THE BLOXIDGE TALLYGRAPH

Before: Bloxwich Library & Theatre in August 2008 (pic: Stuart Williams)

Dateline: 28 July 2010

The countdown to the relaunch of Bloxwich Library will begin this Saturday 31 July when the temporary library portakabin will close at 4pm in order for the final phase of the building work to be completed.  The forecourt will then be cleared and exterior works completed, including the laying out of a new Childrens' Reading Garden at the left-hand side of the building, incorporating a 'Wishing Tree' echoing the old Bloxwich tale.

The much-loved Bloxwich Library and Library Theatre, built 1960-64 in Elmore Row, have both been experiencing major refurbishment and rebuilding work since 1st November 2009.  The "new" library has undergone a remarkable internal transformation including amongst much else the addition of public toilets, a brand new cafe-bar (which is being put out to tender), and modern meeting facilities, all of which will be shared with the theatre. All-new shelving and counters, a re-arranged children's library area with access to the reading garden, refurbished staff facilities and new desks or "pods" for public-use computers are also incorporated in the completely re-wired, Wi-Fi'd and redecorated main building.

The building is expected to be handed over to library staff on 2 August so that equipment, furniture and book stock can be moved in before the library reopens on Tuesday 7 September, when users will see a bright, colourful, open multi-purpose facility which reflects the "swinging 60s" origins of the building in a 21st century echo of the period. 

The old Bloxwich Library Theatre, once an important part of this cutting edge cultural facility, had suffered greatly in recent years from inadequate maintenance and the refurbishment not only addresses its problems as well as those of Bloxwich Library with much-needed remedial work, but also returns the fixed audience seating back to its original flexibility with new seating which can be collapsed back towards the rear wall, opening up a multi-purpose space, complementing the traditional stage, for all kinds of activities and performances.  New facilities and new access for disabled performers and public have also been added.

The original theatre lighting and sound equipment, which has been in storage while works proceed, will be re-installed and new curtains fitted.  Digital projection facilities, albeit not in the same class as the original 16mm film projection equipment (which cost £1000 in 1960!), will also be available. 

Bloxwich Library Forum members have been consulted at various stages throughout the process, and are looking forward with excitement to the return of the village's - and the district's - premier cultural centre.

However, the current spate of public service cuts has sadly caught up even with this remarkable development.  Amongst other things (including a £3000 reduction in the book buying budget and the deletion of the proposed Council "First Stop Shop"), since work began last year, Walsall Council's events unit has been disbanded and its staff redeployed, and there is no longer a budget to put on public events next year.  For this reason at least, the decision has been taken to change the name of the Library Theatre to "The Venue", though no doubt Bloxwich folk will continue to think of it as the theatre for a long time to come. 

More importantly, this means that some lateral thinking will be needed to make use of the "venue" from 2011 onward, and library management are considering the possibilities.  If there are any local drama groups or others out there who might be interested in using the renewed venue, feel free to send in your contact details to The Bloxidge Tallygraph via our contact page and they will be passed onto library management.

The new Library telephone number will be 01922 655990, which will be active once the library is open.

Bloxwich Library will have a stall at Bloxwich Carnival on Saturday 7 August, so if you have any questions there will be an opportunity to ask them there.

FUN DAY FOR ALL AGES

Bloxwich Library will be holding a very special animal-themed Fun Day on 18 September to promote the renewed facility, with a programme for all ages as follows:

• 10:00 and 13:30 Storyteller Sue Andrews will tell stories and lead a treasure hunt and Jill Reynolds the Animal Lady will hold workshops with animals.
• 12:00-14:00 there will be a Mad Hatter's Tea party in the new Children’s Reading Garden.
• 10:30-14:30 there will be balloon modelling and face painting.
• 14:00-15:00 in the theatre/venue there will be the Ballet school from over at the church hall giving a short performance, and some of the Library staff will be holding a sing-along.
• 15:00-17:00 Stuart Williams (aka 'The Edditer' of The Bloxidge Tallygraph) will be giving a local history talk on 'Captain Clarke: the Leamore Lion Tamer' and fellow historian Ian Bott will be speaking about beastly goings-on in the local area.
• During the day there will be a Samba drums workshop.

The formal opening of the building will take place on 21 December 2010; this will be an invitation only event with dignitaries from the council in attendance as well as other guests including members of Bloxwich Library Forum.

