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Tag Archives: planning
The Craft Barn reopens at Chasewater this Saturday!
I’m pleased to bring readers more great news from the Lichfield Scrap Barn shop at Chasewater Innovation Centre – it’s had a makeover, and a bit of a rebrand, and reopens this Saturday lunchtime at 12pm.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged Brownhills, care, Carers, Chasewater, conference, Craft Village, Debenhams, disability, Events, Facebook, Innovation centre, Lichfield, local blogs, Lucy Wood, New Deal, New Photos, planning, Saxon Hill School, Scrapstores UK, Social Care, social enterprise, special needs, Srap Barn, Staffordshire, Things to do, Twitter, WH Smith
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Planning application submitted for new Costa Coffee branch in Brownhills
As speculated in this post earlier this year, a franchise for Costa Coffee has applied for planning permission enabling conversion of the former Blockbuster store at 51, High Street, Brownhills into a Costa branch – the property has been empty since the video rental chain crashed in 2013.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council
Tagged 51 High Street, architecture design, blockbuster, branch, Brownhills, Cafe, Coffee, Costa, Derelict, High Street, Lichfield, Local politics, Opening, outlet, planning, Redevelopment, Restaurant, store, Twitter, Walsall Council
5 Comments
Aldridge Manor Youth Club: Can you help it be reborn?
As a result of the imminent closure of Aldridge Manor Youth Club and sale of the Manor House by Walsall Council, local activist Paul Sharpe has got his thinking cap on, and is appealing for help from anyone who might be able to help him set up an alternative club.
Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Aldridge Manor, Cheap tat, Closure, cuts, Facebook, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Paul Sharpe, planning, Politics, Redevelopment, Shire Oak, Silly, sold, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Youth Club
6 Comments
Second Northfields Way barrier consultation tonight
As Councillor Steve Wade is helpfully reporting, if you’re concerned about the issues surrounding traveller encampment and other ASB at Northfields Way in Clayhanger, there’s a consultation drop-in session tonight (Monday, 7th March 2016) open to all at Clayhanger Methodist Church, Clayhanger Lane, from 5:30-7:30pm.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 2016, 7 March, Brownhills, Clayhanger, Consultation, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, Methodist Church, Northfields Way, planning, Things to do, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
1 Comment
Northfields Way barrier consultation tonight
As top local activist blog Madwblog and Councillor Steve Wade are helpfully reporting, please don’t forget that if you’re concerned about the issues surrounding traveller encampment and other ASB at Northfields Way in CLayhanger, there’s a consultation drop-in session tonight (Monday, 29th February 2016) open to all at the community centre in the village.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, Clayhanger, community centre, Consultation, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, Northfields Way, planning, Things to do, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
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Costa Coffee coming to Brownhills?
I’ve been aware of rumours of the well-known coffee chain Costa opening a branch in Brownhills for a few weeks, but up to now have been unable to nail them down – but thanks to a couple of tweets by an architectural agency I spotted yesterday, it seems like the froth-mongers are indeed looking to establish in the town.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council
Tagged 51 High Street, architecture design, blockbuster, branch, Brownhills, Cafe, Coffee, Costa, Derelict, High Street, Lichfield, Local politics, Opening, outlet, planning, Redevelopment, Restaurant, store, Twitter, Walsall Council
4 Comments
Be on your guard – local spate of shed burglaries
It’s time, I’m very much afraid, to issue another warning – it seems local burglars are at is again – In the last few weeks there have been a large number of break-ins to sheds and outbuildings in the Brownhills, Pelsall and Aldridge areas.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 2016, Aldridge, Brownhills, Burglary, Community Safety House, CommunitySafety Partnership, Councillor Steve Wade, crime, Demonstration, Events, garage, garages, home security, Kevin Pitt, local blogs, Opening, Pelsall, planning, Police, Safe House, Shed, Sheds, Shire Oak, vehicle, Walsall, West Midlands
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In memoriam: Brian Kingshott
I’m sad to report that Christine Howles has been in touch with me on behalf of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust, and has asked me to share some sombre news with readers.
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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, charity, Christine Howles, cycling, Hatherton, Lichfield, Local History, planning, project, renovation, Staffordshire, Summerhill, trust, Wildlife
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Brownhills livery yard raided – can you help?
