February 25th – On the cycleway at Telford, the blossom I spotted last week was now fully out, and absolutely gorgeous.
Remember, it’s still just February. This is astounding.
I’m told its cherry plum. It’s absolutely stunning.
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February 25th – Telford station, Monday morning.
I notice we now have an ‘Official Procedure’ for when the lift on the new pedestrian bridge breaks down.
‘Complimentary’ taxis will run the stranded passengers from one side of the station to the other.
If you spend nine million pounds on a new bridge to fix disability access issues, then omit a ramp and replace it with an unreliable lift meaning punters can become stranded if it breaks – you have failed as a designer and actually made the problem you set out to solve worse.
This is an idiotic disgrace. Those that allowed this to happen should be ashamed.
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February 24th – Piccadilly Mining Memorial, erected in 2009, is oddly similar in concept and design to the one created in 22006 in Hednesford. The lamp is made by CAM Engineering of Pyle, South Wales, who seem to have made several, including the one at Hednesford. The wall with names of miners inscribed in the bricks is also a feature at Hednesford.
The area around the tiny village of Piccadilly – now marooned by a huge oil terminal and large industrial parks – used to be occupied by several large coal mines, now closed, and mining heritage is strong here, so the desire for a memorial is under stable and totally appropriate.
I just seems a bit… Off the peg to me.
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February 24th – The good weather continues, and so does the need to be out in it.
I’ve barely been to Middleton hall this winter, so it was time to rectify that – so a journey out via Stonnall and Carroway Head was a delight – then up past Kingsbury to Picadilly and the mining memorial, then Wood End, Dordon, Polesworth, Alvecote and home through Tamworth and Weeford.
I’ve seen this weather described in the last few days as a ‘fool’s spring’ – I may be a fool but this has been absolutely glorious.
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February 23rd – It’s not often there’s good news to share on pubs here, I normally note their closing but seldom their re-opening.
I had noted the sad state of the Meynell-Ingram Arms at Hoar Cross more than once, after its sudden closure in 2014. I genuinely thought it would never open again.
This charming old country pub was in it’s day a decent place and could, I think, be a great destination for a decent rural pint and a meal. It’s great that it’s being refurbished and revitalised.
You can find out more here on the website.
I wish the new owners the very best in their new venture.
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February 23rd – The mist that fell in the last hour of this gorgeous day was possibly the best light in which to see Hoar Cross church. It was beautiful, and I’ve missed it so much.
The Church of the Holy Angels was built next to the great hall at Hoar Cross, but otherwise in the middle of nowhere by Lady Meynell after her husband was slain in a hunting accident (at least, according to Staffordshire historian Henry Thorold). Whatever it’s genesis, the grey blue light highlighting the peaceful but eerie church and grounds made for a serene and thoughtful 30 minute break.
Nice to see the primroses in flower here, and also the view over the Needwood Valley from the spot opposite the church which still has the bench donated by Noel Woodford, with the wonderful passage from Keats.
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February 23rd – With such fine weather there was nothing for it but to head out on a long ride.
Starting with a call to see the splendid, sun-worshipping crocuses at St Anne’s Cemetery in Chasetown and the deer in Church Street Park next door, the ride took me up through Chorley, Stoneywell, Longdon, the Ridwares, Blithbury, Abbots Bromley for cake and a rest, the up to Newborough, Hoar Cross, Hadley End and back via Lichfield.
The discovery of the old Trent footbridge and tunnel from the canal to Mavesyn Ridware was a wonderful think. It’s a lovely spot.
An absolutely gorgeous 52 mile rode, then ended in an ethereal mist that really gave an interesting tone to the evening.
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February 22nd – I just new the sunset was going to be good – so with an errand to run in Chasetown, I hopped up to Chasewater, the better to catch it.
I wasn’t disappointed.
I love the deep blue skies we get at dusk at this time of year, and catching the golden light over the dam was a real treat.
This early spring is really refreshing this year. I hope it doesn’t;t come to an abrupt end…
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February 22nd – Returning from work a little earlier than usual and in daylight, I spotted this splendid calico cat taking a drink from the canal near Humphries House.
One of the best things about spring is the re-emergence of the feline population, usually all cosy indoors in the cold.
I hope I meet this one again – it seems quite a character!
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February 21st – I’d been in Lichfield meeting friends, and came back late in the mild evening. Cresting Shire Oak ready to roll down the long hill into Brownhills, the quiet interested me.
Shire Oak junction was dark, the pub shut and almost eerily somnambulant. There was little traffic and nobody around.
Always strange to see such a usually busy junction deserted.
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