#365daysofbiking JournalRecent tracks
Yesterday's FootprintsJunkboy2 hours ago
FulfilJunkboy2 hours ago
ShokaJunkboy2 hours ago
Rayleigh LanesJunkboy2 hours ago
A Chance EncounterJunkboy2 hours ago
Sweetheart of the EstuaryJunkboy2 hours ago
The Lower QuarterJunkboy2 hours ago
Cluniac Monks of Prittlewell PrioryJunkboy2 hours ago
Trains, Trees, TopophiliaJunkboy2 hours ago
Old Camera, New FilmJunkboy3 hours agoRecent Comments
John Siviter on An enduring history Kevin Lamb on Open day and night Susan Jones (nee Elw… on Miss Hall’s girls Gordon Garnett on Distant Hoofbeats remembered Gordon Garnett on Distant Hoofbeats remembered
Tag Archives: cycling
Motorbike accident in Brownhills?
From reports on Twitter and Facebook, it seems there’s been a nasty accident in Brownhills near the Anchor Bridge Junction tonight (30th September 2013), between a car and a motorbike.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Accident, Ambulance, Anchor Bridge, biker, Brownhills, Car, crash, cycling, entertainment, Events, Facebook, High Street, Knaves Cort, Lichfield, Ogley Court, Panoramio, Police, Pubs, RTA, Shire Oak, Twitter, Walsall Wood
3 Comments
Not what I’d hoped
Yesterday was my usual annual visit to the Cycle Show at the NEC, Birmingham, which I usually love – however, this year’s event left me feeling somewhat disappointed.
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 2013, Birmingham, BMW, Condor, Continental, Cycle rides, Cycle show, cycling, disability cycling, disappointment, electric bikes, Enigma, Events, Hope, let down, NEC, new bikes, New Photos, Things to do
2 Comments
Inner Hays
Here’s another ride cam for all those who ask for them – including Trev in Oz, Rob Flodders and BillyTheBez – this one is edited, realtime bits of a mostly off road journey from Jerry’s Lane, near Weeford, up the bridleway that is Knox’s Grave Lane to Packington, then into the wonderful Hopwas Hayes Wood.
Continue reading
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 1984, Advisory Circle, bike, Bridleway, Cam, Cycle rides, cycling, Downhill, Events, fable, firing range, GoPro, green, grenade, Hantology, Hays Wood, Hill, Hopwas, John Brooks, Knoxs Grave Lane, Mountain Bike, Packington, Rainbow, ride, Staffordshire, Tamworth Time Hikes, Things to do, Witches
3 Comments
Chasing the rainbow
I’m still, after several decades, exploring Cannock Chase – since getting wonderfully lost around the quarries near Bevin’s Birches last week, I’ve developed a thirst for spots I’ve not been before.
Continue reading
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, Cam, Cannock Chase, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, fable, forest, GoPro, green, Hill, Marquis Drive, Moors Gorse, Mountain Bike, Neil Cowley Trio, Rainbow, ride, Staffordshire, Stonepit, Things to do
3 Comments
The last big weekend of the summer
It’s been another heat bank holiday weekend, and I got to cycling over the Chase and through East Staffordshire – too many pictures for 365days, so I thought I’d do a gallery.[caption id="attachment_15473" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Elderberries, Walton upon Trent[/caption] Continue reading
Posted in Cannock Chase, Churches, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media
Tagged Bevins Birches, Cannock Chase, Church, Cycle rides, cycling, Derbyshire, Dunstall, hall, Handsacre, Hoar Cross, Longdon, New Photos, Old Quarry, Panoramio, Rowley, Staffordshire, Stonywell, Walton, Wolseley Plain
8 Comments
Back down the old Kit Bag
I had fun over Cannock Chase yesterday, exploring the area around Wolseley Plain and the old quarries near Bevin’s Birches – while there, I also cycled down Kitbag Hill, the sharp semi-road incline that forms part of Marquis Drive between the old RAF Hednesford and visitor’s centre and the old level crossing at Moor’s Gorse.
Continue reading
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, Birches Valley, Cam, Cannock Chase, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, forest, GoPro, Happy Dog, Just Brothers, Kitbag Hill, Marquis Drive, Moors Gorse, Mountain Bike, New Bridge, ride, Rodrigo Y Gabriella, Santa Domingo, Sliced Tomatoes, Staffordshire, Things to do
1 Comment
Up hill and down dale
Today, I got into the Derbyshire Dales and crossed into North Staffordshire – a straightforward trip along the High Peak Trail and down the full length of the Tissington Trail was just what was needed, and once at Ashbourne, I doubled back and headed back to Ilam via Mapleton and Blore.
