Can Walsall Wood beat the lads from Lye? Image from The Mowdog.
Saturday, 8th February 2020
The Wood are away to Lye town
Come watch the lads at the Stourbridge Road ground
Sports Ground, Stourbridge Road, Lye, DY9 7DH
Kick off is 3:00pm
Hopefully, a match report will follow…
For the Good of the Wood!
Check out Walsall Wood FC’s website here.
If you’ve a child or children under six years of age, there is a great Stay and Play session running at Brownhills Community Centre in the heart of Brownhills this Saturday morning 8th February 2020 from 10-12pm – note the newly expanded times!
It costs just three quid per kid and includes fruit and a drink, so it’s great value and it’s run by those wonderful people at the Little Green Dragons Nursery, who are resident at the centre and are fully qualified nursery professionals.
There are games and toys and all manner of creative fun for the weans – and you get a break to boot.
🧼 💧 🖐🏽 🧼 💧 🤚🏿 🧼 💧🖐🏽 🧼 💧 🤚🏿
Saturday 8th February 2020Soapy water play tray- learning rhymes and basic self care skills washing our hands… do you know the wash wash wash your hands song?
🖐🏽 🤚🏿 🧼 how many bubbles can your little ones make? 🤗
Our creative table will be all about LOVE …. getting those valentines cards and pictures created for those we love 💓
Sandtray will be open and accessible as it is every week 👍🏼
…Zlong with all our other areas of play within the nursery setting:• home corner
• construction
• small world
• maths area
• cosy book/music area
• baby sensory area
see you all Saturday ….
Don’t forgot the outdoors area which is loved by all 🧊 🧊 🧊 (even in the cold weather – wrap up warm!) – outdoor ice play (weather permitting)
10.00am-12.00pm
£3 per child
Snack included
feel free to invite your friends with children aged 0-6 years and share our events
This group is held at Little Green Dragons Day Nursery every Saturday morningAdd our Facebook Page –
The Community Centre is what my generation would know as ‘The Annexe’ – the old Central Boy’s School, now a bustling community resource. To find out more, you can pop in or call them on 01543 452119.
The Community Association have lots of stuff going on, and loads of great facilities, right in the heart of Brownhills. I love what they’re about and all the great things they’re doing.
Late notice I know, but Thespian Arts are auditioning youngsters from the age of 6-16 at Brownhills Community Centre today (February 8th 2020) for their upcoming musical production Bugsy Malone.
The open auditions take place at the centre – the former Central Boys School, or Annex just on the Miner Island in Brownhills – from 11am until 1pm and everyone who attends will be offered a space in the show!
You can find out more about Thespian Arts CIC at their website here and at their Facebook page here.
Break a leg!
CASTING CALL – OPEN AUDITIONS 📣🚨
We are delighted to announce that our 2020 show will be Bugsy Malone. Well done, if you guessed correctly!
Here’s your chance to be a part of the musical, Boys and Girls aged 6 – 16 years are able to audition on Saturday 8th February 11:00am – 1:00pm. Rehearsals will then begin Wednesday 12th February from 6:30pm till 9:30pm.
Bugsy Malone is part of a new project: Musical Theatre Juniors. Which will cost £5 for the session.
The auditions will be workshop based where students will have 40 minutes of dancing, 40 minutes of singing and 40 minutes of acting. This sort of style ensures it is a non pressured environment.
Everyone who attends will be offered a space in the musical!
Walsall Bike Project CIC look like a great thing – why not pop along to this Saturday’s ride and find out what they’re about? Image from the project’s Facebook page.
Here’s something that’s clearly been going on for a while but hasn’t been on my radar – the interesting Walsall Bike Project which seems to be doing a lot of interesting cycling stuff in Walsall Borough, as well as organising fun family rides, including one this Saturday February 8th 2020 from Oak Park Active Living Centre, Walsall Wood.
It’s been politely brought to my attention that this ride is not being organised by Walsall Bike Project, merely advertised by them; it’s actually being organised by the Wheel We Make It cycling group, who I now have all the info about and will do a post in coming days.
They are longstanding, local and rather fab!
Thanks for the correction and apologies for any inconvenience caused. All other details spot on.
Saturday 8th February
WWMI Family Cycle Ride – start 9.30 am.
Mostly ‘Traffic Free’ Mountain or Hybrid Cycle.
Start from Oak Park Active Living Centre Coppice Road Walsall Wood WS8 7DG at 9.30am with a breakfast/coffee stop.
Ride finishes around 1.00pm-ish
Family Events – Under 16’s must be accompanied by a responsible adult
Walsall Bike Project CIC have a Facebook page here and it looks jolly interesting. They say about the project:
All aspects of cycling in Walsall, promoting and encouraging cycle use. We are a registered community interest company. We want to get people cycling and provide bikes, training and education.
I look forward to hearing more about their activities and events – if you pop along for a ride do let me know how you get on. Comment here, feel free to mail me on BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com or hit me up on social media.
Sheffield Pickers in action. That reminds me: Must be due another Dexy’s reunion about now. Image from the Sheffield Pickers group.
There’s a community litter pick this Saturday morning (8th February 2020) in Shelfield, organised by the fab Shelfield Pickers group.
It kicks off at 10:00am outside Kat’s Cabin Cafe, Spring Road, Shelfied – within a stones throw of the Spring Cottage junction. Wrap up warm! All gear will be provided.
Wombles and litter picker groups are gaining in popularity – you can check out Shelfield Pickers here, The Brownhills Community Wombles Facebook page here, and there’s a Facebook page for Walsall Wood Wombles here. They’re all great community spirited collectives and you really are welcome to pop along.
Thanks to all who participate: Real community in action.
Previous local litter pick events have been a huge success, so let’s see if we can make this one even better!
What a fantastic environment to run in! Image from Chasewater Parkrun on Facebook.
It’s not competitive – except against your own personal best – it’s properly marshalled and you have to register, but it’s a free, friendly thing that’s hugely popular and a stunning demonstration of community in action.
It’s suitable for runners of all experience levels and paces. Find out more at the event page here or the event Facebook page here.
Having run for years now at Walsall Arboretum and Cannock Chase, we now have a 5km Parkrun at Chasewater that happens every Saturday (events in the park permitting) – and has been attracting over 300 runners already!
It’s on this Saturday (8th February 2020) at 9:00am and the organisers have this to say:
What is Chasewater parkrun?
It is a 5km run – it’s you against the clock.
When is it?
Every Saturday at 9:00am.
Where is it?
The event takes place at Chasewater Country Park, Pool Rd, Burntwood, Brownhills, WS8 7NL. See Course page for more details.
What does it cost to join in?
Nothing – it’s free! but please register before your first run. Only ever register with parkrun once. Don’t forget to bring a printed copy of your barcode (request a reminder). If you forget it, you won’t get a time.
How fast do I have to be?
We all run for our own enjoyment. Please come along and join in whatever your pace!
Chasewater parkrun needs you!
It is entirely organised by volunteers – email chasewaterhelpers@parkrun.com to help.
We’re friendly!
Every week we grab a post parkrun coffee in the South Shore café – please come and join us!
Please, if you go for a run this Saturday, drop me a line and let me know how you get on – this is a fascinating thing and it’s growth is really wonderful. Comment here or mail me – BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com.
Just walking to the start shows the large number of runners already making this a great event! Image from Susan Williams.
DJ Leekie has been in touch to let me know that he’s DJing with his superb Northern Soul and Motown set this Friday evening 7th February 2020 at Aldridge Social Club from 8pm until late.
I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t like a bit of classic soul and Leekie is a great DJ for a wonderful night.
It’s just £4 a head (£3 members) (payable on the door) and takes place at Aldridge Social Club, High Street, Aldridge WS9 8LZ. See you there?
Altogether now, ‘I love to go a-wandering…’ – image from Walsall Healthy Spaces Team.
I note that since it’s a new year, new start and so forth, there are lots of opportunities to get out and about and work of some of the padding Christmas left behind.
One such thing is the new walking group set up in Brownhills by Walsall Healthy Spaces Team who will be organising 90 minute walks every week, including this Wednesday 5th February 2020, starting from Brownhills Community Centre at 1:45pm, exploring our beautiful local open spaces.
Walsall Healthy Spaces said:
New social and friendly health walk group coming to Brownhills in 2020.
Starting Wednesday 8th January.
Meet at Brownhills Community Centre, Chester Road North WS8 7JW every Wednesday 1.45pm for a 2.00pm start.
Duration: 1½ hours approx. Intensity: Moderate; occasional slight gradients, on hard and soft surfaces.
For more information on other volunteer led walking groups click here.
You can visit Walsall Healthy Spaces Team on Facebook here. If you attend, why not get in touch and let me know how you get on?
Just a heads up to let folk know that the popular local autism support group ‘Supporting the Rainbow’ is meeting today (Tuesday 4th February 2020) – and they’re back to meeting at their original base, Smithys Forge pub in Lichfield Road, Brownhills, just off the Miner Island.
For parents, carers, etc. of children and adults with autism.
Weekly support group every Tuesday at the Smithys Forge, Brownhills 1:30-2:30 🌈
The group has been running for a good while now and is still growing in popularity – so why not pop along to see what it’s all about?
This is a wonderful thing. If you have a wee one or two, and time to spare, come along and join in!
I’ve always supported the wonderful parent and toddler walking and social group that took place weekly at Chasewater – Chasewater Strollers, which grew via the human dynamo of Esther Allen and others into the wonderful Spark movement in Burntwood – well, the original Stroller group is still strolling and I thought that deserved a mention here.
The whole Burntwood Spark thing and the Strollers it grew from are an example to us all of how direct community activism can work and build friendship, solidarity and support and I admire them and all involved hugely.
