Another April Assortment

April 2024 seems to have developed a liking for double-header blog postings. With Perton and Pensnett already accounted for, I'll now combine two more outings into a single report so settle back and enjoy. First off is a Carling collision around Deansfield with Mr D9, followed by an Acocks Green assignment accompanying Nick and Ken...

- Sir Jack's Statue -

There hasn't been much scope for Hub Marketing action this month with the Chairman and the Secretary both having busy diaries, so squeezing in a quick evening catch-up is about all that we can muster. Tuesday 16th April is the agreed date whereby Mr WME manages some lunchtime photography in the vicinity of Molineux Stadium, home ground of Wolverhampton Wanderers of course. Sir Jack Hayward was club owner and benefactor during the 1990s and early 2000s so a statue of him can be found close to the stand bearing his name; the design recreates Sir Jack's famous thumbs up pose which celebrated achieving promotion to the Premier League after the Play Off Final victory over Sheffield United in 2003. 

- Marston's Smooth in the Merry Boys -

To Hub Marketing matters and 529 buses from differing directions see members converging upon Deansfield shortly before 5pm. A mini Willenhall Road pubcrawl is in the offing, starting at the Merry Boys which is a fairly typical Banks's establishment on the junction with Deans Road. Secretary WME remembers having belly busting brunches here, as well as meeting up for lunches with ex-library colleagues, but today's visit concentrates on Marston's Smooth and some brightly patterned booth seating. Chairman D9 is in good form, regaling all with tales of timetable scheduling meetings and falling off stools in the Great Western.

- D9 'drives' the 529 -

Diagonally opposite the Merry Boys is where you'll find the Cleveland Arms, occupying the corner with Stowheath Lane. Well known as a sporting pub, the Cleveland regularly hosts event nights with personalities drawn from the worlds of football, darts and snooker - indeed, former Wolves midfielder Kevin McDonald is due to take to the stage here in a few days time. We partake of a swift Carling each whilst noting an impressive amount of dartboards and pool tables, then decamp back onto the 529 so that the Chairman can showcase more of his bus driving expertise. A short hop is all he needs to supply some steering action...

- It's A Lovely Day for a Bald Spot Sighting -

A two stop helping hand is all we require to get us to the Beehive, a Coventry Street contender drawn very much from the backstreet boozer category. More Carling here keeps us refreshed - once Mr D9 has figured out which door can get us inside - as we sit under the trophy shelf admiring their Beehive Wolves 1877 flag. A cheeky call into the Glassy Junction (formerly the Malt Shovel) completes proceedings amongst hi-vis workmen and woolly-coated grannies; for a Tuesday evening it's very lively, the curries being part of the attraction. There's just time for the bald spot to listen to some silly songs, including some German rapping nonsense from Die Woodies plus Renee and Renato warbling 'It's A Lovely Day', and the crawl is complete.

- Douglas Road Bird Art -

Three whole days later and Friday 19th April 2024 has Nick, Ken and I meeting up for a spot of Acocks Green reconnaissance. Our resident Bluenose Mr May used to live in the area prior to departing for Wolverhampton pastures in the 1980s, so this outing is dedicated to revisiting a few of his old stomping grounds. We therefore set forth from Acocks Green railway station shortly after half past ten, noting the closure of the Great Western pub (boarded up) and the lack of public helpdesk services at the nearby police station. Douglas Road yields a neat line in avian street art as Nick ponders whether to call in at Jess Phillips MP's constituency office, while Alexander Road offers a former Ken residence as well as a historic fire station premises.

- Summer House, Shaftmoor Lane -

The village centre in Acocks Green is clustered around the main island where Westley Road, Shirley Road and the A41 Warwick Road all intersect, although the Inn on the Green as was is now a Kabul restaurant. We peruse some of the local shops, noting the closure of Haynes Butchers (they had been trading since 1939) and weigh up our pub options which appear to amount to Wetherspoons or bust! We've earmarked Tim Martin's empire for food consumption later on so a ride on the 1 can get us to Shaftmoor Lane, technically crossing into Hall Green. The Shaftmoor pub has been renamed as the Summer House but is still a sprawling suburban edifice; it'll do us fine for respective glasses of Guinness and Worthingtons, trying not to get deafened by Dua Lipa songs being emitted at almost painful decibel levels.

- St John's, Sparkhill -

Needing to give our eardrums chance to recover, we continue along Shaftmoor Lane to the College Arms which remains a fine Stratford Road landmark even with some of its lettering falling off. Union Jack flags in the left hand bar offset some occasional drilling noises and we  rather like the traditional green leather upholstery provided Nick doesn't get swallowed by a devious dip. The Shire Country Park includes 'Blackberry Way', an almost unheralded River Cole footpath which may or may not have anything to do with The Move's number one hit of late 1968. Either way, we emerge via Percy Road into Sparkhill so as to track down another of Ken's previous addresses (32 Blackford Road). The Sparkhill area has become much more multicultural since the 1970s but St John's Parish Church has been a constant presence. 

