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Tag Archives: Silly
Meanwhile, in court a century ago…
Reader Peter ‘Pedro’ Cutler has again been ferreting in the newspaper archives, and this time has taken a look at crimes coming before Brownhills Petty Sessions – a magistrates court for the town, that sat regularly and dealt with low-level crime.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Petty Sessions, crime, Events, Local History, New Photos, Pedro, Peter Cutler, Silly, Staffordshire, Vandalism, William ROberts
2 Comments
They don’t like it up ’em
I haven’t stopped laughing. The Liberal Democrats in Walsall are very cross. Very cross indeed. So cross, Daniel Barker’s written a blog of his own instead of just copying Uncle Arthur.
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Posted in Bad Science, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, 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 Allowance, Brownhills, Coalition, Dads Army, Daniel Barker, Events, Ian Shires, Labour, Lib Dems, Liberal Democrats, Linda Mason, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Paul Wild, Plastic Hippo, Politics, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, Tim Oliver, Twitter, Wage rise, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
1 Comment
Ill-Liberal
Anyone taken in by the absolute load of old tut posted in the comments last night by the Walsall Liberal Democrat Membership Officer Paul Wild may also wish to read this post about their political flexibility, also published yesterday by The Plastic Hippo.
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Posted in Bad Science, 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, Walsall Council
Tagged Allowance, Brownhills, Coalition, Events, Ian Shires, Labour, Lib Dems, Liberal Democrats, Linda Mason, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Paul Wild, Plastic Hippo, Politics, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, The Stymaster, Tim Oliver, Twitter, Wage rise, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
1 Comment
Good news on the Avion conversion by Wetherspoons
Great – and somewhat reassuring news reaches me from new reader Lizzie Eden. You’ll recall that last week, I was musing on the apparent suspension in two local building projects, the new Co-op store on Streets Corner, Walsall Wood and the conversion of the former Avion Cinema in Aldridge to a Wetherspoons pub
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Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community
Tagged Aldridge, Avion, hold up, Lizzie Eden, local blogs, Local politics, May, New Photos, News, Opening, planning, progress, Pubs, Redevelopment, Silly, stalled, stopped, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood, Wetherspoons
10 Comments
More on Walsall Councillors allowances…
Since I covered the original story on Monday, several very good online articles have been published about the disgraceful rise in allowances awarded to Walsall Council cabinet members.
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Posted in Bad Science, Events, Followups, 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 Allowance, Brownhills, Events, Labour, Linda Mason, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Politics, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, The Stymaster, Tim Oliver, Twitter, Wage rise, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
3 Comments
Walsall Labour: somebody call an undertaker
Tonight, your local Labour Group on Walsall Council had the opportunity to vote against massive allowance increases for cabinet members and Council Leader Mike Bird. Walsall, you’ll recall, is currently a Tory-Liberal coalition, with three independents holding sway after being Tory for about a decade.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Allowance, Brownhills, Events, Labour, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Politics, Silly, Tim Oliver, Twitter, Wage rise, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
57 Comments
New Co-op on Streets Corner: Any news?
I keep getting messages and emails about this. The new store that’s been built on the old car lot in Walsall Wood seems to have been ready to open for weeks, but nothing seems to be happening:
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Aldridge, Avion, Brownhills, Cheap tat, co-op, coop, hold up, local blogs, Local politics, New Photos, Panoramio, planning, progress, Pubs, Redevelopment, Shire Oak, Silly, stalled, stopped, Street's Corner, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood, Wetherspoons
13 Comments
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
10 Comments
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
8 Comments
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
1 Comment
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
2 Comments
Happy New Year!
Happy new year to all readers of the Brownhills Blog. Cheers for sticking with it, contributing and doing everything you do.
The 2013 New Year quiz is still open and still has questions going for the asking. There’s been a great response so far, and there’s local beer up for grabs! Take a look at last night’s scoresheet and see what you can get. Don’t forget, there’s still the ‘1000th House’ plaque to find, too.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Butcher, cart, Common Side, drunk, Events, Frank Lloyd, Horse, Lichfield, Local History, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, Walsall Wood
6 Comments
Selfish idiots
Readers will be well aware that on Christmas Day this year, there was a very nasty crash on the M6 between junctions 14 and 15. This crash caused the death of two young children and an adult travelling in the car. This resulted in the understandable closure of the motorway for some time.
