The weather looks to be decent, so what’s not to love?
You can visit the Club’s website here – their address is: The Chase Sailing Club. Pool Lane, Chasetown, Walsall. WS7 3QY. Tel. 01543 686390
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?
Spring has been very odd this year for me. It sort of kicked off early, in a blaze of daffodils and crocuses, then went into remission. Since that early promise, spring continued but has been cold and quite windy.
Luckily over Easter we had a glimpse of summer at last: Warm, relatively still with lots of sunshine – and as anyone who reads this blog will know, that means only one thing: The first big ride of the summer.
Keddleston Hall gates. Superb stuff.
I kicked off the season with a very long ride that really knocked the stuffing out of me, but was beautiful and enjoyable all the same. I undertook 118 miles, travelling out at dawn, the route was broadly Lichfield – Burton via Whittington and Walton; Derby via Findern; over to Keddleston Hall where I opened these majestic gates to cross the hall grounds. From there, Mercaston to Kirk Ireton, joining the High Peak Trail at Middleton Top.
Up the trail to Parsley Hay, back down the Tissington Trail to Tissington Village, through Thorpe and Ilam to Rushley, Throwley and the tortuous climb to Calton and the Weaver Hills before dropping down into Ellastone.
Return was via Rocester, Abbots Bromley and Handsacre.
I had ice cream, and cake. I visited some old haunts. I was bemused by a collapsed bridge at Longcliffe on the High Peak Trail, and infuriated by Derbyshire Council’s reticence to assist (see this post on the matter). I crawled through dense traffic through Dovedale on a Bank Holiday Monday – an experience I’d not expected to have. But in the solitude of the Weavers and Throwley, I once again refreshed my love for this beautiful place.
It was hot but not high summer hot, and the riding was good, it was a brilliant day.
Hopefully, the first of many this year. I waited so long for this.
Still suffering, it was again another good day on Bank holiday Easter Monday, so I headed slowly up to the canal at Great Haywood, to the rear of Shugborough for the heavily advertised Floating Market which had been on all weekend. It was lovely, but if you’d been to one before, a tad disappointing considering the hype.
I love canal markets – the ones at Fazeley and elsewhere have been fun, but I was expecting something bigger than that with this event; yet it was pretty much the same except it had next to no food, which was sad. But the characters, the dogs and beautiful boats were a joy.
The return, over the Shugborough Estate and Cannock Chase was excellent. Sad to note a funfair in full swing on Milford Common, which had few punters on a lovely afternoon.
It was, unusually, a lovely, sunny Easter. Let’s hope it’s a taste of the summer to come.
Catching up after a busy week or two, I’ve a couple of match reports here for Walsall Wood FC – from their Easter Bank Holiday encounter with Sporting Khalsa and the previous Saturday’s stunning 4-0 trouncing of Ilkeston at their Derbyshire home.
Talk about singing the King of Derbyshire’s beard!
Wood also won 3-0 yesterday (Saturday 27th April 2019) against Wolverhampton Sporting, but it wasn’t enough to clinch the league, with Ilkeston apparently winning on goal difference alone:
Walsall Wood 3-0 Sporting
Wood finally break the Sporting curse but fall just short of the league title on Goal Difference.
It was a great effort by The Wood to claw back Ilkeston Town and take it to the last day but Congratulations to @ilkestontown_fc on winning the League. pic.twitter.com/REZu6cokTl
David Evans supplied this report from the Khalsa match:
This encounter is already showing its character as heavy challenging and, an unyielding but real grass surface give the match some bite and spice…..well, on the field of play at least.
Second half and the hard surface takes its toll on players of both teams. A hard game today.
First half and the Wood are gaining the upper hand with driving incision and pace. How will Khalsa respond?
Sporting Khalsa are the visitors today and play in yellow and blue.
Khalsa defend well and showed drive, mixed with unfortunate instances of frustration, as they give their all to score an equalising goal. But it was not to be, not today.
At long length the referee has a very strong and possibly final word with Khalsa manager. It is so important as the quality of the football, and respect for the officials comes first and foremost from team managers, before it can filter down to the players.
The stand soon filled up with enthusiastic spectators from both clubs, eager to see their team win.
First half and Khalsa now have to regain control and give their training tactics their test. Here they threaten the Wood with a well-worked move.
The game is about to start and a cry of Come on the Wood heralds the contest.
Celebration time for the Wood. First half. One goal to nil. It would stay at that.
Second half and more urgency is apparent in both teams’ play. Khalsa want to win, and to prevent the Wood from winning. The Wood want to score a handful of goals.
Later in the second half and Khalsa are on the attack, despite now being down to ten players.
Some hard effort and endeavour by both teams characterised today’s encounter. Every move met a challenge, every pass , well, nearly every pass was accurate. A tribute to the players on this rock hard playing surface.
a beautiful sunny afternoon. The beefburgers are sizzling away and soon the match will get under way
Final minutes of the match. No thrilling victory for the Wood here today. Khalsa saw to that. But, a win by the Wood and three points.
The match ends Players shake hands with their worthy opponents.
that vital early goal, to the Wood,. Now for a thrilling contest, then.
Very nearly half time now and the irresistible smell form the beefburger van, and the vital glass of throat oil, begins to empty some of the seats
Walsall Wood 1 v 0 Sporting Khalsa Monday 22nd April 2019
A beautiful sunny spring afternoon, a clear azure sky, birds singing sweetly in the trees so, a pre-match glass of local ale and a freshly-cooked beefburger to tide me over – just until teatime, mind.
The Wood ground has a bright, almost carnival atmosphere and home supporters are full of joy, ale and are still abuzz after the recent trouncing their team gave Ilkeston Town at Ilkeston’s fine home ground.
Sore throats from that match are patently in need of immediate liquid attention, which they receive. The beautiful freshly mown real grass football pitch looks magnificent and gleams with pride. The nets , goal posts, corner flags and lines show the precise attention worthy of any military parade.
However, perhaps a hint of premature elation and a hint of caution underlined most conversations. Still two matches to win, and win convincingly to ensure a final first place in the league. No matter. Today we were to enjoy the spectacle of the home team playing their magical game of soccer to thrill and captivate those regular and visiting spectators. Many eyes would be trained on every second of this match… To see and observe. Cheers and shouts of elation would ring out and be heard near and far.
The match got under way to a roar from the spectators standing as best they could, round the pitch and from those sat sitting in the stand.
Come on the Wood.
The Wood soon showed their composure and confidence in their early part of this game, scoring a well-worked and justifiable initial goal. But Khalsa were also masters of accurate play, passing, and challenged every lofty kick in equal measure to the Wood. This close play and rapid drive was evident throughout the entirety of the game.
Khalsa and the Wood played composed controlled soccer to captivate and enthral all of the many spectators.
Perhaps understandably, the second half brought instances of frustration among the visiting players, but not expressed in the unacceptable manner as that from the touchline. The referee and officials had a difficult task in calming down players’ petulance. Apart from these moments we saw several missed chances to score by the Wood – over enthusiasm or match weariness?
When the final score could so easily have been many more goals for the Wood.
So, credit to the visitors for bravely containing the Wood as best they could, and for the largely sporting manner in which both teams played this contest, and of course, to the Wood for the pure gold, flowing football they have played this season. But, how will the season end next Saturday here at Oak Park, Walsall Wood?
David Evans
Russell Smith for TheWood.TV posted this interview with manager Darren, and said ‘We managed to catch a few minutes of Darren’s time during today’s (Easter Sunday) training session to get his thoughts on yesterdays win at Ilkeston, the Red Card and the last two games of the season.’ Check to Thewood.tv on Facebook here.
Simon Evans sent this report from the Ilkeston drubbing:
Ilkeston Town 0 v 4 Walsall Wood Saturday 20th April 2019
Saturday 20th April saw Walsall Wood travel to the league leaders Ilkeston Town in a top of the table clash.