This is an important appeal for information regarding a burglary that took place on the night of January 2nd/early hours of January 3rd 2016 (Last Saturday into Sunday) at Stevie Ansell’s second yard at Engine Lane, Brownhills.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media
Tagged 2 January, 2016, 3 January, appeal, Brownhills, Brownhills common, burgled, clearance, crime, Cycle rides, Engine Lane, field, livery, New Photos, opened, planning, Police, Raid, raided, Redevelopment, Riding school, Stevie Ansell, Wildlife
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Can’t see The Wood for the trees
Earlier today I was contacted by reader Tkevcro who was worried about construction activity around the Coppice Road/Brownhills Road junction near the new leisure centre site in Walsall Wood.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills Road, Coppice Road, crossing, houses, housing, Junction, Leisure Centre, Leisure Services, Lindon Road, Local politics, new, New Photos, Oak Park, Pedestrian, planning, Plans, Rebuild, rebuilt, Redevelopment, revised, Shire Oak, submitted, Tkevcro, trees, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
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It’s time to have your say
As many of you will know, the cuts are ongoing at Walsall Council and in the coming year the authority faces a shortfall of another £25 million, and sadly, this is really going to impact on local services we take for granted.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, 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 2015, 2016, austerity, Brownhills, Budget, budget consultation, Closure, Consultation, event, Events, Library, Lichfield, Local politics, Mike Bird, Oak Park, planning, Politics, Shire Oak, Things to do, Walsall, Walsall Advertiser, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
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Shire Oak Pub reopens tomorrow!
Just a quick note to point out that after a long and apparently very thorough refurbishment, the Shire Oak pub at the Shire Oak crossroads in Brownhills opens tomorrow, Friday 20th November 2015.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, News, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2015, 20th November, Brownhills, Closure, Friday, new, planning, re opening, refurb, Shire Oak, The Shire Oak Inn, The Shire Oak pub
3 Comments
A brutal death
This is an odd one I can’t fit in anywhere else, so people who aren’t in to my architecture obsession may want to tune out now – but I will alert readers to something: almost unnoticed, to people over the age of around 35, the Birmingham we knew is gradually being erased – if you want to see it one last time, go soon.
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Posted in Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, planning, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged 103 Colmore Row, Birmingham, Brindley Place, Brutalism, Bull, Bullring, Canal, Cheap tat, Christmas Market, cityscape, David Evans, Frankfurt, Gingerbread, Lichfield, markey, new Library, New Photos, planning, Redevelopment, Secret Garden, Things to do
23 Comments
The Lichfield & Hatherton need your vote!
Christine Howles from the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust has contacted me to tell me she’s after your vote – no, she’s not standing for election, but the Trust is applying for a community grant and could really do with readers voting for them in the next week or so.
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 2015, AGM, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Community grant, Derelict, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Narrowboat, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Staffordshire, Things to do, trust, Twitter, vote
1 Comment
56 bus service: Travel West Midlands to fill the gap
Excellent news from Councillor Steve Wade on the future of the 56 bus service from Brownhills to Birmingham following his meeting with Travel West Midlands last Thursday.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2015, 56, axe, Birmingham, Birmingham city centre, Brownhills, bus, cancellation, Clayhanger, cut, Diamond, Diamond bus service, Diamond Buses, Events, Facebook, Gina Young, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, New Photos, planning, Service, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, Twitter, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
16 Comments
Withdrawal of 56 bus service: Latest news, and please sign the petition!
The controversy over the withdrawal of the Diamond Buses 56 service from Brownhills to Walsall refuses to die down, and there’s now an online petition you can sign in support of the service and Councillor Steve Wade’s efforts to save it.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, 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, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2015, 56, axe, Birmingham, Birmingham city centre, Brownhills, Brownhills West, bus, bus service, cancellation, Clayhanger, Councillor, cut, Diamond, Diamond bus service, Diamond Buses, Events, Facebook, Gina Young, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, New Photos, planning, Service, Shire Oak, Silly, Steve Wade, Things to do, Twitter, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
7 Comments
Pictures from the 2015 Huddlesford Heritage Gathering
Today (20th September 2015) I got chance to go to the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust’s Heritage Gathering at Huddlesford, near Whittington.
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 20 September, 2015, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Heritage gathering, Huddlesford, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, photos, pictures, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, Things to do, trust
1 Comment
Shire Oak Pub refurbishment starts next week!
