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Tag Archives: Canal
Find out about the restoration of our lost canal next Friday!
Just a quick note to point out that the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust are holding their Annual General Meeting next Friday nevening (Friday, 9th June 2017) in Brownhills, at the Parkview Centre (the old Council House on the Miner Island), and all are welcome to attend.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2015, 2017, 9 June, AGM, Barracks Lane, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Cross City Line, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Parkview Centre, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, The Boat, Things to do, trust, Twitter, Wildlife
1 Comment
Beware: Lady intimidated at Chasewater Heath
I note in the last couple of days a worrying report of a lady being followed by a male behaving oddly on Chasewater North Heath, and post the following to warn dog walkers, particularly other women, to.beware.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 2017, 25 May, appeal, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Council, crime, Events, followed, footpath, incident, intimidation, Lichfield, local blogs, north heath, Police, Railway, Walsall
3 Comments
Brownhills Canalside Festival 2017 cancelled
It’s with some sadness that today I share the news that there will be no Canalside Festival in Brownhills this summer.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community
Tagged 2017, bands, Brownhillls, Brownhills, Canal, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, Events, Festival, gig, Live, music, required, Tesco, Things to do
6 Comments
A great chance for tea and cake in a great country canalside garden this afternoon!
I know it’s late on but there’s a great even going on in Whittington this afternoon (Saturday, 15th April 2017) in aid of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust ‘Tunnel Vision’ appeal – Eric and Doreen’s All Day Easter Coffee Morning.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 15 April, 2017, All, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Coffee Morning, Cycle rides, cycling, day, Derelict, Doreen, Easter, Eric, Facebook, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Parkview Centre, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, Things to do, trust, Tunnel Vision, Twitter, Wildlife
1 Comment
Have a great night out – and support a great local canal project!
Tom Reid from the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust has been in touch to let us know about their annual Spring show, taking place at Whittington Village Hall on Friday, April 7th 2017.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2017, 7 April, Barracks Lane, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Parkview Centre, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Spring Show, Staffordshire, Summerhill, Things to do, trust, Tunnel Vision, Twitter, Wildlife
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Beware: Indecent exposure incident at canal near Clayhanger
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news yet again, but just a heads up that there’s been an indecent exposure incident near the canal in Clayhanger today (Tuesday, 7th March 2017).
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 2017, appeal, Brownhills, Canal, Clayhanger, crime, Events, exposure, flasher, incident, Indecent, indecent exposure, Lichfield, local blogs, March, Police, Walsall
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Get tunnel vision and help with a great local history preservation project!
Tom Reid from the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust has been in touch to let us know about the launch of their Tunnel Vision appeal, which has been established to raise funds in order to construct a canal tunnel under the railway near Lichfield.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2016, Barracks Lane, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, cycling, December 3, Derelict, Facebook, guided walk, Hatherton, John Suchet, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Parkview Centre, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, The Boat, Things to do, trust, Tunnel Vision, Twitter, Wildlife
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A message about the 2017 Brownhills Canal Festival from Brian Stringer…
Brownhills activist, local author, top bloke and Clayhanger Kid himself, Brian Stringer has dropped me a line to share with readers important information about thus year’s Brownhills Canalside Festival, which will be undergoing a change of date and organiser this year.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community
Tagged 2017, bands, Brownhillls, Brownhills, Canal, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, Events, Festival, gig, Live, music, Tesco, Things to do
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A found connection
Way back last year, Patricia Cotton sent in the above photo of her brother Tony, family friends Dora Rathbone and her son Bob enjoying a picnic and a paddle in 1955 by the canal in Brownhills, aroundabout where the banks of the old clay pit are today.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 1955, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chris Pattison, Clayhanger, Company, Cotton, Dave Moore, Derelict, Dora, Gerald Reece, Hemming, Jolly Collier, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Morturn, New Photos, Old maps, Patricia Cotton, Pedro, Pumping, Rathbone, Reservoir, Sandfields, Shire Oak, South Staffordshire, Staffordshire, Station, surge stack, Things to do, ventilator, Walsall, Water, Water tower, Waterwoks
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New year quiz 2017: part two for the explorers…
Right, here’s the second half of the Brownhills Blog New Year Quiz 2017 – these questions are for those who can explore the area and have a nose around – the first set were released yesterday, and are for those who may be unable to explore or just prefer to research their answers online.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2017, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, Events, Lichfield, Local History, New Photos, New Year, part 2, prize, quiz, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Wood
84 Comments
New year quiz 2017: part one for the researchers…
Well, much earlier than last year, hopefully for a wider audience I can now present the first half of the 2017 Brownhills Blog New Year prize quiz!
