The Little Book Of The Black Country

Did You Know? Butcher Keith Boxley of Wombourne made the longest continuous sausage in 1988. It was 21.12km in length! The first general strike in the Black Country took place in 1842. The widespread public unrest was regarded nationally as the first ever general strike. Hell Lane in Sedgley was described as the 'most unruly place' in the Black Country. A woman who lived in the lane was said to have been a witch and could turn herself into a white rabbit to spy on her neighbours. The Little Book of the Black Country is a funny, fact-packed compendium of frivolous, fantastic, and simply strange information. Here we find out about the region's most unusual crimes and punishments, eccentric inhabitants, quirky history, famous figures and literally hundreds of wacky facts. From royal visits and local celebrities, to the riotous Wednesbury protests and a particularly notorious reverend, this is a myriad of data on the Black Country, gathered together by author and local historian Michael Pearson. A handy reference and quirky guide, this engaging little book can be dipped into time and again to reveal something you never knew, making it essential reading for visitors and locals alike.

Did You Know? Butcher Keith Boxley of Wombourne made the longest continuous sausage in 1988. It was 21.12km in length! The first general strike in the Black Country took place in 1842. The widespread public unrest was regarded nationally as the first ever general strike. Hell Lane in Sedgley was described as the ‘most unruly place’ in the Black Country. A woman who lived in the lane was said to have been a witch and could turn herself into a white rabbit to spy on her neighbours. The Little Book of the Black Country is a funny, fact-packed compendium of frivolous, fantastic, and simply strange information. Here we find out about the region’s most unusual crimes and punishments, eccentric inhabitants, quirky history, famous figures and literally hundreds of wacky facts. From royal visits and local celebrities, to the riotous Wednesbury protests and a particularly notorious reverend, this is a myriad of data on the Black Country, gathered together by author and local historian Michael Pearson. A handy reference and quirky guide, this engaging little book can be dipped into time and again to reveal something you never knew, making it essential reading for visitors and locals alike.

Documenting the railway scene, from the 1970s to present day. A variety of motive power is to be seen within this collection.

Discover the restorative wonders of daily rituals A ritual is an act of self-care that’s carried out mindfully, and with reverence: a gratitude ritual to relive the high points of your day; a ritual for self-expression to free unexpressed emotions; a candle ritual to focus your mind on peace. With over 80 guided practices to choose from, there is something in this book for every intention. Whether you want to reflect, to recharge your batteries, or rekindle your motivation, you will find the perfect ritual to refresh your mind, body and spirit.

101 management theories from the world’s best management thinkers – the fast, focussed and express route to success. As a busy manager, you need solutions to everyday work problems fast. The Little Book of Big Management Theories gives you access to the very best theories and models that every manager should know and be able to use. Cutting through the waffle and hype, McGrath and Bates concentrate on the theories that really matter to managers day-to-day. Each theory is covered in two pages – telling you what it is, how to use it and the questions you should be asking – so you can immediately apply your new knowledge in the real world. The Little Book of Big Management Theories will ensure you can: Quickly resolve a wide range of practical management problems Be a better, more decisive manager who gets the job done Better motivate and influence your staff, colleagues and stakeholders Improve your standing and demonstrate that you are ready for promotion All you need to know and how to apply it – in a nutshell.

89 management theories from the world’s best management thinkers – the fast, focussed and express route to success. As a busy manager, you need solutions to everyday work problems fast. The Little Book of Big Management Theories gives you access to the very best theories and models that every manager should know and be able to use. Cutting through the waffle and hype, McGrath and Bates concentrate on the theories that really matter to managers day-to-day. Each theory is covered in two pages – telling you what it is, how to use it and the questions you should be asking – so you can immediately apply your new knowledge in the real world. The Little Book of Big Management Theories will ensure you can: • Quickly resolve a wide range of practical management problems • Be a better, more decisive manager who gets the job done • Better motivate and influence your staff, colleagues and stakeholders • Improve your standing and demonstrate that you are ready for promotion All you need to know and how to apply it – in a nutshell. ‘I’ll make sure that every manager in our pharmacy outlets gets a copy of this book.’ Manjit Jhooty, Managing Director, Jhoots Pharmacy ‘Every manager should read this book.’ Geoff Round, Chief Executive, Birmingham Civic Housing Association Ltd

If ever there was a regional UK city with the credentials to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Birmingham was always it. One in ten people in the city was born in an overseas Commonwealth country, and many more have family in member nations such as India, Jamaica and Pakistan. Many of these are descendants of the generation who arrived after the Second World War to find work in the city's manufacturing boom years. But, as Simon Wilcox discovers, the links go much further back than that. In fact, the connections started with the canal building zeal of Birmingham's industrial pioneers in the eighteenth century who built a canal network that spanned out from the Gas Street Basin. It was this network that opened up a new world of trade for the city – a world which revolved around metal, chocolate and weekly shipments of Ceylon tea.