Yet again I’m indebted to Shire Oak resident Matt Stacky, who’s been keeping an eagle eye on plans for the refurbishment and total refit of the Shire Oak Pub at the top end of Brownhills.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, News, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Closure, planning, refurb, Shire Oak, The Shire Oak Inn, The Shire Oak pub
2 Comments
Heritage Gathering this weekend!
It’s a big weekend for the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust who are staging their Heritage Gathering which takes place this Saturday and Sunday (18-19th September 2015) at their canalside Huddlesford base, near Lichfield.
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 18 August, 19 August, 2015, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Heritage gathering, Huddlesford, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, Things to do, trust
2 Comments
Diamond Busses confirm 56 service to be withdrawn
Following from the tipoff from Gina Young about the possible withdrawal by Diamond busses of their 56 service between Brownhills West and Birmingham, the company have confirmed the termination with the following statement issued late yesterday afternoon (Tuesday 15th September 2015):
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, 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, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2015, 56, axe, Birmingham, Birmingham city centre, Brownhills, Brownhills West, bus, bus service, cancellation, Clayhanger, Councillor, cut, Diamond, Diamond bus service, Diamond Buses, Events, Facebook, Gina Young, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, New Photos, planning, Service, Shire Oak, Silly, Steve Wade, Things to do, Twitter, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
14 Comments
Local bus service under threat
It seems there might be bad news for uses of the Diamond Buses 56 route from Brownhills to Birmingham – yesterday I had the following email from passenger Gina Young:
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2015, 56, axe, Birmingham, Birmingham city centre, Brownhills, bus, cancellation, Clayhanger, cut, Diamond, Diamond bus service, Diamond Buses, Events, Facebook, Gina Young, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, New Photos, planning, Service, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, Twitter, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
5 Comments
Warning – Ogley Road partially closed at High Street junction from next Monday
This is important folks – from next Monday (7th September 2015) Ogley Road at it’s junction with High Street, Brownhills just by the old Warreners Arms will be partially closed for gas main works.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2015, 7 September, Balfour Beatty, Brownhills, Closure, control, Councillor, delay, Events, Gas main, High Street, hold up, holdup, Jam, Lichfield, Management, Ogley Road, planning, renewal, Steve, traffic, Wade, Walsall, Walsall Council
3 Comments
Heritage Gathering coming soon!
Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust have been in contact to let me know about their Heritage Gathering which is coming up over the weekend of 18-19th September 2015, and takes place at their Huddlesford base, near Lichfield.
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 18 August, 19 August, 2015, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Heritage gathering, Huddlesford, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, Things to do, trust
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Daleks invading Aldridge Museum as we speak!
There’s currently a Dalek invasion happening at Aston Manor Road Transport Museum in Aldridge where the wheeled Who-botherers will be entertaining visitors and scaring the staff all day today (Sunday 23rd August 2015) from 10:30am until late afternoon.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2015, Aldridge, Aston Manor, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, bus, Bus Museum, Chasewater, cosplay, Dalek, Dalek invasion, Doctor Who, event, Events, Facebook, Fancy Dress, Invasion, Local History, open day, planning, Sci-fi, Shenstone Drive, Transport Museum, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
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Local canal restoration project targeted by raiders – can you help?
Sad news from the Lichfield & Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust who have had some of their equipment stolen following a break-in to their compound last Friday night (14th August 2015).
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged 14 August, 2015, appeal, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Burglary, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, Cycle rides, cycling, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, planning, Police, project, renovation, Robbery, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, trust, Twitter, Wildlife
2 Comments
Don’t bank on it
Many of you have asked me for updates on the situation with Ravens Court, the decaying, derelict shopping precinct that lies deserted in the centre of Brownhills – you’ll remember that way back in November 2014, Walsall Council issued an ultimatum to the owners that if they didn’t submit a planning application within six months, they’d initiate legal proceedings to force the landlords to tidy it up.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Express & Star, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 215 Notice, Blofeld, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Market, Canal, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Compulsory purchase, Derelict, Events, Facebook, John Bird, Lichfield, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, New Photos, New Tesco, planning, Politics, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, Retail, Stev Wade, sympathy, Tesco, Tesco Development, teve Wade, Vandalism, Vivienne Aston, Walsall, Walsall Advertiser, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
3 Comments
Fancy doing some volunteering at the Scrap Barn?
