Author: BrownhillsBob

I told the truth - but told it bent. Wandering around bemused and ranty since 2007.

February 10th – The predicted snow didn’t arrive in Brownhills – all we had was an icing-sugar dusting. I had to go to Redditch, and set out early on a filthy, drizzly morning to hop on the Cross City line. Arriving at the station just in time to watch the tail-lights of my train slide into the distance, I felt thoroughly fed up. 
An hour later, zipping through the snow covered landscape of south Birmingham, I cheered up. The snow had been more pronounced here, and when I got to Redditch, the town looked lovely. Church Green was gorgeous, and the cottages near Ipsley in the Arrow Valley were equally beautiful, which restored my good mood. It’s not often you can say that about Redditch. 

On the way back, I spotted two snowmen at Little Aston forge. I suspect they were from last weekend – they look like they were good efforts. Sorry I didn’t catch them in their prime… my apologies to the motorist behind whom I held up while taking the picture.

February 9th – The old General Hospital in Walsall closed a long time ago. It’s services moved into a large new complex at the site of Walsall Manor Hospital, I guess nearly two decades ago now. The old, rambling, ramshackle and inadequate edifice was mostly demolished, except for the original, Victorian outpatients building. This was retained and formed part of a new social housing development on the site. The doors aren’t original, but the ironwork sign above them is; as are the intricate terracotta ornamentations. Originally called ‘The Heritage’, the name seems to have been inexplicably changed to ‘Lion House’. It’s nice to see such a prominent bit of Walsall’s architectural history survive – proof that we can get it right occasionally.

February 9th – On the A461 Lichfield Road, between Rushall and Shelfield, a truly remarkable bit of parking. The rear tyre of this car hasn’t made it onto the pavement, but is about two inches clear of the road, too. One assumes the driver is too lazy or incompetent to even park the car properly, let alone the legality of leaving it on the pavement. Sadly, I doubt if a parking enforcement officer will wander this far from the revenue stream in central Walsall….

February 8th – Two very snatched pictures, proving that some pubs can have a life after death. Both houses were blighted by tough reputations – neither Pleck’s Brown Lion, with it’s gorgeous glazed-tile frontage, nor Darlaston’s Three Horse Shoes, at the Bullstake, were considered salubrious places. Both closed, and spent time derelict. However, after a time, both inns have been converted to dwellings, maintaining their pub character. Much better than losing them altogether.

February 8th – Cruising up over Church Hill in Walsall for a bit of variety, I reflected on how Lower Rushall Street has been changed from a busy back way to a main artery since the construction of the new Ring Road. I pity the poor souls living right on the road’s edge at the converted former Eyelands factory, and the recent one way system around Ablewell Street is hardly a joy to behold. Yet, as I traversed this modern wonder, I noticed the historical constant: St. Matthews in clear view, imperious and imposing. A beautiful thing in a sea of urban sprawl.

February 7th – On the subject of interesting architecture, in the last few days I noticed this peculiar and rather charming twin tower arrangement in the back gardens of central Darlaston, behind the handsome houses of Rectory Avenue and the Post Office. I have no idea what it is, or if it’s accessible. It’s visible across the workshop yards of Church Street, too. Does anyone know anything more about this?

February 7th – Heading into work through Pleck for a change, I spotted this building on the corner of Oxford street. I’ve never really noticed it before, but it’s really quite remarkable. I know that it was a pub for years, but I have no idea of its original purpose. It really is quite remarkable, and conclusive proof that I don’t look upwards enough…

February 6th – I’ve been meaning to take a night picture of St. Mark’s Church is Shelfield for some time. The stark, bold coloured glass is quite something at night. It’s an odd church; modern, with little adornment, it looks more like a community centre by day. it sits, almost hidden in the backstreets of Shelfield just down from the Four Crosses pub. I don’t know anything of it, its congregation or history, but it always seems busy. Every evening there seems to be something happening here. 

February 6th – it was a tough journey to work. After the chill of the previous week it felt almost humid, yet it was quite chilly with a constant, searching drizzle. The snow of Saturday was still melting, and there were huge pools of standing water on the roads. Dropping onto the canal at Bridgeman Street in Walsall looking for a break from the relentless traffic, the towpath turned out to present its own challenge. Not treacherous with the studded tyres, but hard work to plough through. Horrid.