Carl's Brum Blog

Arsene Wenger

2009-08-31T12:54:00.002+01:00

I see Arsene has been auditioning for "Jesus Christ the Musical" over the weekend! Actually felt he that the fourth official was being a bit of a prat, bit harsh sending him to the stands so late in the game at Old Trafford, it made for a bit of comical entertainment though, I bet he didn't see that coming.

Rapid Wien Fans

2009-08-27T23:37:00.003+01:00

Congratulations to their fans after tonights win on away goals at v***a park, looked a good turnout and sounded load, fair play to the Austrians enjoying their night in Aston.

Fourth Ashes Test, Edgbaston 2009

2009-08-17T21:11:00.002+01:00

Some photos from the 5th day of the England v Australia Ashes Test in Birmingham, the day started with great hope of a England victory, but sadly the day turned into a day of Aussie batting practice, at least the bars were open and the beer flowing.

The best sight of the day was the legendary ex-Blues striker Frank Worthington!

Another Chelmsley Pub closes

2009-08-17T20:11:00.003+01:00

The Bluebell formerly known as Woodies and the Old Aquarius as shut down,can't ever see it reopening with the state of the pub trade today. I have some fond memories of this boozer had many a piss up in there in my youth. That makes it now 4 pubs left on the Wood, the Centurion, the Kingfisher, the Prince Hal and the Greenwood.

The Old Aquarius pub

Sky Sports & News Babes

2009-08-13T10:31:00.011+01:00

After a few discussions in the pub after several beers yet again, I thought I would post a few pictures of some of the beauties that adorn our TV screens on Sky News / Sky Sports. Many a time as been passed with this subject causing much debate amongst slightly inebriated blokes!

Please feel free to vote on the poll on the right hand side of the page !

Birmingham Freedom Parade 22/07/09

2009-07-23T08:11:00.003+01:00

Troops from the 26th Royal Artillery Regiment also known as the West Midlands Gunners became the 6th Regiment to be granted the Freedom of Birmingham,after recent tours of Iraq and Afghanistan,the Lord Mayor of Birmingham Michael Wilkes officiated at the Parade through the City Center, the band of the Parachute Regiment marched at the front of the parade which was supported by various British Legion groups. Well done too the Lads and Lasses! We are proud of you all.

Axe the Beer Tax

2009-05-26T16:43:00.001+01:00

It's not going to happen with these MP's with their snouts in the trough.

Birmingham City 1967-68 season

2009-05-26T13:40:00.005+01:00

1971 KFC advert

2009-05-10T14:54:00.000+01:00

Came across this 1971 advert for Kentucky Fried Chicken in Birmingham, it made me smile, don't think it would be allowed in today's PC climate.

Promoted again back to the Premiership

2009-05-10T14:44:00.001+01:00

Brimingham City gained promotion back to the Premier League after a 2-1 win away at Reading after a long hard season. Well done to Alex McLeish and the blue boys.
Pictures 1 & 2 taken by Matty on his Iphone,
Picture 3 Kevin Phillips has just scored the winner.
Picture 4 Alex McLeish with his promotion medal.
Picture 5 Kevin Phillips slotting home the winner,to put Blues 2-0up.
Picture 6 David Gold and Karen Brady celebrating.

Birmingham Programmes

2009-04-24T22:06:00.003+01:00

Tony Hancock

2009-04-10T11:06:00.003+01:00

A tribute to one of Birmingham's comic greats in Old Square Birmingham City Center.

Another Pub closed

2009-04-10T09:44:00.006+01:00

The Local in Arran Way Smith's Wood, closed down and ready for demolition. Another pub gone and more English culture eroded.

Cameron Jerome

2009-04-07T15:31:00.003+01:00

Cameron Jerome scoring the first goal against Wolves on 06/042009, Blues won 2-0.

Lee Carsley's red card

2009-04-07T15:03:00.005+01:00

A shocking tackle by Lee Carsley of Blues on Chris Iwelumo of Wolves, he got a deserved red card. Blues won 2-0 despite having Carsley sent off after 37 minutes with the game at 0-0.

