WME: Birmingham http://wme4.fotopic.net/ 42 rows en-gb 60 Exploring Birmingham: CANNON HILL PARK http://wme4.fotopic.net/c1697421.html Cannon Hill Park is one of Birmingham's flagship local parks and outdoor spaces. Situated close to Edgbaston Cricket Ground, just off the Pershore Road, the park is also home to the Midlands Art Centre (MAC). My first experience of the park came on a school trip years ago, exploring the nature centre and watching a pirates production at the MAC. More recently, the park has proved a great place to get photos during the cricket lunch interval. Thursday 14 May 2009: Cannon Hill Park is one of Birmingham's flagship local parks and outdoor spaces. Situated close to Edgbaston Cricket Ground, just off the Pershore Road, the park is also home to the Midlands Art Centre (MAC). My first experience of the park came on a school trip years ago, exploring the nature centre and watching a pirates production at the MAC. More recently, the park has proved a great place to get photos during the cricket lunch interval.

Cannon Hill Greenery Plants by the tennis court Cannon Hill Plants (2)

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Thu May 14 2009 Birmingham by Rail: ADDERLEY PARK http://wme4.fotopic.net/c1646556.html Something of an unwritten rule here at WME is that the closer a station is to Birmingham, the more depressing it is likely to be. Duddeston and Bordesley are cases in point, and now I would like to add Adderley Park to the list. The station is functional rather than attractive, is served by the line between Birmingham and Coventry, and provides a rail facility for the residents of Bordesley Green and Saltley. Sunday 1 February 2009: Something of an unwritten rule here at WME is that the closer a station is to Birmingham, the more depressing it is likely to be. Duddeston and Bordesley are cases in point, and now I would like to add Adderley Park to the list. The station is functional rather than attractive, is served by the line between Birmingham and Coventry, and provides a rail facility for the residents of Bordesley Green and Saltley.

Train at Adderley Park Adderley Park Station Coventry Platform Steps

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Sun Feb 1 2009 Exploring Birmingham: WEST HEATH http://wme4.fotopic.net/c1610530.html West Heath is an area of South Birmingham situated between Longbridge and Kings Norton that is notable for a local hospital and a traffic island that serves as the terminus for the 45 bus. My initial explorations of the area came when riding through on the 27 and 49, before stopping off in November 2007 for a closer look. Wednesday 12 November 2008: West Heath is an area of South Birmingham situated between Longbridge and Kings Norton that is notable for a local hospital and a traffic island that serves as the terminus for the 45 bus. My initial explorations of the area came when riding through on the 27 and 49, before stopping off in November 2007 for a closer look.

The Fordrough West Heath Library West Heath Library (2) West Heath Island

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Wed Nov 12 2008 Exploring Birmingham: SELLY OAK http://wme4.fotopic.net/c1610121.html Selly Oak seems to divide opinion - a student infested hellhole, or a vibrant local centre? For me, Selly Oak is a fascinating district of Birmingham - the bustling Bristol Road, distinctive student terraces, then there are quieter corners and historic locations to explore also. My initial Selly Oak explorations focused on the railway station, the canal and early evening walks back to campus, and the place has drawn me back ever since. The prospect of walking down memory lane yet finding something completely new to explore is very alluring... Tuesday 11 November 2008: Selly Oak seems to divide opinion - a student infested hellhole, or a vibrant local centre? For me, Selly Oak is a fascinating district of Birmingham - the bustling Bristol Road, distinctive student terraces, then there are quieter corners and historic locations to explore also. My initial Selly Oak explorations focused on the railway station, the canal and early evening walks back to campus, and the place has drawn me back ever since. The prospect of walking down memory lane yet finding something completely new to explore is very alluring...

