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Tag Archives: David Evans
Walsall Wood F.C. – no second chance
It was a remarkable second chance at the FA Vase after the shock disqualification of Spalding United FC, but sadly, not to be
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Bill Shaw, David Evans, disqualified, Events, FC, football, Footy, Good of the Wood, home, match review, Oak Park, Report, result, soccer, Spalding United, Things to do, Town, Tulips, Walsall Wood, Walsall WOod FC, Wisbech
2 Comments
Follow that elephant!
I thought I’d continue today with the third article in the series I started a couple of weeks ago, chronicling the memories of Walsall Wood lady Audrey Proffitt, carefully and faithfully transcribed by reader and Walsall Wood correspondent David Evans.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Airship, Alotment, Audrey, Blood Tub, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Road, childhood, Clayton, David Evans, Dickie, doll, Ivy House, Jackson, Lakin, Lichfield Road, Local History, New Photos, Oak Road, off licence, Palace Cinema, Proffitt, R101, rag, Salters Road, Sheila, Shire Oak, Shire Oak Hill, Shop, Southall, Staffordshire, Street's Corner, Walsall Wood
11 Comments
Walsall Wood eat Quorn
Yesterday afternoon (Saturday, 30th November 2013), Walsall Wood FC faced Quorn FC away, and after a somewhat intemperate match, the Woodmen came away the victors, taking them to a historic position in the league.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 30th, away, Bill Shaw, David Evans, Events, FC, football, Footy, Good of the Wood, match review, November, Oak Park, Quorn, Report, result, Saturday, soccer, Things to do, Walsall Wood, Walsall WOod FC
2 Comments
Walsall Wood trounce the Mikes
Yesterday evening (Tuesday 26th November 2013), Walsall Wood FC faced Boldmere St Michaels at home, and aced yet another resounding and well-deserved win.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 26th, 3-0, Bill Shaw, Boldmere, David Evans, Events, FC, football, Footy, Good of the Wood, home, match review, November, Oak Park, Report, result, soccer, St. Michaels, Things to do, trounce, Tuesday, Walsall Wood, Walsall WOod FC, win
2 Comments
Walsall Wood draw with Loughborough
Yesterday afternoon (Saturday, 23rd November 2013), Walsall Wood F.C. faced Loughborough University away, and they came home with a creditable draw after some wonderfully entertaining football.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 23rd, away, Bill Shaw, David Evans, Events, FC, football, Footy, Good of the Wood, Loughborough, match review, November, Oak Park, Report, result, Saturday, soccer, Things to do, Tuesday, University, Walsall Wood, Walsall WOod FC
1 Comment
Woodmen no match for Tulips
It was hotly anticipated, but sadly, not to be. Walsall Wood were today no match for Spalding United, but by all accounts, a good time was had by all, with a good gate and large crowd.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 16 November, Bill Shaw, David Evans, Events, FC, football, Footy, Good of the Wood, home, match review, November, Oak Park, Oatcakes, Port Vale, Report, result, soccer, Spalding United, Things to do, Tulips, Walsall Wood, Walsall WOod FC
1 Comment
I carried the line-prop!
I thought I’d continue today with another article in the series I started last week, chronicling the memories of Walsall Wood lady Audrey Proffitt, carefully and faithfully transcribed by reader and Walsall Wood correspondent David Evans.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Alotment, Audrey, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Road, childhood, Clayton, David Evans, Dickie, doll, Ivy House, Jackson, Lakin, Lichfield Road, Local History, New Photos, Oak Road, off licence, Proffitt, rag, Salters Road, Sheila, Shire Oak, Shire Oak Hill, Shop, Southall, Staffordshire, Street's Corner, Walsall Wood
6 Comments
Outdoor cookery with Mrs. Parsley
An email finds me from David Evans, containing a rather wonderful image he’s spotted in an Alton Douglas book that he’s like to know more about – it surely is a cracker and I’d love to know more about these ladies and what they were up to.

