WME Flickr Focus - October 2024

Watch out Wolverhampton! Back off Birmingham! Black Country beware! October's photostream updates have seen the immediate West Midlands galleries resoundingly edged out in favour of arrivals from the surrounding shire counties. Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire, it's your time to shine...

Casting my mind back over years of Flickr happenings, I'm struggling to think of a month when the additions have been so lopsidedly provided by these not-so-noisy neighbours. Yes there are occasions when Exploration Extra rules the roost or Staffordshire comes strongly to the fore but this recent pattern does seem unprecedented. The upshot is that the West Midlands Exploration photostream continues its healthy march towards 7,500 pictures.

So WME Worcestershire, what have you been shouting so much about? A cacophony of Kidderminster is what I detect, aided by some musings from the Severn Valley Railway station (Birmingham Mail banners, period lamps and even a gruesomely green Halloween witch). It hasn't all been railway-related by any means, not with the Boars Head and Bear & Wolf vying for pub attention, not forgetting a Mortgage Station ghost sign from Colonial Mutual Insurance.

WME Warwickshire has made itself heard loud and clear too, all thanks to a load of Leamington Spa snapshots encompassing shell mosaics, platform views and a trio of representatives from the Windmill Inn on Tachbrook Road. The Builders Arms, Cricketers Arms (with ornate stained glass skylight) and Jet (altogether less glamorous by comparison) ensure that the pub quota is suitably beefed up beyond that Windmill threesome. 

As for WME Shropshire, my concentration has been completely on Kemberton, that small unassuming village just outside Shifnal. Springtime leaves, a Millennium map, a church lamp and the Masons Arms all combine to raise the numbers, assisted by a 'No HGVs' warning sign and the local parish noticeboard. Sticking with Shropshire (sort of), WME Telford & Wrekin tickles its tonsils courtesy of Jackfield Bridge and some Ironbridge insertions, namely noting Newbridge Road and the Golden Ball Inn.

I won't pretend that my main West Midlands constituents have been totally starved of the limelight. WME Birmingham did collect Kings Norton road signs and the Twin Towers pub from Ladywood (an Ansells relic), while WME Wolverhampton found enough stage time to admire Lady Wulfrun's statue. WME Solihull nabbed an NHS tribute from the Windleaves Road shops near Smiths Wood, meaning WME Staffordshire brings up the rear with its Landywood landings and a couple of BCN markers/bollards from the Lichfield Canal. Until November, enjoy the photos!

A Telford Town Park Tour

Covering over 450 acres, Telford Town Park is one of the jewels within the Telford and Wrekin Borough area and has even won national titles to go with its Green Flag status. I've been visiting the park on and off since childhood, when we used to have family days out clambering over Malinslee Fort or testing our balance on the adventure play equipment. With plenty of industrial heritage to investigate, I summon Stephen for a leisurely stroll towards Stirchley and Hinkshay...

- Commemorating the Coalbrookdale Coalfield -

It's Friday 18th October 2024 and I meet Mr Beardsmore aboard the number 891 bus, a route which nowadays is operated by Banga Buses but was historically a Midland Red concern until Arriva withdrew their service. The £2 single fare price cap applies for a bargain journey via Albrighton, Cosford and Shifnal before we set down at the revamped Telford Bus Station circa quarter past eleven. Ignoring the charms of the New Look or H&M stores, we sashay through Southwater and pitch straight into Town Park proper, eyeing up a bright red pitwheel designed to remember those who worked on the Coalbrookdale Coalfield. 

- Telford Veterans Trail -

More moments of reflection can be gleaned over by the Queen Elizabeth II Arena (itself a sunken grassy bowl which can host open air events for up to 12,000 people). The Telford Veterans Trail comprises a series of mounted plaques snaking their way out from the town's War Memorial; together they aim to record the active service records of local personnel across all of the Armed Forces, both in the First and Second World Wars and more recent conflicts. After pausing for pictures and to pay our respects, we venture out near the Amphitheatre which seems to be in urgent need of running repairs overlooking Randlay Pool.

