BrownhillsBob's Brownhills Blog

This is an unusual request but I’m happy to help blog correspondent and top Walsall Wood man Stephen Hill wish his good lady wife Emma Jayne a very happy birthday for today, June 28th 2017.

One should never disclose a ladies age, so let’s just say Emma is in her prime – and Stephen would like to say just how much he and the kids, Harrison who’s 5, Lillie-Mai who’s 3 and Isaac, 2 love the light of their lives.

Stephen is always on the ball with Walsall Wood news and often helps with blog stories – so it’s an extra special pleasure to help, and I hope Emma has had a great day – both myself and all the readers would love to join with Stephen in wishing her a very happy birthday.

I do hope there’s cake! Mmm. Cake…

James Brindley, victim of a senseless murder. Image supplied by West Midlands Police.

Following the shocking murer of James Brindley in Aldridge last Friday evening (23rd June 2017) police enquiries have proceeded apace, and yesterday (Tuesday 27th June 2017) issued the following appeal:

Detectives investigating the murder of James Brindley in Aldridge on Friday night (23 June) are appealing for two men who approached James moments before his death to come forward.

Detective Inspector Jim Munro, from force CID, said: ‘We have already had a really good response following our appeal yesterday and have spoken to a number of witnesses.

‘We have received some information about two men who were seen by the entrance to ‘The Croft’ near to the entrance on the Little Aston Road side just before the attack.

‘We’ve also been told that James was seen having a disagreement with these two men moments before he was stabbed.

‘These men were seen to run off into The Croft in the direction of Rookery Lane/Whetstone Lane.

‘I would urge these men or anyone who knows who they are to contact police as soon as possible. James’ family are devastated and we need to bring those responsible to justice.”

A post mortem examination revealed that James died from a stab wound to his heart.

Information can be given by calling 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The killing of James is a brutal and shocking murder and I’m sure readers will join with me in expressing my horror and sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

I would ask that anyone with any information please contacts West Midlands Police on 101, any of the methods here or anonymously via Crimestoppers.

Please be considerate and consider the feelings of the victim’s family when commenting on social media. Whilst debate and discussion are to be expected, please be thoughtful and consider those involved when expressing views.

The scene this morning in Aldridge. Image from the BBC.

I’m shocked and saddened to share the news with readers that last night Friday, 23rd June 2017, there was a fatal stabbing in Aldridge town centre as a result of which a 26 year old man lost his life.

There are reports across the media; at the BBC here, Express and Star here and a host of other outlets.

Most reiterate the press release below, from West Midlands Police:

A murder investigation has been launched after a 26-year-old man was stabbed to death in Aldridge last night just before midnight.

A cordon is in place on the High Street and part of Aldridge Croft while forensic experts examine the scene and officers are trawling CCTV of the surrounding area to establish what happened.

At present there is no clear motive for this attack and we are asking anyone who witnessed or has any information about what happened to come forward as a matter of urgency.

A young man has lost his life in brutal circumstances and someone will have knowledge of who has done this.

Information can be given on 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

This is a brutal and shocking murder and I’m sure readers will join with me in expressing my horror and sincerest condolences to the victim’s family and friends.

I would ask that anyone with any information please contacts West Midlands Police on 101, any of the methods here or anonymously via Crimestoppers.

Please be considerate and consider the feelings of the victim’s family when commenting on social media. Whilst debate and discussion are to be expected, please be thoughtful and consider those involved when expressing views.

As soon as more information emerges, I’ll post it here.

Walsall Wood Remembrance Parade and Service are always well attended. Image from the Parade Appeal Facebook page.

Here’s a very important appeal from Lee Bragginton of the 1st Walsall Wood Scout Group, who like all other folks involved with local Remembrance pParades, is appealing for help and donations so the Walsall Wood Parade can take place this year.

Options are available for individual donations online or by post, and Lee is also interested in any businesses locally who may be able to assist with sponsorship or other means.

Walsall Wood is unique in the area in being the only afternoon parade and one of the few that has no associated British Legion help.

The rights and wrongs of the current situation have been gone over many times, but we are where we are and donations are required. For my take on this situation, see this post and those linked from it.

Lee said:

Bob

Like other parades in the Walsall Borough, Walsall Wood parade needs to raise funds in order to continue in it’s traditional format.

Unlike other parades however, we have no Royal British Legion involvement in our parade and it is organised and funded by the youth organisations themselves.

We welcome any contact from any local businesses, organisations and individuals who may be willing to support our cause in any way.

See details of how to help below.

We will be holding a joint youth organisation fundraising car wash later in the year towards the parade.  Details will follow.

Thanks
Lee Bragginton

Group Scout Leader
1St Walsall Wood Scout Group
WWW.WALSALLWOODSCOUTS.ORG.UK

It’s not a huge event, but small, intimate and very community focused. . Image from the Parade Appeal Facebook page.

Walsall Wood Remembrance Parade needs your support to continue!

Our parade only receives a small contribution from Walsall Council in order for our parade to take place; we rely on donations in order to pay for this event to take place for the benefit of the youth and other members of our local community.

You can donate on our MyDonate page here.

You can also keep updated on our Facebook page here.

If you prefer, postal donations can be made using the form available here (also at the foot of this post).

Contact Lee Braggibnton: gsl@walsallwoodscouts.org.uk or call on 0844 414 2438

38th Walsall (1st Walsall Wood) Scout Group; Registered charity 1133604. C/0 50 Longacres, Hednesford, Cannock, WS121LD

You can print this form out and use for postal donations – please send to 38th Walsall (1st Walsall Wood) Scout Group, C/0 50 Longacres, Hednesford, Cannock, WS121LD

Ryders Mere- scene for a tragedy. Archive photo from 365daysofbiking.

I’m very sad to relay the news that yesterday evening (Tuesday 20th June 2017), a local boy tragically lost his life after entering Ryders Mere, a large pool in the nature reserve situated between Pelsall and Clayhanger.

My sympathies and those of the blog community are extended to the family and friends of the lad concerned – this is a terrible tragedy, the sadness of which I cannot imagine.

This kind of incident occurs all too often in hot spells as folk swim in pools and reservoirs, often unaware of how cold and difficult such waters can be, even during hot weather.

Please warn your children about this hazard: open, natural water in places like this, Chasewater and old quarries and so forth is often cold, deep and fraught with hazards. Swimming in these places is very hazardous.

West Midlands Ambulance Service issued the following statement:

Tuesday 20th June 2017 – 9.15pm – Murray MacGregor.

A teenager has died after an incident at a lake in the Pelsall area of the Black Country.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called along with West Midlands Fire and Police colleagues to the lake beyond Ryders Hayes Lane at 6.50pm this evening (Tuesday) to reports that a boy had gone into the water and not resurfaced.

An ambulance, a paramedic officer, the Hazardous Area Response Team who have a water rescue capability, the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham and the MERIT trauma doctor were sent to the scene.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “While staff on the ground searched the area, both the air ambulance and a police helicopter searched the lake from the air.

“Tragically, the boy was later recovered from the water and was confirmed dead at the scene.

“Although it is very hot at the moment, the dangers of going into open water cannot be underestimated.”

Brownhills High Street – archive picture from 365daysofbiking.

Hi folks, just a heads-up if I may about some rumours circulating about an additional incident that took place in Brownhills High Street yesterday evening (Saturday, 17th June 2017), at around the same time as the collision on Pelsall Road reported earlier.

I have made enquiries, and there was indeed an incident on the High Street which police and emergency services attended. This incident was isolated, those involved are known and injuries sustained were not life-threatening.

Update 1:38pm from West Midlands Police Corporate Communications:

We were called to an incident in the High Street, Brownhills just after 9.30pm where a young woman sustained a knife wound to her arm. She was taken to hospital for treatment. This was a targeted attack as the offender is known to the victim.

There was a two car collision reported at 10pm on Pelsall Road at the junction with Clayhanger Lane which may be linked, but is yet to be confirmed, where one driver made off from the scene. One of two women in the other vehicle was taken to hospital.

Deb Edmonds
News Producer
Corporate Communications (Press Office)
West Midlands Police

There was, I am assured, no threat to the general public, and this remains the case.

I provide this information in good faith and good authority, and do so in the hope of countering some of the more extravagant rumour circulating. With the community understandably a bit sensitive and nervous at the moment, it will always be by duty to try and get facts out where I can to allay fears.

If you have any information about either incident, please do contact your local policing team by calling 101 or any of the methods listed here.

I would ask, as always, that any discussions on social media are responsible, not speculative and don’t name anyone involved. Remember that such actions can and do result in the collapse of criminal proceedings and denial of justice, so think on please.

This post is for information only and discussion is neither invited nor welcome. I will post more information immediately should it become available. Thanks.