Finally, although Bloxwich Library will remain as Bloxwich Library, the building as a whole is due to be re-named, reflecting its renewed status, though a final decision on that name has not yet been made.  You will very likely hear about it first, here in the pages of The Bloxidge Tallygraph!

For more on the rebuilding work, see our previous story via this link.

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Young Ambassadors and Debbie Baugh of the carnival committee gather at The Bloxwich Tardis

Dateline: 27 July 2010

The names of Bloxwich's young Carnival Ambassadors' for 2010 were officially announced today at a photo shoot for the local press on Elmore Green, Bloxwich.

The Young Ambassadors, each proudly representing their school, joined Debbie Baugh and Ken Worley of Bloxwich Carnival Committee at 'The Bloxwich Tardis' on Elmore Green, Bloxwich, this afternoon for a photo shoot for The Bloxidge Tallygraph and the Express & Star newspaper.

Their names and schools are: Emma Poynton (Abbey Primary School) , Brandon Mayfield, Jaque Harris (Bloxwich C.E. Primary School), Sapphire Radburn (Bloxwich C.E. Primary School), Saskia Spragg (Green Rock Primary School), Emily Collins (Lower Farm Primary School), Sian Humpage (Lower Farm Primary School), Tia James (Elmore Green Primary School), Georgia Bilston (Elmore Green Primary School), Abbie Hulse (Blakenall Heath Junior School), Lewis Doyle (Blakenall Heath Junior School), Bradley Murkett (Little Bloxwich C.E. Primary School) and Thomas Etheridge (Christ Church C.E. School).

Proud families and carnival committee members watch as the Express & Star photographer works

The tradition of the ambassadors, boys and girls chosen by and representing primary schools in the Bloxwich area, was added to the village's premier public event when it was revived in the year 2000, fifteen years after the last carnival, which had been organised by the first Bloxwich Rotary Club. 

The 'new era' of Bloxwich Carnival began when the Friends of Bloxwich Parks applied for and were awarded a £5000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund under the Millennium Festival for All.  This allowed for both the restoration of the 1891 fountain in the Promenade Gardens, and the revival of the carnival.  They brought together various Bloxwich community groups to work as a sub committee of the Friends to organise the Millennium carnival, on August 12, 2000.  It was a great success and thanks to an enormous amount of hard work and the support of local people and Walsall Council staff the event has since gone from strength to strength, though the carnival has had its ups and downs.

At first the ‘Noughties’ carnivals broke with tradition by having Young Ambassadors instead of a Carnival Queen, though the Queen later returned. Local primary schools were invited to each select a pupil who, through their own personal endeavours, rather than academic achievements, would represent village youth.  This is still a popular feature today, as can be seen by the turnout of bright, enthusiastic young Bloxwich folk and their parents today.

The Carnival Ambassadors will each be publicly presented with a medallion marking their achievement, as part of the Carnival Queen crowning ceremonies at Bloxwich Carnival in King George V Playing Fields on Saturday 7 August at 12.30pm. The carnival opens at 12 noon.

FULL PROGRAMME DETAILS are now on our Bloxwich Carnival page.

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L to R: The Edditer, 2009 Bloxwich Carnival Queen Sally Kirk and Bloxwich Carnival Chairman Ken Worley join broadcaster and historian Prof. Carl Chinn (seated) for his BBC WM radio show today 

Dateline: 25 July 2010

The runup to this year's Bloxwich Carnival picked up pace this afternoon when 2009 Bloxwich Carnival Queen Sally Kirk,  Bloxwich Carnival Committee Chairman Ken Worley and Stuart Williams, carnival committee member and Edditer of The Bloxidge Tallygraph accepted the invitation of broadcaster and historian Prof. Carl Chinn to appear on his BBC WM radio show.

Prof. Chinn, who also lectures at Birmingham University, welcomed all three to the hi-tech Birmingham Mailbox studio in his inimitable style at 12 noon today, to talk for almost half an hour about the carnival, its long history, and the experience of being a busy Carnival Queen representing the ancient village of Bloxwich.  The old rivalry between Bloxwich and Walsall was also touched upon in an amusing exchange.

Ken Worley took the opportunity to tell the world live on air about the revival of the event since 2000 and the forthcoming Bloxwich Carnival on Saturday 7 August 2010 together with the event's connections with the Bloxwich Fountain which will be reflected in the Bloxwich Celebrates event this coming Saturday 31 July.

Everyone is now looking forward with excitement to the next two Saturdays and the culmination of a year's work on Bloxwich's top event for all ages.

