Images posted on Facebook by the Reading Rooms

It’s always great to hear from old pals of the blog, and Laura Hucker mailed me a couple of days ago to tell me about the great events they have going on at the Reading Rooms coffee and cake emporium in the Pelsall Village Centre.

This terrific cake stop opened to the public in May and has gone from strength to strength with great reviews – Laura made a fantastic job of the fairs she ran and they were a good omen for the Reading Rooms: a great social and food space that has really become a focus for the community.

Since Brownhills Community Association have become involved with the Village Centre in Pelsall, it’s really picking up with so much going on there (see here) and it’s good to see Pelsall finally benefit from the expertise and dedication of people who really make the Community Centre in Brownhills the hive of activity it is. Best wishes to all involved.

You can find out more about The Reading Rooms at their website here, or their Facebook here – and you can learn more, including opening hours and contact details below.

Coming up they have lots of events which I’ve listed facebook links to at the foot of this post – and Laura told me about the Coffe Talk with Tasters and Cake event coming up on Monday 13th August 2018:

Here at The Reading Rooms, we are passionate about our coffee! When we opened, we searched high and low for a really tasty coffee and locality was important too. We found Iron and Fire, a coffee roaster based in Shrewsbury, one meeting with Kevin and his passion was infectious and his knowledge second to none!

THE READING ROOMS
Pelsall Village Centre
High Street
Pelsall
WS3 4LX

Telephone: 01543 373768

Email: hello@the-reading-rooms.co.uk

THE READING ROOMS OPENING HOURS
MONDAY – FRIDAY: 8:30am – 3pm
SATURDAY: 9:30am – 11:30am
SUNDAY: Closed

THE BOOK EXCHANGE OPENING HOURS
MONDAY, TUESDAY AND THURSDAY: 10am – 3pm
SATURDAY: 9:30am – 11:30am
SUNDAY: Closed

For any further details regarding the Book Exchange, room hire or activities, please contact Janet Davies on 07977 464 908 or email janet.davies@brownhillsca.org.uk

Always good fun

Just a headsup to point out there’s a Big Bounce family fud day taking place at Holland Park, Brownhills this Wednesday, 8th August 2018, as well as others over the school holidays throughout the area.

It’s £6 per child, with under fives at £5 – there are two sessions, 11-1:30pm and 2-4:30pm.

There will be rides, inflatables, slides, go-karts and all sorts of fun, including a toddler zone.

You can check out the Facebook page of the event operator here.

The organisers said:

Big Bounce Walsall is heading to Holland Park, Brownhills this summer holiday on Wednesday 8th August.

Week 3 of the school holidays, & we’re here to keep your kids entertained as we continue our tour around over 10 parks across the Walsall Borough bringing lots of inflatable fun to all these open spaces.

With over a dozen inflatable attractions for all age of kids with just one admission fee and unlimited play, how else can you treat your kids on your doorstep for only £6 for children & £5 under 5’s, Babies in arms & supervising adults go FREE.

Attractions include
Mega Slide
Assaults courses
Go Karts
Wipeout Sweeper
Toddler Zone
Bouncy Castles
Helter Skelter Slide
and Loads More

Full Address – Holland Park, The Parade, Brownhills, WS8 7JB
Fun starts 11am-1.30pm morning session & 2pm-4.30pm afternoon session

Look out for free entry competitions!

Beware – thee might be snakes in the local grassland. Archive image from my 365days journal.

Hi folks – time for a warning – I’m seeing reports that dogs are being bitten by adders at Chasewater and other heathland at the moment, so take care.

Adders are the UK’s only venomous snake, and the sun brings them out. Timid and furtive creatures, they won’t bite unless to defend themselves, and are quite hard to find; however they do like to bask in the sun and it’s easy for dogs and humans running through long grass and scrub to disturb them with unpleasant consequences.

Adder bites are rarely fatal in humans (although anaphylaxis is a real possibility) but they can be fatal in dogs – see the NHS advice on snake bites here for advice on what to do if you’re bitten. Adders have been present in this country probably longer than us humans, and there’s nothing can be done, nor should it be, about their presence: The only thing is if on the common, the heaths around Chasewater and other open land like Cannock Chase, keep your dog and kids close by and take great care.

The Forestry Commission has this to say about adders:

The adder is the only venomous snake native to Britain. Adders have the most highly developed venom injecting mechanism of all snakes, but they are not aggressive animals. Adders will only use their venom as a last means of defence, usually if caught or trodden on. No one has died from adder bite in Britain for over 20 years. With proper treatment, the worst effects are nausea and drowsiness, followed by severe swelling and bruising in the area of the bite. Most people who are bitten were handling the snake. Treat adders with respect and leave them alone.

Adders are fascinating creatures, but if you find one, don’t disturb it. Image from NHS England.

Vets 4 Pets has this to say about adder bites and dogs:

The only venomous snake native to the UK is the European adder (Vipera berus). Adults are roughly 50-60cm long and have a black/brown zigzag pattern along their back and V or X shaped marking on the back of the head. They are most commonly found in the south and south west of England, western Wales and Scotland where their preferred habitats are sand dunes, rocky hillsides, moorland and woodland edges. Adders are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; this means that it is an offence to kill, harm, injure, sell or trade them.

Is my dog likely to get bitten?