- A 'Wow' Moment at No 1 DoveHouse Parade -

Sparkhill and neighbouring Sparkbrook are very much Muslim communities these days but do have longstanding associations with Birmingham's Irish population. McDwyers on the Warwick Road is something of a survivor given how many pubs have perished, and proves well worth a look with its redbrick terracotta clock turret not to mention some very creamy Guinness. We round things off with two altogether more modern establishments in Olton, namely Number 1 DoveHouse Parade (our setting for a very hoppy 'Wow' from the Silhill Brewery) and Platform Three (barely a minute's dash from Olton railway station). Cheers all and Happy Birthday Ken!

Lost Pubs from the WME Archives #34

Partly inspired by Pub Curmudgeon's Closed Pubs blog - which I always like to keep an eye on, especially for any West Midlands postings - I started my own series of archive extractions five years ago this month. Yes April 2019 is when the first 'Lost Pubs from the WME Archives' appeared, and I've sadly had enough material to keep the theme ticking over ever since. Here are another five casualties for us to ponder...

- The Linthouse -

Being a Wolverhampton lad, it pains me somewhat to note that every single one of this quintet is a pub from within the city's boundaries - in fact the first three all hail from the Wednesfield area, starting with the Linthouse on Linthouse Lane near Ashmore Park. Positioned next to a Jet garage with an alleyway through onto Shardlow Road, this place had a strong footballing allegiance to Wolverhampton Wanderers. I only remember going here once, for a family meal that involved steak and kidney suet puddings in the front bar. Houses now occupy the site. 

- Noah's Ark -

If you were to continue back along Linthouse Lane towards the Wood End roundabout, you'd soon reach our next bygone boozer. The Noah's Ark had a very typical 1960s Ansells design although the building we see above replaced an earlier inn circa 1964. Perched on Wood End Road close to Long Knowle Library, it would have been in direct competition with the grander Pheasant just down the road. Nowadays it has been converted into a One Stop convenience store with adjoining hairdressing salon.

- The Cross Guns -

The third of our Wednesfield trio is the Cross Guns on Lichfield Road, nestled between two blocks of shops that included stores such as Portland Eye Care, the Penguin Cafe and the much-missed Max Millward's Records. A fairly plain redbrick offering, I recall having Sunday roasts here on occasion with my Nan and Grandad, although curries are more likely to be on the menu in its current guise as the Masala Lounge Indian restaurant. 

- Staffordshire Volunteer -

I lived in Bushbury for the best part of thirty years and in that time the local pub scene was absolutely decimated, not that I can hold myself in anyway responsible you understand! One victim of this declining demand was the Staffordshire Volunteer on the Northwood Park estate, a box boozer which stood on Collingwood Road opposite the Broadway shopping parade. Known affectionately as the Vol, it too became a One Stop store after ceasing to trade.

- Fox Hotel -

Let's finish in Wolverhampton City Centre with reference to the Fox Hotel, a watering hole which would have been a noted landmark for anyone driving around the Ring Road (albeit any architectural appeal was distinctly dubious). It overlooked the Penn Road roundabout from the end of School Street at a time when the Indoor Markets would still have been operational, but is now just a car park space with little trace it was ever there. 

Perton then Pensnett

To steal a phrase from a famous advertising slogan... p-p-p-pick up a Perton, and whilst you're at it, p-p-p-pick up a Pensnett too. Biscuity chocolate bars might not otherwise be involved in this particular posting but you are getting two trips for the price of one as I attempt some Easter(ish) exploring...

- Spring has sprung on Redhouse Road -

Let's begin with Easter Tuesday (is that even a thing?) - also known as the 2nd April 2024 - and a terrific Tettenhall morning en route to Perton. The sun is shining, the birds are singing and I've got the whole day all to myself for indulging in photography plus a couple of pints. Woodfield Heights has an alleyway link onto College Road comprising several sets of steps before Tettenhall Library and the Peter James estate agents earn their latest archive snaps. I'm rather taken with a ceremonial water fountain I don't think I'd ever captured on camera previously; it is late Victorian in origin and has a prime spot overlooking Upper Green. By contrast, I'm always partial to getting pictures of blossoms so the white-petalled specimens awaiting me on Redhouse Road and Wrottesley Road West are duly documented, lovely.

- A Perton Pony -

After a Cranmere Avenue detour just to satisfy a lingering curiosity, I take Westcroft Road and the crusty old tracks of Dippons Lane to edge closer to Perton, a 1970s overspill settlement built on what used to be the RAF Perton airbase (mainly operational during the Second World War). Pony paddocks give me a rare slice of wildlife action, not that the steeds concerned look remotely impressed by me showering them with attention, then Mercia Drive spits me out onto The Parkway which effectively functions as the estate's main loop road. Two lakes, a selection of schools and a flatpack church are among the various amenities while Sainsburys are the anchor supermarket within the Anders Square shopping precinct. 

