Wet Weather Wellington

The Hub Marketing Board have quite a tradition for undertaking rain-afflicted adventures, especially when our intended destination begins with a 'W' - think Warley, West Bromwich and Walsall Wood to name but three. That list now includes Wellington after an afternoon spent trying to avoid the worst of the Shropshire showers; thankfully being allowed inside pubs again helped us to stay as dry as possible...

- Bus Station Baldness -

It's Friday 21st May 2021 and a threatening weather forecast doesn't deter Messrs D9 and WME from staging their Telford-based tour. The Chairman's customary station sprint sees him arrive at Wolverhampton in readiness for the 12:19 train, and we touch down in Wellington just before 1pm. It's reasonably dry to start off with as we survey the neighbouring bus and rail facilities, the bald spot getting all excited about two rows of red shelters and a modern toilet block. Secretary WME remembers when the bus interchange used to be further along Victoria Road with staggered bays that were distinctly brown and dated.

- Perking up in the Plough -

There's already a hint of precipitation in the air so we seek refuge in the Plough, a pub that proudly supports military charities which explains the 'Lest We Forget' remembrance mural and a gallery of RAF fighter planes. John Smith's (otherwise known as Beardsmore bleach) is our opening tipple of the day, paired with a tangy cheese and onion cob and some Eurovision deliberations. Between us we manage to name most of the UK entries of the 60s, 70s and 80s although the 1977 song ('Rock Bottom') almost escaped our attention. I doubt this year's contender James Newman has much chance of victory in these post-Brexit times!

- Leegomery Pools -

Our Eurovision theme continues as we proceed to Leegomery, only this time we're focusing on memorable non-UK compositions such as 'Pomme Pomme Pomme' and 'Dschingis Khan' - we're not short of silly song nominations for this outing, that's for sure. Tracking down a footpath from College Lane to Grainger Drive, we emerge at Leegomery Pools as a kidney-shaped area of open water where elderly couples park up to enjoy the view. Leegate Avenue twists and turns past a BMX track as we gradually approach Hadley, noting how a distinctive concrete footbridge spans Britannia Way like a set of grey tentacles. 

- Hadley Shopping Parade -

That footbridge is one of the few defining Hadley features still remaining from when the Secretary first came here many moons ago. So much else has changed: the Cross Keys is now a Polish supermarket, the old precinct has been torn down and replaced with new units, and the shed-like former Elim Church building has been overhauled complete with its own Hub annexe. Even the Kings Head has had a makeover, transformed into the Hop & Vine for an emphasis on Indian cuisine. Purely out of curiosity, we pop in for a swift Carling and confirm that what had been a tired boozer now feels altogether more up-to-date. 

- The Chairman Reads All About It -

Braving the increasingly soggy conditions, we complete our Hadley hiatus with a nod to the village green (next to the Methodist Church) and then the local Community Centre. We would have sampled the Foresters Arms on Union Street had it been open, but instead we drip along Waterloo Road into Ketley where the Wrens Nest is another no avail (roof repairs seem to be underway as part of wider renovation so we don't know whether this will stay as a pub in the long run). A photocall outside the Shropshire Star offices gives Chairman D9 chance to recall one of his former bus colleagues who apparently hubbed most of the Telford network. 

- The Horseshoes Inn, Ketley -

Many watering holes are tentatively easing themselves out of lockdown-enforced hibernation so it was always going to be a lottery today seeing which ones were able to claim our custom. After a few near misses it's a relief to find a place that is actually open, the Horseshoes on Holyhead Road being a traditional tavern perched on a crest. Chairman D9 is so eager for refreshment that he's ordered our Carlings before the Secretary's spectacles have demisted, meaning poor WME is deprived of any cask ale possibilities. To be fair, the lager is decent as we sit by a couple of dartboards and enjoy the cut and thrust of proper pub banter again.

- Razor Back in the Raven -

The plan from Ketley is to catch the 4 (a thick blue line route in D9 terminology) back to Wellington, only for the buses to be conspicuously absent. It isn't too far to walk though so on we plod, pausing at the Swan Hotel en route; the Cock Hotel opposite is being done out by Joules Brewery hence it's temporarily out of commission. The Railway on Mill Bank earns high praise for the quality of its Butty Bach (the best beer of the day), and we finish in the Raven for some Ringwood Razor Back amidst a succession of hazard tape arrow markings. Sadly for the Secretary, Mr D9 seizes the 'Discount of the Day' award thanks to that last drink but such skulduggery does not detract from what has been a brilliant afternoon - cheers!