Esther and Rachel have said this about the Chasewater Strollers:
If you fancy enjoying the beauty on our doorstep, getting some fresh air and exercise whilst having a natter on the way then we’d love you to join us. Buggies, slings whatever’s your thing!
We meet from 9:30ish and set off walking from St. Anne’s Church Chasetown promptly at 9:45. We walk a loop of Chasewater which takes about an hour, then we have a small stay and play, while we have a drink and snack. You can either come for just the walk or stay for all of it. Babies and children of any age welcome just be aware we don’t go at a toddler pace, so some form of wheeled transport or carrier is a good idea, as little legs struggle with the 3 miles.
There is parking at the Church, or buses stop at the bottom of Chasetown High Street. Don’t forget your raincover and sunshade (you never know!) There are various places to stop on the way around if you need to use a baby change.
So exercise, company, play for little ones and beautiful nature. What’s not to love? If you’re new or returning, we’d love to see you. Grandparents, carers, childminders, friends, all welcome.
🙂 I have many happy memories and lovely friends made from Strollers so can’t wait to get back strolling again!
Esther and Rachel x
They have a new group: Chasewater Strollers 2017 on Facebook
You can also mail them: chasewaterstrollers@outlook.com
Any questions please send them an email or Facebook message. Otherwise just turn up and you will be made very welcome!
If you, the kids are grandkids are at a loose end today, since the weather seems a bit more decent it would be an excellent chance to nip up to Stubbers Green and chat to the Swan Patrol.
The Patrol are there this afternoon – and every Sunday from 1-3pm and have bird books, binoculars and a wealth of knowledge to share – so why not join them? There’s so much more local wildlife than people think!
The reserve is by the pools on Stubbers Green Road, between Aldridge and Shelfield.
Ann Lawrence of the Swan Patrol said:
Do you want to know more about nature and wildlife?
Stubbers Green Nature Reserve Aldridge
Swan Patrol every Sunday 1-3pm
Lollipops and stickers for children that bring good healthy bird foods. Sweet corn, lettuce, porridge oats, branflakes, cornflakes, vegetable peelings, bird seed.We have binoculars and bird books available to use.
Donations welcome
Images and captions kindly supplied by David Evans
Walsall Wood FC were at home to Coventry United yesterday afternoon (Saturday, 1st February 2020) for a game dedicated to the memory of club stalwart Ron Tranter whose passing has been deeply felt by all the club faithful.
Much to the chagrin of the faithful, they Woodmen were pipped in the last minutes of the match to a 2-1 defeat.
David Evans was there, and sent the following report:
Walsall Wood 1 v 2 Coventry United
Saturday 1st February 2020This was to be a very memorable game for everyone. Visiting supporters, in fine form and well-lubricated, arrived in large numbers and were made welcome by the large number of home supporters. A cold, unfriendly biting wind straight from the Welsh mountains had thrust its way far above bleak Shropshire to drop over the stadium and smack corner flags and spectators’ faces in equal measure.
The players emerged from the warmth of the changing rooms to the bright sunshine, to assemble, respectfully, for a minute to the memory of Ron Tranter. Not a sound was heard. Silence. Total, respectful silence.
The game got under way and both sides, now composed and ready to give their very best – for different reasons, of course, but it was the home side that broke through the visitors defences first, and within a few moments.
The capricious blustery wind played an important and challenging part throughout today’s encounter. Bright, accurate play characterised the match in the early stages, with hard, meaningful challenges. This was not to be a friendly kick about game. Not today.
A new spring in Walsall Wood’s step brought positive comments by the home supporters and vocal critical comments by the visiting supporters at times, and yet they were fully behind every positive move their team accomplished. The large contingent of home junior team children joined in the choral appreciation, in their young, fearless and direct way.
The first half, and the close nature of the challenges, accurate passing, fine off the ball moves was enjoyed by everyone. The wind had a negative effect on the accuracy of some passes. The frequent stoppages and the need for a ball boy to leave the stadium to retrieve a ball, some less than elegant moments – perhaps from frustration as the delights of playing football on a heavy, real grass pitch – gave the 45 minutes a chameleon quality.
Half time brought respite from the wind, beefburgers for the hungry, a glass of home-made lemonade or a horn of Viking Ale for the thirsty, and the traditional cucmber sandwiches and Earl Grey tea for the players in the privacy of their boudoirs.
With the score at one goal to nil in favour of the home side play recommenced, after some moments’ delay. Both sides had employed a variety of moves and tactics in their first half. Now it was time to ring the changes, perhaps. Unlike the games played on artificial grass, which have their own features, here at Oak Park, a greater palette of skills is required.
Frustration, born of desire or determination changed some of those features. The match officials’ presence was required more. But, this was to be a physical, hard game throughout the whole match.
That was until at 73 minutes play, every single spectator around the pitch and in the stand, burst in to spontaneous applause… A moment I will never forget.
Play continued, although in a muted way, on the pitch. The applause rang out – and for that moment, time stood still in our hearts as every person there stood at attention and clapped til their hands were raw… All for Ron Tranter, a legend here at Walsall Wood Football Club.
Full respect and thanks, too, to all the visiting fans who shared this tribute.
Meanwhile the tempo of the football match had increased, the temperature had hotted up and spilled over when a home player was shown a red card, leaving the squad depleted for the final part of the game.
Coventry took full advantage and inevitably scored the winning goal in the dying moments of the full measure of extra time allowed by the hard worked referee.
Coventry deserved the win today, but, for me, the day was for Ron.
David Evans
Thanks to David Evans once more for an honest, entertaining match report as ever complete with great photos. It really is an honour to feature them.
Check out Walsall Wood FC’s website here.
If you’ve a child or children under six years of age, there is a great Stay and Play session running at Brownhills Community Centre in the heart of Brownhills this Saturday morning 1st February 2020 from 10-12pm – note the newly expanded times!
It costs just three quid per kid and includes fruit and a drink, so it’s great value and it’s run by those wonderful people at the Little Green Dragons Nursery, who are resident at the centre and are fully qualified nursery professionals.
There are games and toys and all manner of creative fun for the weans – and you get a break to boot.
Saturday 1st February 2020
DINOSAURS 🦖 💧🦕 🍃🦖💦 🦕 🍃🦖 🥦🦕We will be down exploring our dinosaur swamp! With lots of different textures to explore 🍃🥦
Our creative table will be continuing with play dough as it was such a big hit! I’ll be adding different natural resources to explore.Rolling, squeezing, bashing, creating playdough creations 😍
Sandtray will be open and accessible as it is every week 👍🏼
…Along with all our other areas of play within the nursery setting:• home corner
• construction
• small world
• maths area
• cosy book/music area
• baby sensory area
See you all Saturday ….
Don’t forgot the outdoors area which is loved by all 🧊 🧊 🧊 (even in the cold weather 🥶)(wrap up warm 😂)
10.00am-12.00
£3 per child
Snack includedFeel free to invite your friends with children aged 0-6 years and share our events
This group is held at Little Green Dragons Day Nursery every Saturday morningAdd our Facebook Page –
Brownhills Stay&Play 🌈🌈
The Community Centre is what my generation would know as ‘The Annexe’ – the old Central Boy’s School, now a bustling community resource. To find out more, you can pop in or call them on 01543 452119.
The Community Association have lots of stuff going on, and loads of great facilities, right in the heart of Brownhills. I love what they’re about and all the great things they’re doing.
What a fantastic environment to run in! Image from Chasewater Parkrun on Facebook.
It’s not competitive – except against your own personal best – it’s properly marshalled and you have to register, but it’s a free, friendly thing that’s hugely popular and a stunning demonstration of community in action.
It’s suitable for runners of all experience levels and paces. Find out more at the event page here or the event Facebook page here.
Having run for years now at Walsall Arboretum and Cannock Chase, we now have a 5km Parkrun at Chasewater that happens every Saturday (events in the park permitting) – and has been attracting over 300 runners already!
It’s on this Saturday (1st February 2020) at 9:00am and the organisers have this to say:
What is Chasewater parkrun?
It is a 5km run – it’s you against the clock.
When is it?
Every Saturday at 9:00am.
Where is it?
The event takes place at Chasewater Country Park, Pool Rd, Burntwood, Brownhills, WS8 7NL. See Course page for more details.
What does it cost to join in?
Nothing – it’s free! but please register before your first run. Only ever register with parkrun once. Don’t forget to bring a printed copy of your barcode (request a reminder). If you forget it, you won’t get a time.
How fast do I have to be?
We all run for our own enjoyment. Please come along and join in whatever your pace!
Chasewater parkrun needs you!
It is entirely organised by volunteers – email chasewaterhelpers@parkrun.com to help.
We’re friendly!
Every week we grab a post parkrun coffee in the South Shore café – please come and join us!
Please, if you go for a run this Saturday, drop me a line and let me know how you get on – this is a fascinating thing and it’s growth is really wonderful. Comment here or mail me – BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com.
Just walking to the start shows the large number of runners already making this a great event! Image from Susan Williams.
Hey you lot – there’s an exhibition this Saturday and Sunday 1st and 2nd of February 2020 featuring artwork by local creatives at Brownhills Community Centre, just by the Miner Island in Brownhills from 11am until 4pm Saturday and 11am until 3pm Sunday – and it’s free to enter!
These exhibitions have had great reviews in the past, and a certain Aiden of this parish is said to be exhibiting his wonderful work, so what’s not to love?
The Community Centre is what my generation would know as ‘The Annexe’ – the old Central Boy’s School, now a bustling community resource. To find out more, you can pop in or call them on 01543 452119.
The Community Association have lots of stuff going on, and loads of great facilities, right in the heart of Brownhills – check them out on Facebook here. I love what they’re about and all the great things they’re doing.
I was very sad to hear recently of the passing of a Walsall Wood and local football legend Ron Tranter, who passed away on 11th January 2020 aged 73.
