Hoot Marketing

As part of The Big Hoot art event, owl statues have sprung up in various landmark locations across Birmingham since the end of July. Never ones to miss out on a silly photo opportunity, the Hub Marketing Board decided to join the fun by paying a September visit to 'Sutton Owlfield' in search of sculptures...

- New Square, West Bromwich -

We swoop into action with a meeting in West Bromwich that includes a look around the New Square development, home to various high street brands, a large Tesco superstore and an Odeon cinema. The somewhat infamous Public building is also a prime feature here, now in use as a sixth form college despite being originally envisaged as an eyecatching art gallery. It's all a far cry from the days when the town's bus station was located here with a B&Q backdrop.

- WME without much hair! -

New Square is also home to bars and restaurants with the Interceptor falling into that category as a Hungry Horse chain pub. Some Greene King IPA is obtained here as we study the various references made to Jensen Motors, a local manufacturer of sports cars and commercial vehicles with the pub being named after one of their popular models. Besides the automotive heritage, Secretary WME's haircut is arousing interest as he attempts to rival D9 in the bald spot stakes.

- The Collingwood Centre -

A ride on the 5 takes us to Queslett where we alight by the Asda store and the Old Horns pub (a Sizzling effort overlooking the roundabout). D9 hopes for a discount but a lack of Doom Bar sends us scampering into Pheasey for some Platinum-spotting outside the Collingwood Centre. National Express West Midlands are introducing a branded fleet of new buses promising additional comfort and on-board wifi, with routes such as the 934, 936 and 997 among those getting the premium treatment.

- Deers Leap Darts -

The now-customary silly songs contest is held on route to the Deers Leap, Alexei Sayle enquiring about new motors before the strained operatic sounds of 'Juanita Banana' echo along Stanhope Way. The Deers Leap itself is the setting for more darts action, with WME's lack of hair not preventing him from securing a comprehensive 5-1 victory despite D9 trying underhand tactics!

- Spotted on a Kingstanding Staircase -

At the Chairman's request our next agenda item is Kingstanding, investigating the Sportsman's Rest on Cooksey Lane then the Co-op and the Mecca Bingo at Kingstanding Circle. A ferret around the shopping precinct is required but sadly there was no vintage Lunn Poly evidence to be found, hence a compensatory bald spot picture is taken instead.

- WME meets Hedwig Owl -

Back on the 5 and we home in on Sutton Coldfield eager to make the most of any owl opportunities that might come our way. One top target can be found perched outside the Empire Cinema where Hedwig Owl is inspired by the Harry Potter books and film series. Something tells us this Hoot Marketing is going to be fun!

- A Bird-Related Bald Spot -

To the Gracechurch Centre where we find a veritable parliament of owls including the pirate-themed Ahoy Matey plus a selection of smaller owlets, some of which look rather startled when seeing the bald spot approaching. Admittedly the Chairman was slightly grumpy at this point having just witnessed Secretary WME pocketing a Wetherspoons discount in the Bottle of Sack courtesy of Sadler's Goldie Locks ale.

- D9 with the Sutton Coldfield Owl -

Our tour of Sutton Owlfield concludes with a final brace of birds - Serenity (taking roost by the gardens at Holy Trinity Church) and the Sutton Coldfield Owl (located outside the Birmingham Metropolitan College campus on Lichfield Road). We only covered a handful of sculptures today but across Brum the Big Hoot seems to have been a considerable success - the event continues until 27th September after which the larger owls will be auctioned off to raise funds for Birmingham Children's Hospital.

- D9 in need of some Good News -

With a bit of assistance from the 902 bus, members now proceed into Mere Green where the Chairman's wallet suffers collateral damage from the local beer prices. The Butlers Arms delivers a Golden Promise (thank goodness we avoided the pink champagne) whereas the Old Speckled Hen involves a Scrum Down special brew in preparation for the Rugby World Cup. The excessive expenditure means poor D9 is grateful of the comfort provided by the newspaper awaiting him when catching the 6 to Aldridge.

- A Platinum Pose -

The Secretary's sleeve is starting to twitch which is a sure sign he has something tucked away in his memory bank of local knowledge. On this occasion the item in question is the Red Lion on Station Road where the latest WME darts victory is confirmed. The Bowman lurks deeper within the estate off Red House Lane before we finally get our much-anticipated ride on a Platinum when the 997 has D9 in position making the most of the extra steering space.

- Fiery Finish -

Evening has descended but there's just time for a nightcap or two in Walsall and Moxley sandwiching a ride on the 313. The Fiery Holes is nominated as our landing point, the pub having established a popular takeaway curry menu. Our glasses are thus raised to the end of an enjoyably eventful excursion - you could even say it's been a hoot!