BrownhillsBob's Brownhills Blog

Just a note here of thanks to Brian Stringer and pals at Back the Track who are still beavering away converting the old South Staffordshire Railway track bed through Brownhills into a wonderful cycling and walking greenway for us all to enjoy.

Since commencing work on the boggy, rubbish-filled cutting 2 years ago, the route is now perfectly traversable from Pelsall to Newtown Bridge, Brownhills where the end of the trail is easily accessible by a set of steps and track just off the footpath on the Burntwood side of the junction.

It’s a work in progress, and still muddy in places – but incredibly dry most of the way considering the awfully wet autumn and winter we’ve had. Mud and water in a cutting are to be expected, and the folks at Back the Track have come up with a variety of neat solutions to deal with the pre-extant drainage into the trackbed, including a new, easy riding and welcome boardwalk over the worst bit.

Welcome and a lot of fun!

Where there is mud, it’s only 2-3 inches deep on top of a ballast base so rides easy once you sink in.

I rode from The Swan to Newtown at twilight, and I saw deer, foxes, birds and other wildlife, and the track was pretty smooth, perceptibly downhill and quite fast in places. It really is a fine thing.My thanks to all who have worked on this. Last week I pointed out on my 365daysofbiking journal that there was a new set of steps for access from Bullows Road by T&S – with a handy-dandy bike wheeling channel to easily get your steed up the bank.

There’s talk too of a new access being constructed soon between the cutting and the canal where it crosses via the listed Victorian aqueduct at Newtown.

A stairway to heaven, somewhere down Bullows Road. Sorry.

You can find out more about the Back the Track project on the website here and their Facebook page here – there’s also a Friends of the McLean Way Facebook page here. In case you’re wondering, the way is named after John Robinson McClean, local engineer and pretty nice Victorian bloke who did so much in the area during the industrial revolution.

http://www.facebook.com/SupportBackTheTrack/videos/177135049868496/

I’ve covered the work of this great bunch of folk before – Brian Stringer and pals started in 2017 to clear out the old railway cutting under the miner island in Brownhills and convert it into a cycling and walking route for all.

Since then, the route has been cleared from the back of the Swan pub to the Smithys Forge, is absolutely beautiful and is a great asset to the community. Central News have been to see what these dedicated volunteers have been up to.

Back the Track is a wonderful project and Brownhills should be very grateful to the volunteers and all who have worked hard to make this dream a reality.

dav

My annual Brownhills Blog New Year photo competion where mini kegs of Backyard Ale – award winning grog brewed right here in Brownhills – or books can be won has been open for a fortnight now, and at the time of posting there have been a stunning 173 entries.

I was scheduled to close at noon today but I’ll extend entries until noon Monday 6th January 2020 as I didn’t get time yesterday to warn folks the time limit was nearing.

You can see all 173 entries in the galleries above and below – just click on any image to expand it. The name of the entrant has been watermarked onto each one for clarity.

There is also a Google Pictures gallery of all entries which can be seen by clicking here which may be easier for some folk to see.

I’m aware some folk have two entries and I will filter these in the next week by contacting the entrant to select their favoured image, and remove the second so it’s fair.

Also if you’ve entered and you entry hasn’t made it to the gallery, don’t despair – give me a shout before next Sunday (12th January 2020) when I’ll pass the finished gallery to the judges.

Please send in – either by posting on facebook, twitter or emailing me – one photo you’re proud of that represents they year past for you or the season. Get cracking, entries are open now until noon, Monday 6th January 2020.

It doesn’t have to be Brownhills, as many of you live away from the hallowed town now, and anyone can enter. Pictures should be from this past year if possible, and should be positive, non political and above all, taken by you or a member of your family you represent.

Last year there were several attempts to post images that weren’t original, and one was trying to make a social point: I reserve the right to disregard such entries. This is a positive gesture from my own pocket so please play fair!

I’m not looking for the next David Bailey (ask your ma) so if you’re not technical, or only have an old phone, that’s cool. It’s content and capture that matters.

I’ll keep the competition open until noon on Sunday, 5th January 2020 when a panel of me and a panel yet to be assembled will decide which we like and award prizes.

Each judge will pick one winner and one runner up.

Remember, just one picture per person is allowed, otherwise we get swamped with whole galleries!

Our decision will be final and this is all intended as fun, so don’t get heavy. Ask previous winners though, the prizes are real!

Send them to BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com, @BrownhillsBob on twitter or post to the Facebook group.

Best of luck!

