Category Archives: Uncategorized

  I have looked previously about how several white phosphorus experiments went wrong within the classroom setting, principally because of how dangerous and unpredictable this chemical is in even “experienced” hands. This is another story of such an occurrence which … Continue reading →

This white phosphorus misadventure takes us to 19th Century France as reported by the 27th February 1875 Illustrated Police News. Though difficult to read the text, I have managed to decipher that a Mademoiselle by the name of Brigetté Burckel … Continue reading →

I recently did a double take when passing the infamous turquoise gates to find a couple of familiar landmarks conspicuous by their absence. Here below is the spot the difference picture. And on closer inspection…… These signs on the only … Continue reading →

  If you read accounts of “local history” of this company in the 1980’s and early 90’s you would think that Albright and Wilson the company had won the Second World War single handed. Accounts of their Home Guard, the … Continue reading →

  This is another post about the “non-bino” wino from Lower City Road- Mr Sydney Sheldon- the man whose dubious brickworks enterprise following on from the Barnett family ruined the area around Rattlechain with the sell off of large parcels … Continue reading →

  There is a some detailed information publicly available concerning The Rattlechain Brickworks in the Samuel Barnett era- principally in connection with the 1899 canal breach and subsequent blame game as to how it had happened. I put forward another … Continue reading →

  Hazardous waste and dodgy old marl holes filled with liquid toxicants go hand in hand with this polluted town. Rattlechain lagoon however is not the only hazardous waste liquid dumping site , though there are no similarities between the … Continue reading →

Or (at least some of them do).  🙁  As stated a couple of blog posts ago, I set out to raise certain issues with those standing at the local elections standing in the Great Bridge, and Oldbury wards in Sandwell. … Continue reading →

The obscurity of the location of Rattlechain lagoon was always part of the problem. Set in a post war era as part of a “tipping area” with very few houses around, it may well have made it a “suitable” location … Continue reading →

I am no fan of politicians of any variety. They appear out of hibernation in December before a May election and preach how things will be better if they are elected.   This year locally in the English West Midlands, … Continue reading →