- Stirchley Chimney -

Accompanied by disconcertingly ghostly groaning noises emanating from the Wonderland themed attraction, we pick out the path passing between bodies of water on the eastern flank of the park. Randlay Pool is the largest of the constituent pools and was constructed to supply water to a former brickworks, whilst nearby Blue Pool has a similarly industrial origin having been the quarrying site used by the same firm (gaining its name from the underlying clay minerals which give the pool a distinctive blue colour, especially in summer). Probably the most obvious clue to the area's manufacturing past is the towering presence of Stirchley Chimney, although Stephen and I don't spot it until the very last second because it is well screened by surrounding foliage. Erected in 1873, the chimney along with associated blast furnace remains are currently opened for occasional educational visits.

- St James's Church -

Beyond the chimney, we pass the scarrings of disused slag heaps to reach Grange Pool in Town Park's south-eastern corner. At this point we detour off to investigate Stirchley Village (an older settlement which considerably predates the New Town estate which also holds the Stirchley name). A cluster of amenities would have seen a post office, butchers shop, pub - the Rose & Crown, still seemingly trading but not open on this Friday lunchtime - and St James's Church all bunched together. The latter landmark is cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust and has some 12th century Norman architectural elements. 

- Stephen at Stirchley Platform -

Continuing along Stirchley Lane, we reach the Silkin Way leisure footpath which follows the course of a disused railway line (namely the branch that connected Wellington with Coalport) and is named in tribute to Lewis Silkin, the Minister responsible for the New Towns Act in the 1960s Labour Government. Evidence of the route's transport provenance is apparent in the form of Dawley and Stirchley Station where the platform remains have been restored with the help of community grant funding. Passenger services ceased here in May/June 1952 although freight operations (mainly involving coal) persisted until 1964 after which the line closed.

- The Three Crowns -

The lack of activity at the aforementioned Rose & Crown means our next best option for a refreshment stop is the Three Crowns on Hinkshay Road, flirting with the edges of Dawley. This is a long-time Marston's boozer standing side-on to the lane and presumably given the brewery's wet-led marketing makeover blueprint - cue barrel emblems and tiled diagrams of the beer-making process. My hopes of a quality pint of cask ale are thwarted when all of the handpulls are out of use so a Thatcher's Gold cider has to suffice instead. Parking ourselves on a tall table, we natter about cricketing capitulations (a theme of the entire summer) while keeping half an eye on some ladies tennis from the Ningbo Open. One amusing feature is the parade of rubber ducks lining the bartop, from mermaid specimens to sailors, Scottish saltires and even a black punk rubber duck with a well-styled mohican - what splendid fun!

- Telford Hornets Rugby Club -

Resuming our Town Park trail, more of Hinkshay Road has us heading northwards in the general direction of Dark Lane car park. I walked this section back in June 2008 when the White Hart pub was just about still standing (albeit in a very tumbledown condition) but that old hostelry has long since vacated the scene, replaced by the new housing of Jerry Rails Avenue and Ever Ready Crescent. The next notable feature for our attention is the Telford Hornets rugby ground complete with well-appointed clubhouse and several training pitches; the club competes in the Counties 1 Midlands West (North) Division - quite a mouthful! 

- A Wonderland Welcome -

Our loop has almost come full circle back to Meeting Point House although we are briefly lured across to the Exotic Zoo and Wonderland main entrance by the combined presence of the startled White Rabbit and grinning Cheshire Cat. We're a little too old for either attraction's target audience so we instead convene in the Wrekin Giant (a Hungry Horse establishment over at Southwater) for a gammon lunch with bonus puddings. Further cricketing discussions are interspersed with previewing the Wolves vs Manchester City match - we don't hold out much hope of a home win - and that's our Town Park trip done and dusted. The whole walk was around four miles in total, giving us a great insight into Telford's past - cheers!