The interview is now available online for Bloxwich folk - and the wider world - to listen to for the next 7 days.  Follow this link to the Carl Chinn show and BBC iPlayer, the Bloxwich Carnival slot starts 2 hours in immediately after the song 'Love Train' so use the slider control to move to that point.

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Martin Yeardley, manager, and his new store (pix: Stuart Williams)

Dateline: 22 July 2010

A once-popular but latterly run-down Bloxwich pub was finally consigned to history this morning when the new food store into which it has been converted in a matter of months opened its doors to eager shoppers keen to see what it had to offer.  The rush lasted all day, with Martin Yeardley, the new store manager and his staff ready to show customers around and introduce their wares.

The latest Co-operative food store to open in Bloxwich (an earlier store was purpose-built some years ago on the Turnberry Estate, and nearby Pelsall already boasts a smaller establishment converted from another shop) was constructed by demolishing half of the disused Knave of Hearts in Lichfield Road and considerably extending and rebuilding the main body of the building.

A typical 1960s development, the Knave was once a good place for a meal and a pint, but in recent years suffered from similar problems to those many public houses are subject to in the modern world where cheap beer from supermarkets, cigarette bans in pubs and rising prices in the economic downturn meant that it was no longer able to make a profit.

So bad were the Knave's difficulties towards the end that the last manager of the pub allegedly skipped with both the takings and the fireplace!  That was surely the final nail in the coffin.                                                        The old Knave of Hearts in June 2009

Meanwhile next door, land on the corner of Selmans Hill had been empty for many years after Esso pulled out its last local service station in the area, abandoning the plot to rubble and weeds until rumours of a possible new Tesco on the site surfaced earlier this year, together with controversy over the effect a new store so close could have on nearby shops on Selmans Hill. 

Since the Co-op moved in, however, nothing more has been heard from Tesco and it seems unlikely that they would wish to enter into direct competition with a now-established and strong competitor next door.  What effect the prominent newcomer to this part of the village will now have on other businesses nearby is as yet unknown.  New jobs for local people, and the convenience of long opening hours (7 days a week, 7am-11pm), are clear benefits for many, however.

The Edditer visited the new Lichfield Road Co-operative Food store on his way home this evening and came away favourably impressed with the smart new store, its clever conversion, and the friendly attitude of the staff.  It could do with a larger car park, however - perhaps this may be extended in future.  How the store will fare under cut-throat competition on prices from local franchise shops and the old enemy, ASDA, at the other end of Field Road, is another matter - we shall have to wait and see.  Meantime, we wish them well.

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Bloxwich Library - a work in progress (all pix by Stuart Williams)

Dateline: 18 July 2010 

Last Thursday the Edditer of The Bloxidge Tallygraph was delighted to be invited to join library staff on a site visit to Bloxwich Library and Theatre, the major refurbishment and rebuild of which is nearing completion after months of hard work.

At present, most of the major works are completed but the new floor covering, much of the lighting, shelving, and some exterior works like the new Childrens' Reading Garden and The Wishing Tree are yet to be installed.  And furniture such as the new counters, computer "pods", and the all-new cafe's counter is still covered for protection while work is completed.  Once complete, computers and wi-fi will be installed.

There is also a considerable amount of work to be done in the former theatre, which is apparently now to be known as the "venue". A new name has yet to be finalised for the building.

But sufficient progress has been made that a hand-over of the building is currently predicted in early August which will then be followed by the re-stocking of the library and all the little things that will make this much-loved place a living, breathing part of the community once more.

It is hoped that the reincarnated Bloxwich Library will re-open in early September of this year, and a "fun day" with various activities and talks for all ages is being planned for Saturday 18 September (details to be confirmed).

For your interest, The Bloxidge Tallygraph presents below a small selection of photographs taken by the Edditer on his visit - the full album may be found on Flickr via this link.  Try the Flickr slideshow option for a good impression of the current state of work on the library.

Our thanks to Dina Teppin, Area Librarian - North, and Walsall Libraries, for the opportunity to visit and take pictures on this occasion.

Library interior - main body looking towards the rear.

Library interior - main body looking towards the new foyer, counters and security screen.

Corridor leading from the foyer to the new cafe and public toilets.

The new cafe

The former theatre (now "venue")

The former theatre (now "venue") 

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High Street Bloxwich braces itself for the Red Route rumble (pix: Stuart Williams)

Dateline: 17 July 2010   SCROLL DOWN FOR LATER UPDATES AND NEW PIX 

The most significant section of works to Bloxwich High Street required by the change to a Red Route will begin soon, on Monday 26 July and will continue through the Summer holidays.  The works which commence on the 26 will see the creation of a temporary diversion route for northbound traffic.

