Penn's Poised

Friday 5th October saw an immediate return to action for the Anti-Hub Marketing Board, with our focus this time around being the Penn area of Wolverhampton. Fresh from his Coventry quiffness, the Chairman has decided on a further alteration to his attire and will thus be sporting Widow Twankey style dusters at various intervals throughout the afternoon...

Meeting up in Wolverhampton, we cordially agree that the Lady Wulfrun on Lichfield Street simply has to be the place to commence the meeting. The Chairman gets a little confused when trying to locate the toilets, so we must take his word that his attempt to wander into the ladies was not deliberate. The Secretary was too busy concentrating on getting an early discounted round, with the subsequent Sunbeam clocking in at a D9-busting £2.10.

Whilst in the City Centre, the Secretary suggested seeking out a recently-opened establishment in the form of the Lych Gate Tavern. This Black Country Ales house has quickly developed a loyal following and looks the part with old beams, particularly in the upstairs function room. The Chairman seems impressed enough, especially when he can stock up on 50p cobs.

- Chairman D9 demonstrates duster driving -

Time to re-enact former driving days, although this time we are referring to the Chairman's own experiences of working the old 512 and 513 routes down to Warstones in the 1990's - apparently he had some hair back then! The duster accoutrements are quickly on display as we take the 4 down to Spring Hill via Merry Hill and Warstones Road, alighting for a quick half in the Spring Hill before we go in search of trolleybus poles and Warstones terminus.

- Warstones Bus Terminus, East Croft Road -

With Warstones estate being safely accounted for, we were hoping to visit the Warstones pub but a planning application on the lamppost outside suggests that the building is about to become a pet vaccination clinic - another local bites the dust then, not good. The  Chairman dons the dusters in frustration as we wander along Warstones Road before seeking consolation thanks to some Brakspear Oxford Gold in the Hollybush, a Marston's corporate chain type of place on the main Penn Road.

- Stags Head meets Bald Head -

The Secretary has a couple of sleeve items to share next as our stroll leads us into historic Penn village with St Bartholomew's Church a proud constant as the local primary schoolchildren excitedly head home for the weekend. Just around the corner from the church is the Old Stags Head, and then we sport hi-vis jackets to negotiate the narrow country lanes towards Penn Common - you might note that the Chairman's famed bald spot was put to excellent use along the way!

- A new way to cover up the bald spot -

The Barley Mow is a hidden gem of a pub, situated next to Penn Golf Club on the edges of Penn Common. Members are reminded to take care not to bang their heads when entering through the low front door; thankfully the Secretary avoided demonstrating the repercussions should this warning not be heeded. You do feel like you're a world away from suburban Wolverhampton out here but a short walk soon returns us to more familiar semi-detached surroundings by the Mount Tavern.

- Barley Mow, Penn Common -

The Chairman is at risk of an early summons so the race is on to get back to Wolverhampton for a closing blast. More bus memories are evoked as we take the 2 through Penn Fields, and then the Chairman can test the Gothic throne for size in the Giffard Arms. Last but not least comes the Wheatsheaf where there is a final duster display before the bald spot is carted off by the Metro. All in all the whole thing was quite an experience!

- Cheers! -

WME Flickr Focus: September 2012

This is the six o'clock news from WME. Tonight's headlines: expeditionary forces have spent the last month venturing down the WME photostream, looking for signs of life and seeing what new territories can be uncovered. We report back with their initial findings. In other news, attempts to create hubs remain ongoing both in terms of the Wolverhampton situation and the Sandwell Bus Network Review...

Straight to our main story and the attempts to navigate new reaches of the WME Flickr Photostream. Our reporter PW is live at the scene, so what is the latest? "Well, it appears that September has been another encouraging month with the mission venturing further into archive depths as the photostream continues to gain volume. I have been informed that a preliminary trawl of Staffordshire specimens has now been completed, and that the team are now starting to infiltrate the Worcestershire region".

This sounds very promising PW, what can you tell us about any individual discoveries the expedition has unearthed? "Well, from the Staffordshire sections there has been a lot of railway movement with photographs obtained of several stations including Cannock, Landywood, Rugeley Trent Valley, Codsall and Penkridge. The team have also concluded their investigations of the local contingent as first reported in August, hence the further settlements of Wombourne and Wheaton Aston have now been detected and landmarks such as Turner's Garage and the Vine pub have been mapped." 

Thanks PW, what information has emerged so far about the incursion into Worcestershire? "The details regarding this are still filtering through as we speak, but early indications are of some bus sightings, notably around an area known as Kidderminster. I am also hearing that the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal has resurfaced with a particular concentration on Stourport Basins. We are awaiting further clarification of how the Worcestershire project will proceed, but it is hoped that additional canal and local material will be collected throughout September. With that, this is PW handing back to the studio"...

