#365daysofbiking Journal- May 25th - A dreadful commute, in both directions. It was the...
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- May 23rd - Sam, the elderly puss that puts the king in Kings...
- May 22nd - Turtally awesome!Spotted at James Bridge, on the...
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Tag Archives: Local History
Chasewater Railway Made in Staffordshire Gala this weekend!
Sorry again for the late notice but I note Chasewater Railway have their Made in Staffordshire 50th Anniversary Gala this spring Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday 26th through to Monday 28th May 2018), with loads of steam and diesel heritage traction and … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 2018, 26, 27, 28, anniversary, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Events, Gala, Gala Day, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Made in STaffordshire, May, New Photos, Panoramio, Reservoir, September, Staffordshire, STeam, Steam Railway, Things to do, Trains
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An important message from Lynn Shaw
It’s been a while now since the sad passing of Bill Shaw and Bill’s wife Lynn has an important announcement to make – there was to have been a ceremony to scatter Bill’s ashes this weekend, but unfortunately it’s had to … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged Bill Shaw, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Clayhanger, football, Lichfield, Local History
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Lichfield Waterworks Trust May 2018 public meeting tonight – with a very special guest speaker
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that tonight, Monday evening (14th May 2018) there will be the May 2018 Public Meeting of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of Sandfields … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 14 may, 2018, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, heritage, Ian Pell, Kate Gomez, lecture, Lichfield, Lichfield Discovered, Lichfield Waterworks Trust, local blogs, Local History, Lore, meeting, Moore, pub, Sandfields, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do, Thursday
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Lichfield Waterworks Trust May 2018 public meeting this Monday – with a very special guest
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that this Monday evening (14th May 2018) there will be the April 2018 Public Meeting of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of Sandfields … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 14 may, 2018, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, heritage, Ian Pell, Kate Gomez, lecture, Lichfield, Lichfield Discovered, Lichfield Waterworks Trust, local blogs, Local History, Lore, meeting, Moore, pub, Sandfields, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do, Thursday
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Lots to do at the Chase Sailing Club open day this bank holiday Monday
An interesting event is taking place next weekend, Bank holiday Monday 7th May 2018 at Chasewater, where the Chase Sailing Club (that’s the one on the north shore) will be holding their annual open day for people to come and check … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 2018, 7 May, Boats, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chase Sailing Club, Chasewater, chasewater-country-park, Events, Express & Star, Lichfield, Local History, New Photos, open day, regatta, Reservoir, Sailing, sailing club, Staffordshire, Things to do, watersport
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Some top brass, a tuba groover and an unsung hero
There has never been enough attention paid anywhere that I’m aware of to the Victorian father of modern Brownhills, William Roberts – sometime railway plate layer, ganger, brewer, publican, entrepreneur, civic stalwart, JP and philanthropist, William was a very rare man … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged brewer, Brewery, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Farm, Gerald Reece, JP, Lichfield, Local History, Local politics, philanthropist, Pubs, q, Staffordshire, Station Hotel, Things to do, William ROberts
2 Comments
Full of love for Mr. Fullelove
Images Kindly supplied by Brian Stringer via the young David Evans. Last week I pointed out that this weekend, there was to be an unveiling ceremony of the restored George Fullelove Memorial Shelter near The Parade in Brownhills – well, … Continue reading
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
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Going above and beyond
I’m pleased to see that the expansion of online history resources continues apace, with lots of formerly quite restrictive services opening up with more sensible usage terms and conditions – one such archive is the British Library’s Aerofilms archive of … Continue reading
Looking after the legacy of a great son of Brownhills
There’s something that’s quite historically important been going on for months now right in the heart of Brownhills, that whilst not earth shattering, is very significant to our local history, and helps to preserve the memory of one of the … Continue reading
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
3 Comments
Where’s the fairness in Remembrance funding?
I’ve hd a really interesting email in from a respected elder in Brownhills, someone whose comments on the area I’ve always respected greatly and whose opinion I value and usually agree with – John Bird. John Bird has periodically written … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 12 November, 13 November, 2017, Brownhills, Cancelled, David Evans, Events, Heath Hayes, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Parade, Police, Remembrance, Ron Dance, Roy Smythe, Scouts, Service, Staffordshire, Things to do, time, under threat, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
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Who’s on this team, and who are they?
Since the sad passing of Bill Shaw, old friend of the blog, champion of local football and Clayhanger lad, the tributes have been fullsome, and so richly deserved – but it’s also wonderful to hear the memories and see photos … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged Bentley, big house, Bill Shaw, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Clayhanger, football, Lichfield, Local History
2 Comments
A Chemical Romance
I’ve been asked the question by reader Norman Taylor as to what I know about Brownhills Chemical Works – otherwise known as The Chemical or The Chemy, later the site of a notorious war scrapyard local kids were all attracted … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged Bobdcuk, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Scrapyard, Canal, Cheap tat, Derelict, foundry, Local History, New Photos, Staffordshire, Super Alloys, Superalloys, typhoon, Vandalism, war scrap, Wildcat, york wings
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Lichfield Waterworks Trust April 2018 public meeting this Monday
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that this Monday evening (9th April 2018) there will be the April 2018 Public Meeting of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of Sandfields … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 12 March, 2018, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, heritage, Kate Gomez, lecture, Lichfield, Lichfield Discovered, Lichfield Waterworks Trust, local blogs, Local History, Lore, meeting, Moore, pub, Sandfields, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do, Thursday
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A great chance for tea and cake in a great country canalside garden this Saturday!
There’s a great event going on in Whittington this acoming Saturday (31st March 2018) in aid of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust ‘Tunnel Vision’ appeal – Eric and Doreen’s All Day Easter Coffee Morning.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged All, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Coffee Morning, Cycle rides, cycling, day, Derelict, Doreen, Easter, Eric, Facebook, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Parkview Centre, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, Things to do, trust, Tunnel Vision, Twitter, Wildlife
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Bill Shaw: Further details of funeral arrangements announced
The sheer number of people who have paid tribute following the sad news of the passing of Bill Shaw has been heartwarming, and many have expressed their desire to attend his funeral – well, Bill’s wife, Lynn has been in touch to give further details, including the details of the function afterwards.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged Bentley, big house, Bill Shaw, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Clayhanger, football, Lichfield, Local History
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It’s a diesel takeover – this weekend!
Chasewater Railway – the little gem of a preserved industrial railway right on our doorstep is holding it’s annual Diesel Gala this weekend, Saturday and Sunday 24-25th March 2018.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 18 March, 19 March, 2017, Award, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Events, Facebook, Industrial gala, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Railway, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do
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Models at the museum 2018 – a great event happening this Sunday
I see from the events list that Aston Manor Road Transport Museum in Aldridge have a ‘Models at the Museum’ event this Sunday, 26th March 2017 -It starts at 10:00am and should be just the thing for modellers, transport enthusiasts, petrol heads and big kids of all kinds.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2018, 25 March, Aldridge, AMRTM, Aston Manor, at the museum, Brownhills, bus, Bus Museum, Collectors fair, event, Events, Facebook, free busses, Local History, Models, programme, Shenstone Drive, STeam, Transport Museum, Walsall Wood
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Bill Shaw: A personal memorial, by David Evans
Everyone involved with the blog has been saddened and dismayed by the loss of Bill Shaw, Clayhanger lad, champion of local football, commentator and all round decent bloke – and I’m proud and honoured to feature here an obituary for Bill from his fellow match reporter at Walsall Wood, David Evans.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged Bentley, big house, Bill Shaw, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Clayhanger, football, Lichfield, Local History
5 Comments
Lichfield Waterworks Trust March 2018 public meeting this Monday
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that this Monday evening (12th March 2018) there will be the March 2018 Public Meeting of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of Sandfields Pumping Station group.
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Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 12 March, 2018, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, heritage, Kate Gomez, lecture, Lichfield, Lichfield Discovered, Lichfield Waterworks Trust, local blogs, Local History, Lore, meeting, Moore, pub, Sandfields, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do, Thursday
2 Comments
Accession to the throne Brownhills stye
Following Janet Bullock’s wonderful photo posted here in the last few weeks there has been a terrific response to the Ogley Hay May Day them, with a further image of the same event being Kindly donated by Kate Dixon, and her mum May Queen Linda Horobin – now we have a further great image sent in by Sheila Kelly of May Day the following year.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged 1964, 4a, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Events, Local History, Malcolm Kelly, Mr. Riley, New Photos, Ogley Hay, Ogley Hay Junior School, School, Staffordshire
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Huge commitment to heavy lift beats big freeze
Tom Reid from the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust has been in touch to let us know about a rather interesting challenge the trust’s engineers had to deal with last weekend when the big freeze hit the UK.
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 2018, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, Facebook, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Staffordshire, Things to do, trust, Twitter
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Bill Shaw: Tributes, and details of funeral released
Following the sad news of the passing of Bill Shaw, long time contributor to the blog, Clayhanger lad and great champion of local football there, has been a huge outpouring of sympathy and condolence – Bill was certainly a friend and familiar face to many, not just in local football, but in the wider community.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged Bentley, big house, Bill Shaw, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Clayhanger, football, Lichfield, Local History
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Goodbye Bill Shaw: There had better be good football up there
It’s my sad duty to report to you that old friend of the blog, Clayhanger lad and football reporter extraordinaire Bill Shaw sadly passed away yesterday following an ongoing, serious illness.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged Bentley, big house, Bill Shaw, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Clayhanger, football, Lichfield, Local History, Marion Jones, meemories, Perfichrome, Round Table, VUK 800
3 Comments
Fit for a queen
Following Janet Bullock’s wonderful photo posted here a few days ago – which turns out indeed to be the May Queen celebrations at Ogley Ha Infants School in Brownhills – there was much discussion here and on social media about this traditional event, and reader Kate Dixon turned up local history gold.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged 1964, 4a, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Events, Local History, Malcolm Kelly, Mr. Riley, New Photos, Ogley Hay, Ogley Hay Junior School, School, Staffordshire
6 Comments
May be? Ogley Hay infants in the early 1960s
Reader Janet has sent me an absolutely gorgeous school photo from the early 1960s at Ogley Hay infants in Brownhills – from the activity and dress depicted, I think this may be a May Day celebration which I believe was customary at the school at the time?
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged 1964, 4a, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Events, Local History, Malcolm Kelly, Mr. Riley, New Photos, Ogley Hay, Ogley Hay Junior School, School, Staffordshire
6 Comments
A feast of wire
Local rail buff Simon Swain has been busy of late covering the momentous and important Chase Line Electrification Project, which is seeing the rail line between Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley electrified for hopefully faster and more reliable services.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills railways, Derelict, Disused Railways, Facebook, John Whitehouse, Junction, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Old maps, Pelsall, Ryecroft, Si Swain, Simon Swain, Staffordshire, Station, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Wood
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Two great events coming up from the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Trust!
Tom Reid from the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust has been in touch to let us know about a couple of events the local canal restoration project are holding in the coming weeks, a quiz night on Saturday 17th March 2018 and a guided walk of the Summerhill section on Saturday 21st April 2018.
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 17 March, 2018, 23 April, Barracks Lane, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Facebook, guided walk, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Parkview Centre, planning, project, quiz, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, The Boat, Things to do, trust, Twitter, Wildlife
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Buses by Night 2018 – great Aldridge event on this Saturday!
This Saturday afternoon and evening (17th February 2018) there’s a great, innovative event taking place at Aldridge Transport Museum just off Northgate – Buses by Night, which is your chance to ride on some great old vehicles and see the local sights and photography hotspots – like Lichfield Cathedral – at night.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 17 February, 2018, AMRTM, Aston Manor, Aston Manor Road Transport Museum, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, bus, Bus Museum, bus rides, Buses by night, event, Events, Facebook, free, Local History, Mick Stackhouse, open day, Shenstone Drive, Transport Museum, Walsall Wood
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A great vintage – a brand new shop at Chasewater Railway
I’m always happy to see new attractions at Chasewater Railway, so I was pleased to note the carriage on Platform One now has a new business within, the Chase Vintage Carriage operated by Charley Hughes, and it’s currently open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am until 4pm.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, carriage, Charley Hughes, Chase, Chasewater, Events, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Panoramio, Reservoir, Staffordshire, STeam, Steam Railway, Things to do, Trains, vintage
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Lichfield Waterworks Trust February 2018 public meeting this Monday
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that this Monday evening (12th February 2018) there will be the February 2018 Public Meeting of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of Sandfields Pumping Station group.
Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 12 February, 2018, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, heritage, Kate Gomez, lecture, Lichfield, Lichfield Discovered, Lichfield Waterworks Trust, local blogs, Local History, Lore, meeting, Moore, pub, Sandfields, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do, Thursday
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Off the wall
Following the revisiting of the Stonnall tunnel legend a few weeks ago, sparked by a great enquiry from our Canada correspondent Brian Edwards, I had some great reader submissions, and a bit of local history news archive gold from Kate Cardigan over at Lichfield Lore, one item of which I’ll hold back for another article.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, News
Tagged Brian Edwards, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Castlehill, Dick Turpin, folklore, history, legend, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Stonnall, Things to do, Tunnel
6 Comments
Could you help restore a lost, local canal?