This section of the works is expected to create some disruption.  We hope to publish a drawing of the area next week (probably around Wednesday or Thursday) which will be of significant help to those who may be affected by the diversion.  The main points of the diversion are set out below and signs have already been erected at various locations around Bloxwich, particularly on the A34, A4124 and B4210 letting people know of the diversion in advance.

MAIN POINTS

Northbound Traffic (towards Cannock)

The diversion will mean that northbound traffic will not be able to travel along High Street.  Northbound traffic will instead need to turn left at the junction of High Street (A34) and Elmore Green Road (B4210), following B4210 (Elmore Green Road).  Traffic wishing to head north will need to continue along the B4210 and travel north along the B4210 either turning right at Turnberry Road or heading north along the B4210 into Staffordshire.

North-eastbound Traffic (towards Pelsall, Brownhills and Lichfield)

Traffic wishing to head east will turn right at the junction of A4124 (Broad Lane/Sandbank) and B4210 (Bell Lane/Broad Lane) and then head straight across at the junction of A34 (High Street/Stafford Road) and A4124 (Bell Lane/Lichfield Road)

Southbound Traffic (towards Walsall)

Traffic wishing to head south will still be permitted to travel from A34 (Stafford Road) and south onto and all the way through High Street as normal.

Prohibited Manoeuvres

The diversion will mean that traffic heading from A4124 (Bell Lane) will not be able to turn left into A34 (Stafford Road).  Likewise, traffic heading from A4124 (Lichfield Road) will not be able to turn right into A34 (Stafford Road).

The diversion is being put into place in the manner set-out above for two reasons.  Primarily, it ensures that it is possible to close one side of High Street during the six weeks holidays.  This allows for the creation of a safe working environment for Walsall Council's contractor’s employees.  Without closing one side of High Street they would not be able to carry out their work safely alongside moving traffic.

Also, putting in place the above diversion allows southbound traffic to use the High Street unhindered.  It is crucial that southbound traffic is given priority during these works as the heaviest traffic flows which utilise High Street do so heading southbound, generally during the morning rush hour.  As such, southbound traffic is allowed to move through the High Street in the same way it always does whilst the lighter northbound traffic flows will be diverted.

PARKING BAY SUSPENSIONS, CLOSURE OF VICTORIA AVENUE

UPDATE: Parking bays coned and fenced off and dug up opposite the old vicarage 24 July 2010 - NOTE: all businesses are still open and accessible on foot.

These works will also require some temporary suspensions of parking bays and the closure of Victoria Avenue.

Parking bay suspensions

A few small areas of Bloxwich High Street parking & loading will be suspended next week. The bays which will be suspended to allow for this are as follows:

· approximately four bays on the southbound side of High Street between the junction with Church Street and the junction with Elmore Green Road

· approximately five bays near the corner of Park Road, opposite No’s. 51-55

A small area of land may also be required on The Exchange, off Victoria Avenue adjacent to the BT Telephone Exchange.

These suspensions will allow for the temporary location of construction equipment and materials at these locations while works begin.  The suspensions will begin either on Monday at the earliest or by Wednesday at the latest.

Closure of Victoria Avenue

On Sunday 25^th July part of Victoria Avenue will be closed to through traffic.  The affected section will be the first 50-100m of Victoria Avenue as you come off High Street.  Victoria Avenue should be closed for this one day only and this will be to allow for works to a small section of statutory utilities equipment (i.e. gas cables, electricity mains etc).

UPDATED 22 July 2010 - WITH DIVERSION PLANS

1.    Starting point for the one-way system
It can now be confirmed that the northern extents of the one-way system will begin at a point on the A34 (Stafford Road) just south of Wallington Heath, between Wallington Heath and Heathfield Drive.  The southern starting point will be at the junction of A34-B4210 (High Street-Elmore Green Road).  Bloxwich High Street will be one-way for southbound traffic only.
 
2.    Approximate start time for the diversion
The one-way/diversion will come into force earlier than planned.  It should be in place at approximately 12 noon/1pm on Sunday 25th July 2010.
 