D9 Does Coventry...

The anti-hub marketing movement is gathering momentum in response to the increased threat of TBT, thick blue lines and strange hub arrangements. As a result the next meeting of the Anti-Hub Marketing Board has been scheduled for Friday 28th September 2012 with Coventry as the designated venue. Members are advised to consult the following agenda, and to note that penalties for lateness will now be applied under the revised constitution - these are charged at the rate of one half-pint or cob per fifteen minutes overdue...

The Coventry meeting is due to commence at 0900 hours sharp, with members advised to catch the 0830 London Euston train from Birmingham New Street (a vestibule area has been reserved to meet demand). Upon arrival at Coventry we shall proceed with a small tour of Spon End, comparing the contrasting architectural styles of Spon Street and seeing what our Chairman makes of the connecting subway.

- 7 at Brownshill Green -

Dodging persistent drizzle, members will then be invited to join the number 7 bus route for a ride to Brownshill Green, This will encompass the areas of Coundon and Allesley, with the Coundon Hotel, former Coundon signal box and the Rainbow Inn providing notable landmarks en route. The turning circle terminus on Browns Lane will offer the opportunity for photographs, weather-permitting, although views of the Jaguar plant may well be limited.

An energetic hike is then proposed to take members from Brownshill Green to Whitmore Park via Keresley. You may wish to note the White Lion pub, a 1930's pumping station and the Keresley Grange School as we make our way through Keresley Heath. A connection with the number 13 bus is included from Beake Avenue, whereby our Chairman has promised to perform a driving demonstration complete with a makeshift quiff in honour of former Coventry bus driver Ron West.

- Tribute quiff in action -

Whitmore Park will involve a key element of the morning's protest whereby a photo call will take place outside the Hub on Wheelwright Lane, provided of course that the Secretary's camera is not suffering from annoying zoom errors. We shall then reboard the 13 a short distance before locating the Coventry mobile library at Holy Family Church.

- It's the Hub! -

In a last-minute arrangement that members should find most agreeable, breakfast (bacon sandwiches) will be provided courtesy of the Craftsman pub on Beake Avenue. With a further ride on the 13 (passing the former Sandy Lane Garage Site), members will also be able to seek refreshment in the beamed surroundings of Whitefriars Olde Ale House where the Secretary's preference for tarmac-styled beers may once more be displayed (albeit Slaughterhouse's Starboard Porter is definitely on the enjoyable side of creosote).

Heading into the afternoon, we recommend a stop at the Biggin Hall on Binley Road (where the Chairman can drool over a spread prepared for a forthcoming wake), and then our attentions will turn to Willenhall. The 13 will drop us off on Remembrance Road so that members can explore local features including the Haggard Centre, the Co-op supermarket and the Primary Care centre - a toilet hunt has also been factored in so that allowances are made for the Chairman's miscreant bladder.

- 13 at Willenhall -

Having caught the 13 down to Willenhall, we intend to utilise the 21 route by way of leaving the estate. This will connect us to Whitley (where the Royal Oak pub will be disappointingly closed), where we can link with the 801 route for a ride around Cheylesmore. An optional visit to the New Haven can be arranged if the Chairman is feeling specifically "dive-hungry".

The 801 will then convey us forth to the Warwick University Campus, where we will encounter swathes of students excitedly boarding the bus in anticipation of their weekend endeavours. Being as the Chairman no longer passes for a student (due to a significant shortage of hair), we will have to alight at Earlsdon where another Royal Oak will also thwart our attempts to raise awareness of the anti-hub campaign. Nonetheless, the City Arms Wetherspoons will restore the pub quotient and ensure that we don't fall behind with our intended remit.

The Craven Run has been a staunch supporter of various rallies over the years, in recognition of which it is once again proposed for inclusion on this agenda. The Coombe Abbey, the Hearsall Inn and the Chestnut Tree will allow us to cover a lot of ground within a small geographical area, and what's more the Secretary will be able to claim the Discount of the Day award courtesy of neighbouring rounds costing £2.40. The Chairman might almost choke on a cheese cob once he realises the underhand tactics being employed.

- The Chairman has a cob on him -

With standing orders being suspended, the remaining item for discussion should be Stoke Heath, specifically the Rose & Woodbine on North Street. However, the Secretary has misplaced the relevant information and a search for some bearings has proved fruitless despite a thorough trawl of backstreet locations. We have therefore passed a motion to include Barras Green as a late amendment to the itinerary, thus permitting calls in the Hastings and the Old Red Horse by way of compensation.

