#365daysofbiking JournalRecent tracks
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In Your OceanIron & Wine31 minutes ago
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Tag Archives: cycling
Stalls needed for the 2015 Brownhills Canalside Festival!
I have another request here and a bit of a plug from The Clayhanger Kid himself – Brian Stringer – who is again organising the Brownhills Canalside Festival for 2015, this year taking place on Sunday 28th June.
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 2015, Brownhillls, Brownhills, Canal, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, Details, Events, Festival, Live, required, stalls, Tesco, Things to do, traders
9 Comments
Restoring a canal – and looking after the environment
I’ve had a terrific response to featuring the post last week by Christine Howles of Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust here on the blog, which sought to put right my previous dearth of coverage on this great local canal restoration project.
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, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, The Boat, Things to do, trust, Twitter, Wildlife
2 Comments
Rebuild it and they will come – a great post by Christine Howles
The following post was written by Christine Howles and posted on her blog las weekend, and I think it’s really well written, and the message it carries is important – I haven’t done nearly enough about the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust here on the blog, and I intend to correct that deficiency over the next few weeks.
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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 Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Things to do, trust, Twitter, Wildlife
13 Comments
Brace yourself!
Here’s a quick one I spotted locally last week: I was going to put it on my 365daysofbiking journal, but I thought it deserved a wider audience and debate – it seems the cast iron bridge at Ogley Junction, near Grasmere Gardens, was once damaged or cracked and repaired.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, News, Panoramio photo discussions
Tagged 2015, Accident, Anglesey Branch, bridge, broken, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, cast, Chasewater, curious, Cycle rides, cycling, Damage, foot, iron, Lichfield, Local History, Mystery, New Photos, Ogley Junction, Pedestrian, Repair, roving, Staffordshire, Things to do
1 Comment
Snow blind
Here’s a quick ride cam for the people out there who enjoy them – I know Trevor in Aus will like this one, as where he is, they don’t get much snow.
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Posted in cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Shared media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged #365daysofbiking, bad weather, bike cam, commute, Cycle rides, cycling, Darlaston, GoPro, HDHero 3+, Junction, night riding, Rain, Ride cam, Ring Road, Rushall, Snow, Things to do, urban, urban birdlife, Walsall, Walsall Wood, Winter
4 Comments
A message of thanks from Brian Stringer…
Yesterday, I published a post requesting suggestions for bands that might be good to play at the 2015 Brownhills Canalised Festival, which is to take place on Sunday, 28th June 2015 at the canalised in Silver Street.
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 2015, bands, Brownhillls, Brownhills, Canal, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, Events, Festival, gig, Live, music, required, Tesco, Things to do
1 Comment
Can you help Brian Stringer find bands for this year’s canal festival?
Here’s an important and fun request from Brian Stringer – The Clayhanger Kid himself – who is again organising the Brownhills Canalside Festival for 2015, this year taking place on Sunday 28th June.
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 2015, bands, Brownhillls, Brownhills, Canal, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, Events, Festival, gig, Live, music, required, Tesco, Things to do
6 Comments
Chasewater Countryside Events and Guided Walks 2015 – details available here
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, 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, Wildlife
Tagged 2015, Brownhills, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Countryside, Cycle rides, cycling, Environment, Events, exhibitions, Fun stuff to see and do, guided walks, Interesting photos, Local media, New Photos, News, Newsletter, Rangers, Reservoir, Shared media, Social media, Staffordshire, Things to do, whats on, Wildlife
1 Comment
Cyclist injured in Walsall Wood accident
Details are a bit scant at the moment, but last night a cyclist believed to be in his 40s was injured in a road traffic accident on the Coppice Road near its junction with Lindon/Brownhills Road yesterday evening (Tuesday, 6th January 2015).
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Events, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2015, Accident, bicycle, bike, Brownhills, Brownhills Road, Car, Coppice Road, Cycle rides, cycling, cyclist, Events, Facebook, injured, Lichfield, Lindon Road, Maybrook Road, Oak Park, RTA, Shire Oak, Twitter, Walsall Wood
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2015 New Year Quiz results
Well, this year’s quiz is complete, and we have a winner – the two year reigning champion is Tony Jakeman, who this year came first with a highly creditable 20 points, but team Jakeman did face a sustained challenge from Kate and Andy Dennis amongst others.
