#365daysofbiking JournalRecent tracks
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Tag Archives: Vandalism
A film on the water
Dave Moore, late of this parish and tireless campaigner for all things local and historical is doing something really interesting for his Save Sandfields Pumping Statio Camapaign, and taking a really unique approach.
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Posted in Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged beam, campaign, Dave Moore, Derelict, Engine, English Heritage, Lichfield, Lichfield District Council, listed, listing, local blogs, Local History, Morturn, planning, Preservation, Pump, pumping station, Redevelopment, Sandfields, South Staffordshire, Staffordshire, stationary, Things to do, Vandalism, Waterworks
8 Comments
Next steps – Saving Sandfields meeting tonight!
Following the success of the inaugural meeting called to find a way to save Sandfields Pumping Station in Lichfield, a second meeting is scheduled for this Friday to officially set up The Friends of Sandfields Pumping Station group.
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Posted in Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged beam, campaign, Darwin Hall Community Asociation, Dave Moore, Derelict, Engine, English Heritage, Lichfield, Lichfield District Council, listed, listing, local blogs, Local History, Morturn, planning, Preservation, Public Meeting, Pump, pumping station, Redevelopment, Sandfields, South Staffordshire, Staffordshire, stationary, Things to do, Vandalism, Waterworks
3 Comments
Increasing pressure
Following my plug (and lots of others in the online community) for the meeting about Sandfields Pumping Station and it’s preservation, I was pleased to note that over 40 people turned up to the public meeting in Lichfield last night.
Posted in Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged beam, campaign, Darwin Hall Community Asociation, Dave Moore, Derelict, Engine, English Heritage, Lichfield, Lichfield District Council, listed, listing, local blogs, Local History, Morturn, planning, Preservation, Public Meeting, Pump, pumping station, Redevelopment, Sandfields, South Staffordshire, Staffordshire, stationary, Things to do, Vandalism, Waterworks
1 Comment
Saving Sandfields – Public meeting this Friday!
The campaign to save Sandfields Pumping Station in Lichfield for the community continues apace – local historian and activist Dave Moore has been putting heart and soul into this for some months now, and he’d like as many people as possible to get involved.
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Posted in Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged beam, campaign, Darwin Hall Community Asociation, Dave Moore, Derelict, Engine, English Heritage, Lichfield, Lichfield District Council, listed, listing, local blogs, Local History, Morturn, planning, Preservation, Public Meeting, Pump, pumping station, Redevelopment, Sandfields, South Staffordshire, Staffordshire, stationary, Things to do, Vandalism, Waterworks
10 Comments
The dirty old town I love
I’ve never made any secret of the fact that I love the Black Country with all my heart – this dirty, post-industrial powerhouse of a place has been prominent throughout my life, although, technically, I live outside it. 
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Posted in Bad Science, Churches, Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged birthday, Bullstake, Darlaston, Derelict, FH Lloyd, GKN, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, Panoramio, planning, Politics, Redevelopment, Rubery Owen, Silly, Staffordshire, Tony Martin, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Wilkings and Mitchell
43 Comments
Les Fleurs
Some time ago, reader and Bon Viveur David Evans found this image for sale at a church fayre in Brownhills, at I believe at St James – he didn’t purchase it, but he did take a crafty snapshot.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories
Tagged Allsops, Brownhills, Brownhills local history, David Evans, Derelict, Disaster, drawing, Fire, Fleur de lys, fox hunt, fox hunting, Grove pit, Local History, meet, New Photos, Norton, Pubs, Redevelopment, Silly, Staffordshire, Things to do, Vandalism, Water Margin, Watling Street
35 Comments
Driven up the pole
Look, you lot, this isn’t big and it isn’t clever – this morning, I spotted the following tweet in my timeline, from PC Simon Bytheway, the local Neighbourhood Police Officer for Brownhills, who operates out of Brownhills Police Station, opposite the Hussey Arms…
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged auto despair Nicky Biddlestone, Brownhills, Brownhills Police Station, Clayhanger, Flag, flagpole, Lichfield, PC, Police, Shire Oak, Silly, Simon Bytheway, Stolen, Theft, traffic police, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsall Wood
27 Comments
Out of Focus
The old Focus DIY store on Northgate, just between Aldridge and Walsall Wood continues to be a magnet for flytipping, vandalism and other antisocial behaviour – the site has been vacant since the closure of the DIY chain a couple of years ago, and has subsequently just been left to rot.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Clive Roberts, Derelict, DIY, Do it all, dumping, flytipping, Focus, Great Mills, illegal, Local History, New Photos, Northgate, oil, Pòl MacDhòmhnaill, Redevelopment, Refuse, tipping, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
8 Comments
Stolen caravan alert!
