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Tag Archives: Mike Bird
Local election results 2012
For the full results, got to the Walsall Council Election 2012 page Remarkably, the council has remained in no overall control. Labour gained two seats from the Tories, but lost two to independents. One of the independents is Pete Smith. … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2012, Aldridge, Aldridge North, Brownhills, Council Election, election results, Local Election, Local politics, Mike Bird, North, Politics, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Ward
15 Comments
Effecting a change? Your vote counts, don’t waste it.
Just a short note to jog people’s memories today. Today is the day of the local council elections, in which those of us in Walsall (and many other places) get to vote for our local councils. Here in Walsall, it looks … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged ballot, Brownhills, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Election, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Politics, Social Services, The Plastic Hippo, The YamYam, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
8 Comments
Never let the facts get in the way of a good rant
The local press is proving a rich seam of content at the moment here on the Brownhills Blog, and I really wanted to resist raiding yet another reader’s letter from yet another op-ed page. However, this one is so unbelievably … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Express & Star, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills Market, Brownhills OAP's, Brownhills pensioners, Brownhills Senior Citizens Club, Cheap tat, Derelict, Express & Star, John Goulding, Letter, Local politics, Mike Bird, Petition, planning, Politics, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, Regeneration, Silly, Tesco, Tesco Development, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
6 Comments
I heard it on the radio
BBC Radio WM’s Phil Upton Breakfast Show for Monday, 5th March 2012 featured the ongoing saga of Brownhills and Tesco, asking the question as to why the retail giant can’t seem to be bothered to undertake the redevelopment it promised … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Acropolis, Brownhills, Brownhills Market, Cafe, Cheap tat, Derelict, Doreen Gent, Express & Star, Local politics, Mike Bird, Phil Upton, planning, Politics, Radio WM, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, Silly, Tesco, Tesco Development, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
8 Comments
Tesco: have they given up on Brownhills?
I notice from an article in the Express & Star that Tesco appear to be getting cold feet on their plan for a new store for Brownhills. This is grim news, but I’m not surprised, and have been sensing all … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Express & Star, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills Market, Cheap tat, Derelict, Express & Star, Local politics, Mike Bird, planning, Politics, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, Silly, Tesco, Tesco Development, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
24 Comments
Fishing the depths
As predicted when I posted, the Express & Star seemed to have trouble locating Walsall Wood, despite my directions. In fact, they seemed to have trouble finding their arse with both hands. Yet again, a reporter was despatched who either … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Boot, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Express & Star, Godfrey Hucker, golden, joke, Lisa O’Brien, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Luke Perry, Mike Bird, Mischief, Redevelopment, sculpture, Silly, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood, Walsall Wood angler, Walsall Wood artworks, Walsall Wood Fisherman, wellie
7 Comments
You couldn’t make it up…
Just a quick note to point out that while I’ve been ranting and fuming about the collective fit of madness down at the Civic Centre, The Plastic Hippo as yet again nailed the situation perfectly. After council leader Mike ‘Blofeld’ … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Events, Followups, 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 Allowance rise, Cheap tat, Councillors allowances, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, pay rise, Politics, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
1 Comment
Snouts in the trough
I note from today’s Express & Star (3rd January 2012) that the plan to increase Walsall Councillors Personal Allowances has again reared it’s ugly head. It seams that soon, the cabinet will vote wether to give themselves a juicy pay … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Events, Express & Star, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged austerity, Cheap tat, Councillor Aloowance, Express & Star, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, pay increase, Personal Allowance, Politics, Sean Coughlan, Silly, Social Services, The Plastic Hippo, Tim Oliver, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
10 Comments
Going soft in his old age…
Just a quick note to flag up fellow Walsall blogger and agent provocateur The Plastic Hippo and a great post he published yesterday evening. The usually reassuringly grumpy commentator has clearly started to go a bit doolally in his dotage. What … Continue reading
Posted in Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged dog, dog walking, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Plastic Hippo, Politics, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
1 Comment
If it ain’t broke, why fix it?
