Signs of Spring?

I awoke this morning to the sight of sunshine streaming through my curtains and the sound of birdsong on my windowsill - could it be that spring is properly here at last? With a lazy Tuesday morning going spare the scene was set for a local wander to make the most of that blue sky feeling...

- St Mary's Church -

My first destination was Bushbury where the parish church of St Mary's looked rather pretty with a sprinkling of daffodils around the churchyard. Among the headstones can be found the base of a cross which is believed to date from the 10th or 11th century.

- The former 'Vol' -

Northwood Park next, and down opposite the Broadway shopping parade, the Staffordshire Volunteer building has completed its transformation from a public house into a Family Shopper convenience store. 

- The farmyard alarm clock -

Northycote Farm is always a favourite spot for a photo or two, especially if the animals are snuffling about. The geese seem to be in a vicious mood, hissing at any passing stranger, whilst the cockerel struts his stuff by the hen house. However, the star of the show has to be a hairy brute of a pig who is enjoying a bit of sunbathing.

- Vine Island -

Strolling down towards Fordhouses, Greenfield Lane looks particularly spectacular with its carpet of golden daffodils. Over on the Stafford Road, Vine Island is being remodelled so that it can cope with the increased traffic predicted from the i54 development. The old roundabout itself seems to have been removed and the corner of Wobaston Road is currently being significantly widened.

- Moog -

Talking of i54, I can't resist seeing what else has been taking shape as part of the development. Venturing along the access road off The Droveway roundabout, I can see that the Moog headquarters already looks very much settled into the new landscape whilst large signs attempt to attract additional companies to locate themselves here.

- Bilbrook Junior FC -

Nipping over into Pendeford Lane, I spot an enclosed football pitch that turns out to be the home ground of Bilbrook Junior Football Club. I must admit I'd never noticed the place before so it was nice to add something new to my archive so close to home.

- M&B Signs on the Pendulum -

To Pendeford then where the Morrisons supermarket appears to be as popular as ever. The Pendulum is a distinctive Mitchells & Butlers pub off Blaydon Road that could interest Mr D9 one of these days...

- The Gatehouse -

And finally the homeward leg takes me through Rakegate and into Oxley where there seem to be another load of houses springing up on the Goodyears land every new time I pass it. The Gatehouse Hungry Horse chain pub has been fully up and running for a few months now and seems to be doing well. With that, the walk is complete and it was nice to see some definite signals of springtime and hints of the warmer weather which we hopefully have to look forward to on into summer.