- Lurking by the lock -
Saturday 30th April and the gang gather in preparation for a ride on the 54, a route that connects Wolverhampton with Stafford via the i54 development. We're only going as far as Penkridge but the ride allows us views of Pendeford Business Park and the sprawling i54 site (where construction continues as Jaguar Land Rover's presence grows) before trundling through Coven village and Gailey. We alight at Bungham Lane stop to join the Staffordshire & Worcester Canal just past Penkridge Fire Station.
- Almost Incarcerated -
A gentle stroll from Cross Keys Bridge to the Boat allows a few lock photographs with Nick pondering how to properly pronounce the word 'Filance' (not that I'd imagine there are too many variations). We pass the Haling Dene complex and Penkridge Library to reach the village centre, making sure to visit the Old Gaol which has been restored as a visitor attraction. The building has plenty of heritage appeal with interesting displays about Penkridge personalities past and present. The stocks outside serve as a warning that we mustn't misbehave while the cramped cell conditions certainly deter us from risking imprisonment!
- The White Hart -
Penkridge has a number of inns and hostelries with the most atmospheric appearing to be the White Hart, a historic timber-framed tavern that provides us with shelter from the first ominous downpour of the day. Legend has it that the pub was visited by both Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I so it's no wonder Nick feels at home with such a royal pedigree. Some Black Hole Cosmic ale goes down well as I attempt some live tweets, telling the twittersphere about our progress thus far. The building interior includes a large fireplace and some cosy crannies to spark one's Elizabethan imagination.
- Whiston Walking -
With the rain relenting we take a tour of Penkridge Market, memorably situated by the railway arches with the familiar sounds of traders' banter reverberating around the various stalls. Next we join the Staffordshire Way for a wander to Whiston, passing farms along Preston Vale Lane before seeking out the Swan for some remote refreshment. The pub feels pleasingly isolated whereby the effort to get here is rewarded by some lovely Three Tuns XXX ale; the field views with crop tunnels and crowing cockerels all add to the beguiling effect. Stephen then uses the return walk to regale us with delightful details about medical ailments as the tower of St Michael's Church teases us on the horizon.
- Cherry Dark, very nice! -
We have a tight turnaround to make sure Mr B is on his requisite bus home but we get to Bungham Lane again just in time for said 54 at 13:48. Stephen is now set fair for Wolverhampton while Nick and I alight at Four Ashes to continue our pubcrawl. The Four Ashes inn has been given a makeover since I last visited and has a dressy upmarket air accompanied by an ambitious menu - anyone for arancini? A half there is followed by an absolute drenching on route to Coven but we can dry off in the Harrows, the current Wolverhampton CAMRA Country Pub of the Year. Such a title is very much merited as our Titanic Cherry Dark proves an excellent tipple while we also note an extensive range of tempting perry and cider.
- Our Coven Correspondent -
As a further heavy shower fizzles out we brave the puddles through to Coven with just enough time to try out the Rainbow. Some pictures of St Paul's School are therefore washed down with Wells' Glorious English Bombardier and with thirst slaked we board the 54 once more. Our final stop turns out to be Fordhouses for the Moreton Arms, escaping from yet another squall to sample the Ringwood Old Thumper as the football final scores roll in. Despite the weather's best efforts we still made the most of the day, hence the 42nd inscription of the Chip Foundation Chronicles is complete!
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