Images

July 25th – possibly the ugliest building I’ve ever seen, this industrial unit near South Wigston station is, frankly, hideous. I don’t know who had it built or why, but it has no windows whatsoever, and seems to consist of precast concrete ribs bolted together. The worst part is that it faces, on the other side of the street, a pleasant housing estate who must have been looking out on this architectural aberration for decades. Now used as a self-storage depot, I hope the owners see sense and demolish it…

July 24th – Shenstone Churchyard is a tranquil place. Right atop St. Johns Hill, the church itself is a dark, brooding sandstone edifice, replete in a severe, gargoyle-enhanced Victorian gothic which I’ve never found pleasant. The grounds, however, are shady, dotted with mature trees and overlooked by the ruins of the remaining tower from a previous incarnation of the church. Nearby is what I assume to be the ruins of the former chancel steps, right there in the graveyard. Peace, with history bearing all around.

July 22nd – Nipping into Wednesbury’s Decathlon sports superstore on my way home for a couple of bike bits, I was surprised by the quality and thought given to the bike rack. I don’t know anything about it, other than it appears to be French. It’s sensible, secure, and features a great way to park the bike without it toppling over. Big chunky cable anchors allow you to lock your steed in the manner of your choosing. I was so chuffed with it, I left my bike there while I popped in PC World. Decathlon haven’t got the best range of cycling bits, but in an emergency they’re fine, and with provision like that, I’ll certainly be returning. Nice one. 

July 21st – Saint Andrew’s Methodist Church in Kings Hill, Darlaston is a sad sight. An interesting edifice, built out of very red, red brick, it seems derelict and abandoned. Let’s hope it doesn’t befall the same fate as the Mellish Road methodist church in Walsall, currently being demolished after a 20 year abandonment. I wonder who owns it and way may lie in store. I fear for old buildings in our area, we seem so negligent with our architectural heritage.

July 20th – Usually forgotten after it’s dramatic yellow flowering phase, the oilseed rape is nearing ripeness. People often think the scruffy, dead looking spiky plants are failed crops – but each of the fine pods contains numerous small black seeds that contain a rich, high-energy oil, useful for food and biofuel. The crop is harvested and flailed by combine harvester, the seeds taken away for pressing. A very modern crop.

July 19th – These two lady cyclists also bid me a pleasant greeting as they passed me whilst I was taking a photo of this handsome, ivy-draped cottage on the junction of Footherley Lane and Gravelly Lane, Lower Stonnall. I’ve always loved this house. I like the way it oversees the junction, and how beautiful it looks after dark, the light from it’s windows like a beacon on many a winters night. Quite what the cyclists thought I was up to, I have no idea.

July 19th – After a terrible, lost day, it was a joy to come home through the countryside of Little Aston and Lower Stonnall. It’s funny how on some days, you see lots of other cyclists, and on others, none at all. This was one such day. This cheery chap bid me a hearty ‘hello!’ as I cruised down the hill at the end of Forge Lane. Surprising, really, given the hill he was winching himself up…

July 18th – I’m embarrassed to admit this, but I saw this relatively small crop near Lynn in Raikes Lane, and am at bit at a loss as to what it is. It looks a bit like cabbage, but isn’t leafy enough. Clearly not beet, or mangles, not tall enough. Can anyone put me out of my misery, please? Whatever it is, it’s surely in rude health…

July 18th – A grey day that threatened rain constantly, but didn’t deliver. I’d been out to Leicester and crawled back from Lichfield tired and drained, over Aldershawe and down into Wall. Cresting the hill, I was struck by the view before me of the farmworkers terraces in Claypit Lane, and of the sweet, rolling countryside to the south, now turning a gorgeous medley of golds and deep, deep greens. I then remembered why I cycle.

Some days, you just need reminding.