- Duncan Edwards Statue -
A breakfast meeting is scheduled for Dudley at 8:30am, and with all members arriving promptly there are definitely no cobs on the menu. We say hello to Duncan Edwards then catch an early sighting of the Full Moon.
- Blackbrook Junction -
The requisite morning ferret involves some good old waterways exploration focusing on the Dudley No. 2 Canal from Park Head down to Saltwells. Here we see Blackbrook Junction with the entrance into the former Two Locks Line.
- Fancy a Paddle ? -
Passing Lodge Farm Reservoir, the Chairman decided he needed to soothe his aching feet by going for a paddle. I'm not sure the rubber ring suited him though.
- With the Dragon at Saltwells -
Saltwells sees members on the lookout for a possible sleeve item courtesy of the Chairman. Unfortunately his intended target of Saltwells House, a former manor built for the Earl of Dudley, was demolished a few years ago so we have to satisfy ourselves with the sculpture trail instead. The Chairman is spooked out by a few of the exhibits, especially when he encounters the dragon waiting for him in the woods. Such an ordeal meant an escape to the Merry Hill Centre was urgently required.
- WME Whirlwind wins a leg -
The exploration action quickly moves to Wordsley where the Dock Off Licence and the Bird in Hand pub are always amongst the Secretary's favourite photographic targets. We investigate the ruins of the old Stuart Crystal factory just across from the Red House Glass Cone, fascinating fragments of local industry. An opening ale in the excellent Bird in Hand is followed by a darts match in the Old Cat where the Secretary miraculously wins a leg and leaves the Chairman stunned speechless (although perhaps we should gloss over the fact that Mr D9 still won the contest 2-1 overall)
- Bald Spot bears down on Wordsley Closet -
Wordsley is also home to the New Inn Bathams pub whilst next door to the Cat is an old public conveniences that closed down a couple of years ago. Luckily the Chairman's bladder is able to cope with such happenings today as we note that the Red Lion on Wordsley Green has become a Sainsbury's.
- The Ashwood -
Our next destination is Ashwood Park, making our way down Bells Lane for a look at the Ashwood, a Banks's estate pub that looks like it dates from the 1960s. The Chairman might have been in line for the Discount of the Day award down here but got persuaded by the locals into buying a more expensive drink.
- DVD distress in the Barley Mow -
Mr D9's mood does not improve as we move along to Wollaston Farm. Having got all excited about some discarded DVDs he picked up on the Kingsway, he then discovers he's got a load of empty cases with no actual discs. At least he can console himself with a last ever look at the Barley Mow, a pub whose doors are set to close forever in the coming days to make way for another supermarket conversion. Unfortunately for the Chairman, it was the Secretary's round in here with Mr WME pocketing a very satisfying price to secure the spreadsheet honours.
- A driving demo on the 276 -
A sweep of Wollaston and Oldswinford keeps everyone fully occupied on the afternoon, with the meaning of a quick half being put to the test in the Gate Hangs Well when the 276 was spotted at short notice. A visit to Mary Stevens Park allows for a further bout of closed closet camerawork, and the Secretary was very pleased to finally set foot into the Crown on Hagley Road after several previous failed attempts at sampling this with Mr SBI.
- Testing out the Ten Arches -
Gearing up for our evening endeavours, the X96 is on hand for a quick pit-stop on Penfields Road where the Ten Arches satisfies the Chairman's craving for more modest pub architecture. We couldn't possibly attempt the Delph Run after our earlier exertions but the Bull & Bladder did offer a little flavour of what we can look forward to on a future outing, aided and abetted by a hearty cheese and onion roll.
- The Ocker Hill finale -
That would normally have been that but the opportunity of some Wolves football action meant that our curfew was extended a little as we pitched up in Ocker Hill, Tipton.
Pub possibilities here include the Goldmine Bar, the Waggon & Horses (the taphouse of the Toll End Brewery) and the Jolly Collier, although it was the latter that brought the curtain day with a little help from a Springfield Bitter relic and a squeezable stress cow. As always there had been much adventure, photography and silliness, plus good beer in reasonable moderation, all adding up to a fun-filled and memorable marketing session. Cheers!
Pub possibilities here include the Goldmine Bar, the Waggon & Horses (the taphouse of the Toll End Brewery) and the Jolly Collier, although it was the latter that brought the curtain day with a little help from a Springfield Bitter relic and a squeezable stress cow. As always there had been much adventure, photography and silliness, plus good beer in reasonable moderation, all adding up to a fun-filled and memorable marketing session. Cheers!
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