The match started in bright sunshine, Ilkeston having the first chance, a freekick went past the Wood post. On 12 minutes, Wood had a freekick, the ball was played to Paul Sullivan, his cross was met by Kyle Rowleys head, the ball flying into the Ilkeston net 0-1.
Wood were now playing some nice football, and 10 minutes later Paul Sullivan shot just wide after good work by John Atherton. Instantly Wood scored again, another freekick and Jack Barnes header found the back of the net. 0-2.
Before the half hour, John Atherton’s run and shot was parried into the path of Javia Roberts who scored from close range 0-3.
From the restart Ilkeston had a chance but the shot was straight at LLoyd Ransome in the Wood goal. The last action of the first half saw a half chance for Javia Roberts, the Ilkeston defender clearing. Half time: 0-3.
The second half saw Ilkeston put pressure on the Wood goal, but the defence stood solid.
On the hour mark, Ilkeston broke, a clumsy challenge in the box saw the ref point for a penalty and red card Kyle Rowley. Lloyd Ransome in the Wood goal pulling off a great save. Soon after Wood scored again, Kaylum Mitchell’s shot finding the back of the net. 0-4.
Ilkeston were running out of ideas and Wood nearly capitalised, John Atherton’s effort was somehow scrambled away by 2 Ilkeston defenders.The ref then blew for full time, Wood winning 0-4
Simon Evans
Thanks to the Evans boys for the reports, and for their hard work for Walsall Wood FC throughout this season. Their work is always appreciated – for the good of The Wood!
The subject of miner’s champion and Liberal Member of Parliament Albert Stanley has been a recurring theme on the blog over the years – he seems to have been a thoroughly good man who spoke up for the miners and fought their corner in the face of harsh industrialists.
What came out as part of this is that David Evans himself was related to Albert Stanley – the great man was David’s Great Uncle, in fact!
Due to that family connection, David Evans was invited to attend the unveiling of a memorial plaque to Albert Stanley at the M.P.’s former home in Hednesford, on the 13th April 2019.
David was kind enough to take pictures and scan the booklet for those that attended, and write the whole thing up for which I’m immensely grateful. At the foot of the article, I include Peter Cutler’s account of Albert Stanley for your perusal.
If you have anything to add, please do: Comment here, tug my sleeve on social media or mail me: Borwnhillsbob at Googlemail dot com. Thanks.
David Evans wrote:
Some of Albert’s descendants
Mr. Peter Harrison gives his speech
Mr. Derek Davis, OBE gives his speech in which he outlined the life and work of Mr Albert Stanley, and giving thanks to the present owner of the house for his assistance and co-operation to achieve this event
The speech was extensive and a fine tribute
Descendants from near and far were delighted to attend and witness this fine gesture
A formal photo for the press
Local resident and direct descendant, Mr. Albert Stanley
The Blue Plaque in place
Images kindly supplied by David Evans.
Remembering Albert Stanley, M.P.
A memorable event took place in Hednesford where a plaque was unveiled at the home of one-time Member of Parilament, Albert Stanley M.P. – who was a Great Uncle of mine – on Saturday 13 April 2019, which I was invited to attend.
Dawley Heritage group have produced a fine history of his life both there and here in the Hednesford.
The house on this certificate Cleary isn’t the one in Hednesford! Image kindly supplied by David Evans.
The commemorative booklet gives some images from Albert’s life and includes an image of a Midland Miners’ Federation certificate from those times. I wonder where the house seen in the centre of this certificate is? Perhaps the Federation Offices once stood there?
Images and booklet scans kindly supplied by David Evans.
Peter Cutler wrote:
Albert Stanley MP (1862-1915)
Reading the history of the Cannock Chase coalfields a few owners and engineers are described in detail, such as Harrison, Hanbury, McClean, Williamson and others. But there is one man who seems to have only been mentioned in passing, and who in the respect of the workmen would rank way above these, being Albert Stanley, a true friend of the miner.
In 1912 Albert Stanley was an MP; he had given character references for the accused and appealed to the Home Secretary for a reduction in the harsh sentences.
Albert Stanley MP. Image from Wikimedia Commons.
In 1900 Captain William Bealey Harrison was electioneering for MP as Unionist candidate for Lichfield. He stood against Sir Courtenay Warner of the Liberals. It is not surprising that Albert Stanley would support and canvas for the Liberals.
In October of that year the the Captain addressed at meeting at the Craddock Memorials Schools in Norton Canes. He was introduced by the Chairman Dr. W.H. Whitehouse as a Norton man, a large colliery owner, and a man upon whom they were depending for their daily bread. He added that never had the affairs of the working men been in such a flourishing condition as at present.
The Captain referred to Mr Albert Stanley and said that he would dare him to meet face to face and make the same remarks to him that he had made behind his back. He claimed that Stanley had asserted that he opposed their receiving a wage on October 1st, which was due on January 1st. He had advocated it, and it was an act of grace on the part of the employers to give the advance at once. The Captain also complained that during the strike of 1893 he was stated to have said that ‘he would make the Colliers eat grass’ …Mr Stanley reminded him of a man with two suits, a Sunday suit and a weekday-suit.
There was an exchange of letters in the Lichfield Mercury in which Albert noted Harrison’s remarks. He said that his opposition to the Captain was from a miner’s point of view, on account of his opposition to the Eight Hours Bill, and the attitude he had adopted to the Workmen’s Compensation Act. He defied Harrison to produce any statement that he had made that was not strictly true. He acknowledged that the Captain had proposed payment on the 1st of October, but had never had knowledge of the expression concerning the eating of grass. He also replied to being one person on Sunday, and another during the week;
‘that on Sunday I preach brotherly love, harmony and concord, but that when I put on my working suit I was a different man altogether, and that I reminded you of a man who did not always practice what he preached.’
During Albert’s time representing the miners he must have attended many Coroner’s Inquiries. At a miners inquest at Hednesford, just after his death, the acting Coroner SW Morgan referred to his death..
There were three things that stood out in Mr Stanley’s character, the first being his great sincerity. He did not think he had come across a man who was more genuinely sincere than Mr Stanley. The second was his intense zeal to promote and safeguard the interests of those whom he came to represent. He always watched over their interests with the utmost care, and he always put questions which were calculated to protect their interests.
Further, there was Mr Stanley’s fair mindedness… Adding to this Mr JR Felton (HM Inspector of Mines) said the whole of the Mines Inspectors in the Midland area deeply regretted the death of Mr. Stanley. He was a man of integrity of character and he was absolutely fair-minded.
At the end of the biography highlighted by Andy it says…
On his death it is said that there were drawn blinds in every mining village of Cannock Chase, as pit veterans and their sons alike felt they had lost a very great champion.
The funeral procession was about a quarter mile long, and tributes came from many mining districts. Rev. F.W. Henshall said…
No man has suffered more, and sacrificed more, than had Mr Stanley for the Cannock Chase district. He suffered with his men… in the great strike of 1893 he pledged his furniture, and even the books that he loved so much… he staked his all for the miners… A Stanley had died a martyr’s death and had lived a martyr’s life.
I note that since it’s a decent day (or at least it seems that way after the grimness of the yesterday) 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 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?
Do you want your children or grandchildren to learn about your local environment?
Swan Patrol volunteers at Stubbers Green Nature Reserve Aldridge Walsall are there every Sunday 1-3pm. Binoculars and bird books are available. Stickers for the children as a reward for bringing suitable foods for the birds. (sweet corn, peas, porridge oats, rice, lettuce, vegetable peelings…
Image kindly shared by Steve Craddock via Peter Booth.
The pictures were donated by Steve Craddock from a collection taken by his father, Roy Craddock. The Craddock family were very much involved in the drive to construct the Silver Street Methodist Church in Brownhills that replaced the Wesleyan Chapel and Mount Zion, two methodist churches in Brownhills High Street which were due to be lost to redevelopment.