French Franck

2009-04-06T07:23:00.003+01:00

Well done to Franck Queudrue on his performances this season for the Blues, possibly will be voted player of the season by the fans, he's given 100% in every game he's played this season, nothing remarkable really, but given the fact co owner David Sullivan launched a verbal assault on him before the season started, branding him a "complete waste of space". Well done Frank.

England v Ukraine

2009-04-05T19:57:00.038+01:00

A great last ditch goal by John Terry gave England a 2-1 victory over Ukraine, this keeps England's World Cup Qualification right on track with a 100% record, pictures from ITV's match coverage.

John Terry waits to lead England out of the tunnel.

The two national flags laid out on the Wembley turf before kick off.

Fabio Capello, could this be the man to lead England back to World Cup Glory?

The England team line up before the kick off against Ukraine.

Crouch fires home the first goal from close range.

Rooney's full blooded flying tackle.

John Terry about to score the winner.

Mad Malik

2009-04-05T19:34:00.005+01:00

Mad Malik as he's known to his fans, he can be seen singing,dancing,shouting abuse and gesturing on the roadside, a familiar sight on Victoria Street and Green Lane in Small Heath, loved by the passing motorists.

I did not see it !

2009-03-28T10:12:00.005Z

Well perhaps this is the reason Arsene ?

Arsene Wenger in action. I think Arsene should request a visit to Specsavers, or maybe put a white stick and a Labrador on his Christmas present list.

Prague March 1995

2009-02-02T20:38:00.006Z

Some photos from a weekend break in Prague, plenty of great beer and even a football match between Viktoria Zizkov and Bohemians of Praha. The game on Sunday March 5th 1995 finished 3-4 to Bohemians, we managed to even get a drink will watching the game, the only downer on the day was some scroat running off with the C/Wood Blues flag.

Blues v Leeds Riot 1985

2009-01-21T19:20:00.011Z

Saturday 11th May 1985 saw one of the worst football riots in England take place at St Andrews between Birmingham City and Leeds United football hooligans. Sadly one young lad died when a wall collapsed on top of him at the away end. These are photos taken at the time from the Blues end.

Burst water main

2009-01-11T20:09:00.007Z

A burst 24" water main on the very busy road junction of Lichfield Road and Cuckoo Road in Birmingham, which went up on Thursday 8th January 2009.

Last day of the Spion Kop 16/04/1994

2008-12-02T20:05:00.009Z

Ticket stub from the game. I don't think any Blues fan would describe it as 88 Glorious Years !

Last day of the Spion Kop v Bristol C.

End of an era at St Andrews on the 16th April 1994.

End of the last game in front of the old Spion Kop stand.

The fence down the middle of the Tilton used to segregate the home and away fans.

View of the Tilton Road stand at the last game played in front of the old stand on 16th April 1994.

Boulton,Watt and Murdoch

2008-11-23T09:38:00.005Z

This statue of Matthew Boulton 1728-1809, James Watt 1736-1819 and William Murdoch 1754-1839 is situated on Broad Street in Birmingham.

Ajax Fans at v** p*

2008-10-25T08:08:00.003+01:00

I've always liked Ajax as a Football Club and now I know why!

Chelmsley's remaining Pubs

2008-10-25T07:52:00.006+01:00

These are the only remaining Pubs left on Chelmsley wood, not counting the Local as this is now boarded up.

The Bluebell pub (the old Aquarius pub)

The Centurion

The Greenwood pub

The Kingfisher pub

The Prince Hal pub

Some of Brum's demolished pubs

2008-10-17T20:12:00.008+01:00

Just a few of the recently lost pubs in Brum, sadly the pubs are dwindling by the day in modern Britain, reports are saying 5 pubs a day are going to the wall.

Birmingham City training at Wast Hills

2008-08-21T18:40:00.002+01:00

Some photos taken on 21/08/08 at Wast Hills training session.

Chelmsley Wood

2008-07-06T10:23:00.002+01:00

Chelmsley Wood history

During the Second World War some 3,000 houses in Birmingham were destroyed and no more were built for 6 years.