Muntz Park The Country Girl

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Tue Nov 11 2008 Exploring Birmingham: YARDLEY WOOD http://wme4.fotopic.net/c1588095.html Ever since I visited the local railway station back in February 2003, Yardley Wood has had me hooked. The station was traditional and charming, and the local area was equally intriguing. I have returned at regular intervals, usually calling by on Highfield Road to take photos of the shops or the local library. Wednesday 1 October 2008: Ever since I visited the local railway station back in February 2003, Yardley Wood has had me hooked. The station was traditional and charming, and the local area was equally intriguing. I have returned at regular intervals, usually calling by on Highfield Road to take photos of the shops or the local library.

Highfield Road Shops Trittiford Mill Park Highfield Road Shops (2)

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Wed Oct 1 2008 Exploring Birmingham: HALL GREEN http://wme4.fotopic.net/c1588072.html From my first visits riding through on the Outer Circle bus or dropping in at the train station, I have always found Hall Green a fascinating area to explore. I particularly enjoy venturing into the local estates to investigate traditional shops and track down distinctive pubs such as The Baldwin and The Maggies. The area also has an intriguing history with links to J.R.R. Tolkien, Tony Hancock and Murray Walker. Wednesday 1 October 2008: From my first visits riding through on the Outer Circle bus or dropping in at the train station, I have always found Hall Green a fascinating area to explore. I particularly enjoy venturing into the local estates to investigate traditional shops and track down distinctive pubs such as The Baldwin and The Maggies. The area also has an intriguing history with links to J.R.R. Tolkien, Tony Hancock and Murray Walker.

The Baldwin The Baldwin (2) Hall Green Library The Maggies Baldwin's Lane Garage

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Wed Oct 1 2008 Exploring Birmingham: OLD OSCOTT http://wme4.fotopic.net/c1574846.html Old Oscott is a local housing estate situated near to Kingstanding in the Great Barr area of Birmingham. I visited the estate in October 2007 to investigate the 376 bus before Travel West Midlands withdrew the route. Sunday 7 September 2008: Old Oscott is a local housing estate situated near to Kingstanding in the Great Barr area of Birmingham. I visited the estate in October 2007 to investigate the 376 bus before Travel West Midlands withdrew the route.

The Kingfisher The Kingfisher (2)

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Sun Sep 7 2008 Birmingham by Canal: Tame Valley Canal http://wme4.fotopic.net/c1574828.html One of the later additions to the BCN network, the Tame Valley Canal runs from Doe Bank Junction near Ocker Hill to Salford Junction near the Spaghetti Junction road interchange. The section between Piercy Aqueduct (Hamstead) and Salford Junction falls within Birmingham and includes the Perry Barr Flight of 13 locks. Sunday 7 September 2008: One of the later additions to the BCN network, the Tame Valley Canal runs from Doe Bank Junction near Ocker Hill to Salford Junction near the Spaghetti Junction road interchange. The section between Piercy Aqueduct (Hamstead) and Salford Junction falls within Birmingham and includes the Perry Barr Flight of 13 locks.

Perry Barr Lock 8 Aldridge Road Bridge Perry Barr Lock 2 Freeth Bridge, Tower Hill

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Sun Sep 7 2008 Birmingham by Canal: The Dudley No. 2 Canal http://wme4.fotopic.net/c1462853.html The Dudley No. 2 Canal currently links Parkhead Junction near Dudley with Hawne Basin near Halesowen, but the canal once extended via the Lapal Tunnel and through Weoley Castle to meet the Worcester and Birmingham Canal at Selly Oak Junction. It is still possible to trace the remains of the former canal through Birmingham, although I have thus far only investigated the section around Selly Oak Park. Thursday 21 February 2008: The Dudley No. 2 Canal currently links Parkhead Junction near Dudley with Hawne Basin near Halesowen, but the canal once extended via the Lapal Tunnel and through Weoley Castle to meet the Worcester and Birmingham Canal at Selly Oak Junction. It is still possible to trace the remains of the former canal through Birmingham, although I have thus far only investigated the section around Selly Oak Park.