I note today with some concern from a report in the Express & Star that Walsall Council is talking about moving the Local History Centre and Archives, as well as the local history museum, into a new custom-built centre near … Continue reading
Posted in Express & Star, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills local history, Cheap tat, Express & Star, Leisure Services, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, move to new site, planning, Politics, Redevelopment, Silly, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Leather Museum, Walsall Local History Centre, Walsall Local History Museum, Walsall politics
2 Comments
Information about public sector industrial action today
From the Website of Walsall Council (see the latest statement by clicking here, or check out TheYamYam for the latest news from Walsall media): Last updated: 29/11/2011 16:05:15 Walsall residents are being advised that some council services, including school closures … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged bin collection, Brownhills, Council Statement, industrial action, Local politics, Mike Bird, N30, Politics, school closures, Shire Oak, Social Services, Strike, The YamYam, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall strike, Walsall Wood, website latest
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Brownhills Bonfire & Fireworks tonight at Holland Park!
Mark Bonfire Night in Brownhills Families are being invited to Remember, Remember the 5th of November at a bonfire at Holland Park, Brownhills, this weekend. The fire will be lit at 7pm at the park in Chester Road North with … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, 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, Cake or Death, Events, fireworks, Guy Fawkes, Holland Park, Local politics, Mike Bird, Pallet appeal, Silly, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
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Get ready for the burn
For those interested, the Brownhills bonfire night event in Holland Park will take place on Saturday, November 5th. There will be a display and bonfire. Fireworks begin at 8pm, but please note, there will be no alcohol permitted on site. … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Bonfire, bonfire night, Brownhills, Cake or Death, Events, fireworks, Guy Fawkes, Holland Park, Local politics, Mike Bird, Pallet appeal, Silly, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
1 Comment
Walsall Wood Library under threat
I notice from Monday’s Express & Star that Walsall council – fresh from their self congratulation over the promise not to close any libraries ‘…in this financial year’, seem to be tentatively floating the idea of moving Walsall Wood’s Library … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Express & Star, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Cheap tat, Closure, Express & Star, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Mike Flower, Oak Park, planning, Politics, Redevelopment, Shire Oak, Silly, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Walsall Wood Library
5 Comments
Ticket to raid?
I’m rapidly coming to the conclusion that the parking system in Walsall, and it’s enforcement, is a scam directed at easy targets for maximum profit. Chuckery resident TraceyQ, a well respected, community spirited, long time friend of this blog, who … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Express & Star, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged APCOA, Chuckery, easy pickings, Express & Star, fines, Local politics, Mike Bird, New Photos, on street parking, Parking, parking enforcement, parking fines, PCN, penalty notice, Politics, Silly, Tesco Development, TraceyQ, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
6 Comments
The madness of King Bird
If I’m honest, the world-weary citizens of Walsall long ago tired of local politics. Voter turnouts are low at local elections, and fed up of never really seeing any improvements in their local areas despite years of multi-whatever committees, LNP’s, … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Express & Star, 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 Cheap tat, Conservative, Derelict, Express & Star, King Bird, Labour, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, New Photos, planning, Politics, Redevelopment, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, Tim Oliver, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
18 Comments
On borrowed time…
Since there’s been a welcome focus on the treatment of our local architectural heritage in the days since the Jabez Cliff fire in Walsall, I thought I’d once again delve into the urban exploration community and their activities in Walsall. … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Express & Star, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, planning, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 28dayslater, arson, BOAK, Cheap tat, civic failure, Derelict, Dweeb, Express & Star, Fire, Guardians office, Jabez Cliff, Leatherworks, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mellish Road church, Mike Bird, New Photos, planning, Politics, Ravenscraig, Redevelopment, rookinella, Silly, urban exploration, Urbex, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Union, Workhouse
10 Comments
Prophet margin?