In order to meet demand, new houses had to be built in large numbers and the slum clearance programme had to be resumed to enable redevelopment of Birmingham city centre. Large new estates were built within the city boundaries e.g. Druids Heath, but by the 1960s there was insufficient land left to accommodate further large-scale developments.

In November 1963, Birmingham City Council took the decision that would lead to the building of the Chelmsley Wood estate. A public enquiry was held in May 1964, with strong objections being raised by Meriden Rural District Council and Bickenhill, Castle Bromwich and Coleshill Parish Councils. Despite this, permission for the development was granted and it was named Chelmsley Wood in February 1965, taking its name from the existing 'bluebell wood' that is fondly remembered by locals.

People would come in droves to picnic at Chelmsley Woods, particularly on Bank Holidays. They would arrive from Birmingham by train at Marston Green station and, as a result, tea rooms in Marston Green would do a roaring trade. Pots of tea were also sold by people at Alcott Hall Farm.

Land was compulsorily purchased and construction of the 15,590 dwellings (including 39 multi-storey blocks of flats) was begun in 1966 and completed in 1970. Although the area became part of Solihull in 1974, Birmingham City Council retained control of their houses until they were officially transferred to Solihull MBC on 29th September 1980.

Original concept and design

The emphasis of the design brief for the town centre was the separation of cars and pedestrians in a 'Radburn layout' that resulted in a back to front layout with housing backing onto streets whilst front doors opened onto semi-private and public spaces.

Shopping was to be accessible from one level and undercover so that shoppers were protected from the elements. There were 70 shop units and 6 major stores, as well as a 4-storey office block and 2 pubs. The 221 dwellings in the town centre included 14 maisonettes over shops - the intention was to prevent the area from becoming lifeless when the shopping centre was closed.

Attention was paid to the site of buildings in relation to the prevailing winds to ensure that a tunnelling effect with the wind was not created. However, the descriptions of life in Chelmsley Wood by Lynsey Hanley in her book Estates would indicate that the 'wind tunnel' effect wasn't completely avoided.

Landscaping was to "act as a transition between the roads and buildings, in some cases to relieve the hardness of the buildings, and in others to stimulate interest and add to the visual pleasure of the area".

Buildings were designed to "evoke some sense of unity and harmony by obtaining good proportions and a simple use of materials". High-rise flats were developed with pockets of open space. Housing densities were high but a uniform system of development evolved, lacking in character, identity and diversity.

With the decline in manufacturing industries in the area and difficulties in developing the skills required to access new jobs, unemployment increased. As a result, the area has suffered from physical, social and economic deprivation.

Copied from Solihull Council website.

Thiepval Memorial, Somme, France

2008-07-05T13:26:00.011+01:00

In memory of John Cornock, Private 25822 C Company 14th Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment who died on Monday 13th November 1916.

Photo of Pier and Face 5 A and 6 C on the Thiepval Memorial

Private 25822 John Cornock

2008-07-03T21:39:00.007+01:00

My Great Grandfather whose body was never found, but was killed in action on 13/11/1916 aged 34.