- The Pear & Partridge -

In terms of Perton pub provision, I've mentioned both the Pear & Partridge (Greene King) and the Wrottesley Arms (Marston's) on earlier bloggings, although it's encouraging that both are still very much trading and seemingly enticing in grey pound lunchtime diners on a Tuesday afternoon. This established duo has latterly been complemented by the Ale Hub as situated within an Anders Square shopfront; as with the similar outlets at Mere Green, Shirley and Dickens Heath, it offers real ales, craft beer and select spirits in welcoming surroundings. Green Duck's Session Pale is in fine fettle as I relax in a comfortable sofa below 'It's Gin O'Clock' stencillings. Steering clear of mother's ruin myself, I stick around to partake of a Moreton Mild (North Cotswold Brewery, very nice) before catching the number 10 home.

- St Mark's Church -

Fast forward three days to Friday 5th April and my second 'P' destination of the week will be the Dudley district of Pensnett. Again I'm blessed with agreeable weather (give or take some blustery gusts) as the 15 bus deposits me on Tiled House Lane just shy of the busy High Oak crossroads. The local High Street has a derelict relic of a chemists store - H.L. Myers, sadly shorn of its vintage Max Factor appendage - followed by St Mark's C of E Primary School as linked to the parish church of the same name. A funeral service is just drawing to a close when I venture along Vicarage Road but I can nip respectfully through the churchyard to inspect the 1849 cruciform architecture complete with proud clock tower. 

- Barrow Hill Cross -

Vicarage Road also serves as my access point for the Barrow Hill Nature Reserve, one of Dudley's most significant areas of grassland and ancient woodland in terms of geology and biodiversity. Apparently part of the site was once an active volcano so I'm hoping to steer clear of any eruptions today! Burial chambers thought to date back to the Bronze Age help give the reserve its name, and a large metallic cross helps emphasise this resting place provenance as well as marking the hill's summit. On clear days such as this, there are impressive panoramas to enjoy looking out towards The Wrekin, Worcestershire, the Clent Hills and Brown Clee.

- Russells Hall Shops -

Proceeding further along the Barrow Hill footpaths, I emerge into Russells Hall via Merryfield Road. Although I know the estate quite well from rides on the former 222 bus route down the years, it had largely escaped my camera's gaze until now. Making up for lost time, I pounce upon the main block of shops on Middlepark Road corner, noting a Spar store, a post office and Taylor's family butchers (not forgetting the Living Hope Church, previously known as St Barnabas's). Further shops - including the Blue Submarine Fish Bar - can be found at the junction with Overfield Road beyond some playing fields and a nursing home.

- A Feathery Co-op? -

Russells Hall used to be served by two watering holes, neither of which have survived. On Corbyn Road there used to be the Old Park with its very triangular pointy roof but that got replaced by apartments, whereas Overfield Road opposite the primary school is where you would have found the Plume of Feathers. This latter establishment is at least still standing, nowadays fulfilling a communal function as a Co-op store albeit with a shape that very much has the hallmarks of a lost Banks's boozer. 

- Pens Ale Prospects -

Any quest for pints in the vicinity must therefore bring me back to Pensnett, where that trusty favourite the Fox & Grapes once again delivers on my Bathams Bitter + cheese and onion cob remit. I park myself in the main bar for a change, thinking it quite quiet early doors until some hi-vis workmen claim their regular positions and get the banter properly flowing - Friday pm knocking-off time, you can't beat it! The Pens Ale micropub at 81a High Street (next door to the chip shop that used to be the Four Furnaces) has earned Good Beer Guide recognition in recent years, so the slightest hint that my intended Holden's Golden Glow is off means I'm swiftly furnished with an impeccable Oakham Inferno replacement. Cheers!

A Good Friday for the Chip Foundation!

Anyone up for some Easter exploring? Believe it or not, it's approaching ten years since Nick, Stephen and I left the public library scene for pastures new. Back in 2014, we celebrated Nick's retirement with a special pubcrawl visiting some of his favourite hostelries and now - a whole decade later - we're going to stage a similar trip in order to mark this notable anniversary...

- Bantock Park Magnolia -

Good Friday (29th March 2024) is close enough to the exact date of Nick's escape from working life that it fits well for meeting up, and what's more I can indulge in some springtime photography en route to joining the chaps in Wolverhampton. Bantock Park looks especially pretty with pathside daffodils and magnolia trees in full bloom, and its heartening to hear the bumblebees buzzing around in search of pollen and nectar. Bantock House and surrounding grounds were bequeathed to Wolverhampton Council on the death of Albert Baldwin Bantock in 1938, with the main house subsequently becoming a museum. 

