#365daysofbiking JournalRecent tracks
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Tag Archives: Reservoir
Caught on celluloid
I have something remarkable coming up on the blog tomorrow, a film I’ve been tracking down for a while, and thanks to the immense generosity and kindness of local history stalwarts Brian ‘Clayhanger Kid’ Stringer and the Young David Evans, I can present it here on the net for the community to share and debate.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media
Tagged Aldridge, Brian Stringer, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chasewater, Cine film, Clayhanger, David Evans, Derelict, Lichfield, Local History, New Photos, old brBrownhills, Pubs, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Shire Oak, Staffordshire
13 Comments
Controlled explosions in Burntwood today
Blimey, it’s all happening today – it seems some unexploded wartime grenades were found near Chasewater Industrial Estate, Burntwood (Known as the LCP) in the last 24 hours, which were subsequently destroyed in a controlled explosion.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged 2013, anti tank, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Burntwood, Chase Terrace, Chasewater, Chasewtown, controlled explosion, Events, Facebook, Grenades, Industrial Estate, LCP, Lichfield, Local History, New Photos, Police, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Twitter, UXB, Wildlife
6 Comments
Christmas Fayre at Chasewater Innovation Centre today!
Here’s a chance to get into the Christmas spirit this Sunday, 1st December 2013 – there’s a Christmas Fayre being held at Chasewater Innovation Centre – at the same time, you can check out the Santa Specials at Chasewater Steam Railway, and take a wander around the lake which is now full and teeming with wildlife once more.
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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 Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Railway, Christmas, Cycle rides, cycling, December 1st 2013, Events, Facebook, Fayre, local blogs, New Photos, Reservoir, Santa, Special, Staffordshire, Things to do, Wildlife
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Apple Fair at Chasewater now!
We are celebrating the good old English Apples here at Chasewater Innovation Centre on Saturday 2nd November, from 10 – 4pm.
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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 Wood stuff
Tagged Apple, Brownhills, Chasewater, Clayhanger, Cleebration, day, Events, fair, fun, Innovation centre, Lichfield, press, recipe, Reservoir, sample, Staffordshire, Things to do, Wildlife
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Stag do?
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. Continue reading
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
1 Comment
Is this your ferret?
Hi folks – I spotted on Facebook that a clearly mislaid, meandering mustelid has been found in the Whitehorse Road area of Brownhills.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Canal, Chase Ferret Rescue, Chasewater, Chasewon, Dale Preece Kelly, Events, Facebook, Ferret, found, Lichfield, Lost, New Photos, Newtown, Norton, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, White's 1854 Pipehill, Wildlife
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Amphibious Ferrie
I’m very pleased to note that Tony Winn has been in touch again – Tony seems to be something of an expert on the Ralph Ferrie history, and has formerly contributed some fine material relating to the larger-than-life local entrepreneur.
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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
16 Comments
Chasewater Railway Steam Gala this weekend
I noticed Chasewater Steam Railway have a Gala this weekend, with special engines and a much busier running timetable than normal.
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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 2013, 7th September, 8th September, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Events, Gala Day, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Panoramio, Reservoir, Staffordshire, STeam, Steam Railway, Things to do, Trains
1 Comment
To be in England, in the summertime
Another day, another great ride – I headed out early afternoon, firstly to Chasewater then on to Lichfield and the festival market, then from the busy city, I headed to the quiet of the east Staffordshire countryside – Whittington, Croxall, Walton, Rosliston, Lullington, Harlaston and back via Wall.
[caption id="attachment_14740" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Pipe Hill poppies[/caption] Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Churches, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Local music, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Croxall, Cycle rides, cycling, Harlaston, Lichfield, Lichfield Festival Market, Lullington, New Photos, Panoramio, Pipe Hill, poppies, Reservoir, River Trent, Rosliston, Staffordshire, Things to do, Wakeboard, Wakelake, Walton, Walton on Trent, WHittington, Wildlife
9 Comments
Finely tuned aerials
Rather than do the drip-drip-rip thing with the wonderful aerial images shared by top geographic geek Gareth Thomas and Lichfield District Council, I’m going to share the whole set of 1:5,000 aerials of Chasewater and surrounds. All were taken in December, 1976, and show some remarkable detail.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media
Tagged aerial photo, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Events, Gareth Thomas, June 9 1963, LDC, Lichfield District Council, Local History, New Photos, Norton Pool, Reservoir, Staffordshire
3 Comments
The scale of things to come
Gareth Thomas, top geographical services officer and mapping wonk from Lichfield District Council has been dipping into the aerial photography archives, and sent me a whole truancy of new wonders.
