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Tag Archives: Cycle rides
Fighting for our greenspace: Please sign the petition!
People concerned about cuts to Walsall Countryside Services, the Ranger Team and related issues – as outlined here previously – can now sign the petition over at Walsall Council’s website. It’s completely electronic, and is administered as part of Walsall’s Democratic Services. If the petition gets enough support, it will be raised at full council.
Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Blog, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, Morgan Bowers, New Photos, Petition, Politics, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
3 Comments
A green wave
The text of the following article was written by Stuart Williams of The Bloxwich Telegraph, and I reproduce it here to emphasise the campaign I mentioned here on Saturday. If you care about Walsall’s green space, please do join us.
The movement is gathering pace and I implore anyone who cares to get involved.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Blowich Telegraph, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, Morgan Bowers, New Photos, Politics, Shire Oak, Silly, Stuart illiams, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
10 Comments
Spirit of the Greenwood
This is really important. You’ll recall that a couple of weeks ago I, and other members of the local online community made a passionate plea for the preservation of the Walsall Council Countryside Services team, and the vital work they … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, Morgan Bowers, New Photos, Politics, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
26 Comments
Causing an obstruction
I see National Cycle Route 5, where it passes from Engine Lane/Coppice Lane in Brownhills, is still blocked with a chain, as highlighted by Warren Parry some weeks ago. Today, a fellow cyclist out with a child trailer who’s asked to remain anonymous came to use the track and couldn’t get through. I went to take a look.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chain, Coppice Lane, Cycle rides, cycling, Engine Lane, Events, local blogs, National Cycle Network, New Photos, public safety, Route 5, Silly, software, Staffordshire, Things to do, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Wildlife
8 Comments
There’s a bustle in your hedgerow
One thing I hope comes through from my work online – both on this blog, and on my 365daysofbiking journal – is my huge passion for being outdoors. Pretty much everything I write is somehow related to turning the computer off, and going outside and exploring the best of whats around.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, Morgan Bowers, New Photos, Politics, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
16 Comments
Are you being cervine?
This is just a quick note to warn people given to exploring the open spaces of the area that the deer population are getting amorous. It’s rutting time for our large brown friends, and that means one thing: the heaths around Brownhills, Clayhanger, Pelsall and Chasewater in particular are likely to be host to rather grumpy, aggressive stags guarding their female harems.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Chaz Mason, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Marsh, Cycle rides, cycling, local blogs, Neil Tipton, New Photos, Red deer, Reservoir, rut, rutting, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
1 Comment
A fleeting chance
This is a post about being lucky. About being in the right place and the right time. About being fortunate to witness nature at it’s best. About loving where you live. About loving being outdoors.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged #365daysofbiking, beauty, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, New Photos, Panoramio, photography, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Sundown, Sunset, Wildlife
7 Comments
When waterways were motorways
Here’s a quick post that may be of interest to blog readers. Spotted by blog reader Nick Elliot and posted on Facebook, I thought these historic information films and photo compilation deserved a wider audience than they might otherwise receive.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chasewater, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, Facebook, Local History, Staffordshire, Things to do
1 Comment
Engine Lane mischief afoot?
I notice today from Warren Parry’s excellent Ogley Dirt Farmer blog that somebody has blocked the public right of way from Engine Lane, Brownhills onto the off-road section of National Cycle Route 5 towards the canal on the old mineral line. This is a worrying development. Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, 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, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged bike path, Brownhills, Cattle, Cycle rides, cycling, Engine Lane, Events, Facebook, local blogs, NCN 5, New Photos, obstruction, Ogley Dirt Farmer, Riding school, Stevie Ansell, Things to do, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood, Warren Parry
19 Comments
The all-seeing eye
Just a quick note to point out that BrownhillsDog – the roving canine Brownhillian blogger who I highlighted last week – has a great post up expanding on the residential neighbourhood CCTV issue I touched on here with my Watchers … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhillsdog, Canal, CCTV, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, local blogs, Local politics, Night, Pigblog, Silly, Stymaster, Things to do, Twitter, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
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Canal trust?