Lovely cake and drinks, and nice china too… image from the Bearded Been Facebook Page.

Since it’s such a nice day, and having tried the place out myself in the last few days I’d like to give a shout out and a little plug to a Brownhills lad’s new coffee enterprise at a popular Staffordshire craft centre and working farm – Amerton.

Nathan Le Moine, son of long term friend of the blog Julie and all round top bloke has just opened a great coffee shop there called the Bearded Bean. It’s where I was headed last Sunday until my bike decided to give up the ghost…

Located at Amerton Farm, just off the A51 towards Stowe by Chartley, I’d not been to the place in a very long time, and was pleasantly surprised with the facilities there – farm shop, play barn, farm animals, miniature railway, craft shops etc – and Nathan’s great Bearded Bean coffee stop.

You can check out the Bearded Bean’s Facebook page here.

The tea and cake were excellent, service prompt and attentive and exceedingly polite. This will become a regular cake stop on my travels from now on and I commend it to you all.

Hi Bob

I hope you are well! I’m just wondering if you could maybe let people know about a new business venture of mine. I’ve opened a coffee shop at Amerton Farm (near Stafford) and sell barista coffee, teas, milkshakes and smoothies.

Most of my stuff is made using Fairtrade, organic or local products (or a combination of the three).

I have had some great comments from people so far and just need to get the word out a bit more. It may be worth mentioning that next door is a brand new play barn (they’ve spent lots on it so it is pretty impressive!) – but its a great place to come for just a cuppa or to bring the kids and grandkids!

Nathan

I can’t think of a better place to visit on such a lovely sunny day – and at weekends they’re open until 5pm so why not get out there and give it a go?

One of the many nice things about Amerton is there are swallows nesting in the buildings, and their antics are a joy to watch!

The scene on the Pelsall Road last night, just near the Clayhanger Lane Junction. Photo supplied by reader Vicky.

Dramatic scenes on the A4124 Pelsall Road near to the Clayhanger Lane junction last night (Saturday 17th June 2017) following a collision between two cars, the occupant of one appearing to have run off.

Eyewitness Vicky said:

Well I heard a big bang, and I mean big..  Screeching, and I ran to the front door.

Car outside my house: Two women hurried out with kids. I ran out and told them to sit on grass, saw a car on opposite side that was crunched up.

Got blankets and drinks for them… It happened all so quickly.

Then loads of cars parked up (witnesses), Police and Ambulance arrived.

It’s thought the emergency services were on the way to attend a second incident in Brownhills, but this hasn’t yet been confirmed and no details are yet known.

The crash appears to have happened when a car apparently being driven at some speed collided with the rear of another that had just pulled out from Clayhanger Lane. The driver of the first car appears to have escaped the scene on foot.

The occupants of the car that was hit were two adult females and two young girls. One of the adults is believed to have sustained minor injuries, all others shocked but unharmed.

If you saw this incident, or have any information at all, please do contact Walsall Police by dialling 101 or using any of the contact methods here.

My thanks to Vicky for the community spirit and report, and my sympathies to those involved.

This is the only image I know of Brownhills Home Guard – it’s featured in Memories of Brownhills Past by Clarice Mayo and Geoff Harrington. It’s a great picture, and is indisputably Brownhills. But there must be more?

A quick one I raise here from time to time that’s quite important and I’m still looking for information on – yet very little concrete material has ever appeared.

Brownhills had an active and quite large Home Guard. Many local men were members, who did their bit and served their community in the way that men who couldn’t serve directly in towns all over the UK did.

There was also an Air Raid Patrol – whether it was one person or a group, I’ve never been able to establish.

We are getting to a time – not to put too fine a point on this – that we are becoming beyond living memory of the Second World War, particularly for those who were adults at the time.

If anyone has any material, memories or anecdotes, I’d love to share them before they’re lost. This was a key part of out communal history and we need to gather as much as we can, while we can.

Cheers everyone – what have you got? Please comment here or mail me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Thanks.

The weather is glorious, so just quick ones on the blog this weekend, but this is an interesting curiosity just in from the young David Evans who’s dug something up I have absolutely no knowledge of, and wondered if readers could add to the story?

David wrote:

A fascinating thing – I’ve never head of this incident before. Do you remember it? Notice the typesetter’s mistake bottom left, where two lines of text are transposed, a reminded that typesetting was once done by hand! Click for a larger version – image courtesy of David Evans.