Ron was a huge character and a very respected elder of the local football scene – not just at Walsall Wood but at many other local clubs he worked with over the years.
I’ve had a lot of people ask for the details of Ron’s funeral, so thanks to Andy Roper at Walsall Wood Football Club, I can share them here – Andy wrote:
Ron Tranter’s funeral details are as follows:
Service taking place at Streetly Crematorium, 1pm Friday 7th February 2020.
Afterwards celebrating his fabulous life at The Victoria Club, Norton East Road, Norton Canes
Flowers from immediate family only, however during the day we will be collecting any donations for children with cancer.
My sincerest condolences to Ron’s family and friends: Local sport and the wider community have lost yet another dear, dear friend and great champion.
With this sad loss in mind, another great local football advocate and star, Brian Green has pointed out that this coming Saturday’s home match agains Coventry at Oak Park will be played in memory of Ron Tranter, with monies raised going to the Tranter family.
Brian Green said:
Morning all, Saturdays game against Coventry United at Walsall Wood FC, you need to be there, all gate money will go to Ronald Tranter family.
Ron was sadly taken away at the small age of 73, so on the 73rd minute we need to make as much noise as we can so the LEGEND himself can hear us 😔
RIP Ron miss ya mush 🍻 x
For the Good of The Wood!
The game is £6 entry for adults, £4 for kids/concessions and kicks off at £pm at Walsall Wood FC’s Oak Park ground.
Everyone is welcome, as usual for an afternoon of great football in memory of a great man.
Nigel Frost – you are a winner!
Kym Waterson-Green – you are a winner!
Elaine Massey – you are a winner!
David Burns – you are a winner!
Brett Riordan – you are a winner!
Dave Tucker – you are a winner!
Right, it’s been a hellishly difficult thing to do, but the judges (Myself Bob, Phil Griffin, David Evans, Linda Mason, Phil Griffin, the young David Evans and the Wee Pickle) have pondered and head scratched in the last week to find the winners and runners up of the BrownhillsBob/Brownhills Blog 2020 New Year Photo Competition.
I’d like to thank all entrants for their patience, and for their wonderful, beautiful entries. If you haven’t won, our commiserations, but there were so many brilliant images it was a very tough task. Yet again we were astounded and very proud of the very creative, talented folk out there. You’re all fantastic.
You can see the entire gallery of entries by clicking here.
If you were unlucky, there will be, I hope, a similar competitions over the midsummer and next Christmas (time allowing).
The winners, who each win a mini keg (8.8 pints) of Backyard Brewhouse ale which is brewed in Brownhills to great acclaim – (you’ll have to collect from the Brewery in Lichfield Road) are Brett Riordan, Dave Tucker, David Burns, Elaine Massey, Kym Waterson-Green and Nigel Frost . We all agreed these were superb images that conveyed the spirit of competition and group.
If winners are teetotal or too far away we’ll sort something out.
Jan Davis – you are a runner up!
Jodie Bordas – you are a runner up!
Kathryn Grace – you are a runner up!
Julie Horton – you are a runner up!
Lucy O’Hare – you are a runner up!
Natalie Fitzpatrick – you are a runner up!
Sam Williams – you are a runner up!
The runners up will each receive a book prize: I have a selection of used but good condition books on local history or local themes and I’ll pass the list around: Pick the one you want and I’ll post it to you. Runners up are Jan Davis, Jodie Bordas, Julie Horton, Kathryn Grace, Lucy O’Hare, Natalie Fitzpatrick and Sam Williams. Again, all are excellent images. It was very hard choosing winners.
Sam Williams was an extra, honorary running up for a great feel good image and a fantastic anniversary. Well done mate. Onwards and upwards.
My thanks to my fellow judges with whom I burden this responsibility every time: They are fantastic and very patient. My appreciation is huge.
I will be in touch over the next week or so with prize winners – please bear with me as I’ve not paid for the beer yet and I’ll need to know what they have available at the moment and what your choice is. Sorting out the prizes is always a fairly long process. Please be patient 🙂
Prizes are as ever, are funded out of my own pocket – there are no sponsors and no funny stuff, this is purely for the community and the fun of it. The judges decision is final.
This competition has been for enjoyment and good feeling, thank you all for being so wonderfully community spirited, and for sharing the very best of what you found. It’s been a blast.
Thank you everyone.
A quick post here I’ve been meaning to do for ages. I discovered through the young David Evans a while pack a surprisingly diverse archive of aerial images, many of which are local.
Unlike the Britain from the Air archive, they’re still a bit low res, but the service is still growing. Tap any image for a larger version.
For a talking point on a dull Sunday afternoon, here is a random sample of images gathered. They all date from 1955-1965 and show our area undergoing great change.
I’ll give more detail in a subsequent post, but feel free to browse the gallery.
Spot anything? Give me a shout – comment here, tug my coat on social media or mail me on BrownhillsBoab at Googlemail dot com.
If you, the kids are grandkids are at a loose end today, since the weather has cleared a little it would be an excellent chance to nip up to Stubbers Green and chat to the Swan Patrol.
The Patrol are there this afternoon – and every Sunday from 1-3pm and have bird books, binoculars and a wealth of knowledge to share – so why not join them? There’s so much more local wildlife than people think!
The reserve is by the pools on Stubbers Green Road, between Aldridge and Shelfield.
Ann Lawrence of the Swan Patrol said:
Do you want to know more about nature and wildlife?
Stubbers Green Nature Reserve Aldridge
Swan Patrol every Sunday 1-3pm
Lollipops and stickers for children that bring good healthy bird foods. Sweet corn, lettuce, porridge oats, branflakes, cornflakes, vegetable peelings, bird seed.We have binoculars and bird books available to use.
Donations welcome
Images and captions kindly supplied by the young David Evans
A chilly afternoon downwind of the rather aromatic Minworth Sewage Works at Romulus FCs Castle Vale ground punished the Walsall Wood faithful yesterday (25th January 2020) as their lads were hammered 3-0 on the astroturf.
David Evans was there, and sent the above images and the following report:
Romulus FC 3 v 0 Walsall Wood FC
Saturday 25th January 2020The inimitable thrills of driving from Walsall Wood along the merry A452 to the modern motte and bailey Spitfire Traffic island is not totally dissimilar to the unrivalled pleasure of a gentle drive through the back lanes of Lower Stonnall, mucky lanes, stuck behind a tired old tractor. The pace is painfully slow in both instances.
Amazingly unscathed and yet with teeth set on edge, I arrived at Chateau Romulus. A fine edifice, to be sure, set among scented glades, and nearby carp ponds. [Ah yes, downwind from Minworth Sewage Works – Bob] Matchday programmes, a localised manly snip at only £2 each, were bought with entrance tickets and the scene was set for a thrilling game of ten pin skittle soccer played on synthetic grass.
The first third of the match is best characterised as fast, accurate passing by both sides, with the visitors perhaps having an edge over the home side. Both sides had solid defences which repelled all approaching threats by opponents. It would be unkind to call this stalemate soccer as there was positive endeavour here.
A seemingly disallowed goal by the visitors may have been a moment where the balance, fine though it was, began to gently slip away from The Wood. Romulus were coming back from attacks with lightning breakaway speed, catching the Woodmen cold.
Half time, cucumber sandwiches and Earl Grey served by the managers for their broods; Castle Vale beef burger with plenty of necessary red sauce for the rapidly freezing spectators. A time to stomp feet and thump gloved hands. This, and a cup of piping hot tea with loads of sugar is what sport is all about, isn’t it?
The second half, as so often, brought fresh moves and manouvres, espcially by the home side who gained two shock goals within a few minutes. Ouch blinking ouch.
The visitors were dumbstruck. Their moves were becoming predictable; the home side were far more inventive in their play. The Wood faced a mighty uphill struggle to get back in the game. They battled and struggled, ran like red noses in winter, kicked hard like stallions feeling the blacksmith’s searing irons, leapt high like River-dancers on Herbal sweets, but, it was not to be their day. Not today, by the thunderous M6 motorway and the carp ponds.
To pour salt on the wound a back header by a Wood defender went straight over the keeper and into the net. The final whistle came, mercifully, and ardent fans were brought back from the brink of imminent low core body temperature.
The Wood’s lack of competitive games on synthetic grass helped the home side gain their well-deserved win today. The journey back to home for me was a miserable one with little to be joyful, other than comparing today’s game with the events of the mid-week’s ‘Find the Ref in the Fog’ game last Tuesday.
That is another story.
David
Thanks to David there – For The Good Of The Wood!
Walsall Wood Football Club are a top local side and last season’s league runners up 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.
Chasewater in 2018. I can’t really ever have envisaged this place being a zoo, can you?
One recurrent theme I get when discussing Chasewater’s recent history as a public amusement venue from the 1950s to it’s decline in the 80s and 90s is how wonderful it was. Well, there’s no doubt we’ve all got fine memories of the place – as kids we looked upon a day there as akin to visiting the seaside, and we all formed many lovely memories within the park and on the shores of the lake.
Recently here I covered the creation of the ill-fated trotting track which although popular in the early 70s, never really fulfilled it’s promise and ended it’s life in dereliction. It seems that about this time, Brownhills Urban District Council was desperate to rid itself of the white elephant that was Chasewater.
Yes, Chasewater paddling pool in the day. I remember it like this. The main reason being it was close, and free, or next to free. Love the dude with the pipe. Image generously supplied by Peter Booth. Click for a larger version.
In that trotting track article, I found reference to the park being redeveloped as a zoo, which I’d never heard before. Well, having time to archive dig, I’ve found and interesting series of articles about the proposal, which councillors were apparently only too happy to agree to.
The one here today is from the Birmingham Daily Post of Saturday 13 June 1970.
