August 19th – there are lots of hidden architectural gems if you take time to look around you. That’s one of the reasons I love to ride a bike: it gives you the time, space and connection to spot these things. This lovely, noble row of handsome, four-square terraces is in Green Lane, Shelfield, and I love them. Gorgeous houses.
August 2nd – Coming through Shelfield on my way home, my attention was snagged by the sound of an engine being over-revved. In the distance, I saw the snap of a large Transit hand coming fast in the opposite direction. Sensing the danger, I pulled up. The driver was driving so fast that when he crossed the speed bump near the Four Crosses Junction, there was a loud bang as the vehicle grounded.
I can only assume he was late for tea. Such speed is unnecessary on such residential roads. I’m looking on Darwinism to sort this one out.
July 17th – more flytipping. Last week, whilst passing through High Heath, I recorded the beauty of this field from exactly the same spot – on this grey Sunday morning some scumbag has just reversed into the field and flytipped a pile of rubbish – which again, would mostly have fitted in a household dustbin. My mind boggles at the kind of tossers who would see fit to visit such vandalism on such a wonderful view.
July 9th – researching the latest post on the Black Cock Bridge subsidence mystery, my path inevitably wandered toward lunch in Pelsall. Coming back through High Heath, I spotted this lovely, ripening field of wheat on the corner of Green Lane and Mob Lane. I reflected as I cycled down Mob Lane that since I was going downhill toward the old Bullings Heath, High Heath was suitable named.
Funny how you only notice these things peripherally – and who would have thought such a beautiful sight were possible in such a post-indurtial place?
June 24th – The former Spring Cottage pub at Shelfield – an insalubrious, rough pub – closed a year of two back, and has stood empty and forlorn ever since. Never a pleasant house, it’s future lies in a different purpose. Speaking to a surveyor here in the week, I’m told this is being converted into a Co-op store. I like the Co-op, and it seems to be a sensible location.
Work has been ongoing here for some time, and looks set to continue for a good while yet.
June 16th – Jockey Meadows is an under-appreciated Site of Special Scientific Interest between Walsall Wood and Shelfield. Naturally wet, the grassland here is lush and verdant. There are many rare species here and it’s a vital green lung for the north Walsall area. Sadly, it’s often the prey of flytippers and scramblers, but on the whole it’s a peaceful oasis that’s well worth a visit.
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