Image 24: Back to class photos again, I think. That’s some man spreading by the teacher, there… Photo generously supplied by Tony Portman via David Evans. Click for a larger version.
Tony’s notes for image 24. Click for a larger version.
In the eigth serialised article of what will turn out to be quite a few, here’s the next three photos from Walsall Wood Secondary School in the 1950s with accompanying notes, as introduced in this blog post here – This time, I am including the handwritten notes by Tony himself below each image.
I return now to featuring images in order- today is a brief return to class photos, before some quite stunning ones next week!
I shan’t comment on the notes directly, or attempt to transcribe: these are clearly a matter for readers as they obviously raise questions as well as answer them – and the last thing I want to do is lead the witnesses!
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 25 – Some great skirts in this one, and I’m very intrigued by the cool lad on the left – dapper! Photo generously supplied by Tony Portman via David Evans. Click for a larger version.
Tony’s notes for image 25. Click for a larger version.
Image 26 – A staff group – again interested in how relaxed and happy they look. Lady second from right, front row has a lovely smile. Photo generously supplied by Tony Portman via David Evans. Click for a larger version.
Tony’s notes for image 26. Click for a larger version.
In this instance, Andrew was looking into the history of Sapper Sydney Willner, and was hoping one of you readers might be able to find his grave; thanks to those who helped – old friends of the blog Graeme Clarke and Linda Higgs both went well out of the way to send in excellent photos and added history.
Thanks to both Graeme and Linda, it’s selfless actions like yours that remind me that community is still strong. I am indebted to you both. This is collaborative local history in action.
Graeme supplied the picture of Sydney’s Headstone above, and said:
Morning Bob,
I see on your blog that Andrew Thornton is seeking a photo of the headstone of Sapper Willner.
I have attached a picture of his headstone and also add this to Andrew’s research: Priscilla passed away at Cannock during 1890 and Sidney was then raised by his grandmother, Harriett Willner, who was the licensee of ‘The Royal Oak’ public house, Norton Road, Pelsall.
Regards,
Graeme Clarke
Whilst Linda, posting on Facebook shared this lovely collection of photos and did something rather beautiful, too:
Images kindly supplied by Linda Higgs
Results of the search for the grave of Sapper Sydney Willner, in St. James Churchyard, Brownhills. We found his final resting place, did a bit of pulling up of grass and weeds. Then picked some bluebells, and placed them in his honour. Feeling accomplished, emotional experience.
Again, thanks to you both from myself, Andrew and all the readers, you really are what this blog is about.
If anyone has any further contribution to make, please feel free: either comment here or mail me – BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Thanks.
I include Andrew Thornton’s original request and article below for completeness.
1284/488180 Sapper Sidney Harold Willner 466th (1/2nd North Midland) Field Company, Royal Engineers (Territorial Force)
Born at Pelsall on 19 June 1886, Sidney was the son of Frederick Robert and Pricilla Constantina Willner. He was baptised on 25 July 1886.
On 11 August 1902, aged 16, Sidney obtained employment with the London and North Western Railway at Hednesford Station as a junior porter, but was dismissed on 7 May 1903 for tampering with the luggage of passengers.
He married Eleanor Jeanette Morris in 1910 and they lived at The Hollies on Butts Lane in Norton Canes. Sidney was working at the Conduit Colliery as a hewer when he attested for 2nd North Midland Field Company at Norton Hall in 1911.
Embodied on the outbreak of the war, Sapper Willner volunteered to serve overseas in September 1914 and landed in France with 1/2nd North Midland Field Company on 1 March 1915.
Willner was disembodied on 14 December 1918, on being demobilised, and returned to work at the Conduit Colliery. He died on 29 March 1919 and is buried in St James Churchyard Extension at Brownhills, Grave Reference: 2nd Half. 4. 63.
As his grave is a private family plot, it is not marked with a Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstone and is noted as being ‘neglected.’ Sidney Willner is also commemorated on the war memorial at St James’ Church at Brownhills and his name is recorded on the brass plaque inside Brownhills Memorial Hall.
Image: Courtesy of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Tonight (Saturday, 6th May 2017) it’s a rather special occasion at the Chase Inn at Newtown, Brownhills as they receive their local CAMRA award for Cider Pub of the Year – there’s a range of 12 ciders and perrys, plus live music from two excellent local bands.
Vicarage Road Brownhills, with Costcutter on the corner of Ogley Road; did you see anything suspicious here this afternoon? Imagery from Google Maps.
Very worrying reports reach me that late this afternoon (Friday 5th May 2017) that an elderly lady has had her bag snatched in or near Vicarage Road Brownhills.
The story circulating is that the lady had her bag grabbed and taken near to her home in Vicarage Road after possibly being followed from the local store by a man aged around 19 with grey checked shorts and blonde hair.
This follows a reports of an elderly lady being seriously hurt last week following a bag snatch in Pelsall, and another recently believed to have taken place near Aldridge.
I have been unable to confirm this report with West Midlands Police as yet, but have put in an enquiry for a statement, and will post further should a statement be forthcoming.
Please take care and warn friends and relatives, particlarly the aged and vulnerable – let’s get these bastards caught if we can.
Please, if you have any information, do speak to the cops. If you know who it might be, or if you saw anything at all, please do contact West Midlands Police by dialling 101 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
West Midlands Fire Service are currently in attendance (2:15pm, Friday 5th May 2017) at a garden fire in newbuild houses off Lindon Drive, Brownhills, near Humphries House.
The fire, which is now out, appears to have originated in the property’s garden, possibly in a shed, and spread to a fence; it appears to have caused damage to both adjacent properties.
There are no reports of any casualties.
More information when I have it.
Thanks to Stephen Hill for the tipoff and pictures, and to the folk from West Midlands Fire Service for their rapid service in keeping us safe.
Looks tasty! Picture supplied by Terrace World Buffet.
UPDATE Friday evening: You can contact the restaurant on 01543 898448 and they are, I am told, fully licensed. The menu will change every day, but a sample menu has been added at the foot of this post.
It’s all going on at Brownhills Activity Centre. Image from Walsall Council.
There’s a very interesting meeting taking place at 7:30pm Monday, 22nd May 2017 – that of Brownhills Neighbourhood Watch (but is open to anyone interested in local crime issues).
It takes place at the Activity Centre (formerly the Central Boys School or Annexe) right in the centre of Brownhills, just off the Miner Island.
With recent concerns about local crime – particularly burglaries on the High Street and ongoing antisocial behaviour issues – this could be your chance to get your voice heard. If you’ve been unhappy with recent police performance, this would be a good forum at which to raise that, or any other related issue you may have.
Please note this meeting is not on Friday 5th May as reported earlier on WMNow, that information was incorrect and has now been rectified.
Kevin Pitt, the Walsall Police Partnerships Officer, sent out the following:
Dear Sir or madam
Your Neighbourhood Policing Team invite you to join them for the next meeting of Brownhills Neighbourhood Watch.
The meeting will take place on Monday 22 May, prompt 7.30pm start at Brownhills Activity Centre, Chester Road North, WS8 7JE.
Your neighbourhood policing team have set up the meeting and look forward to a lively and productive evening.
The meeting is open to everyone and anyone who has an interest in reducing crime and helping to make Brownhills, Clayhanger and Brownhills West safer, more pleasant places to live.
If you cannot make the meeting but would like to raise a concern with your neighbourhood policing team, please contact them at brownhills@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk.
Message sent by
Kevin Pitt (Police, Engagement and Consultation Officer, Walsall)
Please, if you go along, do let me and the readers know what happened – either by commenting here, or mailing me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Thanks.
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 an informal meeting at Chasewater this evening, 3rd May 2017.
Kate wrote:
Morning! Don’t forget we’re getting together at 7.30pm at the Innovation Centre at Chasewater tonight to talk about the idea of forming a friends group and also about the local history display of memories/photographs that we’re hoping to do in the summer.
Hope to see some of you later
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.
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.
The park is also still after volunteers for environmental work too – see the flyer below.
Reader and fellow blogger The Stymaster nipped over to the Black Cock bridge for me last night and took the following image which whilst not conclusive, does at least show that the height of the roofline is right.
Worth noting that chimneys have certainly been removed from both sides of the cottage, and the northern one has no chimneys at all now.
The line of the canal seems right to me, too.
What do you folks think? Comment here or mail me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com – cheers for all the contributions so far.
Image 19: An intriguing indoor group, possibly in the school hall. Would this be a drama class or theatrical group possibly? Very smartly dressed, and mixed ages. Photo generously supplied by Tony Portman via David Evans. Click for a larger version.
Tony’s notes for image 19. Click for a larger version.
In the seventh serialised article of what will turn out to be quite a few, here’s the next three photos from Walsall Wood Secondary School in the 1950s with accompanying notes, as introduced in this blog post here – This time, I am including the handwritten notes by Tony himself below each image.
I shan’t comment on the notes directly, or attempt to transcribe: these are clearly a matter for readers as they obviously raise questions as well as answer them – and the last thing I want to do is lead the witnesses!
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 22 -Needlework – what a wonderful image, stylish. Photo generously supplied by Tony Portman via David Evans. Click for a larger version.
Tony’s notes for image 22. Click for a larger version.
Image 23 – Another needlework image – notable is that they’re sharing the Singer hand sewing machines, not one each. Photo generously supplied by Tony Portman via David Evans. Click for a larger version.
Tony’s notes for image 23. Click for a larger version.
Thanks everyone, the dog is now reunited with her owners. Thanks for shares and reposts.
Cheers, Bob
Image from Pool House Veterinary Hospital Facebook page.
An appeal reaches me via Facebook from Pool House Veterinary Hospital – rather delightful female German Shepherd was found in Pelsall Road, Brownhills near the Swan pub last night (Sunday 30th April 2017) and it would be nice if we could reunite this lovely dog with her owners.
Sadly, the dog is not chipped.
Pool House had this to say:
Found.
Female, German Sheperd Dog found on Pelsall Road in Brownhills.
She is wearing a brown collar but is not microchipped.
If anyone recognises her then please call the practice on 01543 262464.
You can call Pool House Veterinary Hospital in Fosseway Lane, between Wall and Lichfield, on 01543 262464, or check out their Facebook page here.
Thanks to all readers who passed this on. Let’s hope this gorgeous lass finds her owners soon!
I suspect this area may be the ‘Churchyard Extension’ – between the burial ground currently in use, and to the left hand side of the church. Does anyone fancy exploring, please?