Lost Pubs from the WME Archives #36

As much as I enjoy putting together my Lost Pubs postings, they always carry an air of melancholy that the establishments concerned aren't still pulling pints and dispensing good honest hospitality. This next selection have all been plucked from the loose assemblage of areas we know as Sandwell...

- Royal Oak, Greets Green -

We'll get started on Whitehall Road between Great Bridge and Greets Green from whence the Royal Oak used to grace us with its presence. Very much a West Bromwich Albion stronghold, the pub had a pleasing cottagey appearance with hints of thin beams and a community local emphasis. It sadly suffered an ignominious ending involving fire damage and partial demolition until the remainder of the building was ultimately flattened along with the adjoining property.

- Hawthorn Tavern, Harvills Hawthorn -

Next up is the Hawthorn Tavern which was positioned towards the top end of Dial Line serving the residents of Harvills Hawthorn and Hill Top. Mr D9 and I paid this a Hub Marketing visit back in August 2011 when it felt like it was already on its last legs; any boozer which has to serve cans rather than draught beer never lasts much longer in our experience. The building still stands having seemingly been converted into private accommodation.

- Olde Bulls Head, Oldbury -

Our third terminated tavern takes us into the centre of Oldbury for a mention of Ye Olde Bulls Head, a Birmingham Street boozer next to the Market Place alleyway. I can't remember much about this one other than it often seemed to be promoting some kind of happy hour discount; since closing the premises were taken over by Bairstow Eves Estate Agents, more recently changing its name to Innovate but still in the business of selling houses. 

- Old Furnace, Old Hill -

Some pubs look very inviting and others seem best avoided, whereby I'd probably put Old Hill's Old Furnace in the latter of those two categories. I'm sure it was a handsome enough place in its heyday but I can't recall it ever having an appealing appearance as far as I was concerned, which may explain why the Waterfall further up the hill always got my custom instead. There has been talk of clearing the site for development - shops or residential - although nothing seems to have transpired as yet and the place is becoming an eyesore.

- George Inn, Ryders Green -

Last but not least comes this bygone boozer from the back end of West Bromwich, namely the George Inn on Phoenix Street (kind of mid-way between Ryders Green and Swan Village). As with the Old Furnace, this was one I was always intent on swerving even though it might have served up a record-busting cheap pint for the Hub Marketing spreadsheets. Situated near the Robinson Brothers chemical works, it is now a house with a car wash on the side. 

The Stoke Sojourn 2024

We've reached that time of year when I attempt to plug any holes in my annual trip compendium by targeting areas as yet unvisited. One of 2024's most glaring gaps is The Potteries so I've got my eyes firmly fixed on Stoke, the city that always delivers special adventures. Will the day be able to match the high standards set by Penkhull, Hartshill, Burslem et al?

- Glebe Street Bridge -

Stoke on Trent railway station is my starting point, noting that the road outside is being dug up amidst a mass of one-way restrictions while the North Stafford Hotel opposite is in the process of being renovated. Picking my way past the ongoing Goods Yard development - a Capital & Centric scheme which uses Levelling Up funding - I scurry down the steps onto the canalside to commence my Trent & Mersey mission. Bridge 113 seems familiar on the side of Grindeys Solicitors (within shouting distance of Stoke Civic Centre) but anything beyond that counts as completely fresh towpath territory...

- Trent & Mersey Scenery -

An immediate discovery is Jones & Shufflebottom's plumbing and bathroom works in all their corrugated glory; the firm is known as Jones & Shuffs for short and they have neighbouring plants both boasting white block lettering. There is then a ramshackle moorings base near Whieldon Road as I flirt with the fringes of Fenton - 'Rock and Roll Lady' is one of the boats residing here. The bridges descend numerically and there are hints of street art, some of the tags and characters being recognisable from Wolverhampton. Bridge 109 is a blue-railinged tunnel beside a huge waste incinerator plant with its beige concrete chimney towering above. Just a short distance further and I'm in prime position to exit for the footballing feature I've been promising myself, Bridge 108a leading directly onto Stoke City FC’s hinterlands. 