This newspaper cutting, from 1963*, which shows a house in Brownhills Road, Walsall Wood, (not Brownhills [Controversial! – Bob]) was kindly given to me by Mr Jones’s nephew recently.

It is interesting as the nearby Walsall Wood Colliery was quite active at that time and closed down its mining operations in 1964.

*On the same page an article, The Changing Face of Algeria, ‘In the 18 months since Algeria became independent…’ helps to date this press cutting.

What a shocking and fascinating thing. We have, of course, addressed local subsidence issues before on the blog, at Castlefort, and also talked of some of the more notorious subsidence legends hereabouts, but I’ve never heard or seen this one before.

Thanks to David Evans and the Jones family for a wonderful donation – there’s always something new! If you can add anything, please do: comment here or mail me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail do com.

Cheers all.

There’s something really interesting happening this Saturday (17th June 2017) in Brownhills – the BBC television are staging a recording of their popular Street Auction program – and it’s open for people to attend at St. James Church from 1:30pm.

This looks to be a really great community event and if you want to see how TV is made, or even appear yourself, this could be real fun.

If you attend, please do share you experiences or photos.

Julia Foot from BBC Bristol wrote:

The BBC are coming to Brownhills this Saturday!

You may well have heard that the BBC is filming an episode of BBC One’s Street Auction, with Paul Martin from Flog It, in Brownhills on Saturday. The programme brings a community together and celebrates someone local who has done a lot for others.

We really hope as many people as possible turn up to ensure it is a good community event. It is free to attend and all are welcome.

The ‘street party’ style event will be start with a ribbon cutting at 1.30pm on the grass next to St James’ Church at 1.30pm, with a pop up auction – hosted by Paul – at 3.30pm. After this, at about 4pm, Paul will reveal how much money has been raised and who it is all in honour of.

We do hope you can come.
With best wishes,

Julia

Julia Foot;
Series Producer, Street Auction
BBC Bristol.
Tel: 0117 9742344

I adore Chasewater, and I know many of the readers do too. It’s time it was promoted better – can you help?

That there Kate Cardigan from Lichfield Lore, Lichfield Discovered and a host of other historical and community based projects is appealing for people to join her and other volunteers in the new Friends of Chasewater Group, and to that end they have a meeting at Chasewater this evening, Wednesday 14th June 2017.

Kate wrote:

The next meeting of the Friends of Chasewater group is this  evening (Wednesday 14th June 2017) at 7.30pm within the Chasewater Innovation Centre.

The newly elected officers are looking for Trustees to join them on the committee and they’ll also be talking about their plans for the coming months.

As part of this, we’ll also be looking at the results of the consultation from earlier in the year, in which over 700 took part.

A new Facebook page has been set up to keep people informed of developments, so please give it a like!

The idea of the collective is to get together, and promote the park and it’s interests – these could be improvements, events, talks or anything that concerns our favourite country park.

To this end, Kate has set up a Facebook Group you can join here, but if you’re not into Facebook, she’s on Twitter here or if you prefer, drop me the word and I’ll hook you up.

You can also get hold of Mrs. Cardigan in a variety of ways via her Lichfield Lore blog ‘About’ page here.

The Express & Star recently ran an appeal for members for the group, but seemed to omit how you could actually connect with them, so here you go.

The Express & Star wrote:

Chasewater in plea for volunteers

Volunteers are needed to help shape the future of an iconic beauty spot.

Chasewater Country Park is asking people to sign up to a new group called The Friends of Chasewater.

The group will be working on projects and ideas for the park and will receive help from members of the team at Chasewater where necessary.

Staffordshire County Council runs the park and said the friends group was a ‘great’ opportunity for people to work together to benefit the site. Helen Riley, deputy chief executive and the council’s director for families and communities, said: “The Friends of Chasewater is an exciting opportunity for members of the towns surrounding the park to come together and work on ideas and projects that benefit the community.

‘The Friends will take the lead on activities that local communities have said they want to see taking place at the park, and work with the Chasewater team to make the park a focal point for local people. It’s a really great opportunity for people with an interest in Chasewater to get directly involved with the park, so I’d urge anyone interested to join up.’

The group is expected to be similar to that of the Friends of Hednesford Park, which helps Cannock Chase District Council with projects and supports Hednesford Park.

Chasewater boasts a 90-hectare reservoir and plenty of green open space.