Here’s an interesting one from fellow Brownhills historian David Hodgkinson. David has been musing on the fate of a piece of public art erected at Catshill Junction as part of the canal towpath renovations a few years ago. I must … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Art, British Waterways, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal and Rivers Trust, Catshill Junction, Cheap tat, Cycle of Life, Cycle rides, cycling, David Hodgkinson, Events, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, Politics, Redevelopment, sculpture, Staffordshire, Things to do
2 Comments
No, it really is about the bike
Yesterday, I visited the annual Cycle Show at the NEC, Birmingham, as I do most years. It’s second year in Brum, the spectacle is settling well into it’s new home. This year the odd ‘retail zone’ was gone, and stalls … Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media
Tagged 2012, Birmingham, Condor, Cycle rides, Cycle show, cycling, disability cycling, electric bikes, Events, NEC, new bikes, New Photos, Things to do
2 Comments
Paint the whole world…
Readers who’ve been following my 365daysofbiking Tumblr journal will be aware that, of late, I’ve been feeling a little disheartened by the absence of summer and the impending autumn and winter. I get this seasonal sadness at this time every … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Uncategorized, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Hammerwhich, New Photos, Panoramio, Rainbow, Staffordshire, weather, Wildlife
3 Comments
From one end to the other…
Here’s another ride video of Walsall Wood and Brownhills for the expats, exiles and vicarious cyclists, but especially Trevor in Australia. Hope all is going well, old chap, and that the treatment isn’t knocking you about too much. We’re all thinking of … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Beechtree, bike cam, bike ride, Brookland Road, Brooland, Brownhills, Cam, Chasewater, Coppice, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, GoPro, High Street, King Street, Lichfield Road, PorkTorta, Road, Silly, street, Things to do, tour, Twitter, video, Vigo, Walsall Wood
8 Comments
Urgent – please help to save a life
This is an appeal on behalf of a fellow cyclist, who tragically appears to have a very short life expectancy. I am very concerned for his welfare. If he continues in the vein he’s going, he’s not going to last … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community
Tagged Arboretum Junction, bad cycling, bike cam, Brownhills, Cycle rides, cycling, cyclist, Events, idiocy, idiot, idot, jumper, jumping, New Photos, Rain, red light jump, RLJ, Silly, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Wood
17 Comments
A sunny afternoon – pictures from the Walsall Bandstand Marathon
Well, it was a nice day, and bikes were welcome, so I toddled along to the Bandstand Marathon in Walsall Arboretum. I can honestly say it was a cracking event. The restored Arboretum basked in the autumn sunshine, and Walsall, … Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, Local music, News, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 9th September 2012, Arbor Lights, arboretum, Aziz, Bandstand, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, fun day, local blogs, Local politics, Marathon, New Photos, planning, Redevelopment, Sportsfest, Walsall, WV11
21 Comments
The remains of the day
Another ride video for the exiles in far away parts. The sunset last night was amazing, and to be out around Stonnall in it was just magical. This is a journey down Main Street, up through Thornes, Gravelley Lane to … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Wildlife
Tagged Autumn, bike cam, Brownhills, Cycle rides, cycling, Gravelley Lane, Hawkwind, Hurry on Sundown, Lower Stonnall, Main Street, Mill Lane, Staffordshire, Stonnall, Sundown, Sunset, Thornes
4 Comments
Bandstand Marathon & Walsall Sportsfest: on today!
That there Kate Goodall and top chap Ian Morton Jones from Walsall Council have been raving about this top event for some weeks now, so I thought I’d give it a plug on the blog. It’s a total repost from … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local music, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 9th September 2012, arboretum, Bandstand, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, fun day, Ian Morton Jones, local blogs, Local politics, Marathon, New Photos, planning, Redevelopment, Sportsfest, Walsall
2 Comments
Parking for one bicycle…
Thanks to the keen eye of reader and friend of the blog Trevor Bond, I now know that the long awaited cycle parking at Tesco in Brownhills has arrived and been installed. Trevor alerted me this afternoon on twitter, so on … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community
Tagged bike, Brownhills, Cheap tat, Cycle Racks, Cycle rides, cycling, Facebook, facilities, Lee Slater, local blogs, New Photos, planning, rack, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, refresh, sheffield stand, Silly, Tesco, Tesco Development, Trevor Bond, turd polish, Walsall, wheel bender
3 Comments
Cycling up The Wood
Yesterday (Saturday, 1st September 2012) was a nice day, particularly in the late afternoon. I’ve just got a copy of Final Cut for editing videos, and was keen to have a play, so I thought I’d turn out another ride … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged bike cam, bike ride, Brookland Road, Brownhills, Cam, Canal, Chasewater, Chester Road, Cycle rides, cycling, Final Cut, GoPro, Hall Lane, High Street, Holly Bank, Holly Lane, Lichfield Road, PorkTorta, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, tour, Twitter, video, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
9 Comments
Racked off
So, the Tesco Brownhills turd polish – known by Tesco fans as a ‘refresh’ – has apparently concluded. We have nice new wooden benches for the drunks, vagrants and teens; charming flower beds, new signage and a patched-up car park. … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged bike, Brownhills, Cheap tat, Cycle Racks, Cycle rides, cycling, Facebook, facilities, Lee Slater, local blogs, New Photos, planning, rack, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, refresh, sheffield stand, Silly, Tesco, Tesco Development, turd polish, Walsall, wheel bender
7 Comments
Police helicopter in Brownhills?
