Getting Rammed - The Sequel

The Derby Ram Trail made such an entertaining impression when the Hub Marketing Board visited the East Midlands in June that I knew I'd soon have to return for a second bite of the sculpture-spotting cherry. Mr D9 and I had declared on 23 rams out of 30 so there were still seven for me to find on Friday 23rd July 2021...

- Doodle Derby -

As with the trip four weeks ago, the 9:49 Nottingham train from Birmingham New Street is enlisted and I touch down at Derby just after half past ten. 'Railway Communities' forms my welcoming committee before 'Bee Happy' and 'Captain Stone' claim their second appearances amongst the WME photographic archive. 'Doodle Derby' also gets another look whereby I spot details I didn't notice last time, such as a skateboarding burger or a little ghost saying "Boo!" 

- Poseidon -

Two of the rams that eluded me in June are to be found within the shiny malls of the Derbion shopping centre. 'Ramdom Access Memory' lurks outside the entrance to Sainsbury's and references the cognitive power of the human brain complete with Odin's ravens from Viking mythology; 'Poseidon' meanwhile draws upon a Greek god for its inspiration so seashell horns, strands of seaweed and an array of octopuses promote the vital importance of marine conservation. This one can be found on the upper arcade outside the Castle Fine Arts store.

- The Babington Arms -

Mr D9's absence means I won't be doing as many pubs today as we sampled last month but I'm still intent on having the odd pint or two along the way. 'Rambo' with its combination of bullets and bandana therefore points me towards the Babington Arms, a Wetherspoon's outlet occupying a former shopfront opposite the Hunters furniture showroom (a family firm that was founded in 1928). Falstaff's Smiling Assassin fits my remit for drinking local brews, even if at 5.2% it is somewhat potent for an appetiser; the retired brunch brigade are out in force here, likewise the old boy fraternity enjoying the ventilation of wide open front windows.

- Football Word Cloud -

Resuming the sculpture trail and 'Ramtastic' stands guard on The Strand outside the Derby Museum & Art Gallery, zany patterns and all. Bold Lane precedes Willow Row where two rams are sited on the pedestrianised stretch between an ambulance station and Derby College's Joseph Wright complex. 'Herding Together to RAMp up Quality' is predominantly orange with a focus on Van Elle engineering workers, whereas 'Football Word Cloud' presents illustrious names from Derby County's proud history including Roy McFarland, Steve Bloomer, Igor Stimac and Paolo Wanchope. 

- Rameses -

Just two more rams left to find now and my penultimate target is 'Rameses' at the Friar Gate/ Ford Street crossroads. As you might expect from the name, this is an enticingly Egyptian creation prompted by regal thoughts of Rameses the Great, a Pharaoh who reigned from 1279 to 1213 BC. The intricate design certainly brightens up a section of the A601 Inner Ring Road that would otherwise be notable for townhouses and hints of student bars. Friar Gate itself then takes me down past St Werburgh's Church and the Lord Nelson pub as I home in on the final piece of my ram jigsaw...

- Ramble -

So which esteemed sculpture holds the honour of completing my collection? Take a bow 'Ramble' as a predominantly green specimen that pays tribute to the wonders of the countryside, specifically the Peak District National Park. Various folks are thus depicted walking, orienteering, rock climbing or simply savouring a picnic in Derbyshire's great outdoors. Ramble's Museum Square location sees it accompanied by a statue of Michael Thomas Bass, part of the notable family of brewing magnates and an important benefactor in the development of Derby's cultural institutions. 

- The Kensington Tavern -

A second pint of the day will reward my successful attempts at accounting for all of the ovine artworks, hence I seek out the backstreet charms of the Kensington Tavern. Although this is nominally a Marston's boozer, I maintain recent Hub decorum by opting for a Carling instead of any cask offerings. A couple of the regulars see me thumbing through my ram map and enquire how I'm getting on with the challenge - I love it when pub conversations just spark up randomly like this, making a new face feel instantly part of the community.