Fancy doing some voluntary work for the Lichfield Scrap Barn shop at Chasewater Innovation Centre – friend of the blog and top Phoenix Hospital Radio DJ Lucy Wood has dropped me a line to let me know that they have some great positions available.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 1st, Brownhills, care, Carers, Chasewater, conference, Craft Village, Debenhams, disability, Events, Facebook, Innovation centre, jobs, Lichfield, local blogs, Lucy Wood, New Deal, New Photos, planning, positions, Saxon Hill School, Scrapstores UK, Social Care, social enterprise, special needs, Srap Barn, Staffordshire, Things to do, Twitter, volunteers, WH Smith
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Lichfield Canal Summerhill Guided Walk – this evening
This evening (Wednesday, 15th July 2015), there’s a guided walk being held by the Lichfield & Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust along the Summerhill section, and it’s open to all who might want to go and see what they’re up to – Currently reopening the lost line to walkers between Barracks Lane, Ogley Hay and Summerhill, next to the Boat Pub.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged 14 July, 2015, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Facebook, guided walk, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, The Boat, Things to do, trust, Twitter, Wildlife
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Stables raid – CCTV images released
As noted here yesterday, on the evening of Monday 6th July 2015, between about 11:30pm and 12 midnight, a quantity of equipment was stolen from the riding stables of Stevie Ansell, in Pelsall Road, Brownhills – as promised, Stevie has sent some images from the CCTV system at the stables.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media
Tagged 2015, 6th July, appeal, Brownhills, Brownhills common, burgled, CCTV, clearance, crime, Cycle rides, Engine Lane, field, jeepgates, New Photos, opened, Pelsall Road, planning, Police, Raid, raided, Redevelopment, Riding school, Stevie Ansell, Wildlife
2 Comments
Brownhills stables raided yet again – can you help?
Here we go again – Stevie Ansell’s riding stables and livery yard on the Pelsall Road at Highbridges on the Brownhills/Pelsall border has been targeted again – and whilst the raiders this time stole large quantity of equipment, it seems Stevie also got good CCTV of the scum who burgled her.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media
Tagged 2015, 6th July, appeal, Brownhills, Brownhills common, burgled, CCTV, clearance, crime, Cycle rides, Engine Lane, field, jeepgates, New Photos, opened, Pelsall Road, planning, Police, Raid, raided, Redevelopment, Riding school, Stevie Ansell, Wildlife
1 Comment
That didn’t go to plan… or did it?
I realise this is a bit off piste for the Brownhills Blog, but we have interests in Lichfield, so I think it’s appropriate – a few weeks ago Peter ‘Pedro’ Cutler spotted the following clipping in the newspaper archives.
Posted in Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 1925, 2015, Bowling Green, clock tower, island, July 31, Lichfield, Lichfield Mercurey, Local History, New Photos, Old maps, planning, Redevelopment, road scheme, Staffordshire, The Friary, Things to do
2 Comments
2015 Brownhills Canalside Festival on today!
Details of this year’s Brownhills Canal Festival taking place today (Sunday 28th June 2015) at Silver Street in Brownhills have kindly been supplied by The Clayhanger Kid himself, Brian Stringer – it’s always a good event and last year was better than ever!
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 10am-4pm, 2015, Barge, Boats, Brian Stringer, Brownhills, Brownhills Canoe Centre, Canal, canalside, Canoe, Clayhanger, Committee, Contach, Contact, Events, Festival, Fete, information, June 28, Local, local blogs, Marina, Narrowboat, outdoors, pageant, planning, running order, Summer, Sunday, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
2 Comments
It’s a bum rap – but there’s no such thing as bad publicity
A delightful bit of urban mischief in Brownhills has gone semi-viral on local social media – Oh dear me, the jokes write themselves.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 10am-4pm, 2015, Barge, Boats, Brian Stringer, Brownhills, Brownhills Canoe Centre, Canal, canalside, Canoe, Clayhanger, Committee, Contach, Contact, Events, Festival, Fete, information, June 28, Local, local blogs, Marina, Narrowboat, outdoors, pageant, planning, running order, Summer, Sunday, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
