- Steering Set for the 125 -
Friday 19th September and members face an early start, catching the 256S from Wolverhampton to Stourbridge with the added bonus of visiting Ounsdale School. Instant interchange at Stourbridge sees us safely onto the Whittles 125 with Mr D9 going full throttle down the Norton Road despite some dubious steering antics. The route approaches Kidderminster past the Park Gate pub and through Broadwaters.
- Aggborough -
Alighting on Comberton Hill by the Severn Valley Railway station, it's time for our customary spot of morning ferreting. Targets today include Aggborough (home of Kidderminster Harriers Football Club) and the landmark Hoo Brook railway viaduct, a structure that also inspires the name of a local Marston's pub.
- Getting down with the Kidderminster Cats -
The Chairman's feline detection device is usually reserved for Coventry outings but he dusted it off early this year so as to intercept a roaming tomcat for a stroke on Worcester Road.
- Caldwall Mill Bridge -
Next up is a short stroll along the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, joining the towpath beside the Watermill and heading through towards Tesco. Along the way the Chairman manages to intercept the Secretary's devious attempts at bald spot photography, meaning Mr WME has to be content with Caldwall Mill Bridge instead.
- The Kidderminster Cemetery Closet -
Upon reaching Caldwell Hall Bridge, the Secretary leads members on a detour into Kidderminster Cemetery in order to track down the day's star sleeve item. Chairman D9 seemed suitably impressed by the discovery of the cemetery's ivy-clad conveniences, and with that it was off to the Town Hall to await our next Whittles bus. The 2A and 2C circular services were introduced at the start of the month to provide a convenient through link between Kidderminster, Bewdley and Stourport - it's the 2C that we make use of for a ride via Birchen Coppice and Burlish Crossing.
- A WME Whitewash -
We alight in Bark Hill where the Secretary regrets not bringing his coat given the sudden arrival of persistent drizzle. Urgent shelter is required so the Black Boy on Wyre Hill is sought out as a place to dry off - the pub is situated at the top of a very quaint steep hill and proves an excellent venue for WME to get his eye in on the dartboard.
- Worcestershire Way -
The 3-0 scoreline was something to be celebrated as we relocated to the Little Pack Horse, snuggled away on a quiet corner of High Street. The Secretary always likes to savour the local ales so Worcestershire Way was a perfect choice, having come just around the corner from the Bewdley Brewery on Lax Lane.
- Bewdley Bridge 'Scenery' -
A visit to the Bewdley Museum was not to be missed, even if the Chairman didn't quite see the appeal of being slung in the stocks or fed bread and gruel in the cells. He managed to escape from this temporary incarceration though, hence his liberated bald spot sensing freedom at the river's edge.
- Severn Side South -
Even on a grey dank autumnal day Bewdley's architecture was still impressive, with the river bridge and St Anne's Church having seemingly stood the test of time. D9 indulges in some goose-bothering as we cross to the Wribbenhall side of the Severn, seeking out the Old Waggon & Horses for a tasty cob and some Bathams Bitter. All Saints Church, the Rising Sun and Catchems End Fish Bar were also noted.
- What, no Whittles? -
The afternoon agenda was originally scheduled to include a stopover in Stourport but this had to be aborted due to lack of transport, the 2A failing to materialise at the time advertised (although the information at the stop might well have been wrong). For once we couldn't blame the Chairman's timetabling wizardry for this mishap, although the Secretary did try his best to hold D9 responsible.
- Guess who got the expensive round! -
Faced with the prospect of an extended stay in Bewdley, members picked out a couple more pubs that could help to pass the time. The Mug House was a solid choice for a half of Hereford Pale Ale, but there was pain for the WME wallet when the Cock & Magpie delivered the dearest round of the day - no amount of french hen scatter cushions could compensate for that!
- Broadwaters Baldness -
After a quick D9 bladder stop in the White Swan, its all aboard the 125 for the ride back to Kidderminster. The ride is just long enough for the Chairman's waterworks to return to bursting point, so emergency egress is urgently required with the Old Peacock and the Blue Bell providing requisite relief. We decline the prospect of a 'Tasty Mouse' in favour of a final Broadwaters brace, with the park's closet being an appropriate place to conclude carpeting proceedings. Mr D9's stoic rug resistance had held firm, and the 125/256 homeward combination ensures the bald spot should again be on show in future.
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