Brownhills Urban District Council that invested in it with such lofty hopes of a high class amusement park in the 1950s was losing money hand over fist – £20,000 a year according to this article, which was a massive amount for what was a tiny council. No wonder this was so warmly welcomed.
Scarborough Zoo and Mainland – students of the period’s brutalist leisure architecture ethic will see similarities to that at Chasewater and ill fated ventures like the Isle of Man’s Summerland. Image from Scarborough Stories.
Scarborough Zoo and Mainland seems to have been in existence until 1984. I’m keenly digging to find out what became of Donald Robinson’s proposals and why there was no zoo at Chasewater.
Zoo in £250,000 Chasewater plan
By JOHN NICKSON
A £250.000 scheme to build a zoo and park on the southern shore of Chasewater at Brownhills will be considered by Aldridge-Brownhills Chasewater Committee on Monday.
The scheme has been proposed by Scarborough and Marineland Ltd. and the company wants similar facilities to those it has established at the Yorkshire resort.
Mr. Donald Robinson the company’s managing director hopes to acquire the lease of the whole of the lake’s southern shore for 40 years, and has said he is prepared to invest £250,000 in the enterprise.
The project was welcomed by council officials at Aldridge-Brownhills yesterday. They felt that it would give the lake a much-needed boost as a recreation centre.
Mr. H. G. G. Nicholls. clerk to the council, said: ‘It seems an excellent idea, almost too good to be true. The scheme is in its infancy and detailed plans have still to be submitted, but I support it in principle.’
Mr. J. Walker. the council’s parks superintendent, said that the annual cost of keeping Chasewater open to the public was £30.000, but only £10.000 was taken in admission charges each year.
He added: ‘This private scheme will not cost the council a penny, and we shall receive a share of the profits.
‘The council could not afford to establish these kinds of facilities at Chasewater. and I feel it is time we took advantage of private enterprise. The only drawback is that it will mean leasing a large expanse land, which the council may wish to use for other purposes, for a long time.’
Coun. Douglas Whitehouse, the vice-chairman of Chasewater Committee described it as ‘a very interesting project,’ and said his committee was likely to support anything which would help to boost the revenue from Chasewater.
He said: ‘The amusement park is an eyesore which has proved a financial flop. The lease for this has expired and the council has decided not to renew it.
‘The committee will back this scheme if the developers can give an assurance that they will not abandon it half-way through if business is not as brisk as expected.’
Coun. Whitehouse said that the company had invited committee members to visit Scarborough Zoo and Marineland, and this would be the next step before final approval.
I’d love to know what became of this plan, and those involved. Someone out there must recall it.
If you have any comments, please do post them here, catch me on social media or mail me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail do com. Cheers.
Romulus play at the impressive Caste Vale Stadium. Why not pop down? Image from Tripadvisor.
Saturday 25th January 2020
Walsall Wood are away to Castle Vale’s Romulus FC
Walsall Wood F.C. v Loughborough F.C.
Romulus FC, Castle Vale Stadium, Farnborough Road, Birmingham B35 7LQ
Don’t break your Wood vows, be there, be faithful to your local heroes!
3:00pm kickoff
For The Good Of The Wood!
Looking forward to the match report…
Visit the Walsall Wood FC website here
The second Parkrun at Chasewater attracted more than 300 runners. Image from Susan Williams.
It’s not competitive – except against your own personal best – it’s properly marshalled and you have to register, but it’s a free, friendly thing that’s hugely popular and a stunning demonstration of community in action.
It’s suitable for runners of all experience levels and paces. Find out more at the event page here or the event Facebook page here.
Having run for years now at Walsall Arboretum and Cannock Chase, we now have a 5km Parkrun at Chasewater that happens every Saturday (events in the park permitting) – and has been attracting over 300 runners already!
It’s on this Saturday (25th January 2020) at 9:00am and the organisers have this to say:
What is Chasewater parkrun?
It is a 5km run – it’s you against the clock.
When is it?
Every Saturday at 9:00am.
Where is it?
The event takes place at Chasewater Country Park, Pool Rd, Burntwood, Brownhills, WS8 7NL. See Course page for more details.
What does it cost to join in?
Nothing – it’s free! but please register before your first run. Only ever register with parkrun once. Don’t forget to bring a printed copy of your barcode (request a reminder). If you forget it, you won’t get a time.
How fast do I have to be?
We all run for our own enjoyment. Please come along and join in whatever your pace!
Chasewater parkrun needs you!
It is entirely organised by volunteers – email chasewaterhelpers@parkrun.com to help.
We’re friendly!
Every week we grab a post parkrun coffee in the South Shore café – please come and join us!
Please, if you go for a run this Saturday, drop me a line and let me know how you get on – this is a fascinating thing and it’s growth is really wonderful. Comment here or mail me – BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com.
Just walking to the start shows the large number of runners already making this a great event! Image from Susan Williams.
The inimitable soul DJ Leekie has been in touch to let me know that he’s DJing his regular Soultime event at Pelsall Community Centre this Friday evening, 24th January 2020 at Pelsall Community Centre, where he and a number of great soul practitioners – Ady Kirby, Rob Edgar, Little Scotty and of course, Leekie – will be fulfilling all your Northern Soul and Motown requirements.
I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t like a bit of classic soul and Leekie is a great DJ for a wonderful night. A two-room event, it also features a host of other great local soul scene DJs on the decks.
It’s just £5 a head (payable on the door) and kicks off at 8pm and runs until Midnight. What’s not to love?
That’s Pelsall Community Centre, Station Rd, Pelsall, Walsall WS3 4BQ. See you there?
Just a heads up to let folk know that the popular local autism support group ‘Supporting the Rainbow’ is meeting today (Tuesday 21st January 2020) – and they’re back to meeting at their original base, Smithys Forge pub in Lichfield Road, Brownhills, just off the Miner Island.
For parents, carers, etc. of children and adults with autism.
Weekly support group every Tuesday at the Smithys Forge, Brownhills 1:30-2:30 🌈
The group has been running for a good while now and is still growing in popularity – so why not pop along to see what it’s all about?
Images and captions supplied by the young David Evans
Walsall Wood FC took the trip to Long Eaton on Saturday afternoon last (18th January 2020), and actually got a match in after weeks of weather cancellations. I’m pleased to note that the Woodmen were well on form, beating the home side in a great match.
The young David Evans was there for all the action, and sent the following match report:
Saturday 19th January 2020
Long Eaton United FC 1 v 2 Walsall Wood FCThe Gods smiled down on England today to grant a few hours of sunshine in which to dash up to Long Eaton to see a real live game of football played on real, green grass, in a stadium that is top notch, and to meet up with local fans who share the love of football. Long Eaton town has its own unique street layout that surely catches out first-time visitors, but the town is blessed with landmark features to guide to weary traveller to the football ground.
A much needed Long Eaton special burger and piping hot coffee was soon dispatched, and a while in the warmth of the clubhouse helped to restore body and soul. Then, out to enjoy the game
This was a thoroughly enjoyable display of athletic football skill that captivated, thrilled, and kept specatetors’ on the edge of their seats throughout the ninety minutes.
Fine, accurate passing, clever side-steps, changes of pace, long kicks, turning on the ball, pure honey tackles, leaping for high balls, intricate close-range passing and off-the ball moves…this game showed this in abundance today.
The minutes flew by… A sure sign of the quality and range of skills being employed. A moment where that precious chink, a mere glint, in the opposition’s defence and the Wood scored their first goal.
Half time, another cup of coffee, a sandwich, and a chat with Long Eaton fans, while the players enjoyed the usual cucumber sandwiches and Earl Grey tea served by their managers…
The second half brought new tactics to the fore by both teams and I was thrilled to witness perhaps a contender for goal of the season as Long Eaton fired a full-blooded long range shot that would credit any international team. Understandable and well-deserved applause rang out from home and visiting supporters. A goal I will remember for a long time
The scores were now level and as the minutes left to play slipped away like fine sand through fingers, Walsall Wood scored their second, and ultimately winning goal .
A top quality display of all the skills that non league football demands, and then some!
David Evans
Thanks to David for a fie report and pictures – what more can I add, but For The Good of the Wood!
I adore that tree.
Hi folks just a note to say there’s been a slight delay in the New Year 2020 Brownhills Blog photo competition.
I was intending to announce winners this weekend, however due to me not being able to contact one entrant (who seems to have totally left Facebook) I had to allow reasonable time for them to reply. Since they have not done so, I’ll take the competition forward to the judges now and will announce winners next Sunday.
Sorry about this, but I like to do things properly and as fairly as possible. Sometimes that means a delay while things can be sorted. My apologies.
The final gallery is below with just two alterations, unlinked to the problem. I’d overlooked a couple of entries which has now been added in.
You can also view the same gallery on Google Photos by clicking here.
Thanks for your patience, and we’ll reconvene next week. Apologies once again.
An important one here I’ve only just been made aware of: If you’d like to join up and help the community bmarching band – that’s the folks who march at Brownhills Remembrance Parade – then here’s you chance today (Sunday 19th January 2020) and subsequent Sundays.
Brownhills Community Band and Drum Corps meet at the Well Centre, Beacon Way, Walsall Wood WS9 9HZ from 1pm. That’s just off Salters Road. Instruments are provided, but if you have something else suitable, feel free to bring it along.
Experience isn’t essential but enthusiasm is! Kids and adults alike are welcome.
My best wishes to all involved and if you pop up, why not let me know how you got on? this is a great project.
Image from The Well Centre’s Facebook page.
If you, the kids are grandkids are at a loose end today, since the weather seems a bit more decent it would be an excellent chance to nip up to Stubbers Green and chat to the Swan Patrol.