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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
Tagged aerial photo, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Events, Gareth Thomas, June 9 1963, LDC, Lichfield District Council, Local History, New Photos, Norton Pool, Reservoir, Staffordshire
11 Comments
Mum’s the word
This is just a quick note to warn people given to exploring the open spaces of the area – particularly dog walkers – that the red deer population are giving birth right now. The heaths around Brownhills, Clayhanger, Pelsall and … Continue reading
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 agressived, birth, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Clayhanger, Clayhanger Marsh, Cycle rides, cycling, defence, dog walking code, fawns, local blogs, mothers, New Photos, ogs, Red deer, Reservoir, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood, Wildlife, young
2 Comments
A deep breadth
Following the wonderful panorama of Walsall taken last weekend by Steve Wilcox that I featured here, here’s another, this time taken by friend of the blog Rose Maria Burnell, who took this one with an iPhone, and it’s a great image.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged #365daysofbiking, Brownhills, Chasewater, cows, Cycle rides, cycling, fly bay, fly creek, fly pool, Lichfield, local blogs, Lowland Heath, maintenace, new path, New Photos, north heath, Panorama, Panoramio, Reservoir, Rose Maria Burnell, Staffordshire, Things to do, Twitter, Wildlife
2 Comments
Golden hours
Busy most of the day, I managed to slip out late afternoon for a ride – it was glorious -Chasewater was busy, yet there were deer on the dam. – the countryside was alive, and bursting into leaf and bloom everywhere I looked[caption id="attachment_13982" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
Wall church itself is impressive and unusual in style[/caption]
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Churches, cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged Bluebell, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Church, Churchyard, Cycle rides, cycling, Hammerwich, Lichfield, Local History, New Photos, Panoramio, Red deer, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do, Wall, Wildlife
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Mapping for change
Here I can share with you four excellent quality 1:10,560 scale maps – we don’t cover that scale issue much on the blog, as oddly, they’re quite scarce online in scanned or digitised form – they are generally poor quality even from professional map service companies, with contrast and other image aberrations.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, News
Tagged 1921, 1923, 1:10560, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Castlehill, Chasewater, Clayhanger, David Evans, Gareth Thomas, Lichfield, Lichfield District Council, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Lynn, Muckley Corner, Old maps, Ornance Survey 1903, planning, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Shenstone, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Stonnall, Things to do, Walsall Wood
15 Comments
Fun events at Chasewater this weekend!
I’ve spotted the following on the Chasewater Country Park Facebook page, which should give some ideas to families wanting to enjoy the good weather but not travel too far this bank holiday weekend.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged bank holiday, Brownhills, Canal, Chase Sailing Club, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Railway, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, free sailing sessions, Lichfield, local blogs, New Photos, Panoramio, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do, Wildlife, Wildlife fair
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Before Mario
Here’s an odd one for a Saturday Afternoon – here’s a program from the now long-defunct Chasewater Kart Club, for an event they staged on the 21st October 1979.
