Elliott Brown

Passion Points: 149K

Transport
04 Jun 2023 - Elliott Brown
News & Updates

CBSO tram and other Urbos 100 trams added to the West Midlands Metro fleet

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West Midlands Metro has been added many new trams to their fleet the Urbos 100 variety of the Urbos 3. Numbered from 39 up to 58. Tram 45 is carrying CBSO (City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra) adverts. At least two trams have been named in recent months during 2023.

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Urbos 100 tram observations during 2023.

 

Don & Roy Richardson: West Midlands Metro tram 39

On the 1st April 2023, at Edgbaston Village Tram Stop on the Hagley Road. A ride of West Midlands Metro tram 39 to St Chad's Tram Stop. It has been named after Don & Roy Richardson.

West Midlands Metro

West Midlands Metro

West Midlands Metro

 

Getting off tram 39 at St Chad's Tram Stop on the 1st April 2023. It got way to full beyond Corporation Street, with West Bromwich Albion fans going to The Hawthorns, was glad to get off it.

West Midlands Metro

 

Tram 39 also seen on Broad Street on the 25th March 2023, opposite the Solomon Cutler Wetherspoon pub.

West Midlands Metro

 

Theresa Stewart: West Midlands Metro tram 40

Seen on the 31st March 2023 on Stephenson Street, near the Piccadilly Arcade was West Midlands Metro tram 40. Named after the late Theresa Stewart (1930-2020). The second tram to be named after her (previously the now scrapped T-69 Midland Metro tram 11 was in heritage livery and named after her). A blue plaque was unveiled in her memory, to be placed on her final home in June 2023.

West Midlands Metro

 

West Midlands Metro tram 41

On the 25th May 2023, was West Midlands Metro tram 41, near Victoria Square and the Birmingham Council House.

West Midlands Metro

 

West Midlands Metro tram 42

On the 29th January 2023, was West Midlands Metro tram 42 at Edgbaston Village Tram Stop.

West Midlands Metro

 

Tram 42 also seen at The Hawthorns Tram Stop on the 19th January 2023, heading for Wolverhampton.

West Midlands Metro

West Midlands Metro

 

West Midlands Metro tram 43

On the 7th February 2023, West Midlands Metro tram 43 was seen at Wolverhampton St George's Tram Stop.

West Midlands Metro

 

West Midlands Metro tram 44

View from the Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham of West Midlands Metro tram 44 at Library Tram Stop on the 1st June 2023.

West Midlands Metro

Video reel on Facebook.

 

Tram 44 also seen on the 26th January 2023 at Library Tram Stop, from the Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham.

West Midlands Metro

 

CBSO: West Midlands Metro tram 45

Seen on the 1st June 2023, at Library Tram Stop in Centenary Square was West Midlands Metro tram 45, carrying the CBSO Birmingham, Make some noise! adverts! I then caught an X10 bus to Hagley Road in Edgbaston.

West Midlands Metro

West Midlands Metro

West Midlands Metro

Should be an article up soon at Westside BID.

 

Was hoping to get tram 45 from Edgbaston Village Tram Stop, but by the time I got off the X10 bus, the CBSO tram had already pulled out, and heading for the Five Ways underpass from Hagley Road to Broad Street!

West Midlands Metro

 

Two days later on the 3rd June 2023, I saw the CBSO West Midlands Metro tram 45 again, this time from the top deck of the no 24 bus stop at Paradise Circus.

West Midlands Metro

West Midlands Metro

 

Earlier in the year, I caught tram 45 to Dudley Street Guns Village Tram Stop in West Bromwich on the 19th January 2023, but this was before it had the CBSO advert sponsorship on it.

West Midlands Metro

 

West Midlands Metro tram 46

From Pinfold Street on the 18th February 2023, was West Midlands Metro tram 46 heading to Edgbaston Village.

West Midlands Metro

 

About a week earlier on the 11th February 2023, I saw West Midlands Metro tram 46 at Town Hall Tram Stop near Victoria Square, contrasting the Urbos 3 tram 23 with Urbos 100 tram 46.

West Midlands Metro

West Midlands Metro

 

West Midlands Metro tram 48

At The Hawthorns Tram Stop on the 19th January 2023, West Midlands Metro tram 48 arrives to pick me up and take me back into Birmingham.

West Midlands Metro

West Midlands Metro

West Midlands Metro

 

West Midlands Metro tram 51

Seen on the 28th May 2023, was West Midlands Metro tram 51, departing Town Hall Tram Stop near Victoria Square.

West Midlands Metro

 

West Midlands Metro tram 53

From the 28th May 2023 on Broad Street, Was West Midlands Metro tram 53 at Five Ways Tram Stop, close to the Five Ways Entertainment Complex and Cineworld.

West Midlands Metro

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

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0 passion points
Travel & tourism
29 May 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Flying over Birmingham and coming into land at Birmingham Airport

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I went on holiday for a week in Italy. To the Umbria region. Flew back to Birmigham Airport from Rome Fiumicino Airport in Lazio on Thursday afternoon, 18th May 2023. Before landing at BHX, my Jet2 Smartwings Boeing 737-800 plane flew over Birmingham, circling over various areas, as far as Walsall, before landing at runway 15.

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Birmingham City Centre

I'd always wanted to try and get photos of Birmingham City Centre from a plane window coming home from holiday. This was the first time I was able to achieve this. The BT Tower is the main building visible. Plus 103 Colmore Row was visible, and as we swung around Selfridges. Was a bit hazy though.

Birmingham City Centre

Birmingham City Centre

Birmingham City Centre

Birmingham City Centre

 

Birmingham Airport

After capturing London Luton Airport and Coventry Airport on the way home, I was hoping to see Birmingham Airport, before landing. Managed to capture it with the Jaguar Land Rover factory in Solihull and the National Exhibition Centre. Would later leave the airport in a taxi going home via the A45 Coventry Road. You also have Elmdon Park.

Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport

 

Adderley Park

Flying over Adderley Park and the Birmingham Wheels Park. Between that is the West Coast Mainline.

Birmingham

 

Freightliner terminal - Landor Street, Birmingham

Also near Addereley Park is the Landor Street freight terminal. There is clear signs of HS2 works below.

Birmingham

 

Bloomsbury Park

Over Nechells you can see the former Aston Gas Holders, and Bloomsbury Park to the right.

Birmingham

 

Spaghetti Junction and Salford Park

Something I never expected to photograph from the air was Spaghetti Junction. It opened over 50 years ago. Salford Park looks tiny from up here, including Aston Reservoir.

Birmingham

 

Villa Park and Aston Hall & Park

To the left of Spaghetti Junction is Villa Park, home of Aston Villa Football Club. Aston Hall & Park to the right. The Cross City and Chase Lines split near here. Cross City towards Sutton Coldfield and Lichfield, and the Chase Line towards Walsall and Rugeley.

Birmingham

 

Perry Barr Stadium

Passing Perry Barr Stadium, the home of Home of Greyhound Racing Club and Birmingham Brummies Speedway. Also nearby is the completed accommodation in Perry Barr, originally built for the Commonwealth Games as an athletes village, but was not completed in time. You can also see the new road layout since the Perry Barr Flyover was demolished a few years ago.

Birmingham

 

Alexander Stadium and Perry Park

The Alexander Stadium was of course rebuilt for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Perry Park is next to and around it, with the Perry Reservoir and M6 motorway behind. Hopefully park access around the stadium will be restored soon.

Birmingham

Birmingham

 

Walsall Arboretum

Passing over Walsall Arboretum, this was the furthest north we went, before turning around to the airport. Could see the Hatherton Lake from above, and was a fun fair in the park.

Birmingham

Birmingham

 

Witton Lakes

You could see the two sections of the lakes at Witton Lakes Park. With Perry Common behind.

Birmingham

 

M6 motorway and The Fort Shopping Centre

Getting closer to landing now. The M6 motorway on the left, with The Fort Shopping Centre on the right. A strip of parkland to the left in the Bromford area, near Hodge Hill. More HS2 land to the top left hand corner in Washwood Heath.

Birmingham

 

Landing at runway 15

After circling over Birmingham, it was time to land. First passing Airparks Birmingham, then over the Sheldon Country Park. The former Monarch hanger is now STS.

Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport

After this our Jet2 plane taxied to the Jet2 area of the airport, and two buses would take us passengers back to arrivals for passport control and baggage claim. Was a minor fire incident, and the airport fire service was out, so the buses had to go on a minor diversion, but all was ok.

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

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70 passion points
Rivers, lakes & canals
25 Apr 2023 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Walking trail around Smethwick via Rolfe Street and Galton Bridge

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Get the train up to Smethwick Rolfe Street or Smethwick Galton Bridge, for this wonderful walk around the area, via the BCN New Mainline and Smethwick High Street. There is plenty of heritage to see on your walk. From the Galton Bridge to the remains of Chance Glassworks.

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Get the train from Birmingham New Street to Smethwick Rolfe Street, if starting near the Engine Arm Aqueduct. If you buy your tickets to Smethwick Galton Bridge, they should be valid for getting of at intermediate stations. 

From Smethwick Rolfe Street, walk up Rolfe Street to Bridge Street North, near the Smethwick Locks.

Engine Arm Aqueduct

The Engine Arm Aqueduct is near Rolfe Street in Smethwick. It starts at the junction of the Birmingham Canal Old Main Line, then crosses over the Birmingham Canal New Main Line. It was built in 1825 by Thomas Telford to carry a water feeder, the Engine Arm from Edgbaston Reservoir. It is Grade II* listed and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Engine Arm AqueductPhotography by Jonathan Bostock

 

Leave the canal at the Brasshouse Lane Bridge, then walk down North Western Road to Rolfe Street.

 

Smethwick Rolfe Street Station

The railway station at Rolfe Street  in Smethwick, was opened in 1852 on the line between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton. It was rebuilt as it is now in 1890. A mural was painted at the station in 2017 under the direction of artist Steve Field. West Midlands Railway took over from processor London Midland in late 2017. Since 2022, the station has step free access.

Smethwick Rolfe Street StationPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

From Rolfe Street, cross the footbridge over Tollhouse Way, then head down High Street in Smethwick to the statue of a Sikh WW1 soldier.

 

Smethwick Cross Tollhouse

The tollhouse was built in 1820 on the Smethwick High Street. The road was part of the Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Dudley Turnpike 1760 - 1876. A Grade II listed building.

Smethwick Cross TollhousePhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick

A former church building at 130 High Street, the Smethwick Sikh community bought and opened it in 1961. It is a total rebuild from the church to gurdwara.

Guru Nanak Gurdwara SmethwickPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Lions of the Great War statue

The bronze statue by Luke Perry was unveiled in November 2018, between the Smethwick High Street and Tollhouse Way. It depicts a First World War Sikh soldier. It's close to the Guru Nanak Gurdwara.

Lions of the Great WarPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Other buildings of note on the Smethwick High Street include: Smethwick Library and the Blue Gates Hotel.

Now retrace your steps, and return to the Brasshouse Lane Bridge and walk back down to the canal towpath. There is also a nearby park to check out if you want to.

 

Lewisham Park

Not far from Brasshouse Lane, is Lewisham Park. It's between Great Arthur Street, Perry Street and Darmouth Road. It has a play area, tennis courts and sports pitches.

Lewisham ParkPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Galton Valley Pumping Station

The pumping house was built in 1892 between the Birmingham Canal Old Main Line on the Wolverhampton Level (developed by Smeaton in Smethwick) and the Birmingham Canal New Main Line on the Birmingham Level (developed by Telford). It's now a museum and is Grade II listed. Was also called the Smethwick New Pumping House. It replaced two earlier pumping stations on the Engine Arm. The engines were removed in the early to mid 20th century. Restored between the 1980s and 2000s. Open for monthly open days, once a month between April and October each year.

Galton Valley Pumping StationPhotography by Jonathan Bostock

 

Galton Tunnel

When Telford Way was build over a canal, a new tunnel had to be built on the BCN New Main Line. The Galton Tunnel is made of concrete, and is 122 yards long, between the SE portal and NW portal. Above NW portal is a towpath that leads up to the Galton Bridge on Roebuck Lane.

Galton TunnelPhotography by Jonathan Bostock

 

 

Galton Bridge

The Galton Bridge is on Roebuck Lane in Smethwick. It crosses the Birmingham Canal New Main Line (Birmingham Level). Made of cast iron, it was opened in 1829 as a road bridge, and built by Thomas Telford, in a deep cutting. It's 70 feet above the canal, and was the highest single-span arch bridge in the world when it was built. It carried heavy vehicles for almost 150 years until the 1970s. Since then it has only been open to pedestrians and cyclists. It was named after a local businessman, Samuel Galton, who was a major investor in the Birmingham Canal Company. The ironwork was cast by Horseley Ironworks at its canal-side factory near Tipton.

Galton BridgePhotography by Jonathan Bostock

 

Smethwick Galton Bridge Station

The Jewellery Line was built and opened in 1995, this included three stations at Jewellery Quarter, The Hawthorns and Smethwick Galton Bridge. The station in Smethwick has a high level on the Snow Hill lines between Birmingham Snow Hill and Worcester via Kidderminster, and the low level between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton. The station has four platforms. The Smethwick Railway Bridge crosses the Birmingham Canal New Main Line, with the Snow Hill lines above. The opening of this station, led to the nearby Smethwick West Station closing down in 1996.

Smethwick Galton Bridge StationPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Leaving the station, walk up Oldbury Road, then turn right up Spon Lane South. For some gems to do with the Chance Brothers, who made glass during the 19th century in Smethwick.

 

Chance House and The Old School House

Located on Crystal Drive off Spon Lane South in Smethwick is Chance House and The Old School House. The Gothic House on the left dates to sometime after the 1850s, while Chance's School dates to around 1850, by the architect Charles Wyatt of Oxford. It has a picturesque Tudor Gothic porch with a stone belfry. Chance House is used to mark a blue plaque about the Chance Brothers, whose Chance Glassworks was nearby from the 1820s to the early 1980s.