These are remarkably good photos, beautifully scanned and restored by Peter. They are fantastically clear and there is some absolutely stunning detail which I’ll leave readers to find and debate.
Like Mount Zion, there are few good images of the Wesleyan Chapel so these images are remarkable. This postcard, looking up the High Street towards Anchor Bridge, shows the chapel on the right.
The Wesleyan Chapel was built in 1896 and stood on the north corner of Pier Street just opposite, and on the same side of the High Street as Provost Chemist, now a bathroom and plumbing shop. The land is currently vacant. Like Mount Zion, it was a remarkably austere building in the common local mMethodist Style; the Wesleyan was in very dark red terracotta brick and Mount Zion in blue Utopia.
Image kindly shared by Steve Craddock via Peter Booth.
Peter said:
Hello Bob
Had these photos donated to me a couple of weeks ago some of the old Wesleyan Chapel in the High Street.
The chapel is 1967/68, these were donated to me by Steve Craddock taken by his Dad Roy he found them while sorting through his Dads old slides and thought they might be of interest to me.
There are quite a few more of the building of the Methodist church in silver street that once I’ve cleaned up and sorted I will send you.
These so far have cleaned up well showing a lot of detail.
Regards Peter Booth
Image kindly shared by Steve Craddock via Peter Booth.
Again, my thanks and gratitude to Peter, it’s a pleasure and an honour to feature material of this quality here – and a special thank you to the Craddock family for sharing some photos I thought we’d never see. Wonderful stuff. Thank you.
If readers have anything to add, please do comment here or mail me: Brownhillsbob at Googlemail dot com. Thanks.
Looks decent. Pop in and tell them all how nice the new development looks, why not?
Just a quick note to point out that today (Saturday, 27th April 2019) is Aldridge Spring Market with loads of stalls and fun for all the family, so what’s not to love?
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 April 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.
BROWNHILLS STAY&PLAY Saturday 27th April 2019
SHAVING FOAM MESSY TRAY 🤭🌈
This week we will be ……. EXPLORING RAINBOW SHAVING FOAM 🖐🏽🌈🖐🏽🌈✋🏼🌈✋🏼🌈🖐🏽🌈🤚🏿🌈🖐🏽🌈🤚🏿
Our creative table will have a range of resources so you and your little ones can use their imaginations and create whatever marvellous masterpieces they wish ✂️🖍🖌✏️
We will have large building blocks in our outdoors area which is always enjoyed by the little ones 🌞 with the usual bikes and scooters 🛴 and some of our garden maths games
Along with all our other areas of play within the nursery setting.
See you all Saturday!
10.00-11.30 £2 per child Healthy 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 within Brownhills Community Centre every Saturday morning.
Add our Facebook Page – Brownhills Stay&Play 🌈🌈
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.
Here on the Brownhills Blog I think it’s important to support local businesses on our High Street, and I’m happy to celebrate one that’s been in existence for four decades now!
Image from Google Streetview.
Style Hairdressers has been a fixture in Brownhills for 40 years this May, and the proprietor, Lynda Foster, is planning to mark the day with celebrations, and hopefully a reunion of past staff and customers.
Claire Mason got in touch, and passed on the following:
On Thursday 2nd May 2019, Style hairdressers on Brownhills High Street has been in business for 40 years!
Over that time we have seen clients and stylists come and go. Hairstyles have changed over the years but we still keep up with the trends and fashions.
I myself (Lynda Foster) have been hairdressing for 50 years. Sadly my business partner Denise Woodhouse had to retire through ill health.
I am trying to contact girls that have worked for us over these years – it would be lovely to see them on 2nd May to join the the celebration.
We would like to get in touch with Karen Hinton, Denise Kingston, Iris Whitbrook (daughters Karen and Jackie), or any people that were with us from the 1980-1990s.
Come and join us to celebrate the new look of Style and meet our staff!
All are welcome to join the celebrations on the 2nd May – and here’s to the next 40 years!
Lynda Foster
If you are a past stylist or customer and would like to join in with the fun, please do get in touch: You can comment on this post, mail me on BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com or hit me up on social media.
Good luck and best wishes to Lynda and the team. Here’s to many more years at the heart of Brownhills!
There are collection boxes in many local businesses who have been very generous in their support. Everything helps! There will also be a fundraising stall at the canal festival on Sunday, 19th May 2019 – you can find details of that event here.
Since Christmas trees in Walsall have for many years had to be privately or community funded, if we want one here in Brownhills, we’re going to have to raise the money, and we need to get is sorted by midsummer.
With other donations outside of GoFundMe we’re now around £1,200
The organising committee said:
The Brownhills Christmas Tree Appeal in partnership with The Brownhills Community Association is looking for help in funding a Christmas Tree and Lights for the Tin Man Island.
Funding for the first year is £1950 and subsequent years in the region of £700.
The community has expressed their desire to make this happen but can only take place with fundraising.
We need to make the first payment to the Council by June
Please help the community and look at the island in December, decked out and shining and think to yourself ‘yeah, I helped do that!’
I will be sharing news from the appeal here, and I’d like to publicly than Susan for taking on this huge task – Brownhills has a true asset in this fine lady and I wish her and the appeal well.
If you have any comments or enquiries, comment here, pin me down on social media or email me on BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Thanks.
Sometimes the blog connects things out of the blue and it’s rather lovely.
When I posted the set of carnival images donated by the Craddock family via Peter Booth over the weekend, Peter had said to me he had a bunch of slide images that he was cleaning up depicting the construction and opening of Silver Street Methodist Church in Brownhills.
Well, Chris Booth (who I think may be a relation) posted what I suspect is that set on Facebook on Monday evening and gave me permission to share them here. They are utterly remarkable – not just for the engrossing subject matter – the novel construction of a beautiful, modern place of worship – but for the eloquence with which they speak of the period.
Edited 24th April 2019 8:55pm:
Turns out this isn’t the Craddock set at all – Peter is still beavering away on those. There are two: Chris Booth supplied these images taken by his Grandfather, Fred Booth.
To clear things up further, Peter is Chris’s uncle, so that makes the family connection.
Readers will know how important correct attribution is to me and the blog’s integrity so I’m all too happy to point this out and apologise for any embarrassment caused. – Bob
The people, the cars, the backgrounds. The open building site. The policeman looking on at the group before Mount Zion Chapel in the High Street. The dress and stance of the people laying the commemoration stone. The children.
The Craddock family were very much involved with the creation of this church – Roy Craddock was the Secretary of the Church Trustees at the time.
The church was built in 1967 to replace the and combine Mount Zion and the Wesleyan in Brownhills High Street which were lost to redevelopment and it has to be said, old age; latterly, the remarkable building whose design hasn’t dated at all has accepted congregations from other churches and chapels in Brownhills like Park View, Brownhills West and Coppice Side.
Thanks to Chris for sharing a remarkable piece of local history.
As ever, if any members of the Church would care to drop me an email I’m happy to advertise your community events. Just drop me a line.
If you have any memories of the new Silver Street Church – or indeed, the ones it superseded – please do comment or drop me an email. BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com.
I see from the events list that Aston Manor Road Transport Museum in Aldridge have their Spring Running Day this Sunday, 28th April 2019 – It starts at 10:00am 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 and all the usual goodies for all the family to enjoy.
Entry is a pocket pleasing £5 for adults, £2 for kids and just £13 for a family ticket.There’s free bus service operating all day between various destinations and the museum in Shenstone Drive – see the timetable below.
While you’re there, you can check out all the great stuff in the collection, and talk to the volunteers, who’re doing a fine job.
This is sure to be a great event – please do pop along. The collection needs the support of the public to survive, and it really is a wonderful thing. The 2017 events schedule for the museum is any the foot of this post.