Selly Oak Park Bridge Harborne Lane Bridge Selly Oak Park Bridge (2) Selly Oak Park Bridge (3) Selly Oak Park Bridge (again!) Harborne Lane Bridge

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Thu Feb 21 2008 Exploring Birmingham: COTTERIDGE http://wme4.fotopic.net/c1458541.html Centred on the junction of Pershore Road and Watford Road, Cotteridge is a busy urban centre that I first discovered as part of my Outer Circle explorations during my University days. I was immediately fascinated by the place, with its throng of local shops, the elegant fire station and the possibility of exploring the nearby Kings Norton railway station. Thursday 14 February 2008: Centred on the junction of Pershore Road and Watford Road, Cotteridge is a busy urban centre that I first discovered as part of my Outer Circle explorations during my University days. I was immediately fascinated by the place, with its throng of local shops, the elegant fire station and the possibility of exploring the nearby Kings Norton railway station.

Cotteridge Park Station Road sign

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Thu Feb 14 2008 Birmingham by Rail: FOUR OAKS http://wme4.fotopic.net/c1419932.html A suburban station just north of Sutton Coldfield, Four Oaks served as the Cross City terminus before the line was extended to Lichfield - indeed, some trains still terminate here. The station itself has a fine traditional platform building housing the booking hall but is otherwise fairly rudimentary. Thursday 6 December 2007: A suburban station just north of Sutton Coldfield, Four Oaks served as the Cross City terminus before the line was extended to Lichfield - indeed, some trains still terminate here. The station itself has a fine traditional platform building housing the booking hall but is otherwise fairly rudimentary.

Platform Three Train at Four Oaks Train at Four Oaks (2)

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Thu Dec 6 2007 Birmingham by Tram: MIDLAND METRO http://wme4.fotopic.net/c1369899.html The Midland Metro is a light rail line connecting Birmingham (Snow Hill) and Wolverhampton (St George's). Here is a look at the Birmingham section of the line, which passes through Winson Green, Handsworth and the Jewellery Quarter. Saturday 15 September 2007: The Midland Metro is a light rail line connecting Birmingham (Snow Hill) and Wolverhampton (St George's). Here is a look at the Birmingham section of the line, which passes through Winson Green, Handsworth and the Jewellery Quarter.

Metro at Winson Green Metro at Winson Green (2)

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Sat Sep 15 2007 Exploring Birmingham: WOODGATE VALLEY http://wme4.fotopic.net/c1348011.html Exploring Woodgate Valley Country Park, a local nature reserve situated at the heart of Bartley Green and Quinton. The park is a great spot to escape to for a gentle walk and some peace and quiet - the main access point is by the visitor centre off Clapgate Lane, although there are paths through from the surrounding estates. Tuesday 14 August 2007: Exploring Woodgate Valley Country Park, a local nature reserve situated at the heart of Bartley Green and Quinton. The park is a great spot to escape to for a gentle walk and some peace and quiet - the main access point is by the visitor centre off Clapgate Lane, although there are paths through from the surrounding estates.

Bridge over the Bourn Brook Woodgate Valley Bridge (2) Woodgate Valley Bridge (3) Stepping Stones

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Tue Aug 14 2007 Exploring Birmingham: SUTTON COLDFIELD http://wme4.fotopic.net/c1207294.html What can I say about Sutton Coldfield? I simply love exploring the place and it means a lot to me. The town featured in my earliest bus adventures as a kid and I have made regular returns ever since, including Stuart, University and Rog outings. The town is home to many special memories, such as visiting the McDonalds, exploring the railway station (one of my all-time favourites) and taking bus photos on Lower Parade. Monday 12 February 2007: What can I say about Sutton Coldfield? I simply love exploring the place and it means a lot to me. The town featured in my earliest bus adventures as a kid and I have made regular returns ever since, including Stuart, University and Rog outings. The town is home to many special memories, such as visiting the McDonalds, exploring the railway station (one of my all-time favourites) and taking bus photos on Lower Parade.