Chance HousePhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Chance Glassworks

It was opened in the 1820s, but was closed down for good in the 1980s. A Grade II listed building. The warehouse and offices was built in 1847. While another set of warehouses was built circa 1853. It is between the M5 motorway and the Birmingham Canal New Main Line, as well as close to the Birmingham New Street to Wolverhampton railway line. It is hoped that in the 2020s that the buildings will be restored, after being derelict for decades.

Chance GlassworksPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Leave the canal at Spon Lane South, then walk down Oldbury Road, and head into Smethwick Galton Bridge Station. If you haven't already bought your train tickets back to Birmingham, do so here at the ticket office, ticket machine, or on the West Midlands Railway app (you will get a QR code ticket). Take either the high level to Birmingham Snow Hill (or Moor Street), or the low level to Birmingham New Street.

 

The nearest tram stop is Kenrick Park Tram Stop, which is adjacent to Kenrick Park in nearby West Bromwich.

Oldbury Road is on the 80 and 87 bus routes from National Express West Midlands.

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40 passion points
Environment & green action
23 Apr 2023 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Sandwell Valley Country Park Trail

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Sandwell Valley Country Park Trail

This is a wonderful walk or cycle ride in a wonderful Park. There is so much to enjoy including the Swan Pool, Sandwell Priory ruins and Sandwell Park Farm.  Enjoy with our compliments.

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To get to Sandwell Country Park

If you are travelling from outside Sandwell, catch the West Midlands Metro from Birmingham or Wolverhampton to West Bromwich Central. Alternatively catch the no 74 bus to West Bromwich Bus Station.

Note:  We recommend you buy a day ticket on the My Metro app before you travel.

West Bromwich Central Tram StopPhotography by Elliott Brown

Outside the station you could hire a West Midlands Cycle bike if you do not fancy walking.

West Midlands Cycle Hire West BromwichPhotography by Elliott Brown

Turn left onto the West Bromwich Ringway, then pass West Bromwich Bus Station. Turn right onto St Michael Street, continue onto New Street into the New Square shopping centre. Perhaps stop for coffee.

If you missed West Midlands Cycle Hire before, there is another docking point outside of Central St Michael's Sixth Form College.

West Midlands Cycle HireWest Midlands Cycle Hire at Central St Michael's Sixth Form College (August 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

Continue through New Square and turn left towards Cronehill Linkway Car Park. Next walk up Cronehills Linkway, stop at the lights and cross over the Cronehills Interchange Bridge.

Cronehills Interchange BridgeCronehills Interchange Bridge. Photography by Elliott Brown

Near The Expressway follow the path onto Sandwell Road North, then onto Taylors Lane and Woodward Street until you get to Dagger Lane.

Turn right onto Salters Lane and continue heading down to the gate.

Enter Sandwell Valley Country Park. 

At the gates, enter Sandwell Valley Country Park.

Sandwell Valley Country ParkSalters Lane entrance to Sandwell Valley Country Park. Photography by Elliott Brown

Continue along Salters Lane through the park. The path/road here is a bit rough.

Along the way you will pass the fields of Sandwell Park Farm.

Sandwell Valley cowsSandwell Park Farm. Photography by Elliott Brown

You will then cross the first bridge over the M5 motorway.

Bridge 1 M5 Sandwell ValleyBridge over the M5 motorway at Sandwell Valley Country Park. Photography by Elliott Brown

You are now on the other side of Sandwell Valley Country Park.

Now turn left onto Beacon Way and follow the path all the way around the Swan Pool.

Swan Pool Sandwell ValleySwan Pool at Sandwell Valley Country Park. Photography by Elliott Brown

After you've gone around the Swan Pool, turn left which takes you back onto the main path /road towards Park Lane. You will pass the Priory Woods Local Nature Reserve.

At the end of this path, turn right alongside Park Lane, heading to the gate.

Note: If you want to leave the park here, you can, but there are no pavements on Park Lane.

Park Lane gate Sandwell ValleyPark Lane gate at Sandwell Valley Country Park. Photography by Elliott Brown

Let's continue along the path towards the ruins of Sandwell Priory and Sandwell Hall.

They were built in the 12th century by William son of Guy de Offeni, Lord of the Manor of West Bromwich.

Located next to the 'Sand Well', a natural spring a short distance to the south from which the Priory gets its name, it was closed by Cardinal Wolsey in 1525 during the Reformation, and later demolished.

It was excavated between 1982 and 1988.

Sandwell Priory RuinsSandwell Priory Ruins at Sandwell Valley Country Park. Photography by Elliott Brown

Next to the Priory is the ruins of Sandwell Hall. The land was bought by Lord Dartmouth in 1701, and in 1705 he demolished the existing buildings to build his house.

The Dartmouth's moved to Patshull near Wolverhampton in 1853, and Sandwell Hall had a variety of uses before it was demolished in 1928.

Sandwell HallRemains of Sandwell Hall at Sandwell Valley Country Park. Photography by Elliott Brown

After this, continue along the path, and then cross over the second bridge over the M5 motorway.

Alternatively if you have time, check out the Ice House Pool and Cascade Pool.

There is also another path that takes you back towards the Swan Pool.

M5 Bridge 2 Second bridge over the M5 motorway at Sandwell Valley Country Park. Photography by Elliott Brown

After the bridge, there is a path where you can take your exit towards Europa Avenue, or you can continue onto Dartmouth Park or Sandwell Park Farm.

The Europa Avenue exit goes past a Mercure Hotel near M5, Junction 1 and The Expressway.

Sandwell Valley Country Park Leaving Sandwell Valley Country Park at Europa Avenue. Photography by Elliott Brown

From Europa Avenue, take Beeches Road to Birmingham Road. If you want to catch a bus instead of the tram, the 74 stops on Birmingham Road.

Here you can either go down Roebuck Street or Roebuck Lane. Go onto Devereux Road, and get onto West Bromwich Parkway.

This is the end of the trail.  We hope you enjoyed it!

If you need a tram, follow the path to Kenrick Park Tram Stop. Look out for trams.

West Bromwich ParkwayWest Midlands Metro tram at West Bromwich Parkway. Photography by Elliott Brown

It shouldn't be too long to wait for a tram at Kenrick Park Tram Stop.

Kenrick Park Tram StopWest Midlands Metro tram arriving at Kenrick Park Tram Stop. Photography by Elliott Brown

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60 passion points
Rivers, lakes & canals
20 Apr 2023 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Birmingham to Smethwick walk up the Birmingham Canal Navigations New Mainline with Jonathan

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Enjoy this walk with Jonathan on a walk up the Birmingham Canal Navigations New Mainline, starting at Old Turn Junction near the Arena and finishing just beyond the Galton Bridge in Smethwick. You can walk or cycle there and back. Or get the train back from Smethwick Galton Bridge Station to Birmingham Snow Hill or New Street (your choice).

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Start at Brindleyplace. Pass the National Sealife Centre, then cross over the footbridge, passing the Oozells Street Loop. 

At Old Turn Junction will be a view of The Malt House and the Library of Birmingham. The Birmingham & Fazeley Canal starts here, but it was the Newhall Branch of the Birmingham Canal Navigations as far as Farmers Bridge Locks / Cambrian Wharf.

Old Turn Junction and The Malt House

BCN New Mainline

 

Pass the Arena, and turn left past the Legoland Discovery Centre Birmingham, head down the towpath onto the Birmingham Canal Navigations New Mainline.

Utilita Arena Birmingham - Old Turn Junction

BCN New Mainline

 

At Old Turn Junction is also the start of the Oozells Street Loop at this bridge near Brindleyplace. Part of the Old Mainline.

Oozells Street Loop Junction Bridge - Old Turn Junction

BCN New Mainline

 

Walk under the Sheepcote Street Bridge as you pass The Distillery and the Roundhouse.

Sheepcote Street Bridge

BCN New Mainline

 

The Distillery

BCN New Mainline

 

The Roundhouse

BCN New Mainline

 

Before leaving the City Centre you pass Ladywood Junction, where the end of the Oozells Street Loop joins onto the BCN New Mainline.

Ladywood Junction Bridge - Oozells Street Loop

BCN New Mainline

 

Head out of the City Centre under the St Vincent Street Bridge into Ladywood.

St Vincent Street Bridge

BCN New Mainline

 

After passing under Ladywood Middleway, at the Monument Road Bridge, you will pass the start of the Ickield Port Loop at Sandy Turn. There is also the Monument Road Basin Bridge, also called Monument Lane Basin, just before Ladywood Middleway.

Sandy Turn bridge - Icknield Port Loop

BCN New Mainline

 

The new Port Loop development is between both ends of the Icknield Port Loop near Rotton Park Street.

Port Loop development

BCN New Mainline

 

The other end of the Icknield Port Loop is at Rotton Park Junction.

Rotton Park Junction Bridge - Icknield Port Loop

BCN New Mainline

 

You will pass over the Eyre Street Junction Bridge, which is at the start of the Soho Loop, near the Soho Wharf development. The other end of the Icknield Port Loop is opposite here, plus the railway bridge that carries the line from Birmingham New Street to Wolverhampton.

Eyre Street Junction Bridge - Soho Loop 

BCN New Mainline

 

Pass under the Rotton Park Towpath Bridge, continue past the Site of Harborne Branch Railway Bridge, until you get to the Lee Bridge.

Lee Bridge

BCN New Mainline

 

Continue up to the Winson Green Bridge, which has Winson Green Road crossing overhead.

Winson Green Bridge

BCN New Mainline

 

The other end of the Soho Loop is at Winson Green Junction. This is near the Soho EMU Depot, home of the Cross City Line's famous Class 323 Electric Multiple Units!

Winson Green Junction Bridge - Soho Loop

BCN New Mainline

 

The Winson Green Gauging Island is next to the Winson Green Roving Bridge, as you pass the Soho EMU Depot (either side of the canal, there is a towpath on both sides here).

Winson Green Roving Bridge

BCN New Mainline

 

Continue walking up to the railway bridge, as you will soon cross into Smethwick in Sandwell.

Soho Railway Bridge

BCN New Mainline

 

Between here was the site of Soho Foundry Basin, and the site of Smethwick Gas Works Basin, and the French Walls Basin Bridge.

Rabone Lane Bridge

BCN New Mainline

 

Smethwick Junction on the BCN is where the New Line and Old Line splits. The New Mainline is to the left on the Birmingham Level, while the Old Mainline is to the right on the Wolverhampton Level.

Smethwick Main Line Turnover Bridge - Smethwick Junction

BCN New Mainline

 

The Rolfe Bridge in Smethwick is at Bridge Street North. One of the towpaths is fenced off here.

Rolfe Bridge

BCN New Mainline

 

Passing the Rolfe Pipe Bridge and Smethwick Stop, and then pass under the Engine Arm Aqueduct.

Engine Arm Aqueduct

BCN New Mainline

 

The next bridge to walk under is the Brass House Bridge, which is on Brasshouse Lane in Smethwick.

Brass House Bridge

BCN New Mainline

 

The Smethwick Pumping Station, also called the Galton Valley Canal Museum, or the New Smethwick Pumping Station. It was built in 1892. The lower level is on the New Mainline, while the upper level to the right is on the Old Mainline of the BCN.

Smethwick Pumping Station

BCN New Mainline

 

Walking up to the Galton Tunnel from the southeastern portal, then walk through to the northwestern portal. It was built of concrete, and is below Telford Way.

Galton Tunnel

BCN New Mainline

 

Cross under the famous Galton Bridge. Opened in 1829 and designed by Thomas Telford. It has been pedestrianised since the 1970s. A Grade I listed structure.

Galton Bridge

BCN New Mainline

 

The next bridge is the Smethwick Railway Bridge. This was converted into Smethwick Galton Bridge Station in 1995, with the opening of the Jewellery Line, it carries the Snow Hill lines on the high level, while there is also a low level that carries the line from Birmingham New Street to Wolverhampton.

Smethwick Galton Bridge Station

BCN New Mainline

 

The next bridge carries Spon Lane South, not far from the remains of the Chance Glassworks.

Spon Lane Station Bridge 

BCN New Mainline

 

This was where Jonathan ended his walk, and turned back towards Birmingham. Beyond here is a couple of bridges next to Chance Glassworks, and Spon Lane Junction, where the Old Mainline crossed the New Mainline on the Steward Aqueduct, followed by the M5 motorway.

 

You can either walk or cycle back, or leave at Spon Lane South, and walk to Smethwick Galton Bridge Station, to catch the train to either Birmingham Snow Hill or Birmingham New Street (your choice, remember to buy your train tickets before travelling). Also various nearby bus routes.

 

Post by Elliott Brown. Photos from Jonathan Bostock.

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80 passion points
Rivers, lakes & canals
20 Apr 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Walk on the Walsall Canal from New Art Gallery Walsall to the James Bridge Aqueduct

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On Saturday 15th April 2023, a walk along the Walsall Canal, starting from New Art Gallery Walsall (with a Costa Coffee visit, and look around the gallery first). Then up the Walsall Town Arm, before walking in the direction of the M6 motorway and getting off at the James Bridge Aqueduct. Ended up getting a 39 bus back into Walsall Town Centre, before the train back to Birmingham.

Related

Getting the train from Birmingham New Street to Walsall on Saturday 15th April 2023. New Art Gallery Walsall was minutes walk away from Walsall Station, and at first went to Costa Coffee for a drink, before a look around the gallery. My first visit in around 9 years.

Then after I left the gallery, walked up the Walsall Town Arm, before going onto the Walsall Canal. Aimed to get as far as the M6 motorway at least, and the James Bridge Aqueduct. Was thinking of going a bit further, but it was far enough. Then though about a walk to Bescot Stadium Station, but saw a no 39 bus coming on James Bridge, and caught that back to the Saddlers Shopping Centre for the shortcut into Walsall Station.