- Mr Beardsmore points the way from Sedgley Beacon -

Nick and Stephen are ready and waiting for me near Wolverhampton railway station so we can easily hop aboard the number 1 bus bound for Sedgley. An invigorating stroll should get us in the mood for the ales to follow, and the bracing winds up on Sedgley Beacon certainly help to clear any lingering cobwebs. One of the highest points in the Black Country, you can spot numerous West Midlands landmarks from such a lofty elevation including BT Tower, the Bond Wolfe block in West Bromwich, plus Wolverhampton's Mander House with Victoria Halls. One particularly strong gust almost sends the Beardsmore baseball cap spiralling off towards Ettingshall Park Farm but Stephen nimbly retrieves his miscreant headwear from the gorse.

- Dark Ruby Mild? Don't mind if we do... -

Keen that Stephen should not risk losing any more items of apparel, we dodge beneath the Beacon Tower (erected in 1846) and into the Beacon Hotel, home of Sarah Hughes Brewery and their prized Dark Ruby Mild. Intercepting Ken on the doorstep, we've timed our arrival not long after midday opening and yet the place is already very full with Bank Holiday merriment. Dimpled glasses and Taddy Lager beermats add to the effect as we commandeer the far table in the smoke room, always an evocative space in which to imbibe of 6% gorgeousness. Alas the special barrel of Snowflake winter ale has quickly sold out so the still-excellent Sedgley Surprise steps in for my follow-up half while conversation covers recent holidays in Cromer, Exmouth, Scarborough and Great Yarmouth.

- The Classic Beardsmore Chip Picture -

The 229 bus is due straight outside the pub at 14:03 and arrives promptly to whisk us off to Bilston, where we've time for a legendary chip shop lunch before Stephen has to leave us. Major's on Church Street has been a renowned local institution for nigh on fifty years, and although the business changed hands in 2023, they still serve the bright orange battered chips for which Bilston has become famous. Mr B gives them his special seal of approval albeit we have to scamper for the shelter of the bus station when a nasty shower sets in.

- Remembering Reg in the Trumpet -

As the rain relents and our resident Beardsmore bids us farewell by catching his 25 bus link into Wednesfield, the rest of us have a date with another Bilston mainstay. The Trumpet is a wonderful Holden's boozer which specialises in live jazz under the stewardship of Musti and Diane; many is the evening we've spent here over the years, listening to the likes of Patsy Gamble, Sheila Waterfield, Henry Newman and the much-missed Reg Keirle. Claiming our Golden Glows and Holden's Bitters respectively, we nudge below framed portraits of Tommy Burton and Louis Armstrong to chat about music, politics and travel in the time-honoured way. I particularly like the caricature sketches of the various musicians who've graced the stage here down the decades, not to mention a wide array of musical trinkets and figurines.

- Grinning with Glow in the Great Western -

Two pubs done with two more to come so we'd best get heading back to Wolverhampton. The number 82 bus offers a helping hand via Portobello (Moseley Road) and Deansfield, then we soon find ourselves descending the distinctive Corn Hill cobbles to reach the Great Western, nostalgically framed by its railway bridge approaches. An all-time classic, this pub is another of Holden's finest establishments with a neat line in railwayana, cobs and coal fires. Claiming our customary seats in the conservatory, we account for more Glow, Bitter and Woodsetton Pale Ale as the whole place seems alive with good natured Bank Holiday banter. 

- The Lych Gate Tavern Finale -

The fourth of our intended quartet sees us finishing off exactly as we did in 2014, by pitching into the Lych Gate Tavern just off Wolverhampton's Queen Square. Black Country Ales are the custodians here having brought the historic beamed interior back into public use in 2012; it had been an office space prior to that so it's good that the timber elements can now be fully appreciated again. Beartown's Creme Bearlee battles Birmingham's Stout Brummie in our darker ale affections albeit Ken takes a trip along memory lane by opting for Brew XI, the Midlands brew he forged his beery tastebuds on. The only things missing are the Catholic priests who kindly wished Nick all the best on his retirement ten years ago, but we've had a cracking afternoon with or without any such ecclesiastical interventions. Cheers!

WME Flickr Focus - March 2024

The vagaries of my personal filing system mean that WME updates tend to be grouped into alphabetical batches, following a loose publication order based on the filenames. All very interesting (not!) except that it means Exploration Extra - by dint of a different prefix to the rest of my pictures - tends not to get any additions for ages, then they all arrive in a sudden rush...

So it is that March 2024 has been one of those unusual months where Exploration Extra has totally ruled the roost, bolting the door on any other gallery's attempts to sneakily smuggle their items through. The result is a wide-ranging set of arrivals taking us from Bristol to Edinburgh by way of Manchester, Cumbria and Derby with not a solitary West Midlands photograph in sight!

Let's start in the Lake District where my Kendal 2021 album must surely be one of the largest on my entire photostream (91 pictures and counting). The newer contributors here include Keswick (offering the Crafty Baa pub, Fitz Park and the Ruskin Monument), Derwent Water (complete with Friar's Crag viewpoint), Fell Foot Country Park (for attractive dry stone wall scenery) and Helsington (a flock of curious cows). These are all supported by Kendal itself which summons various holes from its putting green, not to mention yet more cuddly rabbit dolls from the cottage where we were staying. 

