Tag Archives: Pubs

Motorbike accident in Brownhills?

Posted on September 30, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

From reports on Twitter and Facebook, it seems there’s been a nasty accident in Brownhills near the Anchor Bridge Junction tonight (30th September 2013), between a car and a motorbike.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

A ghost of a chance…

Posted on September 14, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

Ghosts and such things; a rumination…
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Cossacks of Walsall Wood

Posted on September 8, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

Horses are in the Black Country DNA – whether it was working with them to tow narrowboats or transport goods, marshalling them down the pit, or riding them for the sheer joy, these noble animals have a secure place in the local heart.cossackridersclearphotos2 Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

From the Station to Paradise

Posted on September 4, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

Mike Leonard, the reader who supplied the wonderful images of The Railway Tavern and Wheatsheaf last week has done it again – this tie with two super photos.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

Crowning glory

Posted on August 31, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

I’m sure you’ll remember that way back, I featured some recordings of live Jazz being played at the Crown pub in Brownhills West, by amongst others, Ken Rattenbury, Paul and Fred Degville – very respected musicians -this was lifted from a reel to reel recording of Meanwhile, Down at the Local, a program then broadcast by BBC Radio Birmingham.

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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Live music and fun in Walsall Wood today!

Posted on August 25, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

I became aware at the Brownhills Music Festival last weekend that there’s another live music and fun event happening locally today, Bank Holiday Monday (26th August 2013) – It’s taking place at the Horse and Jockey, Walsall Wood, a pub I’m really hearing great things about of late.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Brownhills Past & Present: new exhibition coming soon

Posted on August 22, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

Stuart Williams of the Walsall Local History Centre has been in touch regarding a soon-to-start new exhibition of Brownhills photos and ephemera at the town archives.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

More live music & fun this Bank Holiday Monday

Posted on August 21, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

I became aware at the Brownhills Music Festival last weekend that there’s another live music and fun event happening locally this coming Bank Holiday Monday (26th August 2013) – It’s taking place at the Horse and Jockey, Walsall Wood, a pub I’m really hearing great things about of late.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Les Fleurs

Posted on August 18, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

Some time ago, reader and Bon Viveur David Evans found this image for sale at a church fayre in Brownhills, at I believe at St James – he didn’t purchase it, but he did take a crafty snapshot.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 35 Comments

Pictures from Brownhills Music Festival 2013

Posted on August 18, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

Well, the day came and despite very poor weather and a wind that would strip the paint from a Vauxhall, at the Brownhills Music Festival the music was great, the beer was fine and everyone seemed to have a good time.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local media, Local music, News, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Brownhills Music Festival 2013 – The stage is set

Posted on August 16, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

Well, it’s all done and dusted, they’re setting up and Brownhills is ready for it’s first music festival in decades – It’s going to be a grand day out for all, with great music, beer and good company throughout from 12 noon, Saturday, 17th August 2013.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, Local music, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Brownhills Music Festival 2013 – Not far away

Posted on August 10, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

It’s getting closer – the Brownhills Music Festival will be taking place throughout the day at The Shire Oak pub, Shire Oak crossroads, Brownhills (or Walsall Wood if you please), next weekend on Saturday 17th August 2013.
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The Royal Oak – a new chapter unfolding?

Posted on July 27, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

Thanks to reader Caz who pointed out last week that an application has been made to build a close of houses on the land currently occupied by the former Royal Oak pub in Bullings Heath, opposite the Black Cock pub in Walsall Wood.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Brownhills Music Festival 2013 – Running order announced

Posted on July 16, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

The running order of the Brownhills Music Festival has just been announced – this is the free event which will be taking place throughout the day at The Shire Oak pub, Brownhills, on the 17th August 2013 features something for everyone, and it all takes place around and inside a great local pub with excellent ale and friendly locals.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, Local music, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Photographic memory

Posted on June 30, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

I note that over on Panoramio, Brownhills George is continuing his patient work, assembling a great collection of historic Brownhills images – I thought is was about time I featured the latest ones here, as they’re absolutely remarkable, and haven’t got many views yet.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Street party today for Armed Forces Day!

Posted on June 29, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

I hear today there’s a street party planned in Chapel Street, Brownhills, for Help the Heroes and Armed Forces Day.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Loud, amplified grumbling

Posted on June 25, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

These days, I’ve come to realise that however old I get, this town will never cease to amaze me – just when you think you’ve seen it all, something rolls up, pokes you in the belly and blows raspberries at you.
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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 media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 25 Comments

Box clever?