Today, Andrew is seeking help with the grave of a Norton lad interred at Brownhills in the ‘Churchyard Extension’ – in a grave apparently unmarked. Andrew isn’t local these days and he’s hoping someone may be able to locate the grave and let us know it’s current condition, with the ultimate aim of approaching the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for recognition if the plot is unmarked.
If I’m honest, I’m not even sure what’s classed are the Churchyard Extension at St. James. Anyone know?
Can you please help? If so please do comment here or mail me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Cheers.
1284/488180 Sapper Sidney Harold Willner 466th (1/2nd North Midland) Field Company, Royal Engineers (Territorial Force)
Born at Pelsall on 19 June 1886, Sidney was the son of Frederick Robert and Pricilla Constantina Willner. He was baptised on 25 July 1886.
On 11 August 1902, aged 16, Sidney obtained employment with the London and North Western Railway at Hednesford Station as a junior porter, but was dismissed on 7 May 1903 for tampering with the luggage of passengers.
He married Eleanor Jeanette Morris in 1910 and they lived at The Hollies on Butts Lane in Norton Canes. Sidney was working at the Conduit Colliery as a hewer when he attested for 2nd North Midland Field Company at Norton Hall in 1911.
Embodied on the outbreak of the war, Sapper Willner volunteered to serve overseas in September 1914 and landed in France with 1/2nd North Midland Field Company on 1 March 1915.
Willner was disembodied on 14 December 1918, on being demobilised, and returned to work at the Conduit Colliery. He died on 29 March 1919 and is buried in St James Churchyard Extension at Brownhills, Grave Reference: 2nd Half. 4. 63.
As his grave is a private family plot, it is not marked with a Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstone and is noted as being ‘neglected.’ Sidney Willner is also commemorated on the war memorial at St James’ Church at Brownhills and his name is recorded on the brass plaque inside Brownhills Memorial Hall.
Image: Courtesy of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Warn your elderly and vulnerable friends and neighbours about bogus callers. Library image from NEN.
A headsup, folks – seeing a significant number of reports relating to distraction theft and bogus callers operating in the area, and Aldridge Neighbourhood Team have, in the last few days, issued an important warning.
Warning Bogus Callers about and they come in all shapes and sizes!
This message comes from your Aldridge Neighbourhood team please share and warn your elderly neighbours and relatives.
Throughout the borough of Walsall and surrounding areas there has been an increase in bogus callers. These incidents will include criminals using false identities to try and get into your home to steal. This is known as distraction burglars or bogus callers.
Bogus callers can also wear ordinary clothes, they can be children or adults wanting nothing more than a drink of water or to wash their hands – beware these requests, they are excuses to distract you. Be wary of unknown youngsters who call asking for a drink, searching for lost pets, or saying their football is in your garden – they may be trying to distract you from your door.
Please take into consideration the following crime prevention advice in relation to these incidents.
Keep front and back doors locked (with keys taken out), even when at home
Check their identity card carefully even if the caller has pre-arranged appointment
If you need to leave a caller standing outside while you collect or check something indoors, close the door and lock it
Never use a telephone number given by the caller find the number in your telephone directory
If you are not comfortable ask the caller to return when someone is with you.
If you are not sure DO NOT LET THEM IN
Genuine callers will not mind waiting whilst their identities are being verified. Utility Companies or councils now offer a password identification system. Any callers from one of these companies should be able to give a pre-arranged password as additional proof of identity. Further information about password schemes can be obtained by contacting individual companies
If in any doubt please contact the police and let us know on 101 or 999 if necessary.
Regards
Aldridge Neighbourhood Team
Please Think Safe and don’t become a Victim of Crime
Scumbags engaged in the robbing of OAPs and the vulnerable are lower than a snake’s knees, and I hope the police continue to crack down on this cowardly, nasty crime.
Please, if you have any information relating to these criminals, please contact Walsall Police by dialling 101 (999 in an emergency, obviously) or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
Tell your elderly relatives and friends to be careful; local police can advise on door chains and other security measures. Most of all, don’t buy at the door! Image from Cambridge Police.
Once a familiar sight on local roads, the light green Harpers busses. This one is taken outside Aldridge Post Office in 1974 by reader and friend of the blog Tony Martin, who kindly supplied the picture.
I therefore thought it would be important to share with readers the news that there is a new book out about the history of Harper Brothers, written by a true expert, and Philip Burton was kind enough to tell me all about it.
He said:
Harper Brothers And It’s History.
If anyone is interested in the history of Harpers, this is the book for you.
Written and published by Bryan Yates, This is the story of the company with some rare photos, unlike other Harper Bros. books on the market.
If interested, contact Bryan at 6 Seedy Mill Cottages, Hanch, Lichfield. WS13 8 HQ. or e mail him on byates08@sky.com.
The price is £13 inclusive of postage.
Thanks to Philip for the headsup, and if you buy a copy and would like to send in a review, it would be most welcome – comment here of mail me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail do com. Thanks.
Another great local history book now available for those interested in public transport.
Yesterday afternoon (29th October 2017), Walsall Wood F.C. travelled to Allpay Park at Hereford to face Westfields, who sadly beat the Woodmen 4-0 – this match was a last ditch hope for Walsall Wood to defy relegation, but it wasn’t to be.
Adding to the prevailing air of sadness enveloping the match was the fact that this is Bill Shaw’s last report for the Wood, as he tucks away his notebook for the last time. I paid tribute to Bill in this post here last week, and I and the readers shall miss Bill’s reports and candour greatly.
Bill was kind enough to send me a lovely message last week, which I shall cherish: It has been an honour and a privilege to have him here and if ever he changes his mind, there’s always space for a match report on the Brownhills Blog.
Anyway, on with the horror!
Bill was at the somewhat daftly named allpay.park to witness the match, and submitted the following report:
Oh dear Bob,
As I completed the match report, ‘It wasn’t meant to end like this.’
I didn’t cry, but the tears were close to the surface as after 42 games we dropped into the bottom three for the first time this season, so have to face the heartbreak of relegation back to Division One of the Midland League, (it was the Midland Combination when we won it in 2012-2013). At the end of the day let’s not forget that Wood are going down with 47 points, the teams that finished in 20th and 21st places last season were both on 30 points, it’s a freak result but it doesn’t help Wood.
Lots of news to come out of the Wood in the next few weeks, one way or another I’ll keep you posted.
Take care everyone, thanks for the support and appreciation, it’s made all the hard work worthwhile.
Lastly to you Bob, thanks for the platform, good luck mate.
Westfields 4 v 0 Walsall Wood
For only the second time in four seasons Wood found themselves in the bottom three of the Midland League Premier division, but this time saw them relegated into Division One for the season 2017-2018.
Wood had the better of a bright opening and should have gone ahead after just five minutes, Lee Hildreth racing clear wide right, crossing into the centre to find Drew Aiton who scooped a close range effort over the bar. Two minutes later Joey Butlin was fouled on the left edge of the box, Aiton delivered the free kick beyond the far post, Louis Harris ghosting in to head the ball to keeper Kieron Blackburn for an easy save.
On 10 minutes a long ball out by the home defence was read superbly by Chris Ham, his 30 yard rising drive well held by keeper Adam Jenkins. On 25 minutes Sirdic Grant collected the ball from a counter attack wide right, he cut inside made the edge of the six yard box, his near post rising drive bringing a great save from Jenkins standing tall. A minute later Craig Jones powered into the right of the box, his cross to the far post found Aidan Thomas who took one touch and buried the ball past Jenkins. Four minutes later Richard Greaves collected a ball through the centre raced into the box, keeper Jenkins holding him up and then forcing him wide. A minute later up popped Grant, he wriggled into the centre from the right, cleverly set up Ham to his right who fired a rising drive into the top right hand corner to give Wood a mountain to climb as the news filtered through that Shawbury were leading two-nil at Brocton.
A minute later Aiton cut in from wide left, his cross cum shot bounced off the top of the bar and away to safety. On 40 minutes a free kick left of centre was delivered to the far post Harris getting in a header that was comfortably saved.
Two minutes into the second half Harris ran through the centre, touched the ball right to Butlin to hit a low drive inches wide.
On 55 minutes Grant was found wide right, he slalomed inside, chased by Josh Mansell who brought him down, another harsh decision for Wood as he was red carded. From the resulting free kick 25 yards out by Jones, Jenkins making a superb full length save. Five minutes later it was Grant cutting in from the left, his cross finding Thomas to fire a first time effort too high. A minute later a pinpoint crossfield ball by Jones found Thomas on the left of the box, his sublime calm finish making it three-nil and taking Wood’s survival hopes out of their hands.
On 76 minutes from a right wing Wood corner Rikki Bains powered a header just over. Six minutes later a ball inside from wide right was hit first time just wide by Drew Ricketts.
Three minutes later that man Grant cut inside from wide right and set up Thomas to fire first time wide. On 87 minutes Butlin in the centre of the box touched the ball right to Leon Taylor who was forced wide but played the ball back inside to Butlin, his low drive bouncing off the foot of the left hand post with Blackburn beaten.
It had to be Grant with the final word, he cut inside again from wide left, made the box only to be pulled back. Up stepped Thomas to complete his hat-trick from the penalty spot.
As in the four-three home defeat last September Wood just had no answer to the quicksilver feet and pace of Sirdic Grant who just frightened the defence to death every time he got the ball.
The end of Wood’s four years reign at Level Three, as I say goodbye to match reporting can I say it wasn’t meant to end this way, thanks everyone, it’s been a blast.
Walsall Wood – Jenkins, Ricketts, Adams, Hildreth, Williams, Bains, Taylor Boyce, L. Harris, Butlin (captain), Aiton, Mansell Taylor, Henry Harris, Harry Harris, Okojie, Birch.
While the first team were taking a bit of a drubbing, the young David Evans was again catching some great football back at Oak Park, where he watched WalsalL Wood Reserves play Tipton, Wood beating the visitors 2-0.
David said:
Wwfc 2 Tipton 0 final score
Another fine performance and a credit to both teams.
Can’t help thinking we should be shoving these lads up front – what could get worse?
And some of the team spirit that has been seen in this team throughout the season!
A breakthrough goal and the Wood’s first goal, just on half time. Moral- keep the camera switched on!
Concentration and determination in bundles throughout this match…and positive encouragement by the Wood’s manager…a feature in all the games.
Early in the first half and a superb penalty kick save by the Wood’s goalkeeper
Another fine game to grace Oak Park, today.