Chasewater trotting track – the stadium many will remember derelict – never achieved the elusive success hoped for. Image from ‘Memories of Brownhills Past’ by Clarice Mayo and Geoff Harrington.

One recurrent theme I get when discussing Chasewater’s recent history as a public amusement venue from the 1950 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.

However, it wasn’t so lovely for the authorities, who quickly realised they had a huge, self made problem. 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.

The park soon acquired all the gimcrack attractions that were originally pooh-poohed like funfairs, amusement arcades and bingo, and festivals and events held there made massive losses for what was then a tiny council and district.

#OTD 1971: Do you know a trotter from a pacer? Brownhills was betting on trotting bringing some Ben-Hur thrills to the West-Midlands pic.twitter.com/eaqZHSNCrk

— BBC Archive (@BBCArchive) August 18, 2017

Tied up with the attempts to breathe life into a clearly dead venture, Brownhills Council positively encouraged the creation of the ill-fated trotting track many of us remember just off Pool Road, demolished in the 1990s. The track was never a commercial success, and having tried its hand and failed with motorbike racing, fell into decline and abandonment without ever achieving the promised success.

I found this article from the September 2nd 1970 Birmingham Post in the news archives last week, discussing the creation of the trotting track. There are some interesting snippets in the piece, the first was that the park was sustaining losses of £20,000 a year – that was £2 for every borough citizen, which is actually a massive loss for the authority, positively eye-watering for the day. Secondly, what of the plan to build a zoo on the south shore? Never heard that before.

Council agrees to £250,000 trotting stadium
Birmingham Post Brownhills Staff
2nd September 1970

A North Wales business man is hoping to open a £250,000 trotting stadium with clubhouse, restaurant and bar facilities, on the east shore of Chasewater at Brownhills, early next year.

Aldridge-Brownhills Urban Council has approved plans by Mr. Albert Gubnay managing director of Prestatyn Raceways Ltd. for a  35 acre stadium with 400 horse boxes and a grandstand to seat 3,000 people.

Mr. Gubay, aged 44, who  owns a North Wales supermarket chain, is expecting to  receive final approval from Staffordshire County Council very soon.

He hopes work on the stadium will be able to start later this month, ready for an official opening next Easter.

His plans include a clubhouse to accommodate 500 people, a restaurant to seat 240 and three large bars.

Councillors at Aldridge-Brownhills have backed the proposal because they feel it will give a much needed boost to the lake as a recreation centre.

It is hoped that the stadium will help the council to cut its annual losses of £20,000 on Chaseswater.

Coun. Jonah Deakin, chairman of the Council’s Chasewater Committee, yesterday described the scheme as ‘a marvellous tourist attraction.’

He said the stadium would have added advantages for the area because it had been agreed that schools and local clubs would be able to use it for sporting events when it was not required for trotting races.

Mr. Gubay’s agent, Mr. Oscar Johnson, a Walsall businessman, said yesterday that Mr. Gubay had attempted to open a similar stadium at Wasall but the plans had fallen through.

Price settled

He added: ‘A lease price for the Chasewater site has been settled with the District Valuer and the project looks like going ahead. We would hope to hold two events each week throughout the summer from next Easter onwards.’A marvellous tourist attraction

Mr. Gubay is the second developer to show an Interest in Chasewater in recent months. In June, a Scarborough businessman, Mr. Donald Robinson, applied to build a £250,000 zoo and adventure park on the lake’s southern shore.

Aldridge-Brownhilis councillors are waiting for him to outline his plans in detail betore they decide whether to support the scheme.

We’ve covered the trotting track a lot here over the years, and again, many folk have fond memories of working or visiting the trotting Stadium I had thought was a sole project of  Oscar Johnson.

The BBC archive have previously published a short Nationwide TV clip from 1971 about the opening of the Chasewater Trotting Track which makes an odd claim about stadiium capacity but is actually local history gold. I feature it above.

If you have any comments, post them here, catch me on social media or mail me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail do com. Cheers.

If you, the kids are grandkids are at a loose end today, since the weather seems 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 we have a lot of running folk amongst the readership, and in the mass of volunteer, community organised stuff in recent years, one of the most impressive demonstrations of this has been the growth of the free, Saturday morning Parkrun phenomena, where volunteers and runners gather every Saturday in local parks for a run, totally free of charge.

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 (4th 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.

Sorry folks stay and play at Brownhills Community Centre isn’t on this weekend (Saturday 4th January 2020) but returns next week at the usual time (Saturday 11th January 2020.

Thanks all.