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Posted in Bad Science, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged ABD, Accident, accident investigation, Alliance of BRitish Drivers, Association of British Drivers, crash, crass, Events, idiots, ignorant, insensitive, investigation, M6, motorway, Police, Silly, Staffordshire, Twitter
4 Comments
The money trail…
Yesterday, a story popped up on the BBC news that probably passed a lot of folk by in the blur of tinsel and turkey that is Christmas. I think this is worth pulling into the light. The plan for a … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brian Stringer, Brownhills, Brownhills Hoard, Brownhills Local Committee, Brownhills local history, campaign, Express & Star, finds.org, Hammerwich, Hoard trail, information, Local History, Local politics, monument, Ogley Hay, Silly, Staffordshire, Staffordshire hoard, Warrenhuse, West Midlands
10 Comments
Strangers to the truth
Things seem to be going a bit awry at Walsall Council of late.
I notice from a report in yesterday’s Walsall Express & Star that park rangers in Walsall will be cut in April 2013 from 23 to 10 posts. This is despite a theoretically ongoing ‘budget consultation’, and totally contrary to statements made to Linda Mason and Roger Jones, of Save Walsall’s Green Spaces and Countryside Services, by Walsall Council officers Jamie Morris and Mark Holden.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, 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, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, contamination, Countryside Services, cuts, Events, Facebook, fiasco, Greenspace, Jamie Morris, Linda Mason, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mark Holden, Politics, pride, protest, Recycling, Refuse, Roger Jones, Save, Shire Oak, Silly, static protest, street, Streetpride, Things to do, threat, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
5 Comments
Helping hands
In all the debate about the greenspace in Walsall, and the approach of our civic leaders towards this valuable asset, one comment made by a reader here stuck in many minds. I personally found it jarring, and somewhat misguided.
The post was Spirit of the Greenwood, and the comment went as follows:
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, 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, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Greenspace, Hachidori, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Morgan Bowers, Mr keep your dog on its lead, Politics, protest, Purple is the new black, Roger Jones, Save, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
7 Comments
Murder in the park: Walsall Council’s cuts to greenspace revealed
Following the protest on Monday, 19th November outside the Council House in Walsall, lead members of the Save Walsall’s Greenspace and Country Services Group, Linda Mason and Roger Jones attended a meeting with Walsall Council officers Jamie Morris and Mark Holden.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, 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, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Greenspace, Jamie Morris, Kevin Clements, Linda Mason, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mark Holden, Mike Bird, Politics, protest, Roger Jones, Save, Shire Oak, Silly, static protest, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
7 Comments
Fighting for our future
Nice to see a good turnout last night for the Save Walsall’s Green Spaces and Countryside Services Group protest vigil at the Council House, where a meeting of the Council was taking place. Following publicity throughout the Walsall online community, and much hard work on the part of concerned protestors, it’s becoming clear that the message is getting through to our elected representatives.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Greenspace, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, Politics, protest, Roger Jones, Save, Shire Oak, Silly, static protest, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
2 Comments
Without whom, we are nothing
There’s a great post up now on the blog of the campaign to Save Walsalls Green Spaces and Countryside Services. This is the subject I’ve been banging on about so much recently.
Written by Roger ‘Ziksby’ Jones, and featuring his artwork, the post is a wonderful expression of the aims and urgency of the group.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, 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, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged @ziksby, axe, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Greenspace, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, Politics, Roger Jones, Save, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
2 Comments
Shire Oak Nature Reserve: upcoming works explained
I noticed last week that heathland improvement works were planned by Walsall’s Counctry Services team – that’s the rangers I’ve posted so much about lately – at Shire Oak Park Local Nature Reserve in Brownhills.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, 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, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Blog, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Colin Manning, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Local Nature Reserve, Local politics, Mike Bird, Morgan Bowers, New Photos, Park, Petition, Politics, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
10 Comments
Fighting for our greenspace: Please sign the petition!