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2017, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, Events, Lichfield, Local History, New Photos, New Year, prize, quiz, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Wood
35 Comments
The Electric Movie
I’ve been asking for years for more material on Crabtree and other local factories, as I’m sure there’s an untapped and rich seem of material to be found from these great lost local employers – but sadly little has emerged.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Features, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged 1954, 1976, aerial photo, April, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Crabtree, Crabtree Society, Fred Butler, Lichfield Road, Line, Local History, MCB, Mike Blakeway, New Photos, production, Redevelopment, Staffordshire, Superalloys, video
7 Comments
Find out about a great local canal restoration with a guided walk this Saturday!
Tom Reid from the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust has been in touch to let us know about the organised walk of the SUmmerhill section that’s taking place this Saturday, 3rd December 2016.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2016, Barracks Lane, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, cycling, December 3, Derelict, Facebook, guided walk, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Parkview Centre, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, The Boat, Things to do, trust, Twitter, Wildlife
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Huge progress being made on local canal restoration
Tom Reid from the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust has been in touch to let us know about the progress they’re making in opening up the former canal towpath as a walking route between Barracks Lane and Summerhill, aided by corporate volunteers.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged Barracks Lane, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Parkview Centre, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, The Boat, Things to do, trust, Twitter, Wildlife
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Brownhills School warns parents to be vigilant following reports of children being approached locally
I’ve been informed that parents of pupils at Brownhills School were send a message on Friday afternoon last (23rd September 2016) that there had been a suspicious incident near the convenience store in Howdles Lane shopping precinct, just on the A5 opposite Holland Park, and also at the store in Brownhills West.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 12th September, 2016, 23 September, A5, appeal, Brownhills, Brownhills School, Canal, Clayhanger, Council, crime, Events, flasher, incident, Lichfield, local blogs, Message, Newtown, Pelsall, Police, Road, School, Walsall, Watling Street
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Fancy taking the Lichfield Towpath Trail For Charity this weekend?
This Sunday 26th September 2016, there’s a charity dog walk being held by Oscars Pet Foods of Lichfield and the Lichfield & Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust, taking place along the Lichfield Canal Heritage Towpath Trail near Borrowcop on the A51.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged 2016, 26 September, A51, Borrocop, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, dog, Hatherton, Lichfield, Lichfield Canal Towpath Trail, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Oscars, Petfoods, planning, project, renovation, Staffordshire, Sunday, The Boat, Things to do, trust, Twitter, walk, Wildlife
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Indecent exposure in Brownhills: Police issue statement
Following reports of an indecent exposure incident that took place yesterday afternoon (Monday, 12th September 2016) as two schoolgirls were walking home in the Watling Street area of Brownhills, I have obtained the following statement from West Midlands Police.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 2016, A5, act, appeal, assault, Attempted, Brownhills, Canal, Clayhanger, Council, crime, Events, exposure, flasher, Girls, incident, Indecent, indecent exposure, lewd, Lichfield, local blogs, Monday, Newtown, Pelsall, Police, Road, School, Walsall, Watling Street
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Warning – reports of an indecent exposure incident in Brownhills
There are reports locally that an indecent exposure incident took place yesterday afternoon (Monday, 12th September 2016) as two schoolgirls were walking home in the Watling Street area of Brownhills.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 12th September, 2016, A5, act, appeal, assault, Attempted, Brownhills, Canal, Clayhanger, Council, crime, Events, exposure, flasher, Girls, incident, Indecent, indecent exposure, lewd, Lichfield, local blogs, Monday, Newtown, Pelsall, Police, Road, School, Walsall, Watling Street
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Caught short on the Pelsall Road
I’ve received via Facebook from very generous reader Patricia Cotton who’s send a very interesting picture, not just because it’s a wonderful period photo, but because lurking on the skyline is an indication of something being present several people dispute.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 1955, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chris Pattison, Clayhanger, Company, Cotton, Dave Moore, Derelict, Dora, Gerald Reece, Hemming, Jolly Collier, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Morturn, New Photos, Old maps, Patricia Cotton, Pedro, Pumping, Rathbone, Reservoir, Sandfields, Shire Oak, South Staffordshire, Staffordshire, Station, surge stack, Things to do, ventilator, Walsall, Water, Water tower, Waterwoks
4 Comments
Pictures from the Pelsall Festival of Water 2016
Despite a weather forecast that didn’t bode well, the first day of the three day Inland Waterways Association Festival of Water at Pelsall was pretty good when I called in, and the rain held off until the moment I left.