The Patrol are there this afternoon – and every Sunday from 1-3pm and have bird books, binoculars and a wealth of knowledge to share – so why not join them? There’s so much more local wildlife than people think!
The reserve is by the pools on Stubbers Green Road, between Aldridge and Shelfield.
Ann Lawrence of the Swan Patrol said:
Do you want to know more about nature and wildlife?
Stubbers Green Nature Reserve Aldridge
Swan Patrol every Sunday 1-3pm
Lollipops and stickers for children that bring good healthy bird foods. Sweet corn, lettuce, porridge oats, branflakes, cornflakes, vegetable peelings, bird seed.We have binoculars and bird books available to use.
Donations welcome
I know folk always complain they never caught notice of these, so this is just another note to say there are two local community littler picks today Sunday 19th January 2019, Brownhills Community Wombles will be picking in Brownhills as will Walsall Wood Wombles who will meet up for a couple of picks too.
There’s a community litter pick event taking place in Brownhills, today, Sunday afternoon, 19th January 2020 from 2pm until 4pm – and all are welcome. All kit will be provided! Meet on Brownhills Methodist Church car park in Silver Street.
Also today, Sunday 19th January 2020 there will actually be two litter picks in Walsall Wood by their Womble group who will be meeting on the corner of Brookland Road and Brook Lane at 10am to do local streets and canals, then reconvening at 1pm at Walsall Wood Football Club on Oak Park to cover that area and surrounds.
In both cases pickers, bags and gloves provided. All welcome!
The Brownhills pick is being run by local lady Kathryn Grace and a band of volunteers for the benefit of the community, and Walsall Wood’s event is an initiative by top community person Teresa Webb.
You can check out The Brownhills Community Wombles Facebook page here, and there’s a Facebook page for Walsall Wood Wombles here. They’re bot great community spirited collectives and you really are welcome to pop along.
Thanks to all who participate: Real community in action.
Previous local litter pick events have been a huge success, so let’s see if we can make these even better!
As well as Stay and Play, this Saturday 18th January 2020 if you’ve got older kids why not try the PEPA Active Sports Club at Brownhills Community Centre from 10am-11am?
It’s suitable for kids from 5-11 years old and there’s all manner of fun stuff going on – Dodgeball, Archery – and this Saturday it’s a taster session for future weeks and is absolutely free.
See you there?
Luke Anderson, the organiser, said:
Hi everyone!
We shall be running a FREE Multi-Sports session this Saturday at our local community centre Brownhills Community Centre and The Lamp
Bring your 5 – 11 year olds along for lots of fun with archery, dodgeball and so much more!
10am – 11am 🌟
https://www.facebook.com/pepasportsltd/
Message me for more info or to sign up!
💫Keeping Kids Active 💫
Never one to sit back and let life pass her by, that there Kate Cardigan from the wonderful Lichfield Lore is involved with the excellent Lichfield Repair Cafe project – which continues it’s regular residency this Saturday afternoon (Saturday 18th January 2020) at Curborough Community Centre, Lichfield from 2pm until 5pm.
Kate, who’s more usually known for her excellent work with local history group, Lichfield Discovered and other projects, started a community initiative to help people repair, recycle and put back to good use things that my be broken or need some love.
The repair cafe looks like a great way to have fun, meet up with other like minded folk and also learn some new skills.
If you’re unsure where to find Curborough Community Centere, check out their contact page here, and the address for twatnav wranglers is 37, Reynolds Close, Lichfield Ws13 7NY.
I’ll let Kate explain:
Hello!
The Lichfield Repair & Share cafe meets again at Curborough Community Centre on Saturday 18th December 2020 between 2pm and 5pm. As a way of reducing waste whilst learning new skills, we have a team of volunteer repairers on hand to show people how to try and mend their broken or damaged items, rather than throw them away.
Bring your broken household items along to see if our team of volunteer repairs can help you fix them – or just pop in for a chat & a brew! All welcome, no charge but voluntary donations welcome 🙂
There will, as usual be a cafe with hot and cold drinks and cakes. Whilst there is no charge, voluntary donations are appreciated!
The cafe will be taking place at Curborough on the 3rd Saturday of every month and we are always looking for more people to get involved whether they want to offer their skills as a repairer or run a workshop. To find our more information, or to volunteer, please email lichfieldshare@gmail.com, join the group’s Facebook page Lichfield Repair Café or follow us on Twitter @lichfieldshare.
For more information, contact Kate Gomez at lichfieldshare@gmail.com or joing the Lichfield Repair & Share group on Facebook here.
Many thanks as ever!
Kate
Grange Park, home of Long Eaton United. Image posted on Panoramio by Stephen Harris.
Saturday 18th January 2020
Walsall Wood away at Long Eaton United
Grange Park, Station Road, Long Eaton, Derbyshire NG10 2EF
Kickoff 3:00pm
For the Good of the Wood!
Check out Walsall Wood FC’s website here.
If you’ve a child or children under six years of age, there is a great Stay and Play session running at Brownhills Community Centre in the heart of Brownhills this Saturday morning 18th January 2020 from 10-12pm – note the newly expanded times!
It costs just three quid per kid and includes fruit and a drink, so it’s great value and it’s run by those wonderful people at the Little Green Dragons Nursery, who are resident at the centre and are fully qualified nursery professionals.
There are games and toys and all manner of creative fun for the weans – and you get a break to boot.
BROWNHILLS STAY&PLAY
Saturday 18th January 2020
We will exploring one of our favourites old McDonald’s messy farm… 🐄🐖🐑🐓🐐🐎
We will also be creating a variety of drawings and talking about our favourite farm animals 🐷🐣🦆
Remember we also have outdoors 😍
…Along with all our other areas of play within the nursery setting.
See you all Saturday!
10.00-12.00
£3 per child
Healthy Snack included
Feel free to invite your friends with children aged 0-6 years and share our events 👍🏼
This group is held at Little Green Dragons Day Nursery within Brownhills Community Centre every Saturday morning.
Add our Facebook Page –
Brownhills Stay&Play 🌈🌈
The Community Centre is what my generation would know as ‘The Annexe’ – the old Central Boy’s School, now a bustling community resource. To find out more, you can pop in or call them on 01543 452119.
The Community Association have lots of stuff going on, and loads of great facilities, right in the heart of Brownhills. I love what they’re about and all the great things they’re doing.
The second Parkrun at Chasewater attracted more than 300 runners. Image from Susan Williams.
It’s not competitive – except against your own personal best – it’s properly marshalled and you have to register, but it’s a free, friendly thing that’s hugely popular and a stunning demonstration of community in action.
It’s suitable for runners of all experience levels and paces. Find out more at the event page here or the event Facebook page here.
Having run for years now at Walsall Arboretum and Cannock Chase, we now have a 5km Parkrun at Chasewater that happens every Saturday (events in the park permitting) – and has been attracting over 300 runners already!
It’s on this Saturday (18th January 2020) at 9:00am and the organisers have this to say:
What is Chasewater parkrun?
It is a 5km run – it’s you against the clock.
When is it?
Every Saturday at 9:00am.
Where is it?
The event takes place at Chasewater Country Park, Pool Rd, Burntwood, Brownhills, WS8 7NL. See Course page for more details.
What does it cost to join in?
Nothing – it’s free! but please register before your first run. Only ever register with parkrun once. Don’t forget to bring a printed copy of your barcode (request a reminder). If you forget it, you won’t get a time.
How fast do I have to be?
We all run for our own enjoyment. Please come along and join in whatever your pace!
Chasewater parkrun needs you!
It is entirely organised by volunteers – email chasewaterhelpers@parkrun.com to help.
We’re friendly!
Every week we grab a post parkrun coffee in the South Shore café – please come and join us!
Please, if you go for a run this Saturday, drop me a line and let me know how you get on – this is a fascinating thing and it’s growth is really wonderful. Comment here or mail me – BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com.
Just walking to the start shows the large number of runners already making this a great event! Image from Susan Williams.
The Silver Street Methodist Church in Brownhills is a remarkable building – pictured here by Facade66 and posted on Panoramio.
Here’s a rather nice concert that’s due to take place this Saturday afternoon at the Silver Street Methodist Church in Brownhills, featuring the wonderful local musical legend Deryck Langford.
It’s happening this Saturday, 18th January 2020 at 2:30pm and is follow by refreshments. It looks set to be a great afternoon of beautiful musical entertainment and memories.
It’s a retiring collection – so donations welcomed at the event with free entry. Which is very reasonable for such great entertainment.
Deryck Langford said:
An afternoon of music and memories given by Deryck Langford.
Music from Handel’s Messiah and many more we look forward to welcoming you.
Deryck
I know folk always complain they never caught notice of these, so this is just a note to say there are two local community littler picks coming this weekend, Brownhills Community Wombles will be picking in Brownhills as will Walsall Wood Wombles who will meet up for a couple of picks too.
There’s a community litter pick event taking place in Brownhills, next Sunday afternoon, 19th January 2020 from 2pm until 4pm – and all are welcome. All kit will be provided! Meet on Brownhills Methodist Church car park in Silver Street.
On the same day, Sunday 19th January 2020 there will actually be two litter picks in Walsall Wood by their Womble group who will be meeting on the corner of Brookland Road and Brook Lane at 10am to do local streets and canals, then reconvening at 1pm at Walsall Wood Football Club on Oak Park to cover that area and surrounds.
In both cases pickers, bags and gloves provided. All welcome!
The Brownhills pick is being run by local lady Kathryn Grace and a band of volunteers for the benefit of the community, and Walsall Wood’s event is an initiative by top community person Teresa Webb.
You can check out The Brownhills Community Wombles Facebook page here, and there’s a Facebook page for Walsall Wood Wombles here. They’re bot great community spirited collectives and you really are welcome to pop along.
Thanks to all who participate: Real community in action.
