#365daysofbiking JournalRecent tracks
Yesterday's FootprintsJunkboy32 minutes ago
FulfilJunkboy35 minutes ago
ShokaJunkboy39 minutes ago
Rayleigh LanesJunkboy41 minutes ago
A Chance EncounterJunkboy45 minutes ago
Sweetheart of the EstuaryJunkboy49 minutes ago
The Lower QuarterJunkboy52 minutes ago
Cluniac Monks of Prittlewell PrioryJunkboy55 minutes ago
Trains, Trees, TopophiliaJunkboy59 minutes ago
Old Camera, New FilmJunkboy1 hour agoRecent Comments
Ann M Pierce on The Old Hednesford Pit Disaste… Steve on A Coppice, lots of timber and… Georgia Rafiq on Whatever the weather, Malcolm… jennifer Blake on Spurrells: was this a local co… jennifer Blake on The Thacker family, around 193…
Tag Archives: Local politics
New Co-op on Streets Corner: Any news?
I keep getting messages and emails about this. The new store that’s been built on the old car lot in Walsall Wood seems to have been ready to open for weeks, but nothing seems to be happening:
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Aldridge, Avion, Brownhills, Cheap tat, co-op, coop, hold up, local blogs, Local politics, New Photos, Panoramio, planning, progress, Pubs, Redevelopment, Shire Oak, Silly, stalled, stopped, Street's Corner, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood, Wetherspoons
13 Comments
The money trail…
Yesterday, a story popped up on the BBC news that probably passed a lot of folk by in the blur of tinsel and turkey that is Christmas. I think this is worth pulling into the light. The plan for a … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brian Stringer, Brownhills, Brownhills Hoard, Brownhills Local Committee, Brownhills local history, campaign, Express & Star, finds.org, Hammerwich, Hoard trail, information, Local History, Local politics, monument, Ogley Hay, Silly, Staffordshire, Staffordshire hoard, Warrenhuse, West Midlands
10 Comments
Before we man the lifeboats…
Before the water level rises to such an extent that the residents of Brownhills and Walsall Wood are all encamped on Shire Oak Hill waiting for the waters to recede, I’d like to wish all readers, contributors and friends of this odd little blog a very merry Christmas and a very happy, peaceful and prosperous new year.
Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Christmas, Cycle rides, cycling, Greetings, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, Politics, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
22 Comments
Strangers to the truth
Things seem to be going a bit awry at Walsall Council of late.
I notice from a report in yesterday’s Walsall Express & Star that park rangers in Walsall will be cut in April 2013 from 23 to 10 posts. This is despite a theoretically ongoing ‘budget consultation’, and totally contrary to statements made to Linda Mason and Roger Jones, of Save Walsall’s Green Spaces and Countryside Services, by Walsall Council officers Jamie Morris and Mark Holden.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, contamination, Countryside Services, cuts, Events, Facebook, fiasco, Greenspace, Jamie Morris, Linda Mason, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mark Holden, Politics, pride, protest, Recycling, Refuse, Roger Jones, Save, Shire Oak, Silly, static protest, street, Streetpride, Things to do, threat, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
5 Comments
Tree cheers… and thanks.
I know I’ve posted this on my 365daysofbiking journal, but it bears repeating here where there’s a wider audience.
Since Walsall Council no longer centrally organises Christmas Trees for the borough’s satellite towns, most go without, but a few centres do their own thing. Walsall Wood is well provided for, however, due to the generosity of the local Councillors Anthony Harris and Mike Flower
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Anthony Harris, Brownhills, Christmas, Christmas Tree, donation, Events, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Flower, New Photos, Politics, Shire Oak, St Johns, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
4 Comments
Helping hands
In all the debate about the greenspace in Walsall, and the approach of our civic leaders towards this valuable asset, one comment made by a reader here stuck in many minds. I personally found it jarring, and somewhat misguided.
The post was Spirit of the Greenwood, and the comment went as follows:
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, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Greenspace, Hachidori, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Morgan Bowers, Mr keep your dog on its lead, Politics, protest, Purple is the new black, Roger Jones, Save, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
7 Comments
Murder in the park: Walsall Council’s cuts to greenspace revealed
Following the protest on Monday, 19th November outside the Council House in Walsall, lead members of the Save Walsall’s Greenspace and Country Services Group, Linda Mason and Roger Jones attended a meeting with Walsall Council officers Jamie Morris and Mark Holden.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Greenspace, Jamie Morris, Kevin Clements, Linda Mason, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mark Holden, Mike Bird, Politics, protest, Roger Jones, Save, Shire Oak, Silly, static protest, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
7 Comments
Fighting for our future
Nice to see a good turnout last night for the Save Walsall’s Green Spaces and Countryside Services Group protest vigil at the Council House, where a meeting of the Council was taking place. Following publicity throughout the Walsall online community, and much hard work on the part of concerned protestors, it’s becoming clear that the message is getting through to our elected representatives.
Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Greenspace, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, Politics, protest, Roger Jones, Save, Shire Oak, Silly, static protest, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
2 Comments
Without whom, we are nothing
There’s a great post up now on the blog of the campaign to Save Walsalls Green Spaces and Countryside Services. This is the subject I’ve been banging on about so much recently.
Written by Roger ‘Ziksby’ Jones, and featuring his artwork, the post is a wonderful expression of the aims and urgency of the group.
Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged @ziksby, axe, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Greenspace, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, Politics, Roger Jones, Save, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
2 Comments
Shire Oak Nature Reserve: upcoming works explained
I noticed last week that heathland improvement works were planned by Walsall’s Counctry Services team – that’s the rangers I’ve posted so much about lately – at Shire Oak Park Local Nature Reserve in Brownhills.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Blog, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Colin Manning, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Local Nature Reserve, Local politics, Mike Bird, Morgan Bowers, New Photos, Park, Petition, Politics, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
10 Comments
Fighting for our greenspace: Please sign the petition!
People concerned about cuts to Walsall Countryside Services, the Ranger Team and related issues – as outlined here previously – can now sign the petition over at Walsall Council’s website. It’s completely electronic, and is administered as part of Walsall’s Democratic Services. If the petition gets enough support, it will be raised at full council.
Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Blog, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, Morgan Bowers, New Photos, Petition, Politics, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
3 Comments
A green wave
The text of the following article was written by Stuart Williams of The Bloxwich Telegraph, and I reproduce it here to emphasise the campaign I mentioned here on Saturday. If you care about Walsall’s green space, please do join us.
The movement is gathering pace and I implore anyone who cares to get involved.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Blowich Telegraph, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, Morgan Bowers, New Photos, Politics, Shire Oak, Silly, Stuart illiams, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
10 Comments
Spirit of the Greenwood
This is really important. You’ll recall that a couple of weeks ago I, and other members of the local online community made a passionate plea for the preservation of the Walsall Council Countryside Services team, and the vital work they … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, Morgan Bowers, New Photos, Politics, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
26 Comments
Please release me
On the day after my article about Oak Park Leisure Centre, and the odd case being made for it’s replacement, Walsall Council felt the need to issue the following press release. I have no idea why.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Conservative, Councillors, Leisure Centre, Local politics, Oak Park, Oak Park leisure centre, Objections, Redevelopment, strategic leisure, surveyor, Tkevcro, Tory, Walsal Council Press Offfice, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
15 Comments
Everyone enjoys a good bonfire…
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Bonfire, bonfire night, Brownhills, Events, fireworks, Guy Fawkes, Holland Park, Local politics, Pallet appeal, Silly, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
Leave a comment
Oak Park: this doesn’t smell right
The projected rebuild of the Oak Park Leisure centre in Walsall Wood seems to be causing some controversy hereabouts. Whilst I understand it, and I’m grateful for all your contributions – the whole thing is leaving me a bit puzzled.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Conservative, Councillors, Leisure Centre, Local politics, Oak Park, Oak Park leisure centre, Objections, Redevelopment, strategic leisure, surveyor, Tkevcro, Tory, Walsal Council Press Offfice, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
15 Comments
There’s a bustle in your hedgerow
One thing I hope comes through from my work online – both on this blog, and on my 365daysofbiking journal – is my huge passion for being outdoors. Pretty much everything I write is somehow related to turning the computer off, and going outside and exploring the best of whats around.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, Morgan Bowers, New Photos, Politics, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
16 Comments
An odd kind of victory
I’m a bit puzzled by a recent press release from Walsall Council Labour Group relating to recent events in Brownhills, and I wonder if readers can help me with this as I’m not certain of the facts, and feel certain there will be people out there more clued-up than I.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Barbara Cassidy, Brownhills, Centre, Citizens, club, Derelict, Group, John Dunn, Labour, local blogs, Local politics, OAP, Pier Street, planning, Politics, protest, Redevelopment, Senior, Silly, Steve Wade, Tesco, Tesco Development, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
2 Comments
Living by numbers
A really great post has been brought to my attention on a blog I wasn’t previously following, and I’d like to share it with readers here. There are two current bugbears at the moment causing me irritation that anyone who follows me on Twatter will be aware of. The first is the woeful, shambolic nature of the local railway, and it’s use of performance figures. The second is the use of statistics by Walsall Police Superintendent Keith Fraser.
Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged blogs, Cheap tat, concellations, data, delays, Inspector Guilfoyle, local blogs, Local politics, London Midland, numbers, Performance, Police, Politics, Statistics, stats, Superintendent Keith Fraser, Twitter, visualisation, West Midlands Police
5 Comments
Chase Nursing Home: new statement issued
The saga of Chase Nursing Home in Brownhills, and the withdrawal of it’s contract after a damning inspection report by the Care Quality Commission rumbles on. I’ve just received the following press release from Walsall Council which details current events.
Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, It makes me mad!, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged bad, Brownhills, Care Quality Commission, Chase Nursing Home, Events, Express & Star, facility, Heritage Healthcare, Local politics, Mental health, Politics, poor, psychiatric, Report, Road, unit, Vicarage, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
1 Comment
Odd occurrences at Oak Park?
Reader Tkevcro commented this last week, about some odd activity by surveyors at Oak Park in Walsall Wood, which I think deserves a wider exposure. I’m under the impression that Oak Park is indeed held in trust, and I think selling it off would be highly unlikely, but you never know. Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Leisure Centre, Local politics, Oak Park, Oak Park leisure centre, Redevelopment, strategic leisure, surveyor, Tkevcro, Walsal Council Press Offfice, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
10 Comments
Walsall Council withdraws contract from Chase Nursing Home in Brownhills
I received the following press release from Walsall Council yesterday. The old Vicarage has, for some time, been a Nursing Home for people suffering mental health issues. I’m sure readers were as concerned as I was when news surfaced recently of the poor inspection report the facility received, and removing the residents can only be a good thing.
Posted in News, Uncategorized
Tagged bad, Brownhills, Care Quality Commission, Chase Nursing Home, Events, Express & Star, facility, Local politics, Mental health, Politics, poor, psychiatric, Report, Road, unit, Vicarage, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
6 Comments
The all-seeing eye
Just a quick note to point out that BrownhillsDog – the roving canine Brownhillian blogger who I highlighted last week – has a great post up expanding on the residential neighbourhood CCTV issue I touched on here with my Watchers … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhillsdog, Canal, CCTV, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, local blogs, Local politics, Night, Pigblog, Silly, Stymaster, Things to do, Twitter, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
Leave a comment
Canal trust?
Here’s an interesting one from fellow Brownhills historian David Hodgkinson. David has been musing on the fate of a piece of public art erected at Catshill Junction as part of the canal towpath renovations a few years ago. I must … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Art, British Waterways, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal and Rivers Trust, Catshill Junction, Cheap tat, Cycle of Life, Cycle rides, cycling, David Hodgkinson, Events, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, Politics, Redevelopment, sculpture, Staffordshire, Things to do
2 Comments
Those who would attempt to divide us
I, like the vast majority of the Walsall online community, stand shoulder to shoulder with The Plastic Hippo on this. Hippo is as usual, prescient, pertinent and pitch perfect. The EDL have a right to protest, this country went to … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Democracy, EDL, Events, fascist, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Politics, protest, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, Things to do, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
Leave a comment
Empires and us
Reader Mick Roseblade writes in with a surprisingly common email enquiry. I’m answering this publicly, as I must have answered this four or five times by email to different people over the last couple of years. I’m not sure why … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Market, Canal, Local History, Local politics, planning, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, Silly, Staffordshire, Tesco, Tesco Development
6 Comments
Fun day at Brownhills West tomorrow!
I notice from Twatter that Walsall Area Partnerships have a fun day running in Kennet Close, Brownhills West, tomorrow Sunday 16th September 2012. There’s also an open event at the refurbished Brownhills West Community Hub at 92, Cherwell Drive, too. … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, 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 activities, Brownhills, Cherwell Drive, Events, fun day, Jackie Hewitt, Kennet Close, Local Area Partnership, local blogs, Local politics, Redevelopment, Things to do, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Housing Group, Walsall politics
Leave a comment
A sunny afternoon – pictures from the Walsall Bandstand Marathon
Well, it was a nice day, and bikes were welcome, so I toddled along to the Bandstand Marathon in Walsall Arboretum. I can honestly say it was a cracking event. The restored Arboretum basked in the autumn sunshine, and Walsall, … Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, Local music, News, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 9th September 2012, Arbor Lights, arboretum, Aziz, Bandstand, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, fun day, local blogs, Local politics, Marathon, New Photos, planning, Redevelopment, Sportsfest, Walsall, WV11
21 Comments
Bandstand Marathon & Walsall Sportsfest: on today!
