August 28th – When I returned back that afternoon, it was overcast, and also in Scarborough Road, I noticed this derelict cottage. Fitting well into the Walsall Heritage project, this building has been decaying on the corner of St, John’s Road for years. It’s an interesting building, again with excellent, original chimney pots. I do hope someone can find a use for it once more, before it’s forever lost.
28th August – It was bright and sunny, in complete contrast to the day before. I commuted to Darlaston, which has been far too irregular of late – I love the journey and the place, and miss it when I’m not there. On the way, I travelled down one of my favourite Walsall residential streets – Scarborough Road. Consisting mainly of inter-war council houses, this wide, tree-lined street is a testament to a more socially concerned time. There’s always someone here who waves as you pass; a pensioner stood in their garden, school kids or folk just pottering about their business. I always feel comfortable here.
July 18th – I cycled to work in Darlaston in a rainstorm, for what seemed like the thousandth time. I came up through Shelfied and Walsall with a heavy heart; the wind was against me and I was getting rather wet. As usual, I dropped on to the canal at Bridgman Street, and the rain ceased for a while and the the skies brightened. Near Pleck, I came upon this brood of ducklings, huddled together in the grass for warmth, their mother quacking reassuringly from the canal. They were quite tame, and I feel sure I could have reached out and picked one up.
Further on, at Bentley Bridge, I noticed what can only be the sad remains of a Black Country Funeral, like a Viking one, but with less ambition. How unfortunate…
June 25th – This handsome, slightly mad-looking and somewhat tame fellow was fishing near Pleck in Walsall when I returned late afternoon. It was a lovely sunny afternoon, and the canal looked great. Everything was so green and lush… and there he stood, amongst it all. He’s clearly used to people and didn’t move until I was 10 feet away from him. A gorgeous bird.
March 6th – Further along the same road, this time in Pleck, a charming blast from the past. It was a pleasure to see this mod scooter parked up by the roadside. The owner has clearly worked on the details – lights, mirrors, horns, somewhat grubby foxtail and flag. I just had to stop and take a look. You don’t see many of those bikes about these days…
February 29th – I left work in the light, which steadily faded as I approached Walsall. Another lovely sunset was trying to grab the Black Country’s attention. The trouble with good urban sunsets is finding the right view to set them off. Just as I turned into Scarborough Road in Pleck, I glanced over the canal bridge wall. Beautiful.
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 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…
January 27th – It was my turn to leave early. Relishing the chance to get a commute home in the light, I left work at 4:15pm, not realising it was raining. Again stupidly finding myself without waterproof trousers, I made my sodden way home. The roads were mad, as they usually are when it rains, so I dived onto the canal in Pleck and flipped over to National Cycle Route 5 in Goscote. The rain cleared up by the time I got to Reedswood, but I was wet and chilly. Ah, the best laid plans…
January 25th – returning late from work, I headed for a change, up through Pleck and over Church Hill. I stopped on the railway bridge on the Wednesbury Road. Although the metal footbridge was shaking well in the wind, I managed to get this pretty decent picture by standing the camera on the top of the guard rail. I love railway views at night. Luckily the wind was behind me, and I was soon home.
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