First half and the Wood urn up the pressure forcing Tipton to defend well. Fine football
Second half sporting duel…one of many…as Tipton strive to score the equaliser
Today’s visitors from Tipton
Tipton keeper reaches high to tip the incoming ball over the net. Fine skill.
The thrill of scoring a goal. “Super sub”, no 14!
Second half and “Super sub” scores the Wood’s second goal ..within a minute of taking to the field. Bostin!
Second half Tipton pressure brings excellent goalkeeping.
Wood’s goalkeeper launches another accurate long kick to start an attacking move. Super to spectate
First half attack by the Wood. Spot the ball!
Accurate passing and through shots by both teams in today’s positive encounter.
Second half brings great endeavour by Tipton to try to claw back from a two goal deficit.
The game ends. Fine positive soccer, characterised by sporting play by both teams, and excellent refereeing and linesmanship, plus the noted positive encouragement from both dugouts made this game a delight to spectate, as all the reserve matches I have seen this season have been , in fact.
Only a few minutes left and the Wood are still trying for a three nil win as Tipton closely monitor each opponent’s moves
High five time for the scorer!
The end of season team photo!
Images and captions of Walsall Wood Reserves against Tipton at Oak Park kindly supplied by the young David Evans, who wisely swerved the Westfields wipeout.
Cheers to Bill, Simon and David, and my best wishes to Bill, who will be sorely missed. Take care old chap, and keep out of the oss road, pal.
Just about everyone interested in Brownhills local history has seen the above postcard showing Brownhills scenes, haven’t they? Fairly typical, postwar images; probably late 50s, early 60s, going by the cars and shops. We have St. James Church, the High Street looking north from the top of Silver Street, and looking south from near the Station Hotel.
And then, a canal scene. The canal scene has always been perplexing.
Note the level of the canal compared to the rooflines. I always tried to apply this to Silver Street mentally and failed.
Clive has been thinking about this image, and has postulated that this isn’t Brownhills at all: He thinks, and I’m inclined to agree, that this is a picture taken from the south eastern flank of the Black Cock Bridge in Bullings Heath, Walsall Wood, looking east towards Walsall and Pelsall.
This I think bears further investigation, and I’d be interested to see what readers think. The closest I can get at the moment is this augmented 3D image from Apple Maps, and the chimneys do correspond, but there seems to be a fair bit missing.
The ground levels appear correct, and the chimneys close, but a fair few buildings have gone. I need a better angle, I think. Image from the remarkable Apple Maps.
Fancy some great music tonight? Capo 4 play the Chase Inn! Image from the pub’s Facebook page.
The folks from the Chase Inn at Newtown, Brownhills has been in touch to let me know that there’s live music on again at the popular Brownhills pub this evening (Saturday 29th April 2017), with female-fronted rock act Capo 4 live tonight from 8:00pm – and you’d be a fool to miss it!
Capo 4 are a Staffordshire band playing covers and original music, and are highly recommended!
Another great community initiative from the human dynamo behind Lichfield Lore!
Never one to sit back and let life pass her by, that there Kate Cardigan from the wonderful Lichfield Lore is involved with a new project – Lichfield Repair and Share – which starts today (Saturday, 29th April 2017) at Woodhouse Farm, just north of Whittington, between 2pm and 4pm.
Kate, who’s more usually known for her excellent work with Lichfield local history group, Lichfield Discovered and other projects, has decided to start a community project to help people repair, recycle and put back to good use things that my be broken or need some love.
This looks like a great way to have fun, meet up with other like minded folk and also learn some new skills.
On Saturday 29th April, between 2pm and 4pm, we’re holding our first ever repair & share event at Woodhouse Farm, just outside Whittington. We have a team of volunteers with a wide range of skills who will be showing people how they can fix their broken items or give their old things a new lease of life. Anyone with anything that needs a bit of TLC can bring it along to see if we can help.
We want to increase peoples’ skills and knowledge about how to repair and restore things and reduce the amount of stuff that ends up as landfill. We’re so grateful to all those offering their time and skills and delighted that the idea has been met with such enthusiasm. We hope it will be the first of many similar events, both here at the farm and elsewhere in the area.
Woodhouse Farm really is a wonderful thing. Image from Adventures in Lichfield.
Lichfield Re:Cycle will be on hand to help people with bike repairs and maintenance, and we can also offer help and advice on upcycling and repairing furniture and clothing, IT health checks, social media and small business advice, repairing appliances & electrical devices and vehicle maintenance.
There is no charge but donations can be made to Woodhouse Farm, a not for profit social enterprise, to help them with their ongoing project to preserve the farm’s historic landscape and to become a place where people can develop their skills in growing & cooking food. Refreshments will be available from the farm cafe.
Just a quick post while I’m tied up with other stuff – the young David Evans has been to the display of memorabilia and photos at Silver Street Methodist Church in Brownhills, to celebrate the iconic building’s 50th Anniversary, and sent in a lovely gallery of images.
As I mentioned a couple of days ago, there are to be a host of events in celebration, of which the display is just one. I’d hope maybe they could keep the display material available for as long as possible as it looks like a wonderful thing.
David wrote:
Hi Bob
Some hasty photos taken earlier this morning as the ‘setting out’ process is well under way…..
Already some previously unseen artifacts and information re on display – I left the good folk busily making space for more materials.
Many many thanks for the wonderful support your blog has already given to this event.
Kind regards
David
My sincere apologies to David and the folk of Silver Street for not posting this gallery sooner, but last night I was tied up with work, sadly.
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.
There are a fair few events to celebrate the fifty year milestone – note the memorabilia display starting this Thursday (27th April 2017) which will be very interesting indeed:
50th Anniversary Celebrations
During 2017 we will be celebrating 50 years since the opening of the Methodist Church on Silver Street. There will be events during the year as part of our celebrations.
These events include:
Thursday 27th – Friday 28th April – displays of memorabilia from Silver Street’s 50 years as well as Mount Zion and Wesley Church who came together to form Brownhills Methodist.
Saturday 29th April – Celebration Buffet with entertainment (6pm for 6.30pm – tickets £8)
Sunday 30th April – Morning service (10.30am) Songs of Praise Celebration; Evening service (6pm) Circuit United Service.
Saturday 1st July – Strawberry Tea (2.30pm)
Saturday 23rd September – Harvest Supper (6pm for 6.30pm)
Thanks to David for letting me know – and 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.
Aldridge Musical Comedy Society have a proud history and are well respected for fun, entertaining and very professional shows. You can check out their website here.
Their fiftieth anniversary this year will be celebrated with a special show at the Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock from the 18th to the 20th May 2017, which is certain to cement that fine reputation, and is sure to be a sellout so get your tickets quickly!
Details of the show and society are featured below – best of luck to all the performers, crew and supporters.
Aldridge Musical Comedy Society wrote:
Fabulous at 50 – Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock – 18 to 20 May 2017
This May, Aldridge Musical Comedy Society (AMCS) make a welcome return to the Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock for a magnificent celebration of fifty years as a society. The show is Fabulous at 50 and never has a title been so apt. Last year, AMCS put on two well-received productions of the highest standard in Thoroughly Modern Millie and Once Upon a Time. You can expect Fabulous at 50 to be no different.
Great voices, breathtaking dance and good humour, Fabulous at 50 features numbers from Les Misérables, Oklahoma, All Shook Up, Oliver, Rent and many more. Direction for Fabulous at 50 is in the safe hands of Julie Lamb with choreography by Sarah Hemming and musical direction – Mark Bayliss.
Julie, who is also chairperson of the society, spoke about the show, “I’m so proud to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of AMCS and feel very honoured to be directing such a talented group of people on this special occasion.”
Also, making a welcome return to the stage is society president, Paula Garratt, who appeared in AMCS’ first ever production – Calamity Jane.
“When I started with AMCS 50 years ago,” Paula said, “I never thought I would be lucky enough to join this great company on stage in celebration of those 50 years. I am very proud of everyone associated with the society.”
AMCS currently has a core of 30 members and are always on the lookout for more of all ages. Rehearsing in Aldridge every Wednesday, the society, in addition to two shows a year, also perform for charity functions and care homes.
And the shows continue. With Smokey Joe’s Café (Nov 2017) and West Side Story (May 2018) already confirmed, the next fifty years is underway. But not until this current celebration is complete and from experience, AMCS guarantee the 50th anniversary show will be nothing less than Fabulous.
Fabulous at 50 is on 18 to 20 May 2017 (1930 start). Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock.
Tickets available from AMCS (01543 480626) or Box Office (01543 578762).
This is an important one I’m hoping readers can help with – a user of Brownhills Parkview Centre surgery yesterday (Tuesday 25th April 2017) lost their mobile phone possibly while using the disabled facilities there.
Emma Mills-Webster wrote:
My daughter has lost her phone Brownhills Parkview Centre’s disabled toilet at about 3.20pm, Tuesday 25th April 2017.
The phone is a Samsung Galaxy J3, the homepage wallpaper of which is a child holding a box of Jaffa Cakes.
Walsall Manor Hospital – surprisingly beautiful at night.
Another important appeal for readers of the blog – this request was posted by the Communication Team at Walsall Manor Hospital Tuesday (24th April 2017) and I’d like all locals to have a think about it, and if any of you can, please do help.
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust is searching for the family of one of its patients.
John Elkes, from Willenhall, was born in the year of 1935.
Anyone related to John should contact Julie Venables in the general office at Walsall Manor Hospital on 01922 721172 ext. 4637.
Thanks in advance. If anyone would prefer, email me in total confidence at BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot come and I’ll pass any messages on.
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).
This year it’s seen some changes and is now called A5 live, and takes place from Friday 4th August to Sunday 6th August 2017, and tickets are now on sale.
Martin Payton, the organiser, had this to say:
Hi Bob
Just an update on A5 live, most things now in place including licence etc, tickets now going on sale.
The event will feature live music Friday, Saturday and Sunday and there will also be a classic/motorsport car display, custom bikes and scooters along with live mobile firing range, metal detecting walk, a falconry display as well as other things to be confirmed.
Large bar and restaurant will cater for food and drink and the charity is MacMillan Cancer Trust.
Tickets now on sale via PayPal – Friday evening £5, a Saturday day pass is £10, Sunday until close £5 and a weekend pass just £17.50.
For tickets, mail Kim on a5livefestival@hotmail.com
Email confirmation will be sent with unique ticket number for wristband
I’m indebted – as I usually am – to the young David Evans who’s given me the heads up about events surrounding the 50th Anniversary of Silver Street Methodist Church in Brownhills.