11 Comments
2015 Brownhills Canalside Festival on this Sunday!
Details of this year’s Brownhills Canal Festival taking place this Sunday (28th June 2015) at Silver Street in Brownhills have kindly been supplied by The Clayhanger Kid himself, Brian Stringer.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 10am-4pm, 2015, Barge, Boats, Brian Stringer, Brownhills, Brownhills Canoe Centre, Canal, canalside, Canoe, Clayhanger, Committee, Contach, Contact, Events, Festival, Fete, information, June 28, Local, local blogs, Marina, Narrowboat, outdoors, pageant, planning, running order, Summer, Sunday, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
1 Comment
The Lectric Men
Old friend of the blog Reg ‘Aer Reg’ Fullelove has been at it again – and this time, he’s written a fabulous piece on his early working days as an electricity supply engineer for the Chasetown Electricity Board, in the very earliest days of domestic supply.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Churches, Environment, Events, 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 Aer Reg, Brownhills, Brownhills a walk into history, Brownhills local history, Canal, Cannock Chase Colliery Company, charity, Chase Terrace, Chasetown, Chasewater, Clayhanger, Electricity, Events, history, Local History, mining, No 5 pit, planning, Reg Fullelove, St. Anne's, Staffordshire, Things to do, UDC
8 Comments
B&M coming to Aldridge – vacancies now being advertised
Ever since I posted that B&M were moving into the old Focus DIY store on Northgate, between Aldridge and Walsall Wood, I’ve been contacted by people either swearing it will be an Asda (nope) or doubting what I said – well, work has continued on the empty building and it’s now in B&M colours, and vacancies have now been posted for a ‘new Aldridge store’ on the B&M website.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 2015, Aldridge, application, B&M, Brownhills, Cheap tat, Derelict, DIY, Events, Facebook, Fucus, jobs, Lichfield, New Photos, new store, Opening, planning, Redevelopment, Shire Oak, soon, Things to do, vacancies, Vandalism, Walsall Wood
3 Comments
Our greenspaces are not for sale!
In the last couple of days there’s been a degree of what can only be described as panic locally and on social media about the future of Cannock Chase, Chasewater and other Staffordshire Country Parks.
Posted in Cannock Chase, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged 2015, Brownhills, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Consultation, country parks, Cycle rides, cycling, Facebook, For Sale, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, not, Panoramio, planning, Politics, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, Statement, Things to do, Twitter, Vandalism, Wildlife
7 Comments
Local riding stables raided, horses endangered: can you help?
Hey folks – this is really, really important, and I’d like readers and social media folk to spread this post far and wide – you will all know that Stevie Ansell and her riding school in Brownhills have been good pals of the blog, with whom we’ve had an honest and good relationship over the years – well now, they need our help.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media
Tagged 2015, 9 June, appeal, Brownhills, Brownhills common, clearance, crime, Cycle rides, Engine Lane, field, jeepgates, New Photos, opened, Pelsall Road, planning, Police, Raid, Redevelopment, Riding school, Stevie Ansell, Wildlife
6 Comments
Find out about the restoration of our lost canal tonight!
Just a quick note to point out that the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust are holding their Annual General Meeting tonight (Friday, 5th June 2015) in Brownhills, at the Parkview Centre (the old Council House on the Miner Island), and all are welcome to attend.
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 2015, 5th June, AGM, Barracks Lane, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Canal Restoration, Challenge, charity, Christine Howles, Cross City Line, 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
4 Comments
Restoring a canal – a new challenge
I always receive a really positive response when featuring articles by Christine Howles on behalf of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust here on the blog, which aim to support and assist this great local canal restoration project.
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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, Cross City Line, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, The Boat, Things to do, trust, Twitter, Wildlife
7 Comments
It’ll soon be time for the 2015 Brownhills Canalside Festival
Details of this year’s Brownhills Canal Festival have kindly been supplied by The Clayhanger Kid himself, Brian Stringer – this yeart it’s Sunday, 28th June 2015.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged 10am-4pm, 2015, Barge, Boats, Brian Stringer, Brownhills, Brownhills Canoe Centre, Canal, canalside, Canoe, Clayhanger, Committee, Contach, Contact, Events, Festival, Fete, information, June 28, Local, local blogs, Marina, Narrowboat, outdoors, pageant, planning, Summer, Sunday, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
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Join the adventure – try Scouting this Saturday!