Sticking in the North West, my Manchester 2021 cricketing collection is growing nicely thanks to the input of Cornbrook Metrolink branding, the Circus Tavern and Old Trafford - the football ground variety - with its clock commemorating the Munich Air Disaster. Cricket was likewise the underlying inspiration for my Bristol 2022 assemblage which currently amounts to two pub snippets (the Quinton House and the Kingsdown Vaults) plus a badger mural and a Clifton Down railway running-in board.

Slightly closer to home, Rail Rover 2018 busies itself with Cheltenham content focusing on the Stagecoach bus depot, the Vine pub and the very elegant Regency frontage to Cheltenham Spa railway station. Over in the East Midlands, Derby Ram Trail 2021 takes delivery of a further batch of ram-related sculptural snapshots (hello Poseidon!) not to mention some Normanton street signs care of the terraces near the Falstaff free house. 

Last but not least, let's trek all the way up to Scotland for two doses of album accumulation. Edinburgh 2017 benefits from the presence of two Hibernian turnstiles from Easter Road stadium - hence the green colour scheme - plus a lobster-influenced nod to the Cafe Royal, whereas Southerness 2022 has a starter snippet of rusty chains on Kirkcudbright Harbour. April is scheduled to maintain the Exploration Extra monopoly but there could be some interesting gems coming our way so watch this space...

Extracts from Eccleshall

Tradition over recent years dictates that the month of March must supply me with a Stafford sojourn, only this year I've decided to go rogue by extending my range out towards the nearby town of Eccleshall...

- A Victoria Park Vista -

It's Saturday 23rd March 2024 and a weather theme for the day is set almost immediately when my initial walk into Wolverhampton is punctuated by a vicious hailstorm. The skies have brightened up by the time the 09:48 Manchester train deposits me in Stafford, hence Victoria Park is its usual inviting self with magnolia trees in full bloom over by the glasshouses. W.G. Grace demands his customary selfie in lawn bowling flat cap attire, while Chell Road is being subjected to ongoing roadworks as part of an 'Active Travel' scheme (whatever that entails).

- The Eagle Inn (not currently flying) -

Plotting my way through a sea of orange traffic cones, I board the number 432 bus which is currently operated by Chaserider (Arriva were the incumbent last time I rode this service). The route ventures along the A5013 Eccleshall Road past a large cemetery and the turning for the Holmcroft estate, then crosses paths with Junction 14 of the M6 motorway. Creswell is up next followed by Great Bridgeford where I note the village hall as the bus utilises Newport Road. I'd never been through Woodseaves before so that section is particularly interesting - spotting the Cock Inn and a small post office - while our approach into Eccleshall itself involves Horsefair and setting down on Stafford Street. Leaping into photographic action, I check on the Eagle Inn at Gaol Butts - the pub is currently closed awaiting new tenants.

- Holy Trinity Church -

Small Lane now connects me onto Eccleshall High Street where both the Royal Oak and the Crown have memorable colonnade arch frontages; the former has been taken on by Joules and is undergoing refurbishment whereas the latter has long been converted into a doctors surgery. The Old Fire Station and a succession of attractive townhouses accompany me in reaching Church Street where Holy Trinity is flanked by a gorgeous array of golden daffodils, albeit any sense of springtime is offset by another of those pesky hail showers. The church foundations are said to date from the late 12th century with the main chancel and arcades constructed in the C13th prior to restoration and alterations being undertaken in the 1860s. 

- Eccleshall Scout Group -

Beyond the church, I investigate the edge-of-town combination of the 1st Eccleshall Scout Group HQ and the adjacent Cricket Club, both amenities sharing a car park off Chester Road. Kerry Lane potentially offers a route towards Copmere End, Elford Heath and Garmelow but I prefer to retrace my footsteps back into the main town centre. Here I confirm that the George Inn (former tap of the Slater's Brewery) is now functioning as the Little George coffee bar with references to Bent's Brewhouse. Stafford Street meanwhile is home to the local post office, a Co-op supermarket and Perry's of Eccleshall Master Butchers, a well-known name in the Staffordshire meat and game dealing trade.  

- The Kings Arms Hotel -

Stafford Street is also where I find the Kings Arms Hotel, which historically acted as a stopping point for stagecoaches between London and Chester. You can tell the building has a fair bit of age to it and there are numerous nooks, crannies and corridors to explore. The chief attraction for me of course is quality cask ales and I'm delighted to see they have one of my absolute favourites, namely Beartown's Creme Bearlee. A silky smooth stout infused with molasses and Madagascan vanilla, it slips down a treat when accompanied by a bag of butchers scratchings courtesy of Perry's next door. Players' Tobacco advert enamels, a solid stove and a high shelf stocked with Toby jugs ensure the interior lives up to my hopes for a traditional pint setting. 