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 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
1095 days
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Churches, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged #365daysofbiking, 1095 days, 2015, 3, anniversay, biking, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Lichfield, local blogs, New Photos, photography, riding, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, years
9 Comments
Tadah… it’s the 2015 New year quiz!
It’s been a long time in the making, but great fun – here it is, the Brownhills Blog New Year 2015 quiz – get stuck in and see if you can win!
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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 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
254 Comments
Home on the range
Here’s a quick one I’ve been meaning to post up for a couple of weeks – the Chasewater Rangers now have a newsletter, and it’s rather good, I have to say – it’s available free from the Innovation Centre. 
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, 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, Wildlife
Tagged boating lake, Brownhills, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Cycle rides, cycling, Environment, Events, exhibitions, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, New Photos, News, Newsletter, pond, pool, Rangers, Rant, Reservoir, Shared media, Social media, Staffordshire, Things to do, whats on, Wildlife
1 Comment
Dropping off the edge
Here’s one for Trevor in Aus and all the folks who enjoy the ride cams. I’ve been meaning to do this one all week, and today’s postings fell victim to the festivities, so this is as good a chance as any, really.
Posted in Cannock Chase, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Wildlife
Tagged bike, Breretonhill, Cam, Cannock Chase, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Farewell, GoPro, green, Hill, Red Hill, ride, Rugeley, Staffordshire, Stoneywell, Things to do, Upper Longdon
4 Comments
Geared up for Christmas
I’d just like to take this opportunity to wish all the readers, contributors, commenters and supporters of the Brownhills Blog and it’s associated side projects a very merry Christmas, and a healthy, happy, prosperous and peaceful 2015.
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, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Christmas, Cycle rides, cycling, Greetings, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, Politics, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
10 Comments
Burntwood Lantern Parade and Christmas Fayre at Chasewater this evening!
Here’s a further chance to get into the Christmas spirit this evening (Sunday 14th December 2014) – there’s the Annual Burntwood Lantern Parade and a Christmas Fayre being held at Chasewater Innovation Centre.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, 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, Wildlife
Tagged 2014, 5pm, Brownhills, Chasewater, Christmas, Cycle rides, cycling, December 14th, Events, Facebook, Fayre, Lantern Parade, local blogs, New Photos, Reservoir, Santa, Special, Staffordshire, Sunday, Things to do, Wildlife
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The lost Howdles Lane dam
In a remarkable instance of coincidence, last Friday, reader and top local history ferret Andy Dennis sent me an astounding piece on a lost reservoir near Howdles Lane, in north Brownhills, between Chasewater and the Watling Street.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Shared memories, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills Brook, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Crane Brook, cycling, Dam, Dam burst, Events, Gerald Reece, Howdles Lane, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Lost, New Photos, Ogley Locks, Old maps, Panoramio, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Yates map
12 Comments
Urgent – Harris Hawk lost in Burntwood
I have no idea what to make of this – lost raptors are a new one for the blog, but never a dull moment – just has this report of a lost Harris Hawk in from Jim Mason of Burntwood:
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Wildlife
Tagged 2014, appeal, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Harris Hawk, Jim Mason, Lichfield, Lost, raptor, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, Wildlife
5 Comments
Smooth operators
Here’s a nice one to run for a change – a few days ago the young David Evans dropped me a line to tell me how impressed he was with the new road surface recently laid in Friezland Lane, Shire Oak by Tarmac LaFarge working for Walsall Council.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged August, Brownhills, complete, cycling, David Evans, Events, Friezland Lane, Green Lane, Lafarge, Lichfield, planning, praise, resurfacing, Shire Oak, Tarmac, thanks, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
1 Comment
Road closure in Brownhills from tomorrow
I see that tomorrow, Friezland Lane in Shire Oak will be closed from 9am-5pm by Walsall Council for ten days for much needed resurfacing works – this is good news for residents and folk who use this cut through, but may cause delays and disruption to busses that use the route.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 20, 2014, 29, August, Brownhills, Clive Roberts, cycling, David Evans, Events, Friezland Lane, Green Lane, Lafarge, Lichfield, micro asphalt, planning, resurfacing, Shire Oak, Tarmac, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
3 Comments
Pictures from Brownhills Canalside Festival 2014
Well, today was the day – and as it happened, it was a great event – Brownhills Canalside Festival was back for 2014 – and it’s very clear indeed that with Brian Stringer at the helm, it was a much better affair than the washout of 2013.