Walsall Wood FC have a great reputation for entertaining football, and a keen, loyal and friendly bunch of supporters! Come join in the fun this Saturday and see some cracking sport.
Monday 22nd April 2019
The Wood are at home in a bank holiday spectacular!
Following hammering Ilkeston4-0 away on Saturday, the Wood are at the top of the table. Can they conquer Khalsa and seize the lead?
These are remarkably good photos, beautifully scanned and restored by Peter. They are fantastically clear and there is some absolutely stunning detail which I’ll leave readers to find and debate – but people in these pictures must be recognisable now.
Particularly interested in the cheeky wee lad peering into the camera on the marching band image, the people on the coal lorry float in front of the Station Hotel (especially the bearded lad, sure I recognise him), and of course, the carnival queen!
Peter said:
Hello Bob
Had these photos donated to me a couple of weeks ago of Brownhills Carnival procession in 1972 I think, that’s the date on the slide anyway.
These were donated to me by Steve Craddock taken by his Dad, Roy. He found them while sorting through his Dads old slides and thought they might be of interest to me.
These so far have cleaned up well showing a lot of detail of the high street at the time.
Regards Peter Booth.
Again, my thanks and gratitude to Peter, it’s a pleasure and an honour to feature material of this quality here – and a special thank you to the Craddock family for sharing some photos from a time I thought we’d never see. Wonderful stuff. Thank you.
If readers have anything to add, please do comment here or mail me: Brownhillsbob at Googlemail dot com. Thanks.
Fancy a bit of local eEaster fun? This could be just the thing….
For a bit of Easter fun on a beautiful weekend, I notice Oak Tree Farm down in Stonnall have an Easter egg hunt this Easter Sunday afternoon 21st April 2019 from 2pm to 4pm.
It’s £5 per child – no need to book, just turn up!
There are all the usual animals and fun stuff to see down there, so what’s not to love?
You can find out more at Oak Tree Farm’s Facebook page here.Oak Tree Farm is located through the second gate on the right, Gravelley Lane, Stonnall
WS9 9LB (That’s just down the Chester Road, left after the turning for Stonnall Village).
There’s also a bunch of great stuff going on this weekend at the revitalised Horse and Jockey pub in Walsall Wood (just opposite Barons Court Hotel) which has recently come under new management and is developing a great reputation for good food and entertainment.
Tonight (Friday April 19th 2019) they have a fun fancy dress Easter Break School Disco from 8pm until late which will have lots of 80s music and free entry – so what’s not to love there?.
Tomorrow (Saturday 20th April 2019) there’s a great charity Easter event – a kid’s Easter egg Hunt, Carboot Sale, Disco Dome, barbecue, Fire Service display and loads more for the whole family – all the brainchild of Alisha, 8 who wanted to raise money for WPH – supporting children’s mental health in the community, which is a fine cause.
The fun day kicks off at 1pm. Why not get down there?
The organisers said:
Alisha is a 8 year old girl that has organised this event with the help from the horse and jockey and ourselves at Firefly.
We would love for you to come along and help Alisha in raising awareness in mental health
CARBOOT SALE – DISCO DOME – BBQ – MIDLAND FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE – ICE DREAM VAN – EASTER EGG HUNT – BIG RAFFLE OVER 30 PRIZES TO BE WON
St Georges Day this year collides with Easter so not many St. George events about – but there is an excellent St. George Charity Gig and party in store at The Memo, Lichfield Road, Brownhills this Sunday 21st April 2019.
The party fun runs from 2pm until 10pm with lots of great bands, food and fun – and it’s just a tenner a ticket!
Live bands include the wonderful Two Ukes, From the Archives, Not Quite Dead Yet, Bad Things and Ska Face.
The Memo is unlicensed so you’ll need to bring your own beer – which is a bonus as it should make it a cheaper day out!
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, and what’s more, absolutely free (although you’d a total tightarse not to make a donation for such a wonderful thing – collecting box right by the clubhouse!)
Image from Sutton Coldfield Model Engineering Society.
Balleny Green’s address is: SCMES Site, Little Hay, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS14 0QA – see the map above.
Balleny Green is something I heartily recommend – it won’t take all day, but it’ll easily burn a couple of hours and leave you feeling thoroughly charmed. It’s open from 11am until around 4pm.
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.
Just a headsup to point out there’s a Big Bounce family fun day taking place at Oak Park Active Living Centre, Walsall Wood this Thursday, 18th April 2019.
It’s £7 per child and there are three sessions, 10:30-12pm, 12:15-1:45pm and 2-3:30pm.
There will be rides, inflatables, slides, go-karts and all sorts of fun, including a toddler zone.
Easter Indoor Arena Big Bounce for Primary school aged Children & their siblings aged 2-13 years
An Arena filled with Inflatable wipeout games, Huge Slides, NEW Assault courses and more to Play, Bounce, Slide, Race & have loads of fun & our Easter Egg Hunt!
Plus NEW for 2019 Hungry Hippos, our NEW double Beam Total Wipeout Sweeper & Dedicated under 5’s Bouncers
We strongly advise pre-booking www.ticketsource.co.uk/BigBounce as once all tickets are sold we are limited to how many cash payers we can allow in on the door.
Tickets online from £6 for children, £1 adults. + family tickets £18 for 3 kids & 2 adults. On the door tickets £7 kids £1 Adults.
All attractions are FREE once admission paid.
We have 3 sessions to enable more youngsters to enjoy the fun! 10.30am – 12 12.15pm – 1.45pm 2- 3.30pm
Children Must be accompanied by a supervising adult, Adults may be responsible for up to 5 children.
The inimitable soul DJ Leekie has been in touch to let me know that he’s DJing a special Easter set at his regular Soultime event at Pelsall Community Centre this coming Good Friday, 19th April 2019, where he and a number of great soul pals will be fulfilling all your Northern Soul and Motown requirements.
This is a full on two room bash with one dedicated to oldies hits and the other to Ska, Mod and 70s soul. What’s not to love?
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 Steve Turner, Paul McCracken, Alan Wiley and Rob Edgar. Just the thing to get the Easter holidays off to a great start!
It’s just £5 a head and kicks off at 8pm and runs until Midnight.
That’s Pelsall Community Centre, Station Rd, Pelsall, Walsall WS3 4BQ. See you there?
11:35am – Sorry folks my mistake the organisers told this isn’t happening today, next meeting is April 30th. Apologies for any inconvenience – Bob
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?
I see for those of you still with the delightful wee nippers on school holiday, there’s an Easter Fun Day on today, Monday 15th April 2019 at Oak Park Active Living Centre, Walsall Wood, from 10am until 3pm.
It costs just £5 per child, and includes all activities.
Why not get the kids over there and find out what the place is all about? It really is a terrific facility.
Some more pictures here for a Saturday of a bit of a mystery perhaps readers can help with: Exactly when the Ogley School at the top left of Church Road was demolished.
The demolished school in the set below was on the left, behind the railings: The one razed later was on the right where the new houses are. I’ll confess I have no idea which is which and I invite reader contributions: I think the one on the left was the junior school.
I believe the one that remains now – in Great Charles Street, called St James Primary – was formerly the Ogley Girls Senior School. I could, of course, have all this wrong. Please feel free to clarify.
Images kindly supplied by Geraldd Reece and scanned by David Evans. Click for larger versions.
To make it clearer here’s a wonderful image taken in the snows of I think the early 80s looking down Church Road from St. James Church. It’s a great image posted on Facebook by David Tonks:
Image kindly supplied by David Tonks.
Now, one final image to jog the memory: I had this image in from reader Robert Sault a few weeks ago which he tells me is Ogley Juniors in the late 1960s. but looks like the school that still exists in the background. I’m confused.
Recognise anyone?
Image kindly supplied by Robert Sault.