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 being set up in Brownhills by Walsall Healthy Spaces Team who will be organising 90 minute walks every Wednesday 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?

Here’s one I’ve been meaning to catch for a while, but always seem to miss somehow – the periodic Toy and Train Collectors Fair at Oak Park Leisure Centre, Walsall Wood.

This one runs this Sunday, 6th January 2020 from 10:30am until 3pm, and is just £2 entry for adults, £1:70 for OAPs and just a quid for the kids.

There will be over 80 stalls, with all manner of models, toy trains, toy cars and other collectibles, and there’s also a cafe on site.

The organisers said:

WALSALL WOOD TOY AND TRAIN COLLECTORS FAIR

OAK PARK ACTIVE LIVING CENTRE, WALSALL WOOD – SUNDAY 6th JANUARY, 2019

The first Toy and Train Collectors Fair for 2019 returns to the Oak Park Active Living Centre, Coppice Road, Walsall Wood (WS8 7DG) on Sunday 6^th January. 

Established by local collectors Geoff and Linda Price from Walsall over 28 years ago the event is still as popular as ever.

Over 80 tables are again fully booked offering a great selection of toy cars, trains, buses, commercials etc. alongside other collectible toys, lego, action figures, books, jigsaws plus lots more old and new.

Doors open 10.30am – 3pm.   Admission is Adults £2 – Children £1.00. Additional car parking is available on the old Leisure Centre site only a 3 minute walk.  Bring along any unwanted items you may have to sell as Traders are always keen to buy.

Further details: 01922 643385.

Transtar Promotions

You can find out more at the website of the organisers, Transtar Promotions here or by calling them on 01922 643385.

I know we have a lot of running folk amongst the readership, and in the mass of volunteer, community organised stuff in recent years, one of the most impressive demonstrations of this has been the growth of the free, Saturday morning Parkrun phenomena, where volunteers and runners gather every Saturday in local parks for a run, totally free of charge.

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!

There is a bonus event today, New Years Day (Wednesday 1st January 2020) at the hangover friendly time of 10:30am – just the thing to blow away the morning after cobwebs!

The organisers said:

HAPPY NEW YEAR, HAPPY NEW YEAR
(Acknowledgement to Sweden’s best “Middle Of The Road” cardigan models of the late 1970s, early 1980s)

We are looking forward to having you join us tomorrow for our first New Year’s Day parkrun at Chasewater. A big “Thank You” to our team of volunteers, as without them we wouldn’t have been able to put the event on.

The biggest “Thank You” needs to go to to our Event Director, Diane, who has been the driving force in getting a parkrun at Chasewater in 2019. This event wouldn’t have happened without Diane’s hard work over many months.
#thankyoudiane

We respectfully request that people are quiet during the pre-event briefing so that everyone can hear what has to be said, as we do expect to have a large number of first-time runners/tourists joining us. If you are still worse for wear from tonight’s celebrations do not drive. It’s not worth it. If you are doing a “Double” and are joining us after doing an earlier parkrun, please do not drive like Lewis Hamilton to get here in time.

We do get deer and cows on the course, so please be aware and treat them, and all other park users with respect. We do not have the right of way over anyone else.

U11’s -. You must be within arms reach of your responsible adult at all times. If the said adult is tired, grumpy or complaining about a headache, please make as much noise around them as possible. They’ll really appreciate it. Trust us.

Dogs – You are welcome to run with a dog. One dog per runner, on as short a lead as possible. Please be aware we may be busier than usual.

First Timers – If you are unsure where to start, may we suggest you start towards the back of the field and work your way through as needed. Thank You.

Shoes – Road shoes will be fine. The majority of the course is on tarmac and concrete paths. The gravel paths are well compacted, however, there may be the odd puddle and bit of mud about.

Please remember it’s a friendly run, jog or walk with friends. It’s not a race or The Olympics. Relax and enjoy it.

Parking is £1 for 2 hours. Payment is by Cash Only. The machines do not have card or payment by text facilities.

Please only park on the designated car park and not the grass verges, access roads or the spaces reserved for business at the units. Don’t “chance it”, as you will get a ticket and your behaviour runs the risk of Chasewater withdrawing their permission for parkrun.

Enjoy your run with us and DON’T FORGET YOUR BARCODE!

See you in the morning and enjoy your New Year’s Eve

Many Thanks

Also…

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.

What a lovely thing. Image kindly supplied by Seth Weber. Click for a full size version.

An intriguing one here from reader Seth Weber – I’m not sure where he resides exactly, but his mother grew up in Brooklyn, New York during the war and had a penfriend Eileen Anslow, who lived on the Pleck Road in Walsall.