Previous local litter pick events have been a huge success, so let’s see if we can make these even better!
Altogether now, ‘I love to go a-wandering…’ – image from Walsall Healthy Spaces Team.
I note that since it’s a new year, new start and so forth, there are lots of opportunities to get out and about and work of some of the padding Christmas left behind.
One such thing is the new walking group set up in Brownhills by Walsall Healthy Spaces Team who will be organising 90 minute walks every Wednesday, including this afternoon, Wednesday 15th January 2020, starting from Brownhills Community Centre at 1:45pm, exploring our beautiful local open spaces.
Walsall Healthy Spaces said:
New social and friendly health walk group coming to Brownhills in 2020.
Starting Wednesday 8th January.
Meet at Brownhills Community Centre, Chester Road North WS8 7JW every Wednesday 1.45pm for a 2.00pm start.
Duration: 1½ hours approx. Intensity: Moderate; occasional slight gradients, on hard and soft surfaces.
For more information on other volunteer led walking groups click here.
You can visit Walsall Healthy Spaces Team on Facebook here. If you attend, why not get in touch and let me know how you get on?
Sandra Read (nee Gooding) – a true Brownhills lady who will be very sadly missed.
Fiona Bayley has been in touch with me and asked me to share with you all the sad news that her dear Mom Sandra Read passed away peacefully on Saturday 11th January 2020.
Sandra Read (nee Gooding) was a true Brownhills lady and will be sadly missed by all who knew her: A wonderful woman and great mom.
Fiona said:
It’s with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Mom 💔 Sandra Read (GOODING)
Sadly Mom drifted away peacefully at 3.45pm Saturday 11th January, in the arms of her two devoted daughters.
No more battling, now free from pain and back in the arms of loved ones ♥️
Fly high our BEAUTIFUL angel Xxxxx
My sincerest condolences and sympathies to Fiona and all of Sandra’s family and friends, and my gratitude goes out to Fiona for letting us know.
Sandfields Pumping Station – a great historic building with immense history and social significance – not just to Lichfield, but to the Black Country. Lichfield Discovered and local historian Dave Moore have saved this valuable asset for the community.
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that this evening, Monday 13th January 2020 there will be the monthly Public Meeting of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of Sandfields Pumping Station group.
The meeting is at the Bowling Green pub, Lichfield from 7:30pm and is of course open to anyone interested.
Dave wrote:
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Do pop over to Dave Moore’s blog and check out the history of Sandfields Pumping Station, an almost forgotten gem – the group also has a Facebook page.
Dave is, of course, one of the leading lights of Lichfield Discovered, along with Kate ‘Cardigan’ Gomez from Lichfield Lore.
It’s great to see people like Dave encourage a better attitude to our historic buildings -please do attend if you’re able, it’s sure to be enlightening and educational.
Over the 2019/20 new year period just passed, I held a photo competition on the blog and Facebook group, and I’m pleased to say I’ve had a wonderful response with 185 entries!
Entries have now closed.
Barring any corrections at.the foot of this post is the final gallery from which the winners and runners up will be selected. Myself and hopefully fellow admins of the group – Linda Mason, Phil Griffin ad Richard Burnell plus honorary blog wise owl the young David Evans will each select a winner and a runner up – winners will be announced next weekend hopefully (18th-19th January – this may be subject to slight delay, however).
I’ve been burning the midnight oil to sort out all your wonderful entries!
If I’ve missed anyone out, my apologies – just contact me ASAP and I’ll add any I’ve overlooked. If you’ve messaged me any pictures on FB and I’ve missed them out, please ping me again – it’s a mare to find images in messages.
Thank you all so much for your gorgeous photos, patience and wonderful eye for the beautiful – there are some very talented readers out there!
Winners won’t necessarily be based on technical excellence or top flight equipment or skills – a wonky phone photo capturing something fun can be every bit as good as the carefully shot image by a pro. It’s about feel and intention.
Entries have been limited to one photo per person to make judging easier. I’ve sorted out entries with readers who submitted multiple entries so as soon as the gallery is generally approved I’ll pass it to the judges,
The winners will be awarded Backyard Brewhouse ale 5 litre (8.8 pint!) minikegs, which are brewed in Brownhills to great acclaim (you’ll need to pick them up from the brewery in Brownhills), and books for the runners up – if you’re teetotal or living a long way away we’ll come to some other arrangement.
Prizes are as ever, are funded out of my own pocket. The judges decision will be final. This is for enjoyment and good feeling.
The images below can all be viewed larger by clicking on them. If there’s an error, you spot a multiple entry or whatever, shout up. To err is human, to balls stuff up totally is my modus operandi.
You may find it easier on mobile clients to use the google photos album of competition entries by clicking here.
Thank you everyone.
If you, the kids are grandkids are at a loose end today, since the weather seems a bit more decent it would be an excellent chance to nip up to Stubbers Green and chat to the Swan Patrol.
The Patrol are there this afternoon – and every Sunday from 1-3pm and have bird books, binoculars and a wealth of knowledge to share – so why not join them? There’s so much more local wildlife than people think!
The reserve is by the pools on Stubbers Green Road, between Aldridge and Shelfield.
Ann Lawrence of the Swan Patrol said:
Do you want to know more about nature and wildlife?
Stubbers Green Nature Reserve Aldridge
Swan Patrol every Sunday 1-3pm
Lollipops and stickers for children that bring good healthy bird foods. Sweet corn, lettuce, porridge oats, branflakes, cornflakes, vegetable peelings, bird seed.We have binoculars and bird books available to use.
Donations welcome
An important one here I’ve only just been made aware of: If you’d like to join up and help the community bmarching band – that’s the folks who march at Brownhills Remembrance Parade – then here’s you chance today (Sunday 12th January 2020) and subsequent Sundays.
Brownhills Community Band and Drum Corps meet at the Well Centre, Beacon Way, Walsall Wood WS9 9HZ from 1pm. That’s just off Salters Road. Instruments are provided, but if you have something else suitable, feel free to bring it along.
Experience isn’t essential but enthusiasm is! Kids and adults alike are welcome.
My best wishes to all involved and if you pop up, why not let me know how you got on? this is a great project.
Image from The Well Centre’s Facebook page.
It’s a long way to go – but the FA Vase is worth it! Image from West Auckland FC.
Saturday 11th January 2020
Walsall Wood travel all the way to County Durham for FA Vase action!
West Auckland Town FC v Walsall Wood FC
Wanted Stadium
West Auckland
Bishop Auckland
Durham
DL14 9AQ
Don’t break your Wood vows, be there, be faithful to your local heroes
3:00pm kickoff
Please get behind your local club
For The Good Of The Wood!
Check out Walsall Wood FC’s website here
If you’ve a child or children under six years of age, there is a great Stay and Play session running at Brownhills Community Centre in the heart of Brownhills this Saturday morning 11th January 2020 from 10-12pm – note the newly expanded times!
It costs just three quid per kid and includes fruit and a drink, so it’s great value and it’s run by those wonderful people at the Little Green Dragons Nursery, who are resident at the centre and are fully qualified nursery teachers.
There are games and toys and all manner of creative fun for the weans – and you get a break to boot.
From January 2020 Brownhills Stay&Play will be term time only – so our first session back is today, the 11th January 2020.
Saturday 11th January 2020We will exploring our gloop & powder paint messy play tray 🎨
…Along with all our other areas of play within the nursery setting
see you all Saturday
10.00-12.00
£3 per child
Snack includedFeel free to invite your friends with children aged 0-6 years and share our events…
Thank you everyone hopefully see you Saturday 11th January 👍🏼This group is held at Little Green Dragons Day Nursery every Saturday morning in term time.
The Community Centre is what my generation would know as ‘The Annexe’ – the old Central Boy’s School, now a bustling community resource. To find out more, you can pop in or call them on 01543 452119.
The Community Association have lots of stuff going on, and loads of great facilities, right in the heart of Brownhills. I love what they’re about and all the great things they’re doing.
The second Parkrun at Chasewater attracted more than 300 runners. Image from Susan Williams.
It’s not competitive – except against your own personal best – it’s properly marshalled and you have to register, but it’s a free, friendly thing that’s hugely popular and a stunning demonstration of community in action.
It’s suitable for runners of all experience levels and paces. Find out more at the event page here or the event Facebook page here
This week’s event is particularly special as it’s a ‘Bring a Bag’ Parkrun – participants are encouraged to bring with them items for the local food banks which will be collected at the event.
Gary Jenkins, one of the event organisers, posted:
BRING A BAG PARKRUN
We are delighted to be joined by Melissa from The Lamp Foodbank on Saturday.
Click here for lists of the sort of items that would be ideal and will make a huge difference to people in our community.
Please do what you can.
Many Thanks.
Having run for years now at Walsall Arboretum and Cannock Chase, we now have a 5km Parkrun at Chasewater that happens every Saturday (events in the park permitting) – and has been attracting over 300 runners already!
It’s on this Saturday (11th January 2020) at 9:00am and the organisers have this to say:
What is Chasewater parkrun?
It is a 5km run – it’s you against the clock.
When is it?
Every Saturday at 9:00am.
Where is it?
The event takes place at Chasewater Country Park, Pool Rd, Burntwood, Brownhills, WS8 7NL. See Course page for more details.
What does it cost to join in?
Nothing – it’s free! but please register before your first run. Only ever register with parkrun once. Don’t forget to bring a printed copy of your barcode (request a reminder). If you forget it, you won’t get a time.
How fast do I have to be?
We all run for our own enjoyment. Please come along and join in whatever your pace!
Chasewater parkrun needs you!
It is entirely organised by volunteers – email chasewaterhelpers@parkrun.com to help.
We’re friendly!
Every week we grab a post parkrun coffee in the South Shore café – please come and join us!
