Tag: 365daysofbiking

October 22nd – I’ve noticed this tower and chapel lots of times as I’ve sped downhill through Rugeley, but only ever stopped to investigate today. I was always vaguely intrigued by the fact that it sat opposite the parish church, on the other side of the road, yet appeared to be the remnants of a church itself. The structure is sat in Rugeley Cemetery, which I’d not noticed before, and I assume it’s a chapel of rest. The tower itself has gothic touches and gargoyles redolent of that other Victorian Gothic tour de force, Shenstone Church. I must look into the history further…

October 22nd – You’d not know really, unless you were told, but this lovely spot in the Hednesford Hills, on the southern edge of Cannock Chase used to be an RAF base – RAF Hednesford. I think it was largely a training camp, and closed soon after the war. Little remains except the odd suspiciously military looking hut, a pleasant monument and a heritage walk, which is well worth doing. Victory’s beneficiaries are we all; but the history is all around, often in quiet, unassuming places like this.

October 21st – I love night photography, but I’m not terribly good at it. I love the way familiar places change totally at night. The senior citizen’s flats opposite Holland Park and the fuel tanks of the Tesco depot on the Pelsall Road don’t really register as aesthetically pleasing in daytime – interesting, but unremarkable. Shroud them in darkness and discharge light and they come alive. I think I’m starting to get the hang of this winter thing at last.

October 21st – Work was heavy today, and didn’t escape until the evening. Brownhills is very desolate at night, yet I kind of love it more like that. The shutters, sodium light and hard surfaces are very atmospheric. Silver Court fascinates me at night – this 1960’s promenade of shops and maisonettes is crumbling and needs renovation, and is one of the last remnants of the system building fad of the period. Once bustling, it’s now largely empty, even in the daytime. The driveway at the back would once have been overshadowed by the noise and bustle of the five tenements of Silver Court Gardens, but is now surrounded by an eerily quiet wasteland. Much of what ails Brownhills is concentrated here – failed town planning and lost community.

October 20th – Returning via Rushall Junction and Aldridge, I passed under this remarkable arch bridge on the Tame Valley Canal at Tower Hill. Named Freeth Bridge, it’s huge, big and awe-inspiring. It’s a fine example of the architectural surprises Birmingham tends to reserve for people who explore the city. This sight never fails to inspire admiration for those who designed and built it. I’ve still yet to pass over the top, I must get round to that sometime.

October 20th – My love for Birmingham’s canals has been well recorded here, but this to me is the essence of the city. This tunnel lies – largely unnoticed by those passing above it – beneath Proof House Railway Junction, to the north of New Street Station. The tunnel itself is functional, grubby and bleak, but is actually beautifully lit and is a veritable refuge in the heart of the city. The canals show you life from the back; old factories and yards mingle with scrubby wastes and the margins of city life. And they are charming and fascinating for it. All of Brum is here, and I love every brick of it.

October 20th – Today I found myself cycling into the Black Country to a meeting. Having finished in early afternoon, I sought something to eat in Great Bridge, which wasn’t easy as all the old style cafes seem to have closed down. Finding myself in West Brom, I pottered through the backstreets on my way to the canal, aiming to return via a leisurely run along the canal. Quite unexpectedly, I stumbled upon the Oak House, looking as beautifully incongruous as ever. There seems to be some renovation work ongoing, but I may be wrong. A gorgeous building. Must stop by and explore sometime.

October 19th – Another moron who can’t wait a couple of seconds, causing me to brake to make allowance for his impetuosity. There’s really no need for this – he didn’t save any time, and just pissed me off. Is there a gene that makes some folk like this, or is it a hormone thing?

For fans of the ride videos, they’re difficult right now because of the sun angle at the time I got to work. Hence this one is a bit dingy. Hoping the situation will improve soon.

October 19th – Returning home, once again battling a keen wind and what seemed like biting cold – although this will seem mild, soon – I noticed lots of new crops growing in the fields between Shenstone and Sandhills. This one was in Lynn. I don’t know what they are – probably winter wheat of some sort – but they’re providing a welcome, verdant distractions from the autumnal yellows and browns. It’ll be interesting to see how they develop and when they’re harvested.