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.
There are a fair few events to celebrate the fifty year milestone – note the memorabilia display starting this Thursday (27th April 2017) which will be very interesting indeed:
50th Anniversary Celebrations
During 2017 we will be celebrating 50 years since the opening of the Methodist Church on Silver Street. There will be events during the year as part of our celebrations.
These events include:
Thursday 27th – Friday 28th April – displays of memorabilia from Silver Street’s 50 years as well as Mount Zion and Wesley Church who came together to form Brownhills Methodist.
Saturday 29th April – Celebration Buffet with entertainment (6pm for 6.30pm – tickets £8)
Sunday 30th April – Morning service (10.30am) Songs of Praise Celebration; Evening service (6pm) Circuit United Service.
Saturday 1st July – Strawberry Tea (2.30pm)
Saturday 23rd September – Harvest Supper (6pm for 6.30pm)
Thanks to David for letting me know – and 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.
Images of the man himself and wife Lynn kindly sent in by the young David Evans
I’d like to take time out here to thank retiring football reporter and local lad Bill Shaw for his unwavering work over the last few years in supplying wonderful, frank and honest match reports for me to publish here on the Brownhills Blog.
Some time ago Bill announced his intention to retire in his role as reporter when the last match is played for the season, and yesterday, Saturday 22nd April 2017 was Bill’s last report from a home match at Oak Park, and as ever it was straightforward and didn’t pander to any delicate sensibilities.
Bill has always been frank, witty and to me as a person who’s not greatly into football, I’ve always found his work engaging, accessible and fun. It’s been the work of a true fan and lover of the club and game, even if it did ruffle feathers from time to time.
As the reports evolved, we moved on to a longer format and lit them up wit wonderful images from the Evans lads – David and Simon, the former always sending me a tranche of great pictures at the end of every game, and Simon deputising when needed whilst also doing a great job on social media.
Bill’s retirement will be a great loss to the community around the club, and I’m sorry to see it; but living in Leicestershire and with some health issues last year I can well understand, respect and appreciate Bill’s decision.
I’d like to say thanks and cheers to Bill, a strident local voice that will be very much missed, and I’d add that his reports here have garnered a large following. Bill, if you ever wish to return and pick up the pen again, you’d be most welcome.
I wish you well for the future, old pal. Thanks for the fun and frankness. See you down the road, eh?
Good afternoon everyone, welcome to the ML Safety Stadium, a warm Wood welcome to today’s players, supporters and officials of today’s visitors Heanor Town, whatever the outcome of today’s game join us for a drink and a bite to eat in the clubroom afterwards before a safe journey home.
A warm welcome also to today’s officials, referee Daniel Stokes assisted by James Kerrigan and Alan Thomas. I know we haven’t had any assistance on that front over the last few games but I’m told decisions even themselves out in a season, somehow it never seems to work out that way, but as an official told me recently it’s all about opinions. Anyway folks, do give the guys a break occasionally and give them the benefit of any decisions that you don’t agree with.
The title could be sewn up today if Alvechurch win at Shawbury that could also doom Shawbury to the third relegation spot which of course will guarantee us Midland League premier division football next season. That should have been done on Easter Monday at Highgate United when leading 2-0 with 7 minutes left we somehow managed to throw away all three points. It’s never been one of my favourite venues and Monday didn’t change my opinion one bit. Again we stopped Lei Brown from scoring against us for the second time, at 33 Brownie you’re getting too old to be a striker. Congratulations to Bromsgrove on clinching the division one title, they have been there or thereabouts for a few seasons now and will finally make the step up to level five again. If anyone comes up from the West Midlands it’s questionable. Champions Haughmond supposedly didn’t submit the necessary paperwork in December so their elevation is in doubt. West Bridgford from Nottinghamshire are the choice from the East Midlands probably. Well folks, it’s finally arrived, my last home game, it’s been a long, long journey from the days of manager Carl Dwyer and the 2000-2001 season. From then there have been more downs than ups, that of course is why the Midland Combination title in 2012-13 was such an emotional time.
Football management of course is a high turnover occupation and it was down the road at Pelsall Villa where I forged my first long term relationship, football wise, with Mark Bentley. I retired of course in April 2011 with the last game fittingly against Walsall Wood, Nigel Birch however had other ideas and spent Three months working hard to get me to come back to the Wood, which he accomplished. Two months into the 2011-12 season he walked out, but I was home, I was loving being back and of course with the arrival of Swanny in February 2012 a bond and a life-long friendship was forged between us.
I have had some frustrating times in his reign and came close to walking away on more than one occasion, but my loyalty to Swanny and Justin kept me here. There are times over the last two seasons that I’ve been at games on days that I should have been home in bed, so regrettably I’ve reached the state of enough is enough and I’m getting out while I still can.
Thank you to everyone for your incredible support over the years, it has been appreciated. To all the people I’ve upset – TOUGH, you’ll get over it, I told the truth so I have no regrets. The highlight of it all – well there have been so many, but it has to be watching the Guernsey replay from the players tunnel of the National Stadium and the absolute stunned silence when Tom Evans opened the scoring, that occasion was priceless.
For the last time be good, be healthy, stay positive, the last and one of the very best to remember – Out of every adversity comes a seed of equivalent or greater benefit. I’ve had a ball – thank you, take care everyone.
Image 16: A class of older pupils on a rather wet looking day. Photo generously supplied by Tony Portman via David Evans. Click for a larger version.
Tony’s notes for image 16. Click for a larger version.
In the sixth serialised article of what will turn out to be quite a few, here’s the next three photos from Walsall Wood Secondary School in the 1950s with accompanying notes, as introduced in this blog post here – This time, I am including the handwritten notes by Tony himself below each image.
There’s also a bonus image here too from reader David Bunce, which is from the same period, if not the same set, which I’m hoping readers may be able to light up:
David Bunce describes this image as ‘Walsall wood football team 1955 my dad in back row 3rd from left Barry Jackaman’ – I think this is a football team from Walsall Wood School. Am I right? Recognise anyone?
Thanks to David Bunce for that wonderful one. If it’s not from the same set as the Portman images, it’s certainly the same period. Let me know what you think!
I return now to featuring images in order. Apologies for the delay in this post, thinks still a bit behind, but I’m catching ups now.
I shan’t comment on the notes directly, or attempt to transcribe: these are clearly a matter for readers as they obviously raise questions as well as answer them – and the last thing I want to do is lead the witnesses!
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 17 -Another group of older pupils with quite a few staff seemingly amongst them. Photo generously supplied by Tony Portman via David Evans. Click for a larger version.
Tony’s notes for image 17. Click for a larger version.
Image 18 – I’m not certain but I think this is all staff, and the sky seems to be clearing! Photo generously supplied by Tony Portman via David Evans. Click for a larger version.
Tony’s notes for image 18. Click for a larger version.
Glorious exuberant soccer in action here.. Bostin!
Breakaway attack by the Wood. Determined soccer by both sporting teams. Delightful to spectate
Two men, one important mission, and total concentration. Thanks chaps!
A super game of football played here today. No hassle, no complaining, just super positive football for all to enjoy, especially the players themselves. Cheers chaps.
And a certain Bill Shaw, WWFC first team secretary, reporter and much more shakes hands with the whole team as they leave, as he has always does, but today was Bill’s last home match at Oak Park.
The visitors were in fine voice and choral harmony as their team played hard and earned the respect of the home supporters today.
The Wood’s captain, Joey Butlin, attracted the usual close attention, but no malice; not Heanor’s style
The match ends and players shake hands with their opponents. True sportsmen.
Wwfc shake hands with the very welcome Heanor Town team
Another powerful header as the Wood work hard to score the equaliser. But not just yet a while
End to end captivating soccer today. The sun shone, and so did Heanor
The Wood score a goal in the second half and home supporters blink – and spill precious ale – £3 a pint
Heanor score the first of their goals. How would the Wood respond?
The Wood in full attack mode. This powerful header challenges Heanor’s fine goalkeeper.
Heanor score their second goal. “Come on the Wood” was the subsequent clarion call
One of those matches with no dull moment, just two teams playing with full heart. A credit to the sport .
Second half and a strong goal kick launches another attack as Heanor prepare to defend
Will they, won’t they, could they? Spectators of all varieties and flavours hold their breath for as long as they dare. It was that kind of positive soccer on display at Oak Park.
One of the goodly crowd of Heanor supporters who enjoyed their visit here today.
Images and captions kindly supplied by the young David Evans
Yesterday afternoon (Saturday, 22nd April 2017), Walsall Wood FC were visited by Heanor Town, and the home crowd needed a win – sadly it wasn’t to be, and the Derbyshire team left the Wood faithful reeling.
I particularly felt for Bill Shaw, for this is is last home match report (more on that later), and as usual, he’s not holding back.
Hiya Bob,
It wasn’t meant to end like this, now and again we remembered that you could play football on the floor instead of the hit and hope variety that kept coming to the fore.
My 17 seasons can’t end in the heartbreak of relegation – can they? Over the years Westfields had been a happy hunting ground until this seasons FA Vase game, let’s hope that was a one off.
So folks, it’s everything crossed for what promises to be a very, very tense encounter next Saturday in Hereford.
Walsall Wood 1 v 3 Heanor Town
Wood needing just a point for safety went down to an Elliott Reeves hat-trick. With Alvechurch stuttering to a draw to take the title at lowly Shawbury United it means that if the Shropshire side win at relegated Brocton next Saturday and Wood lose at Westfields it will be Wood who are relegated on goal difference.
It was Wood who had the better of the early exchanges but it was the visitors who threatened first, Sean Roulston breaking up a Wood attack and finding Dominic Wilkinson wide right to run on and release Man of the Match Elliott Reeves into the right of the box, his low drive was half stopped by keeper Adam Jenkins and Drew Ricketts calmly completed the clearance. It was Reeves on 17 minutes, riding a challenge as he raced into the right of the box, there was no appeal but inexplicably the referee blew for a penalty. Reeves calmly slotted the spot kick home.
Two minutes later from a right wing corner a Drew Ricketts goal-bound effort bounced away from goal off skipper Joey Butlin and was cleared.
On 23 minutes Reeves powered into the right of the box, he made the near post and keeper Jenkins made a brave block at his feet.
Two minutes later Butlin raced onto a ball into the centre of the box, loud penalty appeals waived away as he appeared to be dragged down from behind. Josh Mansell crossed from wide left, Liam Molesworth glancing a header just wide of the far post just 2 minutes later.