- Site of London Road Hospital -

A ramming double-header as spectacular as this deserves to go out in style but alas my intended grand finale goes slightly awry. My Normanton Road navigation is nigh on perfect before a warren of claustrophobic sidestreets take me to the doorstep of the Falstaff when oh no - it doesn't open until 4pm, drat! As 'atmospheric' as the terraces are, I don't fancy lingering for another two hours so I put this down as an epic WME research fail, despite the bonus of recording redevelopment works at the former London Road Hospital. The round-fronted Royal Telegraph further soothes my disappointment thanks to decent Pedigree and coverage of the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony, and the train ride home is still a contented one. Cheers!

The Not Quite Hagley Day

Sometimes trips simply don't go to plan, no matter how much you try to make your intended itinerary happen. So it was that on Thursday 15th July the Chip Foundation's 'Helping of Hagley' became beset by train connection problems, although we did at least get to meet a local celebrity...

- The Birthday Boy -

Talking of celebrities, Mr Beardsmore Senior is probably more infamous as opposed to famous and the 15th July turns out to be his birthday - politeness restricts me from revealing his precise age but you used to be able to buy shellac records with a certain rpm, and it's a long time since he was 45! Our aim is to celebrate his special date by converging upon Hagley, only for a trespassing incident to have made a total mess of the morning train timetables. Our rendezvous location is therefore shifted to being Stourbridge Interchange where Nick arrives courtesy of the number 9 bus. 

- Bonded Warehouse Weighing Equipment -

With the gang all together, we decide to make the most of being in Stourbridge town centre. The High Street remains open to traffic even though social distancing barriers have widened the pavement areas, and it's nice to admire vintage shopfronts such as that for W H Peplow & Son Jewellers and Silversmiths. Our initial target is the Bonded Warehouse, terminal point for the Town Arm of the Stourbridge Canal; the warehouse is back in use as a prime meeting place while some of the moored narrowboats have Black Country flags fluttering about. In an unexpected overlap with last week's Smethwick outing, I'm intrigued to spot a weighbridge manufactured by Avery's - it can handle up to twenty tons.

- A brace of Beardsmores in the Old Wharf -

Our first drink of the day comes courtesy of the Old Wharf, situated just across the cobbles from the Bonded Warehouse. I'd never been in this one before, primarily because it spent many years virtually abandoned after the Moorings Tavern ceased trading, so to see it brought back to life with a smart refurbishment is a wonder in itself. Porthole mirrors and shaggy green bench drapes accompany us when raising a toast to Mr B Senior, although we resist the urge to light a bell jar candle in his honour. There are a handful of cask ales on dispense here, including the Exmoor Gold Nick and I sample, whereas Ken dabbles with a low alcohol lager.

- Not Pouring Boring -

For our second calling point we take a punt on a place we'd spotted on the Lower High Street earlier. I must admit I hadn't previously heard of 'Haul', a specialist beer emporium based within St Giles House that has recently been able to start operating its on-site taproom. Enticed by a little blackboard with a #NotPouringBoring tagline, we enter to discover an impressive bank of fridges displaying a wide array of craft cans and bottles - the graphic design work that goes into some of these containers is a triumph of the imagination! Mr B Senior puts his longing for John Smith's to one side in order to join Nick and yours truly on the Westmalle Trappist Dubbel (nice and dark) but the biggest shock is seeing Stephen trying a can of Implosion alcohol-free beer; at least the Kate Bush soundtrack helps him feel at home.

- Stephen Gets His Chips -

By this stage everyone is feeling peckish so we head to the nearest chip shop for the requisite sustenance. Stourbridge Fish Bar on Coventry Street does the trick and we munch our spoils over by the Duke William where a bench/subway perch gives us an uninterrupted view of the Ring Road (currently rating as #1 in our list of exotic lunchtime locations). Newly nourished, we press on along Church Street towards Red Hill, passing one side of the former Stourbridge Free Library and Technical Institute; this fine Edwardian edifice has terracotta detailing and was also used by the Stourbridge College of Art. 