 

New Art Gallery Walsall

View of the Walsall Town Basin at the end of the Walsall Town Arm from an upper level at the New Art Gallery Walsall. Premier Inn hotel with Brewers Fayre restaurant on the right. Behind is the Waterfront retail park, with The Light Cinema Walsall and The Waterfront bar (Hungry Horse). Below on the left is Piri Fino.

Walsall Canal

 

Walsall Town Arm

The Walsall Town Arm is a short branch off the Walsall Canal to Walsall Town Centre, with modern developments. But just before the basin, appears to be algae at the moment, so not sure if this canal is currently navigable or not. Premier Inn and Brewers Fayre on the left, with Costa Coffee and The New Art Gallery Walsall straight ahead.

Walsall Town Arm

 

 

Walsall Locks

Just after the end of the Walsall Town Arm, is the actual Walsall Canal. The Southern Locks of the Walsall Locks is Grade II listed, and is near the Wolverhampton Road Bridge. I did not go that way, but only briefly crossed the Bridgeman Street Bridge to see a mural in full from the other side of the canal.

Walsall Canal

 

Bridgeman Street Bridge

You leave Walsall Town Centre under the Bridgeman Street Bridge. The towpath switches sides here. If you head north, you go to Birchills Junction, where the Walsall Canal joins the Wyrley and Essington Canal. This walk though headed in a south west direction.

Walsall Canal

 

Rollingmill Street Bridge

The first bridge you pass heading south between Bridgeman Street and Rollingmill Street is the Rollingmill Street Bridge. Just beyond here is Queen Street Cemetery & Sister Dora Gardens.

Walsall Canal

 

Branch to Old Gas Works

To the left is an old basin, bit of a waste dump, and overgrown now. On the right is an old canal side warehouse building.

Walsall Canal

 

Pagett's Bridge

The next bridge to come across is the Pagett's Bridge. On Pleck Road above is Champy's Bradford Arms.

Walsall Canal

 

Woodward's Bridge

On Woodward's Road is Woodward's Bridge. Near here is a Sikh temple called the Nanaksar Gurdwara. The Pleck Sikh Community Centre is on Wellington Street.

Walsall Canal

 

Scarborough Road Bridge

The last residential bridge is on Scarborough Road, the Scarborough Road Bridge.

Walsall Canal

 

Reservoir Place Bridge

Starts to get a bit industrial and derelict, when you get to the Reservoir Place Bridge, with is on Reservoir Place of course. This bridge was built in 1992.

Walsall Canal

 

Spinks Bridge

The Spinks Bridge is concrete, and out of use by the looks of it. Development to the right, and getting close to the M6 motorway. South Staffordshire Tramway Generating Station used to be to the left of here.

Walsall Canal

 

M6 Motorway Bridge

Getting to the west of Walsall, is the M6 Motorway Bridge, which of course carries the M6 motorway overhead.

Walsall Canal

 

James Bridge Aqueduct

I was aiming to walk at least as far as the James Bridge Aqueduct, although originally thought of going a bit further. The aqueduct was opened in 1797, and is Grade II listed. Below is Bentley Mill Way.

Walsall Canal

 

Beyond which I did not get to see, was another aqueduct over a railway line, plus a couple more bridges. But the walk was long enough, plus had to see the aqeuduct from road level, and the River Tame was down there. Bus stop was on James Bridge, and got the 39 back into Walsall Town Centre, then went into the Saddlers Shopping Centre, to catch a train back from Walsall to Birmingham New Street.

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

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60 passion points
Rivers, lakes & canals
13 Apr 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Dudley Port to Sandwell & Dudley canal walk along the BCN New Mainline in Sandwell

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Getting the train up from Birmingham New Street on Good Friday, 7th April 2023 to Dudley Port, near Tipton in Sandwell. The canal towpath access is nearby for the BCN New Mainline, which is high up. A long straight canal developed by Thomas Telford, there is several branches off the canal, and runs alongside the railway. Getting off at Oldbury Road, found the Wednesbury Old Canal as well.

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Birmingham Canal Navigations New Mainline

This was an afternoon walk from Dudley Port to Sandwell & Dudley via the BCN New Mainline, starting at Dudley Port, near the Ryland Aqueduct, down to the Albion Bridge at Oldbury Road. Could have stayed on to Bromford Road, but found the Wednesbury Old Canal from Albion Road, and walked around past some steel works.

 

Dudley Port

Getting the train on Good Friday, 7th April 2023 from Birmingham New Street to Dudley Port. The exit is via some steps and a small subway to a car park, and the Dudley Port road. Walking under the Dudley Port Station Bridge and the Ryland Aqueduct, found a towpath access path up to the Birmingham Canal Navigations New Mainline. With this view of Dudley Port Station. Trains are every half an hour in both directions, when I arrived on my train to Wolverhampton, was another train going to Walsall via Birmingham New Street. This is the ideal start for a canal walk on a sunny afternoon.

Dudley Port

 

Ryland Aqueduct

The Ryland Aqueduct crosses the Dudley Port road, and is next to the Dudley Port Station Bridge. There is a view to Dudley in the distance up this road. The no 74 bus between Dudley and Birmingham passes under it.

BCN New Mainline

 

Rattlechain Bridge -  Site of Dixon's Basin

This bridge is just after the Ryland Aqueduct. It is cut off, so you can't walk over it, the towpath is to the right of it. The basin was probably behind where the fence is now.

BCN New Mainline

 

Dudley Port Junction

A short walk down from Dudley Port Station and the Ryland Aqueduct, gets you to Dudley Port Junction. Two bridges here, the Dudley Port Junction Bridge and the Dudley Port Roving Bridge, under which is the start of the Netherton Tunnel Branch

BCN New Mainline

 

Netherton Tunnel Branch

The Netherton Tunnel Branch is part of the Birmingham Canal Navigations. Starting here at Dudley Port Junction with the BCN New Mainline, it goes towards Windmill End Junction, where it joins onto the BCN Old Mainline. It was built from 1855 and was opened in 1858. One of the last canals to open. The canal was repaired in 1983 and 2013.

Netherton Tunnel Branch

 

Rattlechain Bridge and the site of the Rattlechain Brickworks Basin

Another bridge here, and a small pool of water next to the BCN Mainline. Not much to see here now, nature has reclaimed the land here.

BCN New Mainline

 

Dunkirk Toll Island

This is also called  the Dunkirk Stop Island. Narrowboats can go either side of it.

BCN New Mainline

 

Albion Junction

At Albion Junction is the Albion Junction Bridge. It is where you can find the Gower Branch of the Birmingham Canal Navigations.

BCN New Mainline

 

Gower Branch

The Gower Branch Canal starts here at Albion Junction with the BCN New Mainline, and is another part of the Birmingham Canal Navigations. It was authorised in 1768, but was not completed until 1836. It goes towards Brades Hall Junction with the BCN Old Mainline. On the day of this visit, in April 2023, the towpath was closed. The canal lock beyond was probably closed for repairs.

Gower Branch

 

Union Furnace Bridge

This bridge is on Union Road, but is cut off now by the railway. Nearby is William King Ltd. They are a steel stockholder and supplier in West Bromwich.

BCN New Mainline

 

Albion Railway Bridge

This railway bridge is between Sandwell & Dudley and Dudley Port on the Stour Valley Line, it is at this point that the railway and the BCN New Mainline switch sides.

BCN New Mainline

 

Albion Bridge

It was a long walk from Dudley Port, and I decided to get off at the Albion Bridge on Oldbury Road, for a walk to the nearest station of Sandwell & Dudley. I would have headed to the right, but headed to the left via Albion Road, and found the nearby Wednesbury Old Canal (see below).

BCN New Mainline

 

From the Albion Bridge

I exited at Oldbury Road, on the Albion Bridge, near Oldbury. This was the view from the other side of the bridge. Pudding Green Junction is on the left, and this is the start of the Wednesbury Old Canal (see below). This is the direction towards the Bromford Bridge.

BCN New Mainline

 

From the Bromford Bridge

The Bromford Bridge is on Bromford Road, close to Oldbury, and Bromford Lane in West Bromwich. This is the closest part of the canal to Sandwell & Dudley Station.

BCN New Mainline

 

Wednesbury Old Canal

Saw a bit of the Wednesbury Old Canal from Albion Road, on the Izon Bridge. The canal was opened in 1769, but parts abandoned between 1955 and 1960. So only the section between Pudding Green Junction and Ryder's Green Junction is navigable now.

 

Pudding Green Junction Bridge

This bridge is at Pudding Green Junction, at the start of the Wednesbury Old Canal and the BCN New Mainline.

Wednesbury Old Canal

 

Trident Steel Works Conveyor Bridge

This bridge can be seen from the other side of the Izon Bridge on Albion Road in West Bromwich.

Wednesbury Old Canal

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

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60 passion points
Travel & tourism
29 Mar 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Cadbury Crème Egg car in Stirchley and Cadbury Dairy Milk Big Taste monster truck at Cadbury World in Bournville

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Cadbury Creme Egg car can sometimes be seen in Stirchley near the Pershore Road (opposite the Fordhouse Lane junction). It's just behind the gate during the week (if not at the weekend). Over at Cadbury World in Bournville is a jacked up former Taxi that looks like a Mini Monster Truck! Which was seen during the snow earlier in March 2023.

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The Cadbury Crème Egg car can be seen near the Pershore Road in Stirchley, close to Stirchley Gearbox Services. I've only managed to see it during the week (it wasn't there the weekend I tried to get close to it). It is almost Easter, so only a week or two left before Cadbury stop selling them, until after Christmas next year!

Seen on the 28th March 2023. I had previously seen it earlier in the month, and once aware of it, travelled to Stirchley on the 4th March 2023, but it wasn't there. Saw it again from the bus almost a month later, so made my way back to Stirchley to see if it was still there!

Cadbury

 

On the snow of 9th March 2023, I got a train from Birmingham New Street to Bournville. Had a snowy walk past the Cadbury chocolate factory, and around to Cadbury World.

I found this Cadbury Dairy Milk Big Taste, Mini Monster Truck. Well its a former taxi / Hackney carriage, jacked up as a monster truck! Seen covered in snow. It was really cold that day in Bournville.

Cadbury Dairy Milk

Cadbury Dairy Milk

Cadbury Dairy Milk

Photos by Elliott Brown

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70 passion points
Civic pride
22 Mar 2023 - Elliott Brown
Did you know?

Dawson and Timmins, the co-founders of the Shakespeare Memorial Library

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On the 28th February 2023, two blue plaques were unveiled at the Shakespeare Memorial Room, Level 9 of the Library of Birmingham. One of Samuel Timmins (it was placed in Elvetham Road, Edgbaston) and George Dawson (outside the room at the Skyline Viewpoint room). There is also an exhibition on from Everything to Everybody Shakespeare, for visitors to see.

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The Heroic Age in Birmingham History

The Heroic Age in Birmingham History is part of the Everything to Everybody Project. It started on the 27th February and runs to the 12th April 2023. A collaboration between the Jewellery Quarter Research Trust and Everything to Everybody. They have worked together to explore the formation of Our Shakespeare Club and the people behind it. Free entry.

A quick look at this exhibition on Saturday 4th March 2023, was a lot of people in there, only really came up for the George Dawson blue plaque, which wasn't outside the room that day. There is images of Dawson, Timmins and Bunce on three of the walls up here. There was books in the glass display tables.

Shakespeare Memorial Room

Shakespeare Memorial Room

Shakespeare Memorial Room

Shakespeare Memorial Room

Shakespeare Memorial Room

 

A return visit to the Shakespeare Memorial Room on Thursday 16th March 2023, this time got the room to myself. Mission accomplished this time, as I got the George Dawson blue plaque, now on the wall outside of the room that he inspired. Probably best to see it during a weekday, compared to a Saturday (closed on Sunday's).

Shakespeare Memorial Room

Shakespeare Memorial Room

Shakespeare Memorial Room

Link to Everything to Everybody 

Birmingham City Council page on The Heroic Age in Birmingham

 

Samuel Timmins

Samuel 'Sam:' Timmins (1826-1902) lived at 18 Elvetham Road, Edgbaston. Also called Elvetham Lodge. Timmins was a co-founder of the Shakespeare Memorial Library. Timmins was a learned industrialist, lover of libraries and literature. The blue plaque from the Birmingham Civic Society was unveiled in the Shakespeare Memorial Room on the 28th February 2023, and was placed a few days later on his former home in Edgbaston. Seen on the 4th March 2023.

Samuel Timmins

Samuel Timmins

Samuel Timmins

 

George Dawson

On the 4th March 2023, the George Dawson blue plaque was not yet screwed to the wall outside of the Shakespeare Memorial Room, but the existing tablets, from the old Central Libraries, and the previous blue plaque up here for Marie Bethell Beauclerc were on the wall.

George Dawson

 

I waited a couple of weeks for them to put the blue plaque up, and returned on the 16th March 2023. George Dawson (1821-1876) was a champion of the Civic Gospel, promoting responsible local government and education, arts and culture for all. He inspired the world's first great Shakespeare Library. Dawson bust has been up here on Level 9 in the Skyline Viewpoint room since it opened in September 2013, but the glass case for that and the other marble busts is a recent addition.

George Dawson

George Dawson

George Dawson

 

Previous post on the Shakespeare Memorial Room

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

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60 passion points
Squares and public spaces
12 Mar 2023 - Elliott Brown
News & Updates

Victoria Square - Public Realm Works - March 2023 update

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Since January 2023, most of Victoria Square has been closed for more repaving of the square. The Floozie fountain has been turned off. Mostly the area in front of the Council House to the River statue, and the area below the Youth statue. The bit near the Town Hall was done in previous years. In 2022 they returned the Iron: Man statue and Floozie in the Jacuzzi fountain repaired.

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21st January 2022

The River and Youth statues in storage, while the fountain was repaired. It was back working in time for the Commonwealth Games that summer.

