March 25, 2014
How many independent book retailers are there in Walsall? Not many I can think of, although I’m certain there are some somewhere. That’s the trouble if I’m honest about this. I don’t have the time to go looking for shops unless I know they’re there, and I usually just look up a book on Amazon if I want it. I’m not given to browsing through shelves of books. It’s a dying art when my phone can tell me everything about the book (well, the bits that make it to Wikipedia, anyway).
Great news for people like me who are bookish but not bookshoppish. A NEW ONE IS COMING! Read the rest of this entry »
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Community Stuff, Literature | Tagged: @southcartbooks, Black Country Arms, book, books, bookshop, bookshoppish is a real word but only scores nine hits on Google so very much a neo-nascent neologism, Dischord, Facebook, gig, Lower Hall Lane, Scott Carter, shelves, shopping, shops, Southcart Books, Twitter, Walsall |
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Posted by Andrew Clayton
November 17, 2013
It’s been in my diary for a little while now, but I’d like to take this opportunity to plug Ales Beers and Carols 2013 again. What a fantastic opportunity to drink beer and sing carols. For a concept, this one scores highly for simplicity and ease of execution. Read the rest of this entry »
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Christian Music, Community Stuff, Music | Tagged: ales beers and carols, beer, Black Country Arms, carol, carolling, Christmas, community, fun, joy, sing, singing, The Lazy Hill, Walsall |
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Posted by Andrew Clayton
September 28, 2013
Oh Little Town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep,
The silent stars go by.
Less silent though the clink of glass,
In Walsall pubs this year.
As we sing carols and have fun,
While also drinking beer!
Read the rest of this entry »
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Community Stuff, Music | Tagged: Advent, Aldridge, ales beers and carols, beer, Black Country Arms, carol, carolling, Christmas, fun, live, pub, public house, singing, social, The Lazy Hill, Walsall |
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Posted by Andrew Clayton
July 24, 2013
Right then, time to get this Social Media Surgery looking like a holiday activity club.

We’re meeting in August at the Black Country Arms on Wednesday 14th, at about half six. We’re not running a traditional surgery, although advice and help will be on tap as usual, but we will be chilling out, sampling the fine range of ales and other beverages available, and having a bit of a relax. Read the rest of this entry »
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Community Stuff, Social Media | Tagged: ales, August, beer, Black Country Arms, free, Internet, join in, social, social media, Social Media Surgery, Walsall, Walsall Social Media Surgery, WalsallSMS |
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Posted by Andrew Clayton
May 28, 2013
With the recent Social Media Surgery at the Black Country Arms, we met more people, drank beer, talked tech and generally assisted people who want to improve their skills and knowledge. I’m very grateful to fellow surgeons Dan Slee and Jimm Rennie for their sterling work.
It’s no great secret I love this activity – helping other people more or less to help themselves to the social media tools they need for their voluntary org, non profit, or their personal online activity.
So, coming up: Read the rest of this entry »
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Community Stuff, Social Media | Tagged: Andrew Clayton, Black Country Arms, social media, Social Media Surgery, Starbucks, The White Lion, Walsal Social Media Surgery, Walsall, Walsall SMS, WalsallSMS |
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Posted by Andrew Clayton
December 5, 2012
Hurrah! We’re back singing carols in pubs this year.
The Lazy Hill – Aldridge. We’re here on Friday December 14th, from about half eight, singing carols and drinking beers.
The Black Country Arms – Walsall. Tuesday December 18th and we’re in Walsall doing much the same.
The White Lion – Walsall. Thursday December 20th is our last date for a final pint or two and a bit of carol singing to boot.
PLUS… I’ve recently heard some lovely people are taking over the reins at The Wheatsheaf. We’ll sing there too if we can find the time.
If you click on the pub names, you can see the location of the pub and register your intention to attend via Eventbrite. You don’t need to register to attend, it’s just me trying out something to see what uptake is like. The map and address, however, might be useful to you.
The small print:
We’re singing carols and drinking beer. You may choose to drink wine or even go non-alcoholic, but the point is to have fun and sing carols. If you get really drunk and behave badly at the very least you’ll regret it in the morning, so please don’t. The pubs are letting us wander in and do some singing. They and their staff deserve the due respect. It’s Christmas. I’m not suggesting you tip heavily, but all that loose change will weigh you down otherwise, eh?
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Community Stuff, Music | Tagged: ales beers and carols, Andrew Clayton, Black Country Arms, carol, carolling, Christmas, fun, music, pub, public house, singing, social, The Lazy Hill, The Wheatsheaf, The White Lion, Walsall |
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Posted by Andrew Clayton
February 25, 2012
I went to brewclub on Thursday night. It’s a group of local homebrewers with big talk and big vats. Read the rest of this entry »
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All the Rest | Tagged: #teamBCA, beer, Black Country Arms, brewing, business, community brewery, cooperative, home brew, homebrew, Market Tavern, mead, running a pub, wine |
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Posted by Andrew Clayton