Posted in cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community
Tagged 2016, bad weather, boaters, Boats, Brenda Ward, Canal, canal festival, Cycle rides, Events, Festival of water, gallery, Inland Waterways Association, Narrowboats, New Photos, Pelsall, Pelsall Canal Festival, Pelsall North Common, photos, Rain
7 Comments
Festival of Water comes to Pelsall – all this weekend!
Those who remember the excellent Pelsall Canal Festivals will be pleased to note that this weekend, there’s a similar three day festival taking place on the canals and common around Norton Junction in Pelsall, featuring over a hundred boats, stalls, displays, fun and entertainment for all the family.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community
Tagged 2016, 28, 29, August 27, bank holiday, Boats, Canal, Cycle rides, Events, IWA, Lichfield and HathertonR, local blogs, Moxley, Narrowboats, New Photos, Norton Junction, Panoramio, Pelsall, Pelsall Canal Festival, restoration Trust
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Would you like a chat about local history?
Top contributor, commentor and all round good egg the young David Evans has been busy over the last few weeks organising a treat for local history buffs in Brownhills and the wider community – he’s been asked to do a couple of talks on the history of Walsall Wood.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2016, 7 September, Beacon Way, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, charity, Coffee Morning, David Evans, Events, historian, history, History Talk, Local History, mining, Staffordshire, The Well, Things to do, Walsall Wood
1 Comment
Pictures from the 2016 Brownhills Canalside Festival
I briefly passed through Brownhills Canalside Festival today, and had very little time there due to having some work stuff kicking off elsewhere, but this year’s event looked superb from the photos generously supplied below by the young David Evans and old online pal Dave Tucker.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community
Tagged 2016, Brownhillls, Brownhills, Canal, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, Events, Festival, New Photos, Panoramio, Tesco, Things to do
6 Comments
2016 Brownhills Canalside Festival today!
I note the creative advertising modification team have been out again this year, getting Brownhills Canal Festival noticed on social media – and any publicity is good, as the image above has been shared hundreds of times now since it was posted last week on Facebook by old friend of the blog Nathan Whittaker.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 10am-4pm, 2016, 26 June, Barge, Boats, Brian Stringer, Brownhills, Brownhills Canoe Centre, Canal, canalside, Canoe, Clayhanger, Committee, Contach, Contact, Events, Festival, Fete, information, Local, local blogs, Marina, Narrowboat, outdoors, pageant, planning, Summer, Sunday, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
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2016 Brownhills Canalside Festival – this Sunday!
