Tag: st John

#365daysofbiking Lighting the parish

Tuesday December 8th 2020 – I’m not certain it’s still the case, but fairly sure that the local councillors in Walsall Wood still fund the annual Christmas Tree outside the Parish Church of St John themselves; It’s an act of community spirit and largesse that I’ve always respected and appreciated, despite being miles away from the councillors politically.

The tree is the standard walsall borough tree and lights, but always looks that bit more festive in the grounds of the church.

A pleasure to see. My thanks to those involved.

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April 2nd – A better ride on the first warm, shirtsleeve day of the year, with thankfully little wind. I rode out into Staffordshire, up through Chorley and Hanch to Blithbury, then a call at Cobwebs for tea and cake. From there, through Abbots Bromley past Bogot Wood, then over along Marchington Cliff to the church of St. John in Marchington Woodlans, at Woodroffes. This church is beautiful, and absolutely in the middle of nowhere.

A run through Marchington, Coton in the Clay, Hanbury, Needwood, Dunstall and Barton then back on NCN 54 to Lichfield and home was a lovely ride in excess of 60 miles.

I had a good average at near 13mph and felt fluid and full of energy – remarkable considering my recent issues.

Spring is here, so is the sun and I’m totally ready for this.

Thanks for all the best wishes on the 6th anniversary – still can’t quite believe I’m still doing this. I never thought I’d still be here today.

June 7th – I also called at the Church of St John, MArchington Woodlands, at a place called Woodroffes. It’s a gorgeous church clinging to a hillside in the middle of nowhere. It overlooks the Dove Valley and is the most beautiful, peaceful spot. 

The meadows were dappled yellow with buttercups, the church was bright in the sunlight, and a distant cricket pitch dozed in the warm afternoon.

It doesn’t get much more English than this.

October 8th – Walsall Wood Church – Dedicated to St. John – has always been a bit of a conundrum to me. Pleasant enough, but rather odd-looking outside, it was ruined when Lichfield Diocese designed and had added a thoroughly unpleasant extension, a fate shared by many local churches. The interior, though, is different. Very devotional, with a lovely miners-lamp memorial, ad remarkable cast iron arcades. Well worth a visit if you’re passing.