3.    Diversion Plans
The third point is that below there are ten pdf’s linked for download.  These are illustrations of how the diversion will work.  Illustrations have only been included for the three main junctions around Bloxwich.  If you click on and view each of these drawings you should quickly gain an understanding of how the diversion will work at the three main junctions around Bloxwich.  This should, in turn, enable you to best plan your journeys through the area, particularly during the early stage of the diversion.

PDF DIVERSION PLANS DOWNLOAD LINKS;

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

UPDATED 23 July 2010 - LEAMORE LANE DRAINAGE WORKS

Works to drainage connections located on Green Lane (A34) just south of the Leamore Lane roundabout will be carried out over a five day period next week.
 
Work will start on Monday 26th July 2010 and will finish on Friday 30th July 2010.  To allow the work to be carried out safely, ‘stop-go’ boards will be used between the hours of 09:30 and 16:00. 

UPDATED 28 July 2010 - Victoria Avenue works tonight

This is an update regarding the works to a small section of statutory utilities equipment on Victoria Avenue which were scheduled to take place on Sunday 25^th July. 

Unfortunately, the works did not take place as planned and the works are now rescheduled for tonight (Wednesday 28^th July).  Work will commence at around 18.30 and should continue until around 21:30.  Although the works are going on between 18:30-21:30 the road closure will be in place from 18:30 (tonight) until 06:00 (Thursday 29^th July) to allow the tarmac to set.  The work will then be finished this Sunday (Sunday 1^st August) with work taking place between 07:30 and approximately 16:00/17:00 with the road being closed during these approximate hours.

Please note that between the removal of the road closure at 06:00 Thursday 29^th July and it’s reinstatement at 07:30 Sunday 1^st August, the road will be reopened to traffic as normal.

A large section of Victoria Avenue to the east, near it’s junction with Field Road will remain open to pedestrians and traffic at all times and the junction of High Street and Victoria Avenue will be open to pedestrians at all times.

Please note that businesses along Bloxwich High Street are remaining open as normal throughout the roadworks and access should be maintained to them at all times.

If you have any further questions regarding these works and associated matters please contact Steven Edwards, Senior Transport Planner - Regeneration for further information.  Email: edwardssteven@walsall.gov.uk Telephone: 01922 653614.

Our thanks to Mr. Edwards for the above information.

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Images courtesy Fred Westley/The Labour Party

Dateline: 16 July 2010

The Conservative Party appear to have been soundly beaten, and the Liberal Democrats decimated, in yesterday's by election for the Walsall Council ward of Bloxwich West which was triggered by the untimely death of respected long-standing Tory Councillor and former mayor Melvin Pitt on the eve of the General Election earlier this year.

Late results, as yet unofficially declared, appear to reveal that Fred Westley, the Labour candidate, has overturned the Tory majority with his own new majority of 342, based on 1142 votes cast for him. The Conservative candidate polled just 800 votes with the other parties barely getting a look in as follows: UKIP 91, Lib Dem 71 and Green 28.

If confirmed, this overturns a majority of 300 from 6 May 2010 and nearly 1000 when last fought.  Embarrassing revelations regarding post-General Election alterations to leaflets promoting the new Tory candidate Theresa Smith can hardly have helped her cause, but rounds of savage cuts in local and national government, actual and proposed, especially in school funding, must surely have had a significant effect on the vote.

Long considered a safe seat due to his energetic work for local people by the late Cllr Pitt over the years, this kind of result, although only a by-election, must be seen as a stern warning to the Con-Dem coalition nationally and simultaneously should give new hope to the Labour party for the future.  It also sends a clear message to the Tory leaders of Walsall Council that voters who are tired of cuts and threats to their public services will eventually push back.

UPDATE: RESULTS NOW OFFICIALLY DECLARED:

Watch out for our Edditorial to follow!

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Dateline: 15 July 2010

Bloxwich, Leamore & Blakenall Business Partnership's second event ‘Bloxwich Celebrates’ takes place on Saturday 31 July 2010, 10am to 3pm. It celebrates everything that makes Bloxwich a great place to visit, work and live: the history of the village and the district, its traditions including the carnival, its leisure facilities, its parks and green spaces and its wide range of friendly businesses.

Pix: K. Frost, S.Williams

BLOXWICH FOUNTAIN TURN-ON 12 - 1PM

In conjunction with the event, the ‘Friends of Bloxwich Parks Group’ will be celebrating the official opening and turn-on of the famous Bloxwich Fountain, in Promenade Gardens, which recently returned to its pride of place as one of Bloxwich's iconic focal points following long-delayed but well-deserved restoration.  The formal 'opening' of the fountain will be done at 12 noon by the Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Gary Clarke, in the presence of 2009 Bloxwich Carnival Queen Sally Kirk and 2010 Bloxwich Carnival Queen Jessica Jones.