Along with the rest of the town, I noticed the West Midlands Police helicopter hovering over Brownhills late this afternoon (Staurday, 25th August, 2012). Out and about at the time, as I rounded the bend in the canal, I happened … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged bike, Brownhills, Burglary, Canal, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Helicopter, man, New Photos, Police, Saturday 25th August 2012, Twitter, West Midlands Police
2 Comments
Bandstand Marathon & Walsall Sportsfest: coming soon to an arboretum near you!
Ian Morton-Jones writes to me from the grey Lubyanka that is Walsall’s Civic Centre to alert me of a wonderful, free event going down in the Arboretum in Walsall on Sunday, 9th September. Ian’s appealing for stallholders, too, so if … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local music, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 9th September 2012, arboretum, Bandstand, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, fun day, Ian Morton Jones, local blogs, Local politics, Marathon, New Photos, planning, Redevelopment, Sportsfest, Walsall
3 Comments
Something to build upon
Just a quick note to point out that I’ve had a fantastic response to my musings on the subject of the BOAK fire, and my desire to channel some of the creative anger abounding in the online community into something … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged arson, BOAK, Brownhills, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Events, heritage, Jabez Cliff, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, planning, Politics, Pubs, Redevelopment, The Plastic Hippo, The YamYam, Twitter, Urbext, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
2 Comments
After the fire had gone out – an appeal
Last Friday evening, I came back home via Walsall at around 7:30pm. On the way through what was a very weary, against the wind journey, I popped down to take a shufty at what was left of the BOAK building, … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Churches, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged arson, BOAK, Brownhills, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Events, heritage, Jabez Cliff, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, planning, Politics, Pubs, Redevelopment, The Plastic Hippo, The YamYam, Twitter, Urbext, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
25 Comments
I have a Hanch
Here’s something odd I spotted today in Walsall, that I’d never noticed before. Cycling back from Caldmore on a samosa mission, I noted I was riding down Lysways Street. Near the Birmingham Road end, I noticed there was a Hanch … Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local History, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged Cycle rides, cycling, hall, Hanch, Henry Thorold, Highgate, John Stoneywell, Lichfield Lore, Local History, Longdon, Lysways, Silly, Staffordshire, street, Thomas Orme, Walsall
19 Comments
Anchor Bridge flooding: Halfway there
My recent efforts to find out who’s actually working on the flooding issue at Anchor Bridge, and what the situation is have come to nothing. Severn Trent have clearly been doing a fair bit of work, though, and the situation … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Anchor Bridge, bad drainage, bad drains, blocked drains, Brownhills, CCTV, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, Drain Survey, flood, Knaves Court, Local politics, New Photos, road maintenance, Severn Trent, Silly, standing water, Streetpride, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
1 Comment
Chasewater road closure – get your voice heard
Here’s a rather important one I missed. A couple of days ago, top chap Andy Dennis sent me the below photo, of the legal Traffic Prohibition Order posted on site at Pool Lane, Chasewater. You’ll remember that there’s been some … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged Andy Dennis, anglers, Anglesey Basin, angling, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Closure, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, fishing, Local politics, New Photos, permanent, planning, Pool Road, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Road Traffic Regulation, roadblock, Silly, Site Notice, Staffordshire, Vandalism, Wildlife
7 Comments
Filling a hole
The saga of road repairs and drains rumbles on. Reader Warren Parry, who wrote to Steve Sharma following my last post, had a rather interesting response, which Warren was kind enough to post in the comments to my last post. … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Anchor Bridge, bad drainage, bad drains, blocked drains, Brownhills, Cycle rides, cycling, flood, Glyn Oliver, Gully, Gully cleaning, Knaves Court, Lichfield Sreet, Local politics, New Photos, New ring road, potholes, Press Office, Reservoir, road maintenance, Sandhills, Shire Oak, Silly, standing water, Steve Sharma, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Warren Parry
4 Comments
Without due care and attention
Readers will no doubt be aware of my recent posts here about the state of the roads locally. Of prime concern has been the flooding at Anchor Bridge in Brownhills, but also the condition of storm drains and potholes generally. … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Anchor Bridge, bad drainage, bad drains, blocked drains, Brownhills, Cycle rides, cycling, flood, Glyn Oliver, Gully, Gully cleaning, Knaves Court, Lichfield Sreet, Local politics, New Photos, New ring road, potholes, Press Office, Reservoir, road maintenance, Sandhills, Shire Oak, Silly, standing water, Steve Sharma, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
14 Comments
Anchor Bridge flooding – some action at last?