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Posted in Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged )ctober 21st 1979, 3, Aerial, Ashton in Makerfield, Bing, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Chasewater Kart Racing Club, Events, Getmapping, Imagery, kart, Lichfield, Local History, M6 Toll, Old maps, programme, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Sisters, Staffordshire, Super Kart, Three, Walsall Council, Westune
2 Comments
Letting off steam
I was saddened to receive yesterday from Chasewater Transport Show organiser Helen Borton, a copy of a mail she’s sent to Chasewater Park management, detailing some conflict within the park community over this popular free show – it doesn’t make pleasant reading.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 2013, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater car show, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Railway, CHasewater Vintage & Classic Car Show, classic bikes, Classic cars, Conflict, Cycle rides, Events, Facebook, Helen Borton, John Smith, Letter, Lichfield, Lichfield District Council, Military vehicle show, New Photos, Reservoir, Silly, Staffordshire, Steam engines, Vandalism, Vintage Cars, Wildlife
18 Comments
Chasewater wakes
Readers who are Chasewater fans will remember that back in February, I wrote a post that set out to explain the planning application that had been submitted to construct a wakeboarding facility in the south east corner of the lake, from around the old pier to just past the valve house on the dam.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged application, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, controversy, Council, Councty, Course, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, District, LDC, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Pier, planning, Redevelopment, Reservoir, SCC, Staffordshire, Things to do, Wake Board, Wakeboard Limited, watersports, Wildlife
8 Comments
Ghosts on tape
Old mucker [Howmuch?], fresh from a morning rootling around the Chasewater Transport Show on Sunday, was inspired to go trawling for interesting Chasewater related historical footage on the internet when he got home.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, 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
Tagged 1970, British Powerboat Grand Prix, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, culvert, Drain, Events, exploration, Go Kart, Howmuch, Local History, MrTechTalk, New Photos, old film, overflow, Phil55uk, Powerboat, Reservoir, Silly, speedboat, Staffordshire, Steveskitrip, Things to do
7 Comments
Pictures from the 2013 Chasewater Transport Show
Today, it was the fifth annual Chasewater Transport Show, and as ever, Helen Borton and co put on a wonderful event – There was the usual array of old, forgotten and beautiful motors, and although the poor ground conditions had put paid to the heavy commercial vehicles and arena, there was still loads to do and see.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community
Tagged 2013, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater car show, CHasewater Vintage & Classic Car Show, classic bikes, Classic cars, Cycle rides, Helen Borton, Military vehicle show, New Photos, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Steam engines, Vintage Cars
7 Comments
Fifth annual Chasewater Transport Show on today!
Just a note to remind readers that it’s the Chasewater Transport Show today – After a long winter, petrol heads are preparing to descend in their droves on Chasewater…
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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 2013, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater car show, Chasewater Transport Show, CHasewater Vintage & Classic Car Show, classic bikes, Classic cars, classic lorries, DIstrict Council, Epilepsy Action, Grass, Helen Borton, Military vehicle show, Mow, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Steam engines, Vintage Cars
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Fifth annual Chasewater Transport Show this Sunday!
Just a note to remind readers that it’s the Chasewater Transport Show this weekend – After a long winter, petrol heads are preparing to descend in their droves on Chasewater…
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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 2013, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater car show, Chasewater Transport Show, CHasewater Vintage & Classic Car Show, classic bikes, Classic cars, classic lorries, DIstrict Council, Epilepsy Action, Grass, Helen Borton, Military vehicle show, Mow, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Steam engines, Vintage Cars
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Race of the Year, 1977
Here’s a curious piece of ephemera, found by local history ferret [Howmuch?] – I’m not sure of the source, but it was probably a charity or secondhand shop, as he can often be found ferreting around the darker corners for history oddities.
