April 4th – I had to pop to Telford in the late morning, and was impressed, as I usually am, by the ever-changing flowerbed on the westbound platform, currently full of what I think may be alyssum, purple easter primroses and the most beautiful red tulips, just breaking bloom.
Telford gets a lot of stick (much of it from me over the years), but some bits of it – like this – are thoroughly gorgeous and a constant delight.
Mach 15th – I nipped to Telford for a quick errand mid day, and was pleased to see that the construction workers building the new bridge at the station hadn’t destroyed the daffodils under their wheels.
The scrub on the right was until recently covered in trees and shrubs, and upon clearance for the upcoming works, the daffodils formerly blocked from the light bolted forth. It’s good to see them get their time in the light.
March 10th – A sign spring is finally upon us happened this evening – I returned from Birmingham just in time to catch the remains of the daylight dying over my homeward commute from Shenstone station. This is always welcome, and it’s nice to photograph this beloved landmark in anything other than darkness and sodium light.
This is just the best station. A great place to depart and come back to…
March 7th – I had to nip to Telford, and as I came through the station I noted that the tree clearance now seems to have ended, and construction weens to have started in earnest on the western side of the bridge span.
I was also pleased to note that the daffodils on the station ramp side that bolted wonderfully when cleared of their shady tree-cover are coming into bloom as yet untroubled by the construction machines. it’s right they should bloom unfettered for a final time, I think.
This project has caught my attention and I’ll be interested to watch it progress – not least to see how they manage to built a new access way that will so clearly interfere with the old one, and yet still maintain public access.
February 23rd – Doris wasn’t messing about…
Storm Doris hit the UK, and I considered my commute carefully before I left for work. Cycling in very strong winds is hard enough with them behind you, let alone against you, but also of concern are very strong cross winds which can have you into the centre of a road, or in a ditch.
I decided not to cycle to Darlaston which would have been almost 100% into the headwind, and instead went to Shenstone, where I caught the train to Birmingham, then another to Coseley, whence I rode with the wind at my back to work.
Yes, I guess it’s cheating, but I felt safer, and also make it to Shenstone in 14 minutes, at a frightening average, topping 40mph plus down Shire Oak Hill. That was fun.
On my arrival at Coseley, I noticed how well looked after the flowerbed was, and realised how much the little garden there reminded me of South Wigston, where I used to spend so much time.
The primroses were gorgeous, and really brightened a… memorable commute.
February 8th – Back to Telford mid-morning and I noted the tree surgeons at work still clearing scrub from around the pedestrian bridge at the station, in preparation for the new one to be built.
This nonchalant, confident lumberjack was just hanging around about 8 metres up, his chainsaw dangling from a lanyard.
I so admire people who work at heights.
February 7th – In Telford early morning, and I noted the progress on the tree clearance for the new access bridge was still ongoing. All the trees around the bridge have now been removed, leaving close-cropped stumps and if I’m honest, an open, much more welcoming station. Sad at the same time though, as those trees kept a healthy stock of berries throughout the winter for an army of blackbirds, who’ll now have to seek sfustainence elsewhere.
Sad also for the daffodil bulbs, previously shaded out by the scrub, who are now bolting in the new found light. I hope they get a final chance to bloom before the go under the constructor’s digger…
February 2nd – I went into Birmingham late in the day, and 2very tired, I picked my return station to give me best wind advantage.
As I got out my gloves and sorted the lights and things at Blake Street, I watched a second train come through, a blur of light.
Sometimes, that’s exactly how I feel.
January 26th – Over to Telford mid morning to pick something up, and I noted that the 80s footbridge that links Telford Station’s two platforms with the cycleway and town centre is breathing it’s last – but one simple change has made it much nicer already, and it’s quite a shock.
The bridge is due to be replaced for one more user friendly, that’s better for wheelchair users and less circuitous for passengers in a hurry, and will also offer lifts, and construction is just commencing. Trees around the bridge have been removed and the lack of dense cop[pice around the station end has opened it right up, and made the chore of using the thing a whole bunch nicer, with less dark corners.
I’ll be watching the project with interest.
January 10th – Sadly, my commuting life right now isn’t terribly varied. I’m seeing a lot of dark urbanity, stations, later and earlier. Apologies. Finding variance in a busy January when you don’t see much daylight is always hard.
Passing through Birmingham New Streetin the evening, I found myself at the same platform as the steel horse sculpture that forms the first in a chain of 12 along the line side to Wolverhampton.
Erected in 1987 and designed by Kevin Atherton, the Iron Horse project put similar horses in different motion positions alongside an urban railway line, to appear as if the train you were on was losing a race with a horse. Some jump, some buck, canter or trot. They are warm, lifelike, and softly amusing.
They have fared well and not dated, and are one of the great curiosities of Birmingham and the Black Country.
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