- George (ignoring us completely!) -

Our attempts to get our Hagley intentions back on track take us next to Stourbridge Junction, where trains into Worcestershire are still subject to ongoing disruption. Cutting our losses, we have the consolation of seeing George, the ginger station cat who has developed something of a social media following. George can't really advise us about possible connections as he's too busy grooming himself on his crocheted mat in the ticket office, critical preparation I'm sure for any forthcoming stints of platform 'pawtrol'. Our brush with celebrity precedes a gentle wander into Oldswinford using the alleyway down by St Mary's Parish Church.

- Bathams Bitter in the Bird in Hand -

Following a nifty bout of sidestreet navigation, we reach an establishment that is increasingly becoming the firmest of WME favourites. The traditional Batham's ambience of the Bird in Hand is hard to beat, sitting in one corner of the bar discussing the merits or otherwise of the supposed 'Freedom Day' when remaining Covid restrictions are due to be lifted. Memories also surface of Black Wednesday in 1992, while Mr Beardsmore Senior recalls the hardships of his Portobello upbringing during the 1940s. The timeless classic brew that is Batham's Best Bitter is happily on hand to help lubricate such conversations. 

- The Seven Stars -

We may not have made it to Hagley but we can keep one element of the original plan, whereby the Seven Stars opposite Stourbridge Junction was always going to be on our agenda. Unanimous appreciation of spectacular stairwell tiling precedes us keeping a close watch on the live departures board in the front bar; blueberry-infused beer is enough to tantalise Nick while Mr B Snr descends a 'Slippery Slope' care of the Twisted Oak Brewery. The transport gods then throw us one final curveball, scuppering thoughts of a Lye nightcap when our train is instructed to run non-stop to Birmingham Snow Hill. We therefore pitch up at the Lost & Found where the opulent ex-bank interior comes with prices to match - poor Ken is certainly owed a drink or two on our future expeditions. Cheers!

The Hub Marketing Anniversary: Smethwick Revisited

February 2021 had the Hub Marketing Board celebrating our tenth anniversary although Covid considerations meant we weren't actually able to go anywhere. At the time we made do with a special blogpost reprising our first ever trip log and promised that sooner or later we'd restage the outing properly. That day finally arrived on 9th July whereby we had Smethwick squarely in our sights again, seeing how many of our original 2011 haunts were still going...

- The Spon Lane Locks Branch -

At the Chairman's insistence we meet at Sandwell & Dudley railway station primed to remember Oldbury manufacturing names such as Hunt Brothers and Cuxson & Gerrard. Mr D9 is keen on some canal ferreting this morning so we soon find ourselves strolling up the Spon Lane Locks where the towpath is increasingly being reclaimed by nature. Spon Lane Junction occupies a desolate spot underneath the M5 motorway and we lap up the 'Soviet Swimming Pool' scenery as the Old Main Line meanders among dripping concrete girders when heading for Galton Valley.

- 'Spotted' at Smethwick Locks -

Claims that the brutalist beauty here would rival the charms of the Lake District or the Shropshire Hills are somewhat questionable but we do enjoy exploring the Engine Arm, constructed as a feeder canal providing water to both the Old and New Main Lines. We can only get as far as Engine Bridge before the arm becomes a private mooring base, but further canal delights await at Smethwick Locks where the distinctive octagonal BCN tollhouse keeps the bald spot engrossed. The flight comprises three locks between the Engine Arm Aqueduct turning and Pope Bridge, beyond which we proceed via Smethwick Junction (overseen by rusty blue industrial cylinders) to the Avery Railway Bridge.