- The Bet365 Stadium -

Given that I'd previously been to Vale Park with Mr D9 back in 2015, this visit ensures I've achieved Stoke sporting parity by checking out the home of The Potters. It's an impressive arena, purpose built in a self contained site near Trentham Lakes that's probably a far cry from the old Victoria Ground. Some of the access gates are only in use on matchdays but I can use the main driveway off the A50 to eye up the stands, ticket office and club shop. I recall this being known as the Britannia Stadium when it originally opened in the 1990s but the Coates family association ensures the links to betting sponsorship nowadays.

- Gordon Banks Statue -

A general wander along nearby approach roads reveals a tribute to Gordon Banks with 1966 trophy aloft and goalkeeping gloves in hand; as resemblances go this is a very good likeness, focusing on his proud England achievements rather than anything at club level (he served Stoke with distinction between 1967 and 1973). Had I done my research properly, I would also have sought out the Stanley Matthews Memorial Statue further around the stadium perimeter but I'll have to save that for a future treat. I do however manage to get pictures of the adjacent Trentham Lakes Harvester restaurant by way of consolation.

- A Michelin Marker -

Delighted with that stadium recce, I retrace my steps back over the Trent & Mersey Canal and continue on towards Stoke Town. Signs for Sideway accompany me across the busy arterial roads and around Michelin Roundabout, where mini Michelin Man figurines are a telltale clue that I'm outside the global tyre company's main UK headquarters. The River Trent is similarly present and correct with its own associated footpath so I make a mental note to investigate that for its future walking potential.

- The Plough Motel, Boothen -

Campbell Road is my route into Boothen, one of those Stoke suburbs that resonates with footballing history. The Plough Motel is still standing but apparently disused - a nice 1920s building with an ornamental name cartouche - while the Home Cooking chip shop opposite would've been right up my street were I not eating later. The Plough might have expired but there is a hostelry close at hand with plenty of life to it, the Gardeners Retreat being a bikers oasis with lots of leathers among the bearded clientele. This is a Marston's boozer of the best kind - friendly, local and utterly unpretentious - with quality Pedigree too. Further excellent hospitality is provided by the Wellington on London Road, an authentic corner local serving Draught Bass and where everyone is called 'duck'.

- Spode Art -

Talking of authenticity, how's about an unscripted ferret around the old Spode Works for a classic interlude? I'd done some of it with Mr D9 a few years ago but this is on a different level, having free rein to roam the industrial remains to my heart's content. The arch entry has been done out to resemble the famous Willow pattern plates with blue and white porcelain finery painted across the tarmac while a three-sided plinth adds extra lustre via depictions of bottle kilns, narrowboats and skilled illustrators. Beyond that I'm let loose among the outbuildings, capturing disused fire exits and safety notices aplenty. Partial regeneration appears to be underway here with boutique workshops and the British Ceramics Biennial exhibition.

- A Glebe Conclusion -

 I need a classy finale and they don't come much more prestigious than the Glebe, an elegant taphouse which effectively abuts the aforementioned Civic Centre. Mr D9 and I splashed and dashed this once upon a time so it's nice to linger slightly longer; Joules are midway through a refurb (hence the external scaffolding) but that doesn't detract from a beguiling interior of dark wood and heraldic crests, truly befitting an establishment slap bang next to the seat of local government. This councillors' bolthole is more than acceptable for me, spotting stained glass and a carved Stoke coat of arms. A pint of Pale drinks nicely sitting below a Six Towns etched barrel and effect woodwork promoting draught ale - it's just a shame I need to get a move on to catch my train home. Stoke you've been stellar yet again, cheers!