Sutton Coldfield Library The Gracechurch Centre

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Mon Feb 12 2007 Birmingham by Rail: SUTTON COLDFIELD http://wme4.fotopic.net/c1114955.html Its becoming something of a WME cliche to say that a station is a personal favourite, but Sutton Coldfield is a very worthy holder of the accolade. I just love visiting the station - its great to explore, with lots of traditional features, and serves one of my favourite West Midlands towns. The station is served by Cross City trains, making it a favourite haunt during my university days. Friday 20 October 2006: Its becoming something of a WME cliche to say that a station is a personal favourite, but Sutton Coldfield is a very worthy holder of the accolade. I just love visiting the station - its great to explore, with lots of traditional features, and serves one of my favourite West Midlands towns. The station is served by Cross City trains, making it a favourite haunt during my university days.

Train at Sutton Coldfield Train at Sutton Coldfield (2) Ramp to Booking Hall Ramp View Train at Sutton Coldfield (3)

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Fri Oct 20 2006 Exploring Birmingham: STOCKLAND GREEN http://wme4.fotopic.net/c1101413.html Stockland Green is a Birmingham suburb not far from Erdington. Landmarks include The Stockland pub and the Gala Bingo, formerly the Plaza. Rog and I visited in April 2005 on our way to Perry Common. Wednesday 4 October 2006: Stockland Green is a Birmingham suburb not far from Erdington. Landmarks include The Stockland pub and the Gala Bingo, formerly the Plaza. Rog and I visited in April 2005 on our way to Perry Common.

Brookvale Park Brookvale Park (2) Gala Bingo Gala Bingo (2) The Stockland Pub The Stockland Pub (2)

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Wed Oct 4 2006 Exploring Birmingham: BOURNVILLE http://wme4.fotopic.net/c1061853.html Bournville is one of my favourite areas in Birmingham. Originally created by Cadbury's to serve the workers of the factory, Bournville retains a pleasant village atmosphere to this day. The area is still dominated by the Cadbury's plant, with the scent of cocoa adding to the charms of the terraced housing and the village green. Thursday 24 August 2006: Bournville is one of my favourite areas in Birmingham. Originally created by Cadbury's to serve the workers of the factory, Bournville retains a pleasant village atmosphere to this day. The area is still dominated by the Cadbury's plant, with the scent of cocoa adding to the charms of the terraced housing and the village green.

Path through Cadbury's Bournville Shops Bournville Park Selly Manor Selly Manor (2) Selly Manor (3)

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Thu Aug 24 2006 Birmingham by Rail: DUDDESTON http://wme4.fotopic.net/c1019905.html Duddeston Station seems to me to be something of a poor relation, rather neglected and overgrown. I stopped off in April 2005 for a quick look after visiting Lea Hall Garage's birthday celebrations, essentially finding a functional, tired looking station with some intriguing platform artwork and thats about it. The station is served by some Walsall Line and Cross City trains, and I'm in no hurry to return. Wednesday 12 July 2006: Duddeston Station seems to me to be something of a poor relation, rather neglected and overgrown. I stopped off in April 2005 for a quick look after visiting Lea Hall Garage's birthday celebrations, essentially finding a functional, tired looking station with some intriguing platform artwork and thats about it. The station is served by some Walsall Line and Cross City trains, and I'm in no hurry to return.

Station entrance Platform view Train at Duddeston

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Wed Jul 12 2006 Birmingham by Rail: ERDINGTON http://wme4.fotopic.net/c1001518.html Erdington Station is typical of quite a few Cross City stations - pleasant and functional, yet ultimately boring. There are some interesting features, particularly the bridge on Station Road that carries the station signs, but there isn't much else of age or character. Despite this, I enjoyed exploring the station when I first visited in March 2005 - its always good to add a new location to the collection. Sunday 25 June 2006: Erdington Station is typical of quite a few Cross City stations - pleasant and functional, yet ultimately boring. There are some interesting features, particularly the bridge on Station Road that carries the station signs, but there isn't much else of age or character. Despite this, I enjoyed exploring the station when I first visited in March 2005 - its always good to add a new location to the collection.