Victoria Square

 

10th February 2022

The Council House got a jet wash, while a spot in Victoria Square was being prepared for the return of the Iron: Man statue by Antony Gormley.

Victoria Square

 

28th February 2022

The Iron: Man is reinstated in a new position in Victoria Square, months before the Commonwealth Games, having been in storage for around five years.

Iron: Man

 

9th April 2022

Paving completed around the Queen Victoria statue.

Victoria Square

The River statue by Dhruva Mistry has been lowered back into it's basin. It was removed, back in September 2021, ahead of the repairs to the fountain.

Floozie

 

23rd April 2022

St George's Day with a massive flag on the Town Hall. Not long before the fountain was turned back on. The paving here looked tired after 30 years.

Floozie

 

11th June 2022

View from 103 Colmore Row, during Key to the City. The River and Youth fountains were back on. As you can see the paving around the fountain had yet to be done, this would have to wait until early 2023, due to events coming up, such as the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games that summer. It was at this time that the Queen Victoria statue was transformed by artist Hew Locke (Foreign Exchange).

Victoria Square

 

23rd July 2022

During the Commonwealth Games, local street artists painted over the old paving, as can be seen from 103 Colmore Row (during Key to the City).

Victoria Square

 

13th August 2022

After the end of the Commonwealth Games, Victoria Square was returned back to normal. This would not last long before PoliNations was installed here.

Victoria Square

 

8th October 2022

After PoliNations ended, this was the last time Victoria Square was fully opened, before the return of the Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market. Before that was Diwali on the Square in October. Work to resume renovating the square, only started up again at the end of December 2022.

Victoria Square

 

12th January 2023

A few weeks after the end of the last Frankfurt Christmas Market closed, most of Victoria Square was fenced off again for repaving works.

Victoria Square


22nd January 2023

The route past the Town Hall and Iron: Man statue is open from Victoria Square towards Chamberlain Square.

Victoria Square

Hoardings have gone back up again around the Council House, Council House Extension, Museum & Art Gallery again, the renovation and rewiring works will take until sometime in 2024.

Victoria Square

Near Starbucks, Colmore Row and Waterloo Street. Pedestrians can enter the path either side of this gate. It is the construction site entrance.

Victoria Square

A view to the Council House entrance. It will be closed until the renovation works here are completed by 2024.

Victoria Square

 

8th March 2023

From the bottom of Victoria Square, a view to the Council House through a gap in a gate. The lower paving looks almost complete.

Victoria Square

A view from Christchurch Passage, past one of the Sphinx guardian statues. Can't see much here other than the steps.

Victoria Square

During the week is workers on site, so didn't want to get my camera over the high fence, this is the path from Colmore Row / Waterloo Street, through the top of Victoria Square towards the Town Hall and Chamberlain Square.

Victoria Square

 

12th March 2023

From the top of Victoria Square, near the Council House. There is a gate and high fence, so bit hard to see what is going on up here.

Victoria Square

The 1993 paving has been removed and they are repaving from the Council House towards the top basin of the River and Youth fountain.

Victoria Square

The stone spheres / balls appears to have been removed. Is a lot of repaving needed here.

Victoria Square

Photography by Elliott Brown

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60 passion points
Transport
07 Mar 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Taxi exhibition at the Coventry Transport Museum in 2019

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I've been to the Coventry Transport Museum around three times between 2015 and 2019, when entry used to be free (has been an entrance fee since 2020). The last time I went around March 2019, for an exhibition called TAXI: The Story from A to B (was on at the time from January to May 2019). Had UK taxis as well as taxis from around the world. Including New York and Tokyo.

Related

Coventry Transport Museum is a short distance away from Pool Meadow Bus Station. So if you don't get the train, you can catch the X1 bus from Birmingham (takes over an hour, via the Airport and NEC). On these visits I used to start by going to Esquires Coffee, before going into the museum (it is now Baxter Baristas @ 16 Hales Street).

 

TAXI: The Story from A to B

From horse drawn to horse power, the history of the taxi is much older than you think. From record breaking cabs that drove around the world, to hackney carriages throughout the ages. This is the Story from A to B.

Free Admission (not on the meter). It was on from the 26th January to 12th May 2019.

Did you know that the much loved feature of London streets has been made in Coventry since the 1940s?

They have been ferrying millions of passengers around the UK and in more than 40 countries.

The recent TX4 black cab model has starred in more than 5000 films including in James Bond, Doctor Who and Sherlock Holmes.

 

Here is some of the taxis that was on display in this temporary exhibition at the Coventry Transport Museum, back in 2019.

 

Humber Laudette 1910 London Taxi

Coventry Transport Museum

 

FX3 1948-1958

Coventry Transport Museum

 

TX1 1997-2017

Coventry Transport Museum

 

Sent to Coventry - 2 Tone Taxi - BBC Coventry & Warwickshire

Coventry Transport Museum

 

Japan Taxi

Coventry Transport Museum

 

New York Taxi

Coventry Transport Museum

 

Get Taxi Breaking a World Record - It's on the Meter World Taxi Challenge

Aston University, Birmingham, QUT Business School.

Coventry Transport Museum

 

Rickshaw

Coventry Transport Museum

 

Tuk Tuk

Coventry Transport Museum

 

TX E City Electric Future

Coventry Transport Museum

Photography by Elliott Brown

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60 passion points
Transport
01 Mar 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Avanti West Coast: Riding the Flying Scouseman to Coventry

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I got the Avanti West Coast Pendolino service from Birmingham New Street to Coventry (it was going to London Euston) on the 23rd February 2023. Journey took around 20 minutes, with only one stop at Birmingham International. This train the Flying Scouseman was named in the Liverpool Echo Name a Virgin Train competition in 2017. The name remained after Avanti took over in 2019.

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Coventry Station

Arriving at Coventry Station on Avanti West Coast Pendolino Flying Scouseman 390 148 on the 23rd February 2023. Mainly to have a look around the new Coventry Station concourse (the old 1960s building remains as is Grade II listed). Caught at Birmingham New Street, this train was going down the West Coast Mainline towards London Euston. The train stopped at platform 2. After my walk around Coventry (via War Memorial Park and the City Centre), I got Cross Country Trains back to Birmingham New Street (standing all the way, no free seats).

Avanti West Coast

Avanti West Coast

Avanti West Coast

Avanti West Coast

 

The previous time I'd been to Coventry Station was on the 12th June 2021, where I saw Avanti West Coast Pendolino 390 010, with the 'Welcome to Coventry' sign. That day I got Avanti down to Coventry from Birmingham New Street, and later back with this train.

Avanti West Coast

 

Birmingham International Station

I previously saw Avanti West Coast Pendolino 390 152 at Birmingham International on the 3rd September 2022. But that day got London Northwestern Railway back to Birmingham New Street. This Avanti service was heading for Edinburgh at the time.

Avanti West Coast

Avanti West Coast

 

Birmingham New Street Station

Seen from platform 4c at Birmingham New Street was Avanti West Coast Pendolino 390 135 at platform 5 (5b) on the 19th June 2021.

Avanti West Coast

Avanti West Coast

While at platform 3 (3b) that day was Avanti West Coast Pendolino 390 122.

Avanti West Coast

 

A pair of Avanti West Coast Pendolino's Class 390 recorded at Birmingham New Street, from the Moor Street Link Bridge on the 17th October 2021.

Avanti West Coast

 

At Birmingham New Street on the 20th August 2020,  I saw Avanti West Coast Pendolino 390 127 in the new livery. Earlier that year before the pandemic began, they were still white, after the end of Virgin Trains in December 2019.

Avanti West Coast

Avanti West Coast

Avanti West Coast

Photography by Elliott Brown

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70 passion points
Transport
21 Feb 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Centro Regional Railways livery on 323221

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Eventually the Cross City Line fleet of the awesome Class 323 EMUs will be replaced by the new Class 730 EMUs. In December 2022 West Midlands Railway 323221 was repainted in classic 1990s yellow and green livery of Centro | Regional Railways. BWA's Elliott first photographed it at University on 11/02/2023, then rode it from Birmingham New Street to Shenstone and back on 15/02/2023.

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Centro Regional Railways 323221

West Midlands Railway repainted the Class 323 unit 323221 in the 1990s livery of lime green, yellow and white with Centro and Regional Railways logos at the Soho depot. It returned to service on the 19th December 2022.

Birmingham We Are contributor Elliott Brown first spotted it at Selly Oak near the Worcester & Birmingham Canal a day later (near Selly Oak Shopping Park on 20/12/2022), but was unable to get a photo of it.

Several other attempts to see it including a trip from Five Ways to Longbridge (and back to Kings Norton on 21/12/2022), then Birmingham New Street to Aston (and back from Duddeston on 01/01/2023), finally Bournville to Birmingham New Street one way (on 28/01/2023), didn't catch it.

 

Previous liveries over the years

London Midland 323221 at Aston Station during August 2012.

Aston Station

 

London Midland 323221 at Witton Station during September 2012.

London Midland

 

London Midland 323221 at Bournville Station during January 2015.

London Midland

 

West Midlands Railway 323221 in London Midland livery, late December 2017, at Birmingham New Street Station. The franchise changed that month.

West Midlands Railway

 

West Midlands Railway 323221 at Chester Road Station during December 2018.

West Midlands Railway

 

West Midlands Railway 323221 at Selly Oak Station during August 2019.

West Midlands Railway

 

 

University Station - 11th February 2023

On this day I went to the Selly Oak Shopping Park and walked up the Worcester & Birmingham Canal to catch a train one way from University to Birmingham New Street. And I finally got 323221 arriving on a service to Redditch! It was quite awesome to see. The station here is still not complete. At the front that day was 323204.

West Midlands Railway

The platforms here feel extra long, but don't walk past the no pedestrians sign at the end.

West Midlands Railway

Sometime in the future you will be able to use both sides of the new station building, but it is still not open or complete.

West Midlands Railway

First full view of the back of 323221 in it's "new" Regional Railways livery.

West Midlands Railway

These units still had this livery into the Central Trains era, but was changed to a darker green, yellow and white livery under London Midland from 2007 to 2017.

West Midlands Railway

Eventually when West Midlands Railway took over in 2017, they got a orange and white livery. They are due to be replaced by the new Class 730 Aventra with orange and purple livery sometime in the future, by 2024.

West Midlands Railway

 

Video clip on Youtube here West Midlands Railway 323 at University.

 

Birmingham New Street Station - 15th February 2023

A few days later, I went to Birmingham New Street to get the train to Shenstone in Staffordshire, to see the Annatomix mural. And guess what, Centro Regional Railways 323221 showed up at platform 8! So I got on it and had a half hour ride to Shenstone. While there was 11am emergency alarms tests at the station, but departed a few minutes later.

West Midlands Railway

The Class 323's have a big gap between the platform if they are curved, so MIND THE GAP.

West Midlands Railway

The refurbished interior is unchanged from when West Midlands Railway did up the entire fleet from 2018 to 2021.

West Midlands Railway

My walk around the village of Shenstone gave me time to get back to the station and back on West Midlands Railway 323221 in Regional Railways Centro livery, and back to Birmingham New Street. Arriving at platform 12.

West Midlands Railway

 

Shenstone Station - 15th February 2023

Between Sutton Coldfield and Staffordshire as usual is all the fields, and after that Shenstone is the first station outside of the WMCA. Got off West Midlands Railway 323221 at Shenstone. It was a bit bright from this side as I exited the station. Couldn't initially saw the Annatomix. A half hour walk around the village, found three pubs, and several old churches.

West Midlands Railway

The station building at Shenstone probably dates to 1884 but isn't listed, sunlight to bright from this side, was better to see from the car park.

West Midlands Railway

Up the steps to Lynn Lane, for a half hour walk around Shenstone.

West Midlands Railway

After the walk, back to Shenstone Station. The Annatomix was in the bike store area on platform 2. This time 323221 was at the back, with 323207 at the front, still I decided to get on 323221 again for the half hour train ride back to Birmingham New Street from Shenstone.

West Midlands Railway

323207 passed under the Lynn Lane bridge.

West Midlands Railway

Six carriages on three car sets linked together. The WMR livery contrasts with the Centro Regional Railways livery behind.

West Midlands Railway

Yellow doors with the Centro logo, press the button to open the doors when it lights up.

West Midlands Railway

Photography by Elliott Brown

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80 passion points
History & heritage
20 Feb 2023 - Elliott Brown
Did you know?

West Bromwich - Take a Tour with us!

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Head on the tram to Sandwell from Birmingham and get off in West Bromwich (Zone 2). There are some fascinating places to experience out in the neighbourhoods. Here's a look at West Bromwich. Well worth a visit. For history, there's some fascinating places to visit. There are some wonderful open spaces and some great places to relax.

Take our article.

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On your My Metro app, buy an off peak return Zone 1 - 2 ticket. Make your way to either Corporation Street or Bull Street tram stops (or any Zone 1 tram stops) in Birmingham City Centre. Catch an Urbos 3 or Urbos 100, West Midlands Metro tram towards Dudley Street Guns Village Tram Stop, where this tour will begin of West Bromwich!

 

Dudley Street Guns Village Tram Stop

Dudley Street Guns Village Tram Stop is at Dudley Street, West Bromwich B70 9LY

This will be our stop in West Bromwich, as you can start the walk from the top of the High Street. The tram stop is at Dudley Street in West Bromwich. This is good starting point for the Farley Clock Tower. The no 74 bus also stops near here. And there is the West Bromwich Parkway.

Dudley Street Guns Village Tram StopPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

From Dudley Street,  turn right, and walk towards Carters Green and the West Bromwich High Street. Directly in front of you is the Farley Clock Tower.

 

St Andrew's Carters Green

St Andrew's Carters Green is at 18 Dudley Street, West Bromwich, B70 9LR. At the junction with Carters Green.

A church at Carters Green in West Bromwich which is shared by both The Church of England and The Methodist Church. It was built from 1915 to 1924.