CARNIVAL WINDOW DISPLAY COMPETITION FOR BUSINESSES

And in keeping with historic Bloxwich traditions of the past, 'Bloxwich Celebrates' will have a carnival theme to link in with Bloxwich Carnival which is taking place a week later on Saturday 7 August at King George V Playing Fields. Amongst the activities planned for the 31st there will be a carnival-themed best dressed window display competition for all businesses to participate in.  The competition will be judged by 2009 Bloxwich Carnival Queen Sally Kirk and 2010 Bloxwich Carnival Queen Jessica Jones.

FAMILY FUN!

Entertainment and activities will be taking place throughout the day to attract families to the village and provide a day of fun.  Confirmed attractions include:

• Juggling Jim's Circus Workshop - in the Market Place
• Face Painting
• Punch & Judy - in the Promenade Gardens
• Traditional Organ - in the Promenade Gardens
• Mad Dom the walkabout street entertainer
• Fair Mini-Rides - in the Market Place and near the Public Toilets
• A Carnival Treasure Trail

TALLYGRAPH COVERAGE

The Edditer, Stuart Williams, will be in Bloxwich throughout the event to cover it for the Tallygraph.

DOWNLOADS

You can now download  a pdf-format poster for Bloxwich Celebrates from this link and also the Bloxwich Celebrates Special Edition of the all-new Bloxwich Shopping Guide via this lnk.

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Senior citizens from Bloxwich and district raise the roof thanks to Bloxwich Carnival (All pix: Stuart Williams)

Dateline: 8 July 2010

Senior citizens from across Bloxwich and district topped the bill at an afternoon of food, fun and fine entertainment today when Bloxwich Carnival hosted them as guests at their annual party at the former Bloxwich Baths.

 Cllr Louise Harrison (left) and Catherine Casewell (right) of Bloxwich Carnival Committee do their bit!

When the carnival - which has had its ups and downs over the decades and finished in 1985 due to lack of support - was revived by the Friends of Bloxwich Parks for the Millennium in 2000, it continued successfully under a new committee and in 2001 the "Old Folks" tea party was revived, at first taking place on the Friday before the Carnival, where invited senior citizens attended a performance by one of Pat Collins' fairground organs.

Today more than three hundred elderly citizens of the district, invited through various local groups, organisations and nursing homes, enjoyed their specially laid-on tea in the very civilised Art Deco surroundings of the former 1920s Bloxwich Baths, which is now a permanent function hall (as it was so often in the past on a temporary basis) associated with Bloxwich Leisure Centre.

2010 Rosebud Holly Arrowsmith (left) and 2009 Queen Sally Kirk (right) serve with pride

And the happy throng were not only well-served by this year's 'carnival royalty' Sally Kirk (2009 Queen), Jessica Jones (2010 Queen), Jessica Watts (2010 Princess) and little Holly Arrowsmith (2010 Rosebud) - but also by members of Bloxwich Carnival Committee plus many other supporters, together with local young people from 196 (Walsall) Squadron Air Cadets, based in Bloxwich.

Tea, coffee - or aviation fuel? The Air Cadets know their duty!

The event started off with a prayer from Rev. Kareen Lowther of Holy Ascension Church, Lower Farm.  Then, as well as a fine tea, the guests were treated to a grand singalong by veteran professional musicians and vocalists Antoine Socci (on accordion) and son Antony Socci (on trumpet) of Sapphire Entertainments, who really know how to work a crowd, plus a special appearance by high-energy rock-and-rolling steel band "The Five Star Steel Pans" a group of talented young people from local schools who have come together through the Forest Arts Centre.  Little did they know that they were playing on the very stage that legendary acts such as Jerry Lee Lewis rocked on back in the 50s and 60s!

Two musical generations in harmony: Antony and Antoine Socci play up a storm

Rocking and rolling: The Five Star Steel Pans Band

Finally, accompanied by much jollity from both stage and audience, the guests all took part in a free prize raffle organised by the carnival committee, with the winning tickets picked out by hard-working 2009 Bloxwich Carnival Queen Sally Kirk and this year's Rosebud Holly Arrowsmith. 

