Galleries

November 1st – Four Oaks Methodist Church: what more can I say. Bloody difficult to photograph at night – passing traffic and the angles make it a tough proposition with my little camera. I think this is a gorgeous building, yet I rarely see it mentioned; designed by Crouch and Butler at the turn of the last century during the Methodist Church expansion that also saw the Mellish Road Church constructed in nearby Walsall. A mixture of Gothick and Perp styles, architecturally it’s a mishmash, but very imposing and impressive. Even more so at night, when it’s beautifully lit. A hidden gem.

November 1st – This was annoying. Spinning down the Arrow Valley cycleway in Redditch, some travelling showman had left his artic completely blocking the track at a crossing point, leaving about 20 inches between the wagon and the hedge to squeeze through. There’s no excuse for this, it’s just bloody inconsiderate. No idea what the muppet was doing here, anyway. Perhaps the funfair is coming to the arrow valley park?

October 31st – The Arrow Valley route in Redditch was looking excellent today – the leaves have really turned now, and the recent rains seemed to have cleansed things and sharpened them up. For what I would personally consider the first day of Winter – the first day of non-British Summer Time, when it was dark when I left home, and dark when I left work. The autumn colour certainly improved my dismal Monday mood – shame the newly burnt out car abandoned on the trail pulled it back down again. There’s some arseholes about.

October 30th – I found myself crossing Chasewater for the third time in as many days. Today, I came along the canal as far as Wharf Lane; hopping off and across the footpath that traverses the north side of the old trotting track. This is a heavily used route by local cyclists since the closure of the canal basin access to Chasewater. The stile at the Chasewater end of the path is a pain to negotiate, and achieves nothing in terms of security (the site is open to vehicles at numerous, more southerly points). I noted with some amusement today as I hefted my steed over the bottom rail, the imprint of oily chainrings on it and the wear they’ve caused. Surprised it’s still in one piece.

October 29th – Today found me at Chasewater again, and once more I was here at the dying of the day. Coming over the motorway bridge at twilight, against what was a rather evil wind, it threatened rain; rain which was clearly already falling elsewhere. This peculiar little rainbow was visible for 20 minutes or so due east. A lovely splash of colour on a rather dull day.

October 27th – Zipping home late from work in heavy rain, I was suffering a migraine, so headed for the quiet back lanes of Little Aston and Stonnall, the better not to contend with too much traffic. Near Little Aston forge, I spotted this fellow sat bolt upright in the road, enjoying the precipitation. This common toad – I’m surprised he wasn’t already hibernating – must have had a hard, dry summer, and he really seemed to be enjoying the rain. He was alert, and nervous. I moved him carefully to the grass verge and cycled on. Hopefully, he’ll stay out of the way of passing vehicles.

October 27th – The rains came today, and I was glad; we need the water for replenishing the reservoirs, ponds and streams, and of course, Chasewater. After the otherworldly beauty of yesterday, the Arrow Valley in Redditch was wearing a very grey, rainy overcoat. It still had it’s unique beauty though, and it was good to see the Arrow flowing with some purpose again. 

October 26th – It was with some surprise that a noticed quite a dense mist over the countryside south of Birmingham as I zipped through on the train. I love misty mornings like this, and when they happen, I try to get near water where the mist is most beautiful. Fortunately, today I was passing through the Arrow Valley in Redditch anyway, and it didn’t disappoint. The park as a whole was gorgeous, wreathed in a thin, billowy mist, but the lake stole the show. I was so absorbed by it, I was very nearly late… but it was worth it.

October 25th – I got caught on the way home by the same shower twice. At least, it seemed like it. It rained on me in Redditch, and stopped just as I got to the train; as I alighted in Sutton, the heavens opened again. Oddly, despite the grim northern sky, it seemed lighter later than the previous evening. Everything was revelling in the soft drizzle as I returned via Lower Stonnall – I even I found myself enjoying the change in light, air and experience. As darkness fell, the countryside dripped, gently and quietly absorbing the currently rather rare dose of rain.

October 23rd – Also on my haphazard itinerary today was Tixall. I adore Tixall, and not many folk seem to know it, existing as it does in the shadow of Shugboriugh Hall and it’s large estate. There were other noble families in these parts other than the earls of Lichfield, and the Aston family built Tixall Hall, gatehouse, church and stables. The hall has long been lost, but the gatehouse – now rented as a holiday let – is a splendid architectural wonder. It’s prominent towers are replicated further up the road to Great Haywood in a tiny lodge-house, the purpose of which I’ve always wondered. The stables have been converted into luxury homes, but the air of noble history parades the village and it’s odd little follies.