- Black Patch Park Memorial -

We start to overlap with our inaugural 2011 adventure once we reach Black Patch Park, an area of open space notable for its gypsy connections. Two water courses - Hockley Brook and Boundary Brook - converge here but apart from a couple of mown pitches the rest of the park is looking distinctly untidy. Nearby, the Soho Foundry frontage of the Avery Weigh-Tronix works is as impressive as ever, complete with a blue plaque detailing how Matthew Boulton and James Watt established the site in 1796. Avery's acquired the plant in 1895 and have earned a worldwide reputation for the production of scales and weighing equipment.

- Booth Street Closet -

Directly opposite the factory's archway entrance is the Soho Foundry Tavern, our opening pub in 2011 repeating the same trick today. Carling is our tipple this time, sitting in the front bar watching Wimbledon tennis coverage that previews the forthcoming men's semi-finals. Things may be quiet at the moment but we can easily imagine the place in its heyday, works buses parked outside in Foundry Road and smoke-filled rooms heaving with folks imbibing after a hard day's labour. Perhaps some of those gents would have made use of the Booth Street closet, a bygone relic that Mr D9 is determined to see again.

- The Falcon has flown -

The next stage of our re-enactment sadly involves paying homage to those watering holes that haven't survived over the last decade. The Falcon at the bottom of Messenger Road and Baldwin Street was an early casualty, getting demolished within weeks of our 2011 visit. Houses now occupy that patch of land whereas the Moilliet Arms (converted into flats) is at least still standing on the Cranford Street/Grove Lane junction. Another lamented loss is the London Works Tavern, a no-nonsense M&B boozer formerly positioned on London Street which has been sacrificed as part of the Midland Metropolitan Hospital development.

- Super-Hospital Sightseeing -

Talking of the 'super-hospital', we note that this protracted construction saga is now nearing an end and it is anticipated that the facility will open in the summer of 2022. It certainly looks dramatic as a building and will hopefully go on to deliver world class health care despite the various delays that have beset the project. Covering some 16 acres, the hospital's footprint also swallowed up the George, a Grove Lane inn that was latterly known as the Hono Bar or Maan's. We can't blame medical advances for the demise of the Puffing Billy though; it had already closed for a few years before suffering a catastrophic fire, leaving behind just Raglan Road rubble and hints of mock locomotive wheels on the disused car park. 

- Relaxing in the Robin -

All these references to pub closures have the potential to get very depressing so we need to find somewhere that is happily soldiering onwards. The Robin on Suffrage Street fits the bill nicely as a Cape Hill community local not far from Victoria Park or the Windmills Shopping complex. Carling Euro 2021 bunting accompanies more of the said lager as we ponder beermats depicting the faces of the England squad and catch up on the Wimbledon latest. Whether football indeed comes home this weekend remains to be seen but Secretary WME thinks the team have done us proud just by getting into the final - fingers crossed for victory! 

- Seven Stars, Cape Hill -

The heart of Cape Hill revolves around a notoriously busy road junction where several routes all meet. Architecturally the area is still recognisable from vintage pictures taken in the early C20th albeit the traffic levels have vastly increased. The public house contingent did include the Waterloo (a flagship terracotta M&B edifice that is long-term derelict) and the Sampson Lloyd (historically a bank, now a chicken wings restaurant) so it's the Seven Stars that flies the flag today - we nip in for yet more Carling as the Secretary cunningly secures discount honours for the Hub Marketing spreadsheet.  

- The Shireland -

The Seven Stars marked a departure from the 2011 itinerary (ten years ago it was so full we didn't stop) so we knuckle down to our core mission again courtesy of the Shireland. M&B lettering is still very evident but otherwise there has been something of a makeover, sprucing up the interior with an emphasis on Indian cuisine. We plan on dining a little bit later so we concentrate on playing Popmaster, Mr WME surprising himself with chart knowledge about East 17 and the Boxtops whereas the Chairman's star answers involve Sheena Easton and Stevie Wonder. We don't score particularly highly and have no chance on the Rihanna 3 in 10.