Station Road Bridge Station Road Bridge (2) Path from the Lichfield platform The Booking Office Train at Erdington The Insect & Celtic Cross

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Sun Jun 25 2006 Exploring Birmingham: BROMFORD BRIDGE http://wme4.fotopic.net/c1001505.html Bromford Bridge has got to be one of the most depressing places I've visited during my outings. The estate sits in the shadow of the M6 motorway and seemed a little neglected and grim. I visited in April 2005 as part of a mission to track down the terminus of the 26 bus. Sunday 25 June 2006: Bromford Bridge has got to be one of the most depressing places I've visited during my outings. The estate sits in the shadow of the M6 motorway and seemed a little neglected and grim. I visited in April 2005 as part of a mission to track down the terminus of the 26 bus.

The Racecourse A fortified shop

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Sun Jun 25 2006 Birmingham by Rail: ASTON http://wme4.fotopic.net/c990893.html Aston Station has the honour of being one of the very first stations I explored and photographed, yet despite this I don't actually like the place that much. The station is grimly functional and devoid of charm, and sits perched above the Lichfield Road where it is served by Cross City and Walsall Line trains. Wednesday 14 June 2006: Aston Station has the honour of being one of the very first stations I explored and photographed, yet despite this I don't actually like the place that much. The station is grimly functional and devoid of charm, and sits perched above the Lichfield Road where it is served by Cross City and Walsall Line trains.

Platform 2 Steps to Platform 2 Platform 1

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Wed Jun 14 2006 Exploring Birmingham: PERRY BARR http://wme4.fotopic.net/c968106.html For me, Perry Barr is one of those areas that defines Birmingham - the place has stuck in my head since I went through it on the train as a kid. Think of Perry Barr and the One Stop, the Greyhound Stadium and the UCE campus spring to mind - not very attractive, but still great exploration. Tuesday 23 May 2006: For me, Perry Barr is one of those areas that defines Birmingham - the place has stuck in my head since I went through it on the train as a kid. Think of Perry Barr and the One Stop, the Greyhound Stadium and the UCE campus spring to mind - not very attractive, but still great exploration.

Birchfield Library Perry Barr Post Office

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Tue May 23 2006 Birmingham by Bus: Stops & Stations http://wme4.fotopic.net/c923024.html A look at some of the bus stops and stations that have featured in my explorations of Birmingham over the years Friday 14 April 2006: A look at some of the bus stops and stations that have featured in my explorations of Birmingham over the years

Sutton Coldfield Lower Parade Sutton Coldfield Lower Parade (2) Lea Hall Interchange Roughley Terminus Lea Hall Interchange (2) West Heath Terminus

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Fri Apr 14 2006 Birmingham by Rail: LEA HALL http://wme4.fotopic.net/c923014.html Lea Hall is a local station in East Birmingham on the line between New Street and Birmingham International. The station leaves me a little undecided really - lots of garish artwork and not much charm, but thats my personal taste for you. Even so, I've always enjoyed my visits here, using the station as a base to explore and photograph the 15 and 99 bus routes. Friday 14 April 2006: Lea Hall is a local station in East Birmingham on the line between New Street and Birmingham International. The station leaves me a little undecided really - lots of garish artwork and not much charm, but thats my personal taste for you. Even so, I've always enjoyed my visits here, using the station as a base to explore and photograph the 15 and 99 bus routes.

Lea Hall Arch The Coventry Platform Lea Hall Arch (2) Lea Hall Arch (3) The Coventry Platform (2) Train at Lea Hall

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Fri Apr 14 2006 Birmingham by Rail: LONGBRIDGE http://wme4.fotopic.net/c923001.html Longbridge was one of my first destinations during my University outings - I was intrigued to see where the Cross City services terminated, and could catch the 44 outside the station back to campus. The station is typical of many on the southern half of the Cross City line - not particularly attractive but good to explore. Since those early outings I have been back many times with the result that the station holds many good memories. Friday 14 April 2006: Longbridge was one of my first destinations during my University outings - I was intrigued to see where the Cross City services terminated, and could catch the 44 outside the station back to campus. The station is typical of many on the southern half of the Cross City line - not particularly attractive but good to explore. Since those early outings I have been back many times with the result that the station holds many good memories.

