Willenhall Whereabouts

Friday 2nd December 2022 had been reserved for Hub Marketing action in Redditch only for the Chairman to submit a last gasp sicknote that means our Worcestershire plans must be postponed until the new year. In Mr D9's illness-enforced absence, the Secretary is left to his own Black Country devices...

- The Locksmith's House -

Ably stepping into the breach is Willenhall, a market town that has long been associated with the manufacture of locks and keys thanks to firms such as Yale, Chubb, Legge and Squire's. Historically this important trade began as a cottage industry during the 19th century and the Locksmiths House on New Road still offers an insight as to the original tools and equipment utilised by the Hodson family circa 1904; the museum only opens occasionally these days, mainly for pre-booked tours or special events, and is overseen by the Black Country Living Museum as their sister site. 

- Willenhall Lock Workers Memorial -

Further evidence of Willenhall's proud industrial past can be found near the Dale roundabout. First installed in 2015, the Willenhall Lock Workers Memorial has a central black granite tablet accompanied by individual bricks bearing the names of those being commemorated; the wider garden here looks out towards the Royal George while the Malthouse nearby has been put up for sale by pub chain Wetherspoons. My curiosity next takes me to Bath Street so as to see what has become of the former Willenhall Leisure Centre - the answer is that it is now an events venue and function suite called The Willows, looking rather smart it is too!

- Roy Birch DIY -

Willenhall Market Place evokes many fond memories for me of childhood Saturday morning shopping excursions, albeit the number of stalls has dwindled somewhat in recent years. The Bell Inn (no longer a pub) and the Memorial Clock continue to be familiar features, the latter having been unveiled in 1892 as a tribute to local doctor Joseph Tonks. Lower Lichfield Street reminds me of another mainstay, namely Roy Birch DIY's and General Hardware which alas is hosting its Grand Retirement Sale. The shop has been a fixture here since the mid 1960s so it'll be strange to think of it passing into history.

- The United Kingdom -

The morning skies remain resolutely grey as I proceed via Temple Bar, passing the Mount Olive Apostolic Church in the process - the chapel resonates as a landmark from formative rides on the 525 bus. Monmer Lane, Lucknow Road and a brief portion of Wyrley & Essington Canal towpath combine as my approach route into Lane Head where I have a choice between two pubs, decisions decisions! The cottagey appeal of the United Kingdom beats the Bridge on this occasion and I'm rewarded with a pristine pint of Wye Valley HPA (even though this is badged as a Marston's establishment). Draped England flags and windows painted up with footballer illustrations ensure the World Cup theme is very pronounced although Santa Claus and the Grinch do offer a nod to the forthcoming yuletide festivities.

- Church Road, Short Heath -

I can't quite believe it's been nearly ten years since I last set foot inside the United Kingdom so I'm pleased to see the bar area feels largely unchanged with a nicely traditional feel. HPA supped, Short Heath then awaits for glimpses of Holy Trinity Church, the Royal British Legion Club and the various terraced houses of Coltham Road. Wesley Road bend is home to the local Methodist Church while the Ezekiel Lane junction is guarded by the Swan pub and a building supplies yard (Graingers I think). I've known this area most of my life and it's great being back seeing some of my old haunts round by where my aunt used to live. 

- Rucker and Cob -

One prime target I'm definitely keen to revisit is the Duke of Cambridge, an atmospherically creaky Black Country Ales boozer further along Coltham Road. The lounge is a lovely setting for a well-earned pint, admiring a sepia gallery of Willenhall places of worship down the ages. Backyard's Rucker is a tasty tawny bitter that offers plenty of rugby-inspired bite, just ideal for pairing with an ever-essential cheese and onion cob. Shafts of sunlight break through the clouds as I while away a happy hour or so of quiet contentment, adding in a Derby Brewing Mercia IPA for good measure. The 41 and 69 buses see me safely homeward, and even though it wasn't the anticipated Redditch runout I still made the most of the day - cheers!