- To Pershall and Croxton -

From one of Eccleshall's oldest pubs to arguably its newest, the Ecclian being a micropub based in what used to be a pet shop; the premises was also the Merckx Belgian Bar for a few years. The friendly welcome cannot be faulted and neither can the Draught Bass, affordably priced at £3.50 a pint as indeed are the other real ales (Bradfield Farmers Pale and Farmers Blonde among them). It's a compact little venue with a big heart and the barfly conversations cover South African rugby expertise. Union Jack scatter cushions and Three Tuns beermats add to the effect while the beer quality definitely merits 2024 Good Beer Guide inclusion. I've time in hand for another quick scout around for photos - including the old finger post sign on the Stone Road junction - and one more pint before the return bus...

- The Bell -

Cue the Bell, a place Roger and I frequented during our Eccleshall Experience of February 2011. We liked it very much that day and I'm still of a similar opinion now, the availability of more Draught Bass no doubt helping in maintaining such high levels of esteem. Mansfield v Colchester EFL action provides a dose of weekend sporting content as I park myself in a side snug furnished with crushed velvet blue upholstery and framed indenture certificates. The 432 only offers a basic two-hourly timetable on Saturdays so I make sure to catch the 14:55 back into Stafford, treating myself to a final Bird in Hand libation (Nuttycombe's Snow Leopard White Mild) before my train home. Eccleshall was excellent, ta very much!

Hub Marketing 2024: STONE

Canals, railways, brewery heritage and a selection of great pubs mean there's a lot to like about the Staffordshire market town of Stone. Secretary WME is certainly partial to the occasional visit there (especially in the month of March it seems), although this fourth Hub Marketing escapade of 2024 will be Chairman D9's first ever time setting foot in Stone - here comes the tale of the trip...

- Grumpy D9 drives the 101 -

It's Friday 15th March 2024 and poor old D9 isn't having much luck with his transport options. A fracas aboard the Midland Metro tram delays his arrival at Wolverhampton railway station, meaning we miss one train and - after belatedly making it to Stafford - our intended onward connection has been cancelled. Even our contingency option of the number 101 bus tries to drive straight past us without stopping so it's little wonder that the Chairman displays a fixed frown when showcasing his steering prowess. His mood is probably not helped by the WME choice of silly song for this trip, namely 'Aries' from Harvey Sid Fisher's collection of zodiac tunes, complete with "I Am, I Am, I Am The Ram" chorus. 

- A River Trent Vista -

The 101 is operated half hourly by First Potteries, linking Stafford and Hanley via Trentham Gardens and Newcastle under Lyme. The route's approaches into Stone involve glimpses of Yarlet (noting the Greyhound as a roadside inn), a tour of an industrial estate and Tilling Drive past Walton Priory Middle School. We alight just beyond the Co-op on Eccleshall Road with a view to inspecting the Lamb Inn, a 1960s estate box boozer with a pitched roof, but it seems to vary its opening hours to suit the manager's daily whims. Walton is a sizeable community in its own right, separated from the main part of Stone by the A34 trunk road (The Fillybrooks) and the River Trent. Talking of which, the riverside meadow area is host to a canoe club, a leisure centre and Westbridge Park as well as offering options for scenic walks. 

- A Welcoming Sight -

Proceeding from Walton into Stone proper, we are greeted by a welcome sign styled to look like a narrowboat named Rebekah. Secretary WME taps into his previous pub knowledge in seeking out two excellent establishments for initial ale sampling: the Swan is regularly in the running for CAMRA accolades and serves up a first class pint of Palmer's Poison from the Blythe Brewery, whereas the Royal Exchange is a Titanic tied house on Radford Street with an enviable range of Burslem-brewed beers. A quickfire tussle on the dartboard has WME Whirlwind prevailing by two legs to one, aided by no-nonsense 65 and 40 outshots.

- The Bridge beckons -

Heading into Stone's northern reaches involves a gentle wander along Old Road, noting the Bridge Inn with its curving corner frontage (this one spent a fair few years known as Langtry's) plus the Stonefield Fish Bar, although Mr D9's favourite find is the disused D.G. Brassington's newsagents shop which retains an advert for Wall's ice creams. It must be school hometime judging by the hordes of kids suddenly appearing as if out of nowhere so we decamp into the Pheasant, a traditional local on the junction with Mount Avenue. Purity's Mad Goose pairs well with horse racing action from the Cheltenham Festival although the only winners we're really interested in are the grated Red Leicester and onion cobs - that's lunch sorted!

- The Customary Closet Photocall -

Stone was historically home to the Joules Brewery, the modern version of which has been keen to re-establish links with the town, but we should by no means overlook the presence of Lymestone Brewery based on the Mount Industrial Estate. Their taphouse is the Borehole, a converted office lodge which nowadays makes for a very relaxing setting in which to partake of brews such as Cherry Stone, Stone the Crows and Stone Cutter (no prizes for detecting a theme in how they name their creations). A further brewing name to throw into the mix would be Bent's who were actually based at this Mount Road site prior to ceasing production circa 1968 after becoming a victim of rationalisation by owners Bass Charrington. All this beery talk is enough to set a man's internal waterworks off so Mr D9 is grateful to find the Station Road public conveniences in full working order, sparing him any bladder distress. 