Today, I had my attention drawn to a very sad theft appeal on Twitter – I’m always ready to post appeals of this kind, so please keep an eye out. Dave, the owner, must be heartbroken.
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Posted in Environment, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 2005, @theoadmeister, Ace Celebration 570, appeal, Burntwood, caravan, Dave Duke, Events, fully loaded, Lichfield, nicked, Police, Springhill Road, Staffordshire, Stolen, Theft, Twitter, Vandalism
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Poetry in motion
Apologies to Dave Moore, but he contacted me a couple of days ago about an event he’s putting on at Cafe Fuse, as part of the Lichfield Fuse Festival in Lichfield this afternoon – Dave is, of course, the passionate and educated local historian who’s working hard to rescue Lichfield’s Sandfields Pumping Station from decay.
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Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 13th July, 2013, beam, Cafe Fuse, campaign, Dave Moore, Derelict, Engine, English Heritage, Fuse, Ian Henery, Lichfield, Lichfield District Council, listed, listing, local blogs, Local History, Morturn, planning, Poem, Preservation, Pump, pumping station, Redevelopment, Sandfields, South Staffordshire, Staffordshire, stationary, Things to do, Vandalism, Waterworks
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Not fit to live with pigs
Reader, friend of the blog and top local historian Clive Roberts has written to me with some horrid photos of flytipping at the old Focus DIY store on Northgate, just between Aldridge and Walsall Wood – the site has been vacant since the closure of the outlet a couple of years ago, and has subsequently been a target for vandalism, antisocial behaviour and flytipping.
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Clive Roberts, Derelict, DIY, Do it all, dumping, flytipping, Focus, Great Mills, illegal, Local History, New Photos, Northgate, oil, Redevelopment, Refuse, tipping, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall Wood
2 Comments
Acid burns
Today, a shocking and frightening story comes to me from a good friend in Chuckery, Walsall – ten 25 litre Hydrochloric acid drums, dumped on Chuckery Village Green, a space on which kids play on days like today.
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Posted in Bad Science, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Acid, Barrel, burns, Charlotte Street, Children, Chuckery, Container, Drum, dump, Environmental Health, Events, flytipping, Hydrochloric, New Photos, Savi, Streetpride, Things to do, toxic, Vandalism, village Green, Walhouse Road, Walsall, Walsall Council, Waste
3 Comments
You can never go back
The whole Brownhills-Tesco thing has left me interested in the breadth and spread of local opinion, in a way I don’t normally see it. I’m interested in theories people have, their perceptions, and what they see the future to be. … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Brownhills Market, Canal, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Derelict, Events, Facebook, Lichfield, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, New Tesco, planning, Politics, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, Retail, Tesco, Tesco Development, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
28 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
Urgent: Spate of thefts and burglaries in Brownhills
I have an urgent message for Brownhills residents from Nicky Biddlestone, Communications Officer at Walsall Police.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged break in, Brownhills, Burglary, Car burglary, Car Crime, charity, crime, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, Express & Star, Facebook, intruder, local blogs, Mountain Bike, Nicky Biddlestone, Police, public safety, stolen bikes, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsall Police, Warren Parry, West Midlands Police
7 Comments
Nicked bike alert!
Sad news reaches me from local blogger The Stymaster: he’s had his ride purloined.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, It makes me mad!, Local Blogs, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged bicycle, bike, Brownhills, cycle, Cycle rides, cycling, Events, green, GT, local blogs, Lost, New Photos, Nomad, Rushall, Shire Oak, Stolen, The Stymaster, thieves, Things to do, Vandalism, Walsall Wood
6 Comments
Buried dreams
In the miasma of stuff that passes by in the local news stream, I spotted this one from the Express & Star the other day, and It’s puzzled me…
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Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, Local politics, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Shared media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall Council, Wildlife
Tagged artwork, Brownhills, Brownhills Market, Cheap tat, Derelict, Express & Star, Local politics, New Photos, Nikki Rolls, Panoramio, planning, Politics, Ravens Court, Redevelopment, Regeneration, Silly, Tesco, Tesco Development, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
20 Comments
Serving all his days
FIFTY years of unremitting service in the employ of the South Staffordshire Waterworks Company is the proud record of Mr. Joseph Plant, of Christ Church Gardens, Lichfield, who has recently retired as foreman engine driver at the Sandfields Pumping Station.