Heres an excellent thing for kids going on this Saturday, drawn to my attention by Walsall Wood Scout Leader Lee Bragginton – a chance to take your kids along to try out scouting for free, taking place this Saturday 23rd May 2015 at Shire Oak Academy from 10am until 12pm.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1st, 2015, 23 may, 38th Walsall, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Cubs, Events, Exhibition, free, Join the adventure, Lee Bragginton, minibus, New Photos, planning, Saturday, Scouting, Scouts, Shire Oak, try, Walsall Wood, Youth
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Details of Shire Oak Pub refurbishment now available
I am indebted to Shire Oak resident Matt Stacky who has spotted the following PDF brochure on the Punch Taverns website detailing the planned renovations to the Shire Oak pub, which stands at the main junction at the south end of town.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, News, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, planning, Shire Oak, The Shire Oak Inn, The Shire Oak pub
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Crossed purposes again
On or around April 29th 2015, the Four Crosses Pub – the last true boozer in Shelfield, and a popular local pub I’ve enjoyed in the past – closed suddenly, and was boarded up, which has caused understandable outrage amongst pub-goers and real ale fans in the area.
Posted in Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged ACV, Alcohol, asset of community value, CAMRA, concern, Derelict, Drug, Events, Facebook, Four Crosses, Hostel, Lichfield, local blogs, Local politics, New Photos, planning, protest, Public Meeting, Pubs, Redevelopment, Richard Worral, Shelfield, Things to do, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
9 Comments
One other Public Carriage Road or Highway
For those who don’t follow the comments here, there was an interesting discussion last week after I featured a section of the Teasdale 1842 map from Clive Roberts’ new history site: The discussion that sprang up was about the nature and purpose of Friezland Lane in Shire Oak, and amongst the discussion was rom rather wild speculation by myself about the way the Parish borders run between Brownhills and Walsall Wood.
Posted in News
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, David Evans, Lichfield, Local History, Old maps, planning, Redevelopment, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall Wood
16 Comments
Heart Bypass: Jonathan Meades in Birmingham
Hi folks – here’s something I found last night that I’d forgotten about, that ties in with my fascination for Birmingham and architecture – and also, my obsession with well-crafted language.
Posted in Bad Science, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local music, Local politics, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 103 Colmore Row, Birmingham, Brindley Place, Brutalism, Bull, Bullring, Canal, Cheap tat, Christmas Market, cityscape, David Evans, Frankfurt, Gingerbread, heart bypass, Jonathan Meades, Lichfield, markey, Motor City, new Library, New Photos, planning, Redevelopment, Secret Garden, Things to do
2 Comments
Aldridge Cinema – come see Paddington the Movie this afternoon!
This afternoon at 2:30pm (Saturday 4th April 2015), Aldridge Cinema at the Youth Theatre are showing Paddington the Movie – it’s only £4 a ticket and normal popcorn and drinks are only 50p.
Posted in News
Tagged 2015, 4 april, Aldridge, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, cinema, community, Events, Facebook, Film, help, launch, Local History, Paddington, pictures, planning, project, Russell Smith, The Movie, Things to do, Walsall Wood, Youth Theatre
2 Comments
Aldridge Cinema – come see The Lego Movie this afternoon!
This afternoon at 2:30pm (Saturday 21st March 2015), Aldridge Cinema at the Youth Theatre are showing The Lego Movie – it’s only £4 a ticket and normal popcorn and drinks are only 50p.
Continue reading
Posted in News
Tagged 2015, 21 March, Aldridge, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, cinema, community, Events, Facebook, Film, help, launch, lego movie, Local History, pictures, planning, project, Russell Smith, Things to do, Walsall Wood, Youth Theatre
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Because it seemed right at the time…
Just lately, I’ve found myself in lots of intense discussions – several on social media – about architecture, old buildings, history and the way we view the past; these discussions often sadden me and I need to get something off my chest.
Posted in Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, planning, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged 103 Colmore Row, Birmingham, Brindley Place, Brutalism, Bull, Bullring, Canal, Cheap tat, Christmas Market, cityscape, David Evans, Frankfurt, Gingerbread, Lichfield, markey, new Library, New Photos, planning, Redevelopment, Secret Garden, Things to do
26 Comments
Restoring a canal – and looking after the environment
I’ve had a terrific response to featuring the post last week by Christine Howles of Lichfield and Hatherton Canal Restoration Trust here on the blog, which sought to put right my previous dearth of coverage on this great local canal restoration project.
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, charity, Christine Howles, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Facebook, Hatherton, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, planning, project, renovation, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Summerhill, The Boat, Things to do, trust, Twitter, Wildlife
2 Comments
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