- Granville Square Interrupted -

Having thus far skirted around the edges of the town centre, it's time we got right into the heart of Stone and that means Granville Square and High Street. The war memorial takes pride of place - when there isn't a bald spot trying to get in the way that is! - and we're hardly short of pubby possibilities either, what with Wetherspoons, the Crown & Anchor and the Wren all vying for our custom. The latter of the three gets the nod on this occasion, mainly because Secretary WME wants to check out their relocated premises following their move into a former branch of the NatWest bank. Upside down umbrellas and Burl Ives LPs ensure the quirkiness of their previous unit has not been diminished by upping sticks, while some Stone the Crows dark ale proves that their high standards for beer quality are equally as intact.

- Potent Stuff this Kriek!! -

Our Stone sojourn is nearing its conclusion but there's time yet to seek out Ten Green Bottles, an off licence and gin emporium a few doors down from the Red Lion. They might not do cask ale but the selection of continental tipples is impressive, and it's fair to say the Secretary takes rather a shine to the Belgian Kriek with its cherry infusion. Bearing in mind we must catch the 19:06 train home, we squeeze in a speedy nightcap at the Butchers Block by Stone Station - if I remember correctly, this used to be known as the Talbot until a steakhouse emphasis was applied last year; either way it does the trick for a closing drop of Wadworth 6X and then our train awaits. We managed to cram in quite a crawl there and that's without covering several other worthy establishments, so Stone won't leave you disappointed. Cheers!

Unicorn Fishing? You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet!

The essence of Hub Marketing outings over the years has been a shared love of pubs, daft music and the potential for random acts of silliness, so although this evening bash around Bilston might only be a short session, it ticks all the right boxes…

- Drawing Inspiration -

It's Monday 4th March 2024 and - prior to any evening entertainments - Secretary WME spends his lunchtime perusing the latest exhibitions at Wolverhampton Art Gallery. These include a collection showcasing the urban sketches of local artist Ed Isaacs (complete with Heath Town cow depictions), as well as the British Museum's touring display titled 'Drawing Attention: emerging artists in dialogue' which has many thought-provoking contemporary pieces. The Secretary likes to visit the gallery every three months or so to keep abreast of what's new; the Glaze cafe comes highly recommended for coffee and cake too!

- Rising Sun Baldness -

And so to the main event with members instructed to be at Coseley railway station come half past four. Chairman D9 must be eager because not only is he on time (maintaining a recent run of commendable punctuality) but then promptly marches along Havacre Lane anticipating our first pint of the day. His target is the Rising Sun on Darkhouse Lane, a former Banks's throwback which now operates as a Desi Bar and Grill. The surroundings are grimly industrial despite the building of a new estate comprising Cannon Park Way and Iron Foundry Drive - as you can see, the bald spot seems to be making itself at home!

- The Secretary samples the wares -

Although the Rising Sun has been given something of a style makeover, it's nevertheless still easy to imagine the place being frequented by scrapyard workers and foundrymen back in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Our pangs of nostalgia are perhaps helped by the fact the big screen is showing reruns of Minder with Arthur Daley and Terry McCann in their pomp. Secretary WME is in the mood for some wheeler-dealing of his own by securing cheap pints of Carling, then we settle in the front bay window watching the world go by for a while. Glasses glugged, we venture via Siddons Road and Rainbow Street to join the Bradley Canal at Highfields Road. 

- Unicorn Rescue Unit at your service! -

Even the shortest Hub Marketing gatherings can produce moments of mayhem and things don't get much more surreal than fishing cuddly unicorns out of the canal like it's an everyday occurrence! The sight of the Chairman spreadeagled on the towpath attempting to reach the stricken toy with a discarded tree branch is not easily forgotten and would rival the Tividale Shark in our all-time silliness stakes. He's not a man to be denied though and the rescue is deemed a success once the plushy is plucked from the water, a mission we celebrate with a daft ditty in the form of Elke Sommer's 1961 recording 'Be Not Notty'.

- Bert Turner Overdrive -

Running the gauntlet of geese at feeding time near Carder Crescent (we narrowly avoided a serious pecking), we proceed along Dudley Street into Bilston town centre. The Chairman has more music in mind when the presence of Bert Turner Boulevard prompts a rendition of 'You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet' - quite whether Bachman-Turner Overdrive would approve is another matter!! Bert and his brother Dennis were highly prominent in Bilston politics for decades, Bert serving as a councillor and Mayor of Wolverhampton whereas Dennis was a local MP; both men had campaigned tirelessly against the closure of Bilston Steelworks in the 1970s. 