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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 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, planning, programme, race, Race of the Year, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Stadium, Staffordshire, Things to do, track, Trotting
65 Comments
Jasmine cottage remembered
Following on from all the remarkable stuff about Jasmine Cottage, Louise Sedgwick has been back in touch with some family photos she’s found of the house and garden.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged Anglesey Basin, Anglesey Wharf, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Cottage, Derelict, Edna, Jack, Jasmine, Lane, Lichfield, Local History, Louise Sedgwick, Meecham, New Photos, planning, Ray Shill, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Wharf, Whitehorse Road, Wyrley & Essington canal through time
6 Comments
A Jasmine childhood
Here’s a great email I’ve received from reader Louise Sedgwick about her memories of Jasmine Cottage, up on Wharf Lane, Brownhills – The warm, lovely memories Louise shares sit nicely alongside those of Michael Sarsfield from Wharf Cottages, featured a few days ago.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged Andy Dennis, Anglesey Basin, Anglesey Wharf, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Cottage, crane, Derelict, Edna, Jack, Jasmine, Lane, Lichfield, Local History, Louise Sedgwick, Meecham, Michael Sarsfield, New Photos, Old maps, planning, Ray Shill, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Wharf, Whitehorse Road, Wyrley & Essington canal through time
5 Comments
When Billy came knocking
I’ve had a great email from long time reader and friend of the blog Michael Sarsfield – after reading my questions about Anglesey Wharf and nearby cottages, he’s written a really nice piece about his childhood memories of the place.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community
Tagged Andy Dennis, Anglesey Basin, Anglesey Wharf, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Cottage, crane, Derelict, Edna, Jack, Jasmine, Jeffries, Lane, Lichfield, Local History, Meecham, Michael Sarsfield, New Photos, Old maps, planning, Ray Shill, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Wharf, Whitehorse Road, Wyrley & Essington canal through time
7 Comments
A bride in Jasmine
Here’s an excellent find sent to me this morning by Peter ‘Pedro’ Cutler, in response to my somewhat tenuous enquiry about Jasmine Cottage.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Churches, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media
Tagged 1936, Amy Palmer, Anglesey Basin, Anglesey Wharf, Arnott, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Cottage, Derelict, Dress Shop, Holy Cross Church, Jasmine, Lane, Lichfield, Lichfield Mercury, Local History, Marriage, McGuire, New Photos, Pedro, Peter Cutler, planning, Ray Shill, Reservoir, Staffordshire, wedding, Wharf, Whitehorse Road
5 Comments
The scent of jasmine
I’m still perusing my recent acquisition ‘The Wyrley & Essington Canal Through Time’ by Ray Shill…
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged Anglesey Basin, Anglesey Wharf, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Cottage, Derelict, Jasmine, Lane, Lichfield, Local History, New Photos, Old maps, planning, Ray Shill, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Wharf, Whitehorse Road, Wyrley & Essington canal through time
35 Comments
Putting a lid on it
The story of the abandoned Shire Oak Reservoir is a recurrent theme from the very earliest days of the Brownhills Blog.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Uncategorized, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Boulter, Brewery, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chris Pattison, Derelict, leak, Local History, New Photos, Reservoir, Shire Oak, Shire Oak Close, Shire Oak Pub, south staffordshire water, SSWW, Staffordshire, Walsall Wood
10 Comments
Shut the wardrobe door!
Oh, my goodness – Narnia has escaped from the wardrobe again, and as ever, I’ve been out having fun The cycling was fine on main roads, but side roads and tracks were bad. The snow – falling gently all the time I was out – was being driven by a northeasterly surely crafted on Satan’s back doorstep.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Shared media, Wildlife
Tagged black path, Brownhills, Brownhills common, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, cold weather, culvert, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, ice, level, New Photos, nine foot, overflow, Panoramio, Parade, Reservoir, Snow, Spillway, Staffordshire, Things to do, Watling Street, Wildlife
3 Comments
Chasewater Transport Show saved!
The Chasewater Transport Show – the annual event I plug here relentlessly every year – seemed to be in doubt back at the end of January, after major sponsors pulled out. A search for new ones ensued, and Helen Borton, the organiser, has worked hard to locate commercial partners to support this wonderful event.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged 2013, Borton, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater car show, Chasewater Transport Show, CHasewater Vintage & Classic Car Show, classic bikes, Classic cars, classic lorries, Grass, Helen, Helen Borton, Lichfield, Military vehicle show, New Photos, pulled out, Reservoir, sponsor, sponsorship, Staffordshire, Steam engines, Vintage Cars
4 Comments
Chasewater: prepare for controversy
An application has recently been submitted to Lichfield District Council to construct a wake boarding corse at Chasewater, based between a refurbished pier and dam. This is generating some controversy.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Wildlife
Tagged application, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, controversy, Council, Councty, Course, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, District, LDC, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Pier, planning, Redevelopment, Reservoir, SCC, Staffordshire, Things to do, Wake Board, Wakeboard Limited, watersports, Wildlife
15 Comments
Levelling out
Those who follow my 365daysofbiking journal will be aware that I’ve been a little bit obsessed with the rising water level at Chasewater over the summer and winter months. Since the lake was drained to enable improvement works to improve the dam and overflow resilience, it was considered that, unless we experienced very wet weather, the lake would take a good couple of years to refill.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged #365daysofbiking, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cycle rides, cycling, Dam works, Drain, ecology, Events, full, LDC, Lichfield, Lichfield District Council, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, Pier, refill, Reservoir, SCC, Silly, Staffordshire, Staffordshire County Council, Things to do, Water Level, weir, Wildlife
1 Comment
Fair ground?