Match highlights as filmed by Heanor Town and posted on YouTube.
On 39 minutes Reeves went on a forceful run from wide right, cutting inside but being crowded out at the near post by keeper Jenkins and two defenders. Right on the stroke of half time a left wing corner found hot shot Reeves who swept home number two.
The first real chance of the second half fell to the visitors, Jay Cooper cutting inside from wide right before being crowded out as he made the box.
Wood suddenly found that the ball could be played along the floor instead of just booted aimlessly forwards when on 61 minutes a lovely move through the centre ended with Leon Taylor finding Lewis Taylor Boyce on the right of the box, he ran on played a neat one-two with Molesworth before beating the advancing Joe McCormack as he raced from his line. On 72 minutes a flick on by Taylor was collected by Taylor Boyce with his back to goal he cleverly turned his marker only to roll his cross shot agonisingly wide.
Two minutes later Cooper ran at the Wood defence from wide right, his low driven cross hit first time by substitute Jack Warner, keeper Jenkins pushing the ball away with a superb save. A further two minutes later Reeves ran through from halfway left of centre, he went through a strong challenge, the ball bouncing kindly for him to run on into the box to calmly slide home number three, completing his hat-trick in the process.
The goal knocked the stuffing out of Wood, but on 90 minutes a long ball forward into the centre of the box found Taylor, he was strong to hold the ball up but was crowded out by a posse of defenders. Well into injury time a ball over the top of the Town defence saw keeper McCormack race out of his area to head clear from Henry Harris.
Wood had no answer to hotshot Elliott Reeves, he was the difference between the two teams with his clinical finishing. So after 41 games it all comes down to No. 42.
If Wood get at least a point at Westfields they will be safe no matter what Shawbury do at Brocton.
Bill Shaw
The Teams:
Walsall Wood – Jenkins, Adams, Okojie, L. Harris, Ricketts, Bains, Molesworth, Mansell, Butlin (captain), Aiton, Taylor Boyce, Brooks, Henry Harris, Ricketts, Harry Harris, Taylor.
Walsall police this afternoon issued the following appeal for witnesses to come forward who may have seen the Mercedes convertible, pictured below, on Wednesday last (19th April 2017) after in was involved in a collision on the Lichfield Road in Rushall, as a result of which an elderly man lost his life.
Witnesses are asked to contact DS Paul Hughes at Walsall Police directly by calling 101.
My sympathies, and I’m sure those of blog reader go out to the family of the deceased gentleman, a tragic and awful incident. Readers are asked to be respectful of the family’s privacy in comment on social media, please.
West Midlands Police wrote:
Issue Date: Saturday, 22 April 2017
URGENT APPEAL: Did you see this car in Walsall on Wednesday 19 April?
Dud you see this car in Walsall on Wednesday? After the incident it would have been showing extensive damage to the front end and windscreen. Image from West Midlands Police.
Police have released an image of a Mercedes car that was involved in a collision in Walsall where a man lost his life, in a bid for witnesses to come forward.
It is believed that the Mercedes was involved in a theft at a petrol station in Ablewell Street at around 10.50am and drove away from the scene before being involved in a hit-and-run on Lichfield Road near to Rushall Care Home at around 11am.
The car struck an 80-year-old man who sadly died in hospital Friday afternoon (21 April).
Officers now need people to come forward who may have seen the car between Ablewell Street to where it was found abandoned on Brundard Close, Blakenall at around 2.40pm.
Following the collision the car did have extensive windscreen damage and would have been very distinctive.
Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from the Regional Collision Investigation Unit, said:
‘Do you live or work in Lichfield Road and have CCTV that may have captured the car? Were you driving along Lichfield Road on Wednesday and have dash cam footage that may have captured this car travelling?
‘Were you walking near to the Arboretum, Ablewell Street or Walsall and saw this car?
‘If so then I need you to call me urgently. It may seem that the information you may have is insignificant but it may be vital for me in my investigation.
‘We are supporting the man’s family at the sad time and our thoughts remain firmly with them.
‘My investigation is now focusing on bringing the person responsible for this tragedy to justice and I need people to come forward with any sightings of this car on the day of the collision.’
Anyone with information is urged to contact DS Paul Hughes urgently by calling 101.
A 41-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested and charged with serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene of an accident and for having no insurance.
He appeared at Walsall Magistrates on Friday 21 April and was remanded in custody.
I see from the events list that Aston Manor Road Transport Museum in Aldridge have their Spring Running Day this Sunday, 23rd April 2017 -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 duisplay, free bus rides, vintage cars 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.
All services operated by classic vehicles. Click for a larger version.
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.
Riding into Brum on the cut is lovely, but hard work. Please sponsor Ian if you can!
Well, here goes with another appeal and this one is important too, and one I’m very much interested in as tomorrow, Saturday 22nd April 2017, Brownhills poet and human dynamo Ian Neville will be doing a forty mile ride into Brum and back on local canals in memory of local lad Wayne Painter and in aid of the Midlands Air Ambulance charity.
About 10 of us doing a 40 odd mile canal bike ride in memory of Wayne painter for AIR AMBULANCE – its the brain child of Paul Cox!
Hopefully we will raise a few quid in memory of Wayne – we set off from the Waterside Pub pub in Brownhills West about 8.30am Saturday 22nd April 2017.
For the second time this season, Highgate made short work of Walsall Wood. Image from A Groundhopper’s Diary.
Last Bank Holiday Monday afternoon (17th April 2017) Walsall Wood visited Highgate United, who sadly managed to turn around a match that had seemed in the bag for Walsall Wood.
Bill Shaw was there, and with somewhat frayed nerves, sent the following report:
Hiya Bob,
I really am getting too old for this, two-nil up and coasting, we somehow transpired to lose it. For 80 minutes you couldn’t understand how Wood had ever looked to be in danger of relegation, for 10 minutes at the end it was more than obvious why.
All is not lost, three points against Heanor Town on Saturday will still see us safe.
My last home game folks, please do come and say goodbye.
Highgate United 3 v 2 Walsall Wood
Wood two-nil up with 10minutes to go lost Josh Mansell to an injury sustained two minutes earlier when his brave challenge denied Lei Brown and Josh Hawker on the left of the six yard box. Three minutes on from his substitution the ball came in from the left, Brown’s point blank effort was somehow kept out by keeper Andy Hughes only for Marco Adaggio to fire the ball into the roof of the net, game on. James Loney raced onto a ball into the left of the box, went down under an untidy challenge, Hughes saved Hawker’s penalty but was powerless to stop Hawker scoring with his follow up effort. Well into injury time a long throw by Orrin Pedley was half cleared to hotshot Romario Martin whose 30 yard thunderbolt flew into the top right hand corner, an effort that three keepers wouldn’t have stopped.
A scrappy opening until on 15 minutes James Spray ran through the centre, found Liam Molesworth in the centre of the D, he held the ball up cleverly and Joey Butlin drilled a low drive just inside the left hand post to put Wood ahead. Wood at this stage were the better side. Butlin hit a speculative 40 yard drive four minutes later that was easily saved by keeper Brad Hayward, six minutes later he glanced a Drew Aiton cross just wide, they combined again on 27 minutes, Aiton fired a ball into the box and Butlin at full stretch just touched the ball wide. A minute later it was debutant Daniel Okojie racing through left of centre, his ball inside to Spray hit first time but Hayward saved comfortably.
On 33 minutes Orrin Pedley got clear wide right, cut inside and hit a near post shot that keeper Andy Hughes pushed in the air, the ball dropping at the far post, Josh Mansell heading behind to deny Lei Brown.
On 44 minutes Butlin pressured a defender into a mistake in the centre circle, his misplaced pass finding Lewis Taylor Boyce wide on the Wood left, he ran on before finding Aiton who cut inside and gave Hayward no chance as he calmly slotted home number two. On 45 minutes a 35 yard Butlin left wing free kick beat Hayward and bounced to safety off the foot of the post.
On 58 minutes skipper Josh Hawker faded across the face of the Wood box played a tight one-two with Romario Martin but finished weakly. Seven minutes later Brown’s crossfield ball picked out Pedley on the right of the box, his first time drive superbly saved by Hughes. Two minutes later Martin raced onto a through ball into the centre of the box, his first time rising drive finger-tipped over by Hughes. Two minutes later Pedley hit a high speculative ball into the right of the box, Brown read the bounce, his fierce drive bravely blocked by Hughes. What proved to be the turning point of the contest came on 78 minutes, Hawker and Brown raced onto a ball into the left of the box only to be denied by a superb challenge by Josh Mansell which left him lying in a heap in the six yard box, he carried on after treatment but had to go off two minutes later.
Within three minutes ‘Gate had exploited the gap, the ball played into the centre from wide left, Brown saw his shot from close range superbly saved by Hughes only for Marco Adaggio to fire the loose ball into the roof of the net. Almost on 90 minutes James Loney raced into the left of the box and went down under a clumsy challenge. The spot kick by Hawker stopped by Hughes but it fell to Hawker to joyfully fire home the equaliser. It got worse for Wood when three minutes into injury time Pedley hurled in another long throw that was half cleared to Martin 30 yards out, his howitzer drive flying into the top right hand corner to give the home side a fortuitous victory.
The loss of Josh Mansell because of injury was the pivotal point of the contest, Highgate to their credit exploited the gap his substitution opened up, but Wood have lost some cruel games this season, this was by far the hardest one to take.
Walsall Wood – Hughes, Mansell, Okojie, L. Harris, Brooks, Bains, Molesworth, Aiton, Butlin (captain), Spray, Taylor Boyce, Henry Harris, Bland, Graham, Harry Harris, Taylor.
I know many of you lot love the match reports and news from Oak Park, and it’s great to be able to share them: I thank Bill Shaw profusely – he’s a top bloke.
Walsall Wood Football Club are a top local side 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.
I guarantee you’ll have more fun cheering on the local chaps than you ever will watching the over-priced prima donnas on TV…
I’m as cross about this as anyone else about the situation, and have been angry since the whole thing blew up in 2015. Sadly, I think the thing is intractable and in the absence of creative solutions, all involved parties are going to need to be flexible and work together.
As residents of Pelsall all our lives, we were horrified to hear our remembrance service was under threat, so this is our bit to help fund the continuation of the Pelsall remembrance service so as a village we can show our respect to the fallen who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Myself, Martin Evans, Tom Dawson and Pat James are going to walk up the watkin path to the summit of snowdon on April 22, 2017 to raise money to help with the POPRS (preservation of Pelsall remembrance service). All money donated via this page will go to the POPRS account to fund the continuation of this part of our local heritage.
