January 19th – A late run out for exercise on a cold, murky night took me to Chasewater. Unusually, I entered the park from Brownhills West of the spooky, Peter Saville-esque M6 Toll footbridge, the enclosed crossing with the streetlight shining through it.
Init is a hard, hostile, unwelcoming space that makes for remarkable photos.
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September 14th – Back up on Cannock Chase for the first time in ages, and I really loved it. From the Heron near Ogley Junction, to Abrahams Valley and Parrs Warren, I had a great afternoon, racing around and generally throwing the bike around. It made a change, it’s been a long while.
That foot injury has been really holding me back. So glad it’s healed now.
August 9th – Cycling around the common around the location of the now long-gone Brownhills West railway station, for the first time in weeks.
What can I say, but ‘Challenge accepted!’
I held it, but only just.
August 19th – It’s too late now, it’s gone. The Pear Tree Inn, on the corner of Pear Tree Lane, Albutts Road and Hednesford Road in Brownhills West will be fondly remembered by many, me included. At various times in its life this pub was a fine house; I drank here several Christmas lunchtimes and often took a walk up from town to get a decent pint. Derelict for 4 or 5 years now, the owners sought permission to demolish, citing the building as being beyond repair. An application to build a store here has been refused, but rumours abound of a new express-style store opening.
It’s sad the pub could not live on. Another part of my past gone under the bulldozer’s tracks.
February 16th – Another odd feature of Brownhills (or at least, Brownhills West) is that we have – or had, until it was purloined by Shugborough – the oldest signpost in the country, allegedly. This wooden fingerpost is a modern replica, itself in a sorry state. The plaque at it’s foot tells the story. Until about 4 years ago, I had no idea this existed, and I found it by accident. I wonder what other surprises are lurking, yet to be found?
It actually says (to the east) ‘To Lichfield 5 miles, Tamworth 11 miles, Atherstone 17 miles’ and to the west ‘To Chester 61 miles, Newport 21 miles, Salop 35 miles’ and on the post ‘1777’ – I’d actually debate it being the oldest, but there you go…
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