Please, if you go for a run this Saturday, drop me a line and let me know how you get on – this is a fascinating thing and it’s growth is really wonderful. Comment here or mail me – BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com.
Just walking to the start shows the large number of runners already making this a great event! Image from Susan Williams.
Continuing on the theme of upcoming local litter picks, here’s one I missed from my post earlier in the week: there’s a community litter pick this Saturday morning (11th January 2019) in Shelfield, organised by the fab Shelfield Pickers group.
It kicks off at 10:00am at the Applegreeen Service Station, Lichfield Road. All gear will be provided.
Wombles and litter picker groups are gaining in popularity – you can check out Shelfield Pickers here, The Brownhills Community Wombles Facebook page here, and there’s a Facebook page for Walsall Wood Wombles here. They’re all great community spirited collectives and you really are welcome to pop along.
Thanks to all who participate: Real community in action.
Previous local litter pick events have been a huge success, so let’s see if we can make this one even better!
Sheffield Pickers in action. That reminds me: Must be due another Dexy’s reunion about now. Image from the Sheffield Pickers group.
It pleased me greatly yesterday to see that the hugely respected elder statesman of Brownhills Geof Harrington – a record breaking athlete in his younger days – has been recognised by Walsall Council for his tireless service to the community and for his lifetime of sporting achievements.
1951 Powderhall New Year Sprint – Geof Harrington setting a new world record of 11.85 seconds. Film cortesy of Geof Harrington and Chris Lawrence.
Geof is a remarkable man, an authority on local history and still a keen indoor bowls competitor. He sent me the above gallery of images and I thought I’d share them, and this note from David Evans, who’s worked with Geof on articles for the blog many times.
David wrote:
Hi Bob
At Tuesday’s monthly informal gathering of some of Walsall Wood’s senior folk, we were pleased to again welcome Bill Mayo and Geof Harrington, who are well known locally.
Bill has published local history photo books of our villages and surroundings over the years, and puts on slide shows, with his dear friend Mr Geof Harrington.
Indeed, Bill brings some of his extensive photo albums to the group who are delighted the peruse them.
During this pleasant social hour Mr Geof Harrington quietly showed me the invitation from the Mayor of Walsall to attend a meeting in Geof’s honour, yesterday, Wednesday 8th January 2020 where he was given an award for sporting and community service to our town.
Geof, despite his advanced years, is a proficient facebook and mobile phone user, and has posted some of the photos taken today in the Mayor’s parlour.
There is, of course, a very full description of Geof’s sporting life in Brownhills Bob’s blog which is included below for this unacquainted with Geof’s remarkable achievements.
I am delighted that the Town of Walsall has recognised Geof’s contributions to sport over the many years
kind regards
David Evans
My congratulations to Geof on a fantastically full life, a well deserved reward and for being an absolute gentleman we all admire and respect. This award is long overdue and it’s fantastic to see Geof receive it.
If you’d like to share your best wishes and memories, please do – comment on this post, mail me on BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com or find me on social media.
Here’s my previous article about Geof’s remarkable achievements and life, which was first posted on the blog in 2015:
Geof Harrington from Brownhills wins the semifinal of the Powderhall 130 yard professional sprint at Edinburgh on 1st January, 1951, setting a new world record of 11.85 seconds. Those faces – you can see the pain and triumph. Image from ‘Around Pelsall and Brownhills in old photos’ by David F. Vodden.
Not many of my generation or younger would realise, but Brownhills has quite an illustrious sporting history – from the likes of top footballer Dicky Dorsett ‘The Brownhills Bomber’, to Cecil Poynton; we were home to notable motorcyclists, drivers and power-boaters.
What I wasn’t really aware of until I started running the blog was the sporting dynamo that is Geof Harrington. Geof, now in his 90s, was a top professional runner, and latterly a respected snooker and billiards referee.
If the name sounds familiar, Geof is also a noted local historian who worked on some of the best and most popular local history photo books, including “Memories of Old Brownhills’ and ‘Memories of Brownhills Past’, which he compiled with Clarice and Bill Mayo.
The young David Evans was kindly invited by Geof to talk about his sporting days, and Geof produced the following article he wrote a couple of years ago, which I’ve transcribed below, featuring images from Geof’s fascinating life.
We also have the video of Geof competing, and further archive press material to come – but at 3,000 words this article is a whopper already. The film really is something to look forward to.
I have immense respect for Geof, in his advanced years still an active member of the community and an example to us all. My thanks to David Evans, too, for pulling a whole bunch of stuff together.
Please, if you have any memories of Geof, or anything to add, please do so. Comment here or mail me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Thanks.
Geof Harrington wrote:
Geof Harrington at home, as photographed by David Evans.
A short time ago an article about me was put on the internet concerning my running days. The article was first published in the Brownhills Gazette and was written by a good friend of mine Mr Albert Jobberns way back in the 1960s. I was born in New Road Brownhills in a small cottage one up two down and no hot water and no flushing toilet.
As quite a few people know, I have had a great life in sport.
Image generously donated by Geof Harrington.
I won my first race when I was 4 years old, the prize was a new suit, I remember to this day going to a Mr Webb at the bottom of Chasetown for it. The event was at the Chase Miners Horticulture and Sports Day. In my school I won a great many races and helped my different schools win the Victor Luduram I was only beaten once in all my school days, that was by a lad named Norman Roberts, he was twice as big as I was, but he beat me. I shall never forget his name. The one race I remember was I ran in an hurdle race, had to give one lad that much start, they wouldn’t put him over the first hurdle so they put me back 5yds behind the start I still managed to win the race but no one could understand where I had come from. Most nights my mate Ken Green and myself would race each-other round the church walk just to help keep us fit and find something to do.
While at school I was in the school football team, and was also chosen to play for the district team.
I left school at 14 which in those days was the usual leaving age, and went to work at Birmingham, where I stayed until I was called up into the RAF, one good thing about it was I had to run to the fish shop every day, and that was one way of trying to keep fit. A lot of the time when we were on nights was spent in air raid shelter, due to the bombs dropping. I was one ofthe very lucky ones when I was in the RAF as I never saw an enemy until I came back to this Country, I was always attached to Maintenance Units. Most of my time was spent in helping to building Spitfires and Thunderbolts, which meant we were never anywhere near the action, I was pleased to say.
Image generously donated by Geof Harrington.
When the war with Japan finished I was playing football for the station team Kankiara and the competition for the Generals cup was started again. This is a competition open to all South East Asia Command, not only did we enter, but we won it. The final was played at Calcuttta in front of a crowd of just over 6000, we won 2-1. The two things I remember about the semi final was the best player on our side broke his neck and I broke a small bone in my wrist, he had to be put in plaster from the top of his head to the bottom of his stomach, so he had to miss the final. I was lucky I played with an elastic bandage round my wrist, then after the final I had to have it put in plaster. I came home from India in 1947.
I could not get a job for quite a while due to the big freeze we had in 47-48, as everywhere was at a standstill. I did get a job in the finish, but by this time all the money I had off the RAF was gone.
It was about this time I started to take an interest in running again, told my uncle Jack about my running in India, but to this day I don’t think he believed me, and I had to prove to him I wasn’t telling lies. At this time in my life I didn’t think for one second I would finish up breaking a record that had stood for a 140 years, but I will come to that later on. The only place we could find to train was at the side ofthe railway track up by the Shant bridge by the Rising Sun, it was cinders and about l OOyds long. I ran between the end ofthe railway sleepers and the embankment, it was just over a couple of feet wide but it was ok as I always ran in a straight line.
The professional runners New Year Powderhall Sprint Handicap is the Blue ribbon of professional running. Some people may think a race on New Years day in the middle of winter as a foolish time of the year to race men over 130yds is silly, but an explanation here will put that point straight. Racing at new year calls for technique of the highest quality from the trainer and a strong spirit and determination from the athlete who is not long in finding out if he is strong in mind, physique and performance.
In 1948 my uncle Jack took me to run at Halifax, I was a complete novice and was cheated out of a £100 because I ran too fast, and the promoter said a novice couldn’t be as good as I was. So I had to go to the AAA at Birmingham, to prove I had never run as an amateur. This was when I was told by them, that no way would I be allowed to run for my country, because I had entered a profession race. And I was still pulled back 3yds. When I went back to Halifax the following week for the final, I came third. My uncle Jack was still set on me trying for The Powderhall Sprint. He took me up to Edinburgh on the last day ofthe year as the race was on the 1st-2nd January. I won my heat but I was beaten in the semifinal. This was January 1949.
Image generously donated by Geof Harrington.
Unknown to me at the time a gentleman from Carlisle was watching me, and it wasn’t long before he sent a letter to G. Harrington Brownhills. it’s a good job the postman knew who I was, or I would never have got it. I am pleased I did.
He wanted to know if I would be interested in going to Carlisle for a couple of months with the idea of hem training me to run for them at Powderhall. He came down to see me in the summer to talk about it, as there was a lot to consider, whether I could get the time off from work, how much they would give my wife for my loss of wages each week. We agreed on this and they said if I won they would give me £500, no matter how much they won, which to me way back in 1949 was like winning the football pools.
So I travelled up Carlisle at the start of November to start training for the race on the 1st-2nd January 1950. I thought I knew everything about running, until I met people who did it for a living, and I realised that I knew nothing.
First evening I was there I was taken to meet the gentleman who was finding the money, he was Chairman of Carlisle football club, Johnny Corriarie, he owned a big fish shop in Carlisle. Next day I went down to the football ground to have a look round, and met the great Bill Shankly who was the Manager at the time, but later with Liverpool became world famous, we remained very good friends with him until he passed away, most times when Liverpool were in the Midlands I would spend the Friday night with him.
Image generously donated by Geof Harrington.