As an aside, on the creative point, why can’t the Police Authority or whoever add a perhaps 1% levy to the fees charged for policing large commercial events – like football matches – and ring fence the money gained for Remembrance parade policing? Clubs would appear mean to object, and surely, no community club would reject that?
In my opinion, football in particular has never paid enough towards policing, so this would help everyone.
Just a thought. Tell me I’m wrong and why: comment here or BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com.
Comment welcome, but please do support these appeals.
Old pals of the blog and top performers Brownhills Musical Theatre Company contacted me in the last few days to ask if I’d plug their latest show – the Dolly Parton hit 9 to 5 – which looks set to be a real gem.
The show is running from 2nd-6th May 2017 at the Lichfield Garrick, including a Saturday Matinee on the 6th.
They wrote:
‘9 to 5 The Musical’, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie. The show was nominated for 4 Tony Awards, a Grammy and 15 Drama Desk Awards. Set in the late 1970s, this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic.
Pushed to the boiling point, three female co-workers concoct a plan to get even with Franklin D. Hart Jnr., the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving Franklin the boot! While Hart remains ‘otherwise engaged’, the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. Hey, a girl can scheme, can’t she?
Brought to you by the multi-award winning Brownhills Musical Theatre Company, ‘9 to 5 The Musical’ promises a night of laughter, tears, a little 70’s nostalgia and even a cameo appearance from Dolly herself!
BMTC have appointed a fantastic production team; Simon Pugh as Director, Ian Room as Musical Director and Michele Windsor as Choreographer – all three are much in demand on the Midlands Local Theatre circuit.
Travelling over to capture some drone shots of the event, Steve also took the opportunity to check out the town from Clayhanger Common, and was amazed at the landscaping and greenery he found, as when he was growing up here, the Common was still a refuse tip!
Steve grew up in Brownhills where his family had the chip shop that used to be on the Lichfield Road, Brownhills for a while, and Steve has great memories of the Lichfield Road area, of which I’m still looking for old images if you know to any, please do get in touch.
Thanks to Steve for yet another beautiful gallery, and Steve is happy to talk about his work if you’re interested. You can hook up with him on Facebook here.
Comment here or mail me – BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Thanks.
After fires and severe vandalism, it’s good to see this once-loved restaurant reborn.
Rumours have been circulating for months after work started to renovate the derelict and vandalised former Terrace Restaurant on the A5 Watling Street at Newtown in Brownhills – but now it’s confirmed: a sign on the fence now announced that a World Buffet will be opening there soon.
This is great news for the area, and it’s good to see an eyesore derelict building brought back into use. I trust those casting aspersions after last year’s fire there and predicting houses were to be built on the site will now be reconsidering their position.
The sign is clearly inviting applications for staff positions on the address info@terracewb.com, although the associated website doesn’t seem to be live quite yet.
I wish the owners every success in their new venture and look forward to trying the place out. If the owners would like to drop me a line and explain what the place will be about, I’d love to hear from them – BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Cheers.
Thanks to reader Mandy for the tipoff!
The website doesn’t seem live yet, but the email is good.
The Australian Imperial Force was (and still is, of course) a matter of great pride to Australians. A Norton lad was amongst their ranks. Image from Australian War Memorial.
Andrew recently sent me a couple of articles, and here I feature the first, about Norton lad James Bull, who had a remarkable career with the Australian Imperial Force, following his emigration to Australia in 1911 and was therefore an ANZAC.
I thank Andrew for sharing his work with the blog and am hugely grateful to him. It’s always a pleasure and honour to feature material here about local servicemen, particularly when so well written and beautifully researched.
Any comments? Please add them here or mail me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Cheers.
James Bull – a son of whom Norton and the whole country can be proud. Image supplied by Andrew Thornton.
A Norton Anzac – Lieutenant James Bull M.C., 56th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force
Born at Norton Canes in 1890, James Bull was living on Norton East Road and working at No. 11 Pit of the Conduit Colliery as a miner when he attested for 2nd North Midland Field Company at Norton Hall on 1 June 1908. Giving his age at his enlistment as seventeen years and three months, he was posted to the Mounted Section of the Company as a Driver and issued with the regimental number 1084. Driver Bull was examined for his Certificate in Trade Efficiency on 27 July by George Wardle, and his skills were assessed as “good.” He went to the Annual Camp held at Towyn on 2 August, and attended the subsequent camps at Towyn (1909) and at Hindlow Camp, near Buxton (1910). While serving with the Company, James fell foul of the law when he was spotted cycling at 10.25 p.m. on 3 April 1909 on the Walsall Road in Rushall without a light, for which he was fined 6s.[1] In January 1911, at the annual prize-giving held at Norton Hall, Driver Bull was awarded first place for the best driving skill and all-round efficiency, for which he received a crowned crossed whips and spur badge, to be worn on his uniform, and 15s. prize money.[2]
Driver Bull was discharged, at his own request, from 2nd North Midland Company on 7 February 1911, by which time he had already sailed from Southampton, on board the S.S. Otway, for a new life in Australia. James went to work as a farmer at Trangie in New South Wales.
On 15 January 1915, together with Josiah Cooper Birch, who had also emigrated to Australia from Norton Canes, he attested for the Australian Imperial Force at Liverpool in New South Wales. Both he and Birch were posted to the 4th Battalion, Bull being issued with the service number 1713, while Josiah Birch was given the number 1721. They both embarked on the H.M.A.T. A9 Shropshire, with the Fourth Reinforcement for the 4th Battalion, on 17 March, destined for Egypt. No doubt due to his previous military experience, Private Bull was appointed Lance-Corporal on 30 March.
Bull served with the 4th Battalion on the Gallipoli Peninsula from 31 May 1915 and took part in the Battle of Lone Pine between 6 and 10 August. The 4th Battalion was withdrawn to Lemnos on 13 September to refit, and while on the island Bull was again appointed a Lance-Corporal on 11 October. He returned to Gallipoli with the 4th Battalion on 30 October, and was appointed a Temporary Corporal on 2 November, being promoted to Corporal on 29 November. The Battalion was evacuated from Anzac Cove on 19 December and Corporal Bull and his comrades of the 4th Battalion landed at Alexandria on New Years’ Eve, and proceeded to a camp at Mustaphi, before moving to Tel-el-Kebir on 2 January 1916. On 20 January, Bull was appointed a Temporary Sergeant.
Norton Hall, now lost. A great image from Andrew Thornton.
On 16 February, the 56th Battalion was formed from a cadre provided by the 4th Battalion, under the command of Major Alan Humphrey Scott, and Bull was transferred to the new battalion. He was appointed an acting Company Sergeant-Major on 29 February, before reverting to Temporary Sergeant and being promoted to the rank of Sergeant on 7 March. Bull received further promotion on 30 May, when he was appointed Company Sergeant-Major, with the rank of Warrant Officer, Class II, but was admitted to No. 1 Australian General Hospital at Ismalia the following day suffering from tonscilitis. He was released a few days later and sailed with the 56th Battalion for France, disembarking at Marseilles on 30 June.
C.S.M. Bull was serving with the 56th Battalion during the failed attack at Fromelles on 19 July, where the battalion was fortunately deployed in reserve, and on 30 August was commissioned in the field as a Second-Lieutenant. News of his promotion was printed in The Birmingham Evening Despatch on 6 October:
A Norton Canes Anzac
“In February, 1911, James Bull, aged 25, nephew of Mr George Bull, of Norton Canes, went out to Australia and found employment in the farming industry. About 12 months ago he enlisted in a battalion of the Australian Imperial Force, and his uncle has just received news that he has been made a second-lieutenant.
Prior to leaving Norton Canes he was a driver in the 2nd North Midland Field Co., R.E. (T.F.), and was employed at No. 11 pit of the Conduit Colliery.”
The story was also published by The Walsall Observer on 7 October:
“Commission for Former Resident. – Mr James Bull, of the Australian Forces, has been promoted to Second Lieutenant. He is a nephew of Mr George Bull, of Norton Canes, and in February, 1911, went out to Australia, where he took up farming. He joined the 56th Battalion of the Australian Force, and took part in heavy fighting at Gallipoli, including that at Suvla Bay; and though he was unwounded, he afterwards had an illness and was for a time in hospital in Egypt. Later, with his regiment, he went to another theatre of war. He is 25 years of age, and prior to leaving Norton Canes was employed at the No. 11 Pit of the Conduit Colliery. He was also a driver in the 2nd North Midland Field Company of the Royal Engineers (T.F.).”
On 8 October, Second-Lieutenant Bull was sent on a Course of Instruction on the Lewis Gun, and returned to the 56th Battalion on 15 October, and attended a second course between 9 and 18 November. He was granted leave between 29 November and 13 December.
The ANZACs had a very rough time in both world wars. Aussie balladeer John Williamson has done much to publicise this in his work, as well as Australian involvement in Vietnam.
On 2 February 1917, Bull was wounded, receiving a gunshot wound to the buttock, and was admitted to 15th Field Ambulance before being sent to the South Midland Casualty Clearing Station, and was admitted to the 2nd Red Cross Hospital at Rouen on 7 February. He was then evacuated to England on board the H.M.H.S. St Patrick and admitted to the 3rd London General Hospital for treatment to his wound. Bull was discharged from hospital on 13 March. Posted to No. 1 Command Depot, A.I.F., at Perham Down, Second-Lieutenant Bull was passed fit for General Service by a Medical Board held on 30 March and was drafted back to France on 13 May, being posted to the 5th Division A.I.F. Base Depot at Etaples two days later. He rejoined the 56th Battalion on 20 May. Bull had also been promoted to Lieutenant on 6 March, and was appointed Lewis Gun Officer for the 56th Battalion on 29 July.
Lieutenant Bull distinguished himself during the fighting at Polygon Wood on 26 September, during which the 56th Battalion lost 255 killed, wounded and missing. The recommendation for the award of the Military Cross to Lieutenant James Bull, 56th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, written by his Commanding Officer on 21 December:
“This officer is my Lewis Gun Officer and was attached to Battalion Headquarters during the operations in POLYGON WOOD.