- A Tikka Tavern Tipple -

Our Bilston pubbish finale involves a new find and an old favourite. First the newbie which sees us test out the Tikka Tavern on the corner of High Street and Dudley Street; admittedly this is predominantly a restaurant really but it is possible to call in for a drink - in our case of Cobra Lager - and the swish interior would make a nice spot to partake of a mixed grill. The jazzy environs of the Trumpet then bring the curtain down with legendary landlord Musti on hand to demonstrate his percussion prowess drumming along to Chuck Berry numbers. The Holden's Golden Glow hits all the right notes too although we must be grateful that Mr D9 didn't break into a rendition of 'Hello Dolly!' - thank goodness for that...

Widney Manor and Monkspath

Is this the very definition of madness? It's one thing for the weather to turn on you when you're already out and about, but quite another to go ahead with an outing if the forecast in advance is dire. Such is my wish to stretch my legs and clear away some cobwebs that I'm steering a course for soggy Solihull regardless of the elements... 

- The Hawthorns -

It's Saturday 2nd March 2024 and I'm risking the wrath of the weather gods by pressing on anyway, although I'm already sensing that the rain isn't quite as heavy as predicted when I touch base at The Hawthorns. The mere mention of West Bromwich Albion usually brings me out in a rash but any Baggies-induced coughing fits are offset by the chance to have a mooch along Middlemore Road. The station was opened in 1995 as part of the Jewellery Line project which restored train services into Birmingham Snow Hill, hence the frontage design is similar in appearance to Jewellery Quarter and Smethwick Galton Bridge. Midland Metro trams also call here, and there are signs for segregating home and away supporters on matchdays. 

- Widney Manor Station -

My sojourn near a certain football stadium is mercifully brief and I'm soon en route into Solihull territory. Widney Manor doesn't get as much WME attention as some stations despite being served by the number 5 bus and half-hourly trains between Birmingham, Dorridge and/or Stratford-upon-Avon. There has been a station on this site since 1899 although the current incumbent is a fairly functional modern rebuild that nevertheless does what it says on the tin. My initial photographic survey covers running boards, hooped noticeboards and the standard booking office (which is staffed most mornings of the week). 

- Hillfield Park -

Widney Lane and Monkspath Hall Road combine to lead me towards Monkspath, a former manorial settlement which was developed for overspill housing during the 1980s. Hillfield Park is the principal area of open space, comprising sports pitches, a local nature reserve, and an Armed Forces Community Garden designed to act as a 'healing habitat'. It's rather squelchy underfoot in places so I stick with the main pavement to reach a series of business parks and car dealerships; I'd know where to go if I wanted a Porsche or a Volkswagen, put it that way!

- Hillfield Farm -

Ignoring the Stonegate and Pegasus offices, I take closer interest in the Hillfield Farm as an example of the Farmhouse Inns dining and carvery chain. The place has already been open a few hours supplying buffet breakfasts so they're just switching into afternoon carvery service when I pitch up circa midday. Whilst I can never get overly excited about these types of pub, having a swift pint here does tick another West Midlands watering hole off my wanted list. As you might expect, there are several families in attendance poring over the reasonably-priced menus but my choice of Carling isn't going to set the world on fire. 

- Monkspath Family Centre -

Retracing my footsteps back along Monkspath Hall Road, I detour off via Hay Lane so as to investigate more amenities. Monkspath Family Centre is part of the Junior and Infant School complex off Farmhouse Way while there is a doctor's surgery and a community centre close at hand too. My second pub of the day is simply called The Farm but - unlike its business estate counterpart - this one has some age to it with the main Grade II-listed farmstead building said to date from the 16th century. First floor timbers look the part in harking back to the days when Shelly was a separate historical hamlet, while a neighbouring outhouse barn seems to focus on the restaurant side of the business. I stick with the public bar, lapping up a more than decent drop of Silhill Brewery's Blonde Star - I must admit I'm warming to Monkspath!

- Shelly Farm Shops -

The Farm's tagline is 'No Bull' and they operate under the Lovely Pubs banner so I'm inclined to keep an eye out for other establishments within their portfolio; upmarket but welcoming with a neat line in cutlery-themed artworks. Practically next door is Shelly Farm shopping precinct complete with Co-op store, beauty salon and a takeaway (the Shelly Farm Fryer), although the post office seems to have closed down, possibly for refurbishment or relocation? Shelly Crescent is part of the number 5 bus route and backs onto the south-eastern reaches of Solihull Golf Club (otherwise accessed from Saintbury Drive). 

- The Fieldhouse -

My trio of agriculturally-titled taverns concludes with The Fieldhouse, an Ember Inns effort on Monkspath Hall Road. I came here with Nick some years ago and it hasn't changed much if at all; a dining emphasis is to be expected but they are proud of a cask ale repertoire which has earned Good Beer Guide recognition from Solihull's CAMRA branch. London Pride, Oakham Citra, Adnam's Ghost Ship and St Austell's Proper Job are all on show but my vote goes to the Birmingham Pale Brummie which is served perfectly fresh. Sitting outside in chilly March temperatures is a feat of endurance even with Hillfield Park vistas to admire, and I make it back to Widney Manor Station in time for the 14:36 train home. Cheers!