- Bushbury Arms Building Site -
Although not part of the official afternoon agenda, the Secretary couldn't resist some initial investigations around Low Hill where there are developments afoot at two former pub sites. On Showell Circus the shell of the Bushbury Arms is being retained as part of a housing scheme that will see homes built on what was the beer garden. Meanwhile down by Park Lane bus garage the site of the Paget Arms is getting some construction attention after being wasteland for several years.
- The Chairman's Cob Collection -
Members are instructed to converge upon the Lych Gate Tavern at 1pm sharp but the Chairman's hectic morning becomes compounded by his late arrival. Luckily for D9, the Lych Gate offers excellent cobs at only 50p each so some serious stocking up is done of the cheese and black pudding variety. The Country Life ale wasn't bad either as we narrowly avoided becoming embroiled in a game of Pictionary.
- Rowing Redemption -
While strolling towards Carvers, the Chairman's cob conscience kicked in and it was decreed that some manual exertion would help rebalance his lunchtime equilibrium. A situation like this usually requires an outdoor rowing machine, and there just so happened to be one on the park by the canal basin. Somehow though I don't think D9 will be making the men's coxless four for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
- Canal Cottages -
On a serious note, it was good to see how Carvers Builders Merchants has become re-established after a major fire at their Littles Lane base just over three years ago. Lock Street then allows a peek at the canal cottages opposite Wolverhampton Top Lock, a timeless scene despite the modern presence of Victoria Halls student tower nearby.
- Bald Spot by the Brewery -
The bottom of Lock Street emerges by the side of the old Springfield Brewery, the place where Mitchells & Butlers produced the Springfield Bitter that D9 gets so nostalgic about. Making our way along Grimstone Street, the Secretary's local knowledge comes up trumps when the brewery's former gents cubicle is revealed; sited next to a small gatehouse, it still has a notice in place asking users to switch off the lights upon leaving.
- Springfield Brewery -
The brewery has lain derelict for many years, becoming an increasingly sad sight whenever Secretary WME has previously taken photos in the vicinity. The feature entrance is on Cambridge Street where gradually various letters have fallen off the ornate archway sign. Better times could be ahead given that the University of Wolverhampton have purchased the site with a view to creating a construction college - planning permission needs to be confirmed but work could start later this year if granted.
- Travellers Rest (as was) -
The wider Springfield area offers interest with St Stephen's Church, the Freemasons Arms (presumably the former brewery tap) and Alan Garbett's butchers shop. We chance our luck on the Springfield Horseshoe estate, encountering Burton Crescent before emerging into Heath Town for more pubs from the past. The Duke of York was demolished a good while back, the site remaining vacant although the perimeter hoardings are getting an artistic makeover, while the Travellers Rest on the corner with Woden Road became the church hall for the nearby Harvest Temple.
- The Boiler House -
Delving a little deeper into Heath Town and Hobgate Road has a couple of remaining tower blocks for D9 to drool over. One curious find is the boiler house which provides heating and hot water for tenants and businesses across the estate.
- A Spoonful of Sugar? -
A Deans Road detour allows for a look at the Jolly Collier, a basic local on Old Heath Road that backs onto the Wyrley & Essington Canal. The Chairman is still suffering from 'cob overload' so he's grateful for a seat on an abandoned sofa, even if his antics were witnessed by a very suspicious audience! Perhaps he needs a sugar rush to boost his energy, in which case a nearby shop provides a much-appreciated marketing moment.
- Exercise Endeavour at Heath Town Park -
It's now the Secretary's turn for some exercise when the outdoor gym at Heath Town Park needs to be put to the test even if his chest press technique needs more practice. D9 meanwhile gazes longingly at the Manhattan (a pub previously known as the Shoemaker) but despite its flat-roofed allure he declines the chance to visit, preferring instead to continue towards Fallings Park.
- Checking out in the Golden Lion -
A longstanding landmark on the corner of Cannock Road and Raynor Road is the Golden Lion, positioned opposite the Co-op supermarket which itself stands on the site of the Clifton Cinema (long gone but still fondly remembered by older generations). The pub is the setting for darts and a discount, members emerging honours even with D9 triumphing on the dartboard but WME pocketing the cheapest round and the highest checkout (just for the record, a 63 outshot complete with a double 15 clincher).
- A Highcroft Homage -
One other by-product of our Golden Lion visit is that D9's misbehaving mobile has been charged up just enough to allow for today's installment of silly song season. Vince Hill thus trades off against a pile of poppadoms as the Otter & Vixen is noted on Old Fallings Lane. There is then a moment to remember the Highcroft, a Bushbury Hill landmark since replaced by a care home - North Wolverhampton has lost a number of pubs in relatively recent memory.
- Tackling the Talisman -
Ruskin Road is our gateway into The Scotlands, an estate where the streets are named after prominent literary figures (Wordsworth, Keats, Dickens and Carlyle among others). Our target now is Underhill bus terminus outside the shops on Westcroft Avenue, a place remembered for Metrobus rides on the 511. Pub options around here include the Talisman (fronting both Underhill Lane and Wildtree Avenue) and the New Pear Tree (a location with transport resonance as a former trolleybus terminus).
- A cob-fuelled drive on the 11 -
D9 was keen to recreate former driving glories although its the 11 and a double-decked Trident that have to suffice today. Powered by cheese and onion (and a mouthful of clingfilm) he expertly steers us back through the Scotlands and on into Wolverhampton where the Great Western and the Prince Albert await for grey peas and pricey Guinness respectively. A final darts blast in the tram waiting room and the day is done - Cheers!
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