People concerned about cuts to Walsall Countryside Services, the Ranger Team and related issues – as outlined here previously – can now sign the petition over at Walsall Council’s website. It’s completely electronic, and is administered as part of Walsall’s Democratic Services. If the petition gets enough support, it will be raised at full council.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, 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, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Blog, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, Morgan Bowers, New Photos, Petition, Politics, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
3 Comments
The mystery of The Lost Stonnall Hoard
That there [Howmuch?] has found treasure. He actually found it in a charity bookshop in Lichfield, but his golden find actually pointed to a farmyard near Grove Hill, near Lower Stonnall/Thornes, in 1824. There was bronze in that there hill.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1824, Archeology, Bronze age, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, burial, David Cooms, Events, Find, finds, Gainsborough hill Farm, Greenborough, Hoard, Lichfield and South Staffordshire Archeological and Historical Society, Lily Chetty, local blogs, Local History, SGrove Hill, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Stonnall, Things to do, Walsall Wood
29 Comments
A green wave
The text of the following article was written by Stuart Williams of The Bloxwich Telegraph, and I reproduce it here to emphasise the campaign I mentioned here on Saturday. If you care about Walsall’s green space, please do join us.
The movement is gathering pace and I implore anyone who cares to get involved.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, 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, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Blowich Telegraph, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, Morgan Bowers, New Photos, Politics, Shire Oak, Silly, Stuart illiams, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
10 Comments
Spirit of the Greenwood
This is really important. You’ll recall that a couple of weeks ago I, and other members of the local online community made a passionate plea for the preservation of the Walsall Council Countryside Services team, and the vital work they … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, 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, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, Morgan Bowers, New Photos, Politics, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
26 Comments
Everyone enjoys a good bonfire…
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Bonfire, bonfire night, Brownhills, Events, fireworks, Guy Fawkes, Holland Park, Local politics, Pallet appeal, Silly, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
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Causing an obstruction
I see National Cycle Route 5, where it passes from Engine Lane/Coppice Lane in Brownhills, is still blocked with a chain, as highlighted by Warren Parry some weeks ago. Today, a fellow cyclist out with a child trailer who’s asked to remain anonymous came to use the track and couldn’t get through. I went to take a look.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged Brownhills, Chain, Coppice Lane, Cycle rides, cycling, Engine Lane, Events, local blogs, National Cycle Network, New Photos, public safety, Route 5, Silly, software, Staffordshire, Things to do, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Wildlife
8 Comments
Probably a robbery
I’ve become aware in recent weeks – as have many of the local history community – of a series of connected groups appearing on Facebook, which invite users to submit old pictures of their area. This is a fine idea, which in principle, I support.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Content theft, copying, copyright, Events, Facebook, history groups, local blogs, Local History, manners, New Photos, Old maps, pages, Panoramio, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Vandalism, Walsall Wood
13 Comments
There’s a bustle in your hedgerow
One thing I hope comes through from my work online – both on this blog, and on my 365daysofbiking journal – is my huge passion for being outdoors. Pretty much everything I write is somehow related to turning the computer off, and going outside and exploring the best of whats around.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, Clayhanger stuff, 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, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff, Wildlife
Tagged axe, Brownhills, Canal, Chasewater, Chasewater Wildlife Group, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Countryside Services, cuts, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Facebook, Kevin Clements, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Mike Bird, Morgan Bowers, New Photos, Politics, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, threat, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsal Wildlife, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
16 Comments
Are you being cervine?
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
1 Comment
An odd kind of victory
I’m a bit puzzled by a recent press release from Walsall Council Labour Group relating to recent events in Brownhills, and I wonder if readers can help me with this as I’m not certain of the facts, and feel certain there will be people out there more clued-up than I.
