We've seen with some of the FIFA World Cup results that June has proven the month of the underdog, what with Curacao and Cape Verde picking up historic draws while other teams such as Canada, Egypt and even Scotland have registered notable victories. The WME photostream is obviously not in the same league as such a prestigious global tournament but the minnows have been holding their own here too...
June has seen plenty of activity from galleries that are usually quiet and I begin this round-up with news that WME Coventry and WME Solihull have both located a new arrival down the back of the sofa. Coventry's addition is an archive glimpse of Sutton Stop on the Oxford Canal back in 2011, and from the same year comes Solihull's successful recruitment of the Toby Jug pub at Kingshurst. Hardly earth-shattering stuff I grant you but every little helps!
Okay, fine. One measly added item each isn't enough to cut the mustard with some sticklers among my readership so WME Walsall can genuinely boast good progress. There have been several nice nuggets gleaned from Walsall town centre, including a 1970's Day promotional piece at The Crossing, an Old Square shopping centre logo and a tempting cask pint at the Black Country Arms. Taxi companies battle Guildhall shiny lettering for attention, then there's an intriguing sighting of a Walsall Wood angler sculpture, but perhaps the weirdest find of all goes to the papier mache tiger model at the Fountain pub. Grrrowwlll!
As well as Walsall has done, the race for the Golden Boot has been led by the unlikeliest of challengers. Kane, Mbappe, Haaland and Messi are all sticking the goals away for fun in North America, seemingly inspiring WME Telford and WME Warwickshire to follow suit. I have Wellington to thank for Telford's excellent form - the Cock Hotel, boot bunting and chip shop signage have all contributed - whereas Warwickshire has leaned heavily on principal creators Stratford (Sheep Street) and Warwick (the Black Pug, Greville Road and a motley assemblage of famous Ronnies).
WME Staffordshire can't quite match those heavy-hitters for pace but nevertheless weighs in care of Tamworth and Tutbury; if you like reclaimed millstones or war memorial inscriptions that's where you need to be looking, although you may prefer the artistic horse illustration I spotted at Uttoxeter railway station. WME Birmingham takes on a playmaker role, conjuring nuggets from Walmley - "Unbelievable Jeff", I kid you not - then WME Sandwell tackles hard in Tividale for Danks Street interest and two admiring pictures of the Wonder's pub frontage.
Staring at the prospect of early elimination are WME Worcestershire (this despite the start of a prospective surge involving Tardebigge Locks) and WME Shropshire, the former police station at Much Wenlock not being enough to guarantee a slot in the next round. Surprisingly struggling most of all is one of our pre-tournament favourites. Yes, WME Wolverhampton is having a shocker with only Tettenhall's St Michael & All Angels to its name. How the mighty have fallen! Eyes peeled in July to see which gallery goes on the lift the trophy...
