WME Update Digest: October 2010

Well here we are again with another month fast disappearing as we hurtle headlong towards the winter. In terms of WME action, October was actually quite a productive month with my updates focused this time on the galleries outside the immediate West Midlands area...

It was a tussle between WME Staffordshire and Exploration Extra over which of them would take centre stage. Extra won by a nose or two, thanks to various additions to exisiting collections. Rail Rover 2008 received photos of the aqueduct, platforms and Stanton House Inn at Chirk alongside a platform shot at Matlock and a look at the redevelopment works at Derby. I raided my holiday archive to dig out some Cornwall 2004 material, including Lands End scenery, Newquay beaches and platform views from Newquay and St Ives. North Yorkshire 2004 wasn't forgotten either thanks to the arrival of the Aidensfield Arms, Pickering Station and St Mary's Church in Whitby.

Staffordshire came in as the runner-up but was kept occupied with a new collection for Rugeley Trent Valley Station - it's hardly the most scenic railway location but a series of entrance sign shots and a possible old station building provide a start. Just across the road from the station is the Yorkshireman pub, a landmark that is now making its presence felt on Exploring Rugeley, whilst a couple of Burntwood Library shots have landed on Exploring Chase Terrace. The Shropshire Union Canal collection has also been ticking over thanks to photos of Bridge 4, Stretton Aqueduct and some charming facilities buildings at Norbury Junction.

With Extra and Staffordshire battling with supremacy, the other galleries were left to fight for whatever crumbs might happen their way. There certainly isn't much to report, but there were occasional flickers of life - WME Warwickshire partook of further views of Stratford-upon-Avon's station frontage and the Railway Tavern at Nuneaton, WME Telford has welcomed a Guildhall shot on Exploring Newport, and finally there's just enough room on WME Worcestershire for a train pic at Shrub Hill Station.

So there you have it, October 2010 and it's contribution to the WME family. In November I hope to turn my attention back onto the principal West Midlands galleries and see what else I can shoehorn into position - hopefully I have a few updates up my sleeve but, as ever, it remains to be seen just how much I actually manage to get done. Until then, enjoy the galleries...