A June Assortment

Despite a lack of posts here recently, I have been fairly busy with a series of mini-adventures. Let's bring you up to date with the latest exploration action...

Saturday 6th June: Monsoon conditions meant that a planned Warwickshire outing with Rog and Woody became a West Midlands local visiting Bilston and West Bromwich. The weather meant photos were mostly out of the question, but we did get to sample a selection of pubs whilst attempting to stay dry. Wetherspoon's featured prominently thanks to the Moon Under Water in Wolverhampton and the Billiard Hall in West Bromwich, whilst the Bellwether in Wednesbury provided Bruce with the chance for a family photo. Other than Wetherspoon's, the Star and Garter on West Brom High Street proved something of an experience with Woody comprehensively beating Rog at pool. My favourite pub of the day though was the Trumpet in Bilston, a great Holden's local with a nice jazz theme. One bonus outcome of the day was that the photos I did take allowed for the arrival on WME1 of the Rog Files 2009.

Monday 15th June: Going local in Wolverhampton with a visit to Low Hill Library. The library was purpose built and opened in 1930, and provides a distinctive landmark on Showell Circus close to the local shops and the Bushbury Arms pub. I really enjoyed sampling the friendly atmosphere and getting a few shots inside one of the most recognisable buildings in Wolverhampton.

Thursday 18th June: A lunchtime adventure, heading across to Bradley Lane on the Metro and then investigating the local estates of Moxley. The walk allowed for photos of the Travellers Rest and Fiery Holes pubs, and I also found a curious pyramid shaped plinth by the playing fields that marked the location of Iron Mad Wilkinson's former ironworks. Moorcroft Wood and the 680 bus terminus on Charnwood Close also made welcome appearances as Walsall finally got some long overdue attention.

Friday 19th June: More lunchtime escapades courtesy of the Midland Metro, this time staying on one stop further to alight at Wednesbury Parkway. I decide to track down the Walsall Canal, accessing the towpath via the alleyway up from Bannister Road. There's a somewhat overgrown footbridge to investigate, then I follow the cut up past the Bush and round to Blakeley Wood Road. The outing is concluded with a stroll around Ocker Hill that yielded photos of the Waggon & Horses (home of Toll End Brewery, one for a future Rog and Woody trip perhaps?) and the surprise discovery of the old Crown and Cushion pub on Gospel Oak Road - the building is now sadly a shell with half the roof missing.

So there you have it, that's what I've been up to in June so far. There have been a few site updates as well - I hope to bring you further news of those in a forthcoming digest post - and there's still time left in the month to attempt some extra outings too...