- Baby Jesus (allegedly) -
Persistent fog rather ruined the chances of any prime photography during Christmas Week itself, although there is a certain atmospheric quality to having everything shrouded in layers of mist. I didn't venture too far but a gentle local walk out to Perton included a sighting of the Windmill Church's nativity scene on Henwood Road (outside what used to be the Compton Youth Club building). Judge for yourself their depiction of an angelic Baby Jesus...
- Joseph -
... and here's Joseph for good measure. I should for the sake of balance mention that Mary was also part of the installation, and there were hobby horse camels lined up by the railings. Perton meanwhile offered cul-de-sacs (it's easy to get confused about which turning you need when approaching Richmond Drive across fields in poor visibility) and lakeside strolls, plus a chance to watch Encanto for uplifting animated Disney fun. Just don't talk about Bruno!
- King Henry VIII at Rowley Regis Station -
We then move onto a solo Saturday session spent around Rowley Regis on 28th December. The station has a couple of platform murals courtesy of Halesowen BID as painted below the ticket office overbridge; one side seems to reference King Henry VIII with the Black Country chain flag, the other has horses and a selection of flowers. I didn't know this at the time but it was Henry who granted the Rowley Regis area its Royal Charter in 1528, hence the link.
- Jubilee Ale at The Swan -
After a rather drab circuit involving Belle Vue Road, Bell End (no sniggering) and Beeches Road, I made it to the Swan on Long Lane in time for midday opening. An expectant throng had gathered outside waiting for the door to be unbolted - always a sign of a good pub - and the Black Country Ales beers were on point here as standard. I sampled the Jubilee Ale as brewed to mark the company's 25th anniversary (and very drinkable it was too), although everyone was mightily relieved when the cobs were delivered come half past twelve.
- Bostin Decorations at the Britannia -
One cheese and onion roll later, I continued on my merry way into Blackheath town centre in order to check out a new micropub arrival. The Last Jar on Beet Street is based in a former barbers shop and had only been trading since the middle of December, despite which it has quickly established a local following. Of the four cask ales I plumped for a pint of Green Duck Sentinel over two Wye Valley offerings and an Abbeydale Moonshine. First impressions are certainly favourable so I plan on a return visit, and managed to squeeze in a quick look at the Britannia up at Rowley Village for an Tiny Rebel encounter involving Elves with Attitude!
- A Snoopy Swansong -
E.W.A. incidentally was Tiny Rebel's festive take on a Milk & Cookies porter, packing the usual flavour hit I have come to expect from the makers of Stay Puft and other beery delights. An X8 bus got me homeward to Wolverhampton that afternoon before I landed up on Trysull Road in Bradmore to admire a festive window display care of the Geo. Davies Electricals shop. Every year this independent family business does something for Christmas and their 2024 approach involved pictures of Santa Claus, snowmen, gingerbread men and Snoopy, all very festive!
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