[caption id="attachment_19534" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Loved this pirate.[/caption] Continue reading
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 2014, Brownhillls, Brownhills, Canal, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, Events, Festival, New Photos, Panoramio, Tesco, Things to do
8 Comments
Fixed in time
I’ve had in a great contribution from a chap who’s been a friend of the blog for as long as I’ve been writing it – Roger ‘Ziksby’ Jones – on the subject of early bicycles, which arose from the image of F. Bradbury recently supplied by John and Paul Anslow.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, cycling, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged @ziksby, Anslow, bicycle, bikes, Bradbury, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, bycycles, cycling, early, fixed wheel, john, Lichfield, Local History, Malvern, New Photos, Paul, Roger Jones, The Malvern Cycling Club 1883-1912, Things to do, Veteran-Cycle Club, W H Melhuish, Walsall Wood
5 Comments
Motorcyclist seriously hurt in Brownhills Accident
There’s been a nasty accident in Brownhills during rush hour this evening (17th June 2014), when a car and motorcycle were in collision at the junction of Chase Road and an industrial estate access road.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 17th June, 2014, A5, Accident, Ambulance, biker, Brownhills, Canal, Canal Bridge, Car, Chase Road, collision, crash, cycling, entertainment, Events, Facebook, Industrial Estate, Lichfield, Police, RTA, smash, traffic, Tuesday, Twitter, Walsall Wood, Watling Street
4 Comments
A bit of a monstink…
I present today a series of three photos, and a wonderful article with some remarkable detail – I’d like readers – not just the Walsall Wood Massive – to help here, please with names and recollections if you have any.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, cycling, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Anslow, Band, bicycle, Bradbury, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, cycling, David Evans, David Stickland, Ebenezer, Harry, Jackson, john, Lichfield, Local History, Marigold, New Photos, Newbould, Paul, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Sunday School, Tams, The parish church of Walsall Wood, Things to do, Walsall Wood
34 Comments
Summer’s first breath
We’ve had a really fine few days, and I really feel now that summer is on her throne – the leaves are all fully out now, the whites and yellows of spring are turning to the reds and purples of summer, and nature and the landscape is resplendent in the multi-colured jacket the sun provides.
Posted in Churches, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media
Tagged A picture tour of old Pelsall Rushall and Shelfield, Aldridge Brick & Tile, Alrewas, Armitage, bike, bridge, Canal, Cycle rides, cycling, Dunstall, FJ Long, Fradley, great crested, Grebe, hall, Lichfield, Longdon, Narrowboat, New Photos, Panoramio, Red Lion, Redevelopment, refurbishment, Reopening, ride, river section, Staffordshire, Things to do, wildflowers, Wildlife, wind turbinebugle
9 Comments
Don’t forget – Brownhills Common Bioblitz this Friday and Saturday
Are you interested in wildlife, or maybe have a budding David Attenborough or Chris Packham in the family – wnt to bring out your inner Bill Oddie or Simon King – If so, Brownhills Common is the place to be this Friday and Saturday.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged 16, 17, 2014, Bio, Bioblitz, Blitz, Brownhills, Brownhills common, Chasewater SSSI, Children, Common, conservation, Countryside Services, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, free, Greenspace, Heathland, Kevin Clements, kids, local blogs, Local History, Management, May, Morgan Bowers, Natural England, Nature, Special, Things to do, tickets, Twitter, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council
1 Comment
Blitz the common!
