Like two prized fighters slugging it out in the boxing ring, December was dominated by the heavyweight clash between WME Wolverhampton and WME Staffordshire. Staffordshire took this particular round by a score of 23-17 but across the whole of 2024, Wolverhampton was to emerge victorious by 149 pictures to 145. An honourable mention goes to Exploration Extra which comfortably grabbed third place on the annual podium with 131 despite not being updated since April. Birmingham and Dudley scored well lower down the card but it was a quieter year for the likes of Walsall and Sandwell - they need to up their game come 2025.
WME Staffordshire's December successes were forged from the South Staffordshire settlements of Oaken and Pattingham which between them hoovered up literally every new addition going. Oaken's speciality was green council street signs and country lane scenery, mixed with the occasional sprinkling of flowers, whereas Pattingham concentrated on St Chad's Parish Church, the Pigot Arms and verdant views along Westbeech Road.
As for WME Wolverhampton, it took a slightly more scattergun approach in amassing content from Whitmore Reans (the Newhampton Arts Centre's terracotta school lettering), Northycote Farm (a repeat tractor airing) and Bradmore (Oxbarn Avenue's springtime pink petals). Added in for extra festive flavour are three nutcracker soldiers - Spencer, George and Simon - while the very final arrivals of 2024 were a couple of beermat specimens from my own collection.
Very little happened on any of my other galleries. WME Sandwell stopped off at Old Hill for a glimpse of Court Street; WME Birmingham picked up some Paradise Circus construction art; and last but probably least, WME Coventry championed the New Craven Street Club over in Chapelfields. All of this jostling and brawling brings us to a sum total of 7,360 published pictures with hopefully many more to be added next year. Until then, enjoy the photos!
No comments:
Post a Comment