St Andrew's Carters GreenPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Farley Clock Tower

Farley Clock Tower at Carter's Green, West Bromwich, B70 9LG

This Grade II listed red brick and terracotta clock tower dates to 1897, and was named after Reuben Farley (1826 - 1899), who was the first Mayor of West Bromwich, and served four terms. Located at Carters Green. There is three reliefs, a portrait of Reuben Farley, one of Oak House and one of West Bromwich Town Hall.

Farley Clock TowerPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

The Old Hop Pole

The Old Hop Pole at 474 High Street, West Bromwich, B70 9LD. Corner of Guns Lane.

A traditional West Bromwich High Street pub near Guns Village called The Old Hop Pole.

The Old Hop PolePhotography by Elliott Brown

 

The Wheatsheaf

The Wheatsheaf at 379 High Street, West Bromwich, B70 9QW

A Real Ale public house on the High Street in the West Bromwich called The Wheatsheaf with Pure Black Country Holder's Golden.

The WheatsheafPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Garden of Remembrance

The Memorial Gardens in West Bromwich aka the Garden of Remembrance. High Street, West Bromwich, B70 8RJ.

A place for reflection in West Bromwich for those lost in conflicts of the past. The gardens is in front of the Sandwell Register Office at Highfields House.

Memorial GardensPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Highfields House

Sandwell Register Office at Highfields, High Street, West Bromwich. B70 8RJ.

This building is the location of the Sandwell Register Office, it is called Highfields, or Highfields House. A Grade II listed building since 1985, was four houses, now offices, probably built in the 1830s.

HighfieldsPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Take a minor detour down Lodge Road, for a couple of former Sandwell College buildings, that used to be part of the West Bromwich Campus.

 

West Bromwich Grammar School

The former West Bromwich Grammar School was at Lodge Road, West Bromwich, B70 8DY

The West Bromwich Municipal Secondary School was built in 1902 as the West Bromwich Institute at Lodge Road, funded by George Kenrick. The school was expanded several times, and later became a Grammar School in 1944. The actress Madeleine Carroll was a pupil here. The school moved to new buildings in Clarkes Lane in 1964. For a period from at least the 1990s to the early 2010s, the building was part of Sandwell College as the Hair Beauty and Holistic Centre. The college moved out in 2012 to a purpose built building on the West Bromwich Ringway. The building was empty until about 2018 when Ideal Travel Services took up a unit in the building.

West Bromwich Grammar SchoolPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Ryland Memorial School of Art

What is now the British Muslim School is at Lodge Road, West Bromwich, B70 8NX

This red brick building on Lodge Road in West Bromwich, was built as an Art school in 1902 by Wood & Kendrick of Birmingham. It had been part of Sandwell College, as the Ryland Building until the early 2010s (before the college moved to a modern building on the West Bromwich Ringway). Empty for a few years, by 2017 it had become the British Muslim School and Latifiah Fultali Complex.

Ryland Memorial SchoolPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Head back to the High Street, for the Town Hall and Library next.

 

West Bromwich Town Hall

West Bromwich Town Hall is at High Street, West Bromwich, B70 8DJ. Corner with Lodge Road.

A town hall in West Bromwich from 1874 to 1875, on what was the Lodge Estate. It was the headquarters of the county borough of West Bromwich and remained the seat of local government after Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council was formed in 1974. However, the council moved to a modern facility in Oldbury in 1989. The building has been Grade II listed since 1987.

West Bromwich Town HallPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

West Bromwich Central Library

West Bromwich Central Library is at 316 High Street, West Bromwich, B70 8DZ

Originally a library was built into the town hall of West Bromwich of 1874-5. But a purpose built public library was built next door in 1907, by Stephen J Holliday, of red brick with yellow terracotta dressings. The building was a gift of Andrew Carnegie to the Borough. It has been a Grade II listed building since 1987, and is known as the Central Library, West Bromwich.

West Bromwich Central LibraryPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Kenrick & Jefferson Building

The Kenrick & Jefferson Building is at 1, Astle Park, High Street, West Bromwich, B70 8NS

Red brick and terracotta offices built on the West Bromwich High Street in 1883 for Kenrick & Jefferson. It was a Printing Works founded by John Arthur Kenrick and Frederick Jefferson. They bought the Free Press newspaper in 1878 to help promote Liberalism.

Kenrick & JeffersonPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Cross in Hand

The Cross in Hand sculpture outside the Wesley Methodist Church,  291 High Street, West Bromwich, B70 8ND

The sculpture called Cross in Hand was originally unveiled in October 1989. It previously stood at the entrance to the Duchess Parade, but was removed in 2012 to make way for improvements to the pedestrian High Street, carried out by Fitzgerald Civil Engineering Contractors. It was created by Chris Dunseath and is dedicated to John Wesley, preacher and religious reformer, who preached many times in the 18th century in West Bromwich, Wednesbury and Tipton. His biblical teaching resulted in a revival of the Christian Church and the founding of the Methodist movement. The hand and cross is a symbolic representation of his message being accepted by the people.

Cross in HandPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Now briefly turn onto St Michael's Street for the Billiard Hall.

 

The Catholic Church of St Michael and the Holy Angels

The Catholic Church of St Michael and the Holy Angels is at 260 High Street, West Bromwich, B70 8AQ. On the corner with St Michael Street.

A Roman Catholic Church in West Bromwich Town Centre. The Roman Catholic Church of St Michael and The Holy Angels West Bromwich was built from 1875-77 by Dunn and Hansom. The tower and spire was added by 1911 by Edmund Kirby. Built of  Red brick with some stone dressings and tile roof. A Grade II listed building since 1974. It is close to the West Bromwich High Street.

St Michael and Holy AngelsPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

The Billiard Hall

The Billiard Hall is at St Michael's Street, West Bromwich Ringway, West Bromwich, B70 7AB

Built as a snooker and billiard hall in 1913 in West Bromwich, since the early 21st century, the building has been used as a JD Wetherspoon Free House.

Billiard HallPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Head up New Street from St Michael's Street towards New Square shopping centre.  Perhaps stop for a coffee at Costa Coffee? On sunny blue sky days, it does get a bit bright in that Costa. There is other venues for lunch here including Nandos and a pub called the Interceptor.

 

The Sandwell

The Sandwell is at 277 High Street, West Bromwich, B70 8ND. Corner with New Street.

A corner public house in West Bromwich at High Street and New Street. Now called The Sandwell. It was known as The Goose until at least 2015-16. And was associated in the past with Mitchells & Butlers. Now owned by Great UK Pubs.

The SandwellPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Madeleine Carroll Memorial

The Madeleine Carroll Memorial on New Street, West Bromwich, B70 7PG

A 2006-7 memorial to the actress Madeleine Carroll (1906-87), in the shape of a lollipop stick. It's located outside of The Public (now Central St Michael's Sixth Form College) on New Street in West Bromwich. The world famous actress was born in West Bromwich in 1906. She starred in Alfred Hitchock's 'The 39 Steps' amongst many other films. She also won awards for her humanitarian work during the Second World War.

Madeleine CarrollPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Central St Michael's Sixth Form College

Central St Michael's Sixth Form College is at New Street, West Bromwich, B70 7PG

This building was originally a public arts venue called The Public, designed by Will Alsop. It was fully open by 2009, but it closed it's doors by late 2013 and was handed over to Sandwell College, where it became Central Sixth Sandwell College in 2014. By 2018 it was renamed to Central St Michael's Sixth Form College (following a merger between Sandwell College and Cadbury College). 

The PublicPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

The Celebration WBA statue

The Celebration Statue at New Square shopping centre, West Bromwich, B70 7PP

The Three Degrees: Brendon Batson (born 1953), Laurie Cummingham (1956-89) and Cyrille Regis (1958-2018). Three former black football players for West Bromwich Albion during the 1970s and '80s. The bronze statue was unveiled in May 2019, sculpted by the artist Graham Ibbeson. Their appearance in top flight football, led to more black footballers being accepted in the game. Located in New Square shopping centre, West Bromwich.

The CelebrationPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Portrait bust of Phil Lynott

The Phil Lynott memorial at New Square, West Bromwich, B70 7PG

A portrait bust / bronze statue of the singer Phil Lynott (1949-86) unveiled in August 2021 on what would have been his 72nd birthday. He was a member of the band Thin Lizzy. It's located in New Square, West Bromwich behind Central St Michael's Sixth Form College (formerly The Public). It was sculpted by Luke Perry.

Phil LynottPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Walk back along New Street, then turn left onto the High Street. You will walk past the markets and shops. Head towards Dartmouth Square where there is a memorial fountain and a clock.

 

I am the King of the Castle

I am the King of the Castle sculpture on the High Street, West Bromwich, B70 7LX

A bronze sculpture of a Lion King sitting on top of a castle, which is on top of an elephant. It was unveiled originally on the 30th January 1990 by the then leader of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, Councillor C. R. Davis. The sculptor was Laura Ford and it was name I am the King of the Castle. It was moved from an entrance of the Kings Square Shopping Centre in 2012 for repairs and restoration to this location in 2014 on the High Street in West Bromwich near St Michael Street and New Street.

I am the King of the CastlePhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Elizabeth Farley Memorial Fountain

The Elizabeth Farley Memorial Fountain in Dartmouth Square att 161 High St, West Bromwich B70 7QX

This drinking fountain and canopy was originally erected in 1885 in Dartmouth Park by Alderman Farley J.P. the son of Elizabeth Farley, of whom the fountain was in memory of. In 1987, the drinking fountain and canopy was relocated to the High Street at Dartmouth Square, around the time it was granted Grade II listing status. It used to be in a dark red colour, and a canopy over it from the Farley Centre was removed between 2012 and 2014. It was renovated and repainted in blue and green in 2022.

Farley FountainPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Kenrick's Clock

Kenrick's Clock is in Dartmouth Square at High Street, West Bromwich, B70 7QU

This Grade II listed clock dates to 1912, and was presented to the Borough by the then Mayor, Councillor J Archibald Kenrick. The clock was relocated in 2000 from a traffic island to it's current position in Dartmouth Square. In 2022, the clock was refurbished and repainted from it's old red colours to blue and green.

Kenrick's ClockPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

From Dartmouth Square, cross over at the lights at Bull Street, and continue down the High Street. Several Indian / Asian related restaurants and bars down here. The cross over the lights at Trinity Way.

 

The Great Lion Bar & Grill

The Great Lion Bar & Grill is at 43 High Street, West Bromwich, B70 6PB

A red brick and stone building, built as the Lewisham Hotel in 1887. To the rear was the Lewisham Brewery, the architect was Arthur James Price. In recent years the building has been Desi Junction, and since 2021-22, as The Great Lion Bar & Grill, an Indian restaurant.

Great LionPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

 

Continue down the High Street, which then becomes Birmingham Road. At West Bromwich Interchange, which is M5, Junction 1, there is pavements around it. Wait for the traffic lights to stop the traffic before crossing safely. As you will go past a Georgian landmark, the only surviving building from Sandwell Hall, it's lodge!

 

The Lodge of Sandwell Hall

The Lodge of Sandwell Hall at West Bromwich Interchange, West Bromwich, B71 4EA

This remarkable survival might date to the early 18th century, it was the Lodge of Sandwell Hall. The remains of the hall are at Sandwell Valley Country Park (not far from the Sandwell Priory ruins). It is thought that William Smith designed this lodge. The M5 motorway was opened in stages between 1962 and 1972, and this lodge is a feature in West Bromwich for drivers around the Interchange. You can also see it from the top deck of the no 74 bus.

Lodge of Sandwell HallPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

From West Bromwich Interchange, walk down Birmingham Road, then cross the footbridge, as you will be approaching the home stadium of West Bromwich Albion Football Club. The Hawthorns. There is also a Starbucks Drive Thru, McDonald's and Greggs nearby.

 

West Bromwich Dartmouth Cricket Club

West Bromwich Dartmouth Cricket Club is at Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, B69 4EX

A cricket club founded in West Bromwich in 1834. They are a friendly, sociable and inclusive cricket club. The are close to The Hawthorns (West Bromwich Albion FC) and Sandwell Park Golf Club.

West Bromwich Dartmouth Cricket ClubPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Allied Bakeries West Bromwich

Allied Bakeries West Bromwich is at Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, B71 4JH

Part of a network of bakeries across the UK, this is the Allied Bakeries located in West Bromwich, opposite The Hawthorns. Allied Bakeries was founded in 1935 when bakery entrepreneur Willard Garfield Weston set up Allied Bakeries and sister company Allied Mills. That group of mills and bakeries is the foundation of what was to become a great British business – Associated British Foods, a global PLC, still run by the Weston family.

Allied Bakeries West BromwichPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Greggs - formerly The Hawthorns Public House

Greggs is at 2 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, B71 4JZ. Corner of Halfords Lane.

A house built in circa 1840. It was a public house called The Hawthorns (used by the WBA Supporters Throstle Club). But has been been part of the Greggs bakery chain since 2015. The building is Grade II listed.

Hawthorns GreggsPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

The Hawthorns - home of West Bromwich Albion

The Hawthorns at West Bromwich Albion Football Club, Halfords Lane, West Bromwich, B71 4LF. Also on Birmingham Road.

West Bromwich Albion has been located at The Hawthorns since 1900, the stadium is located on Birmingham Road, on the corner with Halfords Lane. It is here that you will find the 2014 statue of Tony 'Bomber' Brown, WBA's highest goal scorer!

The HawthornsPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Tony 'Bomber' Brown WBA statue

The Tony 'Bomber' Brown statue outside The East Stand, The Hawthorns, West Bromwich,  B21 0BH

A bronze statue located at The Hawthorns football stadium, home of West Bromwich Albion. Tony Brown (born 1945) was WBA's highest goal scorer. The statue was sculpted by Jonathan Wylder and unveiled in November 2014. It was removed for cleaning in 2020 before it was returned in 2021. It can be seen from Birmingham Road through the Jeff Astle (1942 - 2002) gates.