I thank Gerald Reece, David Tonks, Robert Sault and David Evans for yet another remarkable set – you are a very wonderful and generous gentlemen.
What do you recall from this gallery? If you have any thoughts or questions, 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.
I have a very important appeal for help here from Tracey Taundry, mother of Mylee who tragically died last year – St, James Primary School in the heart of Brownhills is the site of a beautiful garden as a tribute which is currently being created by volunteers and community support.
Huge thank you to the One Stop team for their hard work today (Friday, 12th April 2019) on Mylees garden!
If there’s anyone that can offer any help or materials for this project we would be truly grateful.
The plan is to make a garden at St. James Primary School where my daughter was a pupil – the garden will be used by all the children at St James as a place of calm and a place to work.
Mylee was a fun loving, bright, beautiful child who always had a smile on her face the garden will reflect that and will be a positive place for the children to try to take away the negative way she died, instead remembering Mylee as bright and beautiful.
So if you think you can help in anyway please get in touch with myself or St James School we’re in need of
plants
outdoor paint
wind chimes
bird houses
bamboo screens
wood for raised flower beds etc.
A massive thank you to anyone that has donated, helped and for all your kind donations over the past year.
Thanks for reading!
If you can offer any help, please do: You can contact Tracey via Facebook here, or you can comment here on this post, grab me on social media or mail me on BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com.
It’s wonderful to see something positive come out of such an awful event and I’d like to thank Tracey for this lovely idea. As ever, my thoughts are with the Taundry family and my best wishes go out to them.
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 13th April 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.
BROWNHILLS STAY&PLAY Saturday 13th April 2019
MELTED CHOCOLATE MESSY TRAY 🤭
This week we will EXPLORING MELTED CHOCOLATE 🍫 in our messy play tray
Our creative activity will be Easter cards to take home for our loved ones
We will have large building blocks in our outdoors area which is always enjoyed by the little ones 🌞 with the usual bikes and scooters 🛴 and some hidden chocolate coins 🤔
….Along with all our other areas of play within the nursery setting.
See you all Saturday!
10.00-11.30 £2 per child Healthy 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 within Brownhills Community Centre every Saturday morning.
Add our Facebook Page – Brownhills Stay&Play 🌈🌈
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.
Beware of door to door charity collectors – they may not be all they seem. Image from West Midlands Police.
I’m troubled to see the return of a scam we’ve seen before in the area – that of door to door cold callers pretending to be deaf and duping people into giving to a charity that doesn’t exist.
We’ve had numerous reports of a scam operating in the West Midlands area involving a man pretending to be deaf.
A man has been entering businesses such as hotels and funeral homes and presenting staff with a sponsorship form and asking for cash donations.
The form is headed with a blue “Disabled and Deaf” logo. This is not a registered charity.
Unfortunately fake charities such as this try to take advantage of your generosity and compassion for others in need.
Not only do these scams cost you money, they also divert much-needed donations away from legitimate charities and causes.
The scammer has also been using the sponsorship form to cover and then steal mobile phones.
The scam has been reported in Birmingham city centre, Stourbridge, Warley, Great Barr, Digbeth, Halesowen, Pheasey, Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield, Cradley Heath, Harborne, West Bromwich and Dudley.
An investigation is on-going. Please contact us via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk if you have any information.
PROTECT YOURSELF
• Ask the individual for details about the charity such as its full name, address and how the proceeds will be used.
• Check the organisation’s name and look them up. Check the website address to make sure it’s the same as what you searched for.
• Legitimate charities are registered – you check an organisation’s credentials on the GOV.UK website to see if they’re a genuine charity – https://www.gov.uk/find-charity-information
• Never send money or give personal information, credit card details or online account details to anyone you don’t know or trust.
• If you are approached by someone directly, ask to see their identification. Remember, even if they do have identification, it could be forged or meaningless. If you have any doubts about who they are, do not pay.
Please tell your relatives and neighbours about these callers and impress upon them how important it is not to buy from, or accept services at the door, and not to give to charity cold callers who may not be genuine. Some of these people can seem very plausible, but genuine companies will always contact you by other means.
Explain that no official body will turn up unannounced demanding money for services like drain cleaning, tree pruning etc., and that if they are at all unsure of any caller, to close the door and contact the police.
You can contact Walsall Police by dialling 101 (999 in an emergency, obviously) or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
I note that top local performers Brownhills Musical Theatre Company have their next show The Sound of Music coming up at Lichfield’s Garrick Theatre next month, and I’m getting an advert in early as it’s sure to be a sellout.
The show is running from this Tuesday 7th May until until Saturday 11th May 2019 at the Garrick Theatre right in the heart of Lichfield. There are still performances you can catch but you need to be quick with getting your tickets – they’re selling fast!
This will be yet another great production from a very competent, talented and professional cast of local folk.
Brownhills Musical Theatre Company have a great pedigree and a wonderful track record for fun, endearing, entertaining and very professional shows. They really are a hidden gem and well worth catching.
Brownhills Musical Theatre Company wrote:
The Sound Of Music
These Midlands hills are alive with a dynamic new production of The Sound of Music, presented by Brownhills Musical Theatre Company.
This is an ‘all time classic’ guaranteed to touch everyone’s heart, featuring Climb Ev’ry Mountain, Edelweiss and So Long, Farewell – This Oscar winning musical will be one of your ‘favourite things’ to see with all the family.
The children of Captain von Trapp fill their days playing funny tricks on everyone all around them but secretly want a mother to love them…only one person fits the bill, Maria! So, starts the adventure of a lifetime, and one that will change their lives forever.
Anyway, here’s the deal: The Shed are currently located in Alrewych Court, the special care accommodation on Northgate, smack bang on the border between Aldridge and Walsall Wood; whilst their current premises has been wonderful, they are growing so much they need a building with much more space.
John said:
Good morning,
I have met with members of Aldridge Shed recently and they have a dilemma, a good dilemma, following their success. They are now at the point, after being open 3 years in June, that their current premises are too small for the number of members they have which is increasing almost every week. Following a recent review of their 5 year plan, it would seem that the next stage in the progression of the group will be to operate from larger premises. This would enable them to take on activities other than woodworking and crafting, such as metalwork and welding. This would also enable more people in the community to be part of this movement that helps with social isolation and loneliness that is prevalent in our area.
I am emailing you to see if you are aware of any potential premises that Aldridge Shed may be able to consider as their next home? Listed below are some of the features than any potential building will need:-
Floor space of 2,000 square feet as a minimum
Availability 7 days a week
Parking
Disabled access to the premises
Somewhere within the East locality would be preferred (Brownhills / Pelsall / Shelfield / Rushall / Aldridge / Walsall Wood / Streetly)
If you are aware of any vacant premises that would be suitable, please can you let me know and I will pass on to members of Aldridge Shed? It is also worth saying that the group would be interested in collaboration with other local community groups to set up a community hub. So if you would be interested in this idea, again please contact me and let me know.
Many thanks…
John Morris
Locality Manager – South / East Resources and Transformation Walsall Council Civic Centre – 1st Floor Zone 1b Darwall Street Walsall WS1 1TP
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?
Sandfields Pumping Station – a great historic building with immense history and social significance – not just to Lichfield, but to the Black Country. Lichfield Discovered and local historian Dave Moore have saved this valuable asset for the community.
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that this Monday evening, 8th April 2019 there will be the monthly Public Meeting of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of Sandfields Pumping Station group.
The meeting is at the Bowling Green pub, Lichfield from 7:30pm and is of course open to anyone interested.
Dave wrote:
The next public meeting of Lichfield Waterworks Trust will take place on: Monday 8th April 2019 at 7.30pm, in the rear meeting room of the
The Bowling Green Friary Road Lichfield Staffordshire WS13 6QJ
Tel: 01543 257344
The Bowling Green serves some great food and real ales.
