Tag Archives: Redevelopment

On the ‘Shawe

Posted on April 8, 2012 by BrownhillsBob

Since there’s been so much interest in the Aldershawe Estate, sate high on Harehurst Hill overlooking Lichfield, I thought I’d try and get some pictures of the place yesterday. It’s been part of my cycling world for years, but until … Continue reading →

Posted in Churches, cycling, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Paradise lost… then found again.

Posted on March 21, 2012 by BrownhillsBob

Today, I received my very own copy of the excellent work, ‘Brownhills: A Walk Into History with Gerald Reece’. Up to know, I’ve been managing with photocopies and scans of critical parts of the work, and fortunately, a book search … Continue reading →

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, Walsall community | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 19 Comments

WHG finally pulls it’s finger out, parades bosses in hi-viz

Posted on March 16, 2012 by BrownhillsBob

Today, I received a PR puff for Walsall Housing Group, the housing association that own and look after Walsall Council’s former social housing stock. It seems that over two years from first planning application, they look set to start work … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, 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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Divine water?

Posted on March 10, 2012 by BrownhillsBob

Reader and top Walsall Wood history wonk David Evans recently wrote in and asked this rather excellent question. I think this is worthy of much more exploration. Of course, with a lot of this of this, we’re way before a … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, Local politics, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

I heard it on the radio

Posted on March 6, 2012 by BrownhillsBob

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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Chasewater dam: a look around the remaining works

Posted on March 4, 2012 by BrownhillsBob

I’ve been trying to post this all week, but haven’t had the time up until now. Last Sunday (26th February, 2012), I visited Chasewater, and to my surprise, the security fence around the remaining dam works site, surrounding the Pool … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, planning, Shared media, Wildlife | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Highfield House demolished

Posted on February 29, 2012 by BrownhillsBob

Just a quick note to point out that Highfield House, the cottage that formed Highfield House Farm, just off Pool Road off the A5 in Brownhills, has finally been demolished. Derelict for years, the site been subject to several planning … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Wildlife | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 22 Comments

Tesco: have they given up on Brownhills?

Posted on February 28, 2012 by BrownhillsBob

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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 24 Comments

This is the modern world

Posted on February 25, 2012 by BrownhillsBob

It’s been a while since I featured a David Evans piece here, so I thought I’d feature this one, which seems oddly appropriate for a sunny spring Saturday. As ever, I thank David for his tireless work and contributions, which … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Features, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Mapping heaven – the right side of the street

Posted on February 18, 2012 by BrownhillsBob

Kate, who’s still doing the investigative history thing so much better than I do over at the superlative Lichfield Lore, has a bit of a quandary on her hands. After investigating blacksmiths, whitesmiths and smithies in the old city, she … Continue reading →

Posted in Churches, Environment, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

Going for a Wimpey?

Posted on February 18, 2012 by BrownhillsBob

Whilst pottering about today, I noticed that the land between the Watermead Estate and Silver Street, near Tesco in Brownhills, had apparently changed hands. I noted last year that Morris Homes – the developers of Shire Oak Close on the former … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Anyone want to buy an old ammunition dump?

Posted on February 15, 2012 by BrownhillsBob

Thanks to the eagle eye of fellow local blogger The Stymaster, I can share the following sale document with readers of the blog. It seems Linley Woods – longstanding subject of reader curiosity hereabouts – is up for sale. Clearly … Continue reading →

Posted in Bad Science, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Wildlife | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Something happening at the old Wheel Inn?

Posted on January 29, 2012 by BrownhillsBob

Thanks to a number of readers who’ve pointed out to me over the last couple of days that the old builders yard next to the Wheel Inn off Lindon Road, Brownhills, seems to have finally been purchased by Pat Collins … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Shared media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Good news on Brownhills Business Park: once again, sense prevails

Posted on January 22, 2012 by BrownhillsBob

I had a welcome email yesterday from top reader and contributor Andy Dennis. He pointed out that the appeal against the refusal of planning permission for the demolition of Brownhills Business Park and the construction of a housing development had … Continue reading →

Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Just plain daft, Local History, 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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Fishing the depths

Posted on January 21, 2012 by BrownhillsBob

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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Blessed are the mischievous

Posted on January 19, 2012 by BrownhillsBob

I have no idea who did this. You are geniuses, and I salute you. One of the most brilliant acts of urban humour to have been seen in the Wood for a long time. Bravo! The image has been kindly … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

St, Matthews Hospital – can you help?