Adder bites are fairly rare. Snakes generally only bite in self-defence, so normally bites occur when a snake is stepped on or disturbed by your dog. Puppies and young dogs can be especially curious and can unintentionally provoke an adder into biting. The majority of bites in dogs seem to occur between April and July, most commonly in the afternoon when the adders are most active.

Important points:

• Most adder bites occur between April and July
• Common adder habitats are sand dunes, rocky hillsides, moorland and also woodland edges
• If your dog is bitten, don’t panic, try to keep them still and seek veterinary attention straight away
• The most common signs are significant pain and swelling where the bite occurred as well as depression and lethargy
• Less than 5% of patients display more severe signs and complications
• 96-97% of bitten dogs make a full recovery, usually within 5 days, with appropriate treatment

For a map of reported adder sightings, check the Interactive Map Tool: https://data.nbn.org.uk/

So, there you have it – the key message is take care, keep dogs under control, and don’t panic if one bites, but act swiftly.

If you do find an adder on your local travels, please do get in touch – I’d love to see pictures! Comment here, ping me on social media or mail me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Cheers.

Footherley is a small hamlet south of Shenstone, about 4 miles from Brownhills. Imagery from current Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 mapping.

One for the weekend I’ve been meaning to raise here for a while – there’s a historical mystery just down the road from here we’ve never properly explored, and I’d be interested to see what we can find out about it.

Marked on the 1:2,500 maps from the turn of the last century (in the instance shown, 1912) there is a building marked in Footherley, near Shenstone, as ‘Reading Room’.

On most large scale maps of the late Victorian and pre-WW1 period, a Reading Room – whatever that is – is marked in Footherley, near Shenstone. Click for a larger version.

Lazily, I’d always assumed the ‘reading room’ was a social club of some sort and later became Footherley Working Men’s Club, which still exists, but actually having studied the map, they’re in two different places.

This has really piqued my interest.

The reading Room is actually marked on the map as being attached, or adjacent to the barns at Home Farm, and not near the site of today’s Working Men’s Club at all.

In this National Library of Scotland Archive mapping from 1912, overlaid on Google Earth imagery, it’s evident the Reading Room was not where I though it was. Click for larger image.

I’d love to know what we can find out about this: Was it an early library? Gentleman’s club? Why in Footherley, and not the larger, nearby Shenstone? Is it related to the club, or are they different?

I’ve been idly wondering about this for years and I’d love to know what readers think – Please do comment here, grab me on social medial or mail me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Thanks.

The Reading Room was either this building, or a lost one attached to it. Imagery from Google Streetview.

Footherley Working Men’s Club is apparently still functional, but a little dilapidated and is a good way south of Home Farm. Imagery from Google Streetview.

You know I love quirky films, drone footage, big machinery and the local landscape, right?

Well here’s a couple of wonderful films made by local drone pilot Don Elson that he’s posted on YouTube in recent days of local growers getting in the harvest in and around Hammerwich – this really is mesmerising and top use of drone technology.

A wonderful harvest photo of the same kit, expertly driven by Jon Sealey and pals. Image supplied by Jon Sealey.

Living in a peri-urban town as we do, it’s easy to forget we’re right on the edge of rolling countryside, and with the fine weather this year the harvest has been quite spectacular. It’s good to see local farms doing well and this is a lovely insight into what they do.

Thanks to Don for allowing me to post this here and if there’s anything you’d like to talk to him about in relationship to his drone work, please do comment here, mail me on BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com or ping me on social media.

Strawberries, cream, coffee and chatter – can’t beat ’em. Image from Kitchen Dreams.

I notice there’s a coffee morning this morning (Saturday, 4th August 2018) at Brownhills Methodist Church, Silver Street, Brownhills.

This one’s a bit special: It’s a coffee morning  with strawberries and cream, which can’t be a bad thing, and runs from 9am-12noon. All re welcome.

The Silver Street Church is busy and has an active congregation and you can find out more about it at their website here and Facebook page here.

Image kindly supplied by David Evans.

Fancy a jump? Don’t mind if I do…

Just a heads to point out there’s an inflatable fun day taking place at The Green, Aldridge today (Friday 3rd August 2018) from 11am until 3:00pm, then from 4:00pm until 8:00pm.

It’s £5 per person – and there will be food, drinks and ice cream available too!

A great local music festival returns.

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 – formerly called Cockfest (because it took place on a chicken farm), last year becoming A5 Live.

This year the music, entertainment and fun returns, and takes place from this Friday (3rd  to Sunday 5th August 2018), and tickets are still available.

The organisers have produced a FAQ list, and the said:

In the build up to A5 Live we are often asked similar questions, so we thought we’d answer them all in one 🔍

Opening times ⏰
The gates are open from 15:00 on Friday 3rd August and reopen at 12:00 Saturday, and 10:00 Sunday closing at 16:00 on Sunday the 5th August (if you want to come any earlier just send us a message)

Preparations for the local music and fun spectacular are well underway

You can get tickets from the A5 Live website here or by emailing A5-Live@outlook.co.uk. You can check out the festival Facebook page here, too.

I wish everyone the best for this and it’s always good to see local music events.

Can’t grumble at those prices!

Chasewater isn’t usually the kind of place you’d expect to be the scene of such intense police activity. Archive image from my 365days journal.

Update 5:25pm, Wednesday 1 August
Latest statement from Staffordshire Police:

Armed police deployed to Chasewater Country ParkStaffordshire Police received a call just after 8pm yesterday (31 July) reporting that a man had been assaulted with a weapon at Chasewater Country Park on Pool Road, Brownhills.