Posted in Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, News, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged 1936, 50 years service, beam, campaign, Dave Moore, Derelict, Engine, English Heritage, J Plant, Joseph Plant, Lichfield, Lichfield District Council, Lichfield Mercury, listed, listing, local blogs, Local History, Long Service, Morturn, planning, Preservation, Pump, pumping station, Redevelopment, Sandfields, South Staffordshire, Staffordshire, stationary, Things to do, Vandalism, Waterworks
12 Comments
Hat tip to Walsall Council
Just a quick note to point out that the the travellers who occupied Holland Park at the end of last week have moved on. As I said at the time, Walsall Council are pretty good at acting fast on such issues.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Environment, Events, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, camp, Cycle rides, cycling, encampment, Events, Eviction, Facebook, Holland Park, legal, New Photos, travellers, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsall Council
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Travellers at Holland Park
I’ve received a few emails, tweets and Facebook posts pointing out that travellers invaded Holland Park, Brownhills on Thursday, entering via the northern vehicle gate off The Parade, rendering the anti-vehicle barriers recently (and expensively) erected on the adjacent land irrelevant.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, cycling, Environment, Events, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Local media, News, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged Brownhills, camp, Cycle rides, cycling, encampment, Events, Eviction, Facebook, Holland Park, legal, New Photos, travellers, Twitter, Vandalism, Walsall Council
3 Comments
Gathering steam
The campaign to save Sandfields Pumping Station in Lichfield for the community continues apace. Dave Moore has been putting heart and soul into this for some months now, and he needs a little bit of help.
Posted in Environment, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, Local Blogs, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web
Tagged beam, campaign, Dave Moore, Derelict, Engine, English Heritage, Lichfield, Lichfield District Council, listed, listing, local blogs, Local History, Morturn, planning, Preservation, Pump, pumping station, Redevelopment, Sandfields, South Staffordshire, Staffordshire, stationary, Things to do, Vandalism, Waterworks
56 Comments
Those Craddocks in full…
The Craddocks are one of Brownhills most notable and mentioned families; they’re one of those names that just keeps cropping up whenever you delve into local history.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Churches, Clayhanger stuff, Followups, Interesting photos, Local History, News, Panoramio photo discussions, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Burnell, Clayhanger, Craddock, David Evans, David Evens, David Okley, Family, Local History, New Photos, Panoramio, Redevelopment, Richard, Rose Mariia, Staffordshire, Things to do, Twitter, Vandalism
28 Comments
Councillor Harris: Linda Mason responds
Over the weekend, the indomitable Linda Mason has replied to the letter she received from Walsall Councillor and cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, Anthony Harris. The reply has been published on the Save Walsall’s Gree Spaces… blog. Please do … Continue reading
Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, Events, Express & Star, Followups, 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, Walsall Wood stuff
Tagged Anthony Harris, Black Country Wildlife Trust, Brownhills, Clayhanger, Consultation, Countryside Services, cuts, Express & Star, Facebook, Greenspaces, Letter, Linda Mason, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Parks, Politics, Savings, Shire Oak, Silly, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
7 Comments
If that’s the way it’s going to be…
I, and many other folk hereabouts were disgusted by the letter sent by elected Walsall Councillor Anthony Harris to campaigner for Greenspace and top local stalwart Linda Mason recently. The officious and arrogant tone, coupled with clear evidence of the member not reading the material he was sent, has rightly disgusted and outraged many.
Posted in 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 Anthony Harris, Black Country Wildlife Trust, Brownhills, Clayhanger, Consultation, Countryside Services, cuts, Express & Star, Facebook, Greenspaces, Letter, Linda Mason, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Parks, Politics, Savings, Shire Oak, Silly, The Plastic Hippo, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
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Rather rattled
I see the alternate reality that seems to pervade the Walsall Civic Centre is still in full effect. Today, Linda Mason, lead campaigner against the horrendous cuts in Walsall Council’s Greenspaces team, received this rather tetchy billet-doux from Councillor Anthony Harris – coincidentally member for Aldridge North and Walsall Wood – who’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture.