Two of the trustees had a meeting with Persimmon homes in March. The meeting was open, honest and frank. The trust welcomes this improved working relationship with the owners and wish to continue with a productive dialogue that will be of mutual benefit to both parties.
Mains cables have now been installed, with the remaining connections still to be made. Contractors surveyors and engineers have been on-site to assess the final connection works. Hopefully, electrical power will be available soon.
We see march as a month of significant progress, we would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support.
Important Note
After the visit by Historic England on 16 Jan, the site has unfortunately been placed on the Heritage At Risk Register.
This is indeed sad news to see that this magnificent piece of industrial heritage is now officially at risk of permanent loss.
The trust is committed to continue working with the owner, Persimmon Homes Ltd to find a sustainable solution that will bring this building and its historic contents aback into a community use.
Tonights Talk
Tonight talk is from Alan Taman a researcher based at Birmingham City University
Cholera, Burgers and Blame: The politics and psychology of health inequality
The development of antibiotics has been hailed as a significant step in the improvement in quality of life. Yet the reality it has not made a significant difference. [Astounding assertion there – Bob] Yet the provision of clean water and effective sanitation made a significant improvement in life expectancy but did not make the news in the same way as antibiotics. So, what are the factors that influence the health and wellbeing of the community?
Alan’s research looks at the importance of communities and the ways people support each other, as well as the more obvious areas like diet and lifestyle. We’re looking forward to hearing the early results.
Health and Safety
We are really pleased to report that we have been working for another month where there have been no incidents relating to health and safety. A very big thank you again to everyone for working safely and looking after your fellow volunteers.
Engineering Team Report
The engineering team are continuing to make steady but continual progress. They have made an impressive job of cleaning the chequer plate floors and the cylinder landing. The work is time consuming but showing amazing results.
The building team are also making steady progress. Lighting has been improved to some of the basement areas and toilets. The railings and doors are looking better for a coat of paint.
The team are busy working on one toilet and converting it to a washing area with a sink and drainer, improving the welfare facilities to benefit all visitors.
Work is well underway preparing the wring system for the new power supply.
3D Walkthrough
Dudley Technical College has been extremely kind in producing a 3D Walkthrough for the trust. This is an amazing piece of work that not only showcases the site, it also provides an opportunity to those who are unable to visit the site or climb the stairs
History West Midlands have produced a stunning podcast titled – Making Cholera History in the Black Country.
Presented by writer and broadcaster Graham Fisher and Directed by Andy Partington, featuring David Moore, the podcast gives a detailed history of both Sandfields pumping Station and the story of clean water.
The archive and research team have done some sterling work preserving and cataloguing the historic artefacts left on site. Lists of water quality documents, tables, customer complaints and numerous other documents have been carefully and skilfully sorted, catalogued and stored.
The archive material will provide research opportunities for many years to come.
Donations
With over 2,500 volunteer working hours, (equates to more than two full time equivalents) and over £14,000 spent in cleaning equipment, materials and scaffold over the last two years. This month has seen quite a drain on our bank balance with invoices for the viability study and scaffolding landing on the desk. Looking at the engine now, as opposed to how it looked in 2016, the volunteers have made some remarkable progress.
We will also always invest in our people and we are planning further training days soon. All these costs soon mount up, so if you can donate, then please visit our donation page here.
Any amount is helpful, is well appreciated and will be carefully spent preserving our industrial past for our future generations, developing skills for our people and making our community a better place.
Please make cheques payable to; Lichfield Waterworks Trust, and send to our address:
22 Walsall Road Lichfield WS13 8AB
Membership
We would like this opportunity to welcome a few new members.
Thank you for joining the Lichfield Waterworks Trust. We hope you will enjoy your membership and become part of a very exciting heritage project that will benefit the people, the place and the community. It would really help us if we develop and grow our membership. If you are not already a member and would you like to be a part of one of the region’s most exciting heritage projects then please, join us now by filling in Membership Application Form by going to our membership page here. It is free to join and be a part of this incredibly exciting project.
Finally
Thank you everyone for your continued support and helping to make a difference in our community. We hold work days every Friday between 10:00 and 12:00am, please feel free to pop in a see us, we make everyone welcome and have free tea and coffee!
It’s great to see people like Dave encourage a better attitude to our historic buildings -please do attend if you’re able, it’s sure to be enlightening and educational.
I thought I’d continue sharing the hugely popular 80s archive images today and the real treat from the immense Gerald Reece collection this weekend consists of the two related sets below.
What do you recall from this gallery? If you have any thoughts or questions, 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.
Walsall Wood County Secondary School and a wonderful image offered by Tony Portman of the happy retirement presentation to Mrs Dolly James. The gentleman in the photo is Mr Faid, headmaster.
That remarkable collection was introduced in this blog post here – and today I can share with you another photo, possibly of that period, of the retirement presentation to much-loved dinner lady Mrs. Dolly James at the school, by the head, Mr. Faid.
David Evans wrote:
HI Bob
Another wonderful photo, offered by Tony Portman, showing a happy retirement event.
I think we all have memories of school dinners. The good dinner ladies seen here toiled in a very small canteen kitchen at Walsall Wood Secondary school, to receive the meals that had been cooked in the central school meals kitchen which I think was in Brownhills.
This common kitchen possibly served pupils from the Primary and Secondary School and others in the district.
I am not sure of the date of the event.. Perhaps readers can help, please?
A big thankyou to Tony for offering this photo from his private collection
Thanks to Tony Portman who generously granted access to a remarkable collection, and to David Evans for scanning them so diligently. People like you gentlemen are keeping local history alive. Thank you.
Please, any comments, contributions or observations welcome. Either comment here, or mail me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com.
a stiff chill breeze bringing with it an aroma all of its known was to make its presence known today
The first half gets under way as spectators look around wondering..well, wondering..
The contest was to be characterised by the patently different style of soccer that is required of all players, on synthetic grass.
Early first half action as Romulus, in red, attack the Wood’s goal.
Bright sunshine, a stiff breeze and the proximity of the nearby treatment works underlined the match
First half still, and another of the several “oh so close” attacks by the Wood put the home team under pressure.
Another near miss by the Wood, confused, perhaps by the numerous practise goalmouths dotted hither and thither around the pitch. The first half was all this, and the earthy aroma.
Later in the first half and a corner header by the Wood narrowly misses its target. Romulus made several rapid breakaway moves in this half.
Nearly half time but no top class beefburger awaiting to thaw me out..and yet.
Second half and a different camera. Wood now kicking in to the left and in to the swirling capricious breeze.
Second half and different tactics are evident. Romulus are re-energised and begin to put the Wood to the test. Bosting! This was another near miss attack by the Wood.
Second half, a different camera and a different position to take photos, the breeze and something else having chilled my soul in the stand.
Second half and a markedly more confident Romulus bring the Wood to their toes, reversing the first half dominance by the Wood abruptly to an end. Super to spectate and appreciate.
The Wood in action as only they know, and challenge Romulus defence at one of the numerous goalmouths. A sense of imminent “goal” is felt by spectators as they chump and blow to try to bring warmth to their bodies. Hot stuff on the pitch, though!
Later in the second half and Wood are working their way, surely, to scoring a goal. Not if Romulus have any say in the matter!
Second half, much later. Then suddenly it come comes right for the Wood and the ball slams in to the back of the net. Over an hour and a half needed for one of the sides to break through, and today it’s the Wood.
Celebration time for the Wood after scoring their well-deserved and hard- fought first goal. It was to be the only goal of the match. Wood supporters leap for joy, as best as they can, that is.
Later in the second half and the Wood are on the crest of a wave as they hammer the Romulus defence who, to their credit,play their heart out and launch their own counter attacks. Final part of the game and minutes seem like hours for the Wood.
Final moments of an excellent hard, entertaining game, played like a breath of fresh air, on a plastic pitch near the motorway and the settlement ponds.