Ken Worley introduces the young "royals" Sally Kirk, Jessica Jones, Jessica Watts and Holly Arrowsmith

Master of Ceremonies Ken Worley, Chairman of Bloxwich Carnival Committee, led proceedings and introduced both entertainers and carnival royalty alike to the happy, cheering audience.

Florence Elizabeth Riley of Bloxwich, looking forward to her 101st birthday in August!

The view from the stage: hundreds of happy faces

Finally, the most wonderful sight of the day for this reporter was the view from the stage, of a sea of smiling faces of hundreds of Bloxwich "old folks".  These were the real stars of the show, who today undeniably had a grand day out in the fine tradition of the ancient village of Bloxwich, its people and its Carnival.

For more photos from the party, follow this link to the hi-res set on Flickr.  And to find out about the history of Bloxwich Carnival, see our Bloxwich Carnival page!

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Mark Twaddell, Darren Shields and Peter Matthews of Fordwater (Pix: SW (left) + Kate Frost)

Dateline: 28 June 2010

Mark Twaddell (Engineer), Darren Shields (Works Foreman) and Peter Matthews (General Manager) of Fordwater Pumping Supplies Limited, Birmingham, were in Bloxwich last Friday to turn on the water, adjust the jets and level the village's famous Victorian fountain ahead of the formal turning on of the legendary centrepiece of the Promenade Gardens, which is expected to take place on Saturday 31 July - of which, more details to follow.

Darren was on the same site back in February of last year to oversee the removal of the sadly long-neglected water feature for restoration and later reinstallation by Fordwater, a job which which should have taken only a few months but whose completion in the end took much longer than expected and ended in controversy (see our earlier story).

But for once, all was well, the sun was shining and the boys from Fordwater were delighted to be able to be up to their knees in water and begin bringing the project to a successful conclusion.  General Manager of Fordwater, Peter Matthews, was on site on Friday to make sure all was well.  He was reassured of a job well done by members of the Friends of Bloxwich Parks Group Kate Frost (Secretary) and Syd Gorman (Vice Chair).

The new railings, which were constructed and fitted by West Midlands Fencing, have been designed to precisely fit the shape of the pool and should prove an effective deterrent to modern-day vandals while being in keeping with the Victorian style of the fountain, which was first installed in Bloxwich Park in 1891 as a belated part of the village's celebrations of Queen Victoria's Jubilee. In 1928, after much argument, it was carried across the road to the southern section of the Promenade Gardens, where it is now safely back in place.

There is still work to do; the pool is to be repainted and it may be that, at a later stage, further detail work could be done on the vibrant (and controversial in some quarters) new "Malachite Green" powder-coated paint job in a contrasting colour.  And the paving around the pool now looks particularly dowdy compared to the renewed fountain.  But for now we can safely say: nice work, lads!

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History revisited: the new reprint (Pic: SW)  

Dateline: 28 June 2010

Publications about Bloxwich are few and far between, so it’s a special event when one is issued.

One of the first significant works on the history of Bloxwich was ‘Bloxwich in History’ – subtitled “A survey of a thousand years’.  The booklet, first published in 1941, was a reprint, with additions, of articles contributed to the Bloxwich Parish Magazine (All Saints Church).

It covered such topics as: Bloxwich’s connection with Walsall; first mention in the Domesday book of 1086 and the place name; the Middle Ages; the coming of the Church; the 16th century; the 17th century; the Reformation; local industry; “Prosecutions and Disputations”; the Church at the Restoration and its registers; the early 19th century; Bloxwich trades; Bloxwich Methodism; Roman Catholicism; Canals, roads and transport; the Parish Church (in 1940-41); Musical activities and personalities; and latest developments in the village (as of 1940-41). It is illustrated with old photographs, maps and documents.

‘Bloxwich in History’ was co-written by local historian the late Mr. David E. Parry, a civic-minded Bloxwich man who was an Alderman on Walsall Council and a member of the Staffordshire Record Society, together with the then Vicar of Bloxwich, Rev. K.F. Jones, MA.  It was then out of print until 2003, when Walsall Local History Centre published a limited edition facsimile reprint, which quickly sold out.

Now, Walsall Local History Centre has announced that a further reprint of ‘Bloxwich in History’ has been published, with a different coloured cover and a revised foreword by staff member Stuart Williams (aka The Edditer of The Bloxidge Tallygraph).

The A4 booklet is on sale priced just £3.50 and may be purchased from Walsall Local History Centre, Essex Street, Walsall, WS2 7AS. Contact the Centre on 01922 721305 for details of postage if mail order is required.

Permanent story link here.