Posted on January 12, 2012 by BrownhillsBob

Following on from last week’s post about the the remarkable gallery of images of St. Matthews Hospital in Burntwood, the poster of those images, Tony Briggs, has been in touch to ask if anyone can help him gather personal reminiscences … Continue reading →

Posted in Churches, Environment, 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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Happy New Year from The Swan, Brownhills.

Posted on January 7, 2012 by BrownhillsBob

I’ve had a great message from Jane Taylor, the landlady of the reinvigorated Swan pub in Pelsall Road, Brownhills. It’s a cracking house and has won favour from all I’ve known who’ve visited – expert ale arse The Stymaster loves … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The folk on the hill

Posted on January 5, 2012 by BrownhillsBob

It’s with great interest and thanks to the dedicated folks over at the Midlands Heritage Forum, that I can now highlight new information being collated about St. Matthews Hospital. Forum stalwarts YamahaPaul and TonyB appear to have done a great … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

A5 roadworks coming soon…

Posted on December 30, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

An interesting (or maybe not…) press release reaches my humble inbox from the Highways Agency, about pedestrian crossing improvements on the A5 by Brownhills School at Newtown. Sadly, the release gives absolutely no information regarding the work that’s actually being … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, News, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

What’s going on at Street’s Corner?

Posted on December 23, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

A number of friends and readers have recently asked me what’s going on on the old car sales lot at Street’s Corner where, after a long period of abandonment, hoardings have gone up and work seems to be underway. Permission … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Transport Museum move to Aldridge, but they need your help!

Posted on December 22, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

Reader and top bloke David Evans has contacted me with an urgent appeal from the folk behind Aston Manor Road Transport Museum, which as many of you will be aware, is moving to Nothgate, Aldridge very soon. David forwarded an … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, 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, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Watchers of the night?

Posted on December 20, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

Interesting question here from reader David Evans. I have my own views on this which I’ll go into later in the week, but it’s a very intriguing proposition, and thought I’d formally toss it out to you readers. Anyone know … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

If it ain’t broke, why fix it?

Posted on December 15, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Back from the dead?

Posted on December 14, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

It seems a bizarre, defeated planning application that has been covered here before on the blog has been resurrected. The plan to demolish Brownhills Business Park currently existing on the former site of Walsall Wood Colliery, and latterly Brownhills Commercials … Continue reading →

Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local History, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Engine Lane: a quick message from Stevie Ansell.

Posted on October 30, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

Readers may well remember the sudden clearance of the field in Engine Lane, Brownhills a couple of weeks ago. It seems the mystery has been solved – Brian Stringer, friend of The Brownhills Blog and the original Clayhanger Kid sent … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Walsall planning appeal shock!

Posted on October 29, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

Readers may well recall the excellent article about the regeneration of the Reedswood power station site, written by top contributor and Brownhills bloke Andy Dennis. In it, Andy pointed out that further development of the site outside the council’s guidelines … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Swan pub opens again this Saturday!

Posted on October 26, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

It’s been a long time in the coming, but The Swan pub on the Pelsall Road in Brownhills will be opening again for business this Saturday, 29th October 2011. This is great news, and it has taken a while, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Walsall Wood Library under threat

Posted on October 19, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Do your bit

Posted on October 11, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

Yesterday, I had a great email from Lee Bragginton, leader of the First Walsall Wood Scout Group. I have a lot of time for the Scouts and the work they do with the youngsters, and this seems like a wonderful … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Engine Lane, Brownhills – mystery solved!

Posted on October 6, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

Readers may well remember the sudden clearance of the field in Engine Lane, Brownhills a couple of weeks ago. It seems the mystery has been solved – Brian Stringer, friend of The Brownhills Blog and the original Clayhanger Kid sent … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Time passages

Posted on September 18, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

Now, here’s a thing. This is a teaser – I’ve got more maps. I have managed to get hold of Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 sheets covering Brownhills, just seven years apart in issue date, but there’s light years between them in … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

In the city

Posted on September 17, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

This week, I’ve been very impressed with a group that came to my attention on Facebook. It’s called ‘You’re probably from Lichfield, Staffs if…‘ and is curated by Facebook user David Gallagher. It’s rare that Facebook throws anything up that’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Features, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

Synchronicity…

Posted on September 10, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

It’s funny how some things coincide. Last Monday (5th September) on my 365daysofbiking Tumblr, I posted a photograph of the now-closed Mango Tree restaurant on the Chester Road, near Stonnall. In a coincidence of extraordinary happenstance, later in the week … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Express & Star, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Renovation for Brownhills flats

Posted on September 8, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

I’ve just noticed this press release from Walsall Housing Group, issued earlier this week. It seems the worst kept secret in Brownhills is now out, and the two remaining sixties monstrosities – Humphries House and Severn House will be renovated … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

A new bar for Brownhills?