He was responsible for the laying out of the tapes and the guides for the Battalion prior to the attack – a work which he carried out with conspicuous coolness, ability and success – although under fire at the time. When the final objective of the Battalion was reached he was invaluable in assisting the few remaining officers to site and use their Lewis Guns to the best advantage and owing to the heavy casualties in Officers, he remained in the front line and helped reorganise the troops there.
The late Lieut-Colonel Scott spoke very highly indeed of his coolness and soldierly qualities throughout the operation. Lieut. Bull has been with the Battalion for two years and has always proved a thoroughly reliable and efficient Officer.
I recommend him very highly.
This Officer has not previously been awarded any military decorations.”
(Signed) A.F.G. Simpson, Lieut-Colonel
Commanding 56th Battalion, A.I.F.
Brigadier-General J. Hobkirk, commanding 14th Brigade, originally confirmed a recommendation for the award of a Mention in Despatches on 8 March 1918, for Lieutenant Bull’s gallantry during the period between 26 September 1917 and 25 February 1918, but instead supported the recommendation that Bull should receive the Military Cross.
The 56th were well known in Australia. This remarkable image from the Australian War Memorial site.
Lieutenant Bull’s Military Cross was announced in The London Gazette on 3 June 1918, and in The Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 9 November.
Lieutenant Bull was granted leave to England between 30 October and 18 November and on 25 November, Bull reported sick and was admitted to the 5th Division Rest Station for dental treatment, returning to the 56th Battalion on 16 December.
Lieutenant Bull was wounded for a second time on 18 April 1918 near Amiens, and was evacuated to No. 8 General Hospital suffering from gas poisoning. He was later sent back to England and admitted again to 3rd London General Hospital at Wandsworth. Lieutenant Bull’s arrival was reported in The Lichfield Mercury on 3 May:
“Mr Geo. Bull, senior, Norton East Road, Norton Canes, has received news that his nephew, Lieut. James Bull, Australian Forces, has been badly gassed and is now in a London hospital. Lieut. Bull went out to Australia about four years before the outbreak of the war.”
After being released from hospital and a period of covalesence, Lieutenant Bull returned to France on 12 August and rejoined the 56th Battalion on 22 August. He was posted to the Australian Corps School on 4 October and did not return to his unit, which had amalgamated with the 54th Battalion on 11 October to become the 54th/56th Battalion, until 11 November, the day that the Armistice came into effect. Lieutenant Bull was granted leave to Paris in December but was admitted to No. 39 General Hospital at Le Havre on 15 January 1919, before being transferred by hospital ship to England, and was admitted to 1st Australian Dermatological Hospital at Bulford for treatment. He was discharged from hospital on 16 March but was re-admitted the following day. He assumed duties as Assistant Adjutant at the A.I.F. Depot at Park House in Tidworth on 27 June, and served in the post until 1 August. Bull was posted to the Agricultural Depot at Sutton Veny on 30 August, before being admitted again to 1st Australian Dematological Hospital on 10 September, suffering from venereal disease. He was discharged from hospital on 23 October and returned to Sutton Veny before sailing for Austrailia on 1 November on board the troop transport Nestor. He was demobilised on his return home and returned to farming, marrying Annie Beatrice Dyke, who also came from Norton Canes and had emigrated to Australia to join him, in 1921. James and Annie lived at Trangie and later moved to Dubbo, and together they had four children.
Dubbo Cemetery, final resting place of James, a son of Norton. Image from Findagrave.
In 1967, James made an application for Anzac Commemorative Medallion, which had been instituted in that year, and his letter outlined his service:
“82 Blandford Street
Collaroy Plateau
N.S.W.
March 20th 1967
To, Secretary of the Army.
Dear Sir,
I hereby wish to make application for the Gallipoli Medal (sic) now ready for issue. Details of Service as follows.
I joined the 4th Battalion as a reinforcement on Gallipoli in June 1915 & continued on Service with the 4th Batt. until the evacuation taking part in Lone Pine and all other actions after which we were evacuated back into Egypt where the 1st Brigade was split up & the 14th Brigade formed.
I was then posted to the 56th Batt. I went to France continuing to serve with the 56th Batt. until the armistice. I held various ranks & was commissioned on the Field. I was also awarded the Military Cross.
James Bull M.C. died at Dubbo in New South Wales on 27 July 1974 and is buried at Dubbo General Cemetery. His name can also be found on the Roll of Honour of the former scholars of Norton Canes Boys’ School, which is now located at Norton Canes Primary Academy.
[1] Walsall Advertiser, 24 April 1909. [2] Lichfield Mercury, 13 January 1911.
Bill Shaw has submitted an excellent match report, as he always does, and as ever he hasn’t minced his words.
Bill wrote:
Hiya Bob,
An unrealistic score line thanks to the diabolical sending off of Liam Molesworth in the 35th minute that left Wood with a mountain to climb.
They went behind right on the stroke of half time to a fortuitous goal so had to chase the game in the second half and paid the penalty as Sphinx made the extra man pay.
The defeat drops us two places but 3 points from our last 3 games should make us mathematically safe.
Highgate United away on Easter Monday, kick off 3.00 pm followed by my last home game against Heanor Town on Saturday 22nd, please do come along and say goodbye.
Coventry Sphinx 4 v 0 Walsall Wood
For the second season in succession Wood went down to a controversial defeat, with the teams level on 35 minutes Wood lost Liam Molesworth to a straight red card. A fortuitous goal on the stroke of half time put Sphinx ahead and they made sure of the points with three second half goals to keep the pressure on tenants Coventry United.
Sphinx made inroads into the Wood half from the kick off but quickly lost the ball which was played up to Drew Aiton wide left, he cut inside and his swinging cross shot was just wide.
On three minutes a crossfield ball from Lewis Hudson picked out Nathan McGarrity wide right, he cut inside and fired over the bar. Ten minutes gone Jamie Towers got away wide right, his cross headed tamely wide by Pierce Kiembi.
A minute later Drew Aiton found Josh Mansell who immediately released Ricardo Ricketts into the left of box but he was shepherded wide by Darren Eggleton. On 15 minutes Joey Butlin won the ball on halfway, ran on and fed Liam Molesworth wide right, his low cross cut out by Eggleton. On 27 minutes a left wing free kick was headed over his own bar by Eggleton to deny Butlin. Five minutes later a long ball into the right of the box was collected at pace by Molesworth, keeper Scott Dutton saving bravely at his feet. Forty minutes gone, Leon Taylor out-jumped the keeper on the right of the box to head goal-wards, Eggleton back to hack clear, the ball ricocheting off Butlin and just wide of the left hand post. Wood now down to 10 men after the controversial dismissal of Molesworth were put under pressure, McGarrity working hard wide right to get in a cross that was swirling in the gusting wind, keeper Tom Millership touching the ball onto the bar, it dropped kindly for Towers to fire home from three yards. Seconds later Wood failed to clear a ball into the left of the box, it fell for Towers to hit first time, Millership diving full length to his left to make a superb full length save.
On 53 minutes Callum Woodward raced onto a ball into the left of the box, his rising drive crashing off the underside of the bar before being hacked clear. Four minutes later a crossfield ball was misread by a defender allowing McGarrity to run on and fire into the top right hand corner. The clock at 63 minutes saw a long ball forward clear the Wood defence, Millership racing from his box to kick clear from Towers. On 75 minutes McGarrity won the ball right of centre, his through ball put Towers in on goal to calmly slot home number three. Two minutes later Rhys Deehan dispossessed a defender wide left and raced into the box, he laid the ball square to Towers who headed over. A minute later it was McGarrity crossing from wide left, Towers hitting a first time drive that was pushed away by Millership. On 83 minutes McGarrity saw his low drive cleared off the line, the ball out to Reece Blackmore who fired into the left hand corner of the net through a packed penalty area. Right on time from a left wing corner Millership denied Towers his hat-trick when he somehow kept out his powerful header.
Sphinx Park has proved an unhappy hunting ground for Wood over recent seasons, today was no exception. It’s a game of opinions but I can’t believe that we are always in the wrong when we set foot in Coventry, but sometimes there just ain’t no justice.
I’m indebted as usual to the young and roving David Evans who this morning supplied the above wonderful collection of images. This really is a spectacle worth seeing!
Over thirty historic narrow boats of all sizes and descriptions are currently moored at Silver Street and around the Pier Street pedestrian bridge.
A gathering of our club members and their boats at Brownhills (WS8 6GB) on the Wyrley and Essington Canal over the Easter weekend, a wander around the canals of the northern BCN and a cruise to Walsall Town Arm on Easter Monday.
The boaters are friendly and happy to talk to passers by, and they’re here until Monday when they start to move to Walsall’s Town Wharf basin.
If you go down, do quietly check in on the local swan family, whose brood must be due to hatch soon, too.
If you’re a photographer, interested in historic canal craft, of just love the colours and spectacle, do get down there and say hi!
A wonderful submission here from the young David Evans on the subject of the 1962 Mount Zion anniversary – Mount Zion was the dark, imposing church that stood in the centre of Brownhills High Street until it’s demolition to make way for Ravens Court in the 1960s.
If any of the Silver Street community would like to contact me with details of events I’d be happy to advertise them here. Come on folks, I know you’re keen readers of the blog 🙂
Thanks to David and of course to Len Fairlclough for the wonderful image – names, memeories and recollections welcome – either comment here or mail me – BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Thanks!
David Evans wrote:
There must be some readers of the blog on this remarkable photo of Mount Zion’s 1962 Sunday school Anniversary in 1962, kindly shared by Len Fairclough. Click for a larger version.
In the course of a pleasant chat -over a cup of coffee and slice of cake- with Mr Len Fairclough this morning he showed me this interesting photo. It shows a Sunday School Anniversary in Mount Zion Primitive Methodist Church, Brownhills, and bears the date , 1962.
This ‘double-decker’ church, which has an interesting history in itself, once stood in the High Street, Brownhills, and was demolished a few years after this photograph was taken. The replacement building now stands in Silver Street.
There seems to be some doubt regarding the name of the gentleman in the centre of the image, and also the good ladies and children. Perhaps your good readers may be able to help. Is the organist a Mr Brookes?
Many thanks to Mr Fairclough for kindly offering this image.
Kind regards David
Mount Zion was. a remarkable building. Image kindly supplied by David Evans.
I know it’s late on but there’s a great even going on in Whittington this afternoon (Saturday, 15th April 2017) in aid of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust ‘Tunnel Vision’ appeal – Eric and Doreen’s All Day Easter Coffee Morning.