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Barbara Cassidy, Brownhills, Centre, Citizens, club, Derelict, Group, John Dunn, Labour, local blogs, Local politics, OAP, Pier Street, planning, Politics, protest, Redevelopment, Senior, Silly, Steve Wade, Tesco, Tesco Development, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
2 Comments
The all-seeing eye
Just a quick note to point out that BrownhillsDog – the roving canine Brownhillian blogger who I highlighted last week – has a great post up expanding on the residential neighbourhood CCTV issue I touched on here with my Watchers … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, 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, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhillsdog, Canal, CCTV, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, local blogs, Local politics, Night, Pigblog, Silly, Stymaster, Things to do, Twitter, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
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Some disassembly required
Readers with long memories will recall my ruminations on the Vulcan Bomber cockpit that notoriously found itself in a garden in Burntwood a few years ago. The story still gets a large quantity of hits, and I think it’s fair … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, 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, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged aeroplane, Avro, B.2 XM652, Bomber, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Burntwood, front garden, Hammerwich, Local History, New Photos, plane, Shire Oak, Silly, Staffordshire, Tom Moran, Vulcan
7 Comments
Top poet at Brownhills Library this Thursday!
This Thursday, 4th October 2012, there will be an appearance by top performance poet Lorna Meehan at Brownhills Library, at the Parkview Centre, between 11:00am and 12 noon. The event is free, and all are welcome. Lorna has a … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, Events, free, Library, Lorna, Meehan, Parkview Centre, Performance, Poet, Politics, Silly, Things to do, Walsall Council
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Those who would attempt to divide us
I, like the vast majority of the Walsall online community, stand shoulder to shoulder with The Plastic Hippo on this. Hippo is as usual, prescient, pertinent and pitch perfect. The EDL have a right to protest, this country went to … Continue reading
Posted in Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Democracy, EDL, Events, fascist, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Politics, protest, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, Things to do, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
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Empires and us
Reader Mick Roseblade writes in with a surprisingly common email enquiry. I’m answering this publicly, as I must have answered this four or five times by email to different people over the last couple of years. I’m not sure why … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Market, Canal, Local History, Local politics, planning, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, Silly, Staffordshire, Tesco, Tesco Development
6 Comments
From one end to the other…
Here’s another ride video of Walsall Wood and Brownhills for the expats, exiles and vicarious cyclists, but especially Trevor in Australia. Hope all is going well, old chap, and that the treatment isn’t knocking you about too much. We’re all thinking of … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, cycling, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Beechtree, bike cam, bike ride, Brookland Road, Brooland, Brownhills, Cam, Chasewater, Coppice, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, GoPro, High Street, King Street, Lichfield Road, PorkTorta, Road, Silly, street, Things to do, tour, Twitter, video, Vigo, Walsall Wood
8 Comments
Urgent – please help to save a life
This is an appeal on behalf of a fellow cyclist, who tragically appears to have a very short life expectancy. I am very concerned for his welfare. If he continues in the vein he’s going, he’s not going to last … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community
Tagged Arboretum Junction, bad cycling, bike cam, Brownhills, Cycle rides, cycling, cyclist, Events, idiocy, idiot, idot, jumper, jumping, New Photos, Rain, red light jump, RLJ, Silly, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Wood
17 Comments
Alley cats
An interesting question comes in from reader Mike Leonard, about the Wilkin Estate and Brownhills West in the 1970s. I’m not a Brownhills West man, so I’m hoping readers from that part of town can help. I vaguely remember a … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local History, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged 1970's, A5, Alley, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills West, Inn, Local History, Mike Leonard, pub, Pubs, Silly, Things to do, Waterside Way, Watling Street, Wilkin
3 Comments
Recovered history
The aerial image of Chasewater I posted on Thursday evening really has spurred on some creative consideration of the park’s history. I’ve been surprised and delighted by the memories and theories that have emerged relating to the stunning image, taken … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Cannock Chase, 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, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Wildlife
Tagged 24 hour race, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Chasewater, Chasewater Dam, Events, J Donaldson, local blogs, Local History, New Photos, Nigel Mansell, Norton Pool, Redevelopment, Reservoir, Silly, speedboat, Staffordshire, steamboat, Wildlife
18 Comments
Parking for one bicycle…