- A final showing for the quiff in the Hastings -

This shall conclude a full day of campaigning across the length and breadth of Coventry, and members will then be able to retire to Coventry Station with the aid of the number 8 bus. A direct Virgin train to Sandwell & Dudley (and thence to Wolverhampton) is scheduled for 1922 hours, and the meeting will close at 2000 hours when the Chairman shall receive his customary summons. We believe this programme of activity will help to heighten the profile of the Anti-Hub cause and result in much enjoyment for all those involved. END.

A North Warwickshire Narrative

Saturday 22nd September 2012 and the old stagecoach is on standby as our two intrepid highwaymen, 'Nick Turpin' and yours truly, prepared to plunder their way around Atherstone and Nuneaton...

The starting point for this merry adventure is the city of Coventry, where 'Nick Turpin' arrives fresh off his X17 carriage in time for our 10:10am rendez-vous. In my time-honoured tradition I had already been doing some investigations of my own, notably seeking out the distinctively round Coventry Market and the rather less exciting Central Library.

10:38am and we saddle up on the 48 for a swashbuckling ride into Warwickshire's northern outposts. Bedworth is negotiated without incident, and at Nuneaton we change steeds so as not to end up in Leicester. It can get a little hairy up past the quarries to Camp Hill, but Hartshill looked peaceful enough with a leafy green and hints of an old castle.

- The lesser spotted Blue Boar -

We dismount at Mancetter where the parish church and some almshouses provide rich pickings for the camera, although the less said about the breezeblock post office the better. We might have been persuaded by the Plough but any such thoughts were scotched once we encountered a boar - not just any old boar you understand, but a blue one holding a beer festival. Thirsty travellers such as we do not turn down such wonders and so some Blue Boar Special (Church End Brewery) and Head Hunter (Sperrin) were requistioned in the fine 1930s surroundings.

Our next staging post would be the hatting town of Atherstone, although it would be the pub trade that would most occupy our attention. Firstly comes lunch in the historic market square, followed by refreshment in the Market Tavern, a pub now occupied by the Warwickshire Beer Company with Piston Broke being an ale commemorating the Atherstone Heritage Motor Show.

 - Atherstone Market Square -

Nick Turpin definitely approves of Atherstone and his appreciation for the town is heightened by a short stroll along the Coventry Canal, a tantalising titbit of towpath that included the uppermost five of the Atherstone Locks. The railway is also close at hand, albeit the old station house is now a veterinary surgery, whilst back on Long Street are a multitude of tempting watering holes from the Red Lion to the Old Swan. Being a well-researched highwayman, Nick Turpin had one particular alehouse in mind though, this being the New Dolphin where we do battle with a Rampant Gryphon (Wentworth Brewery) that was so rampant we couldn't even begin to contemplate the garlic bread mountain that is said to frequent these parts on Sundays!

 

- How to handle a Rampant Gryphon -

How do you follow up on boars and gryphons we pondered? Our answer was to clamber back onboard our trusty 48 and see what might be purloined in Hartshill. The Stag and Pheasant might have sufficed by the afore-mentioned green, but we got wind of another option lurking almost undetected in a sidestreet somewhere. It did not take long for us to uncover the Malt Shovel, a Banks's house where we availed ourselves of Fields of Gold.

  

 - The Malt Shovel, Hartshill -

With the 48 once more proving a doubty companion, we manoeuvre our way back to Nuneaton where there were further riches awaiting us. A Crown is always a prized target for pub-pickers like us, and the one on Bond Street came bearing gifts of Oatmeal Stout and Cottage Breast Bitter (at £2 a pint it really was a gift). We then made the acquaintance of a gentleman by the name of Felix Holt, one of the burgeoning Wetherspoon's dynasty, before roaming into the night to track down our remaining two taverns.

The Horseshoes on Heath End Road, Chilvers Coton has established itself as the brewery tap for the Tunnel Brewery and proves itself an excellent purveyor of memorable beer. Nick Turpin has been known to go continental occasionally and so he persuaded me to try the Belgian-styled Up the Kriek with its distinct flavour of cherries, what treasure indeed. Fortified by fruit, we venture forth to Attleborough where the Royal Oak handsomely delivers our closing half, ample reward for pounding the pavements of Nuneaton in the dark.

- Nick Turpin goes Up the Kriek -

After a heady day of plunder and pillage it was time for the noble highwaymen to head home, flagging down the Stagecoach for one final 48 fling. It turned out that the ride back to Coventry took us into bandit territory, with our steed coming under attack from the hostile locals and incurring a smashed window. Nonetheless, we gained safe passage into Coventry and thence to the railway station to round off a legendary day. Here's to North Warwickshire, Your Money or Your Life!