Seth is trying to trace Eileen or her family if possible – I’m wondering if the Anslow boys may be some assistance here? If not there are plenty of local history sleuths and archive diggers who I feel may be at a loose end who may like this one and be able to help.

Seth wrote:

Bob,

My mother grew up in Brooklyn, New York.

During World War II she exchanged letters with a Walsall resident, Eileen Anslow, on Darlaston Rd.

Attached you will find photos of the letters. I tried some amateur sleuthing to find Ms. Anslow or relatives just to see if they are interested in seeing the letters after 75 years.

I was not as successful as I would wish.

Hoping maybe your blog or Facebook page members might aid in the search.

Merry Christmas.

Cheers,
Seth Weber

I include the letter images as supplied.

Thanks to Seth for a fascinating enquiry. I really hope we can help you my friend.

If you can assist, please do: Comment here on this post, mail me on BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot Com or hit me up on social media.

Thanks everyone!

Image kindly supplied by Seth Weber. Click for a full size version.

Image kindly supplied by Seth Weber. Click for a full size version.

If you look, all the clues are there.

Just a quick heads up to a great series on YouTube by a man very familiar to local canal fans: Andy Tidy, proprietor of the Jam Butty, a boat selling preserves that will be recognised by anyone attending a local canal event.

You can subscribe here – there are already a lot of great episodes, including one on the lost Slough Arm in Brownhills (see foot of post).

Thanks to all who alerted me to this – it’s a fab thing. Peter ‘Pedro’ Cutler and Dave Hodgkinson snagged me first, and I thank them. This one is particularly interesting locally as Andy dresses the question of subsidence around the Black Cock Bridge.

I think Andy’s clearly read my articles on the matter, but he does spot something we didn’t – the bricked up jacking holes in the bridge wall, and also the kink in the water pipe. Brilliant observation. I salute him for that. Superb.

You can read my articles on the Black Cock at this link and the second at this one here. Top marks also for not repeating the unfeasible myth about the houses sinking.

While there has clearly been a lot of subsidence there, it’s not nearly as severe and the legend overstates how it works somewhat. I like that the film sidesteps that and looks at the physical evidence.

My congratulations to Andy for a lovely, beautifully produced and informative film. I commend you to subscribe.

If you, the kids are grandkids are at a loose end today, since the weather has improved 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

Well, the traditional Brownhills Blog New Year photo competion where mini kegs of Backyard Ale – award winning grog brewed right here in Brownhills – or books can be won has been open a week, and despite a hiccup with Facebook, as of the time of posting there have been 115 entries – and it’s not to late to enter!

You can see all 115 entries in the galleries above and below – just click on any image to expand it. Thename of the entrant has been watermarked onto each one for clarity.

Please send in – either by posting on facebook, twitter or emailing me – one photo you’re proud of that represents they year past for you or the season. Get cracking, entries are open now until next weekend.

It doesn’t have to be Brownhills, as many of you live away from the hallowed town now, and anyone can enter. Pictures should be from this past year if possible, and should be positive, non political and above all, taken by you or a member of your family you represent.

Last year there were several attempts to post images that weren’t original, and one was trying to make a social point: I reserve the right to disregard such entries. This is a positive gesture from my own pocket so please play fair!

I’m not looking for the next David Bailey (ask your ma) so if you’re not technical, or only have an old phone, that’s cool. It’s content and capture that matters.

I’ll keep the competition open until noon on Sunday, 5th January 2020 when a panel of me and a panel yet to be assembled will decide which we like and award prizes.

Each judge will pick one winner and one runner up.

Remember, just one picture per person is allowed, otherwise we get swamped with whole galleries!

Our decision will be final and this is all intended as fun, so don’t get heavy. Ask previous winners though, the prizes are real!

Send them to BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com, @BrownhillsBob on twitter or post to the Facebook group.

Best of luck!

I know we have a lot of running folk amongst the readership, and in the mass of volunteer, community organised stuff in recent years, one of the most impressive demonstrations of this has been the growth of the free, Saturday morning Parkrun phenomena, where volunteers and runners gather every Saturday in local parks for a run, totally free of charge.

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 (28th December 2019) at 9:00am and there is a bonus event on New Years Day (Wednesday 1st January 2020) at the hangover friendly time of 10:30am – just the thing to blow away the morning after cobwebs!

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.

Walsall Wood Colliery, no doubt as Ken Hampton would have recalled it. Taken from ‘Coal Mining in Walsall Wood, Brownhills and Aldridge’ by Brian Rollins and Walsall Local History Centre.

