- Ryders Green Locks -
Our rendezvous was originally scheduled for 1130 hours but hub matters of a pressing nature meant that the Chairman was otherwise detained until 1200. Left to his own devices, the Secretary changed course at Great Bridge and launched into a canal contingency by striding up Ryders Green Locks.
- Izons Turnover Bridge -
At Ryders Green Junction, our erstwhile Secretary transferred from the Walsall Canal onto the Wednesbury Old Canal, continuing the short distance to Pudding Green. It's hardly the most scenic stretch of inland waterway it has to be said, but Izons Turnover Bridge had a certain overgrown appeal among the business units and workshops.
- Oak House -
Leaving the towpath at Albion Road, the Secretary's next target is the Oak House Museum towards West Bromwich town centre. This attractive half-timbered residence is said to date from around 1630 and includes fine examples of wood panelling and 17th century furniture. A new visitor centre recently opened in converted barns as part of a wider restoration programme.
- New tram at Dartmouth Street -
The Chairman clocks in with news of a further 15 minute delay so there's time to mark the passing of some Bromford Lane pubs - the White Swan is now the Kebub restaurant while the Royal Exhcange has closed with its signage removed. At Dartmouth Street Mr WME gets his first glimpse of the new Midland Metro fleet, then the proper hub marketing can get underway once Mr D9 is safely in attendance.
- 'Spotting' an old pub -
First stop is the Yew Tree for some Proper Job and a chorus of yapping chihuahuas. The hub action then moves swiftly towards Greets Green, unleashing some darts in the Jolly Sailor and paying homage to the Dunkirk Brewery site on Whitehall Road where Darby's were once based, albeit now long gone. A former pub on Cape Street keeps the local heritage coming as well as tempting the bald spot out of hiding.
- Just Horsing Around -
Mr D9's shiny bonce could explain why he was getting plenty of attention from the local equine population, although the scent of takeaway chips might also have helped. Lunch is eaten in the well-presented environs of Farley Park, the landmark lodge standing proud with its reading room and clock turret. Sadly the nearby Royal Oak is a sorry shell with its first floor missing, then there's personal nostalgia for the Chairman as he retraces childhood memories of Horton Street.
- High Visibility Darts -
Emerging onto Sheepwash Lane, the next port of call is the Tame Bridge pub - you can hardly miss it given the bright pink exterior. Some Batham's Best Bitter is just what the Secretary needs to mount his darting comeback, aided and abetted by a hi-vis jacket while the Chairman battled a miscreant mobile phone.
- Tunnel Temptation -
The Sheepwash Nature Reserve was the afternoon's primary ferreting mission, Mr D9 being especially keen to track down any tunnels beneath the railway embankment. We found one such example, although the stagnant water within meant we weren't tempted to walk through. Elsewhere there are glimpses of the Chairman's old primary school plus various Sheepwash ponds (some heavily crusted in green goo), not to mention a bout of River Tame leapfrog where members narrowly avoided a soaking!
- A Horseley Half -
Our in-depth Sheepwash investigations eventually led us to Johns Lane where members could continue through onto Dudley Port. Once again D9's bald spot was attracting ungulate attention but the steed on this occasion was of a vicious persuasion, meaning we quickly retreated to the Horseley Tavern for a dubious half of Mild.
- Driving Duty on the 43 -
Our early evening endeavours became a case of tickling Tipton - there are quite a few pubs in the vicinity of Horseley Road including the Old Courthouse (which seemed to be closed), the Shrubbery and the Kings Arms. However, the one we were most keen to sample was the Rising Sun, a Black Country Ales establishment where we gatecrashed a wake and savoured some Chase Buster. The 43 then gets some supplementary steering courtesy of the Chairman along St Mark's Road.
- Sportsman at Dusk -
Things get briefly Botanical as we call at the Sportsman to conclude our darts exploits - this wedge-shaped Glebefields estate pub proved worth a look between bus rides, although the Secretary's 7-5 victory means he'll automatically remember it favourably. Bradley provides the final curtain call for this trip, watching Emmerdale in the White Hart before a Loxdale Metro farewell. Where will our hub marketing activities take us next?
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