Armed officers attended, along with the force’s Dog Support Unit and colleagues from the Ambulance Service. The National Police Air Service also provided assistance.Three men received medical attention at the scene for minor injuries, and an extensive search of the area was carried out.

No armed men or weapons were found and the armed officers were stood down.Chief Inspector Mark Smith, Lichfield District Local Policing Team Commander, said: “Fortunately no one was seriously injured, but we are carrying out a thorough investigation to trace those involved.“It is believed to be an isolated incident, and officers will be on duty in the area this evening to reassure local residents. We would like to encourage the community to continue to use the park as normal.“Any witnesses are asked to contact us on 101, quoting incident number 776 of 31 July. Any information, however small and insignificant it may seem, could help with our investigation.”

Update 10:40am, Wednesday 1 August
Staffordshire Police have posted the following at 10:18am:

There will be an increased police presence today and this evening in Chasewater but we would like to encourage the community to continue to use the park as normal.

Original post:

There’s been a lot of understandable concern on social media in the last 12 hours or so due to a large police presence at Chasewater yesterday evening (Tuesday 31st July 2018), including the dog unit, force helicopter and an armed response team – apparently in response to some kind of incident involving weapons.

At the moment, official information is quite scant, but Lichfield police issued the following two statements in succession – when more information emerges, I’ll update this post as necessary:

At 9:31pm, they said:

Please be aware that we are currently dealing with an incident in and around Chasewater Country Park. There will be a large number of officers and vehicles in the area conducting enquiries.

At 9:36pm they went on to say:

In relation to the incident at Chasewater County Park. There has been a deployment to the location in relation to some minor disorder involving weapons. Enquiries are on going at the moment and nobody has been seriously injured or harmed.

Following on from this, at 9:41pm, Staffordshire Police Dogs and Armed Response tweeted:

Shift 2 ARV are currently involved in a firearms deployment at Chasewater. You may see armed officers in the area following a report of an assault with a machete. An area search has been completed and no offenders or weapons have been found so far.

Staffordshire Police ARV unit, Apparently at Chasewater Dam. Image posted on Twitter by @StaffsDogs.

Shift 2 ARV are currently involved in a firearms deployment at Chasewater. You may see armed officers in the area following a report of an assault with a machete. An area search has been completed and no offenders or weapons have been found so far. pic.twitter.com/O6i1xbTq2Q

— Staffs Dogs & ARV (@StaffsDogs) July 31, 2018

Images posted on Facebook by Lisa Joanne Sherwood

This is a warning to dog walkers in Brownhills – there was a very worrying incident in Holland Park today (Sunday, 29th July 2018), when a local lady was horrified to witness her beloved pet Jack being attacked by a pair of out of control dogs belonging to another park user.

Lisa Joanne Sherwood wrote:

Upset is not the word my poor jack has been viciously attacked due to an irresponsible owner who thought it was ok to have his Staffy and his Pit Bull off the lead (well didn’t even have a lead for a start) on a children’s park.

Been at emergency vets for him to be sedated and needs medication due to lacerations and puncture wounds.

The poor dog is traumatised. As anyone who knows me I’m a massive dog lover but that was the worst experience of my life seeing that happen and those dogs having jack around the throat.

Thank you to Susan Lakin for helping us.

I am making enquiries as to the exact time of the incident (It appears to be late Sunday afternoon, 29th July 2018) and as to any description of the other dog owner. The dogs in question are thought to be a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and a Pit Bull Terrier.

Obviously, if you walk your dog in Holland Park or other parks or commons in the Brownhills area, bear this awful incident in mind and and take care at all times.

Remember, t is an offence not to be in control of your dog.

I wish Lisa and Jack all the best for a speedy recovery, and I’ll update this post when I get more detail.

You can contact Lisa via Facebook here or mail me in confidence at BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com and I’ll pass any info on in total confidence.

Yesterday evening, I took a stroll out before dusk to check out something I’ve been meaning to do for a while – the newly accessible trail between Smithy’s Forage along the old railway line under he Miner Island in Brownhills to the rear of the Swan pub on Pelsall Road, Brownhills.

Ages ago, I ran a piece here about how local activist and Clayhanger Kid himself Brian Stringer was starting a campaign to bring back into use the old rail line that runs from Pelsall through Brownhills – not to carry trains, but as a walking and cycling route for the community.

Since then, Brian and the Back the Track crew have surmounted a staggering number of obstacles and undertaken a huge amount of work to clear the old line of litter and debris – from general trash to shopping trollies, overgrowth of trees and scrub, and no small amount of stinking mud – but finally, the route from the gate by Smithy’s Forge to the exiting trail at the old foot crossing by the rear of the Swan pub is now passable on foot.

This means walkers can now go all the way from the Miner Island to the Butts in Walsall on the former Railway line and only have to cross a road at Harden.

Thanks to the drainage issue still ongoing, it’s a bit stodgy underfoot, but the line is now walkable. And it’s really very nice and a credit to Brian, Back the Track, and all who have taken part in this wonderful project.

Slipping through the gate off the Lichfield Road beside the pub, I entered an emerald green underworld – connected to the traffic and urban life above by the sharing the same sky, but screened from the chaos with verdant green leaves and foliage. Down on the trail – now christened the McClean Way after the great local engineer and mine operator – it’s peaceful, shady and rather beautiful. And I don’t say that lightly.