Tom Reid from the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust has been in touch to let us know about the progress they’re making, and to send out an appeal for volunteers to help push the restoration forward.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged Barracks Lane, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Parkview Centre, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, The Boat, Things to do, trust, Twitter, Wildlife
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Tunnelling through the folklore
I’ve had a really interesting email in from the Brownhills Blog Canada Correspondent Brian Edwards who relates a very interesting tale concerning Stonnall, and the discovery of a tunnel there in the late 1960s.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, News
Tagged Brian Edwards, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Castlehill, Dick Turpin, folklore, history, legend, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Stonnall, Things to do, Tunnel
14 Comments
New year quiz 2018 – come on, have a go if you’re up for it!
Hey folks, a little later than hoped it’s the 2018 Brownhills Blog New Year Quiz – and don’t forget the photo competition is also running alongside, and similarly has beer and book prizes to be won!
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 2018, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Lichfield, Local History, New Photos, New Year, prize, quiz, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Wood
5 Comments
Lichfield Waterworks Trust January 2018 public meeting this Monday
lds Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that this Monday evening (8th January 2018) there will be the January 2018 Public Meeting of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of Sandfields Pumping Station group.
Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 2018, 8 January, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, heritage, Kate Gomez, lecture, Lichfield, Lichfield Discovered, Lichfield Waterworks Trust, local blogs, Local History, Lore, meeting, Moore, pub, Sandfields, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do, Thursday
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New year quiz 2018 – get stuck in!
Hey folks, a little later than hoped it’s the 2018 Brownhills Blog New Year Quiz – and don’t forget the photo competition is also running alongside, and similarly has beer and book prizes to be won!
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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 2018, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Lichfield, Local History, New Photos, New Year, prize, quiz, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Wood
52 Comments
Living next door to the Grove – what do you know?
Last year I featured a very popular set of images from a place I genuinely didn’t realise still existed: The Grove Colliery, the remnants of which – the house and offices situated just off Lime Lane, between Pelsall, Brownhills, Norton and Great Wyrley – were documented by old pal of the blog Simon Swain and drone wizard Steve Martin also captured the site from the air.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged archive, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal and River Trust, Cannock Extension Canal, colliery, Derelict, Disaster, Events, freight, Grove, Grove Colliery, House, images, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, mining, New Photos, Norton, photos, pit, pits, Redevelopment, Si Swain, Simon, Staffordshire, Things to do, tramway, viaduct, Wyrley common
1 Comment
1444 (Brownhills) Squadron Air Cadets say thanks!
A lovely note reaches me from Flt Lt Carolyn Sault of the 1444 (Brownhills) Squadron Air Cadets, who do so much good work with the youth of Brownhills – people who shop locally will know that young people from the local Squadron often undertake bag packs at local stores in return for donations.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 1444 squadron, bag pack, Barnetts Lane, Brownhills, Brownhills activities, Brownhills Air Cadets, Brownhills local history, Brownhills youth, Carolyn Sault, Features, Local History, New Photos, Royal Air Force, Staffordshire, thanks
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Carols by the canal – and memories of great friends
Just a quick note to point out that the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust are holding a carol evening at their Fosseway Nature Reserve site, just off Falkland Road, Lichfield on Saturday 16 December 2017 from 7-9pm and all are welcome.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2017, 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, Things to do, trust, Twitter, Wildlife
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Pictures and video from Brownhills and Heath Hayes 2017 Remembrance events
Last weekend, Saturday and Sunday 11-12th November 2017 saw the annual Remembrance weekend in the UK and I’m pleased to say Walsall Borough and South Staffordshire did themselves proud and staged a whole range of parades and events that were well supported and attended – and I was especially pleased to see the wonderful turnout and effort in Brownhills.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 12 November, 13 November, 2017, Brownhills, Cancelled, David Evans, Events, Heath Hayes, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Parade, Police, Remembrance, Ron Dance, Roy Smythe, Scouts, Service, Staffordshire, Things to do, time, under threat, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
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Collectors fair at Aldridge Transport Museum this Sunday
I see from the events list that Aston Manor Road Transport Museum in Aldridge have a collectors fair taking place this Sunday (19th November 2017) from 10:00am until 4:00pm, and should be just the thing for auto buffs, transport enthusiasts and petrol heads of all types.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 20 november, 2016, Aston Manor, autojumble, Brownhills, bus, Bus Museum, Collectors fair, event, Events, Facebook, free busses, Local History, programme, Shenstone Drive, Transport Museum, Walsall Wood