Here’s a really interesting one that came in today, and it has so piqued my interest, that I’m going to throw it straight out there. The email speaks for itself – honoured, I am – but I’m hoping readers can help – perhaps Andy Dennis, who I think lives locally to the site in question, or Chasewaterstuff, who seems to know all about this kind of thing.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community
Tagged 59, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, carousel, Chasewater, child ride, Events, Fairground, heritage, kids, local blogs, Local History, Michael Smith, muffin ride, museum, New Photos, Peace, Redevelopment, Reservoir, roundabout, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, w, White Hore Road, worlds fair
17 Comments
Gorgeous curves
Here’s a bit of a request stop. A few weeks ago there was a very positive response to my digitally contouring of an Ordnance Survey map in the analysis of the Watford Gap area near Sutton Coldfield.
I have a bit of clever software that can do this, and access to the mapping data to use as a canvas.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Barr Beacon, Brownhills, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Contour, Lichfield, Mapping, maps, Ordnance Survey, Relief, Reservoir, Shire Oak, Staffordshire, Stonnall, Things to do, Topografic, Walsall, Walsall Wood
5 Comments
A working man
Long time reader and friend of the Brownhills Blog Steve Cottle has been in touch, and kindly donated some mystery local photos for readers to study. The photographs themselves are remarkable in quality and subject matter. The only thing is, … Continue reading
Posted in News
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Facebook, Local History, New Photos, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Things to do
5 Comments
Chasewater Transport Show – future uncertain
Worrying news reaches me regarding one of my favourite annual events at Chasewater. Helen Borton, organiser of the brilliant, and very well attended annual Chasewater Transport Show has announced that two of the show’s sponsors have pulled out, leaving her in the lurch, and without replacement sponsors, the show just cannot go ahead.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, 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, Wildlife
Tagged 2013, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater car show, Chasewater Transport Show, CHasewater Vintage & Classic Car Show, classic bikes, Classic cars, classic lorries, Grass, Helen Borton, Lichfield, Military vehicle show, New Photos, pulled out, Reservoir, sponsor, sponsorship, Staffordshire, Steam engines, Vintage Cars
1 Comment
A Chasewater childhood
Regulars will remember that recently, I featured a post from reader Stuart Cowley, who generously recounted mhos memories of of summers spent in and around Chasewater, where his family worked at the cafe.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, 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 1960's, 60's, amusement park, Blumer, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Chasewater Wildlife Group, childhood, Cycle rides, Local History, memories, New Photos, Norton Pool, Panoramio, pleasure park, Reservoir, sculpture, Staffordshire, Stuart Cowley, Wildlife
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2013 New Year competition winners!
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 2013, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, cycling, Events, Local History, New Photos, New Year quiz, Pubs, Reservoir, score, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall Wood, winner
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Competition closes 12 noon today, 5th January 2012
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 2013, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, cycling, Events, Local History, New Photos, New Year quiz, Pubs, Reservoir, score, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall Wood
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Cycling trivialities
Thanks to everyone who took time to express opinions on my navel gazing contemplation on completion of my 365daysofbiking goal. I really was touched by the unexpectedly large amount of goodwill expressed about the project by a hugely diverse range of commentors. The compliments, encouragement and kindness are not something I’ll readily forget.