I spotted this on Facebook today, and I’m not really sure what to make of it. The author, Walsall Prophet, has created a newsletter style .PDF file in the manner of stuff by the blogging community in Walsall, making the … Continue reading
Posted in Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Facebook, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, new writers, PDF, Politics, Silly, Social Services, The YamYam, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Prophet
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Single status (via The Plastic Hippo)
More bang-on-the-money comment from The Plastic Hippo. The scandal of Single Status in Walsall has been swept under the carpet for far too long. Read this and fear for the future of your council, run by people who plainly haven’t … Continue reading
Posted in Followups, 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 Chris Towe, Education, finacial crisis, law, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Plastic Hippo, Politics, rights, Silly, single status, The Plastic Hippo, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
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Sister Dora’s first live gig in 130 years
Posted this afternoon on Twatter by the generally not as funny as it should be @Walsall_CounciI parody account, this hilarious video was originally on Twitvid, but since I can’t embed that in the blog, I’ve transcoded it and uploaded to Youtube. … Continue reading
Posted in Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local music, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills Market, Cheap tat, Downtown, Funny, Local politics, Mike Bird, Petula Clark, Silly, Sister Dora, Sister Dora live gig, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall_CounciI
6 Comments
Electile Dysfunction
It’s almost a year to the day since I wrote this post, urging readers to take up their democratic right and vote. I thought about this again today, on the eve of local elections and the referendum on the Alternate … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Express & Star, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged AV referendum, ballot, Brownhills, David Cameron, Democratic process, Express & Star, local blogs, Local Elections, Local politics, Mike Bird, Politics, Silly, Social Services, Tesco, Tesco Development, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
11 Comments
Time and tide (via The Plastic Hippo)
Yet again, The Plastic Hippo vocalises beautifully what I’m thinking. Is this the nastiest, most unpleasant government we’ve ever had? As every day passes, the pronouncements from the Prime Minister become more and more bizarre. I fear for my country, … Continue reading
Posted in Events, Features, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged David Cameron, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Politics, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, The YamYam, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
1 Comment
Always crashing in the same car
Walsall Council, despite it’s patchy areas, does a few things really, really well. One of those things in recent times has been social media. Dan and the people in the press office may occasionally appear to be running a West … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Cheap tat, Facebook, GMP, Greater manchester Police, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Politics, Silly, Social Services, The Plastic Hippo, Tweetreach, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Council press office, Walsall politics, Walsall24
4 Comments
Save Walsall libraries e-petition now online
An e-petition has now been started on the Walsall Council website to protest about library cuts by the council. Please sign it if you wish to support the great work these facilities do for the community. There’s also a second … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Environment, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, Reader enquiries, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, council cuts, e petition, Library closures, Libray, Local politics, Mike Bird, Politics, Silly, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
3 Comments
Remember, kids, we’re all in this together…
…But some of us are more in it than others. If you’re a Walsall pensioner who’s just lost your meals on wheels service, or a worried Walsall Librarian, remember that the council leader is concerned for you at this difficult … Continue reading
The Bookworm Turns: Lies, Damn Lies, Library Cuts and Council Pledges
I note today that fierce and vocal defender of our libraries, The Bookworm Turns, has a new post up in the wake of the furore over the recent news that six of our treasured institutions are to be closed. The … Continue reading
Posted in Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council
Tagged Anthony Harris, Library closures, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, planning, Politics, Silly, The Bookworm turns, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
8 Comments
Derek Tickles: We salute you
I spend a lot of time trawling freedom of information requests on whatdotheyknow.com – I’d like to say the activity is for worthy research purposes, but often it’s just plain old nosiness. Some requests are painstaking and fascinating, some … Continue reading
Posted in Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council
Tagged Cheap tat, Derek Tickles, Eric Pickles, FOI, freedom of information, Local politics, Mike Bird, Silly, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, What do they know, whatdotheyknow
1 Comment
Because they’re worth it
Next time Walsall Council leader Mike ‘Blofeld’ Bird or his two-hundred thousand pounds per year Chief Executive Paul Sheehan appear in the media preaching about hard times, corporate governance and their worth to the citizens of Walsall, reflect on this. … Continue reading
Posted in Express & Star, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council
Tagged Cheap tat, Contract, Costa, Express & Star, Local politics, Lost artwork, Mike Bird, New Art Gallery, Politics, Silly, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
16 Comments
The library revolt continues…
Sorry folks, I tried to post a link to this story this morning, but mobile internet failed and the article was mangled by cycberspace. It seems that those who feel strongly about the attack on learning and culture in Walsall … Continue reading
Posted in Churches, Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, Local politics, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council
Tagged Churches together in Walsall, cuts, Leisure Services, Libraries, Library closures, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Silly, The Bookworm turns, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
1 Comment
Christmas magic in Brownhills!