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Walsall Wood Remembrance Sunday 2017 pictures
The young David Evans yesterday (Sunday, 12th November 2017) went to his local Remembrance event in Walsall Wood and sent in a wonderful gallery of images to mark this most sombre of days.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 12 November, 2017, Brownhills, David Evans, Events, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Parade, Police, Remembrance, Scouts, Service, Staffordshire, Things to do, time, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
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We will never forget
It’s that time of year when I note Remembrance here in the UK and personally express my gratitude and concern for those who lost their lives in the service of our country – this post is one I make every year, but evolves as I think and reflect on those who paid and continue to pay a huge price for our freedom.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills local history, Conflict, Korea, Local History, Memory, Remembrance, Soldiers off the Street, Sunday, WMP
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Details of 2017 local Remembrance events – live list
Following my request for information to make a list of local Remembrance events, I can again share with readers a list of local Remembrance services taking place locally this Remembrance Sunday, 12th November 2017 – this list will be updated with more info as I get it.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 11 November, 12 November, 2017, Aldridge, Bloxwich, Brownhills, Clayhanger, Details, Events, Heath Hayes, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Remembrance, Service, Staffordshire, Things to do, time, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
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Lichfield Waterworks Trust November 2017 public meeting this Monday
Sandfields Pumping Station champion and public historian extraordinaire Dave Moore has been in touch to let me know that this Monday evening (13th November 2017) there will be the November 2017 Public Meeting of the Lichfield Waterworks Trust charity, formerly the Friends of Sandfields Pumping Station group.
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Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 13 November, 2017, Architecture, at risk, Black Country, buildings, Dave, David, Discovered, event, Events, Facebook, free, heritage, Kate Gomez, lecture, Lichfield, Lichfield Discovered, Lichfield Waterworks Trust, local blogs, Local History, Lore, meeting, Moore, pub, Sandfields, Staffordshire, Talk, Things to do, Thursday
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2017 local Remembrance events – let’s make a list – can you help please?
This is just a quick request for help – in past years, we have crowdsourced from readers a list of local Remembrance parades and events taking place throughout the area, that was popular and useful to many of the readership.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2017, Aldridge, Bloxwich, Brownhills, Clayhanger, Details, Events, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Parade, Remembrance, Service, Staffordshire, Things to do, time, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
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Chasewater Railway – ride the Ghost Train this evening!
I note Chasewater Railway have Halloween ghost trains running this evening (28th October 2016) with prizes for fancy dress, ghostly fun and games and much more spooky fun for all the family!
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 2017, 28th October, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Evening, Events, ghost train, Halloween, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Panoramio, Reservoir, spooky, Staffordshire, STeam, Steam Railway, Things to do, Trains
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Lamping it
For those who missed it, I had an interesting question commented to an old post in the week, and I thought I’d make a post out of it as it deserves a wider audience – this certainly sounds like a remarkable family history, which someone out there must be able to help with.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local History, Local media, Local politics, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Around Pelsall & Brownhills, Brian Rollins, Brownhills, Brownhills And Aldridge, Brownhills local history, Cannock Chase Mining Historical Society, Coal Mining, Coal Mining in Walsall Wood, Colsa Oil, Coppy Pit, David F. Vodden, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, Nigel A Chapman, Old maps, Petrol engine mine, Protector Lamp, Redevelopment, Shire Oak, Spoil Heaps, Staffordshire, The South Staffordshire Coalfield, Walsall Wood, Walsall Wood Colliery Co, Walsall Wood old maps, Walsall Wood olliery, Walsall Wood Pit, Washer Mound
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Autumn Leaves Running Day at Aldridge Transport Museum this Sunday – and the finale of Beer and Buses!
While the Beer and Buses festival is ongoing at Aston Manor Transport Museum in Aldridge today and tomorrow (Saturday and Sunday, 14th and 15th October 2017) it’s worth pointing out that tomorrow, as well as the culmination of the beer event, it’s also the Autumn Leaves Running Day at the popular local museum.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged AMRTM, Aston Manor, Aston Manor Road Transport Museum, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, bus, Bus Museum, bus rides, event, Events, Facebook, free, Local History, open day, Shenstone Drive, Transport Museum, Walsall Wood
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