There is much work still to do, and the drainage will take some real magic and effort to fix, but what the people behind this project have shown is that if you want to achieve something, and you push hard enough, as a community and team you can do it. It takes effort, co-operation, hard work and no little facing down of authority, but community activism can achieve so much.

Brian is a top bloke, not generally noted for his chopper, but there you go. Happy 80th, Brian!

But of course, Brian Stringer has been doing that for years, from before his days as editor of the Brownhills Gazette, Brian has been fighting for our town. He’s my hero.

Much of the old South Staffordshire line is already an official, Sustrans supported cycleway, from Ryecroft to Pelsall, and more of it is an unofficial, but well-used trail from Ryders Hayes to the rear of the Swan Pub in Brownhills. Brian and the Back the Track campaign would like to see this extended further into Brownhills, linking to Chasewater – and eventually to Lichfield if possible.

I would again personally like to thank Brian and crew – Brian is himself 80 years of age – for putting in the sheer graft and wading into that smelly, muddy soup and physically doing what many of us would not, solely for the benefit of the community.

This was just a small selection of the mess recovered from the disused cutting last autumn. Image from Brian Stringer/Back the Track.

Brian and Back the Track will need help in future, and when I have details of future events you can lend a hand with, I’ll post them here. Similarly, if you want to find out about the Back the Track campaign and group, you can visit their website here and Facebook group here. They also have a twitter account here.

Again, my thanks and admiration to Brian and all who helped take this situation in hand, got dirty and waded in. You are the true spirit of Brownhills and we’re all proud of you.

Right then, as things get a little bit back to normal here at Bob towers (and the welcome opportunity of a rainy day to get things sorted) I have some very early Walsall Wood football material kindly shared by the Woodward family with the young David Evans, which we believe may well show relatives of folk in the area.

I’ll let David explain under the photos themselves, as he’s done a great job of it. My great thanks to David and especially the Woodward family, who’ve lit up a previously rather opaque bit of Walsall Wood history.

Please if you can help with this enquiry, either by naming anyone present or by filling in with more material, please do: Feel free to comment here, yank me on social media or email me on BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Thanks!

A remarkably clear image of an early incarnation of Walsall Wood FC – Walsall Wood Prims FC, from the 1929-30 season, kindly shared with David Evans by the Woodward family. Please click image for a larger version. Do you recognise a relative?

Walsall Wood Prims FC 1929-1930. This original, card-mounted studio produced photo was shared with me by Geoff Woodward’s son. I cant begin to thank him and the family enough for their wonderful generosity.

We see, back row, right-hand side, the man who with others, founded the club… George Mycock. Brownhills Bobs blog has recently published the golden annniversary booklet, which you can read here.

We have seen that before the First World War there was the Young Men’s fellowship team that played on a pitch behind the Horse and Jockey, following which in 1928 the Walsall Wood Prims team was officially created, based at the Methodist Church by Oak Park.

The gentlemen extreme left also appears in the 1951 Ebenezer photos… again, here on the blog.

A close study of this image strongly suggests that the photo was taken behind the Ebenezer chapel, by the covered way that led from the choir vestry to the Sunday School. You can just see the edge of the toilet block, extreme left.

I would like to ask readers for their help , now. Names for all the people in this image, please, if possible!

This is a slightly later image, by which time the team were Walsall Wood Football Club. Some interesting suits and collars in there. Image kindly shared by the Woodward Family. Click for a larger version.

Another amazing photo from Geoff Woodward’s family of Walsall Wood FC.

The name by now has dropped the word ‘Prims’, which was a reference to the Primitive Methodists, with whose chapel and congregation they were originally associated with..

In 1932 or so the two parts of the Methodist Church in Walsall Wood, the Wesleyans and the Primitive Methodists united to become the Methodist Church. In Walsall Wood the Wesley Cricket Club dropped the word Wesley, and the Primitive Football club dropped the word Primitive. I note that the strip changed, too, to the famous red and white stripes.

I wonder, just wonder if readers may have ancestors in this photo? Certainly the player second row, second from the left was known to be a Mr. Wilkinson, and played with the team before WW1.

Is the big trophy the Walsall Cup? I think in the background we can just see the side of the Horse and Jockey Inn… The team played on ground behind this pub until moving to their present ground in Oak Par – helping to date the image.

Please have a good slow look..you may spot a grandfather, or great grandfather … again, huge thanks to the Woodward family.

Everybody loves a Disney classic…

Very late notice of something starting in an hour at Brownhills Community Centre on the Miner Island in Brownhills – a sing-along version of the Bauty and the Beast film in a relaxed environment which kids and adults will love.

You can book tickets online right now, so what’s not to love? Click here to buy yours – just £4 adults, £3 for kids…

Brownhills Community Association wrote:

Well, it looks like Saturday won’t have barbecue weather, but never fear, because you can escape the rain and enjoy a film at The Lamp at Brownhills Community Centre. On Saturday evening (28th July 2018, 6pm) we’re showing the wonderful Beauty and the Beast, and because we’re a relaxed kind of venue, you can bring a drink to your table and sing along!

We’ll have the air conditioners going too, just in case.

Tickets are only £4/£3 available online (no fees) or from 01453 452119.