Tony BrownPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

The Hawthorns Tram Stop

The Hawthorns Tram Stop at The Hawthorns Station, between Halfords Lane and Middlemore Road, West Bromwich, B66 2HB

Enter The Hawthorns Tram Stop from Middlemore Road in West Bromwich. There is a path called Roger Horton Way from there. Just head down the steps and wait for your tram back to Birmingham.

The HawthornsPhotography by Elliott Brown

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60 passion points
History & heritage
12 Feb 2023 - Elliott Brown
Did you know?

Guided tour of the Birmingham Back to Backs from the National Trust

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Having pre-booked a guided tour of the Birmingham Back to Backs, we went to the National Trust property on Hurst Street and Inge Street in Southside on Friday 10th February 2023, for the 10:20am tour. Before starting there was an exhibition space to check out. The tour itself with a knowledgeable volunteer, took well over an hour and a half to get around the houses and the tailoring shop.

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Back to Backs

It is best to book your tour in advance for the Back to Backs, as they are usually fully booked if you arrive without pre-booked tickets at the Visitor Centre (corner of Hurst Street and Inge Street).

National Trust members go free (they will scan your card in the Visitor Centre). Otherwise, tickets for adults are £7.50 and for children £3.75 (ground floor only). The full guided tour costs for £9.50 for adults and £4.75 for children.

 

Hurst Street

The Visitor Centre is at the corner of Hurst Street and Inge Street, while the former George Saunders tailoring shop you will see during the guided tour. To the far left is the second hand book shop. Upstairs on the 1st and 2nd floors are the special exhibition rooms.

 

 

Back to Backs

Here's the exterior of George Saunders Tailoring. The tailor was here on Hurst Street from 1974 to 2001. You will see more of that from the guided tour.

Back to Backs

 

Inge Street

The guided tour starts outside the three terraced houses on Inge Street. The tour guides take the group of about 10 people through the gate.

Back to Backs

 

Special exhibition

In 2023, the Back to Backs is the proud host of a special exhibition called From City of Empire to City of Diversity. This is on the floors above the second hand bookshop.

The exhibition tells the tale of Birmingham from City Status in 1889 to the present day, with people of South Asian and Caribbean heritage very much part of this exhibition. It is on the 1st and 2nd floors, accessed via the narrow spiral style staircases (with hand rails and grips to go up and down).

Back to Backs

Back to Backs

Back to Backs

 

Court 15 - inner courtyard

This is the only surviving courtyard in the block. Built after 1801, there used to be other courts of back to back houses down Hurst Street, Bromsgrove Street, Essex Street and Inge Street. The rest were demolished. Court 15 was restored after 2001, and opened as a museum by the National Trust in 2004.

Court 15

 

To the far left are three outdoor privies (toilets). The one on the left was just a hole with a bucket below. The second was a flushing toilet with long pull cord. 

Court 15

On this side is the Wash House, women would work hard all day washing and cleaning clothes and sheets etc, manually.  There was no plumbing or mod cons back in the 19th century.

Court 15

Outside is a bike, a child's wheelchair and what looks like a skateboard.

Court 15

Some rooms above had windows with views to the courtyard below. Here's the Wash Room again.

Court 15

Other groups were visiting Back to Backs at different times. This group were near the privies, so at the end of their guided tour.

Court 15

We were taken into three houses. The left was set up as the 1840's for the Levy's. Then the 1870's for the Oldfield's. Finally the 1930's with the Mitchell Brothers.

Court 15

There is a bicycle outside of one of the houses.

Court 15

Here's the 1840's house in the corner.

Court 15

This is the alleyway we came into at the beginning of the tour from Inge Street. They lock the gate now, but it never used to be locked back in the day.

Court 15

 

Wash Room

The Wash Room or laundry room is accessed from the inner courtyard. There is so much manual equipment and tools here to wash and dry your clothes and women would be doing this all day long. There is also shoe polish and a basic iron for ironing clothes.

Wash Room

Wash Room

 

House 1 - 1840's Levy's

The first house you enter from the inner courtyard is on the far left. It is set up as an 1840's home of the Levy's, who were Jewish. The dining table is set up with bread and wine with candles on the table. Although the candle sticks would normally be close together. 

1840's Levy's

The daughter had to share a room with her parents, but the boys had their room on the top floor. They got the beds through the window, as the staircase was way too narrow to carry beds up to the rooms. There was a potty under the bed.

1840's Levy's

Here is the fireplace in the bedroom and a dressing table.

1840's Levy's

Three beds are in the boys room on the 2nd floor. There was also unfurnished rooms on the top floor to show how bad a condition the property was before it was restored from 2001-4.

1840's Levy's

 

House 2 - 1870's The Oldfield's

30 years later, the middle house in the 1870's was the home of the Oldfield family.

There is a bedroom workstation for making clock hands during the day. They would put their own thing onto the attachment at the front.

1870s Oldfields

In one bedroom, a curtain divides the beds from the lodgers.

1870s Oldfields

There are some rabbit ornaments on the dressing table next to the light, with a hand mirror.

1870s Oldfields

Downstairs, there is a kitchen table with basic food and a candle stick lit in the middle.

1870s Oldfields

 

House 3 - 1930's The Mitchell Brothers

No, not the Mitchell Brothers from Eastenders! In this case, the Mitchell Brothers were elderly men in their 60's or 70's living during the 1930's. The decade of three Kings (George V, Edward VIII and George VI) and the start of WW2.

1930s Mitchells

On the window sill on the ground floor, there is a potted plant, some jugs, playing cards etc.

1930s Mitchells

A Bakelite radio is on the ground floor with a mirror and other objects.

1930s Mitchells

There are items above a chest of drawers in one of the bedrooms. There are some books or notebooks plus a clock and candle sticks.

1930s Mitchells

 

1970's George Saunders Tailoring

George Saunders, from the West Indies, set up his tailoring business on Hurst Street in 1974. He stayed until he retired in 2001 (before the houses were restored). He mainly made suits for men. All of the contents are original as he left them.

1970s Saunders

Here is one of the machines for making or pressing buttons.

1970s Saunders

Here is a table with some magazines and a radio.

1970s Saunders

Here is the ground floor shop, George's desk with phone, postcards etc.

1970s Saunders

Photography by Elliott Brown

We hope you have enjoyed this post and tour of Back to Backs. 

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80 passion points
Art; Culture & creativity
09 Feb 2023 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Sustrans: Local Heroes - Jane Sixsmith, Ellie Simmonds and Lenny Henry

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At the beginning of February 2023, Sustrans unveiled a new set of statues at Osler Street Play Area in Ladywood. Of Local Heroes - Jane Sixsmith MBE (former hockey player), Ellie Simmonds OBE (former Paralympian swimmer) and Sir Lenny Henry CBE (actor, comedian, presenter etc). They are Portrait Benches on the National Cycle Network across the UK, now including here in Birmingham.

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Sustrans on the National Cycle Network

Explore Birmingham using the National Cycle Network.

Local Heroes are sculptures that are part of a series celebrating local heroes, chosen by communities across the UK.

For more information visit: Sustrans Portrait benches.

These were created to celebrate Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

It was reported by the BBC - article here: Sir Lenny Henry sculpture boosts Birmingham community park. And by the Birmingham Mail: Lenny Henry 'moved' as sculpture unveiled at park - alongside Jane Sixsmith and Ellie Simmonds.

 

Osler Street Play Area, Ladywood, Birmingham

In Birmingham the three statues were unveiled on the 1st February 2023 at Osler Street Play Area (or Osler Street Park) in Ladywood. Close to Clark Street, Reservoir Road and Osler Street (plus close to Edgbaston Reservoir).

They depict local heroes: Jane Sixsmith, Ellie Simmonds and Lenny Henry.

Sustrans Local Heroes

 

 

Jane Sixsmith MBE

Jane Sixsmith is the first British female hockey player to compete in four Olympics. She retired from international hockey after scoring over 100 goals, winning 165 caps for England and 158 for Great Britain. Her honours include an MBE, an Olympic bronze (1992), European Cup gold (1991) and a Commonwealth silver medal (1998).

Sustrans Local Heroes

 

Ellie Simmonds OBE

Ellie Simmonds is a British former Paralympian swimmer. She competed at the Summer Paralympics in 2008 in Beijing, winning two gold medals aged 13. She won further gold medals at the London 2012 Paralympics and the Rio 2016 Paralympics. She set a 400m freestyle world record in London 2012, and a 200m medley world record in Rio.

Sustrans Local Heroes

 

 

Sir Lenny Henry CBE

Lenny Henry is an actor, comedian, singer, presenter and writer from Dudley. He co-founded the charity Comic Relief in 1985, and was knighted in 2015 for services to drama and charity. More recently Lenny acted in Amazon Prime Video's Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and Netflix's The Witcher: Blood Origin.

Sustrans Local Heroes

 

Some more views

The approach on the path from Osler Street.

Sustrans Local Heroes

 

The Exploring Birmingham Using the National Cycle Network sign.

Sustrans Local Heroes

 

The sign with the three statues.

Sustrans Local Heroes

 

The view from Clark Street, just having left the path.

Sustrans Local Heroes

 

Clark Street view with all three statues. The view towards the main entrance of Edgbaston Reservoir.

Sustrans Local Heroes

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

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50 passion points
Art; Culture & creativity
31 Jan 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Lion dance for the Lunar New Year outside of the Library of Birmingham in Centenary Square

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On Thursday 26th January 2023, the lion dance from the Chinese Festival Committee Birmingham (James Wong) started their Westside Tour at 2pm outside of the Library of Birmingham in Centenary Square. Elliott caught them going past The REP to The ICC. While Daniel spotted them outside Caffe Nero in Brindleyplace.

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The Lunar New Year lion dance tour in late January 2023, continued at Westside, on Thursday afternoon, on the 26th, after 2pm.

After setting up outside of the Library of Birmingham, they went past The REP, towards The ICC.

Lion dance

Lion dance

Lion dance

Lion dance

Lion dance

Lion dance

Lion dance

Lion dance

Lion dance

Lion dancePhotography by Elliott Brown

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60 passion points
History & heritage
25 Jan 2023 - Elliott Brown
Did you know?

Eastside and Aston University to Nechells - Take a Tour with us!

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Here is our second tour around Nechells. This time we start at the University Quarter in Eastside near Birmingham City University (BCU) and Aston University before making our way into Nechells via Aston Cross.  Of course, you could take the tour the other way.

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Nechells Tour Two: Eastside via Aston University and Aston Cross to Nechells

Arrive in Birmingham City Centre, get off your bus near Moor Street Queensway, or off your train at Birmingham New Street or Birmingham Moor Street. From Moor Street Queensway, walk down Albert Street between the Clayton Hotel and HS2. Then head onto Park Street before entering the park.

 

Eastside City Park

The park opened alongside Millennium Point and Curzon Street in 2012, and was the first new City Park for a century. Part of the park in recent years hase been taken over by HS2.

Eastside City ParkPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

The Woodman

A public house on the corner of New Canal Street and Albert Street (now part of Eastside City Park). It was built in 1896-97 by James & Lister Lea. It was the only pub to survive the HS2 works, but it sadly closed down in the summer of 2022.

The WoodmanPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Curzon Street Station

This was the original terminus of the London & Birmingham Railway opening in 1838 at the corner of New Canal Street and Curzon Street. It's use declined when Birmingham New Street opened in 1854, and it closed for passengers in 1893. It was used for goods until 1966. And Parcelforce used the rear of the site until 2006. It is now part of the HS2 redevelopment, and the building will be fully restored, hopefully reopening by the 2030s, almost 200 years since it was first built!

Curzon Street StationPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Millennium Point

A mixed use venue, it opened in 2001 near Curzon Street in Eastside. It is home to Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum, as well as Birmingham City University and Birmingham Metropolitan College. There used to be a IMAX cinema / Giant Screen Cinema here, but is now Platform, a venue hire space.

Millennium PointPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum

A paid for science museum located within Millennium Point, it opened in 2001. The main entrance used to be via the escalators to Level 2, but after the pandemic was moved to the ground floor. It replaced the Birmingham Museum of Science & Industry that used to be on Newhall Street in the Jewellery Quarter from 1951 to 1997. Most contents from that was moved here, other than those that went to the Birmingham Museum Collection Centre.

Thinktank Birmingham Science MuseumPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

The Parkside Building

Starting from 2011, Birmingham City University started to move their main campus from Perry Barr to Eastside. The Parkside Building next to Millennium Point was the first building to be completed and opened in 2013. On the corner of Cardigan Street with Eastside City Park (and near Curzon Street).

The Parkside BuildingPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

The Curzon Building

The second BCU Central Campus building to be built was The Curzon Building from 2013 to 2015, on the corner of Cardigan Street and Curzon Street. It was followed by Curzon B to the back from 2016 to 2018, near Gopsal Street and the Digbeth Branch Canal (between Ashted locks 4 and 5).

The Curzon BuildingPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Now walk up to the end of Curzon Street to Curzon Circle. Then cross over at the traffic lights towards Compass.

 

Compass Birmingham 

New student accommodation at Curzon Circle, between Vauxhall Road and Lawley Middleway. It was completed in 2022, and close to the HS2 line. It replaced the Curzon Gate student accommodation that HS2 demolished in 2019. Compass Birmingham was built on the site of Professional Music Technology (who moved to the Trident Retail Park in 2019) between 2021 and 2022.

CompassPhotography by Jack Babington

 

The White Tower

The White Tower aka Moriarty's is a traditional public house at the corner of Vauxhall Road and Lawley Middleway at Curzon Circle. It is near Eastside and the HS2 development.

The White TowerPhotography by Jack Babington

 

Next walk up Lawley Middleway and cross back over to Eastside, then pass University Locks, and walk down Penn Street to Belmont Row.

