- WME meets Bagpuss -
Friday 2nd March and winter has returned with a vengeance, overnight snow threatening widespread disruption. Despite this, Wolverhampton Art Gallery beckons for a look at the TV puppets exhibition which evokes memories of much-loved children's programmes. One zone is dedicated to the creations of Peter Firmin and Oliver Postgate - their Smallfilms stable included the Clangers, Noggin the Nog and Ivor the Engine along with that famous cloth cat Bagpuss.
- Zippy and George -
The adjacent room presents more classic characters from television history, beginning with those WME personal favourites Zippy and George from Rainbow. Spitting Image caricatures are displayed along with Gerry Anderson marionettes and good old Basil Brush - boom boom! Mr WME must also declare a soft spot for Button Moon, the sight of Mr Spoon and Eggbert bringing back some proper 1980s nostalgia. The exhibition is recommended for kids of all ages and runs until mid-April.
- Farley Clock Portrait -
To the main outing and the Midland Metro is operating a ten minute frequency in the adverse weather so the Secretary is able to head towards West Bromwich ready for some hub happenings. Chairman D9 is delayed however, hence a Carters Green interlude is necessary with the prospect of saying hello to the Farley Clock - the red brick and terracotta tower was erected in 1897 with relief panels featuring Reuben Farley, Oak House and West Bromwich Town Hall. The Wheatsheaf then provides some Holden's hospitality (and a bit of test cricket action from warmer climes) while Mr WME awaits further instruction.
- Wrapped up warm when driving the 40 -
The Chairman duly makes contact whereby our rendezvous is switched to Wednesbury in advance of a trundle on the number 40 bus; sadly the bald spot is kept well hidden during the resultant driving duty. Mr D9 has his heart set on some Friar Park ferreting so we alight on Coronation Road and slush our way into the Windmill, a community pub just up from Park Hill shops. Cobs and scratchings fortify us for the afternoon ahead, as do respective pints of Carling and Banks's Mild.
- Friar Park Food Hub -
Initial snow flurries are threatening to become more persistent as we proceed towards Crankhall Lane - it's not quite a blizzard yet but there are certainly a few flakes about as we pose for a Food Hub photo call. The Friar Park Inn (known locally as the Cabin) is thankfully close at hand by way of shelter so we settle in the front bar and watch some of the UK Open darts from Minehead. The pub's 1970s-era gas fire helps us thaw out a little before we enter the breach once more, gratefully intercepting a passing 40 for a careful ride through to West Bromwich.
- A Dirty Tackle in Bilston -
We are determined to not let the elements defeat us but it is sensible to get closer to home if possible. The trusty tram therefore conveys us to the relative safety of Bilston where our rapidly revised agenda now points us in the direction of the White Rabbit. Wychwood's Dirty Tackle ale is themed for the Six Nations rugby and goes down well in the comfort of new Marston's surroundings, Mr D9 getting excited about some vintage Big Lizzy steelworks pictures.
- Honours even in the Hop Pole -
Next up by way of contrast is one of Bilston's oldest buildings, the Greyhound & Punchbowl being an architectural treat with moulded ceiling plasterwork (said to be Jacobean) and impressive panelling, not to mention a carved overmantel. From here we nip into the Sir Henry Newbolt Wetherspoons, Secretary WME plundering a Nelson's Revenge discount, and last but not least comes the Hop Pole for some belated oche occupation. Two legs apiece means D9 Destroyer and WME Whirlwind can not be separated until the worsening weather intervenes. Ultimately the Beast from the East has the final say and the outing is adjourned so that everyone is able to get home, but we'd had a very enjoyable and rather cold adventure anyway. Cheers!
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