It seems that after a very long time, someone is finally looking into the question of flooding that takes place in the High Street/Chester Road, just opposite Knaves Court in Brownhills. You’ll recall that over the course of a few … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Anchor Bridge, bad drainage, bad drains, blocked drains, Brownhills, CCTV, Cheap tat, Councillor, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, Drain Survey, flood, Knaves Court, Local politics, New Photos, potholes, road maintenance, Silly, standing water, Stephen Wade, Streetpride, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
2 Comments
Evil scum
I see from an article on the Express & Star website that a cycle charity in Wolverhampton. The Bike Shed, based at Bradmore Recreation Ground, had their premises broken into and five bikes and workshop tools stolen some time last … Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Events, Express & Star, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged break in, Burglary, charity, crime, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Express & Star, Facebook, local blogs, stolen bikes, The Bike Shed, Twitter, Vandalism
6 Comments
Chasewater: The whining continues
I note from local news services including Licfield Live, the Express and Star and local free sheets that local councillors in Chasewtown and Burntwood are still attempting to make lame political points out of the closure of the dam road … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged anglers, Anglesey Basin, angling, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Closure, Cycle rides, cycling, Eric Drinkwater, Express & Star, fishing, Local politics, permanent, planning, Pool Road, Redevelopment, Reservoir, roadblock, Silly, Staffordshire, Vandalism, Wildlife
14 Comments
Caldmore chameleon
It all went horribly wrong yesterday. Really, terribly awry. Bugger it. This should be a review and pictures of the Caldmore village Festival and the Road Rail steam event at Chasewater Railway. Neither went to plan. After plugging both events … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local music, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Anna Rogozińska, bikes, Brownhills, Caldmore Village Festival, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Railway, CVF, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Imran Azam, local blogs, Local politics, New Photos, Reservoir, Road Rail, Silly, Social media, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
7 Comments
Chasewater Railway – lots to do today and tomorrow!
I see that Chasewater Railway, the preserved line and hidden gem at Chasewater, have a Jubille Street Party on tomorrow, Tuesday 5th June 2012. It’s at Brownhills West station (The one near the Chasewater Innovation Centre and South Shore), and … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged bank holiday, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Chasewater Railway, Cycle rides, event, Events, Fete, Godfrey Hucker, Jubilee, local blogs, Local History, loco, Oakparkrunner, Rail, Reservoir, Road, Staffordshire, STeam, Street Party, Things to do, traction, Walsall Wood
3 Comments
The Drifters
Right, I thought, let’s do it. Following the recent attention to the Anglesey Wharf and coal screening conveyor, I considered that it must be possible to find the Anglesey Basin drift shaft within the mapping record. Someone will have plotted … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged Adit, Anglesey Wharf, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Past, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Coal Mining, Conveyor, Cycle rides, Derelict, drift shaft, Local History, Narrowboats, Old maps, Ordnance Survey, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Wildlife
7 Comments
Keep your eye out, folks. Lost GPS at Chasewater…
This is just a heads-up for people using Chasewater. Reader, Panoramio old-timer and good friend of the blog Facade66 has lost his GPS unit from his bike handlebars his bike at Chasewater this morning. Hi Bob, I went to examine … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Cycle rides, cycling, Etrex, Events, facade66, GPS, local blogs, Lost, New Photos, Panoramio, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Wildlife
1 Comment
On the conveyor?