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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1943, Alton DOuglas, British Restaurant, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Clayhanger, David Evans, Local History, Memories of Walsall, Mrs Parsley, Nancy Bradbury, New Photos, Outdoor Cookery, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall Wood, war, WRVS, WVS
4 Comments
Oatcakes overcome the Woodmen
Tuesday evening (12th November 2013), Walsall Wood F.C. faced Port Vale at home, and sadly for the Woodmen, this match broke their run of good fortune.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 13 November, Bill Shaw, David Evans, Events, FC, football, Footy, Good of the Wood, home, match review, November, Oak Park, Oatcakes, Port Vale, Report, result, soccer, Things to do, Tuesday, Walsall Wood, Walsall WOod FC
1 Comment
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
6 Comments
Walsall Wood top Tipton Town
Yesterday afternoon (Saturday, 9th November 2013), Walsall Wood F.C. faced Tipton Town away, and yet another win for the boys from the Wood, who seem to be on a bit of a run at the moment.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 9, away, Bill Shaw, David Evans, Events, FC, football, Footy, Good of the Wood, home, match review, November, Oak Park, Report, result, soccer, Things to do, Tipton, Tuesday, Walsall Wood, Walsall WOod FC
1 Comment
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
6 Comments
The Woodmen demolish Heath Hayes
Tuesday evening saw Walsall Wood face Heath Hayes at Oak Park – this is always a bit of a notorious pairing, and the blog football fans – Bill Shaw and the Young David Evans – were both in attendance to watch the flare-ups and cheer on the local lads.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 5, Bill Shaw, David Evans, Evening, Events, FC, football, Footy, Good of the Wood, Heath Hayes, home, match review, November, Oak Park, Report, result, soccer, Things to do, Tuesday, Walsall Wood, Walsall WOod FC
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Build it and they’ll come
David Evans, top blog contributor and local historian extraordinaire, has strong connections with the local Methodist Movement – in this capacity, David has been working very hard indeed on the following article on the construction of the New Chapel for some weeks now, and I’m proud and honoured to present it for readers.
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Posted in Churches, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1891, Brownhills local history, Chapel, Church, David Evans, Demolition, Ebenezer, Events, Lichfield, Local History, Local politics, Memorial Stones, Mercury, New Photos, Opening, planning, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood
5 Comments
The end and the beginning
Thanks to several people including reader and friend of the blog Caz and the Young David Evans who’ve both pointed out that the former Royal Oak in Bullings Heath, Walsall Wood, is currently being demolished.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged alehouse, beer house, Black Cock, Black Cock Bridge, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Bullings Heath, Camden Street, Canal, Cawarden, close, David Evans, Demolition, Derelict, Events, Goblin Pit, Green Lane, Hall Lane, Hillary Little, Local History, New Photos, newbuild, old inn, Old maps, Pepper Alley, Pubs, Ron, Royal Oak, Smith, Staffordshire, Val, Walsall Wood
7 Comments
The Wood win again
A home League win at last for the Wood with a 3 – 1 victory over Leicestershire side Kirby Muxloe.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 3, Bill Shaw, bonfire night, David Evans, Events, FC, fireworks, football, Footy, Good of the Wood, home, Kirby Muxloe, match review, November, Oak Park, party, Report, result, soccer, Sunday, Things to do, Walsall Wood, Walsall WOod FC
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Peake performance
I had a posting schedule for this weekend, but like so many things I plan, it seems to have flown out the window – when the fascinating thread about Captain T.V. Peake was developing, mostly when I was getting covered in mud on Cannock Chase, it seems one reader had his head deep in research.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brian Rollins, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Cannock Chase Mining Historical Society, Coal Mining, Coal Mining in Walsall Wood, Coppy Pit, Copson Peake, David Evans, Local History, Local politics, Old maps, Petrol engine mine, Redevelopment, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood, Walsall Wood Colliery Co, Walsall Wood old maps, Walsall Wood Pit
9 Comments
I say, Landlord!