Posted on June 18, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

Here’s one to get the researchers and detectives amongst the readership scratching their heads – let’s see what we can turn up, as this is quite unusual and I think there’s some history to be found here
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

A long storey

Posted on June 1, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

This is something I’d like to expand on for a bit of summer picture fun, if any readers are up for it – since I featured Steve Wilcox’s remarkable Walsall panorama last week, and Rose Burnell’s great Chasewater image, I’m looking for odd views, panoramas or shots from on high of Brownhills or the wider area.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

On our way to Woodstock…

Posted on May 27, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

Hi Folks. It seems there’s a music event going on today at the Horse & Jockey in Walsall Wood.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

History is a mosaic

Posted on May 11, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

As readers will no doubt be aware, I’m really, really fond of local history and the way it’s evolving online, although I’ve noted concerns and issues, on the whole, the internet and cooperation it enables is making a huge difference to both the quality and quantity of work becoming available.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Brownhills Music Festival 2013 – can you help a great event?

Posted on May 10, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

The Brownhills Music Festival will be taking place throughout the day at The Shire Oak pub, Brownhills, on the 17th August 2013 – there will be something for everyone, and it all takes place around and inside a great local pub with excellent ale and friendly locals.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, Local music, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

Going back

Posted on April 26, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

This is a quick post to draw more attention to the rapidly growing, weird and wonderful Panoramio gallery being created by Brownhills George – Since I last featured George’s work here, he’s added loads more stuff, and it’s breathtaking.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Inn for a treat

Posted on April 23, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

‘Snippets of History in and around Shire Oak’ is a very comprehensive history of the pub at the crossroads of the Lichfield Road and Chester Road, and of the brewery that few realise towered over the pub for many years.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

By George, he’s got it!

Posted on April 19, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

Brownhills George continues to surprise and delight with a phenomenal selection of photos on Panoramio uploaded in the last week.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

A Shire thing

Posted on April 17, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

Here’s a treat for Brownhills folk into local history – A new local history book, focussing on Shire Oak and it’s environs has been written by Walsall Wood chap Clive Roberts.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Local and distant

Posted on April 14, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

Here’s a wonderful thing I’ve been watching grow for a couple of weeks – a new Panoramio gallery has appeared for Brownhills and surrounds, curated by Brownhills George.

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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Eclectic landladies

Posted on April 10, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

Here’s an interesting quick one spotted in a recent addition to the archives Peter ‘Pedro’ Cutler spotted this group photo in the Lichfield Mercury, of Friday, 7th November 1952.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Kaleidoscope

Posted on April 9, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

Oh dear – that Young David Evans has come over a bit gooey and sentimental onus – could it be springtime, and a man’s fancy turning?
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The first good day of the year

Posted on March 3, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

First weekend in march is always Erdington Bike Jumble. I usually go if the weather’s OK, and potter round, enjoying the company and chatter of other cyclists. Normally a pretty isolated activity, it’s nice to meet other riders socially for a change. A chance to meet old mates, compare machines and have a natter.
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Posted in Churches, cycling, Environment, Events, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Laurels and the setting Sun

Posted on February 24, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

An interesting query for the researchers amongst us comes in from reader and Brownhills Resident Joe Lloyd. Joe asks a question several of us have been asking for a while – who owns the Rising Sun, the derelict pub on the A5 near the island?
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

A request from the Degville Family

Posted on February 9, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

A touching and lovely message comes to me from Jackie and Sammie Degville, who are undertaking the race for life in aid of Cancer Research in honour of their beloved husband and father Paul Degville, who died following a protracted battle with the illness in January.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Ghost train

Posted on February 8, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

This one has pulled me up short, and I haven’t got a clue what to do with it. But it’s fascinating for a number of reasons; for one, it clearly describes the railway at Brownhills in the late Victorian era. For a second, it details the water main alongside the track. For a third, it’s utterly mad and delightful at the same time.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Walsall, everything a pound…

Posted on January 27, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

My thanks to Stuart Williams, curator of the Bloxwich telegraph, who spotted this short film this evening. It’s a tribute to the lost buildings of Walsall.