I note the creative advertising modification team have been out again this year, getting Brownhills Canal Festival noticed on social media – and any publicity is good, as the image above has been shared hundreds of times now since it was posted yesterday on Facebook by old friend of the blog Nathan Whittaker.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 10am-4pm, 2016, 26 June, Barge, Boats, Brian Stringer, Brownhills, Brownhills Canoe Centre, Canal, canalside, Canoe, Clayhanger, Committee, Contach, Contact, Events, Festival, Fete, information, Local, local blogs, Marina, Narrowboat, outdoors, pageant, planning, Summer, Sunday, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
1 Comment
It’ll soon be time for the 2016 Brownhills Canalside Festival
Details of this year’s Brownhills Canal Festival have kindly been supplied by The Clayhanger Kid himself, Brian Stringer – this yeart it’s Sunday, 26th June 2016.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 10am-4pm, 2016, 26 June, Barge, Boats, Brian Stringer, Brownhills, Brownhills Canoe Centre, Canal, canalside, Canoe, Clayhanger, Committee, Contach, Contact, Events, Festival, Fete, information, Local, local blogs, Marina, Narrowboat, outdoors, pageant, planning, Summer, Sunday, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
1 Comment
Your chance to get involved with the restoration of our lost canal – this Friday!
Just a quick note to point out that the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust are holding their Annual General Meeting this Friday, 10th June 2016) in Brownhills, at the Parkview Centre (the old Council House on the Miner Island), and all are welcome to attend.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2015, 5th June, AGM, Barracks Lane, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Cross City Line, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Parkview Centre, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, The Boat, Things to do, trust, Twitter, Wildlife
1 Comment
All that remains of the last one standing
Following my feature yesterday on perhaps the last passenger train to ever traverse the line from Aldridge to the Conduit Colliery in Norton Canes, Simon Swain has sent me a great gallery of images of the Grove Colliery site as it is today.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged archive, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal and River Trust, Cannock Extension Canal, colliery, Derelict, Disaster, Events, freight, Grove, Grove Colliery, House, images, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, mining, New Photos, Norton, photos, pit, pits, Redevelopment, Si Swain, Simon, Staffordshire, Things to do, tramway, viaduct, Wyrley common
25 Comments
Clayhanger poisonings continue: Baxter the dog has a lucky escape
A timely warning to residents of Clayhanger and further afield that the reported incidents of poisoned bait being left around the village seem to be ongoing still – after the horrid story of Meg, the dog believed to have been poisoned after eating doctored meat on Clayhanger Common and the subsequent discovery of possibly poisoned bait a little while later, comes this awful tale from Facebook user Shannon Vanessa Binding.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Express & Star, It makes me mad!, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged 2016, 28 March, bait, Baxter, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Clayhanger, Common, danger, dog, Events, Express & Star, heath, Lichfield, lure, meg, poison, Shannon Vanessa Binding, Shire Oak, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood, Wendy, Wildlife
1 Comment
Bang tidy!
I note from the informative blog of Brownhills Councillor Steve Wade that there will be a Big Tidy Up day in Brownhills this Thursday, 3rd March 2016 organised by Walsall Council, the Town Centre and Area Partnerships.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 2016, 3 March, 5 March, Ben Brittain, Brownhills, Canal, clean for the queen, Councillor, Derelict, Events, Facebook, flytipping, Lichfield, litter, local blogs, Local politics, pick, Politics, Ravens Court, Steve Wade, Tesco, Things to do, Town Cnetre Partnership, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
3 Comments
Warning to dog walkers as possible bait found in Clayhanger
Further to the horrid story of Meg, the dog believed to have been poisoned after eating doctored bait on Clayhanger Common that I featured here at the weekend, I have just received this very worrying message from reader Wendy, who was walking her dog in Clayhanger this morning (Tuesday 2nd February 2016) and found something of great concern.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Express & Star, It makes me mad!, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged bait, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Clayhanger, Common, danger, dog, Events, Express & Star, heath, Laura, Lichfield, lure, meg, poison, Shire Oak, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood, Wendy, Wildlife
14 Comments
Local dog walkers beware!
I’ve been contacted by a number of people who’ve pointed out the following, very worrying story from Clayhanger – a local lady walking her dog on Clayhanger Common believes her beloved pet ate poisoned meat whilst being walked there and is warning other dog lovers to beware. Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Express & Star, It makes me mad!, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged bait, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Clayhanger, Common, danger, dog, Events, Express & Star, heath, Laura, Lichfield, lure, meg, poison, Shire Oak, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
6 Comments
In memoriam: Brian Kingshott
I’m sad to report that Christine Howles has been in touch with me on behalf of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust, and has asked me to share some sombre news with readers.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged Barracks Lane, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, Christine Howles, cycling, Hatherton, Lichfield, Local History, planning, project, renovation, Staffordshire, Summerhill, trust, Wildlife
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2016 New Year Quiz results
Well, this year’s quiz is complete, and we have winners – thanks for taking part, being good sports and for persevering with what were, on reflection, very tough questions!