The Chasewater Innovation Centre provides visitor information, art and craft exhibitions by artists and a programme of summer holiday activities.

That’s got to be a bad day. Image kindly supplied by reader Stephen Hill.

I’m late to this one as I’ve been busy today, but there were delays and road closures well into the evening after a container lorry overtuned on the Rising Sun Island at Brownhills West yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 13th June 2017).

There were not thought to be any serious injuries as a result of the incident, which occurred around 1pm.

Hopefully recovery operations will be complete by morning.

There are reports at the Walsall Advertiser here, and at the Express and Star here.

Thanks for the tipoff and help yesterday. I was stuck at work and unable to post – thanks to readers who helped keep readers informed on Facebook and elsewhere in my absence.

Thanks to the work done by Pat, we know much more about our local history than we would otherwise; my condolences to her family and friends. Image kindly supplied by David Evans.

It is with great sadness that today I must share the news with readers that one of the most longstanding contributors to the Brownhills Blog has passed away recently.

Mrs. Pat Lynk was a lovely lady who worked with selfless passion and tireless enthusiasm alongside David Evans to record her memories for the community and our collective history. This was a great partnership which gave rise to some wonderfully warm, informative and fascinating articles on this blog.

Although I personally never met Pat, I considered her a friend, elder and custodian of the blog as she had contributed so much towards it. To be able to feature her work here was, and remains an honour and privilege.

Pat’s passing is very sad and I send my sincerest condolences to Lynn, John and all of Pat’s family and friends.

David Evans send me a very touching and heartfelt message:

Hi Bob

I am the bearer of some sad news, I am afraid.

One of my good neighbours and friends, and a good friend of the blog, Mrs. Pat Lynk, passed away suddenly quite recently and her funeral took place this morning.

She has been so generous in time and effort over the recent years and her unique, personal contributions to the blog and to recording our local history have been invaluable.

Thank you dear Pat.

kind regards
David

Again, my condolences and deepest sympathy – the blog, our community and it’s history are much richer for Pat’s wonderful contributions.

You can read a selection of articles featuring, and connected with pat by clicking here.

Image 37 – Another football team (Walsall Wood Inter – Inter School? 53-54) – I say, that lad on the right is a strapping fellow! Photo generously supplied by Tony Portman via David Evans. Click for a larger version.

Tony’s notes for image 37. Click for a larger version.

In the eleventh and sadly final article of the series, here’s the last batch of photos from Walsall Wood Secondary School in the 1950s as introduced in this blog post here – these bunch have notes too, which will help jog memories so contributions are most welcome, as ever.

This set id two football teams and a curious group photo labelled ‘Walsall Wood Seniors’ – I’d love to hear what you all think.

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.

Image 38 – Walsall Wood Seniors 1953. I’d be interested in why the second teacher on the right. Photo generously supplied by Tony Portman via David Evans. Click for a larger version.

Tony’s notes for image 38. Click for a larger version.

Image 40 – This is actually a very curious group in a different location to the others. Seems to be staff and perhaps prefects? The character central in the black jacket caught my eye. Who’s that? Photo generously supplied by Tony Portman via David Evans. Click for a larger version.

Tony’s notes for image 40. Click for a larger version.

We’ve come a long way from the days when Brownhills older folks activities consisted of the wonderful Mrs. Parsley teaching the joys of outdoor cookery! A great wartime image from Alton Douglas.

I’ve just had a great enquiry in from reader Alison Bishop who’s raised a really interesting question – the answers to which could help lots of local folk, so I thought I’d post on the blog forthwith.

Alison wrote:

Hi Bob,

Not sure if you can help.

My 87 year old father in law lives in Brownhills. We are trying to encourage him to go out and meet people, but as we do not live in the area, we are not sure what there is in the area that caters for older folks.

I am sure there used to be a lunch club at the flats near Lindon Drive, but I am not sure.

Can you or any of your blog readers help with suggestions please?

Kind regards,
Alison Bishop

Thanks to Alison for a great question, and one to which I haven’t a clue about, but I’m sure readers must be able to help with.

Please, if you can, comment here or mail me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Cheers!

This seems like a fancy bird that someone could well be missing. Images kindly supplied by Chris Wharton.

An odd request here from top bloke and old friend of the blog Chris Wharton who lives near the Barracks Lane/Lichfield Road junction at the very foot of Shire Oak at Sandhills – if you’re looking for a little black cockerel, Chris has found it!