 

Lock Keepers Cottage

A cottage on the Digbeth Branch Canal, near the Ashted Locks flight (close to Ashted Lock 4). It might date to 1891. The last owner moved out by 2007, after the property was compulsory purchased by the Council, ahead of the Eastside Locks redevelopment. In 2019 Lucy McLauchlan (Beats 13) painted her distinct street art in the boarded up windows and door.

Lock Keepers CottagePhotography by Jack Babington

 

Now walk along Gopsal Street, before heading up Cardigan Street.

 

Eagle & Ball by BCUSU

An Ansell's pub built in the 1840s. By the 1960s it was renamed to the Moby Dicks. Now a Grade II listed building, lovingly restored and incorpoated into Birmingham City University. It was renamed back to The Eagle & Ball. It is on the corner of Penn Street and Gopsal Street, and near The Curzon Building, as well as the Joseph Priestley Building.

Eagle & BallPhotography by Jack Babington

 

Steamhouse by Birmingham City University

The Belmont Row Works built in 1899 as the Headquarters for the Eccles Rubber and Cycle Company, and it housed rubber manufactory. By 1918 it was occupied by the Co-Operative Society, which used the premises to make underwear. In 1931 the factory was making pianos, and by 1941 bedsteads. Was destroyed by a fire in 2007. Derelict for over a decade until Birmingham City University had it restored and extended as Steamhouse from 2020 to 2022.

SteamhousePhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Cross over Jennens Road between Cardigan Street and Woodcock Street. Turn left towards the Student Accommodation, then walk past the Aston Brain Centre to the Aston University main building on Aston Street.

 

Aston University Green

If walking past Aston University Library, on the left is the University Green. When the student accommodation was rebuilt in the 2010s here, the area was re-landscaped. The Chancellor's Lake has been there for decades and the Peace sculpture dating to 1985 in the lake was by William Pye. The Students Union relocated to a new building on campus in 2019 called the Sir Adrian Cadbury Building. 

Aston University GreenPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Aston University

Aston University was founded in 1966, but it began as the College of Advanced Technology with buildings dating to 1949-55 and 1957-65. The University celebrated it's 50th birthday in 2016, and was The Guardian University of the Year 2020. The campus at Aston Triangle has been redeveloped over the 2010s.

Aston UniversityPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

If you want a drink, pop into Costa Coffee on Aston Street. Tesco Express is next door. There is a view in Costa towards the Sacks of Potatoes pub.

 

Sacks of Potatoes

A traditional public house in what was the Gosta Green area of Birmingham, it probably dates to the late 19th century. It's near Woodcock Street, on the Aston University campus.

Sacks of PotatoesPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute

The building opened as the Delicia Cinema in 1923, next to the Sacks of Potatoes pub in Gosta Green, Birmingham. After the war the cinema closed and was taken over by the BBC as television studios until they moved to Pebble Mill in 1971. Aston University took over the building, later housing the Birmingham Arts Lab in 1976. Various other uses until it was a Dillons (later Waterstones) bookstore. The building was empty from 2003, but was converted into the Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI)  in the 2010s. Only the facade of the cinema survives.

EBRIPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Gosta Green

A public house in a red brick building dating to 1906, originally built as offices for Ansells, later the Holt Brewery. After the brewery closed down in the early 1970s, the building was converted into a pub called the Pot of Beer, but was later renamed to the Gosta Green. It is on the corner of Woodcock Street and Holt Street.

The Gosta GreenPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Walk down Lister Street, then turn left at Dartmouth Middleway, and walk towards Dartmouth Circus. Head down the subway, where you will find the Boulton & Watt Engine of 1817.

 

Dartmouth Circus - site of the Boulton & Watt Engine of 1817

This is a Grazebrook Engine built to the designs of James Watt in 1817 at a foundry in Soho, Birmingham, by Grazebrook & Whitehouse for their Netherton foundry in Dudley, Worcestershire (now West Midlands). It was retired in 1912, remaining on site as a standby engine. It was dismantled in 1964, and is now on display at Dartmouth Circus. Made of cast iron, it is 28 feet high, and weighs 10 long tons.

Boulton & Watt EnginePhotography by Elliott Brown
 

Leave Dartmouth Circus via a subway for Aston Road North. Follow the pavement towards Aston Cross, where you will find a clock.

 

Aston Cross Clock

A Historic landmark. The Aston Cross Clock Tower was made in 1891 of iron, and has four clock faces. It was near the Ansells Brewery (on site from 1881 to 1981) and the HP Sauce factory (late 19th century until 2007). The site today is East End Foods. The island is between Aston Road, North, Park Lane, Rocky Lane and the Lichfield Road.

Aston Cross ClockPhotography by Jack Babington

 

Aston Cross Tavern

A former public house, Aston Cross Tavern  (also called at one point The Golden Cross) was on the corner of the Lichfield Road and Rocky Lane at Aston Cross, Birmingham. It was last called O'Reillys, closed by 2012, now flats. There has been a pub on this site since the late 18th century, but this building probably dates to the late 19th century. It was built for the Holt Brewery, and later owned by the Ansells Brewery.

The Golden CrossPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Aston Cross Library

A public library built on the Lichfield Road in Aston in 1903. It was opposite the Ansells Brewery and HP Sauce factory (until they closed down). The building hasn't been a library for a long time, there is rooms to let inside. Funds to built it was provided by Andrew Carnegie, on a site gifted by William and Edward Ansell. The library closed during the 1970s.

Aston Cross LibraryPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Next walk along Rocky Lane, turn onto Chester Street, then Avenue Road, and Rupert Street.

 

Nechells Wellbeing Centre

This facility is located on Rupert Street in Nechells. It shares a building with the Nechells Community Sports Centre.

Nechells Wellbeing CentrePhotography by Jack Babington

 

St Matthew's Church

St Matthew's Church is a Grade II listed building, built 1839-40 by William Thomas of Leamington. The first of 5 churches to be built by the Birmingham Church Building Society. Near Nechells Parkway and Duddeston Manor Road.

St Matthews ChurchPhotography by Jack Babington

 

Loxton REC Play Park

Located in Nechells near Duddeston Manor Road, Wardlow Road, Howford Grove and Little Hall Road. It features a basketball court and play area.

Loxton REC Play ParkPhotography by Jack Babington

 

The Nimab Welfare Trust

A mosque and cultural centre, located in a former pub called The Winning Post. The Nimab Welfare Trust appears to have opened here around 2010, on Great Francis Street.

Nimab Welfare TrustPhotography by Jack Babington

 

Heartlands Academy

A secondary school located on Great Francis Street in Vauxhall, near Nechells, for children aged 11 to 16. Now an E-Act Academy.

Heartlands AcademyPhotography by Jack Babington

 

Erksine Street Park

A small park located between Erksine Street, Great Francis Street and Pitney Street in the Vauxhall / Nechells area of Birmingham.

Erksine St pocket parkPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Birmingham Museum Collection Centre

The Birmingham Museum Collection Centre is located on Dollman Street in Nechells near Duddeston Station. The store of the Birmingham Museum Trust's collection that is not on display. Sometimes open to the public on open days.

Birmingham Museum Collection CentrePhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Walk up Dollman Street, Duddeston Mill Road, Little Hall Road, then go onto Duddeston Manor Road, cut past High Tower to Nechells Parkway, then cross over to Bodmin Grove and into Oliver Street.

 

Masjid Quba

A mosque and Islamic Centre on Oliver Street in Nechells. It was previously home to the United Reformed Church, but has been a mosque since at least 2015.

Masjid qubaPhotography by Jack Babington

 

Nechells POD

A community centre on Oliver Street in Nechells. It is also where the Bloomsbury Library is based now.

Nechells PODPhotography by Jack Babington

 

Walk up Rupert Street, pass Cromwell J & I School (see Nechells tour 1), then Walter Street and Long Acre.

 

St Joseph's Church

St Joseph's is a Grade II listed building and a Roman Catholic church. Was built as a cemetery chapel in 1850 by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin. Enlarged in 1872 by Edward Welby Pugin. Restored in 1945 by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. Long Acre in Nechells.

St Josephs ChurchPhotography by Jack Babington

 

Church of God of Prophecy Nechells Outreach Centre

The Nechells Outreach Centre is located in this historic church building on Long Acre in Nechells. It was formerly a Presbyterian chapel of 1888-9, now the Church of God of Prophecy.

Nechells Outreach CentrePhotography by Jack Babington

 

From here, either walk to Aston Station, or find the nearest bus stop to return to Birmingham City Centre. You should be able to catch the no 66 bus from Long Acre.

 

End of tour.

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60 passion points
Art; Culture & creativity
23 Jan 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Lunar New Year 2023: The Year of the Rabbit in Birmingham

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The Lunar New Year celebrations kicked off at the Bullring & Grand Central on Saturday 21st January 2023 with the Traditional Lion Dance from Choy Lee Fut Lion and Dragon Dance Team, orgainised by the Chinese Festival Committee Birmingham. There was also events in Southside at Hippodrome Square and The Arcadian on Sunday 22nd January 2023. Happy Chinese New Year!

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Saturday 21st January 2023 at Bullring & Grand Central Birmingham

Chinese Lion Procession (Beginning at 'The Bull')

The festivities began around 12pm at The Bull. Birmingham We Are's Elliott Brown popped up to Costa Coffee inside Next at the Bullring, and after buying a coffee, was able to get a table for the views. After they left Rotunda Square, and went down St Martin's Walk, it was time to leave Costa @ Next and head to the West Mall 2nd floor balcony view!

Chinese Lion dance

Chinese Lion dance

Chinese Lion dance

Chinese Lion dance

Chinese Lion dance

Chinese Lion dance

Chinese Lion dance

Chinese Lion dance

Chinese Lion dance

Chinese Lion dancePhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Traditional Lion Dance at the Bullring

The Choy Lee Fut Lion and Dragon Dance Team walking in with the their dancing lions and drums on the ground floor of the Bullring, was a great view from the 2nd floor balcony, many people were watching. After introductions from the MC and James Wong, the drummers really showed their stuff to the crowd! Would be more events during the day, but this was all that I wanted to see, and it hurts to stand on one spot for too long.

Chinese Lion dance

Chinese Lion dance

Chinese Lion dance

Chinese Lion dance

Chinese Lion dance

Chinese Lion dance

Chinese Lion dance

Chinese Lion dance

Chinese Lion dance

Chinese Lion dancePhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Sunday 22nd January 2023 around Southside

 

Lunar New Year Celebrations in Hippodrome Square

For the first time in 3 years (since January 2020 before the pandemic), they had a stage set up in Hippodrome Square, and it drew a large crowd of people, a little bit too crowded, and not enough room to walk out of the area. The Chinese lion dancers and drummers went on stage early on, after the procession from The Arcadian.

Southside

Southside

Southside

Southside

SouthsidePhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Ladywell Walk

There was a carousel on Ladywell Walk near Hippodrome Square, as well as a balloon arch. The procession from The Arcadian went up here to the stage.

Ladywell WalkPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Hurst Street

On Hurst Street, south of the Hippodrome was various market stalls and fun fair rides. Was a bit crowded at this end.

Hurst StreetPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

There was also a ride called Hysteria on Hurst Street, close to the Missing bar and Bromsgrove Street. On the roads that were open, was a lot of traffic around. Was also a teacup ride at this end.

Hysteria

Hysteria

Hysteria

Hysteria

HysteriaPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

The Arcadian

The procession of the lion dance started in the arena here, before proceeding to Ladywell Walk and Hippodrome Square.

The ArcadianPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year

Lunar New YearPhotography by Jack Babington

 

MasterChef champion Dan Lee was also in Southside with his trophy.

Lunar New YearPhotography by Jack Babington

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60 passion points
Art; Culture & creativity
10 Jan 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Warner Village Cinemas handprints at Star City

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Before Vue was Vue, it was Warner Village Cinemas at Star City, in Nechells, Birmingham. Around 1998, celebrities put their hands and signed in clay, created a mold. Star City opened in 2000, and these handprints can still be found around Star City. See if you can recognise any?

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These stars, handprints with celebrity signatures have probably been in and around Star City since the year 2000. It wasn't Warner Village Cinemas for long, as it's been Vue for much longer.

 

WARNER VILLAGE CINEMAS

WVC

 

Dame Edna Everage

WVC

 

Kenneth Branagh

WVC

 

Denise Van Outen

WVC

 

This one is a bit hard to read? Paul G Hensleigh 78 ?

WVC

 

Denzel Washington

WVC

 

Barbara Windsor

WVC

 

Vinnie Jones

WVC

 

Joanna Lumley

WVC

 

Helen Mirren

WVC

Photography by Elliott Brown

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80 passion points
History & heritage
10 Jan 2023 - Elliott Brown
Did you know?

Nechells - Take a tour with us!

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Birmingham has much more to offer than its magnificent city centre. There are some fascinating places to experience out in the neighbourhoods. Here's a look at Nechells. Well worth a visit. For history, there's some fascinating places to visit. There are some wonderful open spaces and some great places to relax.

Take our article.

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Nechells tour 1: Aston Station to Star City, then towards Duddeston Station

Get the train from Birmingham New Street, on the Cross City Line towards Aston Station. If you have the West Midlands Railway app, it is easy to purchase your QR code ticket (use at the ticket gates at Birmingham New Street if closed).

 

Aston Station

Getting off your Class 323 train at Aston, head down the steps from platform 1 (or use the lift). Both routes takes you down to the Lichfield Road. The station originally opened in 1837, and has been part of the Cross City Line between Redditch and Lichfield since 1978. You can alternatively catch the no 65 or 67 bus routes to the Lichfield Road

Aston StationPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Heading down the steps you will see the former Britannia pub, and to the left of it near Holborn Hill is the now closed Swan & Mitre pub. 

 

The Britannia

This pub opposite Aston Station on the Lichfield Road was built around 1898 to 1900. It was built on the site of a previous pub called the Aston Hall Tavern, which was built in 1867, but was renamed to The Britannia in 1872. In recent years there has been cafes in the building, but it has been closed longer than it has been open.

The BritanniaPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

The Swan & Mitre

This public house on the corner of Lichfield Road and Holborn Hill was built in 1898 by James & Lister Lea. The pub is opposite Aston Station, but has been closed for many years, and had been for sale at one point.

Swan & MitrePhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Next walk up Holborn Hill into Nechells, crossing over the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal.

 

The Villa Tavern

A public house on the corner of Holborn Hill and Nechells Park Road. The pub was rebuilt from 1924 to 1925. The pub has been vacant for many years.

The Villa TavernPhotography by Jack Babington

 

Nechells Baths

The former public baths was built on the corner of Nechells Park Road and Aston Church Road in 1910. Since the baths closed, it has become The Wisdom Cultural Islamic Centre since 2017.

Nechells BathsPhotography by Jack Babington

 

Now walk up Nechells Park Road towards Eliot Street, as next you will be passing a late Victorian Primary School building.

 

Nechells Primary E-ACT Academy

Eliot Street was originally called Hutton Street. Hence the Birmingham School Board opened it as the Hutton Street Board School in 1879, to the designs of Martin and Chamberlain. Renamed in 1897 to the Nechells Board School, by the 20th century it was called Nechells Primary School. By 2015 it became the Nechells Primary E-ACT Academy.

Nechells Primary E-Act AcademyPhotography by Jack Babington

 

Continue to the end of Eliot Street, turn right up Long Acre. Then right again at Cuckoo Road. Cross over the lights and over the Grand Union Canal and arrive at Star City.

 

Mount Street Park

Before heading to Star City, perhaps pop over to the Mount Street Park. It has a childrens play area, as well as a basketball court. It is on Cuckoo Road and Mount Street, with the Grand Union Canal down the other side.

Mount Street ParkPhotography by Jack Babington

 

Star City

A leisure and entertainment complex, Star City opened to the public near Cuckoo Road, on Watson Road in the year 2000. It opened with a Warner Village Cinemas (now Vue). It also used to have a casino. There is restaurants and cafes, a bowling alley and an amusement arcade with games. The no 66 bus route has bus stops outside, there is also a car park.

Star CityPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Stop for a drink at the Costa Coffee or Subway at Star City, before walking down towards Duddeston. Leaving Star City behind, head down Watson Road, turn left at Cuckoo Road. Walk down Heartlands Parkway past the Holiday Inn Express. Next turn right onto Aston Church Road, there is an old bridge that crosses the Grand Union Canal and River Rea. Continue towards The Wisdom Cultural Islamic Centre and enter Hope Gardens.

 

Hope Gardens

A small pocket park at the corner of Aston Church Road and Nechells Park Road called Hope Gardens. There is an open basketball court, and a childrens play area. 

Hope GardensPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Now walk down Nechells Park Road. You will pass the Nechells Methodist Church, on your way towards Wing Yip.

 

Free@Last

A community centre in Nechells located at Cattells Grove and Nechells Park Road. They have been providing a wide variety of opportunities for the children, young people and adults for many years.

Free@LastPhotography by Jack Babington

 

Wing Yip

A Chinese Superstore located on the corner of Nechells Park Road and Thimble Mill Lane. The famous Chinese Arch is located here. They have genuine Chinese & Oriential groceries here.

Wing YipPhotography by Jack Babington

 

Leaving Wing Yip, walk up Walter Street, then turn onto Rupert Street. Before walking up Rocky Lane to Bloomsbury Park, there is Cromwell Junior & Infant School.

 

Cromwell Junior & Infant School

The school opened in 1889 to the designs of J A Cossins under the name of the Cromwell Street School, and was built in the Gothic and Queen Anne Revivial styles. The school is located between Rupert Street, Rocky Lane and Cromwell Street.

Cromwell Junior & Infant SchoolPhotography by Jack Babington

 

Continue up Rocky Lane, and enter Bloomsbury Park through the gates.

 

Bloomsbury Park

This parkland was formerly called Bloomsbury Village Green, but is now known as Bloomsbury Park. It is between Nechells Parkway, Rocky Lane, Cromwell Street and Oliver Street. The childrens play area is close to Oliver Street, and is not that far from the Lanchester Car Monument, which can also be found in this park.

Bloomsbury ParkPhotography by Jack Babington

 

Lanchester Car Monument

This sculpture commemorates the work of Frederick W Lanchester, who in the late 19th century, produced cars on a site nearby on Bloomsbury Street. In 1995, Tim Tolkien (a great nephew of the author J.R.R. Tolkien) created this steel sculpture of the Lancester motor car.

Lanchester Car MonumentPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Leaving the park, you can't help to notice a red brick and terracotta building with a distinctive clocktower, this is the old Bloomsbury Library. Head down Bloomsbury Street to Nechells Parkway, or down Bloomsbury Walk.

 

Old Bloomsbury Library

The Bloomsbury Branch Library was built in 1893 to the designs of Cossins & Peacock. Saltley Road used to go past here, but this section is now called Nechells Parkway. The building is also on Bloomsbury Walk. After Bloomsbury Library relocated to Nechells POD, the building has been used by Rising Stars Daycare. The play area outside is called Bloomsbury Library Gardens.

Old Bloomsbury LibraryPhotography by Jack Babington

 

From Nechells Parkway, cross over at the lights, and walk down Melvina Road towards Duddeston Station. On your left will be a concrete sculpture called Youth.

 

Youth statue  

A concrete statue that was made in the year 1958 by the sculptor Harry Seager. It is close to the brick wall of the Cross City Line. The trees, bushes and shrubs can be seen growing around it.

YouthPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Continue up Melvina Road until you get to Duddeston Mill Road, find the crossing and head down the steps into Duddeston Station.

 

Duddeston Station

There has been a railway station at this site since 1837, original name was Vauxhall Station, and was the temporary terminus in Birmingham of the Grand Junction Railway. This was before Birmingham Curzon Street opened by 1839. It was renamed to Vauxhall & Duddeston in 1889. Destroyed by a bomb in 1941 during the Second World War. Rebuilt in the 1950s. The line was electrified in 1966. Station renamed to Duddeston in 1974. The Cross City Line opened in 1978. It is the first stop out of Birmingham New Street heading north, on both the Cross City (Sutton Coldfield and Lichfield Trent Valley) and Chase Lines (Walsall and Rugeley Trent Valley).

Duddeston StationPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

Catch the train one stop from here to Birmingham New Street on a Class 323 train. Or walk the short distance to catch the no 14 bus back into Birmingham City Centre.

 

End of Nechells trail 1.

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40 passion points
Sport & leisure
26 Dec 2022 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club on the Windmill Pool, Boxing Day 2022.

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A walk around the Windmill Pool, on Boxing Day 2022, when I saw the Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club out with their yachts on the lake. It was a cold morning in Earlswood. Plenty of people around walking around Earlswood Lakes here. Was nice to see the yachts out too.

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On the Bank Holiday Monday, 26th December 2022, Boxing Day, the Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club was out on the Windmill Pool at Earlswood Lakes.

Saw them before they headed out onto the lake in their wetsuits.

Walked through a very muddy and wet path, covered by trees, before getting to the far end of the lake.

By then the yachts were all coming out.

Which was nice to see as we walked up the other side of the lake (which wasn't as bad as the muddy section).

Also a blue sky and bright winter sunshine.

At least one boat capsized, but the safety boat came out to help him.

 

Gallery of 10 photos below. Enjoy!

Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club

Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club

Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club

Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club

Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club

Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club

Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club

Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club

Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club

Earlswood Lakes Sailing Club

Photography by Elliott Brown

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30 passion points
Art; Culture & creativity
14 Dec 2022 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Luminate at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens

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Another lights trail at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, on Westbourne Road in Edgbaston. During the Christmas 2022 season. Tickets need to be bought in advance. I went with a group on Tuesday 6th December 2022 between 7pm and 8pm in the evening. The trail was a bit different to the Magical Lantern Festival I'd previously seen here. At least it wasn't raining. But it was cold.

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LUMINATE, BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS, CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TRAIL 2022

 

Arriving at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens on Westbourne Road in Edgbaston. We didn't park here, so we had a bit of a walk from Frederick Road via Calthorpe Road.

The main entrance of the Botanical Gardens, with Christmas trees, where we waited for other members of our group to arrive.

Luminate

There was several Christmas trees in the foyer, these ones, near the exit to the shop.

Luminate

Later on near the end of the visit was the #BBG hashtag in the foyer and one of the Christmas trees. These are more to do with the Botanical Gardens than Luminate.

Luminate

 

After the group tickets were shown, one of the first things you see is this Luminate sign.

Luminate

 

On the main lawn was these lights that kept changing colours.

Luminate

 

There was a full moon that evening over the Botanical Gardens. The Cold Moon apparently. It was still full two nights later.

Luminate

 

The rainbow ribbon suspension bridge.

Luminate

 

The enchanted fairyland.

Luminate

 

The Glitterball Solar System.

Luminate

 

The rainbow light path.

Luminate

 

The Square light tunnel.

Luminate

 

Spotlights from the Viewpoint near the Refreshments area.

Luminate

 

The Globe lights canopy above a path.

Luminate

 

Bright white reindeer trail.

Luminate

 

The warped light tunnel. This was popular.

Luminate

 

The light bulb beads, you had to walk through these.

Luminate

 

Near the end. The Alpine Yard with lit up greenhouses.

Luminate

Photography by Elliott Brown

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80 passion points
Art; Culture & creativity
12 Dec 2022 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

The Ribbons: Birmingham AIDS & HIV Memorial in Hippodrome Square

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Until now, there has been no memorial sculpture to those people who lost their lives to AIDs & HIV. Garry Jones came up with it after watching It's a Sin on Channel 4, and his design was sculpted by Luke Perry. It was unveiled in Hippodrome Square on Hurst Street in Southside, outside Genting Casino on the 1st December 2022. It is two interlaced red ribbons.

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For more on The Ribbons go to the Birmingham AIDS & HIV Memorial website.

The community and city of passionate individuals worked tirelessly over 18 months to deliver a lasting and symbolic memorial in the centre of the UK, in our hometown of Birmingham. It was unveiled on World AIDS Day on the 1st December 2022.

The Red Ribbons sculpture was created by Garry Jones, and was sculpted by Luke Perry. Also involved was co-founders Phil Oldershaw and Andrew Bentley-King.

 

The plinth, October 2022

In the last couple of weeks of October 2022, work took place to install the plinth in Hippodrome Square on Hurst Street, Southside in front of the Chinese Quarter shops: Sohair, Ying Wah, Happy Lemon and Mr Egg.

BAHMPhotography by Elliott Brown

 

The Ribbons sculpture arrives wrapped, November 2022

With less than two weeks to go, The Ribbons: Birmingham AIDS & HIV Memorial is installed on the plinth, but will remain under wraps until the evening of the 1st December 2022.

BAHM

BAHM

Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Unveiling of The Ribbons, 1st December 2022

While Birmingham We Are's regular contributor Elliott Brown, was unable to attend the event that evening, Daniel Sturley and Jack Babington were able to attend.

BAHM

BAHM

BAHM

BAHMPhotography by Daniel Sturley

 

The Ribbons, a few days after unveiling, December 2022

Elliott had always planned to return a couple of days after the unveiling to get The Ribbons: Birmingham AIDS & HIV Memorial in the daylight, and without anyone in the way. It is quite inspiring to see, and had flowers on the plinth below.

BAHM

BAHM

BAHM

BAHMPhotography by Elliott Brown

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80 passion points
Shopping
28 Nov 2022 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Moseley Farmers Market over the years

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Usually held on the last Saturday of each month is the Moseley Farmers Market on St Mary's Row, near Moseley Village Green. It can be seen from the following bus routes: 1, 35 or 50. Takes place in the morning until at least midday before it closes. Gallery of the farmers market, as seen mostly from the no 1 bus, top deck on St Mary's Row. But also from the 50 on Alcester Road.

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Moseley Farmers Market is usually held on the last Saturday of each month on St Mary's Row, near Moseley Village Green. There is also market stalls on Alcester Road (but on the pavement between the former Boots and Subway stores) the Moseley Arts Market. You can get the no 1, 35 or 50 bus routes to the market. But there is sometimes a lot of parked cars on the pavement on Salisbury Road, which makes it difficult for the no 1 bus to get past between Moseley and Edgbaston.

 

26th April 2014

Bottom deck views of Moseley Farmers Market in late April 2014, from the no 1 bus, heading onto St Mary's Row from Salisbury Road, in the direction of Wake Green Road. Held on the Saturday between 9am and 1pm.

Moseley Farmers Market

Moseley Farmers Market

 

27th May 2017

I next photographed the Moseley Farmers Market from the top deck of the no 1 bus, on St Mary's Row in late May 2017. This was before 10am in the morning. Plenty of fruit and vegetables, and bread for sale at the time.

Moseley Farmers Market

Moseley Farmers Market

 

29th July 2017

The next time I saw Moseley Farmers Market was at the end of July 2017. When the ex Barclays Bank was a Costa Coffee (now Wafflings). No 1 bus view again. Flowers in full bloom.

Moseley Farmers Market

 

29th June 2019

At the end of June 2019. The first view taken from the no 1 bus before 12:30pm while it was still open. Later caught the 50 back towards Kings Heath, and they were packing up before 3pm. The Moseley Farmers Market on St Mary's Row as usual, while the Moseley Arts Market would have been on the Alcester Road pavement between Boots (now closed) and Subway.

Moseley Farmers Market

Moseley Farmers Market

 

 

24th September 2022

Late September 2022 view from the top deck of the no 1 bus on St Mary's Row, just after 12pm that day. Both markets were looking busy.

Moseley Farmers Market

 

26th November 2022

The last Saturday in November 2022, also the final market before the one they will have in the middle of December before Christmas. The usual views from the top deck of the no 1 bus, as it approached the traffic lights before going down Salisbury Road towards Edgbaston and Five Ways.

Moseley Farmers Market

Moseley Farmers Market

Moseley Farmers Market

Moseley Farmers Market

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

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