[caption id="attachment_15388" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
Minninglow Great Barrow[/caption] Continue reading
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
3 Comments
Coming down from above
Yesterday, on a borrowed mountain bike I headed out to Brocton Fied on Cannock Chase, and starting near the Glacial Boulder and trig point, I threw myself and the bike down into Sherbrook Valley, then followed the stream down to Stepping Stones.
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, Brocton Field, Cam, Cannock Chase, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, forest, GoPro, Mountain Bike, ride, Sherbrook Valley, Staffordshire, Things to do, Tourist video, Visit Birmingham, Wildlife
Leave a comment
Crossing the city
I thought it was about time for some more ride videos – I know many readers enjoy these, and a lot of the bicycle-curious wonder about cycling the canals in Birmingham city centre.
Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Shared media
Tagged Aston, bike cam, Birmingham, Bordesley, Brum, Canal, Cycle rides, cycling, Digbeth, GoPro, Iron & Wine, Junction, McCluskey Brothers, New Photos, Ride cam, Salford, Saltley, Small Heath, Spagheitti, Things to do, Tyseley
4 Comments
Eine kleine Nachtmarket
Well, it was a balmy summer evening, and the atmosphere was carnival-like and relaxed. There were loads more stalls than last time, and everyone seemed to be having a great time.
Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 2013, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, July, Market, New Photos, Night, Night Market, pictures, Walsall, Walsall Council
7 Comments
Out on the common…
Walsall Council’s Countryside Services Manager Kevin Clements has been in touch – he wants me to let readers know that there’s now a booklet available for download, which details the work proposed for Brownhills Common, and he’s also written an interesting piece for the blog about the planned tasks ahead, and why they’re so important.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills common, Chasewater SSSI, Conifer, Consultation, Countryside Services, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, forestry, Greenspace, Heathland, june 14th, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Management, Natural England, Plantation, Special, Things to do, tree removal, Twitter, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Advertiser, Walsall Council
Leave a comment
An urgent appeal… anyone know Keiron Barley?
This is an odd little appeal for local people – Yesterday, Birmingham Cyclist blog admin @brumcyclist asked me the following:
Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media
Tagged @brumcyclist, appeal, Beach, Birmingham Cyclist, Burntwood, Cycle rides, cycling, driving license, Keiron Barley, local blogs, Lost, Silly, Suffolk, Things to do, Twitter, urgent
Leave a comment
Walking for Rosie
Karen Ross has been in touch with details of this Sunday’s sponsored walk and festival in aid of the wonderful Rosie’s Helping Hands Charity.
Continue reading
Posted in Churches, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 2013, 21st Junly, Airfield, Airport, Aldridge, charity, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Festival, fun day, Karen Ross, memorial, Rosie Ross, Rosie's Helping Hands, sponsored, Sunday, Things to do, walk, Walsall
Leave a comment
Jammin’ – pictures from Our Big Gig
Well, I nearly missed it due to other commitments, and like the Bands on the Beacon, I arrived late, but Our Big Gig in Walsall Arboretum this afternoon was brilliant – I can honestly say it was a cracking event the restored Arboretum basked in the sunshine, and Walsall, in all it’s diversity, came out to enjoy an afternoon of music and fun.
[caption id="attachment_14857" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Dalbir sings Jessie J whilst giving Table pro tips to a young apprentice[/caption] Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, 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 arboretum, Aziz, Bandstand, Barry Hunt, Bruno Edwards, Cycle rides, cycling, Dalbir, Events, fun day, Jam, Kate Goodall, kids, local blogs, Local politics, Marathon, music, New Photos, pictures, planning, Redevelopment, Samantha Jayne, Walsall
7 Comments
Chuckery Festival on too!
Thanks again to council whiz Kate Goodall for bringing this fine festival happening next week to my attention – along with Caldmore, Chuckery is one of my favourite bits of Walsall and has, to put it mildly, a banging community spirit, with a very diverse community.
Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 2013, Chuckery Festival, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, fun, Paddock, Summer, Things to do, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council
Leave a comment
The Summer of Fun continues…
Thanks again to council whiz Kate Goodall for bringing this fine festival happening next week to my attention – along with Caldmore, Chuckery is one of my favourite bits of Walsall and has, to put it mildly, a banging community spirit, with a very diverse community.
Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 2013, Chuckery Festival, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, fun, Kate Goodall, Paddock, Summer, Things to do, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council
3 Comments
To be in England, in the summertime
Another day, another great ride – I headed out early afternoon, firstly to Chasewater then on to Lichfield and the festival market, then from the busy city, I headed to the quiet of the east Staffordshire countryside – Whittington, Croxall, Walton, Rosliston, Lullington, Harlaston and back via Wall.
[caption id="attachment_14740" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Pipe Hill poppies[/caption] Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Churches, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Croxall, Cycle rides, cycling, Harlaston, Lichfield, Lichfield Festival Market, Lullington, New Photos, Panoramio, Pipe Hill, poppies, Reservoir, River Trent, Rosliston, Staffordshire, Things to do, Wakeboard, Wakelake, Walton, Walton on Trent, WHittington, Wildlife
9 Comments
Pictures from Brownhills Canal Festival 2013
I have to say, the weather was dire, and I didn’t arrive until late, but there was much to like about the Brownhills Canal Festival today – I don’t know if it was the poor weather or what, but there seemed a tad more atmosphere to it than usual, and I did genuinely enjoy pottering around.
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 2013, Brownhillls, Brownhills, Canal, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, Events, Festival, New Photos, Panoramio, Tesco, Things to do
9 Comments
Tearing up the forest
Here’s a video I’m posting specifically for Rob Floders, who I know enjoys my cycle videos – Rob’s having a really tough time at the moment, and although I know a daft video can’t make anything better, I hope it makes him smile just a little.
Continue reading
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 Abraham's Valley, bike, Cam, Cannock Chase, Corner, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, forest, GoPro, Mountain Bike, New Blood, Peter Gabriel, ride, Rifle Range, Robert Floders, So, Staffordshire, Things to do, Wildlife, Your Eyes
3 Comments
Bicycles. Always a problem.
A great spot here from Peter ‘Pedro’ Cutler regarding a report in the Lichfield Mercury of Friday, 16th August 1935.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged bicycles, Bradbury, Brownhills, Brownhills Chamber of Trade, Brownhills local history, co-op, Co-operative, Conduit Colliery, Cycle rides, cycling, Emery, Humphries, jobless, Labour Exchange, land, Local History, Local politics, Norton Canes, purchase, sale, Sewage Farm, sewerage, Silly, Staffordshire, Subsidence, unemployed
2 Comments
Burglary in Shire Oak: Please be on your guard
It seems the spate of local burglaries and vehicle break-ins continues – Debbie Oliver from the Shire Oak group on Facebook yesterday (Thursday, 13th June 2013) posted a warning.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged break in, Brownhills, Burglary, Car burglary, Car Crime, crime, cycling, Debbie Oliver, Events, Facebook, intruder, James Forsyth, local blogs, Mountain Bike, Police, public safety, Shire Oak, stolen bikes, Twitter, Walsall Police, West Midlands Police
Leave a comment
Walk on the Wild Side at Brownhills Common this Friday!
Here’s one for people interested in the issues surrounding Brownhills Common – this Friday there’s a chance to meet and listen to very experienced, knowledgable naturalists and conservationists talk about just what a special, rare habitat Brownhills Common is, and why it requires careful and measured stewardship.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills common, Chasewater SSSI, Conifer, Consultation, Countryside Services, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, forestry, Greenspace, Heathland, june 14th, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Management, Morgan Bowers, Natural England, Plantation, scrutiny, Special, Things to do, tree removal, Twitter, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Advertiser, Walsall Council
Leave a comment
Mum’s the word
This is just a quick note to warn people given to exploring the open spaces of the area – particularly dog walkers – that the red deer population are giving birth right now. The heaths around Brownhills, Clayhanger, Pelsall and … 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 agressived, birth, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Marsh, Cycle rides, cycling, defence, dog walking code, fawns, local blogs, mothers, New Photos, ogs, Red deer, Reservoir, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood, Wildlife, young
2 Comments
Winding Lanes
Andy Dennis writes clearly and articulately of the planning history of the Lanes Farm/Sandhills site in light of current angst over a mooted further development – I’m still of the opinion that we’re being trolled for other reasons, but Andy raises some excellent points.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged Andy Dennis, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Cycle rides, cycling, Lane's Farm, Lichfield, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, Panoramio, planning, Politics, Redevelopment, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Stonnall, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall 2026, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
20 Comments
A deep breadth
Following the wonderful panorama of Walsall taken last weekend by Steve Wilcox that I featured here, here’s another, this time taken by friend of the blog Rose Maria Burnell, who took this one with an iPhone, and it’s a great image.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged #365daysofbiking, Brownhills, Chasewater, cows, Cycle rides, cycling, fly bay, fly creek, fly pool, Lichfield, local blogs, Lowland Heath, maintenace, new path, New Photos, north heath, Panorama, Panoramio, Reservoir, Rose Maria Burnell, Staffordshire, Things to do, Twitter, Wildlife
2 Comments
Golden hours
Busy most of the day, I managed to slip out late afternoon for a ride – it was glorious -Chasewater was busy, yet there were deer on the dam. – the countryside was alive, and bursting into leaf and bloom everywhere I looked[caption id="attachment_13982" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
Wall church itself is impressive and unusual in style[/caption]
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Churches, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged Bluebell, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Church, Churchyard, Cycle rides, cycling, Hammerwich, Lichfield, Local History, New Photos, Panoramio, Red deer, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do, Wall, Wildlife
Leave a comment
A note of thanks
I’m not noted for agreeing with the council here on the Brownhills Blog, and have never held back in criticising them. – however, I like to think that when I feel they’ve got it right, it’s appropriate and correct to point it out.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brian Stringer, bridge, Brownhills, Brownhills stuff, Canal, Canal and River Trust, canal festival 2013, canal side, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Kid, Clayhanger stuff, cleaning, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Kate Goodall, Local media, maintenance, New Photos, Pedestrian, Pier Street, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
5 Comments
Farming controversy
I notice that over the past few weeks some outrage seems to be abroad over supposed plans to build a housing estate or industrial park, near Shire Oak on Lanes Farm, between the farmhouse at Sandhills and the Chester Road; broadly the site of the old Brawn’s Wood.
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 media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged Anthony Harris, application, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Catshill, Conservative, Consultation, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, estate, Events, Facebook, Home Farm, housing, In Touch, industrial, Lane's Farm, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Flower, New Photos, Panoramio, Pete Sears, planning, Planning 2026, Politics, Redevelopment, SAD, Shire Oak, Silly, St Modwen, Staffordshire, Stonnall, Things to do, Tory, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
19 Comments
Brownhills Common: Scrutiny meeting tonight!
I received a press release from Walsall Council, stating that following the brouhaha over Brownhills Common and the subsequent petition, there is to be a special scrutiny meeting at the Council House on this very matter, tonight Monday, 13th May 2013, at 6pm.
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 media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged 13th, 2013, Brownhills common, Chasewater SSSI, Chaz Mason, Clayhanger Marsh Log, Conifer, Consultation, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, forestry, Greenspace, Heathland, Kevin Clements, Leaflet, local blogs, Local History, Management, May, Morgan Bowers, Natural England, Plantation, scrutiny, Special, Things to do, tree removal, Twitter, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Advertiser, Walsall Council
Leave a comment
Ford perfect
Just in case last weekend actually turns out to be summer for 2013, I made one final ride video from last weekend, this one from the bank holiday Monday. This is a video I’ve been meaning to make for a … Continue reading
Posted in Churches, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local media, Shared media, Social Media, Wildlife
Tagged bike, Black, Bourne, brook, Cam, Canwell, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Film, Ford, GoPro, Hints, Lichfield, Local History, Rookery, Staffordshire, Things to do, Wildlife
5 Comments
Brownhills Common: Scrutiny meeting next Monday
I received a press release from Walsall Council today, stating that following the brouhaha over Brownhills Common and the subsequent petition, there is to be a special scrutiny meeting at the Council House on this very matter, next Monday, 13th May 2013, at 6pm.
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 media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged 13th, 2013, Brownhills common, Chasewater SSSI, Chaz Mason, Clayhanger Marsh Log, Conifer, Consultation, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, forestry, Greenspace, Heathland, Kevin Clements, Leaflet, local blogs, Local History, Management, May, Morgan Bowers, Natural England, Plantation, scrutiny, Special, Things to do, tree removal, Twitter, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Advertiser, Walsall Council
Leave a comment
Fun events at Chasewater this weekend!
