electric light – BrownhillsBob's #365daysofbiking

#365daysofbiking That same old feeling:

October 15th – A slightly late commute back from a meeting in Birmingham – thankfully mostly dry – was brightened up by the realisation that with the dark commutes come the return of my beloved stations in the dark obsession – what I call Late Night Feelings, after a lost record label.

Coming back to Shenstone after a round of delays, holdups and frustration, stepping into the chill night air, I realised how enchanting the lights, signals and reflections were.

Shenstone Station is always lovely at night in that kind of nether worldly, desolate way, but also it pulls at the homecoming, journey’s end vibe rather well too.

This is my favourite little station – always a joy to start out from, but even better to return though!

August 21st – Saint Anne’s Church in Chasetown – hidden down a quiet dead end, unassuming in it’s grace and simple elegance, hides a surprising history: it was the first church in England to have electric lighting. Supplied from the pit at the bottom of the hill, the benevolence of the local mine owner led to this unique installation. Great walker, Staffordshire lover and fellow Panoramian Pedro Cutler pointed this out in his photo gallery. It just goes to show, to a nosey and inquisitive cyclist, remarkable history is all around.