That there Kate Goodall and top chap Ian Morton Jones from Walsall Council have been raving about this top event for some weeks now, so I thought I’d give it a plug on the blog. It’s a total repost from … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local music, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 9th September 2012, arboretum, Bandstand, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, fun day, Ian Morton Jones, local blogs, Local politics, Marathon, New Photos, planning, Redevelopment, Sportsfest, Walsall
2 Comments
When journalism and politics fail
I’ve been a bit busy for the last couple of days with work, but while I have, a blistering post seems to have slipped under the radar from the best blogger in Walsall, The Plastic Hippo. Walsall folk will be … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Environment, Events, Express & Star, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Bad journalism, Cheap tat, Childrens services, Events, Express & Star, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Ofsted, Politics, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
13 Comments
New Ambulance Station for Brownhills…
Just had this interesting press release from West Midlands Ambulance Service. It’s sort of full circle, really, as the last time Brownhills had an ambulance station, it was barely a couple of hundred yards away from the new base at … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Ambulance, Ambulance Station, Annex, Brownhills, Brownhills Activity Centre, Brownhills local history, Central Boys School, Clayhanger, Events, first responder, Jan Davis, local blogs, Local politics, New Photos, Paul Baylis, planning, Walsall Council, West Midlands Ambulance Service
2 Comments
Bandstand Marathon & Walsall Sportsfest: coming soon to an arboretum near you!
Ian Morton-Jones writes to me from the grey Lubyanka that is Walsall’s Civic Centre to alert me of a wonderful, free event going down in the Arboretum in Walsall on Sunday, 9th September. Ian’s appealing for stallholders, too, so if … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local music, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 9th September 2012, arboretum, Bandstand, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, fun day, Ian Morton Jones, local blogs, Local politics, Marathon, New Photos, planning, Redevelopment, Sportsfest, Walsall
3 Comments
The Crossing
Sorry, I’ve been a bit busy again this week, but I just thought I’d flag up a really lovely, quirky bit of local history that may otherwise pass you by. David Cresswell, Brownhillian, friend of the blog and rail enthusiast … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills railway, Brownhills station, crossing, Dave Cresswell, Derelict, Fosseway, level, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, planning, Politics, Redevelopment, Rob Taylor, South Staffordshire Raileway Group, South Staffordshire railway, Walsall, Wlasall to Lichfield railway
3 Comments
Something to build upon
Just a quick note to point out that I’ve had a fantastic response to my musings on the subject of the BOAK fire, and my desire to channel some of the creative anger abounding in the online community into something … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged arson, BOAK, Brownhills, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Events, heritage, Jabez Cliff, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, planning, Politics, Pubs, Redevelopment, The Plastic Hippo, The YamYam, Twitter, Urbext, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
2 Comments
No shit, Sherlock
I noticed the above item, oddly tucked onto the front page of the Walsall Express and star last night. I can’t believe they’ve just twigged this, months after Radio WM and I spotted that Tesco had got cold feet. This … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, Canal, Cheap tat, Express & Star, Local politics, planning, Politics, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, Silly, Tesco, Tesco Development, Vandalism, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
1 Comment
BBC Midlands Today report on arson
I was contacted late on Tuesday afternoon by BBC journo Ben Sidwell, who was compiling a report for local news TV magazine show ‘Midlands Today’, and was enquiring if he could use one of my images of the BOAK Ravenscraig … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged arson, Ben Sidwell, Bloxwich Telegraph, BOAK, Cheap tat, Derelict, Events, heritage, Jabez Cliff, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Midlands Today, New Photos, planning, Politics, Pubs, Redevelopment, Twitter, Urbex, Urbext, Vandalism, Walkways, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
2 Comments
Brownhills Tesco: Access denied
Shopping giant Tesco, fresh from expecting the residents of Brownhills to get excited over the fact that they have painted their store and fixed a few leaks for the first time in nearly two decades, seem to be intent on … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, Cheap tat, Derelict, Events, Local politics, New Photos, planning, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, Silly, Tesco, Tesco Development, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
10 Comments
After the fire had gone out – an appeal
Last Friday evening, I came back home via Walsall at around 7:30pm. On the way through what was a very weary, against the wind journey, I popped down to take a shufty at what was left of the BOAK building, … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Churches, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged arson, BOAK, Brownhills, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Events, heritage, Jabez Cliff, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, planning, Politics, Pubs, Redevelopment, The Plastic Hippo, The YamYam, Twitter, Urbext, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
25 Comments
It’s time to let go…