Are you interested in wildlife, or maybe have a budding David Attenborough or Chris Packham in the family – wnt to bring out your inner Bill Oddie or Simon King – If so, Brownhills Common is the place to be on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th May 2014.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged 16, 17, 2014, Bio, Bioblitz, Blitz, Brownhills, Brownhills common, Chasewater SSSI, Children, Common, conservation, Countryside Services, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, free, Greenspace, Heathland, Kevin Clements, kids, local blogs, Local History, Management, May, Morgan Bowers, Natural England, Nature, Special, Things to do, tickets, Twitter, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council
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No country for old men
Over recent years, my long distance cycling habit has been a little bit curtailed. I’ve been working many Saturdays, when I generally went on long dayrides, or had other commitments – this year, I intend to rectify that, and yesterday started as I mean to contiunue – with a 122 mile rile up into the Peak District.
Posted in cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media
Tagged Cromford, Cycle rides, cycling, Dales, Derbyshire, hall, High Peak trail, Hoe Grange, Ilam, Manifold Valley, Minninglow, New Photos, Panorama, Panoramio, Staffordshire, Throwley, Tissington Trail, Weaver Hills
7 Comments
A very Good Friday
Yesterday, Good Friday 18th April 2014, was a good day for a ride – with the day off and the sun shining (although not as warm as one would have thought), I headed out to Staffordshire to cath the sun and beauty of spring.
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Posted in Churches, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged anemone, bicye, bike, Blossom, Bluebell, Cam, Canal, Canwell, Church, Convent, Cycle rides, cycling, Devils Dressing Room, Edingale, Events, ewe, good weather, GoPro, Harlaston, Haunton, Hays, HD Hero 3+, Hints, Hopwas, Lichfield, Netherseal, New Photos, No Man's Heath, Oilseed Rape, Panoramio, ride, sheep, Speedwell, Spring, Staffordshire, Stonnall, sun, Syercote, Things to do, wildflowers, Wildlife, Wood
5 Comments
When the dam burst
Chasewater has been, as any long-term reader here knows, a continual and recurring obsession of mine – I love the place; I grew up with it, visiting regularly I came to love its air of faded, end-of-the-pier decay and beautiful, often unexpected wildlife.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Shared memories, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, cycling, Events, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Old maps, Panoramio, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Staffordshire
10 Comments
Making a splash!
You readers really are a remarkable bunch – last Friday, I featured a couple of images posted on social media by Chris Leggett of the Express & Star, as part of their bid to gain funding to digitise and open to the public their photo archive – a huge treasury of newspaper images that current exist in print form only.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 1973, archive, Bid, Brian Stringer, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, caught, Chris Leggett, crash, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Express & Star, Facebook, Helicopter, Karen, Kenneth Cornwell, Lichfield, lines, Local History, Malcolm Wright, Malcom Wright, New Photos, overhead, parachute, photo, Reservoir, Show, Silly, skydiver, Staffordshire, Stowe Pool, Stuntman, survey, tangle, Things to do, Twitter, winch
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The parachutist, the helicopter and the Brownhills daredevil
Last year, I asked readers to show support for the Express & Star in their bid to gain funding to digitise and open to the public their photo archive – a huge treasury of newspaper images that current exist in print form only. 
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 1973, Aldridge, archive, Bid, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, caught, Chris Leggett, crash, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Express & Star, Facebook, Helicopter, Kenneth Cornwell, Lichfield, lines, Local History, Malcom Wright, New Photos, overhead, parachute, photo, Reservoir, Show, Silly, skydiver, Staffordshire, Stonnall, Stowe Pool, Stuntman, survey, tangle, Things to do, Twitter, winch
12 Comments
Leaving hibernation
We’re a third of the way through March, and daffodils are out, the sun is high in the sky and spring is in full effect – I left in the afternoon for a quiet, fast spin – I ended up on a 45-miler around Lichfield, Croxall, Edingale, Harlaston, Whittington, Weeford and Shenstone.