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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, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged #365daysofbiking, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, local blogs, New Photos, Panoramio, Reservoir, Silly, Spring, Staffordshire, Stonnall, Things to do, tumblr, Twitter, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
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2013 New Year quiz: only five questions left
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 2013, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, cycling, Events, Local History, New Photos, New Year quiz, Pubs, Reservoir, score, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall Wood
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A whiff of coal smoke
Here’s an interesting thing that top local history monkey [Howmuch?] bought at a book fayre last week. It’s the program for the Fourth Annual Steam & Vintage Vehicle Rally, held by Chasewater Light Railway Society on the weekend of 21st & 22nd June 1980.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community
Tagged 1980, 21, 22, Aboretum railway, Annual Steam Fair, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Chasewater Railway Society, Chasewaterstuff, Events, Fourth, June, local blogs, Local History, Oakparkrunner, Progam, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Walsall
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Surging forward
I should have known, really. No sooner had I delved into the fascinating world of the Brownhills surge stack, then Ian Pell, railway historian extraordinaire, had written to me with a whole bunch of new information, clarifications and even a few questions.
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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 Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Captain, Clayhanger, Company, Dave Moore, Derelict, Harrison, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Lore, Morturn, New Photos, NIMBY, Old maps, Pedro, Peter Cutler, Pumping, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Shire Oak, Snadfields, South Staffordshire, Staffordshire, Station, steam engine, surge stack, Things to do, ventilator, Walsall, Water, Water tower, Waterwoks
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Hiding in plain sight?
It seems like we’re in a period for odd historical tangents and discoveries. It all started with Peter ‘Pedro’ Cutler’s classic bit of gentrified nimbyism from ‘Captain’ Harrison at Aldershaw(e). From there, we alighted at Sandfields Pumping Station at Lichfield, and found a wonderful, but neglected steam engine. We’ve found since, via Peter’s further diligent research, and that of Dave Moore, a chap clearly expert on the matter, that there was a long forgotten water tower in Brownhills.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged Aldershaw, Aldershawe, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Canal, Captain, Clayhanger, Company, Dave Moore, Derelict, Harrison, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Lore, Morturn, New Photos, NIMBY, Old maps, Pedro, Peter Cutler, Pumping, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Shire Oak, Snadfields, South Staffordshire, Staffordshire, Station, steam engine, surge stack, Things to do, ventilator, Walsall, Water, Water tower, Waterwoks
24 Comments
Bending Conduit
Every so often (and so it seems, with increasing frequency of late) I’ll get a response to an article I post here that leaves me speechless with the sheer depth and breadth of knowledge it demonstrates. There are, it seems, some very, very knowledgable specialists reading the shambling pile of old toss, and I really have no idea why they’re sticking around, but I’m very grateful for their contributions and presence.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, Chasewater, Clayhanger 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 1959, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, charter, Chasewater, Conduit Colliery, Derelict, Events, Ian Pell, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, rail tour, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Stephenson Locomotive Society, Walsall Wood
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Christmas Fayre at Chasewater Innovation Centre today!
Here’s a chance to get into the Christmas spirit today… there’s a Christmas Fayre being held at Chasewater Innovation Centre. At the same time, you can check out the Santa Specials at Chasewater Steam Railway, and take a wander around the lake – now well on the way to recovery after recently being drained.
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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 Beowulf, Brownhills, Chasewater, Chasewater Railway, Christmas, Cycle rides, cycling, december 15th, Events, Facebook, Fayre, local blogs, New Photos, Reservoir, Santa, Special, Staffordshire, Things to do, Wildlife
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Keeping track
Here’s an unusual one that came in yesterday afternoon. When I saw the picture kindly supplied by Ian, I immediately thought of the image of a similar charter in Bill Mayo and John Sale’s great book ‘Memories of Old Walsall Wood’, which I include at the foot of the post.
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, Derelict, Events, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, rail tour, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Staffordshire, Stephenson Locomotive Society, Walsall Wood
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Not in MY backyard (1896 style)…
Peter ‘Pedro’ Cutler has been in touch with a lovely quick snippet he spotted in the excellent History of the South Staffordshire Waterworks Company, which is available online for free. It really is an excellent read and deserves wider exposure.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged Aldershaw, Aldershawe, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Captain, Company, Dave Moore, Derelict, Harrison, Lichfield, local blogs, Local History, Lore, New Photos, NIMBY, Pedro, Peter Cutler, Pumping, Redevelopment, Reservoir, smoke, Snadfields, South Staffordshire, Staffordshire, Station, steam engine, Things to do, Water, Waterwoks
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