I’m liking this a lot: sent to me yesterday by Andy Dennis, this is a Google Documents/Excel spreadsheet of derived information on local pub landlords from census and other data.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Andy Dennis, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Clayhanger, David Evans, Documents, Drive, google, Lichfield, Local History, Old Leopard, pub landlords, Pubs, Royal Oak, Shire Oak, Spreadsheet, Staffordshire, Stonnall, Things to do, Walsall Wood
19 Comments
An afternoon affair?
Friend of the blog and leader of 1st Walsall Wood Scout Group Lee Braggington writes to me with a very interesting enquiry – it had never registered with me before, but Lee is quite right; Walsall Wood’s Remembrance Parade has always seemed to be on a Sunday Afternoon – this year on the 10th November.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 10th November, 1st Walsall Wood Scouts, Afternoon, Beavers, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Cubs, David Evans, Events, Lee Bragginton, Local History, Parade, Remembrance, Scouts, Shire Oak, Things to do, Walsall Wood
4 Comments
Gornal wiped out by The Wood
An encouraging performance in the heart of the Black Country with the win making it 3 leaugue victories on the trot with a record of 4 goals for & 0 against.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Bill Shaw, David Evans, Events, FC, football, Footy, Good of the Wood, Gornal Athletic, home, match review, Oak Park, Report, result, reunion, soccer, Things to do, Walsall Wood, Walsall WOod FC
1 Comment
The Woodmen lose to Westfields
Following yesterday’s home match, where Walsall Wood FC faced Westfields FC at Oak Park, the Young David Evans submitted the following report…
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Baker Joiner Midland Football Alliance, David Evans, Events, FC, football, Footy, Good of the Wood, home, match review, Oak Park, Report, result, soccer, Things to do, Walsall Wood, Walsall WOod FC, Westfields
3 Comments
Continuing the Exchange
I’m pleased to note the intriguing and rich history of the Royal Exchange pub in Walsall Wood continues to develop and evolve – regular readers will recall that Ann Cross and David Evans did much work to document life at the local hostelry, Ann Cross in particular writing some wonderful accounts of her family’s involvement.
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Posted in Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Ann Cross, Brownhills local history, David Evans, Eliza, Grave, Hannah, Jackson, Lichfield Brewery Company, Local History, Maria, Melsom, Millson, Millsum, Old maps, Pubs, Richard, Roger Turner, Royal Exchange, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Stonnall, street, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Wood, William
3 Comments
On the nightwatch
Now here’s a wonderful thing from local history Rapscallion Peter ‘Pedro’ Cutler, who in his usual inimitable style, has been rootling trough the newspaper archives for references to the air raids alluded to in the St John’s School log book I featured at the weekend.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged air raid., Brownhills, Brownhills local history, David Evans, Dornier, Earl of Dudley, Fire Watch, Incendiary Bombs, Lichfield Mercury, Local History, New Photos, Pedro, Peter Cutler, St. Johns School, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood, World War 2
12 Comments
The Cannon made in Walsall Wood
On Sunday last, I ran the last episode of the St John’s School log books, which mentioned Jim Edwards, a local theologian and cleric with a remarkable story – as the comments on the article expanded, it became clear this was no ordinary parish churchman, but a fellow of considerable stature who was well travelled and also experienced in war.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Cannon, David Evans, Evacuees, Jenny Langford, Jim Edwards, Lichfield, Local History, Medical Corps, New Photos, organist, Reverend, Royal Engineers, Solomon Islands, St Johns, St Micheals, Staffordshire, Suvla, Walsall, Walsall Wood
7 Comments
A school united in war and in peace
Earlier in the year, I started a series of posts containing log book entries for St John’s School, Walsall Wood – I now complete the series with the time period from the 1912 merger to 1945, when the records end.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged boys school, Brownhills local history, David Evans, Derelict, Education, Local History, Maddaver, Maddever, New Photos, Records, School, Shire Oak, St Johns, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood
26 Comments
The Cossacks of Walsall Wood
Horses are in the Black Country DNA – whether it was working with them to tow narrowboats or transport goods, marshalling them down the pit, or riding them for the sheer joy, these noble animals have a secure place in the local heart.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1934, 1935, Audrey Proffit, Beak, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Butcher, Canwell, Carnival, circus, Clayhanger, Cossack, Craddocks, Cynthia, David Evans, Derelict, Dickie, equestrian, Farm, Jack, Lichfield, Local History, Louie, New Photos, Pubs, Richard, Riders, Roadrunner, Sheila Norris, Shire Oak, show jumping, Southall, stables, Staffordshire, stunt, Walsall Wood
15 Comments
Class of… when, and who?