I suspect this post will meet with some derision or controversy, but I’ve been mulling it over for four or five months now, and the issue has just come to the fore again. A very short article in this week’s … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged apartments, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Derelict, Events, Express & Star, Facebook, flats, Local History, Local politics, MacWarreners, madonalds, Ogley Road, Panoramio, planning, Pubs, Redevelopment, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Warreners Arms
11 Comments
Anchor Bridge flooding: Halfway there
My recent efforts to find out who’s actually working on the flooding issue at Anchor Bridge, and what the situation is have come to nothing. Severn Trent have clearly been doing a fair bit of work, though, and the situation … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Anchor Bridge, bad drainage, bad drains, blocked drains, Brownhills, CCTV, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, Drain Survey, flood, Knaves Court, Local politics, New Photos, road maintenance, Severn Trent, Silly, standing water, Streetpride, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
1 Comment
Chasewater road closure – get your voice heard
Here’s a rather important one I missed. A couple of days ago, top chap Andy Dennis sent me the below photo, of the legal Traffic Prohibition Order posted on site at Pool Lane, Chasewater. You’ll remember that there’s been some … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged Andy Dennis, anglers, Anglesey Basin, angling, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Closure, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, fishing, Local politics, New Photos, permanent, planning, Pool Road, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Road Traffic Regulation, roadblock, Silly, Site Notice, Staffordshire, Vandalism, Wildlife
7 Comments
Filling a hole
The saga of road repairs and drains rumbles on. Reader Warren Parry, who wrote to Steve Sharma following my last post, had a rather interesting response, which Warren was kind enough to post in the comments to my last post. … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Anchor Bridge, bad drainage, bad drains, blocked drains, Brownhills, Cycle rides, cycling, flood, Glyn Oliver, Gully, Gully cleaning, Knaves Court, Lichfield Sreet, Local politics, New Photos, New ring road, potholes, Press Office, Reservoir, road maintenance, Sandhills, Shire Oak, Silly, standing water, Steve Sharma, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Warren Parry
4 Comments
Without due care and attention
Readers will no doubt be aware of my recent posts here about the state of the roads locally. Of prime concern has been the flooding at Anchor Bridge in Brownhills, but also the condition of storm drains and potholes generally. … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Anchor Bridge, bad drainage, bad drains, blocked drains, Brownhills, Cycle rides, cycling, flood, Glyn Oliver, Gully, Gully cleaning, Knaves Court, Lichfield Sreet, Local politics, New Photos, New ring road, potholes, Press Office, Reservoir, road maintenance, Sandhills, Shire Oak, Silly, standing water, Steve Sharma, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
14 Comments
The social contract
There has been some discussion here recently between regulars David Evans and Peter Cutler about miners working at Walsall Wood Colliery on day to day contracts. As a consequence, Peter found the following article in the Lichfield Mercury of Friday, … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Environment, Events, Features, Followups, It makes me mad!, Local History, Local media, Local politics, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1914, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, coal mine, colliery, David Evans, Dispute, Events, Lease, Lessor, Lichfield Mercury, Local History, Local politics, Lord Bradford, mining, Peake, Pedro, Peter Cutler, Public Meeting, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood, Walsall Wood Colliery, Wolverson
4 Comments
Anchor Bridge flooding – some action at last?
It seems that after a very long time, someone is finally looking into the question of flooding that takes place in the High Street/Chester Road, just opposite Knaves Court in Brownhills. You’ll recall that over the course of a few … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Anchor Bridge, bad drainage, bad drains, blocked drains, Brownhills, CCTV, Cheap tat, Councillor, Cycle rides, cycling, David Evans, Drain Survey, flood, Knaves Court, Local politics, New Photos, potholes, road maintenance, Silly, standing water, Stephen Wade, Streetpride, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
2 Comments
Rubbish service?
Following the furore on social media over the last week, Dan Slee, press officer at Walsall Council offered the following press statement on the question of the controversial recycling leaflets currently being distributed to homes in Walsall Borough. I’ll let … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Aldridge, Brownhills, Casepack, changes, Cheap tat, Common people, Facebook, Greenstar, Jayne Howarth, Leaflet, Leicester, local blogs, Local politics, Paul Daniel, Press Office, press release, Recycling, Refuse, rubbish, Silly, Social media, The YamYam, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
14 Comments
Chasewater: The whining continues
I note from local news services including Licfield Live, the Express and Star and local free sheets that local councillors in Chasewtown and Burntwood are still attempting to make lame political points out of the closure of the dam road … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged anglers, Anglesey Basin, angling, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Closure, Cycle rides, cycling, Eric Drinkwater, Express & Star, fishing, Local politics, permanent, planning, Pool Road, Redevelopment, Reservoir, roadblock, Silly, Staffordshire, Vandalism, Wildlife
14 Comments
RSS - Posts