- Curry Contentment at the Red Cow -

Licking our quizzical wounds, we board the 80A for a short hop to Smethwick High Street. We didn't claim any curries in 2011 but the lure of the Red Cow is too much to resist this time around - cue the Baby Cow mixed grill drizzled in chilli and mint sauces, yum! A backstreet dash past Arden Road's former Co-op shop then gets us to the Old Chapel, perched on The Uplands beside Smethwick Old Church. Mr D9 is closing in on a Carling full house while Secretary WME goes rogue at one point by sneaking in an M&B Mild. Having accumulated eight pubs back in 2011 we satisfy ourselves with a magnificent seven on this occasion, the last of which is a new entry for the Desi 2 on Oldbury Road; this used to be called the Waggon & Horses and proves very handy for Galton Bridge train connections. 

There's no denying Smethwick and Cape Hill have seen some significant changes in ten short years but we managed to put together a cracking crawl for our anniversary tour - cheers!

Waterways Walks: The Shrewsbury Canal

Although I've done a fair amount of canal exploring recently (especially during Rail Rover Week), it's been ages since I last filed a dedicated Waterways Walks blogpost. Spurred into action, my inspiration would be the remains of the former Shrewsbury Canal between Shrewsbury town centre and Uffington...

- The Canal Tavern as was -

Historically part of the wider Shropshire Union network, the Shrewsbury Canal originally ran from Trench to Shrewsbury before being connected to Norbury Junction via the Newport Branch. The line was abandoned in the 1940s but it is possible to trace some of the route on foot, so on Friday 2nd July I'm aiming to cover the initial section out of Shrewsbury town centre. Catching the 9:44 train across from Wolverhampton, I start in the Castlefields vicinity (just below the prison) where a Morris Lubricants yard occupies the old basin terminus site. The Canal Tavern near Beacalls Lane is a very helpful clue even if the property is being overhauled; you can still see a painted Wem Ales sign around the back. 

- Site of Factory Bridge -

Picking up the footpath to the rear of the tavern, I proceed towards Ditherington with St Michael's Gate and New Park Close for company. A children's playground precedes my arrival at Factory Bridge where a nameplate has been retained as part of the current brickwork. The A5191 St Michael's Street crosses here and I join the main road for a while, marvelling at the progress being made in restoring the Flaxmill Maltings (hugely significant for being the world's first iron-framed building, a revolutionary forerunner of modern skyscrapers). Historic England are managing the project here while the visitor centre explaining the site's history is overseen by a voluntary Friends group - well worth a look!

- Introducing the Sundorne section -

The canal used to swoop round behind the Maltings but would then disappear under a housing estate, meaning the trail resumes courtesy of a path opposite the Coach pub. A short segment is flanked by Comet Drive before I tiptoe over the A5112 and join the extended stretch that runs roughly parallel with Sundorne Road. This particular portion is designated as a countryside site by Shrewsbury Town Council which may explain its popularity with walkers and cyclists. The River Severn apparently meanders nearby - not that I actually get to see it - and there are connecting walkways to Lesley Owen Way or the Shrewsbury Sports Village. 

- Is that a canal in there? -

It's at this point that the walk really comes alive for me as I can begin to see some genuine canal remains. Yes it resembles a stagnant swamp covered in green gunk (when the reeds don't get in the way) but these are tantalising glimpses of a line that was authorised in 1793 and operational by 1797. Tufty fronds float on the breeze as I quietly sneak past the mansion and barns of Pimley Manor, then I duck through the mural-lined A49 underpass to home in on Uffington. This is as far as I'll be going along the old canal today, and I exit beside some traditional wharf cottages to see what the village has to offer. 

- The Corbet Arms -

Uffington is three miles east of Shrewsbury and immediately beguiles me with its rural charm. Holy Trinity Church has an air of serenity as the morning clouds start to melt away, while a vintage parish pump outside the village hall adds to the sense of antiquity. The local hostelry is the Corbet Arms, a grand-looking establishment that offers hotel accommodation - I won't be needing a bed for the night but a pint would be appreciated, hence I partake of a refreshing Cleric's Cure (a 5% IPA from the Three Tuns Brewery). Lunchtime meals seem popular here and the beer garden/patio offers some inviting views out towards the river. 

