March Musings

February has now given way to March, and there is a definite feel of spring in the air with the daffodils out in force. Work has been continuing here at WME, with an outing and some updates to tell you about.

The outing saw me head out into Shropshire for an exploration of Bridgnorth and Much Wenlock. Bridgnorth was simply delightful - a nice ride down on the 890, a look around Sydney Cottage Drive and the Woodberry Down pub, before heading down into the town centre. I made a beeline for the Severn Valley Railway Station, which thoroughly lived up to expectations, even on an overcast February morning. The station has a traditional atmosphere that comes as standard with the SVR, and I was in my element taking photos of the platforms, waiting rooms and footbridge. After a look around by the castle, I caught the 436 over to Much Wenlock - unfortunately the rain had set in by the time I got there, making photos tricky. I had a good look around the town, discovering Wenlock Priory, well-preserved streets and traditional pubs such as the Gaskell Arms and the George & Dragon. It was a shame about the weather, but I consoled myself with a ride across to Telford on the 39, a fascinating journey through Broseley and Ironbridge that provided much food for thought. All in all, a very constructive day's work.

Turning to website matters, and whilst there haven't been many updates they have provided good mileage. WME Staffordshire has been particularly active, with a new Exploring Rugeley collection adding another town in amongst the multitude of villages. Cannock Station has sprung back into life with a platform view and an entrance sign, and I must also mention additions to Staffordshire by Bus including a shot of the 826 Rugeley Springfields circular.

It's been very quiet on the other galleries, although WME Telford continues its mini-revival as the 892 and 96 make appearances on Telford by Bus. Pelsall Junction arrives as a new Wyrley and Essington location on WME Walsall, whilst there are additions to Great Malvern Station on WME Worcestershire, and to Shropshire by Bus (a D74 Tanat Valley photo) on WME Shropshire. March is therefore off and running, with hopefully more musings to follow.