It’s worth pointing out that whilst our Scrooge-like civic masters in the Grey Lubyanka were handing round the upturned, moth-eaten and brylcream scented flat cap of Anthony Harris, all the time protesting that they couldn’t afford a Christmas tree or … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, Reader enquiries
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills Christmas Evens, Brownhills Market, Cheap tat, Christmas Magic in Brownhills, Councillor Mike Flower, Festivity, Local politics, Mike Bird, Shop Local, Shop smart, Silly, U Turn, Walsall, Walsall Christmas Tree, Walsall Council, Walsall Parking Meters, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
3 Comments
Walsall Council budget document
Walsall Council have now revealed their proposals for budget cuts that look set to decimate social care, leisure services and community support for the elderly and vulnerable. Predictably, public relations, councillor allowances and wages for those at the very top … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council
Tagged Local politics, Mike Bird, Politics, Silly, Social Services, Walsall, Walsall budget, Walsall budget cuts, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
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From ‘The Bookworm Turns’: Remember Fahrenheit 451? Stand united in Walsall on Destruction Day – 17 November
Today, ‘The Bookworm Turns‘ posted a very important message to the people of Walsall. I reproduce some of it here, but for the full glory, pop over and see the entire post for yourself. The Brownhills Blog stands shoulder to … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged leisure services cuts, Library closures, library cuts, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Politics, Silly, The Bookworm turns, Unison, Unison protest 17th November, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
1 Comment
Essential reading from ‘The Bookworm Turns’ – On the eve of destruction
I note this evening that The Bookworm Turns has published another excellent, bang on the money post about the state of Leisure Services and more particularly the fate of Walsall’s beleaguered libraries. As I’ve said before, we need to get … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council
Tagged Cheap tat, Leisure Services, Libraries, Library, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Politics, The Bookworm turns, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
1 Comment
Turn, turn, turn…
Something odd is happening at the moment. I’m not sure quite what’s going on, but it’s very interesting and I think it might be positive. It seems the Cabinet – those leading Walsall Council – have become aware of the … Continue reading
Posted in Express & Star, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council
Tagged Adrian Andrew, Express & Star, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Pheaseyviews, Rememberance Sunday Parking, Silly, The Bookworm, The Mushroom, The Plastic Hippo, The YamYam, Walsall, Walsall Christmas lights, Walsall Council, Walsall councillor allowances, Walsall politics
7 Comments
The Bookworm turns…
Heads up, folks. I noted today from the excellent YamYam that there’s a new blog on the block, and it’s rather important. You’ll remember that recently, I was horrified to hear our apparently charmless Councill Leader Mike Bird stick the … Continue reading
Posted in Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Politics, Silly, The Bookworm, The Bookworm turns, threatened libraries, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Libraries, Walsall politics
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Your local council needs you (via The Plastic Hippo)
The Plastic Hippo has written an excoriating post about Walsall Council’s risible ‘Online Budget Simulator’ game, a wheedling, cynical little piece of propaganda aimed at convincing us all there’s no alternative to the menu of cuts, decimation and hard cheese … Continue reading
Posted in Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Uncategorized, Walsall Council
Tagged Cheap tat, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Online Budget imulator, Politics, Silly, Social Services, The Plastic Hippo, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
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Hard Times
Walsall Council leader Mike ‘Blofeld’ Bird, Councillor for Pheasey Park Farm, has been around Walsall politics for a very long time. Over the years, I’ve become inured to the utter absurdity of many of the things he says. … Continue reading
Posted in Express & Star, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, Derelict, Express & Star, Leisure Services, Libraries, Library closures, Local politics, Mike Bird, Politics, Redevelopment, Silly, The YamYam, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
21 Comments
Birmingham Mail – Tesco abandons plans to pull down a senior citizens’ club
Noticed this article today on the excellent Walsall news site, The YamYam – for once it seems the Birmingham Mail (no longer ‘evening’ you’ll note) have stolen a bit of a march on the Express & Star. It’s a two-page … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Express & Star, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council
Tagged Adrian Andrew, Birmingham Mail, Brownhills, Brownhills Market, Brownhills Senior Citizens Club, Derelict, Express & Star, John Dunn, Local politics, Mike Bird, planning, Politics, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, Silly, Tesco, Tesco Development, The YamYam, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
5 Comments
Arsonists required: please apply within
Over at the PigBlog, the Stymaster has done it again. He’s posted a restrained, beautifuly controlled rant about the fate of historic buildings in Walsall, and their propensity to spontaneously combust. The scandal over the handling of the former Methodist … Continue reading
Posted in Churches, Environment, Express & Star, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, Local politics, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council
Tagged Derelict, Express & Star, Jabez Cliff, local blogs, Local politics, Mellish Road, Mike Bird, Pigblog, planning, Politics, Redevelopment, Shannon's Mill, Silly, The Stymaster, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
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Brownhills Market – is it the silly season already?