I’ve been contacted by David Evans, with the following request – I’d really like to name the submitter as it could help greatly with the identification of folk on the photo, but I’m not sure if I can – It looks early sixties to me, maybe Ogley Hay, anyone recognise themselves or any other kids?
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 60's, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, class, Clayhanger, David Evans, Lichfield, Local History, New Photos, Ogley, photo, puplis, School, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall Wood
18 Comments
Puddled
We have talked a lot recently about the Birchills Ironworks, Talbot Stead Tube Works (latterly Sterling Tubes), and have ruminated on the nature of metal bashing and other industry – in his initial perusal of The Graphic, Peter spotted the following article relating to metal production in Cleveland, and I think it’s worth a read.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, 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, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1878, Abbey England, Birchills, Brass, Brownhills, casting, Castings PLC, Cleveland, David Evans, Foundy, industry, iron, Kirkpatick, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, ore, Pedro, Peter Cutler, process, Puddling, Staffordshire, steel, The Graphic, Things to do, Vulcans vassals, Walsall
1 Comment
Les Fleurs
Some time ago, reader and Bon Viveur David Evans found this image for sale at a church fayre in Brownhills, at I believe at St James – he didn’t purchase it, but he did take a crafty snapshot.

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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged Allsops, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, David Evans, Derelict, Disaster, drawing, Fire, Fleur de lys, fox hunt, fox hunting, Grove pit, Local History, meet, New Photos, Norton, Pubs, Redevelopment, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, Vandalism, Water Margin, Watling Street
35 Comments
The Canes Gang
It seems I’ve been a bit lax here on the Brownhills Blog – reader Alan Harvey sent the above image for readers to peruse, and made the following plaintive request…
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Posted in Chasewater, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged 1909, Alan Harvey, David Evans, Empire Day, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Norton, Norton Canes, Parade, Staffordshire, Things to do
24 Comments
Book search – can you help?
I’m looking for a book – everyone knows that local history books get rare once they sell out of their initial runs – very often, titles appear fleetingly, and disappear into the ether without ever really being seen again.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged Above the Black Diamonds, Books, Cannock, David Evans, Hednesfield, history, Jack Harrison, Lichfield, Local History, mining, Norton, publications, Staffordshire, The King of Norton Canes, Things to do
7 Comments
On the Sunnyside of the street
That there Young David Evans has been busy again investigating the physical geography of the land between Walsall Wood and Aldridge, at Kings Hayes and The Vigo – David has previously done some excellent work on the landscape and history of Walsall Wood, and this article continues that trend.
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Posted in Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1750, Aldridge, Brownhills local history, Cottage, Cresswell, David Evans, Derelict, Jo Yates, Kingshayes, Local History, New Photos, Simon, Staffordshire, Sunnyside, Taylor, The Vigo, Tithe Map, Vigo, Walsall Wood
10 Comments
The Royal Oak – a new chapter unfolding?
Thanks to reader Caz who pointed out last week that an application has been made to build a close of houses on the land currently occupied by the former Royal Oak pub in Bullings Heath, opposite the Black Cock pub in Walsall Wood.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged 13/0772/FL, alehouse, application, beer house, Black Cock, Black Cock Bridge, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Bullings Heath, Camden Street, Canal, close, David Evans, Derelict, developer, Events, Green Lane, House, Local History, new build, New Photos, old inn, Old maps, planning, Planning application, Pubs, Royal Oak, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood
8 Comments
The word on the Streets
I pointed out ages ago that David Evans was researching the history of Streets Corner in Walsall Wood, and through months of diligent and patient research, David has written what must be the definitive account of the history of this place.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1750, 1841 census, Brownhills local history, Corner, Cottage, David Evans, Elizabeth, Hannah, Ivy House, Jabez, Jackson, john, local blogs, Local History, Maria, Mary, Nailer, New Photos, Nutting, Old maps, Redevelopment, Richard, Roe, Rowe, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, street, Sue Lote, thatched cottage, Tithe Map, Walsall Wood
18 Comments
If you’ve a song to sing, sing out!
The Young David Evans – working with a number of sources, including the Fullelove family and members of the Choral Society – continues his meticulous and fascinating documentation of the history of the noted, famous and popular Brownhills Co-operative Choral Society.

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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged balladeer, Brownhills, Brownhills Choral Society, Brownhills local history, choir, Choral, co-op, Co-operative, David Evans, George Fullelove, Langford, Local History, Master, New Photos, Peake, Plaque, Preece, Road, Silver Street Methodist Church, Singer, Staffordshire, Things to do, Waine, Walsall Wood
7 Comments
Singing Was Their Forte
The wonderful Ian Pell has sent me a great contribution relating to Brownhills Choral Society – This is unusual for Ian, as his regular field is transport history, Ian, you’ll recall, has written lots of great articles about the railways of our area.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills Choral Society, Brownhills local history, choir, Choral, co-op, Co-operative, David Evans, George Fullelove, Langford, Local History, Master, New Photos, Plaque, Road, Silver Street Methodist Church, Singer, Staffordshire, Starbuck, Things to do, Walsall Wood
11 Comments
Songs to sing, and voices to sing them
That there Young David Evans has been a busy man – not just with his comments, explorations of The Wood’s watercourses, or even his pursuit of squeezing great memories from David Oakley – no, David has thrown himself into researching George Fullelove, the great musical son of Brownhills, the Choral Society he was an exponent of, and the rich and surprising choral culture locally.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged balladeer, Brownhills, Brownhills Choral Society, Brownhills local history, choir, Choral, co-op, Co-operative, David Evans, George Fullelove, Langford, Local History, Master, New Photos, Peake, Plaque, Preece, Road, Silver Street Methodist Church, Singer, Staffordshire, Starbuck, Things to do, Waine, Walsall Wood
8 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
Going with the flow
In the modern world of asphalted roads, acres of hardstanding and housing estates by the square mile, we tend to forget that our landscape is riddled with lost brooks, springs, natural drains and man-made culverts, and all have to be managed to prevent flood and ensure adequate drainage, whilst still maintaining irrigation.
[caption id="attachment_14409" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
The water is clean and flows well at this point. Image supplied by David Evans.[/caption] Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged brook, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Coppice House, culvert, David Evans, Drainage, Farm, Kings Hayes, Local History, Marsh, New Photos, Old maps, Redevelopment, Shire Oak, Stonnall, Stream, Stubbers Green, Taylor, Things to do, Transport, Vigo, Walsall Wood, Watercourse, Wetland, Wildlife
14 Comments
Choir mastery
Here’s one I’ve mentioned before, but this is a request for information and an early warning – this one is important, and very, very elusive, but I think we should preserve this bit of Brownhills History for posterity, and so that it is not lost – it’s a beautiful thing, and not enough folk know about it.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged balladeer, Brownhills, Brownhills Choral Society, Brownhills local history, choir, Choral, Clayhanger, David Evans, George Fullelove, Local History, Master, New Photos, Plaque, Road, Shelter, Silver Street Methodist Church, Singer, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall Wood, was yer further a miner
9 Comments
Out on patrol
Here’s an interesting piece from the Young David Evans about the common that used to exist on Holly Bank, in Walsall Wood. Holly Bank is the land from what is now the Castlefort Estate to the Lichfield Road.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged 1950's, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, children's games, Common, David Evans, Holly Bank, Local History, New Photos, Old maps, planning, Redevelopment, scrub, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood
9 Comments
A place to dance, play and talk
rownhills, it’s sometimes hard to believe, has a great history of clubs, societies and recreation, particularly in the early part of the last century – we’ve looked here before at sports days, musical clubs and festivals, amateur dramatics and other pastimes, many of which couldn’t have occurred without the great facility that is Brownhills Memorial Hall.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills Memorial Hall, Brownhills stuff, Clive Roberts, David Evans, football, Foundation, Fun stuff to see and do, Harrison, local blogs, Local media, local music, Memo, Memorial Hall, Shared media, Social media, Stone, The Memo
19 Comments
Mapping for change
Here I can share with you four excellent quality 1:10,560 scale maps – we don’t cover that scale issue much on the blog, as oddly, they’re quite scarce online in scanned or digitised form – they are generally poor quality even from professional map service companies, with contrast and other image aberrations.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, News
Tagged 1921, 1923, 1:10560, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Castlehill, Chasewater, Clayhanger, David Evans, Gareth Thomas, Lichfield, Lichfield District Council, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Lynn, Muckley Corner, Old maps, Ornance Survey 1903, planning, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Shenstone, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Stonnall, Things to do, Walsall Wood
15 Comments
What and where?
Here’s a good question from young David Evans, who clocked this interesting thing yesterday while out and about, and wonders if anyone knows what it is, what purpose it serves?

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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Canal, Clayhanger, David Evans, Mystery, New Photos, puzzle, quiz, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Stonnall, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Wood
8 Comments
Six decades on…
Following the contributions yesterday from Walsall Wood folk regarding the coronation parade in Cornation Road, Walsall Wood, reader and friend of the blog Peter Killops returned to the scene yesterday…
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, 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, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brookland Road, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, coronation, David Evans, Events, Local History, New Photos, Parade, Peter Killops, Road, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall Wood
2 Comments
The Kaleidoscope
Oh dear – that Young David Evans has come over a bit gooey and sentimental onus – could it be springtime, and a man’s fancy turning?
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, David Evans, Local History, Memory, Pubs, recollections, Redevelopment, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Wood
5 Comments
Boys will be boys
As promised, here’s the next section of the logs of St.John’s School, Walsall Wood, from 1880 to 1912 This covers the boys section, whereas last time, we documented the girls.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged boys school, Brownhills local history, David Evans, Derelict, Education, Local History, Maddaver, Maddever, New Photos, Records, School, Shire Oak, St Johns, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood
18 Comments
Private investigations
David Evans has had access in recent weeks to lots of material from the Norton Canes Historical Society – one of the things he found was a wonderful 1975 report into the Grove Pit Disaster.
 
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Accident, BFHG, Brownhills, Brownhills cemetery, Brownhills local history, Brownhills mining disater, colliers, David Evans, Grove Colliery, Grove pit, Grove pit disaster, John Bernard Whittaker, local blogs, Local History, Lynn Hopley, Memories of old Brownhills by Clarice Mayo and Geoff Harrington, Mine disaster, miners, Mining accidents, mining memorials, NCHS, New Photos, Norton Canes Historical Society, SJ Whitehouse, Staffordshire, The men below, Walsall Wood, Wyrley common, Wyrley Grove
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