Reader C Goodwin has been in touch to ask me to inform the blog community that her uncle Ken Hampton has sadly passed away at the age of 84 in Australia.

Ken was a miner from Walsall Wood and son of Fred and Elizabeth Hampton.

My uncle Ken Hampton, son of Fred and Elizabeth Hampton of Brownhills, passed away at home in Western Australia on the 11th of December aged 84 years.

He and his wife Barbara and two children Jacqueline and Peter emigrated in the early 1960s.

He will be fondly remembered by friends and workmates from the pit at Walsall Wood.

Shortly after the birth of  Jacqueline he an Barbara moved to Sheffield and then made the bold decision to start a new life in Australia. He had a wonderful life out there and had no regrets about his decision to move half way across the world.

He came back to England just twice to visit relatives.

He leaves a widow, Barbara, and a large extended family and he will be sadly missed.

My sincerest condolences to Ken’s family and friends, and my gratitude to C Goodwin for letting us know.

If you remember Ken or the Hampton family, please do comment here, mail me on BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com or catch up with me on social media.

Christmas in Birmingham was an unusual riot of colour this year.

I’m just going to take time here to say a few words to wish all the readers, supporters and friends of the Brownhills blog – as well as those in our wider community – a very merry Christmas and a happy, prosperous and above all, peaceful 202o.

This year has seen the realisation of something I always wanted to achieve but never could – thanks to Susan Forster, Dawn Hayton and others, Brownhills now has a Christmas Tree for the first time in years – and jolly beautiful it looks too. We have this precisely because people worked hard to achieve the aim and just got down to it; my thanks to all who donated, too. This is community at work.

A personal dream came true thanks to dedicated people: Tom Cavanagh really deserves some kind of award for this beautiful image featuring Brownhills first Christmas tree in a decade.

Also demonstrating great community have been Back the Track – Brian Stringer, Bob Cooper, Tim Kitchen, Micheal Roseblade, Barry Roberts and others who have worked so hard on the principle that it’s quicker to act in haste and apologise than first seek permission, and just gone ahead and turned a stinking, rubbish filled rail cutting into a beautiful greenway through the heart of Brownhills. We could all learn from these people. They are stars.

Add to this all the fantastic litter picking work done by local Wombles groups and by other enterprises at the Community Centre and elsewhere, and it’s clear to see that will live in a place with a thriving sense of community. It’s beautiful and inspirational to see.

It’s been a year of ups and downs for me, and one which has, through necessity and tiredness mainly, seen me ease up on the posting rate on the blog. I’m not getting any younger, and I must admit juggling everything – work, the family, other social media and the blog – takes it’s toll on me and I’ve not been in the best of health for much of the year.

After a decade of this I hope I can be excused a little indolence.

But that aside, we’ve continued to find great history and document a bustling community here on the Brownhills Blog with the aid of all the lovely collaborators, contributors and commentators who enjoy sharing the history we shine a light upon.

Since it’s Christmas, I once more feel the loss of the Plastic Hippo, his and my great pal Mark Blackstock, Janey Hatfield and now the very individual Stuart Williams – grief which still makes continuing to write here difficult. All were good friends or online pals and left this place and me personally much emptier for their passing. It is in their memory and on their shoulders I continue.

Walsall Wood St. Johns is always gorgeous at Christmas, too.

David and Simon Evans, Peter Cutler, Andy Dennis, Gerald Reece, Ian Pell and others have as ever been sterling in their support. I may not always show it but the work they put in is huge and I owe to them the continued success of this thing. Thanks lads.

Don’t worry, I’m (still) going nowhere and there’s still plenty of good stuff in the bag to come.

The 365daysofbiking journal has now settled into a new primary home on WordPress following my concerns about the future of Tumblr, its original host. Both sites will continue in parallel for the foreseeable, as to my surprise, a huge number of active followers still use Tumblr. Having the journal in parallel on WordPress is easy with some online magic via IFTTT and an instance on WordPress gives me more control over what is now a huge archive. Hopefully the dual existence is bringing 365daysofbiking it to a wider audience. 

Finally, my huge gratitude to you all out there for all you have done: My amazingly tolerant family and many close on and offline pals this year have, as always, supported me through choppy waters, kept me sane and focussed when the pressure has been on and helped in all kinds of ways. I’d particularly thank Linda, Phil, Richard and Susan who help manage the herd of cats that is the Facebook group and real world presence when required. How they cope I have no idea. They are wonderful folk.

I raise my glass here and now to good friends, both here and absent, and to a lovely, wonderful community I’m so, so proud to try and help.

I never thought I’d still be here today. Thank you.

Just a quick headsup for one that’s been on my to-do list for well, ever. There’s a book out that falls into an unusual category, by a notable local teacher: Old friend of the blog Eryl Powell of Watling Street School – and it’s actually that rare beast, local fiction!

 Gloria the Ghost of Watling Street is a great read and I can highly recommend it – and if you have a kindle, you can read it right now! Otherwise, it’s a pocket-pleasing £2.99 from Amazon – you can get your copy be clicking the link here.

I’ve just today read it and it’s rather excellent – do give it a go. I hope Eryl is writing more!

If you order a copy, why not let readers know what you think? Comment here, mail me on BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com or tug my sleeve on social media.

@019’s spring seems an age away now, but the year for me meant discovering again places from my youth – like Lower Avenue near Brewood.

Hey folks – regulars here will know that over Christmas and new year on the Brownhills Blog we normally have a quiz or photo competition where mini kegs of Backyard Ale – award winning grog brewed right here in Brownhills – or books can be won.

Please send in – either by posting on facebook, twitter or emailing me – one photo you’re proud of that represents they year past for you or the season. Get cracking, entries are open right now.

It doesn’t have to be Brownhills, as many of you live away from the hallowed town now, and anyone can enter. Pictures should be from this past year if possible, and should be positive, non political and above all, taken by you or a member of your family you represent.

Last year there were several attempts to post images that weren’t original, and one was trying to make a social point: I reserve the right to disregard such entries. This is a positive gesture from my own pocket so please play fair!

I’m not looking for the next David Bailey (ask your ma) so if you’re not technical, or only have an old phone, that’s cool. It’s content and capture that matters.

I’ll keep the competition open until noon on Sunday, 5th January 2020 when a panel of me and a panel yet to be assembled will decide which we like and award prizes.

Each judge will pick one winner and one runner up.

Remember, just one picture per person is allowed, otherwise we get swamped with whole galleries!

Our decision will be final and this is all intended as fun, so don’t get heavy. Ask previous winners though, the prizes are real!

Send them to BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com, @BrownhillsBob on twitter or post to the Facebook group.

Best of luck!

I forgot we had a bit of snow last January. Suitably festive!

Hey folks just a quick word.

To all who read and contribute (especially Mr. Eavns) to the blog, please accept my apologies for the reduced service in the last couple of weeks. Work is very busy (dreaded B word causing additional preparation work) and with end of year financial stuff being very complicated, I’ve not had much time.

Both the blog and 365days have got a wee bit behind. So sorry.

With the break I’ll be catching up. There will be the new year photo competition, lots of local history and all the usual things you love.

I did warn you I would have to slow down a bit – and I have. I don’t have the boundless energy I did, but there’s still great stuff to come.

In the mean time, stay tuned and I hope your preparations for the festivities are going well.

Best wishes and apologies
Bob

Have a nice old film while you wait. Am I the only one who remembers this, waiting for Tiswas on a Saturday in the 70s?

If you, the kids are grandkids are at a loose end today, since the weather has improved 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

Kieran would no doubt recognise the Ogley Road today that he remembers from his childhood. Imagery from Apple Maps.

Here’s a lovely one for Christmas that reaches me from reader Helen, who received a letter addressed to her house las week, totally out of the blue. It’s a lovely thing and I’d love readers to discuss this and share what memories that can.

The sender of the letter – Kieran Egleston is now resident in County Neath, Ireland but was born here on a snowy day in 1952, to an immigrant family who were clearly welcomed into the community.

He wrote this beautiful letter:

Please click for a larger version.

The Occupier

xx Ogley Road
Brownhills

Sir/Madam

I was born in your house in 1952 my mum always said she was so scared because it was snowing and her midwife would not be able to get through to here – however, she got through and I survived.

My mom and dad arrived in Brownhills about 1952 with a four year old girl, Carmel, my sister.

They had been so poor they didn’t even have enough money to cover their rations.

My dad was a civil engineer but he took a job at a local school as a maths teacher.

My dad was very sociable but The Brownhills people took this little family to it’s heart.

You know this was a pit town, his buddies brought him ‘down pit’ which I don’t think he enjoyed as they had to follow the seams which were very narrow.

The locals embarrassed this little Irish family who were very poor.

The locals used to bring my father to local football. Games between Wolves and Walsall.

I was 67 yesterday but I will never forget the kindness of the people of Brownhills. Your house seems to have been very state of the art  public housing at the time with a bath house in the rear. At the time there were no pithead showers. How a non-miner, my dad, got an occupancy of your house is a mystery to me but I can only put it down to local kindness.

If you want to share this little note with anybody/local newspaper, I agree.

Kieran Egleston.

Navan,
Co. Neath,
Ireland.

Please folks, I’d love to assemble a bunch of memories and thoughts on this to send back to Kieran.

Do you remember this Irish family who moved into Ogley Road? Do you recall Kieren or Carmel? Did you go to the football with their dad?

If you can help, please do: Comment here, mail me on BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com or tug my coat on social media please.

My huge thanks to Helen for sharing such a beautiful thing.

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 21st December 2019 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.

Come along to this weeks Stay&Play our final play of 2019!

We’re having a party! With party games and lots of fun ⛄️🎄

We have snowman shaving foam ⛄️

We will be creating Christmas crafts in our creative area 🌲

Decorating Christmas biscuits 🍪

We will have real foods to Make Christmas dinners in our role-play kitchen 🥕🥔

Also we have the cozy book area, the small world area and the construction zone… 🔨 🚧 .

Let your friends know and bring them along ..

This group is suitable for 6 years and under 

(I’m afraid we can’t have older children in group)
£3 per child snack included 🍎

See you all Saturday…

This group is held at Little Green Dragons Day Nursery every Saturday morning …

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.

Just a headsup to point out there’s a Big Bounce family fun event taking place at Walsall College Hub (right on the ring road in Walsall, opposite Tesco) this Saturday (21st December 2019) and at Oak Park Active Living Centre Walsall Wood this coming Monday (23rd December 2019) with other fixtures during the Christmas holiday in towns across the local area – see the flyer above.

It’s £5.99 per participant for early online bookings, £6.99 close to the event and £7.99 on the door, with spectators in at £1. It runs from 2-3:30pm.

This time around there are three sessions – 10:30am – 12:00pm, 12:15pm-1.45pm and a special family session where adults can join in from 2:00pm until 3:30pm.

There will be rides, inflatables, slides, rockin’ rodeo reindeer rides and all kinds of supervised fun.

The organisers said:

It’s NOT just the Kids having all the FUN at our Christmas #BigBounce events. The Adults are bouncing too on our Family sessions (always the last one of the day).

Tickets selling fast for all our upcoming dates before & during the Christmas holidays

Christmas Indoor Arena Big Bounce for Primary school aged Children & their siblings from toddlers -12 years + Family session for Moms & Dads to Play with the children too!!
Tickets available online @ www.BigBounceEvents.co.uk or on the door (subject to availability).

Moms & Dads can now join in the bouncing fun in our Family session at 2pm, an adult wristband must be purchased to participate.

An Arena filled with Inflatable wipeout games, our NEW Free fall Jump, Huge Slides, Assault courses and more to Play, Bounce, Slide, Race & have loads of fun!

Christmas fun includes Ride-on Rudolph & Bouncy Winter Wonderland Snow Globe + our new under 5’s area.

We strongly advise pre-booking, as once all tickets are sold we will not allow payment on the door. Take advantage of our EarlyBird Discounts by clicking this link:

www.ticketsource.co.uk/BigBounce

We have 3 sessions* to enable more youngsters to enjoy the fun!

Kids Only 10.30am – 12
Kids Only 12.15pm – 1.45pm
Kids & Parents together 2- 3.30pm

*Crystal Leisure centre run 4 sessions

Children Must be accompanied by a supervising adult, Adults may be responsible for upto 5 children.

Adults are not allowed on the equipment except on the last session (If they’ve paid for a wristband) 

It’s good to see the Moivation Hub in Walsall Wood going from strength to strength – this wonderful facility for those with learning disabilities or other special needs fills a real local gap in provision and provides a warm, safe and welcoming atmosphere for folk to socialise, learn and hang out.

This Friday (20th December 2019) from 10:30am until noon, there will be a festive mince pie and coffee morning with a prize raffle too!

All this takes place at the Hub’s premises in the former Youth Club behind Walsall Wood Primary School at Streets Corner Walsall Wood – Call Suzanne Sant for more information on 07388 553615‬ or email her on santsuzanne@yahoo.com – you can also check out the Motivation Hub’s Facebook page here.

Just a heads up to let folk know that the popular local autism support group ‘Supporting the Rainbow’ is meeting today (Tuesday 17th December 2019) – and this is also a good chance to point out that this Saturday they also have a Christmas Fete in support of the charity at Brownhills Commounity Centre, too.

Today Supporting the Rainbow 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?

Then on Saturday 21st December 2019 from 12:30-4:30pm, there will be a great Christmas Fete planned at the same venue in aid of the group, with all the usual favourites – as one of the last such events of the season locally this could be a really good chance to pick up tose last minute gifts of enjoy a little festive cheer before the chaos starts…

If you, the kids are grandkids are at a loose end today, since the weather has improved 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

Just a heads up that there’s a Christmas Craft Fair this Sunday (15th December 2019) at Burntwood Rugby Club.

It runs from 11am until 3pm, is free to enter and all the usual stuff will be there including  over twenty stalls, crafts, refreshments and all manner of great stuff for all the family. Free glass of mulled wine to all over 18 visitors – and there will be pulled pork and stuffing baps available throughout the event. What’s not to love?

Could be just the thing if you’re looking for a unique Christmas present or two…

Burntwood Rugby Club, The Sportsway, Burntwood WS7 3PH.

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 14th December 2019 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.

Come along to this weeks Stay&Play 🌈

We have dinosaur ice play! 🦖

We will be creating Christmas crafts in our creative area 🌲

We will have real foods to Make Christmas dinners in our role-play kitchen 🥕🥔

Also we have the cozy book area the small world area and the construction 🔨 🚧 … lets your friends know and bring them along ..

This group is suitable for 6 years and under ❄️
(I’m afraid we can’t have older children in group)
£3 per child snack included 🍎

Feel free to invite your friends with children and share our events

See you all Saturday…

This group is held at Little Green Dragons Day Nursery every Saturday morning …

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.

Stephen Sutton: An inspiration to us all. Image: Shropshire Star.

Pretty much every week I like to give Chasewater’s own Parkrun a plug – that’s the free to enter, social Saturday morning run organised totally by volunteers, part of the hugely popular national Parkrun phenomena.

Well, this week (Saturday 14th December 2019) Chasewater Parkrun is going yellow, and is rather special – I’ll let the organisers explain: This week it’s all for a great cause.

Stephen Sutton M.B.E., Big Yellow parkrun 2019
14th December 2019

We are extremely proud and excited to announce an event in honour of the most inspiring people to ever come from the area.

Stephen’s Story is the stuff of legends. It is both inspirational and uplifting. Stephen’s effort has now resulted in nearly £6 million for Teenage Cancer Trust.

So if you are coming to support a loved one, want to support the event but don’t fancy running / jogging /walking, on the injured list or saving yourself to take on Eliud Kipchoge in 2020 please come and lend a hand.

Huge thanks to Stephen’s Mum, Jane, who has kindly agreed for us to have the event In Stephens’s Name.

Jane will be starting the run and running with us on the day.

If you need further encouragement Jane is also providing Mince Pies as a Thank You to everyone who turns up. However, we think it’s only fair that if you have one you make a donation!

You don’t want to miss this one!

This is a fantastic thing for a great cause and it’s sure to be an uplifting, wonderful experience for all involved. That so much good should come from such tragic loss is so inspirational.

My best wishes and thanks to all taking part. Run it like you nicked the trainers, folks!

More info about Chasewater Parkrun from my usual weekly post:

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 (14th December 2019) 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.

Here’s an important one – Brownhills has started its own Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings at Silver Street Methodist Church in Silver Street, Brownhills that take place this and every Tuesday (10th December 2019) from 7:30pm until 9pm.

I’m told the previous meetings were very well attended.

All are welcome. Parking is free, the venue is wheelchair friendly and can be found at Silver Street, Brownhills, Walsall WS8 6ER.

This is a welcome move as Brownhills has been lacking in this area for many years.

My best wishes to all attendees, and all are welcome.

If you, the kids are grandkids are at a loose end today, since the weather has improved 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

Also, a late one I just remembered – there’s a Christmas Fair running at the Horse and Jockey, Walsall Wood tonight (Saturday) until 6pm and Sunday (8th December 2019) 10-4pm.

All the usual stuff and of course, a bar! What’s not to love?

We are holding a xmas market for local crafters to sell their goods along with Santa in his grotto…
Drinks and food
raffles
sale stalls
music
bar
all under cover…

I know we have a lot of running folk amongst the readership, and in the mass of volunteer, community organised stuff in recent years, one of the most impressive demonstrations of this has been the growth of the free, Saturday morning Parkrun phenomena, where volunteers and runners gather every Saturday in local parks for a run, totally free of charge.

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 (7th December 2019) 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.