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Yesterday we took to the streets to protest against the council's decision to close Walsall's Leather Museum (again!). Council leader, Mike Bird (seen telling a campaigner to "shut up" HERE), has claimed that the museum, housed within a Victorian leather factory, is not financially viable and that the council can no longer afford the running costs so, in their infinite wisdom, have purchased a derelict building at the cost of £745,000 in which to rehome the collection. Unlike the current premises, the former shop has no revelance to the leather industry, the council will need to spend even more money to fit it out and it may take up to TEN years before it opens to the public.
If Mike Bird has his way, in less than a fortnight's time, Walsall's last remaining heritage asset will be gone.
In a campaign spearheaded by local fashion designer, leatherworker and absolute legend, Lauren Broxton, two hundred concerned residents met in the shadow of the statue of Sister Dora (another Walsall legend) and after rousting speeches by, amongst others, Lauren and our brilliant MP, the Rt Hon. Valerie Vaz who has succeeded in getting the building a Grade II Listed status (although a reform councillor tried to take the credit - and yesterday was conspicious by his absence) , we marched up Park Street to the sound of Billy Bragg's There is Power In A Union and, emulating the women of Greenham Common, joined hands and formed a human chain around the Leather Museum.
You might be able to spot Jon, Liz, Al and me HERE
This is what I wore for an afternoon of hail, wind, sunshine and rain followed by a few hours in Wetherspoons. A 1970s Louis Caring maxi dress, a vintage suede coat and an Aldo wool fedora bought from a charity shop 12 years ago.
@vixbrearley #50andovertiktok #1970saethetic #vintageclothing ♬ Power To The People - Ultimate Mix - John Lennon
The previous day (Friday) we went for our third swim of the week. We're getting used to the new baths although we still haven't found the showers!
My TikTok gang keep asking about my jewellery so I filmed it.
@vixbrearley #jewellery #vintageclothing #1970saethetic #50andovertiktok #maximalist @All About Audrey ♬ Rooms on Fire - Stevie Nicks
I found this cotton All About Audrey kaftan on Vinted last year for £4. Although I've worn it around the house, Friday was the first time I'd ventured outside in it. I think these "Goddess" dresses are designed for women with substantial bosoms as the hem dips at the front on those of us less well blessed. It took a lot of swearing before I managed to cut and hem it so it hung right but it was worth the effort! They're the perfect effortlessly dressing dress.
On Thursday, after a visit from Liz, we walked into town as I needed a few bits and pieces although I came home without the main thing I wanted, some gel insoles for my new-to-me Missoni X Converse ( I really ought to write a list!) Needless to say, we popped into the charity shops as we'd not been in them for days due to the swiming pool being out of action and, of course, everyone wanted to know where we'd been all week!
I wore the wool Bus Stop maxi skirt I'd bought from Vinted a couple of weeks ago along with my Ayesha Davar cheesecloth blouse and the Kuchi pendant I'd recently bought.
@vixbrearley #1970saethetic #vintageclothing #vintage #50andovertiktok ♬ All Along the Watchtower - Bob Dylan
On Wednesday, this idiot will have been living with us for three years. Look at his milk beard!
He's such a lap cat, he absolutely loves his fuss.
Today (Sunday) might be the first day of Spring but it feels anything but. I was excited to see the bluebells starting to pop up when I walked down to the compost heap earlier.
There's signs of growth on the apple tree, too.
And it's always a joy to see the forsythia.
The poor magnolia got a right old battering with Wednesday's hail and high winds.
But luckily, we've got another one in a gorgeous dusky pink.
It felt like a day for jeans, the Free People "Jayde" flares I bought from Vinted , teamed with a 1970s Indian cotton blouse (Vinted, 2024) and the Jesus Saves belt (made by the Baron Brass Buckle company in the 1970s).
This weekend we've been watching Russian Doll, an insane black comedy starring the mesmerising Natasha Lyonne who plays a video game designer who keeps dying on her 36th birthday only to find herself reicarnated at the same party, destined to relive her death day in all of its glorious varierties again and again and again. Oh.my.god....it is so f**king good!
See you soon!
It's snowing again!!! This winter will never end.
ReplyDeleteI love a Magnolia. The city I grew up in had a beauty on one of the main streets. My Mum bought a shrub for $1.49 about 55 years ago and planted it in the front garden. It was supposed to be a Magnolia bush. I drove by the old house about ten years ago and it was a huge tree that was beautiful. Not a bad investment.
I loathe it when City Council's think they know best. Heritages are being destroyed around the world and when you protest it you are made to be the unreasonable one.
Birds are real, lol have you read the conspiracy theory on that one?
Love the Power to the People movements but dang if the d$#@heads still make awful decisions. You look so good in jeans though I do a double take as so different in look. I'm working hard to get back into to my favorite pair, thrifted two years ago.
ReplyDeleteEnvious of your magnolia trees! I will find Russian Doll on Netflix, sounds fun. Well done for defending your Leather Factory. It's so frustrating that little value is attached to the history and culture of our great country's industries, places like this need to be preserved for future generations to appreciate, it's part of who we are and where we have come from. Couldnt watch the video though as when I follow the link it says the video was removed. Your Tiktok videos are fun, I would have run out of things to wear in the first month! Your wardrobe must be like the Tardis! Betty
ReplyDeleteI totally understand (and support) that you're fighting to keep your Museum working, defending your heritage, instead of wasting money in their 'projects' which nobody needs, instead of investing in real projects that are working now!- So annoying when local authorities only listen to Greed!
ReplyDeleteLooking fabulous in every outfit, dear Vix and totally inspiring too!. As the weather is still so wintery, all we need an extra push, so nothing better than watching your little videos and fantastic bijouterie!. That's totally making my day!
I'm loving that Bus Stop maxi, so cool, and that first dress which is particularly fabulous. And you rock your denim! and perfect soundtrack!
besos
(it's me, Mónica https://www.mrsallnut.com)
It’s so good to see people stand up for what they value! Our government, local and national, just don’t give a damn! I mean what they’re planning there doesn’t even sound like it makes financial sense??? I need a goddess dress, I get fed up of trying to squash my ample bosoms into things! I love that you have a Tik Tok gang, you’re so down with the kids xxx
ReplyDeleteI'm livid about the Leather Museum. A similar thing has happened to the Carpet Museum in Kidderminster. We just can't have anything nice.
ReplyDeleteOur Council are developing our local council owned golf course, in spite of 83% of residents saying they wanted it kept as a nature reserve. (We have the lowest amount of green space in the borough.) Along with housing they are saying they are going to put in a so-called 'Eco Park'. In other words, they're going to chop down mature trees and shrubs and plant puny whips which will doubtless die from lack of aftercare. And the costly consultants report designing it estimates the cost to be nearly half a million pounds! Obviously it'll never happen, and the whole site will go for housing as they wanted all along.
Bus Stop was fabulous, and that maxi skirt is gorgeous. Vinted really is the best!
It's so lovely to see the forsythia out. Ours is in full bloom, and so cheering.
On a separate note, is your email still the goanmad one? Xx