- The Dodger at Stourbridge Town -
Summons have been dispatched in advance so that our trial by transport can commence promptly at 11:30 hours without any need to consult the cob rulebook. A tram ride to The Hawthorns links well for a train connection down to Stourbridge Junction, the journey allowing some preliminary discussion about Kinver's former tramway operations (a Light Railway linked the village with Amblecote between 1901 and 1930). Light rail of a modern persuasion is in evidence on the Stourbridge branch line whereby Mr D9 can enjoy his first ever ride on a class 139 people mover - he was suitably impressed!
- Potters Cross Stores -
Brief refreshments are sought in Stourbridge (courtesy of the Red House Boutique) before the Hansons 228 service conveys our courtly contingent to Kinver. The route visits Wollaston Junction and Stourton then trundles the full length of Kinver High Street to terminate at White Hill. This end of Kinver village is known as Potters Cross so the Secretary sets about procuring photographs of the general stores (containing the local post office), a Methodist Church and the old Crown & Anchor (converted to flats a few years back).
- Animal Antics for the Chairman -
Public transport doesn't extend as far as Enville so Shanks's pony will have to suffice, thankfully the surprisingly mild February weather means it's a nice day for a walk (total distance just over four miles there and back we reckon). Enville Road takes us up past a couple of farms where the D9 bald spot attracts some real equine attention. We then tentatively tiptoe beside the busy A458, the lack of pavement making things a little precarious although we skilfully avoid any onrushing traffic.
- Going Gothic in the Cat -
The centre of Enville is marked by a war memorial cross and a little green overlooked by the Cat Inn. A large banner proclaims the pub's CAMRA credentials so we simply have to investigate, trooping inside to partake of the Enville Brewery's finest Simpkiss and Gothic ales. Chairman D9 produces a paper periwig when giving the beer his considered seal of approval, then two brewers just happen to wander in so we enjoy a fascinating chat with them learning about the ale production process.
- The Fox, Stourton -
Suitably re-energised by our Cat call we contemplate the return walk to Kinver, the stroll proving relatively relaxing once that tricky stretch of the A458 had been negotiated. Keen to make the most of being in the area, we indulge in a slight detour via Clanbrook Lane to the Fox at Stourton. This is another inn on the main road albeit more isolated than the Cat; the beer garden looks like it would be a nice spot for a summertime drink although the stylish interior is today's setting for samples of Bathams Best Bitter.
- Kinver Constitutional Club -
It isn't too far into Kinver now (passing the High School along the way) and more Bathams is soon on the menu care of the Plough & Harrow - our Bitter here is accompanied by superb snacks, the black pudding pork pie being especially exquisite. We seem to have stumbled upon a little corner of beer heaven this afternoon and next on our agenda is the Kinver Constitutional Club, another place which has been bestowed with many CAMRA awards in recent years. We manage to secure entry, sign the visitors book and delight in some delectable Olde Swan ales of which the Bumblehole was first class.
- Judiciously driving the 227 -
At the Chairman's request we squeeze in a quick Cross visit (Hobson's Manor Ale) before the final 227 working back to Stourbridge, D9 dressing up for his latest driving duty in (supposedly) full judge's regalia! He is more normally attired for our closing Stourbridge tipples (the Royal Exchange and the Longlands doing the business as evening encroaches), then a scotch-egg fuelled 256 powers us home to Wolverhampton. All of which means that our court proceedings are complete and the Hub Marketing Board is adjourned until our next adventure - cheers!
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