Watch it to the end. It’s very, very sad. A totally brilliant, beautifully animated piece of work. Turn your sound on too.
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Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, 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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

In memorial: Paul Degville

Posted on January 13, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

Following on from the sad news of the passing of Paul Degville, Ian Bourne has been back in touch to ask if I’d let readers know about a memorial service taking place on the 23rd January in Ledbury, and to thank readers for their kind wishes and memories.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Good news on the Avion conversion by Wetherspoons

Posted on January 11, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

Great – and somewhat reassuring news reaches me from new reader Lizzie Eden. You’ll recall that last week, I was musing on the apparent suspension in two local building projects, the new Co-op store on Streets Corner, Walsall Wood and the conversion of the former Avion Cinema in Aldridge to a Wetherspoons pub
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Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

A sad announcement

Posted on January 11, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

A few people have contacted me now to inform me of the sad passing of Paul Degville. Paul was a great musician and his music played a fascinating part in Brownhills musical history.

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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

The Clubmen

Posted on January 10, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

Here’s a good one found by reader and local historian Clive Roberts, on the subject of Friezlane Lane Working Men’s Club, which I made an appeal for information about last week.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

New Co-op on Streets Corner: Any news?

Posted on January 6, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

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:
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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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Friezland Lane Working Men’s Club: help needed!

Posted on January 5, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

Reader Ant Hill got in touch a week ago (sorry about the delay…) and asked the following question:
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 67 Comments

2013 New Year competition winners!

Posted on January 5, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

The 2013 New Year Quiz  has now closed, and we have a winner. The final scores are as follows: Fred Butler has 7 points. Andy Dennis has 6 points. Oakparkrunner has 4 points. BrownhillsDavidNotBob has 3 points. Grande Pablo has … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Competition closes 12 noon today, 5th January 2012

Posted on January 5, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

Last chance, folks. The 2013 new year competition closes at 12 Noon today, 5th January 2012. Answers received after that time will not be counted. Running scores: Andy Dennis has 6 points. Fred Butler has 4 points. Oakparkrunner has 4 … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

2013 New Year quiz: only five questions left

Posted on January 4, 2013 by BrownhillsBob

The 2013 New Year Quiz closes at Noon, this Saturday, 5th January 2013. I’m amazed at how popular it’s been and thank everyone for their sporting good humour, interesting answers and thoughtful, considered sleuthing.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Calling time

Posted on December 20, 2012 by BrownhillsBob

I noticed at the weekend that a The White Horse pub, just off the A5 in Brownhills, is vacant and up for sale. Sad, really, in it’s day it was a fine house and a good pint. Latterly, it wasn’t so great, but I’d hate to see it go.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local music, News, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Get some Iron

Posted on December 9, 2012 by BrownhillsBob

Here’s a quick one. Reader and local history researcher Clive Roberts dropped me this email a week or so ago in relation to questions about Irondish/Iron Dish, between Walsall Wood and Shelfield. Readers will remember that this courtyard of houses – that possibly contained an alehouse – stood about where the car sales lot is today, just on the Shelfield side of Jockey Meadows.

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Posted in Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Bowled over?

Posted on December 7, 2012 by BrownhillsBob

Here’s a quick one for Friday. Reader and top Walsall Wood whizz David Evans has finally managed to get hold of a full copy of the Aerofilms image of Walsall Wood from 1926. This is an interesting one, as it’s not yet listed on the archive of Aerofilms work.

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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 21 Comments

Join the Freemasons – for a pint

Posted on November 25, 2012 by BrownhillsBob

Following the fascinating, tangential debate about the Freemasons Arms in Walsall, sparked by reader Ann Cross and her wonderful articles about the Royal Exchange, in Walsall Wood, Ann has scanned the following photo from a book, which can hopefully help the debate along a little.
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Posted in Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Fair exchange

Posted on November 22, 2012 by BrownhillsBob

Following her comments here, reader and local history enthusiast Ann Cross recently accepted my invitation to write about her family history at the Royal Exchange pub in Walsall Wood. When I suggested that she might like to write up her work, I could tell that Ann had a great story to tell, and would tell it very well indeed. I wasn’t disappointed, and the first instalment was incredibly popular with readers of the blog.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 27 Comments

Conundra arising

Posted on November 18, 2012 by BrownhillsBob

Right, you lot. I’ve had some interesting enquiries in recent weeks and rather than spin them all out, I thought I’d post three together and see what folk know about them. I know you mostly like a challenge, and flushed with the success that was the puzzle of The Grange from last week, everyone should be on a roll…
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Walsall Wood 1911, before and beyond

Posted on November 9, 2012 by BrownhillsBob

This article is the fourth – and final (at least until the 1921 census comes out…) part of blog reader, commentator and top contributor David Evans’ ongoing project to chart the growth of Walsall Wood just over a century ago. The first, second, and third instalments in the series have been published in the last two months, and generated quite a bit of debate and interest.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local music, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 21 Comments