The match ends. A thoroughly good games played with spirit and endeavour by two sporting sides.
Images and captions kindly supplied by the young David Evans
A chilly afternoon downwind of the rather aromatic Minworth Sewage Works at Romulus FCs Castle Vale ground rewarded the Wood faithful today (Saturday 6th April 2019) with a win in a hard fought but enjoyable encounter.
First up David Evans was there, and sent the above images and the following report – and following at the foot of the post, an additional report and footage from recent matches.
David Evans wrote:
Romulus FC 0 v 1 Walsall Wood FC
Saturday 6th April 2019
The football ground was probably the easiest one for me to find, situated in Castle Vale, just off the Spitifre Island. Impressive stand and complex, beautiful green grass. But not real grass. However the unusual – ripe – aroma that pervaded the ground from the nearby ‘water treatment facility’ had nothing synthetic about it.
No matter. A goodly choir of Wood away supporters of various ages, diameters and heights managed to squeeze through the eye-wateringly narrow turnstile [Lay off the half time doughnuts David! – Bob], regain composure and then, having made the necessary personal realignments, made their way to the welcome indoor bar before resolving to take their seats or positions around the perimeter wire fencing out in the open air.
Such was the unpredictability and force of the breeze that occasionally a wayward kick directed the football toward the more vocal of the spectators sat sitting in the stand. The said supporters retained their vocality, however.
The contest proved to be captivating and thrilling throughout the entire game today. Played at a fast pace and on the hard unyielding surface, we witnessed a level of accuracy of passing and determination of leaping that we see on a real pitch. Players of both sides demonstrated a fine ability to adapt the style of football to the demands of the day. Full credit.
It was the Wood who were first to show their composure and dominance, with swift moves, possession and control; yet Romulus , too demonstrated that they were playing on a surface they were well accustomed to. There seemed to be a fine balance of steady moves and deceptive counter moves… By both teams.
The half time whistle brought the players a necessary break with the usual cucumber sandwiches and cup of hot tea, served by their doting managers. Meanwhile, supporters, who by now were gasping for something liquid, to rinse their vocal chords, and something solid, to subdue the complaining rumbles from their half-frozen empty bellies, made their way to the welcoming bar, warmth, and then, slightly unsteadily, perhaps to snack bar.
The second half began as supporters resigned themselves to brave both the cold and neighbouring earthy aromas.
Romulus were visibly re-energised and seemed to have the upper hand at times, launching attacks and dashes in to the Woods half. The Wood, for their part, were resilient in defence as always and employed different tactics, which, after what seemed an eternity, brought a beautifully crafted and executed goal for the visitors.
The visiting supporters, who outnumbered the home supporters, erupted in shouts of delight, cheers, and other well-known ways. It was near the final ten minutes of the match and now Romulus threw everything, overcoming understandable frustration, attempting to gain a goal. But, today, mercifully, the day was the Wood’s.
Final score: Romulus nil, Walsall Wood FC one goal.
Now, who do the Wood play next? Oh yes, that town near Heanor. Should turn out to be an interesting match, that one, my ducks..
David
Thanks to David there – For The Good Of The Wood!
I notice also we recently had some match footage of the Saturday 23rd March 2019 Wood v Coventry Sphinx match posted up from the excellent and professional Russell Smith’s The-Wood.TV:
Additionally I have this report in from Simon Evans who attended the Loughborough away match last Saturday, another hard-fought Wood win.
Loughborough 1 v 2 Walsall Wood
Saturday 30th March 2019
Wood started the brightly, Paul Sullivan with an effort that the defender blocked, Loughborough countered and forced a corner, which was cleared. On 15 minutes, Paul Sullivan’s effort was straight at the keeper. Wood soon got the first goal, Mitch Tolley’s effort finding the back of the net.
Loughborough then had a brief spell of pressure, a freekick going just wide. Just before half time, Javia Roberts lobbed the oncoming Loughborough keeper from distance, but the ball bounced just wide. Loughborough countered and won a corner. The corner was swung in and found the corner of the net. The ref then blew for half time.
Wood started the second half brightly, Javia Roberts effort was deflected onto the Loughborough crossbar by Matt Dodds. From a corner, Kyle Rowley headed just wide, Matt Dodds then went on a 40 yard run, beating defenders, but the keeper was equal to the effort. Javia Roberts effort was well saved by the Loughborough keeper.
It was all Wood at this point. Wood sub Joey Butlin’s header from close range went agonisingly just over the bar. The last few minutes from a Loughborough attack, they won a freekick, which LLoyd Ransome in the Wood goal gathered. Then an effort from Loughborough went wide.
On 86 minutes a Joey Butlin freekick saw the Loughborough keeper make a fine save for a corner, the resulting corner wasn’t cleared and Kyle Rowley’s header forced the keeper to make another good save. With time almost up, Wood had a freekick, the ball was met by Kyle Rowley who’s header found the back of the net. Within seconds the ref had blown for full time.
Simon
Thanks to the Evans boys and Russell Smith for their excellent coverage as ever.
Walsall Wood Football Club are a top local side and last season’s league champions with a big-hearted faithful who know how to have a great time supporting their lads, and welcome all comers to come enjoy great local soccer.
The boys from The Wood have been at the heart of the local community for a century or more, so please do go check out a match or two if you’re curious.
Saturday means it’s time for yet more images from the huge Gerald Reece collection – so kindly donated for use on the blog by the great man himself. Today, I have a selection of random images not big enough to fit in galleries of their own.
Today, the star of the show is something I thought I’d never, ever see: A photo of Brownhills bandstand that stood in Holland Park, facing the Annexe and Police Station, just by the toilet block. I think it was demolished in the 1990s. Gerald’s photo is late 80s from the graffiti to the right, and has been freshly painted by the looks of things.
A fresh coat of paint and an interesting stall, late 80s I think. Wonder what’s going on here? Image kindly supplied by Gerald Reece.
I wonder what the stall was? Looks like it might have been local history. Possibly during a carnival. Anyone any idea on this?
What do you recall from this gallery? If you have any thoughts or questions, 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.
Local mum Claire Mason is staging something rather lovely at Chasewater this Sunday (7th April 2019) that people with kids (or looking after them!) can get involved with to socialise and have fun.
Loads to do at Chasewater for all ages. Image from Enjoy Staffordshire.
Claire has noticed that it can be quite isolating being a parent with young kids and wants to organise informal play and meeting groups at local parks and attractions, and is kicking off by inviting you to join her this Sunday, 7th April 2019 at Chasewater, where you can meet by the cafe at 11:15am.
There’s no fixed plan, but Claire wants it to be organic and see what folk attending would like to do. That could be feeding the birds, playing ball games and sports, having a picnic or whatever suggestions come up.
The inimitable soul DJ Leekie has been in touch to let me know that he’s DJing a special Easter set at his regular Soultime event at Pelsall Community Centre this coming Good Friday, 19th April 2019, where he and a number of great soul pals will be fulfilling all your Northern Soul and Motown requirements.
This is a full on two room bash with one dedicated to oldies hits and the other to Ska, Mod and 70s soul. What’s not to love?
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 Steve Turner, Paul McCracken, Alan Wiley and Rob Edgar. Just the thing to get the Easter holidays off to a great start!
It’s just £5 a head and kicks off at 8pm and runs until Midnight.
That’s Pelsall Community Centre, Station Rd, Pelsall, Walsall WS3 4BQ. See you there?
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 is a heads up to folk who may be interested that on this Saturday evening, 6th April 2019, they will be holding a disco night for adults (18+) with additional needs.
It’s just £3.50 per head, including a drink, snack and raffle ticket. There’s a real gap locally for events like this and this is wonderful to see.
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.
One for the train buffs out there – Chasewater Railway have their Coal Train event this weekend (Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th April 2019) with a mixture of diesel and steam runnings, demo trains and working plant.
The organisers said:
With an intensive passenger service and demonstration coal trains recreating coal haulage in the area, this year we remember Littleton colliery after its closure 25 years ago, with visiting guest locomotive YEC No2748, stands from local mining museums, tales from ex miners at Littleton colliery and more.
Did you or do you know anyone who used to work at Littleton? Then this weekend will be perfect to remember parts of how it used to be and you may even run into some old familiar work colleges.
Coal train weekend 6th & 7th April timetable and prices.
Adult £9.50 Concession £8.50 Child 2-16 years £4.50 Family £23.50 Members £3.50 (on production of a valid membership card) Children under 2 free per paying adult
An added treat for local transport fans: Godfrey Hucker said ‘On Sunday 7th April, we are over moon to have Harper Brothers bus attending he event, company used to provide buses for Littleton Colliery. Thank you to owner for bringing it to event.’
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.
Please do pop down if you haven’t already – Chasewater Railway really isn’t pushed enough; it’s wonderful.
You can check their website here – trains run this and every weekend from 11am to 4pm with the museum, cafes and stations open earlier.
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?
Many of you who keep an eye on local news and events will have spotted a story that broke late last week when night-time traffic on the Cannock Road was held up between Five Ways at Heath Hayes and Burntwood by some unusual pigs taking a walk, and there has been much speculation about exactly what breed they were, and where they originated.
Indeed, they were so hairy and of such unfamiliar nature that I initially mistook them in the footage for Muntjac deer. Most of the speculation settled on them being wild boar.
I include the circulating film of the incident below:
Well, one of the reasons I’ve not had much time to post on the blog this weekend is because having reflected on the nature of the porcine perambulation, I was troubled by the question of what the animals were exactly, and where they may have come from.
My interest was piqued when a local farmer got in touch to tell me he was being engaged in an experiment sponsored by Natural England to re-introduce wild boar in the area.
This is obviously a matter of some concern, as the pigs clearly have no road sense, and we already have a high accident toll from traffic collisions with deer, badgers and other other wild animals. Just what good can come of the introduction of pigs?
A unique breed of pigs go for a stroll – but what on earth is going on? Image from Andy Marshall.
It seems that Natural England have been very concerned about changes in the area brought about by overdevelopment of housing – particularly in the Norton, Burntwood and Lichfield areas, where large new developments are either in the pipeline or well underway.
Powerless to intervene in planning matters, specialists from Natural England have been clearly thinking outside the box and have worked with local anti-development protesters to thwart developments by other means.
Yesterday, I spoke with representative of the Burntwood Anger Group (BAG) Gloria Frottage about this curious initiative, who told me, ‘We could see that in some areas of the country large developments had been halted or cancelled completely by the discovery of rare, important species on the sites concerned, so we set out with Graham Wigglescope of Chasewater Wildlife Group to find some. He was talking about some toads and newts and other horrid things but he just came up with a blank. We knew then we had to introduce a species that was unique, and preferably jolly cute – not slimy and unpleasant like those toads.
‘Graham had explained that the deer we have were too common to be protected – even you in Brownhills have them for heavens sake! So a few of us approached Natural England who have several schemes relating to wild boar across the country. We decided we could buy into this, but it would need to be special.’
What I found out next was quite shocking. On a quiet farm between Heath Hayes and Gentleshaw, a unique breed of pigs has been interbred for release into the area, and has been registered with the National Pig Society as the Burntwood Boar. This short, stout and somewhat aggressive animal has been bred to reflect the characteristics of the local youth, with whom it shares 99% of its DNA. It is a remarkable animal possessing thick fur on its back, a strongly aggressive personality and is given to wandering into roads randomly, often with a long line of its ill-disciplined offspring in it’s wake – as can be seen in the film above.
The farmer, who wishes to remain nameless until the insurance position has been clarified, has carefully bred these animals over a three-year period, and late last year trial releases started in Burntwood’s greenbelt and on the few grass verges that remain in Norton Canes. Cuckoo Bank has seen a release, as has land between Wall and Lichfield.
It is hoped the presence of this unique species could prevent any development as it would threaten their habitat.
The new local gang problem on our streets: Are they worth the hassle? Burntwood Youth are coming to a green space near you.
All is not well, however. The Burntwood Boars released so far have caused several traffic incidents, but worse than that, have been exhibiting the rampant behaviour of their forebears: they have been breeding freely, have been eating all before them including crops in fields and gardens, have run amok in villages and towns at night fighting and generally being a source of constant antisocial behaviour.
Police Constable Wayne Peeler of Staffordshire Police is very concerned about the situation, ‘Of course the introduction of the pigs was cleared with us first, and to be fair the behaviour they exhibit is far from unusual in Norton, Chase Terrace and Burntwood. Indeed, the pigs seem to feel at home and only last week I had to make several arrests in a turf battle between Chasetown Youth and a herd of pigs. The pigs seemed to be winning, but of course, they had all the brains on their side.
‘It’s bad enough having to cover an area from Penkridge to Burton single handedly, without having to regularly round up wild animals and transport them back to the fields. On the plus side, it does seem like the developers are pulling out citing property value concerns.’
Over in Lichfield, the pigs have been more of an issue, with them roving onto leafy estates at night, mating noisily in The Close and bathing in Stowe and Minster Pools with little regard for the City’s history or standards. One resident commented it was like bower day, when all the townies came in from Walsall. Only the pigs were better behaved. And their thick fur has caused several to be mistaken for the local MP, much to his annoyance. To be fair, the pig also seemed pretty annoyed at the comparison with synthetic fur, as anyone would be.
The question is, are the Burntwood Boars a good idea if they do prevent further urbanisation? I’d love to hear from you. Comment here, hit me up on social media or mail me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com.
I think it’s about time for another excellent, memory-jogging gallery from the wonderful Gerald Reece collection – this one mostly of the end of the Station Hotel which I think would have been around 1988-90, when it was being replaced by a new Aldi supermarket.
I must admit may memory of Brownhills High Street at this time is very sketchy, as I was spending more time in Walsall and Birmingham at the time. The Station Hotel had been derelict from the mid 80s – I had thought it went at the time of construction of the island, but it seems to have lasted much longer.
The construction of the Aldi which was ongoing in 1991 was not itself without controversy as this report from the April edition of the Brownhills Gazette of that year shows:
Brownhills Gazette, April 1991 – click for a larger version.
I’m particularly interested in the low building with the blue doors – what was that? Old stables? Some of the shop names will bring memories flooding back. Also, possibly the only photos I’ve ever seen of the Station Hotel cellars!
I thank Gerald and David for yet another remarkable set – it really is most excellent and for me personally has stirred many memories, as they always do. Gerald, you are a very wonderful and generous gentleman.
What do you recall from this gallery? If you have any thoughts or questions, please do share them – comment here, find me on social media or mail me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Thanks.
A lovely video here posted on Facebook in the last couple of days by Anna Marie Davies which she recorded of red deer bathing in the canal near Anglesey Wharf, just beyond the M6 Toll Bridge near Wharf Lane, Brownhills.
Deer like to bathe all year around, but particularly at the moment as they’re mounting and their shedding winter coats cause irritation, the water helps to remove the old fur and ease the skin.
A still capturing the moment a stag chases a group of females through the water at the local reservoir. Image snipped from a video included below with kind permission of Jochen Langbein.
Thanks to Anna for a lovely film and a reminder that although we think of our town as being quite urban, we have a whole host of fascinating wildlife right here on our doorsteps.
Meanwhile, a quick public service announcement: Sorry folks I’ve been very busy the last couple of weeks and this weekend I’ve been absolutely exhausted, so not had much time for the blog. My apologies for this, it’s not permanent I’m just getting older (the blog is ten years old in a few weeks) and I’ve not the energy I used to have. Please bear with me for a while.
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