[caption id="attachment_17934" align="alignleft" width="300"]
How Shenstone looks best: in silhouette[/caption] Continue reading
Posted in Churches, cycling, Environment, Events, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media
Tagged Canal, Croxall, Cycle rides, cycling, daffodils, Edingale, Events, New Photos, Panoramio, ride, Shenstone, Spring, Staffordshire, sun, Sunset, Things to do, WHittington
3 Comments
Dazed
I’ve had a request from the young David Evans to re-run some photos from a post I created in 2011 – David has requested this as new reader and commenter Roger Mosedale has joined us in the last few days, and David feels that he may be able to help with the school photos here.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1932, 1953, 1955, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, choir, Clayhanger, cycling, Cycling Proficiency, David Evans, Ebenexer, football, Lichfield, Local History, New Photos, Roger Mosedale, school photos, Shire Oak, Silly, soccer, Staffordshire, Things to do, violinists, Walsall Wood, Walsall Wood Primary
6 Comments
Urban spring
As is usual, today I visited Erdington Bike Jumble, the yearly tat-bazaar for cyclists that always takes place the first Saturday in March.
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Posted in Churches, cycling, Environment, Events, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media
Tagged Architecture, Birmingham, Canal, contamination, Curdworth, Cycle rides, cycling, Erdington, Events, New Photos, Panoramio, Pubs, Snow Hill, Spaghetti Junction, Spring, Staffordshire, sun, Things to do, Washwood Heath
3 Comments
Accentuate the positive
It’s good to see that local cyclist, railwayman and blogger Aiden McHaffie has recently had some success in bringing to resolution a case of bad HGV driving, as recorded in a bike cam YouTube video.
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Posted in Bad Science, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, 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
Tagged Accident, Aiden McHaffie, bike, Cam, Company, complaint, cycle safety, cyclesafe, cycling, Facebook, injustice, Linda Mason, local blogs, police failure, positive, West Midlands Police, Youtube
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Light and graceful
From time to time here, we mention the history of Aldershawe, the estate and large house overlooking Lichfield from high on the hill near Wall – this remarkable and secluded property is, of course, closely intertwined with the Harrison family who owned it for a time.
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Posted in cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged 1999, Aldershaw, Aldershawe, big house, Craft Village, Cycle rides, cycling, Edward Brown, estate, Harrison, Lichfield, livery, Local History, Mansions and Country Seats of Staffordshire and Warwickshire, Mercury, New Photos, Panoramio, Pedro Cutler, Pedrocut, Peter Cutler, Redevelopment, software, stables, Staffordshire, Wall
3 Comments
I think that nails it…
Periodically, I’ve expressed my intrigue at the history of Chesterfield Lodge, at the tiny hamlet between Wall and Shenstone – Chesterfield is a small place, but has some remarkable architecture demonstrated in its houses and farms.
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Posted in Churches, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media
Tagged Chesterfield, Chesterfield Lodge, Cycle rides, cycling, Lane, Lichfield, Lichfield Lore, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Old maps, Panoramio, parish, Raikes, Roy Aston, SAHS, Shenstone, Staffordshire, Staffordshire Archaeological and Historical Society, Stonnall, Things to do, Twitter, Wall, Workhouse
14 Comments
Work starts on Holland Park improvements
I had this press release yesterday from Walsall Council, and I think it’s important to share it here – it’s nice to see Holland Park getting some love at long last – the paths and some aspects of the fabric have needed attention for a while now.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Local media, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, cycling, Darren Hodgkiss, Holland Park, infrastructure, Local politics, maintenance, Pavements, planning, refurbish, Walsall, Walsall Council, Wildlife, work
11 Comments
2014 New year quiz!
It’s been a long time in the making, but great fun – here it is, the Brownhills Blog New Year 2014 quiz – Get stuck in and see if you can win!
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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 2014, 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
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Something cheesy for Christmas
I’ll keep this brief, as I know there are folk in Short Heath suffering in quiet, restrained dignity as they haven’t had their Liberal Democrat Focus news sheets this week due to the inclement weather – please spare a thought for those less fortunate souls this Christmas.