Chris said

Hiya Bob

I’ve got an unusual request. We’ve got a black cockerel in the field next to ours.

I’ve contacted The Lanes at Home Farm, Crestacre and also the vets at Warrenhouse to no avail.

The old man thinks it’s been dumped and we’ve contacted the RSPCA who will try and send someone out.

Could you put it out to post please just in case?

Cheers
Chris 🙂

Cheers to Chris for one of the more unusual enquiries I’ve ever had…

If you recognise this lad, please do comment here, or you can contact me by email – BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com.

Cheers folks – it’d be nice to get the bird reunited with it’s owners.

The Claridge store in Walsall Wood – image very kindly donated by Chris Smith.

Thanks to everyone who replied across a range of blog comments and social media to my request for information about Percy Claridge and his local institution, Claridges Electrical, the noted local electrical retailer.

Local journalist Emma Kempson was hoping to find memories and photos of the Claridge empire for an article she’s preparing celebrating the company’s 60th anniversary.

2Claridges is a longstanding and well-respected local company with stores in Brownhills and Walsall Wood, and it’s rare indeed to see an independent electrical sales shop that survives and thrives.

Chris Smith got in touch after my post, and commented:

Hi,

Percy Vernon Claridge was my first cousin once removed, or to me simply “Auntie Vina’s son” (his mother’s name was actually Lavinia and she was my Grandad Smith’s sister.

I have a picture of the Walsall Wood Shop from where, as family members and locals, we bought several appliances.

I’m also working on our family tree and any details anyone can share with respect to Percy’s family or my Great Grand Parents Joseph Smith and Lavinia Smith ne Horton who lived at 7 Gilpins Building, Shire Oak.

I would like to hear from please.

Chris

After finally making email contact, Chris kindly sent in the above image this week for which I’m most grateful. She said:

Hi Bob,

My apologies for not getting back to you sooner. The picture was attached to our family tree and I couldn’t figure-out how to save it on its own. I have now tough and it is attached.

FYI my relatives in the Walsall Wood and Brownhills are Smiths (from Shire Oak), Hopleys, Harveys, Hollands (from Walsall Wood, not the Hyla Holland Brownhills family the Park is named after).

All the best,
Chris

Thanks to Chris for her generosity and I make the request – if you can help with her family history, please do; I know there’s much information resting with the Walsall Wood Contingent here….

If you’ve got any memories, photos or any other contributions? You’re most welcome. Comment here or mail me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Thanks.

I hate adverts too. Sorry about that.

Hey folks, I’ve had a few people twang me lately that adverts have started appearing in blog posts, and asking if I’m using web ads these days.

First of all, sorry they’re happening. These adverts are inserted by the host of the blog and I have no control over them currently, nor the nature of the stuff they are flogging.

The situation is a bit annoying at the moment. WordPress, the host of this shambling pile of crap used to have lots of modules and options that you could buy including ones for extra space, domain management, and to disable ads.

These days, the optional extras have been rolled up into plans – so the no adverts option I started to pay for annually after the first great ad outrage™ is now part of either a personal, premium or business plan. I was also buying extra space and domains. The extra space is also now part of the plans and also unavailable separately.

Because of this marlarkey, and because of the huge space this site and it’s media now occupy (just short of 28 gigabytes) I’m going to have to transfer to a business plan, which gives me unlimited space (yay!) and lot of other options to play with, as well as no ads and the domains.

All this will cost £260 per year.

I am happy to pay this. WordPress has been a very reliable host, with great uptime and mercifully few bugs. They are secure and support content providers like me well, with a fine product. Considering most users of WordPress never need a paid option, they do a lot of stuff for the community free and I respect that totally.

I’m pretty sure web adverts are useless anyway.

The reason the ads have come back is all the options I have expire at different times, so while I’m getting best value by waiting for the extra space option to expire, the no ads option has finished, and you’re getting sold stuff again. Sorry.

Before the end of this month (June 2017) I will have purchased the plan and the ads will vanish again (and there may even be some whizzy new features). Until then, my apologies.

Rest assured, I will never make money from this blog or my associated social media, and that includes never running paid advertisements. I am happy to foot the bill out of my own pocket and would never ask for or accept support from the readership or any business, and that includes paid ads.

If I accepted anything from anyone for my work here I feel it would be compromised and I have more respect for you than to do that.

So please accept my apologies or the sludge bothering your browsing and I’ll have it sorted pretty soon. Cheers for your patience.

Bob.