I’m not sure what’s going on here yet, until I’ve done a bit more research, but according to the Express & Star, Walsall Council are currently looking for commercial tenders to run Brownhills Market for ‘a maximum’ of two years. … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Express & Star, Followups, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, planning, Shared media, Walsall Council
Tagged Adrian Andrew, Brownhills, Brownhills Market, Cheap tat, Councillor Mike Flower, Derelict, Express & Star, Local politics, Mike Bird, planning, Politics, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, Silly, Tesco, Tesco Development, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
2 Comments
The Walsall Council reality distortion field
First up, sorry for the lack of updates this week, work has kept me away from the blog, a situation that will be resolved soon. However, in the course of my web browsing recently, there have been a few gems … Continue reading
Posted in Chasewater, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, Local politics, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Bloxwich West by election, Brytysilio, BSF, Building Schools for the Future, Chas Mason, Chasewaterstuff, Closed play facility, Express & Star, Fred Westley, Ian Robathan, local blogs, Local politics, Melvyn Pitt, Mike Bird, Pheasey Views, Politics, Redevelopment, The Bloxidge Tallygraph, The Butts, The Mushroom, The Plastic Hippo, The Stirrer, The Stymaster, The YamYam, TronsterUK, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Willenhall Leisure Centre
4 Comments
Disgusted of Darlaston
Unless you’ve been living under a rock recently, you’ll be aware of the media hysteria over the windows at Darlaston swimming pool, which our masters in the press would have us believe were blacked out in an attempt to placate … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, Express & Star, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council
Tagged Darlaston baths, Darlaston leisure centre, Darlaston windows, Express & Star, John Finnemore, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, muslim swimmers, Politics, Silly, Tabloidwatch, the daily mail, the express, The Now Show, The Plastic Hippo, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
4 Comments
Are you sitting comfortably? (via The Plastic Hippo)
The Plastic Hippo holds his anemometer up to the cold wind currently blowing through education in Walsall. It’s like the early eighties, all over again. Then I will begin. Once upon a time in a land far, far away, someone … Continue reading
Cutting through the bullshit
I just thought I’d point up an excellent post on the Pigblog by regular Brownhills Blog reader and commentator, The Stymaster. Just lately, there’s been a publicity push underway on Walsall’s ill-fated Gigaport project, which has led to some astonishment … Continue reading
Posted in Express & Star, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council
Tagged BT, Cheap tat, Express & Star, gigaport, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, New ring road, planning, Politics, Redevelopment, Silly, Traffic signals failure, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Housing Group, Walsall politics
3 Comments
Hoard oeuvre
I’ve not really mentioned the Staffordshire Hoard here on the Brownhills Blog. It’s not that I’m not interested in it – it’s a fascinating, huge discovery – it just seems to me that so much has been broadcast, written and … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, Local politics, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council
Tagged Allric, Bad Science, Brownhills, Brownhills Hoard, Brownhills local history, Castlefort, Doug Birch, Express & Star, Jean Dean, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, Ronnie Carleton, Shire Oak, Silly, slote, Staffordshire, Staffordshire hoard, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Warrenhuse
20 Comments
Railroad wagon
This is a warning. What follows is a verbatim press release from the grey Lubyanka that is Walsall Civic Centre. Anyone who is currently drinking any kind of beverage may wish to take a few seconds to swallow and place … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Express & Star, Followups, It makes me mad!, Local media, Local politics, planning, Shared media, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills new council depot, Councillor Mike Flower, Derelict, Express & Star, Local politics, Marcity, Mike Bird, Norfolk Place, Pelsall Road, planning, Redevelopment, The YamYam, Wagon Automotive, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Council Depot, Walsall politics
7 Comments
I can’t possibly match this – The Hippo strikes back
I was going to wax lyrical about Walsall’s new member for leisure, recently elected to replace the hapless previous incumbent, Barry Sanders. However, it seems that the some-time commenter in these parts has beaten me to it, with such a … Continue reading
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