Saturday, August 13

Pattingham and Perton

Thursday 11th August 2016 and the prospect of watching some test cricket and Olympic sporting action means I'm keen to stay close to home for my latest photographic assignment. A little ride out into South Staffordshire sounds just about ideal, so armed with my camera I board the bus to Pattingham...

- Pattingham Village Sign -
The 10A is the route in question, operated by Arriva for a gentle trundle through Compton, Tettenhall Wood and Perton, including the section of bus lane between Yew Tree Lane and Gainsborough Drive - the service is effectively the same as the former 517 I remember exploring courtesy of Midland Rider. Beyond Perton there are country lanes with church spire views prior to the terminus at Pattingham's High Street shopping parade, where upon alighting the carved totem sign outside the village hall is ready and willing to provide my first pictures of the day.

- St Chad's Church -
Although I've visited Pattingham numerous times over the years, I'm eager to tease out some new photo targets if possible. The Pigot Arms, the Crown and St Chad's Church are all familiar from previous outings but still very much worthy of additional attention, the church lych gate especially so with an attractive garland of summer blooms. The edges of the village are where discoveries can be made so taking High Street towards Claverley reveals the Pattingham Club and a vicarage noticeboard before Rudge Road offers haystack horizons over farmers' fields. 

- Double Decker Duty on the 10A -
Returning to the village centre, I'm tempted next by Patshull Road for a wander in the general direction of Burnhill Green. Patshull Park is roughly a mile and a half away, offering golfing, fishing and hotel facilities for those so inclined, but I merely content myself with a short walk for shots of hedgerow-lined lanes. Lunchtime involves a spot of refreshment in the Pigot Arms, some Brough's Springfield ale accompanying coverage of the Olympic swimming heats, and then an Arriva double decker appears outside the shops for my ride back to Perton.

- Perton Upper Lake -
Essentially a dormitory village for Wolverhampton overspill, Perton's large housing estates occupy the site of a former airfield. Amenities include the Anders Square shopping precinct (with a Sainsbury's store as its centrepiece), a civic centre, a branch library, The Church at Perton and a play area. A couple of lakes present a more natural type of scenery although the local geese seem to be avoiding the water in favour of occupying Perton First School's playing fields.

- Pear & Partridge -
Perton's pub contingent comprises the Wrottesley Arms (centrally positioned as part of Anders Square) and the Pear and Partridge (which has a more peripheral location on The Parkway orbital link road). The former is corporate Marston's, the latter a John Barras establishment with a name that reflects Perton's pear-growing heritage. A photo of each completes proceedings on this occasion, leaving me free for the bus ride home and an afternoon of medal-winning entertainment thanks to Team GB. 

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