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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, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Christmas, Cycle rides, cycling, Greetings, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, Politics, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
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Just one day like this…
Today I escaped for a bit – the weather was reasonably good, I had nothing pressing, and rather than fiddle with blog posts and other stuff, I decided to go for a decent ride.
Posted in Churches, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media
Tagged Canal, Canwell, Church, Churchyard, Crow's Castle, Cyclamen, Cycle rides, cycling, Footherley, Ford, Golden hour, Hays Wood, Hints, Hopwas, Lichfield, New Photos, Panoramio, Pillbox, Staffordshire, Stockfields, Sunset, Things to do
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Christmas Fayre at Chasewater Innovation Centre today!
Here’s a chance to get into the Christmas spirit this Sunday, 1st December 2013 – there’s a Christmas Fayre being held at Chasewater Innovation Centre – at the same time, you can check out the Santa Specials at Chasewater Steam Railway, and take a wander around the lake which is now full and teeming with wildlife once more.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, 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, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Railway, Christmas, Cycle rides, cycling, December 1st 2013, Events, Facebook, Fayre, local blogs, New Photos, Reservoir, Santa, Special, Staffordshire, Things to do, Wildlife
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Cannock Chase Messines Model on Countryfile
The first world war model of Messines, it’s history and recent archeological dig have been the talk of Staffordshire for a while, and tonight formed the basis for a great article on the BBC program Countryfile.
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Posted in Cannock Chase, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Wildlife
Tagged Archeology, BBC, Brocton Field, Cannock Chase, Chase Trails, clip, country file, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, Dig, disappointing, Film, Lichfield, Local History, Messines, Model archeology, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, Wildlife, World War 1, WW1 Great war
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Springing a surprise
Lord knows where he found it, but isn’t this picture from the Young David Evans a remarkable thing?
Posted in Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Aldridge, co-op, cycling, David Evans, Ind Coope, Local History, Lost pubs, New Photos, Panoramio, picture, Pubs, Redevelopment, Shelfield, Spring Cottage, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood
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Kingdom of rain
This video takes a journey homewards after work – I pick it up in Walsall Road, Darlaston, and travel through James Bridge, Alumwell and join the New Ring Road at the Rollingmill Street junction.
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Posted in cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Shared media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged #365daysofbiking, Alumwell, bad weather, bike cam, commute, Cycle rides, cycling, Darlaston, GoPro, HDHero 3+, Junction, Lane discipline, night riding, ommuting, Rain, Ride cam, Ring Road, Things to do, urba, urban birdlife, Walsall
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Police helicopter helps search for suspected car thieves in Walsall Wood
I’ve just spotted this press release from West Midlands Police about an operation in Walsall Wood in the wee small hours of this morning (24th October 2013).
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2 men, 24 october, arrest, Barons Court, Brownhills, Canal, Car, Clayhanger, cycling, Events, Helicopter, Horse & Jockey, Hotel, Police, Suspect, Theft, Twitter, West Midlands Police, WMP
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Stag do?
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. Continue reading
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
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Lane’s end
In the circles of my cycling mates, I’m fairly well known for my forthright and controversial vies on cycle facilities – bike lanes, shared use paths, coloured bits of tarmac etc – that generally non-cycling traffic engineers create to try to make junctions easier for us on two wheels.
Posted in Bad Science, cycling, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council
Tagged Advance Stop Line, ASL, Beyond the Kerb, Bez, Bikeability, Cheap tat, Cycle rides, Cyclecraft, cycling, cycling facilities, cyle safety, danger, Darlaston, Lichfield, Lichwheeld, Local politics, Lorries, New Photos, planning, Politics, Silly, Things to do, Tipping out the paint, Vehicular cycling
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The lights that shone bright in the Blackout
On the continuing theme of wartime Brownhills, air raids and the social upheaval that went with all that, I dug into the newspaper archives for examples of people fined for breaking the lights-out rules.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1940, air raid., bicycle light, bike, Blackout, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Cycle rides, cycling, David Oakley, Lichfield, Lichfield Mercury, Local History, offences, petty sessions, Staffordshire, summons, Walsall Wood, war
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