- More Gunged-Up Remnants -

Having been clerically cured, I commence the return stroll to Shrewsbury by reprising my outward endeavours back past Pimley Manor. Brightening skies enable me to attempt further pictures of the canal bank and its lush vegetation, occasionally catching peeks of astroturf pitches or fishing pools - the former towpath doubles up as National Cycle Route 81 so it is well used. Beyond Uffington, the canal used to continue via Berwick Tunnel, Withington Wharf and Longdon-on-Tern Aqueduct (a notable cast iron structure) in order to reach Wappenshall Junction; one day I might see what I can discover of those locations too.

- The Steam Wagon -

For today though I'll finish off with some suburban Shrewsbury sightseeing. Sundorne Road brings me to the Heathgates Roundabout, named after the landmark boozer which stands guard over the junction. It isn't open right now so my second drink is instead sourced at the Steam Wagon, an elongated estate box specimen on Mount Pleasant Road just over from the BBC Shropshire radio studios. Arming myself with a Purity Mad Goose, I settle back for some Wimbledon-watching action albeit my tennis knowledge quickly runs out after Murray, Nadal, Federer and Djokovic. 

- Ditherington Community Centre -

My canal concentration earlier meant I didn't fully get to grips with Ditherington so I set about correcting that by investigating Long Row. The Compasses Inn has well-worn Bass branding whereas the Community Centre looks typically Victorian, based in an old schoolhouse complete with ornamental belfry. Spring Gardens takes me past Frank Painter & Sons Funeral Directors (established in 1936) to St Michael's Street where I indulge in a concluding drink thanks to the Dolphin, a Joules taphouse that serves up a superior Slumbering Monk. Fluids replenished I head home suitably satisfied with my latest waterways adventure - cheers!

WME Flickr Focus - June 2021

I've been rather neglectful of photostream matters lately it has to be said. The Euro 2020 football tournament is partly responsible for that, plus June has also seen me larking around in the Lake District, Rail Rovering and hunting down rams in Derby so poor old Flickr has had to fight for any attention. Despite all the distractions I have managed to eke out some updates - let's see where the game of chance takes us this time around...

Our roulette wheel of photo progress lands first upon WME Wolverhampton which cashes in some street sign chips and a whole bevy of balance beams. Several spins on the Birmingham Main Line Canal resulted in even more of the 21 Locks slotting into position, and there were grotto grabs from the Mander Centre as further Christmas characters made their presences felt. Add in the Hogs Head with a railway waiting room mural and we're on a lucky streak!

Similarly gambling on additions is Exploration Extra which receives its first batch of new content since March. Weymouth wagers forth with vintage buses - most notably preserved Southern National specimen AFJ 766T - and is supported by flashes of Bournemouth Yellow (the 40 en route to Christchurch). Ashover's accumulator accounts for a River Amber walkway while the Rhyl 2009 album is boosted by a brace of bus snaps.

Rolling the dice next are the risk-taking duo of WME Dudley and WME Telford. Dudley eyes up winners from Woodsetton (remembering the Prince of Wales pub) and Wordsley (a peek inside the Samson & Lion) whereas Telford lays all its odds on Wombridge, profiting from pictures of a parish church noticeboard and an autumnal-looking cemetery. Indeed, Telford has actually been a consistent contributor to the photostream thus far in 2021 which wasn't always the case in previous years.

We finish with a mention for those collections that haven't troubled the tipsters as much. WME Staffordshire stakes a bob or two on Wombourne, resulting in an appearance for the Round Oak; WME Birmingham puts its fortunes to the test at Woodgate Valley by dabbling with a bridge over the Bourn Brook; and WME Walsall's solitary speculation is a Peel Street ceramic sign from Willenhall. Back for more photostream jeopardy in August? You bet!