Eric and Doreen’s LHCRT All Day Coffee Morning
Venue: 6 Swan Cottages
Come and join us for delicious refreshments and great company at Eric and Doreen’s Easter Saturday All Day Coffee Morning.
Tea – Coffee – Cakes Barbeque Plant and book stalls Bric-a-brac and all sorts of wonderful things.
Find out about our work, or just come and enjoy the garden and the canal!
If you’re unaware of the remarkable and large canal restoration project that’s steadily progressing this excellent blog post by Christine Howles explains more about it. The trust run regular work parties and all are very much welcome, whether you’ve a specialist skill or not!
The sharp eyed amongst you will have no doubt noticed that Brownhills has some rather special guests staying with us over Easter – the Historic Narrow Boat Club have their Wyrley Cruise event on now, and the tour has hit town!
Over thirty historic narrow boats of all sizes and descriptions are currently moored at Silver Street and around the Pier Street pedestrian bridge.
Something about the smoke drifting over the canal…
A gathering of our club members and their boats at Brownhills (WS8 6GB) on the Wyrley and Essington Canal over the Easter weekend, a wander around the canals of the northern BCN and a cruise to Walsall Town Arm on Easter Monday.
I spotted them this evening while popping into Brownhills on an errand, and despite the steady rain it was quite a spectacle to behold!
This must be the largest number of craft I’ve ever seen here in Brownhills. Do get down here.
The boaters are friendly and happy to talk to passers by, and they’re here until Monday when they start to move to Walsall’s Town Wharf basin.
If you go down, do quietly check in on the local swan family, whose brood must be due to hatch soon, too.
If you’re a photographer, interested in historic canal craft, of just love the colours and spectacle, do get down there and say hi!
The Warreners Arms around 1915, an unusual card for sale on eBay by seller AntiqueChapters. Click for a larger version.
A quick post as I’m fiddling with technical stuff behind the scenes (VPN and Remote Desktop anyone?) but this is the latest post in a serious of unusual postcards spotted on everyone’s favourite tat bazaar, eBay.
For sale by postcard dealer Antique Chapters, we have this intersting image of the Warreners Arms, purportedly from 1915. I find this interesting, as I’d love to know when this incarnation of the pub was built, replacing the squarer, less decorative one as featured in the book ‘Memories of Brownhills Past’ by Clarice Mayo and Geoff Harrington.
I can’t see that these were ever the same building. Image of the previous Warreners Arms from Memories of Brownhills Past by Clarice Mayo and Geoff Harrington.
The scan is of very high quality and of particular interest are the original etched windows, which I don’t think survived.
While I’m on, the same seller also has the following classic card, which I think we’ve all seen before. Another version of it can be seen here and it really is a classic Brownhills image.
Unlike the Warreners one above, this card has been postally used, and has an interesting message on the rear.
Anything to add? Please do comment here or mail me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot
Brewes Corner, looking from what would now be the Miner Island up the High Street, Station hotel on the left. Image from a sale on eBay by AntiqueChapters. Click for a larger version.
The reverse of the card is fascinating. Click for a larger version.
Oak Park: scene of a killing last Tuesday. Well done, lads.
Last Tuesday evening, 11th April 2017 Walsall Wood FC entertained Rocester at Oak Park, and the Woodmen bagged a very respectable win, leaving the Romans in disarray.
Match highlights, expertly recorded and edited by Russel Smith, late of this Parish
Bill Shaw was there, and sent the following match report:
Hiya Bob,
It took Wood just three minutes to calm the nerves of the disappointing crowd, when Joey Butlin scored his and Wood’s second goal on 31 minutes they could begin to relax. A Louis Harris thunderbolt and a superb calm finish by Lewis Taylor Boyce in the second half gave the scoreline a more realistic look.
The implosion of the visitors in the last five minutes was sad to see and has no place in the modern game.
Two away games now until my last home game on Saturday 22nd against Heanor Town, do come along and say goodbye.
Walsall Wood 4 v 0 Rocester
The win (the best of Harry Harris’s short reign) lifted Wood up to 14th place, a point above Rocester, Long Eaton and Loughborough University. Shawbury are now four points away from safety with AFC Wulfrunians currently occupying 20th spot, a further point adrift. The game ended in controversy with the visitors losing two players in the last five minutes, but Wood were already four-nil ahead at that point.
It was always going to be a tense encounter with the first goal of paramount importance, it took Wood just three minutes to steady their nerves at least, Ricardo Ricketts right of centre played the ball wide right to Luke Adams whose cross to the far post was touched home by Joey Butlin. On 11 minutes a ball forward was headed on by Drew Aiton, keeper Adam Binks completely misjudged the bounce of the ball and Ricketts raced onto the loose ball somehow firing wide of an empty net.
On 16 minutes a break out of defence by the visitors saw Oliver Roome race clear wide right, his ball inside found Callum Riddell who fired first time over the far angle. Four minutes later a 60 yard crossfield ball by Nick Ward found Riddell on the right of the box, he ran and fired over the bar. Next it was James Frost crossing from wide right, Roome putting a weak header wide.
Wood should have increased their lead when on 23 minutes great play wide left by Aiton saw him make space for a cross that was dropped by Binks, Butlin first to the ball to flick it over the keeper and the bar. Butlin made amends when on 31 minutes a right wing free kick was delivered to the far post and he out-jumped Binks to head home number two.
On 39 minutes Frost wide right played the ball inside to Riddell who faded across the face of the box before hitting a rising drive that skimmed the top of the bar.
The last action of the half saw Ricketts chopped down just to the right of the D, Butlin fired in the free kick, Binks diving full length to his left saving superbly.
Two minutes into the second half Adams raced clear wide right, crossed to the near post for Butlin to improvise with a back header that rolled wide of the far post.
A minute later Roome was put clear wide right, he cut inside but fired a cross shot well wide.
On 53 minutes Butlin was fouled twice on the left of the box, the resulting free kick delivered beyond the far post to find Louis Harris to thunder the ball home.
Five minutes later a superb crossfield ball by Ward found Matt King wide left, his ball inside fired first time wide by Roome.
On 64 minutes Leon Taylor raced clear wide right, he cut inside to fire a cross shot just wide. On 74 minutes a long ball forward found Butlin, who seeing the keeper off his line tried a cheeky lob, Binks racing back to make an acrobatical save. Wood wrapped things up when on 80 minutes Butlin was strong in the centre, the ball squirming left for Lewis Taylor Boyce to collect, race into the box and calmly slot the ball home past the stranded Binks to score his first goal since his return from Sporting Khalsa.
The visitors completely lost their discipline in the last five minutes having substitute Liam Shaw and Ward sent off to second yellow cards.
Wood now almost safe, three points at Coventry Sphinx on Saturday will take them on to 50 making certain before they visit Highgate United on Easter Monday.
Bill Shaw
The Teams:
Walsall Wood – Jenkins, Adams, Deakin, L. Harris, Williams, Bains, Molesworth, Mansell, Butlin (captain) Aiton, Ricketts, Henry Harris, Wood, Brooks, Taylor Boyce, Taylor
I’m sad to share the tragic news with readers that Ron Hawkins, a true son of Walsall and a genuine ambassador for our town and it’s leather trade sadly passed away on March 31st, 2017.
Many readers will know Ron as I did for his kind, gentle and dedicated work as a demonstrator of the trade he was master of at Walsall Leather Museum; a well spoken, neat and charming man, Ron was a great example of Walsall and it’s historic manufacturing skills.
Ron always made time for individual questions and was particularly great with kids. I was personally very impressed by Ron whenever I met him and his passing will be felt deeply, not just at the Leather Museum, but in the hearts of people who learned about leather and Walsall from him.
My condolences to Ron’s family and friends. We’ve lost a very kind hearted and dedicated man.
Walsall Leather Museum posted on their Facebook page yesterday:
Rest in peace, Ron Hawkins. As a good friend put it ‘A life well lived’. Image from Walsall Council.
We Love Walsall Leather Museum Tuesday 11th April at 19:12 Ron Hawkins 1925 – 2017
We are really sad to announce that Ron Hawkins, demonstrator and well known volunteer at Walsall Leather Museum for nearly 30 years has sadly died at the age of 91.
He was born in Walsall in 1925 and began working in the leather trade as a currier at E.T. Holden in Park Street in February 1940. After starting in the warehousing department, he quickly showed an aptitude for learning about the craft and became an apprentice.
Eventually he was called up and joined the RAF and became a high speed telegrapher. During this time he flew with trainee pilots and had some hair-raising escapes. Ron was immensely proud of his time in the Forces and often talked of his experiences in later years. Like many ex-RAF men, he was always impeccably turned out, with shoes beautifully polished and never a hair out of place.
After the war had ended, Ron returned to Holden’s and completed his training to become a master currier and Assistant Manager until the firm relocated to Scotland. Whilst Holden’s were keen for Ron to go with them, he and his wife Muriel and his children Tony and Diane decided to remain in Walsall. Many other local curriers were keen to secure his skills and finally Ron decided to work at J & E Sedgwick in Reservoir Place where he remained until his retirement.
Never one to enjoy being bored, Ron quickly found a way to channel his enthusiasm for his trade by volunteering at the newly opened Leather Museum. He quickly became the face of the attraction and was known and loved by visitors from all over the world. His knowledge was legendary and he loved to entertain people with his fabulous stories of life in a leather factory as a 14 year old. Children were wide-eyed when he reached into his pocket to pull a few coins out of his pocket to show them his first week’s wages. He remained a loyal and enthusiastic volunteer until just after his 90th birthday when he finally hung up his famous white coat and called a day on his 77 year career in the leather trade.
Ron’s death on the 31st March marks the end of an era for a man who came to represent Walsall and its proud leatherworking history. He will be missed by staff and visitors alike.
A bit of choral music for Easter in Brownhills? You bet, but you’ll need to be quick – it’s on this afternoon!
This is late news just in, but those readers who enjoy choral music can catch a great performance this very afternoon (Wednesday 12th April 2017) at Silver Street Methodist Church in Brownhills.
The performance is by Brownhills’ very own Wednesday Singers, who readers may recall have a remarkable pedigree, and this is a great chance to catch them in action from 2:45pm performing the following:
Olivet to Calvary
A Sacred Cantata
Recalling some of the incidents in the last days of the Saviour’s life on earth.
For two solo voices (tenor and Baritone) and chorus and interspersed with hymns to be sung by the congregation.
The words written and arranged by Shapcott Wensley (1854 – 1917)
The music composed by John H. Maunder (1858 – 1920)
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