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Posted in Brownhills stuff, Clayhanger stuff, Environment, 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 Anthony Harris, Black Country Wildlife Trust, Brownhills, Clayhanger, Consultation, Countryside Services, cuts, Express & Star, Facebook, Greenspaces, Letter, Linda Mason, local blogs, Local politics, Mike Bird, Parks, Politics, Savings, Shire Oak, Silly, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood, Wildlife
15 Comments
Walsall, everything a pound…
My thanks to Stuart Williams, curator of the Bloxwich telegraph, who spotted this short film this evening. It’s a tribute to the lost buildings of Walsall.
Watch it to the end. It’s very, very sad. A totally brilliant, beautifully animated piece of work. Turn your sound on too.
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Posted in Environment, Events, Followups, Fun stuff to see and do, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local History, Local media, Local politics, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged animation, £1, Cheap tat, Derelict, Events, Everything a pound, Local History, Local politics, planning, Politics, Pubs, Redevelopment, SalmonCorporation, short, Silly, Stuart Williams, Tesco, Tesco Development, Twitter, Vandalism, video, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Youtube
10 Comments
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
Reading allowed
It’s about time I gave some other bloggers a plug again. There’s a wealth of good stuff out there, and I do like to share the posts of those I read and enjoy. For the best in local stuff, always take a punt over to the YamYam for Walsall, or any of its sister sites, The Staffie, The Brummie etc. – just check the ‘beyond’ tab in the menu bar.
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Posted in News
Tagged Brownhills, Brownhills local history, Dave Moore, Derelict, Hanch Tunnel, Kate, Lichfield, Lichfield Lore, local blogs, Local History, Lucy Wood, Morturn, planning, Real Ale red wine, Redevelopment, Staffordshire, Staffordshirebred, Surge Sack, Susan MArie Ward, The YamYam, Things to do, Trevor Bond, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics
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High rise mice?
I’ve received a very interesting email from a long-time resident of Humphries House in Brownhills. Humphries House, readers will no doubt remember, is the last of two remaining system-build tower blocks in Brownhills, and along with it’s partner, the much smaller Severn House, it was recently reclad and renovated by it’s owners, Walsall Housing Group.
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Environment, Followups, Interesting photos, It makes me mad!, Just plain daft, Local media, News, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Social Media, Walsall community
Tagged Brownhills, Cheap tat, Cladding, high rise, Humphries House, infestation, Mice, pest, pest control, planning, Redevelopment, renovation, rodents, Severn House, Shoddy workmanship, social housing, tenants, Tower block, Vandalism, Walsall Housing Group, WHG
6 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
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
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
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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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
Something to build upon
Just a quick note to point out that I’ve had a fantastic response to my musings on the subject of the BOAK fire, and my desire to channel some of the creative anger abounding in the online community into something … Continue reading
Posted in 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, Panoramio photo discussions, Panoramio updates, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged arson, BOAK, Brownhills, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Events, heritage, Jabez Cliff, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, planning, Politics, Pubs, Redevelopment, The Plastic Hippo, The YamYam, Twitter, Urbext, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
2 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
BBC Midlands Today report on arson
I was contacted late on Tuesday afternoon by BBC journo Ben Sidwell, who was compiling a report for local news TV magazine show ‘Midlands Today’, and was enquiring if he could use one of my images of the BOAK Ravenscraig … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, 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, Panoramio photo discussions, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged arson, Ben Sidwell, Bloxwich Telegraph, BOAK, Cheap tat, Derelict, Events, heritage, Jabez Cliff, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, Midlands Today, New Photos, planning, Politics, Pubs, Redevelopment, Twitter, Urbex, Urbext, Vandalism, Walkways, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
2 Comments
After the fire had gone out – an appeal
Last Friday evening, I came back home via Walsall at around 7:30pm. On the way through what was a very weary, against the wind journey, I popped down to take a shufty at what was left of the BOAK building, … Continue reading
Posted in Bad Science, Brownhills stuff, Churches, 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, planning, Reader enquiries, Shared media, Shared memories, Social Media, Spotted whilst browsing the web, Walsall community, Walsall Council
Tagged arson, BOAK, Brownhills, Cheap tat, Clayhanger, Cycle rides, cycling, Derelict, Events, heritage, Jabez Cliff, local blogs, Local History, Local politics, New Photos, planning, Politics, Pubs, Redevelopment, The Plastic Hippo, The YamYam, Twitter, Urbext, Vandalism, Walsall, Walsall Council, Walsall politics, Walsall Wood
25 Comments
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