I picked up a really good map recently. It’s a 1:2,500 plot of eastern Chasewater, the Anglesey Basin and Wharf, and the area of south Chasetown and The Triangle. It’s from 1962, and has a tad more information on it … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Anglesey Wharf, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Past, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Coal Mining, Conveyor, Cycle rides, Derelict, Local History, Narrowboats, Old maps, Ordnance Survey, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Wildlife
10 Comments
Road to nowhere
In a week when our local rag is trying to convince us that it’s still indispensable and the most trusted source for news in the area, this fine example of the local newshound’s art caught my eye. Yet again, the … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Closure, Cycle rides, cycling, Eric Drinkwater, Express & Star, GR Thompson, Local politics, permanent, planning, Pool Road, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, Vandalism, Wildlife
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Shire Oak to Chasewater in 4 minutes 27 seconds
Former Brownhills resident Porktora, now living in San Antonio, Texas where he works as a graphics designer, sometimes misses his hometown. Last weekend, when I posted some ride video, he commented how good it was to see the short canal … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Anglesey Branch, bike cam, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Cycle rides, cycling, PorkTorta, Reservoir, Ride cam, Sandhills, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Twitter, Walsall Wood
8 Comments
Velvet green
Although it’s been quite windy and cool of late, there have been some lovely, sunny days. On both Saturday and Sunday last, I managed to get in some excellent bike rides in around south Staffordshire. As usual, the GoPro camera … Continue reading
Plover drive
This is an important request from Graham Evans and Chasewater Wildlife Group. Conservationists and birders are very concerned at the moment about the safety of a delicate little ground-nesting bird that’s taken residence at Chasewater. Little Ringed Plovers are quite … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged birding, birs, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cycle rides, cycling, Graham Evans, Little Ringed Plover, local blogs, rare birds, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Vandalism, Warning Signs, Wildlife
3 Comments
The joy of cycling
Hi folks, sorry, Ive been a bit busy this week, but I’d really laughed when I saw this poster. It’s been circulating on a few cycling blogs and social media. I think it’s excellent. Sadly, it was never used by … Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged Airside, Cycle rides, cycling, Jamie Wieck, mayor of London, Momentum Mag, New Photos, poster, Silly, Social media, TFL, The Joy of Cycling, The Joy of Sex, Transport for London
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Some days catch the light like diamonds
It’s been an odd spring. After the warmth and almost summer-like weather of March, April was a cool, wet disappointment. Spring has sneaked in under the wire, everything gently inching ahead, afraid to make itself noticed. Nature is holding it’s … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Churches, cycling, Environment, Events, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Canal, Castle Ring, Chase Teraace, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Railway, Cycle rides, cycling, Deer, Engine, Fallow, Hayfield Hill, Locomotive, Longdon, New Photos, Oilseed Rape, Panoramio, Penkridge Bank, Ramsons, Rifle Range Corner, Rugeley, Rugeley Power Station, Sailing, Staffordshire, Stonywell, Tadpoles, Trent Aqueduct, Wild Garlic, Wildlife
9 Comments
And here is the moos…
The cattle at Chasewater, introduced to manage the north heath, are great. They are really beginning to feel at home now, including harassing cyclists. This one attempted to eat my tyre and disc brake. Nothing to do but wait until … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, cows, Cycle rides, cycling, north heath, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, Wildlife
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Clear waters rising
The water level at Chasewater – as well as other questions – continues to fascinate. It seems I’m not the only one gazing on the waterfront – there’s another contender, top reader Andy Dennis. Following my musings last weekend on … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged Andy Dennis, bad weather, Boat, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Cycle rides, cycling, deluge, drought, Lichfield District Council, New Photos, Rain, refill, refilled, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, storm, Twitter, water shortage, Wildlife
3 Comments
Street life
It seems difficulties with roads, drains and the like have come to the fore lately. From the atrocious situation at Anchor Bridge, in Brownhills, where the new, flagship development of Knaves Court is regularly bathed in mud and slurry, to … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Anchor Bridge, bad drainage, bad drains, blocked drains, Brownhills, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, flood, Knaves Court, Lichfield Sreet, Local politics, New Photos, New ring road, potholes, Reservoir, road maintenance, Sandhills, Shire Oak, Silly, standing water, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
5 Comments
Where have all the flowers gone?
I know i’ve covered this on my 365daysofbiking Tumblr journal, but this issue deserves as wide an audience as possible. On my way through Shelfield this morning, I noticed that Walsall Council had been mowing the grass verges along the … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, cycling, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, News, Shared media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged blind, Cycle rides, cycling, daffodils, destroyed, grass cut, greepspace, Mow, mown, New Photos, Panoramio, Shelfield, Silly, Vandalism, verge, Walsall, Walsall Council, Wildlife
11 Comments
Rain dances
This evening, like yesterday evening, I visited Chasewater. The day’s rain had ceased. I noted yesterday on my 365daysofbiking journal that I think the water level has increased about 500mm in the last week, and I was interested to see … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged bad weather, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Cycle rides, cycling, deluge, drought, Express & Star, New Photos, Peter Rhodes, Rain, refill, refilled, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, storm, Twitter, water shortage, Wildlife
14 Comments
Come on in, the water’s lovely. Not.
I just thought I’d drag the issue of the standing water at Anchor Bridge, and Walsall Council’s response to it, into the light again. Following last week’s post on the subject, council officer Glyn Oliver replied to my concerns here … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media
Tagged Anchor Bridge, bad drainage, bad drains, blocked drains, Brownhills, Cheap tat, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, flood, Glyn Oliver, Knaves Court, Local politics, New Photos, potholes, Reservoir, road maintenance, Silly, standing water, Steve Sharma, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
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