I’ve spotted the following on the Chasewater Country Park Facebook page, which should give some ideas to families wanting to enjoy the good weather but not travel too far this bank holiday weekend.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged bank holiday, Brownhills, Canal, Chase Sailing Club, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Railway, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, free sailing sessions, Lichfield, local blogs, New Photos, Panoramio, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do, Wildlife, Wildlife fair
Leave a comment
Just a bit of TLC
I have been contacted by The Clayhanger Kid himself, Brian Stringer, who’s rightly concerned by the lack of cleaning and maintenance of the Pier Street Pedestrian Bridge.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brian Stringer, bridge, Brownhills, Canal, Canal and River Trust, canal festival 2013, canal side, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Kid, cleaning, cycling, Events, maintenance, New Photos, Pedestrian, Pier Street, Walsall Council
4 Comments
Chasewater wakes
Readers who are Chasewater fans will remember that back in February, I wrote a post that set out to explain the planning application that had been submitted to construct a wakeboarding facility in the south east corner of the lake, from around the old pier to just past the valve house on the dam.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged application, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, controversy, Council, Councty, Course, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, District, LDC, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Pier, planning, Redevelopment, Reservoir, SCC, Staffordshire, Things to do, Wake Board, Wakeboard Limited, watersports, Wildlife
8 Comments
Urgent: Spate of thefts and burglaries in Brownhills
I have an urgent message for Brownhills residents from Nicky Biddlestone, Communications Officer at Walsall Police.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged break in, Brownhills, Burglary, Car burglary, Car Crime, charity, crime, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Express & Star, Facebook, intruder, local blogs, Mountain Bike, Nicky Biddlestone, Police, public safety, stolen bikes, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsall Police, Warren Parry, West Midlands Police
7 Comments
Nicked bike alert!
Sad news reaches me from local blogger The Stymaster: he’s had his ride purloined.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged bicycle, bike, Brownhills, cycle, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, green, GT, local blogs, Lost, New Photos, Nomad, Rushall, Shire Oak, Stolen, The Stymaster, thieves, Things to do, Vandalism, Walsall Wood
6 Comments
Brownhills Common: please join the debate
I haven’t forgotten the issue of Brownhills Common and the heathland restoration works, and nor will I let it slip – but the voice of the experts deserves to be heard properly. land at Brownhills Common.
Continue reading
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 media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills common, Chasewater SSSI, Chaz Mason, Clayhanger Marsh Log, Conifer, Consultation, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, forestry, Greenspace, Heathland, Kevin Clements, Leaflet, local blogs, Local History, Management, Morgan Bowers, Natural England, Plantation, Things to do, tree removal, Twitter, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Advertiser, Walsall Council
11 Comments
Do something rasher…
Readers of my 365daysofbiking journal will remember that last year, I was fascinated by the fine pigs being kept on the smallholding on the patch of land between the A5 and canal at Newtown, Brownhills.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Big Tasties, Brownhills, Canal, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, free range, New Photos, Newtown, Night Market, piggery, pigs, sheep, Silly, Slow Loaf, smallholding, Tan Rosie, The Gables, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Council, Watling Street
2 Comments
Words worth digesting
This is just a quick one about the madness ongoing over Brownhills Common. There will be more later in the week, but if you’re wanting to keep up with this stuff, there’s been a followup report in the Express & Star, and a predictably alarmist view from the Walsall Advertiser, the second photograph from which actually demonstrates the reason the area requires heathland management – evergreen saplings competing with heather.
Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Express & Star, 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, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills common, Chasewater SSSI, Chaz Mason, Clayhanger Marsh Log, Conifer, Consultation, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, forestry, Greenspace, Heathland, Kevin Clements, Leaflet, local blogs, Local History, Management, Morgan Bowers, Natural England, Plantation, Things to do, tree removal, Twitter, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Advertiser, Walsall Council
7 Comments
Shut the wardrobe door!
Oh, my goodness – Narnia has escaped from the wardrobe again, and as ever, I’ve been out having fun The cycling was fine on main roads, but side roads and tracks were bad. The snow – falling gently all the time I was out – was being driven by a northeasterly surely crafted on Satan’s back doorstep.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged black path, Brownhills, Brownhills common, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, cold weather, culvert, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, ice, level, New Photos, nine foot, overflow, Panoramio, Parade, Reservoir, Snow, Spillway, Staffordshire, Things to do, Watling Street, Wildlife
3 Comments
The love of the common people
There has been some comment locally about the Brownhills Common thing. I’m not going to push it again too much, as folk must be sick to the back teeth of it, but I have to get a plug in for a couple of excellent blog posts published today.
Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, 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 Aiden MacHaffie, Barrie Poxon, Brownhills common, Chasewater, Chasewater SSSI, Conifer, Consultation, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Deer, Events, forestry, Greenspace, Heathland, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Management, Morgan Bowers, Natural England, Plantation, Red deer, Things to do, tree removal, Twitter, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council
Leave a comment
Oh deer me
As expected, the usual Brownhills Blowhards are now in top gear over the proposal to undertake heathland management on a portion of Brownhills Common, and have been fulminating to the Express & Star, and presumably, anyone else who’ll listen.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged Barrie Poxon, Brownhills common, Chasewater, Chasewater SSSI, Conifer, Consultation, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Deer, Events, forestry, Greenspace, Heathland, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Management, Natural England, Plantation, Red deer, Things to do, tree removal, Twitter, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council
31 Comments
Commoners wrongs
I’m aware that recently, there has been some scaremongering and showboating locally about Walsall Council and Natural England’s long term plans for heathland management on Brownhills Common.
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, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills common, Chasewater SSSI, Conifer, Consultation, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, forestry, Greenspace, Heathland, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Management, Natural England, Plantation, Things to do, tree removal, Twitter, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council
13 Comments
Cooperation
Friend of the blog Lee Braggington, Walsall Wood Group Scout Leader, has been in touch to let me know that the new Co-op store at Streets corner will finally open this coming Thursday, 21st March 2013, as I noted on my 365daysofbiking journal on Wednesday.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, co-op, community, Competition, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Lee Braggington, litter pick, new, New Photos, open, Opening, Panoramio, planning, Redevelopment, Scout Leader, Shire Oak, store, Tesco, Things to do, Twitter, Walsall Wood, Walsall Wood Scouts
5 Comments
Imperialist blather
It seems Brownhills Community Association, or someone within, its undertaking a little empire building of late. It’s all coming over a bit imperialist to me.
It seems that now, if you want to fish in the canal between Catshill Junction and Chasewater, you are expected to pay Brownhills Community Association £3 per day for the privilege, or £15 for a season ticket.
It seems that now, if you want to fish in the canal between Catshill Junction and Chasewater, you are expected to pay Brownhills Community Association £3 per day for the privilege, or £15 for a season ticket.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged Anglesey Basin, angling, Baliff, BCA, Brownhills, Brownhills Comminity Centre, Brownhills common, Brownhills community association, Canal, Catshill Junction, Chasewater, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Fee, fishing, Local politics, New Photos, Ogley Junction, Silly, Things to do, Wildlife
18 Comments
Hat tip to Walsall Council
Just a quick note to point out that the the travellers who occupied Holland Park at the end of last week have moved on. As I said at the time, Walsall Council are pretty good at acting fast on such issues.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, camp, Cycle rides, cycling, encampment, Events, Eviction, Facebook, Holland Park, legal, New Photos, travellers, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsall Council
Leave a comment
The first good day of the year
First weekend in march is always Erdington Bike Jumble. I usually go if the weather’s OK, and potter round, enjoying the company and chatter of other cyclists. Normally a pretty isolated activity, it’s nice to meet other riders socially for a change. A chance to meet old mates, compare machines and have a natter.
Continue reading
Posted in Churches, cycling, Environment, Events, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, 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
Travellers at Holland Park
I’ve received a few emails, tweets and Facebook posts pointing out that travellers invaded Holland Park, Brownhills on Thursday, entering via the northern vehicle gate off The Parade, rendering the anti-vehicle barriers recently (and expensively) erected on the adjacent land irrelevant.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, camp, Cycle rides, cycling, encampment, Events, Eviction, Facebook, Holland Park, legal, New Photos, travellers, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsall Council
3 Comments
Special delivery
I recently asked for memories of midwifery and midwives locally, as we haven’t much historical record in that vitally important area. To my immense gratitude, David Oakley – an exiled Walsall Wood mon whose comments here have done so much to illuminate our history – has come up trumps.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Castlefort, childbirth, Colac, cycling, David Oakley, Emalac, Lee, Local History, McGuire, Memories of old Walsall Wood, Midwife, midwifery, New Photos, Nurse, Prenatalac, Staffordshire, VE Day, Walsall Wood
11 Comments
Brownhills Common – don’t panic!
There seems to be some concern amongst readers of The Brownhills Blog about upcoming heathland management work on Brownhills Common, currently being discussed in some quarters.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills common, Chasewater SSSI, Conifer, Consultation, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, forestry, Greenspace, Heathland, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Management, Natural England, Plantation, Things to do, tree removal, Twitter, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council
26 Comments
RSS - Posts