Posted on September 6, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

Top bloke and blog contributor Andy Dennis has spotted an interesting planning application for the old Royal Mail sorting office and yard on the corner of Church Road and High Street in Brownhills – application number 11/0969/OL. After closure of the sorting … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

A Chemical Romance

Posted on September 2, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

Yesterday I received a great email from top reader and blog contributor Andy Dennis, author of the wonderful and fascinating post ‘When the Lights go out‘ about the regeneration of the former Reedswood power station site in Walsall. I had … Continue reading →

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The madness of King Bird

Posted on August 31, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

On borrowed time…

Posted on August 27, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Hide and seek

Posted on August 20, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

This week, we lost another historic building to a fire in Walsall. I covered the event here. on my 365daysofbiking Tumblr and one of the side effects on YouTube. The Stymaster lamented it, as did the Hippo. Today, there’s a … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Medium rare (via The Plastic Hippo)

Posted on August 16, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

This evening, I was planning to write on the subject of the terrible fire at the former Jabez Cliff works (indeed, I mentioned it on my 365daysofcycling mini-blog) but the Plastic Hippo has once again beaten my tardy arse to it, and … Continue reading →

Posted in cycling, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, Interesting photos, 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 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Brave new world?

Posted on August 13, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

The Birmingham Bull Ring feature I compiled last week seems to have stirred quite a bit of interest, both here and on Facebook. I realise it’s a long way from Brownhills, but for people of a certain age, hopping on … Continue reading →

Posted in Bad Science, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Rising Sun: damage not as bad as suspected

Posted on August 7, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

Just took a spin out up to the Rising Sun to check out the damage. Despite the grim tone of the original article, superficially there’s little outward evidence of serious structural damage. Might be worse at the back; I didn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, Local media, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

The sun sets on another pub

Posted on August 7, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

So, farewell then, to the Rising Sun. It appears that on Friday night idiots broke into the old, derelict pub and started a fire that caused considerable damage. Yet again it appears a piece of our collective history has fallen … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 25 Comments

Ryders Mere fishery plan withdrawn

Posted on August 3, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

Spotted a couple of days ago on Chaz Mason’s excellent Clayhanger Marsh Log, and from a comment this morning by reader Tim, it seams the application to convert peaceful wildlife haven Ryders Mere into a commercial fishing venue has been … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Followups, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments

When the lights go out

Posted on July 24, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

Recently, there has been some debate locally about reclamation of former industrial sites, and the role of developers and local government. In all the cant and bluster, it’s often lost that most of these projects are hugely successful and take … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local politics, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

This won’t hurt – Images of St. Matthews Hospital, Burntwood

Posted on July 23, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

Following my post earlier this week about Burntwood Asylum – latterly St .Matthews Hospital – I have been bowled over by the response of readers to what I thought might be a taboo subject. From reader responses – including some … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Walsall council netheads need you!

Posted on July 20, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

The next focus group meeting for canvassing opinion on the new Walsall Council website takes place at Walsall Council House, Thursday at 6pm. Absolutely all are welcome, and it doesn’t matter if you didn’t go to the previous meeting – … Continue reading →

Posted in Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Unspoken histories – what do you know?

Posted on July 19, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

I’m respectfully making an enquiry as to a bit of history that isn’t talked about much and may be quite sensitive for some. This is a subject that has long interested me in one form or another, and I think … Continue reading →

Posted in Churches, Environment, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 26 Comments

Heads in the sand?

Posted on July 15, 2011 by BrownhillsBob

The article that was here, relating to a rather petty bit of bad public relations, has now been taken down as I feel suitable anguish has been visited on the originator. I always like to think that the Brownhills Blog … Continue reading →

Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment