#365daysofbiking JournalRecent tracks
Tsuneni AiFionn Regan12 hours ago
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Wall of SilverFionn Regan12 hours ago
AiFionn Regan12 hours ago
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Tag Archives: Reservoir
Please be deer aware!
There’s an important warning I need to share from Chasewater Rangers about the local deer population – not just at Chasewater, but all thought our area from the heaths of North Walsall to Cannock Chase.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, 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, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged Angela Morris, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Chaz Mason, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Marsh, Cycle rides, cycling, local blogs, New Photos, Red deer, Reservoir, rut, rutting, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
2 Comments
Where does the water go? Find out this Sunday!
An interesting history walk is taking place this Sunday, 26th March 2017 at Chasewater, entitled ‘Where does the water go?’ which takes a look at how the dam infrastructure functions, and some of the industrial history of Anglesey Basin and surrounds.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2017, 26 March, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Countryside, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, guided walks, Rangers, Reservoir, Shared media, Staffordshire, Things to do, whats on, Where does the water go, Wildlife
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Chasewater Railway 2017 Industrial Gala this weekend!
Chasewater Railway – the little gem of a preserved industrial railway right on our doorstep is holding it’s annual Industrial Gala this weekend, Saturday and Sunday 18-19th March 2017.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, 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
Tagged 18 March, 19 March, 2017, Award, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Events, Facebook, Industrial gala, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Railway, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do
2 Comments
Chasewater Railway 2017 season starts today!
I’ve noticed that Chasewater Railway – the little gem of a preserved industrial railway right on our doorstep is re-starting passenger services this weekend after the winter shutdown.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, 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
Tagged Award, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Newsletter, Railway, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do
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Get stuck in the bog…
For those of you into conservation and the local environment, there’s this event going on at Norton Bog (that’s north Chasewater) this Sunday, 26th February 2017 – the Friends of Norton Bog are a great group and you can find out more about them at the event.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cycle rides, cycling, Friends of Norton Bog, Graham Evans, local blogs, Norton Bog, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Wildlife
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Back in the black
Today (Monday, 30th January 2017) I was contacted by Irene ‘The Swan Lady’ Hodges who was in a state of some enthusiasm, as amongst her usual daily cohort of swans and waterfowl at Chasewater, there was a single black swan, which she fed and caught on video.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Wildlife
Tagged 2017, Barrie, Black, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Events, Hodges, Irene, Lichfield, New Photos, photo, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Swan, The Swan Lady, Things to do, video, Wildlife
5 Comments
A found connection
Way back last year, Patricia Cotton sent in the above photo of her brother Tony, family friends Dora Rathbone and her son Bob enjoying a picnic and a paddle in 1955 by the canal in Brownhills, aroundabout where the banks of the old clay pit are today.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 1955, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chris Pattison, Clayhanger, Company, Cotton, Dave Moore, Derelict, Dora, Gerald Reece, Hemming, Jolly Collier, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Morturn, New Photos, Old maps, Patricia Cotton, Pedro, Pumping, Rathbone, Reservoir, Sandfields, Shire Oak, South Staffordshire, Staffordshire, Station, surge stack, Things to do, ventilator, Walsall, Water, Water tower, Waterwoks
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2016 Christmas Fair and Lantern Parade at Chasewater this Sunday!
There’s a further chance to get into the Christmas spirit this Sunday (11th December 2016) – there’s the Annual Christmas Fair and Lantern Parade being held at Chasewater Innovation Centre.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 11 December, 2016, Brownhills, Chasewater, Christmas, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Fayre, Lantern Parade, local blogs, New Photos, Reservoir, Santa, Special, Staffordshire, Sunday, Things to do, Wildlife
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Chasewater Railway – ride the Ghost Train this evening!
I note Chasewater Railway have Halloween ghost trains running this evening (30th October 2016) with prizes for fancy dress, ghostly fun and games and much more spooky fun for all the family!
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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, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 2016, 30 October, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Evening, Events, ghost train, Halloween, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Panoramio, Reservoir, spooky, Staffordshire, STeam, Steam Railway, Things to do, Trains
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Chasewater Railway celebrate Teddy’s 75th birthday this Sunday!
I note Chasewater Railway have a celebration this Sunday (2nd October 2016)of their lovely little green locomotive Teddy with special services, brake van rides, photo opportunities and much more for all the family!
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, 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
Tagged 2 October, 2016, 75, birthday, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Events, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Panoramio, Reservoir, Staffordshire, STeam, Steam Railway, Teddy, Things to do, Trains
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Deer water chase at Chasewater…
You’ll remember a few days ago I cautioned local folk – especially dog walkers – to beware of the deer at the moment as the rut was getting underway, and they’d be a whole lot less tolerant as the hormones did their thing – well, I wasn’t wrong – as the video here shows, deer romance is well underway at Chasewater, with remarkable footage captured today by deer expert Jochen Langbein.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, 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, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged 2016, Brownhills, Chase, Chasewater, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Marsh, Deer, Deer Tails, Film, Jochen Langbein, local blogs, New Photos, pursuit, Red, Red deer, Reservoir, rut, rutting, Staffordshire, swim, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
2 Comments
Stuck in a rut – dog walkers and ramblers beware!
This is just a quick note to warn people given to exploring the open spaces of the area that over the next 8-10 weeks or so the deer population will be getting amorous – it’s rutting time for our large brown friends, and that means one thing: the heaths around Brownhills, Clayhanger, Pelsall and Chasewater in particular are likely to be host to rather grumpy, aggressive stags guarding their female harems.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, 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, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Chaz Mason, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Marsh, Cycle rides, cycling, local blogs, Neil Tipton, New Photos, Red deer, Reservoir, rut, rutting, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
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Caught short on the Pelsall Road
I’ve received via Facebook from very generous reader Patricia Cotton who’s send a very interesting picture, not just because it’s a wonderful period photo, but because lurking on the skyline is an indication of something being present several people dispute.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 1955, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chris Pattison, Clayhanger, Company, Cotton, Dave Moore, Derelict, Dora, Gerald Reece, Hemming, Jolly Collier, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Morturn, New Photos, Old maps, Patricia Cotton, Pedro, Pumping, Rathbone, Reservoir, Sandfields, Shire Oak, South Staffordshire, Staffordshire, Station, surge stack, Things to do, ventilator, Walsall, Water, Water tower, Waterwoks
4 Comments
Chasewater Railway Late Summer Gala this weekend
I note Chasewater Railway have a Late Summer Gala this weekend (Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September 2016), with special guest engine Andrew Barclay and a much busier running timetable than normal.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, 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
Tagged 2016, 3rd, 4th, 6, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chase Falconry, Chasewater, Events, Gala, Gala Day, Late Summer, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Panoramio, Reservoir, September, Staffordshire, STeam, Steam Railway, Things to do, Trains
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Three museums day this Sunday – linking Cannock Chase with Chasewater and Aldridge!
There’s a great thing happening this Sunday (7th August 2016) when a bus service operated by classic vehicles will operate between Aston Manor Road Transport Museum in Aldridge, Chasewater Railway and the Museum of Cannock Chase.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, 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
Tagged 2016, 6th August, Aston Manor, Award, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Burton Brewery, Chasewater, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, link up, local blogs, Local History, loco, Museum of Cannock Chase, Newsletter, Railway, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do, treat
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Chasewater Railway – Annual Charities Day this Sunday!
Chasewater Railway – the little gem of a local preserved industrial railway is this Sunday (7th August 2016) staging it’s annual Charities Day, when the railway will be operating with steam trains, and there will be charity stalls and activities at Brownhills West Station.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, 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
Tagged 2016, 7th August, Aston Manor, Award, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Charities, Chasewater, day, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, loco, Newsletter, Railway, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do
2 Comments
Chasewater Summer Fair and fun Dog Show this Sunday!
Just a quick heads up that this Sunday (17th July 2016), there’s to be a Summer Fair and Dog Show at Chasewater – the whole thing runs from 10am until 4pm, with registration for the Dog Show taking place from 11am and the show itself at 2:30pm.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 17 July, 2016, Brownhills, Chasewater, Country Park, Craft, Events, fair, Fun Dog Show, Innovation centre, Lichfield, local blogs, Market, Reservoir, RSPCA, Staffordshire, Summer, Sunday, Things to do, Walsall, WS8 7NL
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2016 Chasewater Grand Prix – this weekend!
This Saturday and Sunday (16th and 17th July 2016) will be quite a special weekend for the local powerboat community as Chasewater hosts the PowerBoatGP 2016 Chasewater Grand Prix at our favourite reservoir and country park.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, 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
Tagged 16 July, 17 July, 19 July, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Events, Grand Prix, Lichfield, New Photos, Powerboat GP, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do
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A case of the trots!
A great image has come in from friend of the blog and long time contributor Andy Dennis, who’s dug out this fascinating picture of a once prominent local sport that used to take place in Brownhills.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community
Tagged 1971, 1977, Andy Dennis, April, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Chasewater Promotions, Chasewater Stadium, Cheap tat, Derelict, Events, Howmuch, International Long Track, JB Cox, Local History, MCN, motorbike, Motorcycle, Motorcycle News, Opening, planning, programme, race, Race of the Year, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Stadium, Staffordshire, Things to do, track, Trotting
18 Comments
Chasewater Railway: Burton Brewery Locomotives Day this Sunday!
Chasewater Railway – the little gem of a local preserved industrial railway is this Sunday (10th July 2016) staging a Burton Brewery Locomotives Day, which can be combined via a link-up heritage bus service with the Aston Manor Transport Museum open day in Aldridge, for a total transport blowout!
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, 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
Tagged 10 July 2016, 2016, Aston Manor, Award, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Burton Brewery, Chasewater, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, link up, local blogs, Local History, loco, Newsletter, Railway, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do, treat
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Chasewater Railway: a great Fathers Day treat!
Chasewater Railway – the little gem of a preserved industrial railway is this this weekend staging a coal train special event, which sounds just the thing for train-loving dads and their families who may be looking for a special treat for the old fellow.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, 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
Tagged 2016, Award, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, call train weekend, Chasewater, Events, Facebook, fathers day, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Newsletter, Railway, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do, treat
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Get some Iron, man – Event and road closure details for this Sunday
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that this Sunday (June 12th 2016), the second Staffordshire Ironman Triathlon will be staged, with a 1.2 mile swim in Chasewater being amongst the highlights.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 12 June, 2016, Brownhills, Chasewater, Cycle rides, cycling, Details, Diversions, Events, Express & Star, Facebook, Ironman, Lichfield, list, local blogs, New Photos, Reservoir, ride, road closed, Road Closure, Run, Shugborough, Staffordshire, Sunday, swim, Things to do, traffic
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Chasewater Railway: award winning, and on your doorstep!
I’ve noticed in the last few days that Chasewater Railway – the little gem of a preserved industrial railway, running steam and vintage diesel trains around Chasewater Park- has won royal recognition for it’s work.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, 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
Tagged Award, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Newsletter, Railway, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do
2 Comments
Remembering Chasewater Stadium
Following my recent request for memories of Chasewater Stadium, I had a great contribution from long time friend of the blog Fred Butler, who has a rather interesting contribution. I’m after any ephemera or memorabilia anyone can supply, as there’s … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community
Tagged 1971, 1977, April, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Chasewater Promotions, Chasewater Stadium, Cheap tat, Derelict, Events, Fred Butler, Howmuch, International Long Track, JB Cox, Local History, MCN, motorbike, Motorcycle, Motorcycle News, Opening, planning, programme, race, Race of the Year, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Stadium, Staffordshire, Things to do, track, Trotting
5 Comments
Chasewater Stadium – what do you recall?
Thanks to a curious sale on eBay, I can now share exactly when Chasewater Trotting Track opened – it was Monday 16th August, 1971.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community
Tagged 1971, 1977, April, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Chasewater Promotions, Chasewater Stadium, Cheap tat, Derelict, Events, Howmuch, International Long Track, JB Cox, Local History, MCN, motorbike, Motorcycle, Motorcycle News, Opening, planning, programme, race, Race of the Year, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Stadium, Staffordshire, Things to do, track, Trotting
22 Comments
Bathing beauties
I’ve noticed a few people posting images online of the red deer at Chasewater yesterday who decided that in the warm weather, a swim was in order – and friend of the blog Leah Braidman posted the above wonderful images on the Brownhills Past and Present Facebook page.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, 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, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged 2016, Angela Morris, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Chaz Mason, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Marsh, Cycle rides, cycling, Leah Braidman, local blogs, May, Neil Tipton, New Photos, Red deer, Reservoir, rut, rutting, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
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A Coppice, lots of timber and a little backtracking
The SLS rail tour that took place in 1959 has proven to be a rich seam of material, and has provoked much debate amongst blog readers about the locations of some photos, and just how and where the Diesel Multiple Unit pictured managed to reverse.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1959, Birmingham Central Goods Station, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, charter, Chasewater, Conduit Colliery, coombe, Coppice, Coppice Colliery, Derelict, DJ Norton, Events, Heath Hayes, House, Ian Pell, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, rail tour, Redevelopment, Reservoir, RS Carpenter, Si Swain, Simon, Staffordshire, Stephenson Locomotive Society, Walsall Wood
7 Comments
Where does the water go? Find out this Saturday!
An interesting history walk is taking place this Saturday, 7th May at Chasewater, entitled ‘Where does the water go?’ which takes a look at how the dam infrastructure functions, and some of the industrial history of Anglesey Basin and surrounds.
Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2016, 7 May, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Countryside, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, guided walks, Rangers, Reservoir, Shared media, Staffordshire, Things to do, whats on, Where does the water go, Wildlife
2 Comments
Chase Sailing Club open day today
An interesting event is taking place today, Bank holiday Monday 2nd May 2016 at Chasewater, where the Chase Sailing Club (that’s the one on the north shore) will be holding their annual open day for people to come and check out what they do.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 2015, 26 Septemebrs, 60 years, anniversary, aturday, Barry Bird, Boats, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chase Sailing Club, Chasewater, chasewater-country-park, Events, Express & Star, Lichfield, Local History, New Photos, regatta, Reservoir, Sailing, sailing club, Staffordshire, Things to do, watersport
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Up around the bend
More here today that goes to show the Venn diagram of history forever curiously overlaps – Ian pell has waded in once more on the subject of the notorious May 1959 rail tour up the Walsall Wood line to the Conduit Colliery – from which a few pictures have emerged over the years and was raised here again last week by Simon Swain with a great new picture.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1959, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, charter, Chasewater, Conduit Colliery, coombe, Coppice, Derelict, Events, House, Ian Pell, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, rail tour, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Si Swain, Simon, Staffordshire, Stephenson Locomotive Society, Walsall Wood
16 Comments
Chasewater Spring Fair this Saturday!
Just a quick heads up that this Saturday (rather than the usual Sunday…) (30th April 2016), there’s to be a Spring Fair at Chasewater – there will be craft stalls, food, art, amusements and all the usual type things there.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 2016, 30 April, Brownhills, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Country Park, Craft, Environment, Events, fair, Fun stuff to see and do, Innovation centre, Lichfield, local blogs, Local media, Market, News, Reader enquiries, Reservoir, Saturday, Shared media, Social media, Spring, Staffordshire, Things to do, WS8 7NL
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It’s the rail thing
A great one for the train enthusiasts comes in from new Brownhills resident Simon Swain, who’s been doing some great railway history stuff in the South Staffordshire Railway group on Facebook – it seems that the notorious May 1959 rail tour up the Walsall Wood line to the Conduit Colliery – from which a few pictures have emerged over the years – continues to fascinate and unearth new images.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1959, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, charter, Chasewater, Conduit Colliery, coombe, Derelict, Events, House, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, rail tour, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Si Swain, Simon, Staffordshire, Stephenson Locomotive Society, Walsall Wood
4 Comments
Chasewater Railway Industrial Gala this weekend
I note Chasewater Railway have a Mixed Steam and Diesel Industrial Gala this weekend (Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th March 2016), with special engines and a much busier running timetable than normal.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, 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
Tagged 2016, 5, 6, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Diesel, Events, Gala, Gala Day, industrial, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, March, New Photos, Panoramio, Reservoir, Staffordshire, STeam, Steam Railway, Things to do, Trains
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Have you found some keys at Chasewater?
Friend of the blog Mickey Rawshutterbug has lost a set of keys at Chasewater over the weekend; if you find a set on a black and white lanyard with a mixture of car and normal keys on it, please contact Mickey on twitter, hand them in to the innovation centre of mail me: BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com. Cheers!
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Local Blogs, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community
Tagged 2016, appeal, Brownhills, Chasewater, Cycle rides, cycling, keys, Lichfield, local blogs, Lost, Mickey, Rawshutterbug, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do, Twitter
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If only there was an online archive…
Nearly two years ago, in March 2014, I featured a rather remarkable image here supplied by Chris Leggett of the Express & Star, which he had released as an example of the remarkable stuff to be found hidden in the newspapers archive, which the paper is still in the process of bidding for funding to put online.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Express & Star, 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
Tagged 1973, Aldridge, archive, Bid, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, caught, Chris Leggett, crash, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Express & Star, Facebook, Helicopter, Kenneth Cornwell, Lichfield, lines, Local History, Malcom Wright, New Photos, overhead, parachute, Peter Nesbit, photo, Reservoir, Show, Silly, skydiver, Staffordshire, Stonnall, Stowe Pool, Stuntman, survey, tangle, Things to do, Twitter, winch
6 Comments
Chasewater Countryside Events and Guided Walks 2016 – details available here
It seems that the management at Chasewater are really getting their shizzle together at last – now not only do we have the excellent Rangers Rant Newsletters I feature here, but now we also have a published list of events for 2016 at the park.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2016, Brownhills, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Countryside, Cycle rides, cycling, Environment, Events, exhibitions, Fun stuff to see and do, guided walks, Interesting photos, Local media, New Photos, News, Newsletter, Rangers, Reservoir, Shared media, Social media, Staffordshire, Things to do, whats on, Wildlife
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Chasewater Rangers Rant Winter 2015
Following the popularity of the previous issues, I’m posting here the Chasewater Rangers Rant newsletter for Winter 2015, and it’s rather good, I have to say – paper copies are available free from the Innovation Centre.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2015, boating lake, Brownhills, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Cycle rides, cycling, December, Environment, Events, exhibitions, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, New Photos, News, Newsletter, pond, pool, Rangers, Rangers Rant, Rant, Reservoir, Shared media, Social media, Spring, Staffordshire, Things to do, whats on, Wildlife, Winter
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2015 Lantern Parade and Christmas Fayre at Chasewater this Sunday evening!
There’s a further chance to get into the Christmas spirit this Sunday evening (Sunday 13th December 2015) – there’s the Annual Burntwood Lantern Parade and a Christmas Fayre being held at Chasewater Innovation Centre from 4:00 to 6:30pm.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 13 December, 2015, Brownhills, Chasewater, Christmas, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Fayre, Lantern Parade, local blogs, New Photos, Reservoir, Santa, Special, Staffordshire, Sunday, Things to do, Wildlife
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Me engine’s flooded!
I’ve been contacted by readers Denis Jones and Ian Race, who both spotted a rather extraordinary thing at Chasewater yesterday: an echo of the past, whit modern amphibious cars cruising around the lake.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community
Tagged 1960's, 1965, Amphibian, amphibicar, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Car, Chasewater, Events, Ferrie, Local History, New Photos, pleasureboat, Ralph, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, tony Winn, Walsall Observer
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Christmas Crafts and free Lantern Workshop at Chasewater this weekend
A couple of events up at Chasewater this weekend (5th/6th December 2015) – there are the Christmas craft workshops both days and the FREE Lantern Parade Workshops tomorrow (Sunday).
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, 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 Brownhills, Chasewater, Christmas, craft weekend, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Fayre, Lantern Parade, lantern workshop, local blogs, New Photos, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Sunday, Things to do, Wildlife
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Chasewater Rangers Rant Autumn 2015
Following the popularity of the previous issues, I’m posting here the Chasewater Rangers Rant newsletter for Autumn 2015, and it’s rather good, I have to say – paper copies are available free from the Innovation Centre.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2015, Autumn, boating lake, Brownhills, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Cycle rides, cycling, Environment, Events, exhibitions, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, New Photos, News, Newsletter, pond, pool, Rangers, Rangers Rant, Rant, Reservoir, Shared media, Social media, Spring, Staffordshire, Things to do, whats on, Wildlife
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Reading the paper on the train…
I note that Chasewater Railway volunteer, local blogger and top chap John Daft has issued an appeal on the railway museum blog to call for donations or copies of any press cuttings or pictures relating to the project that the public may have in their possession.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, 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
Tagged 2015, appeal, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, clippings, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, museum, New Photos, newspaper, Panoramio, Reservoir, Staffordshire, STeam, Steam Railway, Things to do, Trains
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Still strolling
For some time now I’ve been promoting the brilliant parent and toddler walking and social group that takes place weekly at Chasewater – Chasewater Strollers, who continue to grow in number and last week got back to normal business at St. Anne’s in Chasetown.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged 16th November, 2014, appeal, Brownhills, buggy, Chasetown, Chasewater, Chasewater Strollers, dad, Esther Allen, Events, Facebook, forest, Lichfield, Mondays, mum, musicians, new venue, parents, playgroup, Reservoir, St. Anne's, Staffordshire, Stroll this way to tots play, Strollers, Things to do, toddler, walking, walking group, Walsall, Walsall Symphony Orchestra, Wildlife
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Chase Sailing Club 60 year celebration this Saturday
An interesting event is taking place this Saturday, 26th September 2015 at Chasewater, where the Chase Sailing Club (that’s the one on the north shore) will be sailing 60 or more boats to celebrate six decades afloat at the reservoir.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 2015, 26 Septemebrs, 60 years, anniversary, aturday, Barry Bird, Boats, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chase Sailing Club, Chasewater, chasewater-country-park, Events, Express & Star, Lichfield, Local History, New Photos, regatta, Reservoir, Sailing, sailing club, Staffordshire, Things to do, watersport
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Chasewater Autumn Fair this Sunday!
Just a quick heads up that this Sunday (20th September 2015), there’s to be an Autumn Fair at Chasewater – it runs from 12 noon until 4pm and features a variety of craft and food stalls for all to enjoy.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 20 September, 2015, Autumn, Autumn Fair, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Railway, Country Park, Craft, Events, fair, Innovation centre, Lichfield, local blogs, Market, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Sunday, Things to do, WS8 7NL
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Stuck in a rut – ain’t no place for a hound dog
This is just a quick note to warn people given to exploring the open spaces of the area that the deer population are getting amorous – it’s rutting time for our large brown friends, and that means one thing: the heaths around Brownhills, Clayhanger, Pelsall and Chasewater in particular are likely to be host to rather grumpy, aggressive stags guarding their female harems.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, 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, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Chaz Mason, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Marsh, Cycle rides, cycling, local blogs, Neil Tipton, New Photos, Red deer, Reservoir, rut, rutting, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
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Man trapped in car on M6 Toll following incident on Saturday evening
I’ve had a few enquiries overnight as to what happened on the M6 Toll last night (Saturday, 12th September 2015), just near the Pool Lane Bridge at Chasewater; access to the motorway was closed for a while in the evening.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 12 September, 2015, Accident, Air ambulance, Ambulance Service, Autocraft, Brownhills, Chasewater, collision, crash, Events, Lichfield, local blogs, M6 Toll, motorway, New Photos, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Twitter, UKVideoYouTube, West Midlands, WMAS
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Aldridge Transport Museum and Chasewater Railway Grandparents day today!
Come to Aldridge, have a look at the vehicles and a go on our childrens activities, then a free bus to Chasewater Railway and a ride on a train before another bus ride back to Aldridge AMRTM – Museum Open from 10am First bus from Shenstone Drive at 11.30
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 13 August, 2015, AMRTM, Aston Manor, Aston Manor Road Transport Museum, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, bus, Bus Museum, bus rides, Chasewater, day, event, Events, Facebook, Grandparents Day, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, open, Panoramio, Reservoir, Shenstone Drive, Staffordshire, STeam, Steam Railway, Things to do, Trains, Transit, Transport Museum, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
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Fun Dog Show – on at Chasewater right now!
Having trouble keeping up this weekend, I really am – but if you’re quick, there’s a fun dog show in aid of the RSPCA at Chasewater and it’s on now (Sunday, 9th August 2015), so get down there!
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, 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
Tagged 2015, 9 August, Brownhills, Chasewater, DIstrict Council, dog, fun, Lichfield, Reservoir, RSPCA, Show, Staffordshire
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Chasewater Summer Fair this Sunday!
Just a quick heads up that this Sunday (19th July 2015), there’s to be a Summer Fair at Chasewater – it runs from 12 noon until 4pm and features a variety of craft and food stalls for all to enjoy – this is at the same time as the Powerboat Grand Prix is running too, so there will be plenty to see and do.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 19th July, 2015, Brownhills, Chasewater, Country Park, Craft, Events, fair, Innovation centre, Lichfield, local blogs, Market, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Summer, Sunday, Things to do, WS8 7NL
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