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-lamp-arts-centre

If you haven’t yet visited The Lamp for a show, you really are missing out; it’s a wonderfully modern and intimate community theatre with a wonderful atmosphere operated by a lovely community of dedicated folk, located in the old Annex or Brownhills Central Boys School right there on the Miner Island in Brownhills. You can find out more here.

There’s loads going on at the Activity Centre on the Miner Island in Brownhills!

Imagery from Apple Maps.

Yesterday, (Monday 23rd July 2018) Staffordshire Police released the following statement about an armed robbery that took place at Midland Safe Load Indicators on the A5 Watling Street, between the Rising Sun and Turf islands in the early hours of that morning.

There is a detailed report at the Express and Star here.

Staffordshire Police wrote:

23 Jul 2018 14:02:51 BST

As I posted yesterday, there’s a great steam fair on today at Barton Gate between Yoxall and Burton until 4pm today (Sunday 22md July 2018) and you can still make it if you’re quick.

Here’s a selection of photos I took yesterday and it really is a cracker of an event – some great engines, vintage wagons and cars, stalls, food and fun. Well worth the entry fee.

Yes, that really is a skunk eating a boiled egg. I’m not sure how they do that in the wild. That ferret in the hammock looks well comfy, too.

If you pop up, feel free to drop me a line with photos or impressions.

Original post:

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 21st-22nd July 2018 at Barton Gate, not far from Burton Upon Trent.

I’ve visited this one several times and it’s excellent – 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.

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.

You can find the event on Facebook here as Barton Steam, and their website is here.

The organisers said…

Barton Under Needwood Steam Rally and Family Festival – 21st & 22nd July 2018

Come along, we have something for everyone……

• Full size and Miniature steam engines

• Magician

• Steam powered rack saw wood cutting demonstrations
• Commercial and military vehicles

• Vintage and classic cars, Vintage motor cycles and cycles

• Old time fair organ
• Stationary engines, Tractors
• Air Ambulance helicopter pod (Sunday)
• Auto jumble, Trade stalls, Craft marquee

• Family fun
• Ferret racing!
• All sorts of animal critters for you to see and handle (Saturday)
• Children’s fairground rides: Bouncy castle, trampolines etc.
• Falconry Display – Get up close and personal with magnificent birds of prey and learn how owls, falcons and hawks are truly Kings of the forest skies.

• Chainsaw sculpture demonstrations
• Miniature Steam Train Ride – Burton-upon-Trent Model Engineering Society
• Miniature steam engine rides
• Have-a-go archery

• Face painting
• Childrens fairground – Swing boats, hook a duck, fun house, Inflatable slide and bouncy castle
• Arena events both days from 11:30
• Come and steer a steam engine!
• Live music in the beer tent both Saturday and Sunday.

Isn’t this fab? A sketch map of a magical place… Image courtesy of Eryl Powell.

Here’s a lovely thing from local teacher and top chap Eryl Powell, that he sent me last week: A hand drawn map of Brownhills Common in the Parade/Watling Street/Chester Road triangle – designed specifically to make the Common magical for kids.

I think it’s ace. It occurred to me seeing this that the Common has lots of woods, creeks and features and none seem to have names. I like any attempt to give them some identity.

This came about after Brownhills Local Committee paid for a gate to be fitted between Watling Street School and the adjacent Common so that the kids could get down to nature there without being near the road. That’s lovely and giving the kids access to, and more understanding of nature can only be a good thing!

Eryl said:

I made it last week, planning something for our Watling Street School kids.

The lovely people (Brownhills Common Committee at the Library) paid for a gate (the Magic Portal on the map) so that we can take our kids directly onto the Common without having to go on a road.

I went out and walked it on an OS app, and then drew it – great fun!

I adore this, and thanks so much to Eryl for sharing it. If you have any undocumented names for bits of the Common, or indeed, the whole town – I’d love to hear them. Comment here, ping me on social media or mail me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Cheers.

Some great local talent there…

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 – formerly called Cockfest (because it took place on a chicken farm), last year becoming A5 Live.

I promised a few weeks ago that when the full lineup was announced I’d let you know – and not only have the details of the musical acts been released – see the flyer above – but further down this post are a list of the other attractions at the 3-day event.

This year the music, entertainment and fun returns, and takes place from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th August 2018, and tickets are now on sale.

The chosen charity this time around the A5 Live will be supporting is CALM – The Campaign Against Living Miserably, a great charity that works to prevent male suicide – you can find out more about them here.

something for everyone there, I think.

You can get tickets from the A5 Live website here or by emailing A5-Live@outlook.co.uk. You can check out the festival Facebook page here, too.

I wish everyone the best for this and it’s always good to see local music events.

Can’t grumble at those prices!

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 21st-22nd July 2018 at Barton Gate, not far from Burton Upon Trent.

I’ve visited this one several times and it’s excellent – 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.

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.

You can find the event on Facebook here as Barton Steam, and their website is here.

The organisers said…

Barton Under Needwood Steam Rally and Family Festival – 21st & 22nd July 2018

Come along, we have something for everyone……

• Full size and Miniature steam engines

• Magician

• Steam powered rack saw wood cutting demonstrations
• Commercial and military vehicles

• Vintage and classic cars, Vintage motor cycles and cycles

• Old time fair organ
• Stationary engines, Tractors
• Air Ambulance helicopter pod (Sunday)
• Auto jumble, Trade stalls, Craft marquee

• Family fun
• Ferret racing!
• All sorts of animal critters for you to see and handle (Saturday)
• Children’s fairground rides: Bouncy castle, trampolines etc.
• Falconry Display – Get up close and personal with magnificent birds of prey and learn how owls, falcons and hawks are truly Kings of the forest skies.

