WME Dudley Reaches 200

It's been absolutely ages since we've had a gallery landmark to celebrate, so its time to dust off the bunting because WME Dudley has finally tiptoed over the 200 photos barrier - and as if that isn't reason enough to feel jubilant, some of the other WME galleries have also seen some update action. Indeed, my usually light sprinkling of additions has become more of a prolonged drizzle recently, so there's a bit of catching up to do...

Firstly, to the star attraction. Yes, WME Dudley joins the big boys by reaching its second century. Pride of place goes to two new collections, with Exploring Brockmoor featuring the post office and the Commercial pub whilst Exploring Woodside includes views of the local park and the Crown pub. Well-established collections also get some attention too, as the 251 at Stourbridge joins Dudley by Bus and there is more coverage of the local pubs on Exploring Oldswinford. Whilst I'm delighted to have the landmark in the bag, it's especially pleasing that the gallery has taken a step forward with more local content on which to build in future.

Elsewhere, WME Wolverhampton has also been busy. The Hickman Park connection on Exploring Bilston has grown further thanks to views of some scenic trees and a park gate, whilst a couple of local pubs also make belated appearances - the Old Vine on Exploring West Park and the Quarterhouse on Exploring Merridale. The inclusion of the latter is quite poignant considering the pub was actually demolished only a few weeks ago, a sad loss to the local community in my opinion. I must also mention a new arrival on Wolverhampton by Bus in the form of a long overdue photo of the 533 in action at Northwood Park - the route and the location had thus far escaped inclusion despite being personal favourites.

What else is there to report? Well, WME Sandwell has got moving again with a nice photo of the Abbey pub (Exploring Bearwood) and two internal views of Summit Tunnel (Old Main Line Canal). WME Walsall has sparked into life thanks to photos of the old Forest Gate library up for sale and of the 329 bus calling at Blakenall - it is good to see Travel A2Z represented amongst the various operators on Walsall by Bus.

Neither should I forget WME Staffordshire, which has been supplemented with further pub photos of the Woodman at Bilbrook and the Vine at Wombourne, whilst a view of the pub sign for the Bentlands is now showing on Exploring Codsall. WME Worcestershire also squeaks in with a solitary update now that I've salvaged the station sign for Worcester Shrub Hill Station from the depths of my archive. And last but by no means least, news from WME Birmingham where Selly Oak Park Bridge has resurfaced with a vengeance on the Dudley No. 2 Canal collection, and there's even another sighting of the local market hall for Exploring Weoley Castle.

So, as I catch my breath after that whirlwind summary, you can see that for once there has been a fair bit of action here at WME Towers. I think I'm taking quite a liking to prolonged drizzle, so long may it continue. Who knows, maybe I might even progress to persistent rain...