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Contest winners Jessica Jones, Jessica Watts and (seated) Holly Arrowsmith (pic: SW)

Dateline: 10 June 2010

Tonight, one of the most important decisions of the year in Bloxwich has been taken: the choice of the Queen of that most popular annual institution, Bloxwich Carnival.

And the winner of what was a hard-fought and close contest - Jessica Jones - is joined by two other members of the "royal" entourage, Carnival Princess Jessica Watts and Rosebud Holly Arrowsmith, all of Bloxwich.

A crowd of prospective queens, princesses and rosebuds with their families and supporters packed out a busy St. John's Methodist Church, in Victoria Avenue, Bloxwich, from around 6pm and the team of judges had the incredibly difficult task of deciding between the entrants, who were all excellent, for the prestigious traditional roles.

The contest, organised by Bloxwich Carnival Committee and Bloxwich Phoenix Rotary Club, was judged by Roy Peace (Chairman of the Bloxwich Local Trust of Walsall Housing Group), Lisa Allen (President, Bloxwich Phoenix Rotary Club), Sally Kirk (Bloxwich Carnival Queen 2009) and Bev Bellamy (Proprietor, Review Hair Design, Bloxwich).

Bloxwich Phoenix organiser Tracey Brown and Carnival Chairman Ken Worley plus colleagues including supporters from Walsall Council were kept busy throughout the evening, which was a notable success.

Now Bloxwich, Leamore and Blakenall Heath folk can all look forward with anticipation to seeing the new Queen, Princess and Rosebud crowned at the main event of the year, Bloxwich Carnival itself, which takes place on Saturday 7 August 2010 in King George V Playing Fields.  More on that soon - all will be revealed, and as always, first in the Tallygraph - first for Bloxwich!

More Bloxwich Carnival Queen Contest pictures on Flickr via this link.

For further info on Bloxwich Carnival, check out our carnival page.  to find out about Bloxwich Phoenix Rotary, why not visit their website as well?

Permanent story link here.

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Older news stories than those found on the Front Page are archived in The Newsroom.

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Updated: 15 July 2010

LEAMORE FUN DAY 24 JULY 2010

Saturday 24 July, Leamore Fun Day, Leamore Park. Organised by Friends of Leamore Park & Walsall Council. 

NEW CHESS CLUB FOR YOUNGSTERS

A Bloxwich chess club for youngsters is to host its first session.  Bloxwich Community Church, Stokes Street, will stage the event on 12 June from 10.00am - 11.30am.  For information contact Ray Dolan, by email at dolan_ray@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 07980 101744.

For more on the game of chess, why not check out our 'Chess Club' page via this link.

COFFEE MORNING IN BLAKENALL  Blakenall United Reformed Church in Blakenall Lane are having a coffee morning on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month.  11.00am - 12.00am the aim is to get the community in and encourage people to make new friends.

NEW HOSPICE SUPPORT GROUP  A new group which aims to raise funds for the much-needed Walsall Hospice has been set up.  WS3 Walsall Hospice Support Group also intend to hold social events.  If anyone in the WS3 postcode area would like to help, the group would be grateful.  Contact Bloxwich Councillor Kath Phillips by email or see contact details here.

FRIENDS OF BAMFORD HOUSE & LOWER FARM We need recycled teenagers!  Bored with your own company? Then you're the people for us.  We need new members for our games evenings: Cards, darts, snooker and dominoes.  Bingo nights, arts group and keep fit.  Get more details at our coffee morning at Bamford House, 9.30am Mondays.

See also our Community Directory for links to local organisations etc.

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BLOXWICH POLICE

Anti-Social Behaviour Meetings:

Bloxwich West - Thursday 22nd July 7-9pm, All Saints Church Hall, Bloxwich.
Leamore - Thursday 29th July 7-9pm ,Beechdale Life Long learning Centre, Stephenson Square, Beechdale.

Contact: Tel: 0345 113 5000   Email: a.mcphee@west- midlands.pnn.police.uk

Anti-social behaviour hotline: 01922 648 291.  In an emergency dial 999.

Bloxwich Neighbourhood Policing website and newsletters

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The Old Music Hall, corner of High St/Wolverhampton Rd.  (pic: Stuart Williams).  

For previous pix see this archive Album, also available in the Centre Spread

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Newly launched:

Business Partnership pages (see nav bar). 

In preparation:

• Bloxwich Business features section.
• Expanded Cultural Supplement.
• Changes to the Sports Page.

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