• Chainsaw sculpture demonstrations
• Miniature Steam Train Ride – Burton-upon-Trent Model Engineering Society
• Miniature steam engine rides
• Have-a-go archery

• Face painting
• Childrens fairground – Swing boats, hook a duck, fun house, Inflatable slide and bouncy castle
• Arena events both days from 11:30
• Come and steer a steam engine!
• Live music in the beer tent both Saturday and Sunday.

A pretty decent bike, really. Image supplied by Eryl Powell.

Local top bloke Eryl Well has spotted this bike lying around in Brownhills and is wondering if anyone’s had it stolen?

It looks well used and in reasonable condition.

If you recognise it, or know whose it is, please do get in touch. Comment here, ping me on social media or email me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Cheers – and thanks to Eryl for the community spirit.

It’s my sad duty to report to readers and the wider Walsall online community that one of it’s finest, most respected writers has passed away – The Plastic Hippo was taken from us on Friday 13th July 2018 at his home in Chuckery, Walsall, following a protracted battle with cancer.

Continue reading →

The Silver Jubilee in 1977, outside Road Runner in Walsall Wood. Image kindly shared by Maxine Hayward.

A theme that keeps popping up here at the moment is the 1977 Royal Jubilee, and the street parties and celebrations connected with it – Well, here today I have two great pics from opposite ends of our area of those days, and I’d love any further information.

The above wonderful photo was posted last week in Janey Hatfield’s wonderful Walsall Wood Group on Facebook by local lady Maxine Hayward, who has Kindly given me permission to share it here.

Maxine said:

The evening of the Silver Jubilee 1977. Photo taken outside Road Runner.

Left Kath Wilkinson as a chimney sweep and Graham Wilkinson as Wonder Woman (or some other female super hero?) , Ray Hatton as a French Maid, Terry Hayward as a cleaning lady… Val Hatton as Wee Willy Winkle Max Wall… and Elaine Hayward as a waiter Charlie Chaplin… not sure who the other two are.

Maxine added later:

Graham Wilkinson was the owner of Gordon’s Removals, also on the Lichfield Road. Great bloke… I once saw him rip the door off a mini after a collision happened on the Lichfield road.

The girl in the mini had glass in her cheek and the engine of the car on her legs. He came out of his yard, ripped the door off the mini and lifted the engine off her legs… such strength. I was only a little kid and was mesmerised!

Thanks so much to Maxine for that remarkable memory-jogging photo – and suggestions welcome; either comment here or mail me – BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com.

Meanwhile, here’s a Silver Jubilee image I’ve had for bloody ages, but never had a post suitable for it, until now. From very old friend of the blog Steve Cottle:

A fantastic group picture of kids in fancy dress – and a horse! Image Kindly supplied by Steve Cottle.

This great image is in the playground of the old Central Boys School or Annexe in Brownhills, and was apparently of Jubilee celebrations in 1977 like Maxine’s picture. Note the horse in the background!

Steve said:

Brownhills Annexe! With Andrew Hill, Scott Clifton, Linda Tye, Paul Tranter, Andy Barnard, Helen Tranter Pinches,Ruth Mason, Andrew Mason, Helen Mason and Helen Mason.

So much in that picture to comment on – please do via the usual means – thanks to Steve and sorry it took literally years to get this on the blog!

Meanwhile, I can heartily recommend the Walsall Wood Facebook group, which is run by old friend of the blog Janey Hatfield and is centred around (but by no means limited to) memories of the village, and features a lot of folks you’ll know from here on the blog.

It’s a busy, well moderated group with lots of members and lots of interesting images posted including the set above.

You can check out ‘We are The Wood…’ by clicking here you’ll need to join up but once in, it’s great…

Please do pop along and check the group out – it’s a fine place and if you’re a resident of The Wood, or just remember it fondly, it’s a great place to check out and shoot the breeze.

Get up there quickly!

Very late notice I know but the good folk of Sutton Coldfield Model Engineering Socially have asked me to to tell you that their Garden Party at Little Hay Miniature Railway – known as Balleny Green – is open right now (Sunday 15th July 2018() and you CAN buy tickets on the gate.

It’s open until 4 – there are refreshments, stalls, fun and all manner of good fun for the adult entry price of £6.50, with kids in at £4.50.

I adore Balleny Green and it’s absolutely gorgeous. And on a day like this? Perfect. Get over there.

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.

You can see exact directions on the SCMS website here.

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!)

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 3pm, and would make a great thing to call into on the way to or from New Hall Mill, which is also open Bank Holiday Monday.

You can find out more at the Sutton Coldfield Model Engineering Society’s site here. I posted the following on my 365daysofbiking journal after my last visit. It’s a terrific thing.

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.

Find out more about Balleny Green at their website here. I’d like to thank the members for a beautiful, life-affirming thing.

I know nothing about Betty, and even less of the Yates family. A great photo from Clarice Mayo and Geof Harrington’s book ‘Memories of Brownhills Past’.

So, back to some history – this is one I’ve been wanting to explore for ages, and never come up with a conclusive answer, but flicking through an old book, a caption popped on a lightbulb in my head.

Betty’s Lane in Norton Canes runs between Red Lion Road and Walsall Road, broadly parallel to Allbutts Road, which before the motorway came though, also joined the Walsall Road.

The roads crossed an area of heath and former mining land called Commonside – now partially host to the service area on the M6 Toll, but otherwise, mostly still scrub and farmland.

Commonside is broadly the area of no man’s land between Brownhills West, Little Wyrley and Norton Canes. Imagery from Apple Maps. Click for a larger version.

What interests me is Bettys Lane – who was Betty? I’ve never found a definitive answer.

Now whilst flicking through ‘Memories of Brownhills Past’ by Clarice Mayo and Geof Harrington, I noticed a photo, featured above of the Yates family who ‘Lived at the top of Allbutts Lane, on the way to Betty’s Well’.

Whoa. What and where was Betty’s Well?

There is still a farm at the truncated end of Allbutts Road, which existed on the 1902 map overlay below, which had a well. Was the Yates Farm Bettys? Was there a Betty Yates, or am I barking up the wrong tree?

If you have a view, please do comment here or mail me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Cheers!

1902 1:1250 sale map from the NLS archive – Commonside overlaid on modern Google Earth imagery. No clue to Betty here. Click for a larger version.

Me at work yesterday

Hi folks – a quick apology for the blog readers and faithful – as I appreciate the work and effort the community and readership put in on the blog.

I’ve been very busy in the last couple of months with some big and very positive changes at work, a couple of very large projects on and a really, really stressful time meaning very long hours – so the chance to ride a bike at the weekend rather than be sat at the computer has been fully exploited.

This has been a great summer after a dreadful spring, and on two wheels is where I find my peace.

I realise that of late the blog has suffered a little, but I’m doing my best to keep on top of stuff and will return to more history and in-depth articles as soon as I’m able. I have lots in the bag to come so hang in there, and my apologies.

The changes I speak of should eventually result in having more time for this stuff, so it’s all good.

I’m not getting any younger, and I need more hours in the day.

Thanks for your patience, and if you think I’ve forgotten something please do drop me a reminder on social media or BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com.

Again, my apologies.

The summer events continue…

There’s a lovely summer fair in Walsall Wood on the afternoon of Saturday 14th July in the grounds of St john’s Church, Walsall Wood High Street.

The fair is being organised by, and in aid of the 2nd Walsall WoodGuides and Seniors, so get up there and have a great time.

It runs from 1:30pm to 3:30pm and there will be all the favourites there – tombola, bottle stall, cakes, bric a brac etc.

Looks like great fun!

A great local music event.

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 – formerly called Cockfest (because it took place on a chicken farm), last year becoming A5 Live.

This year the music, entertainment and fun returns, and takes place from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th August 2018, and tickets are now on sale.

The chosen charity this time around the A5 Live will be supporting is CALM – The Campaign Against Living Miserably, a great charity that works to prevent male suicide – you can find out more about them here.

To that end, the organisers are looking for prize donations for competitions being staged at the festival, and in return your business will be promoted as a sponsor.

If you can help with this, please don’t hesitate to mail Martin and co  at A5-Live@outlook.co.uk – every year this event raises a large amount for charity and this year’s support for CALM is welcome.

When I have details of bands playing and other attractions, I’ll post them here.

Preparations for the local music and fun spectacular are well underway

You can get tickets from the A5 Live website here or by emailing A5-Live@outlook.co.uk. You can check out the festival Facebook page here, too.

I wish everyone the best for this and it’s always good to see local music events.

Can’t grumble at those prices!

I love a good summer fete!

There’s a great looking summer fete and dog show coming up this weekend, on Saturday 14th July nearby in the picturesque village of Hammerwich, just over the A5.

It’s at Hammerwich Hall Residential Home and features astalls, refreshments, bar, entertainment, classic cars and all the user summertime fete favourites.

It runs from 2pm to 5pm and the organisers said:

Everyone is welcome to join us for a fun afternoon. There will be a variety of stalls including face painting, homemade pickles and jams, homemade chocolates and refreshments will be available. Of course, we have the dog show too.

Looks like just the thing for a bit on fun on a Summer Saturday afternoon!

Phil Atkinson generously supplied the above, wonderful gallery with the simple statement ‘Walsall wood BMX track, the best days.’

Many people who were kids in the 1980s will remember the Walsall Wood BMX track behind the old Oak Park tennis courts, which still exists today but is gradually being smoothed by time and weather.

The above wonderful photo set of local kids at the track was posted last weekend in Janey Hatfield’s wonderful Walsall Wood Group on Facebook by local lad Phil Atkinson, and he very kindly agreed to me sharing them here, too.

Lower centre, you can still see the outline of the BMX track which fell into disuse as the BMX craze faded to a hardcore of fans. Imagery from Apple Maps.

I know they feature top Walsall Wood Mon™ Simon Burgess, but I’d be interested in other lads involved, and of course any memories you may have of these days: Not just here, but of riding on less… official tracks like the Fox Covey, Linley Woods, Coppy Woods or Birch Coppice.

I loved my Raleigh Burner but my skills were very much lacking!

I can heartily recommend the Walsall Wood Facebook group, which is run by old friend of the blog Janey Hatfield and is centred around (but by no means limited to) memories of the village, and features a lot of folks you’ll know from here on the blog.

It’s a busy, well moderated group with lots of members and lots of interesting images posted including the set above.

You can check out ‘We are The Wood…’ by clicking here you’ll need to join up but once in, it’s great…

Please do pop along and check the group out – it’s a fine place and if you’re a resident of The Wood, or just remember it fondly, it’s a great place to check out and shoot the breeze.

A Raleigh Burner, in many ways a dreadful bike, but the memories. If I still had that now it’s be worth a fortune… Image from the Raleigh archive.

Shannon Dribve, Brownhills West. Imagery from Google Maps.

On Sunday evening 8th July 2018, there was an armed robbery at McColls Store, Shannon Drive, Brownhills West in which thankfully, nobody was hurt.

Caroline Schubert from West Midlands Police issued the following statement in response to my requester information:

‘Police were called to an armed robbery at McColls Store, Shannon Drive, Brownhills that took place at around 9.45pm on Sunday 8 July.

Two men with large knives entered the store and stole cash from a till.

A bag of cash was later recovered in Kennet Close.

Nobody was injured. No arrests have been made and police enquiries are on-going.

Anyone with information is asked to Call West Midlands Police on 101 giving log number 3173 of 8 July.’

I’d like to thank Caroline for her help in this matter – it really is appreciated.

his is an awful incident and whilst I’m glad nobody was physically injured, I realise the mental scars take longer to heal. My sympathies to the staff and members of the public who were caught up in such an awful event.

Please,  if you have any further information relating to this, or any other incident, or if you witnessed something  please contact Walsall Police by dialling 101 (999 in an emergency, obviously) and quoting crime number 3173 – you can also call Crimestoppers in confidence if you’d rater on 0800 555111

Free music and fun on a summer Sunday afternoon – what’s not to love?

Also on today, Sunday 8th July 2018 at Walsall Arboretum Bandstand will be a great live family show – the Chuckery Music Festival 2018 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, including one of my favourite local bands – The Martian Social Club – whose heritage lies in the late, great Ron’s Neighbours. Ask your dad.

Hello Chuckfest followers

On Sunday 8th July at Walsall arboretum bandstand Chuckery Festival presents:

12.00 Open Arms. Based between Pelsall and JJM studios in Poole St, Chuckery, one of the most highly regarded up and coming young bands, widely praised in the music business playing original songs and covers.

1.00 Bay Ten Studios presents: DJ Casey Orange with live rap, soul, RnB, trap, hip-hop from Nate GB, Kiani, Janel Antonesha and Tony Bontana. Do not come late and miss this, our first venture into a new musical styleee!

2.00 The West Coast Eagles brought to you by Rotech Labs. Need we say more? All your favourite Eagles songs played exactly as you’ve heard them. Listen to Terry Hill’s guitar sing out and I dare you not to be thrilled.

3.00 Martian Social Club. Yes those Chuckery based surrealists are back by popular demand, with costumes, strange lyrics and some ambient grooves.

4.00 Climax Blues Band. Brought to you by Sutton Park Motor Group this 6 piece outfit of blues rockers from the 1970s are still going strong. This evolved line up features local boy and Bluecoat School alumnus Chris Bebee Aldridge on tenor and alto sax.

While all of this is going on, there will be food available from Caribbean vegan specialists Brownins, a meat and chicken barbecue, cakes, a barrista coffee set up, a bar, ice cream, the reach up tower for children (free to use) and other stuff we are working on.

A number of people have made generous personal donations to the festival to help fund this year and to ensure its continuation. if you haven’t done so, please consider a small donation via our paypal account below …

https://www.paypal.com/donate/…

By the way in other news, we had some tentative enquiries about pitches for selling artefacts. If you’re still interested, send a message NOW.

IF YOU HAVE READ THIS, PLEASE SHARE IT !

If you attend please feel free to share pictures and other media!

The Martian Social Club are just about the most musical fun you can have fully dressed in public. Image from their Facebook page.

Looks like a great event!

In a weekend choc-full of transport events (Cars in the Park at Lichfield, the Aldridge Transport Museum Annual Running Day) there’s a further event this Sunday 8th July 2018 with Willenhall Transport Show taking place at Willenhall Memorial Park (WV13 2PE).

There will be all kinds of vehicles, downhill go cart challenge, tyre flip challenge, live music, cannon run supercars, food, drink (bar), fire brigade display, stalls and much more!

8am-10am for show cars and stalls, free admission.

10am-4pm public £3, family ticket £10.

Bring a picnic, explore our park and have a great day!

Everyone loves a good carnival. Wonder if there’s boxing this year?

Just a quick headsup that over in the principality this afternoon, Saturday 7th July 2018 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!

B&M on Northgate is a popular store – have you found a ladies’ identity bracelet here, please? Image from Apple Maps.

Old friend of the blog Jenny Parry has been in touch yesterday (Friday, 6th July 2018) to ask if I would share the following somewhat sad appeal – she has lost a treasured identity bracelet either in.or around B&M on Northgate, or somewhere around Brownhills.

Jenny said:

Hi all

I wonder if you could ask if anyone has found a ladies identity bracelet?

It was lost either at B&M at Walsall Wood (Northgate) or somewhere around Brownhills a week ago (that’s last Friday, 29th June 2018).

The bracelet has the name Jenny on the front with an inscription on the back from my husband Bill.

Have tried every other way to find it this is my last hope.

Jenny Parry

Please keep an eye out, and if you find it, please either contact Jenny Parry directly via Facebook here, comment on this post or mail me: Brownhillsbob at Googlemail dot com. Cheers all.