Thanks to the keen eye of reader and friend of the blog Trevor Bond, I now know that the long awaited cycle parking at Tesco in Brownhills has arrived and been installed. Trevor alerted me this afternoon on twitter, so on … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Just plain daft, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community
Tagged bike, Brownhills, Cheap tat, Cycle Racks, Cycle rides, cycling, Facebook, facilities, Lee Slater, local blogs, New Photos, planning, rack, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, refresh, sheffield stand, Silly, Tesco, Tesco Development, Trevor Bond, turd polish, Walsall, wheel bender
3 Comments
Cycling up The Wood
Yesterday (Saturday, 1st September 2012) was a nice day, particularly in the late afternoon. I’ve just got a copy of Final Cut for editing videos, and was keen to have a play, so I thought I’d turn out another ride … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Chasewater, cycling, Environment, Features, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local media, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged bike cam, bike ride, Brookland Road, Brownhills, Cam, Canal, Chasewater, Chester Road, Cycle rides, cycling, Final Cut, GoPro, Hall Lane, High Street, Holly Bank, Holly Lane, Lichfield Road, PorkTorta, Shire Oak, Silly, Things to do, tour, Twitter, video, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
9 Comments
When journalism and politics fail
I’ve been a bit busy for the last couple of days with work, but while I have, a blistering post seems to have slipped under the radar from the best blogger in Walsall, The Plastic Hippo. Walsall folk will be … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Environment, Events, Express & Star, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, Local politics, News, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Bad journalism, Cheap tat, Childrens services, Events, Express & Star, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Ofsted, Politics, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
13 Comments
Racked off
So, the Tesco Brownhills turd polish – known by Tesco fans as a ‘refresh’ – has apparently concluded. We have nice new wooden benches for the drunks, vagrants and teens; charming flower beds, new signage and a patched-up car park. … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged bike, Brownhills, Cheap tat, Cycle Racks, Cycle rides, cycling, Facebook, facilities, Lee Slater, local blogs, New Photos, planning, rack, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, refresh, sheffield stand, Silly, Tesco, Tesco Development, turd polish, Walsall, wheel bender
7 Comments
Back to the Future outdoor screening at Walsall Wood this evening!
This one in from Andy Hollyhead, Walsall Wood resident and top brainy bloke of this parish – looks like great fun. Why not pop along? Travel back in time for a special outdoor screening of 1980’s classic Back to the … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local Blogs, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 26th August, Back to the future, Brownhills, cinema, event, Events, Facebook, fun, Leisure Centre, local blogs, Oak Park, Outdoor, outdoors, planning, screening, Silly, Sunday, Things to do, Twitter, Walsall, Walsall Wood, Walsall Wood football club, WWFC
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Don’t believe everything you read…
I’ve been droning on now for some months about the need for accuracy and careful research in local history. It’s because I know that I’m as fallible as the next man that I, like you readers, worry so much about … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged 1905, Black Cock, Black Cock Bridge, Brick Arch, Bridge replacement, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Bullings Heath, Camden Street, Canal, Errors, Girder bridge, Grove Pit Bridge, Hall Lane, Howmuch, Lime Lane, Local History, mine damage, Mining Subsidence, Mistaken, mistakes, Pelsall Past and Present, Silly, Staffordshire, Subsidence, Walsall Wood, Walsall Wood Colliery, Walsall Wood Pit, Wyrley and Essington
4 Comments
No shit, Sherlock
I noticed the above item, oddly tucked onto the front page of the Walsall Express and star last night. I can’t believe they’ve just twigged this, months after Radio WM and I spotted that Tesco had got cold feet. This … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, News, planning, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, Canal, Cheap tat, Express & Star, Local politics, planning, Politics, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, Silly, Tesco, Tesco Development, Vandalism, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
1 Comment
Brownhills Tesco: Access denied
Shopping giant Tesco, fresh from expecting the residents of Brownhills to get excited over the fact that they have painted their store and fixed a few leaks for the first time in nearly two decades, seem to be intent on … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, Cheap tat, Derelict, Events, Local politics, New Photos, planning, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, Silly, Tesco, Tesco Development, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
10 Comments
I have a Hanch
Here’s something odd I spotted today in Walsall, that I’d never noticed before. Cycling back from Caldmore on a samosa mission, I noted I was riding down Lysways Street. Near the Birmingham Road end, I noticed there was a Hanch … Continue reading
Posted in cycling, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Just plain daft, Local History, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community
Tagged Cycle rides, cycling, hall, Hanch, Henry Thorold, Highgate, John Stoneywell, Lichfield Lore, Local History, Longdon, Lysways, Silly, Staffordshire, street, Thomas Orme, Walsall
19 Comments
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