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2016, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, Events, Lichfield, Local History, New Photos, New Year, prize, quiz, results, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Wood, winners
7 Comments
New year quiz 2016: part two for the explorers…
Right, here’s the second half of the Brownhills Blog New Year Quiz 2016 – these questions are for those who can explore the area and have a nose around – the first set were released yesterday, and are for those who may be unable to explore or just prefer to research their answers online.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2016, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, Events, Lichfield, Local History, New Photos, New Year, part 2, prize, quiz, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Wood
142 Comments
New year quiz 2016: part one for the researchers…
Sorry, I’m running dreadfully late – here it is, the Brownhills Blog New Year 2016 quiz – get stuck in and see if you can win! Last year’s was a great success, but it didn’t run for long so we’ve had a bit of a format change.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2016, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, Events, Lichfield, Local History, New Photos, New Year, prize, quiz, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Wood
78 Comments
Walk off that turkey with Lichfield Discovered this Sunday!
Feeling a bit porky after the Christmas excess – Are you up for an interesting an refreshing walk through Lichfield’s canal history this Sunday – Kate Cardigan from the wonderful Lichfield Lore is venturing out for a history walk with her informal and fun social history group, Lichfield Discovered.
Posted in Churches, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 2015, 27 December, ale, beer, Canal, cardigan, Discovered, Duke of Wellington, event, Events, Facebook, Festive, Fosseway, free, Gomez, Guildhall, history, hristmas, Kate Gomez, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Lore, New Photos, Pipe Hill, pub, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, Twitter, walk
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Warning – reports of an attempted indecent assault in Brownhills
There are reports circulating on social media locally that at attempted indecent assault took place yesterday evening (Friday, 4th December 2015) on the Pelsall Road in Brownhills.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 2015, 4 December, act, appeal, assault, Attempted, Brownhills, Canal, Clayhanger, Council, crime, Events, exposure, flasher, Friday, Highbridge, incident, Indecent, indecent exposure, lewd, Lichfield, local blogs, Pelsall, Pier Street, Police, Road, The Bridge, Walsall
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Beware: Indecent exposure incident at Clayhanger
Worryingly, the incidents of indecent exposure locally seem to be ongoing, as I note social media reports yesterday (Monday 23rd November 2015) of an incident near Northfields Way in Clayhanger.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 2015, 23 November, appeal, Brownhills, Canal, Clayhanger, Council, crime, Events, exposure, flasher, footpath, incident, Indecent, indecent exposure, Lichfield, local blogs, Northfields, Police, state, Walsall, Watermeade, Way
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A brutal death
This is an odd one I can’t fit in anywhere else, so people who aren’t in to my architecture obsession may want to tune out now – but I will alert readers to something: almost unnoticed, to people over the age of around 35, the Birmingham we knew is gradually being erased – if you want to see it one last time, go soon.
Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, planning, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged 103 Colmore Row, Birmingham, Brindley Place, Brutalism, Bull, Bullring, Canal, Cheap tat, Christmas Market, cityscape, David Evans, Frankfurt, Gingerbread, Lichfield, markey, new Library, New Photos, planning, Redevelopment, Secret Garden, Things to do
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Another indecent exposure incident near Pelsall
Worrying news reaches me of an indecent exposure incident on the Pelsall to Walsall cycle track near the Fordbrook Lane Bridge yesterday (Monday 19th October 2015).
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 19 October, 2015, act, ane, appeal, bridge, Brownhills, Canal, Clayhanger, Clean and Green, Council, crime, cycle track, cyclist, depot, Events, exposure, flasher, footpath, FordbrookL, Highbridge, incident, Indecent, indecent exposure, lewd, Lichfield, local blogs, Mill Lane, NCN 5, Police, Walsall
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The Lichfield & Hatherton need your vote!
Christine Howles from the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust has contacted me to tell me she’s after your vote – no, she’s not standing for election, but the Trust is applying for a community grant and could really do with readers voting for them in the next week or so.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2015, AGM, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Community grant, Derelict, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Narrowboat, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Staffordshire, Things to do, trust, Twitter, vote
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Pictures from the 2015 Huddlesford Heritage Gathering
Today (20th September 2015) I got chance to go to the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust’s Heritage Gathering at Huddlesford, near Whittington.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 20 September, 2015, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Heritage gathering, Huddlesford, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, photos, pictures, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, Things to do, trust
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Heritage Gathering this weekend!
It’s a big weekend for the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust who are staging their Heritage Gathering which takes place this Saturday and Sunday (18-19th September 2015) at their canalside Huddlesford base, near Lichfield.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 18 August, 19 August, 2015, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Heritage gathering, Huddlesford, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, Things to do, trust
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Catshill Junction bridge – progress, sort of
Much to my surprise, the Canal and River Trust have got moving and effected a repair to the hazardous step from the bridge deck of Catshill Junction Bridge in Brownhills, that I somewhat wryly commented on here a couple of days ago.
Posted in News
Tagged bridge, Canal, Catshill Junction, Catshill Junction Bridge, John Snape, Lichfield, Repair, river, step, trust
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Police issue CCTV image of man in relation to Brownhills indecent exposure incident
Following the investigation into the indecent exposure incident near the Council Depot in Brownhills on Friday 7th August 2015 (which I reported here), West Midlands Police have issued the above CCTV image and would like to identify the man in question.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 2015, act, appeal, bridge, Brownhills, Canal, CCTV, Clayhanger, Clean and Green, Council, crime, cyclist, depot, Events, exposure, flasher, Highbridge, image, incident, Indecent, indecent exposure, lewd, Lichfield, local blogs, Pelsall, Pier Street, Police, Road, The Bridge, Walsall
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Heritage Gathering coming soon!
Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust have been in contact to let me know about their Heritage Gathering which is coming up over the weekend of 18-19th September 2015, and takes place at their Huddlesford base, near Lichfield.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 18 August, 19 August, 2015, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Heritage gathering, Huddlesford, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, Things to do, trust
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Local canal restoration project targeted by raiders – can you help?
Sad news from the Lichfield & Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust who have had some of their equipment stolen following a break-in to their compound last Friday night (14th August 2015).
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged 14 August, 2015, appeal, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Burglary, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, Cycle rides, cycling, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, planning, Police, project, renovation, Robbery, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, trust, Twitter, Wildlife
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Take care – Indecent exposure incident near Brownhills Council depot today
Worrying news reaches me of an indecent exposure incident on the Pelsall/Lichfield Road at Highbridges this morning (Friday 7th August 2015), when two ladies on their way to work at the council depot were subject to an indecent exposure incident.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 2015, act, appeal, bridge, Brownhills, Canal, Clayhanger, Clean and Green, Council, crime, cyclist, depot, Events, exposure, flasher, Highbridge, incident, Indecent, indecent exposure, lewd, Lichfield, local blogs, Pelsall, Pier Street, Police, Road, The Bridge, Walsall
3 Comments
The forgotten Coventry bombing that blew a Walsall Wood bricklayer off his feet
An additional piece followed the original article I featured by John and Paul Anslow last week, on the subject of Walsall Wood and Pelsall wartime air raids – this one is about an IRA attack in Coventry right before the war that appears to have been all but forgotten.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged air raid., Air raids, Anslow, atrocity, bomb, bomb damage, bomb dmamag, bombing, bomobing, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Coventry, crater, Events, Hermann, Highbridge, Highbridge Colliery, IRA, john, Lichfield, Local History, memories, North Common, Norton Junction, Paul, Pelsall, Second World War, Shunting, Staffordshire, terrorist, unexploded, Walsall Wood, war, WW2, yard
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