But back to what I had come to Carlisle for… From the very first day until we went to Edinburgh on the last day ofthe year, each day was exactly the same. Get out of bed at 8 o-clock, wash and dress ready for breakfast, which was always the same, Grilled lamb chop about the size ofyour hand with a small bone about the size of your thumb nail in it. We used to call them powder hall chops. Then there was a poached egg on top. After breakfast you were sent back to bed to rest for a couple hours before going to the gym to spend half an hour on a punch ball then get massaged. Then it was back to the house for a light lunch and back to bed, until it was time to go to the track to do what ever they decided was to be done that day. I have spent above one afternoon just practicingjust getting out of my holes, · as starting blocks were not allowed by Professionals in those days. Then back home for a good hot meal and way back to bed just before 6 o’clock to rest your legs, and you were there until the next morning. This was done every day, including Xmas day and Boxing day, but you really felt fit after 2 months. Sadly after all this I pulled a muscle in the Semi-final, I ran in the final, but it proved too big a handicap and I finished third.
I came home, and went back to work, but went to a Mr. Hipkiss in Birmingham who treated my leg, I have never had any more trouble with it. So I was invited to go back the following November to try again, unknown to me my sponsor and the trainer had words but it didn’t make any difference to me as I had the same arrangement as before. This time the sponsor was also the main trainer, he was also a Powderhall winner himself. The training was the same but I was massaged a lot more, which was a good job, because in the Semi-final I was drawn against the great Australian Eric Cummings, who the day before had run 9 yards inside evens. Every one thought the race was over, but he had to give me 4 yards and I proved just that bit too good for him, but I still maintain until Bolt came on the scene he was the greatest runner I ever saw in my life.
Image generously donated by Geof Harrington.
So came the final, which was easy with Cummings out of the way, I set a new record which stood for a number of years. The record I had broken had stood for 140 years. I ran 122.5yds on an ash track covered in places by frozen water in 11.85 sec on January 2nd, which as you know is in middle of winter.
The prize money when I won was £150, today its £4000. In today’s money values I won for my sponsors very close to £250,000.
The year after I came home the Boss where I was working asked me to run an exhibition so I asked Freddy Kelly – he played centre forward for Walsall – if he would help, so we decided to run over 120yds, I gave him 9yds start, I had caught him before he had run 80yds. The comical thing about this was Alf Owen·sent Fred and myself £1 each.
A few months before I had won appox £10,000 for my two sponsors.
I ran one or two exibition races after, but never in competition.
After I finished running I turned to my old sport o f billiards and snooker. I played in the local snooker league for Ogley Hay Working Men’s Club. While playing for them I applied to for my Referees licence which I passed and became a top grade Billiard and Snooker referee.
In 1987 I was asked if I would like to referee the All England Amateur Snooker Final along with Vera Selby from Newcastle on Tyne, she was a former world champion herself. Of course I jumped at the chance, and went Bradford for a few days, which was quite enjoyable.
Later I travelled the country with The Staffs and West Midland Billiard team. To referee snooker is quite easy, but billiards is a different job, not only do you have to work with both players but have to keep two lots of numbers in your head at the same time, not just what their score is but how many different Hazards they have made.
It was just after this I was asked by Jim Chambers, a profession snooker player and Mr. John Pace another well known gentleman from Walsall if l would do the refereeing for them in Charity nights they were going to put on. They did one or two a year and this is how I got to know all the top players – Steve Davis, John Parrot, Alex Higgins, Steven Hendy, Mark Williams, Dennis Tayor, Jimmy White, Willie Thome, and lots more, not forgetting the greatest of them all Ronnie O’Sullivan, the night I refereed Ronnie he played 6 frames of snooker in 50 minutes, and had 5 breaks of between 103 and 126. My feet at the end were red hot! I also refereed John Parrot when a lad aged 10 beat him, the lad did knock in a break ofnearly 70, in fact John had my gloves of me when the lad had got up to about 30, and referee’d the game, as it was all for Charity every one enjoyed it. I can honestly say I had some great nights with them. I had finish doing it because my wife Nancy who I had been married to for 63 years had started with Vascular Dementia, so I had to help my daughter Margaret look after her. Sadly she passed away in August 2006.
I was lost for a couple of years but as we had no conversation with her for two years, I was used to the silence.
Image generously donated by Geof Harrington.
Not long after this I was asked by a friend Alan Winters why didn’t I try the Tea Dance they held at the Memorial hall on a Friday afternoon, which I did, and thanks to Yvonne and quite a lot of other people not only did I enjoy the music but the company was great. Sadly I had to finish because my legs were causing me a lot of pain, but I still take my granddaughter Trudi on a Saturday night once a month, so I still see my old friends.
I now play Short mat indoor bowls on a Monday and Wednesday afternoon and enjoy it as I only have to hobble to the end ofthe mat to deliver my bowl then sit down again. Not only do I enjoy it, but it keeps your brain working and you still try to beat the other team.
A short time ago Mrs Noke and myself applied to the Big Lottery for a grant to start a bowling club at the Memorial Hall to help people who couldn’t get to the bowls on an afternoon to come and enjoy themselves on a Tuesday night. I am pleased to say they gave us a grant of £3,100 with which we were able to start a new club, some nights we get as many 16 to 18 people enjoying themselves.
As a youth I was always taught to try to win as nobody remembers who comes second. In 1950 at Powderhall I came third but no one remembers that. I was also taught at school to treat everyone with respect and in 99 times out of a I00 you will get respect back.
Image generously donated by Geof Harrington.
When I came back to Brownhills after winning Powderhall, the Councillors at the time were so thrilled that someone had put Brownhills on the map they offered me the chose of having a new road named after me or having an Illuminated Address. I chose the later and it has hung on my wall for the last 64 years. The race was on the Gaumont British News – don’t forget TV had not long come out when I won, but my granddaughter Trudi got me a DVD of it a good many years later from America, in fact over 55 years later. But to me it was worth waiting for. Sadly my wife never saw it, as she had passed away but she was at Powderhall when I won.
I have been introduced to quite a lot of well-known people apart from the ones I have already told you about I met Larry Gains, boxing champion; Brian Bevan, Australian Rugby International; Ivor Broadis, Football English International; Mcdonald Bailey, Sprint champion; Barney Ewell, World and Olympic Sprint Champion.
In later years the two people I owe most to are my daughter and son-in-law who I could not do with-out, for my own safety they bath and shower me, and help me to dress, so you can see how I have managed to reach 93.
So as I have already written, I won my first race when I was four years old, and after 90 years I still try to be on the winning team even if it is only short mat bowling.
I know folk always complain they never caught notice of these, so this is just a note to say there are several local community littler picks coming soon, WASUP have a canal clean at Birchills Top Locak, Brchills, Walsall this weekend, Brownhills Community Wombles will be picking in Brownhills the weekend after as will Walsall Wood Wombles who will meet up for a couple of picks too.
The WASUP Walsall Canal Clean is this coming Saturday 11th January 2020, kicking off at Birchills Top Lock on the Walsall Canal (not far from Smiths Flour Mill Bridge on the Wolverhampton Road) at 10am, working down to Town Arm at the Wharf for 2pm .
The organisers say:
The aim of the day is to walk down the flight and back into the basin.
The van will start at top lock and then I’ll move it to the basin for collection of kit.
The boat will try to collect as much of the offside litter as possible.
The towpath team will have nets and poles to grab floating rubbish and litter pickers will follow them collecting from the towpath.
You can find out more at the event page here.
There’s a community litter pick event taking place in Brownhills, a week next Sunday afternoon, 19th January 2020 from 2pm until 4pm – and all are welcome. All kit will be provided! Meet on Brownhills Methodist Church car park in Silver Street.
On the same day, Sunday 19th January 2020 there will actually be two litter picks in Walsall Wood by their Womble group who will be meeting on the corner of Brookland Road and Brook Lane at 10am to do local streets and canals, then reconvening at 1pm at Walsall Wood Football Club on Oak Park to cover that area and surrounds.
In both cases pickers, bags and gloves provided. All welcome!
The Brownhills pick is being run by local lady Kathryn Grace and a band of volunteers for the benefit of the community, and Walsall Wood’s event is an initiative by top community person Teresa Webb.
You can check out The Brownhills Community Wombles Facebook page here, and there’s a Facebook page for Walsall Wood Wombles here. They’re bot great community spirited collectives and you really are welcome to pop along.
Thanks to all who participate: Real community in action.
Previous local litter pick events have been a huge success, so let’s see if we can make these even better!
Just a heads up to let folk know that the popular local autism support group ‘Supporting the Rainbow’ is meeting today (Tuesday 7th January 2020) – and there have been some changes as now the group is inaugurated as a charity in its own right.
Today they will be meeting at lunchtime from 1:30-2:30pm in the Community Centre (The old Annex, or Central Boys School), Brownhills, just off the Miner Island.
The group is open to parents and carers for those with autism, and aims to offer a welcoming, helpful and supportive network to those coping with the condition.
Supporting the Rainbow 🌈 is now an official charity affiliated with Rethink Mental Health!
After some discussions we have made some changes to our group meetings and venue: from October 8th 2019 we will be having our group meetings at Brownhills Community Centre
We have checked the venue and we have a beautiful room on the ground floor, so it makes it easier for people with pushchairs and people with disabilities to manage.
Our times will still be 1:30-2:30pm but instead of meeting every week, we will be fortnightly.
We are really looking forward to this new change and our lovely group can progress and move onward: we can look to having workshops and so much more.
The fortnightly meetings make it easier for some people who can’t come every week, and we will be having a raffle and tea and biscuits so please do come along to a warm friendly atmosphere!
From the Supporting the Rainbow 🌈 team
The group has been running for a good while now and is still growing in popularity – so why not pop along to see what it’s all about?
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