The Battle of the Ancre (The Somme)
The night of the 12th/13th November 1916, was dark and close, and before dawn the valley of the Ancre was filled with dense mist. “Zero” had been fixed for 5.45 a.m., well before daybreak, and consequently it was in thick darkness that the preliminary bombardment opened and the attacking troops went “over the top.” But the very obscurity aided the attack.
The defending troops were surprised and overwhelmed, and on the right flank the enemy’s first system
of defences was easily overrun. In the centre, however, a German redoubt, cunningly concealed so as to appear from the air to be an open communication trench, held up the attack and
inflicted severe losses. By that time all three Brigades of the 63rd Division were engaged and were much intermingled in the intricate defences.
The three half-companies of the 14th Worcestershire had gone forward with the attacking Brigades and were soon busy in all directions, consolidating the captured defences and preparing new works amid the general confusion and turmoil of battle. The second half of” B” Company were sent forward at 9 a.m. to Beaucourt Station, where they remained throughout the day.
The two officers of the half-company (Lieutenant H. C. J. Shuttleworth-King and 2/Lieut. B. J. C.
Hamm) were both hit, but Sergeant W. D. Cherry took command and directed the work with great skill and coolness
(Sergt. Cherry was awarded the D.C.M.).
After dark came orders that the remainder of the 14th Worcestershire were to go forward and assist in the consolidation of the line gained.
“A” Company and the remaining halves of “C” and “D” Companies accordingly moved off, passed over the old front line near the river crossed the captured German trenches and worked hard for many hours on a new defensive line along the bottom of the little valley which runs from Beaumont Hamel down to the Ancre.
Towards dawn they returned to camp, but at 9.30 a.m. “A” Company, under Captain E. M. Tweddlle, were ordered off again, to the assistance of the right wing of the Division.
The Hood Battalion, led by Colonel Freyberg (who there gained the Victoria
Cross), had stormed the village of Beaucourt. “A” Company made their way up to Beaucourt and worked hard under heavy fire on a communication trench to link up the captured village with the British positions in rear.
The work was dangerous in the extreme, for the enemy were heavily bombarding their lost ground: but Captain Tweddle and his men stuck gamely to their task and were fortunate in completing their task without undue loss.
Dawn of 14th November 1916, witnessed the fall of the German redoubt which had hitherto repulsed all attacks.
Three tanks were brought up from Auchonvillers to reduce it. One of them was knocked out by shells but the other two pushed on.
Both tanks became stuck in the mud close to the redoubt: but the menace of their approach and the fire of their guns produced the required effect. The garrison of the redoubt raised the white flag and gave themselves up— 8 officers and some 400 men.
The two victorious tanks, stuck in the mud on the crest of the ridge, were now exposed to destruction by the enemy’s artillery.
To their rescue was sent a party of the 14th Worcestershire ("B"
Company of 41 men) under Lieut. S. Hartley. Under heavy fire the pioneers laboured around the two helpless monsters and after hours of work finally succeeded in setting them free; after which the pioneer party returned to the Battalion’s camp, where the various companies and platoons were gradually reassembling.
By midday on November 15th all the parties were in, and at 2.30 p.m. the Battalion marched back to Forceville.
There the Battalion rested for a day (c), and received a warm message of congratulation from the C.R.E. of the Division.Casualties 14th Worcestershire from 13th - 15th November 1916;
8 killed, two officers (Lieut. H. C. J. Shuttleworth-King and 2/Lieut. B. J. C. Hamm) and 48 men wounded,3 missing.

(Source URL: http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/wr.php?main=inc/bat_14)

Chelmsley Wood Redevelopment

2008-06-14T11:46:00.017+01:00

The changing face of the Wood, Chelmsley Wood is going through the first major refurbishment since it was built in the 1960's, parts of the shopping centre have been demolished to make way for the new Asda Supermarket.

Seb Larsson

2008-06-07T12:36:00.027+01:00

Good look to Seb and the Swedes in the Euro's, with babes like these you can't help following them.

Sadly Sweden got knocked out in the group stages!

Mikael Forssell

2008-06-07T12:29:00.010+01:00

Thanks for the memories and the 37 goals for the Blues, good luck on your move to Hannover 96. A true Blues legend, shame about the knee injuries.

Photos from St Andrews

2008-06-07T06:45:00.018+01:00

Here is a selection of some photos in and around the Blues ground.

Tilton v Liverpool.

St Andrew's Road.

Railway End Stand.

Blues v Chelsea.

Whitesmore School

2008-06-06T23:37:00.017+01:00

Hi to all the Boys, Girls, Lads, Loons who went to this great learning establishment, before it was demolished and replaced with the Grace Academy.
Whitesmore before demolition,Whitesmore comp 11/09/06

Grace Academy

Brummie Skins

2008-06-06T22:58:00.016+01:00

I used to be a Skinhead in the late 70's and 80's, had some great laughs, a few rows, plenty of boozing, went to some good concerts, had the good fortune to make friends with some diamond geezers. Here's a few photo's that I came across recently tucked away in a cupboard.

brummie skins