December 2nd – Every time I pass this in The Butts, Walsall, I pray the shop is really run by a bloke nicknamed Butt. It has to be, doesn’t it?
The alternative is too horrific to contemplate.
Tag: 365daysofbiking
December 1st – Another piece of architecture that’s bothering me is the old Three Crowns in King’s Hill, Darlaston; another one I pass frequently, for years it was being used by a jig and inspection company, but now seems to be empty. It;s a genuinely lovely building, which underneath the fake timbers and facing really deserves a better future than dereliction and eventual loss.
The trouble is, who would take on such a building?
I feel sad about this one every time I see it. I hope it gets saved.
December 1st – I keep passing this, and often wait at the lights looking at it – and every time I do it irritates the hell out of me.
On the Pleck Road junction in Walsall, where it meets Ida Road and Rollingmill Street, there is a new build block of apartments. Blessed with an aesthetic only a mother could love, it’s not the physical ugliness that bothers me – but the finish of the woodwork, external plumbing and hardstandings.
If this is what the outside quality is like, one can only wonder about the inside…
November 30th – OK, everybody stop panicking. The Christmas lights are up and on in Brownhills. You can all stop mailing/messaging me.
Yes, I know it’s a work in progress, and one or two ain’t on yet, but they’re up, and look much better than this photo would suggest.
Folk seem really early with this stuff this year…
November 30th – I guess I’m going to have to accept that it’s now coming on to Christmas, and as is usual for this weekend, loads of Christmas lights seem to have been erected.
I Was in Birmingham again, and hopped on the train to Walsall; I had business in Pelsall, so took a look at the lights there as there seemed to be some dissatisfaction – I must say, the village looks very festive with a fine tree.
Can’t fault that at all…
November 29th – Feeling better, we headed up Church Hill for a spot of atmospheric stuff. Taking photos in a solitary fashion everyday makes the process mundane; I’d forgotten the joy and mischief of working with someone else. And up on Church Hill at night, you really need someone else for security. It’s bloody dark.
Yes, there is a Late Night Feelings thing going on – well spotted. That’s for Pedro Cutler.
Go on, I dare you, tell me this place isn’t beautiful;. Just try it.
Eager to see the results, we got on our bikes, and rode home.
November 29th – I’d been in Brum late afternoon with a mate, and returned via Walsall. I was feeling down, and decided to try and take some decent photos to cheer myself up. I’d never explored the Town Wharf area at night. I felt much better…
November 28th – The day was mad and stressful, and the weather atrocious. I wanted to attend Gerald Reece’s history talk, but was stuck at work until late. Pouring myself liquid down the High Street at top speed to get home, I stopped for a couple of pics of Brownhills deserted late; then I got on with the rally important business of finding a takeaway still open…
The symmetry in the Ravens Court picture wasn’t intentional and has surprised me…
November 27th – I again returned via Walsall Wood, but unlike the night before, it was clear. I see the christmas lights are going up, and as ever, the High Street looked bustling and beautiful in the night. Walsall Wood is often overlooked, yet it preserves it’s village atmosphere and is surprisingly beautiful in parts.
An undervalued gem.
November 27th – A difficult day. I had to dash back from Walsall and I’d forgotten my camera, so had to use the phone. This one doesn’t take too bad pictures, to be fair.
As I left work, the sun was trying to come out, and it caught the glass of the Walsall Housing Group offices on the ring road, and made it golden.
A patch of beauty on a hectic day.
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