Platform 2 Train at Longbridge Train at Longbridge (2) Train at Longbridge (3) Train at Longbridge (4)

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Fri Apr 14 2006 Birmingham by Rail: NORTHFIELD http://wme4.fotopic.net/c893235.html Despite all my explorations of the Cross City line during my university days, I'd somehow managed to avoid visiting Northfield Station. I put that right in February 2005, finding a great station to explore - why did I leave it so long? Friday 17 March 2006: Despite all my explorations of the Cross City line during my university days, I'd somehow managed to avoid visiting Northfield Station. I put that right in February 2005, finding a great station to explore - why did I leave it so long?

Northfield Station Station subway Train at Northfield The station entrance Northfield Station (2) Station Entrance (2) Station Car Park Train at Northfield (2)

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Fri Mar 17 2006 Exploring Birmingham: NORTHFIELD http://wme4.fotopic.net/c893225.html Northfield is another favourite Birmingham location that recalls explorations during my time at University and bus routes such as the 18, the 35 and the 44. There are a number of interesting local targets to explore - from the bustle of the local shops and the Bristol Road to the peacefulness of the old village centre and the parish church. Friday 17 March 2006: Northfield is another favourite Birmingham location that recalls explorations during my time at University and bus routes such as the 18, the 35 and the 44. There are a number of interesting local targets to explore - from the bustle of the local shops and the Bristol Road to the peacefulness of the old village centre and the parish church.

Northfield Library The Great Stone The Great Stone (2)

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Fri Mar 17 2006 Birmingham by Rail: FIVE WAYS http://wme4.fotopic.net/c876272.html Five Ways is a station on the Cross City line, serving the local community and businesses around the notorious Edgbaston road junction. The station has never been one of my favourites to explore - a good facility but it lacks charm Wednesday 1 March 2006: Five Ways is a station on the Cross City line, serving the local community and businesses around the notorious Edgbaston road junction. The station has never been one of my favourites to explore - a good facility but it lacks charm

View along Platform 1 Five Ways Station

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Wed Mar 1 2006 Birmingham by Rail: SNOW HILL http://wme4.fotopic.net/c859224.html When I think of Snow Hill, I think of trains to Stourbridge, of ugly green canopies over the main entrance and of trams to Wolverhampton. The station is one of the three city centre stations in Birmingham - nicer than New Street but nowhere near as nice as Moor Street. Generally speaking, I do like the station but find photos awkward in the dark caverns of the platform area. Sunday 12 February 2006: When I think of Snow Hill, I think of trains to Stourbridge, of ugly green canopies over the main entrance and of trams to Wolverhampton. The station is one of the three city centre stations in Birmingham - nicer than New Street but nowhere near as nice as Moor Street. Generally speaking, I do like the station but find photos awkward in the dark caverns of the platform area.

Train at Snow Hill Train at Snow Hill (2)

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Sun Feb 12 2006 Birmingham by Rail: TYSELEY http://wme4.fotopic.net/c859217.html Tyseley Station is served by both the Shirley and Solihull lines and links in with the nearby Railway Museum. Rog and I made the briefest of visits back in November 2004 - a five minute stay to get some quick photos before the train to Shirley arrived. I liked what I saw though - a traditional station building with some interesting features. Sunday 12 February 2006: Tyseley Station is served by both the Shirley and Solihull lines and links in with the nearby Railway Museum. Rog and I made the briefest of visits back in November 2004 - a five minute stay to get some quick photos before the train to Shirley arrived. I liked what I saw though - a traditional station building with some interesting features.

View along Platform 3 Train at Tyseley Train at Tyseley (2)

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Sun Feb 12 2006 Exploring Birmingham: POOL FARM http://wme4.fotopic.net/c859214.html I visited Pool Farm as part of my Hawkesley tour in February 2004, when I took photos of the local shops before catching the A6 to Yardley Wood. Sunday 12 February 2006: I visited Pool Farm as part of my Hawkesley tour in February 2004, when I took photos of the local shops before catching the A6 to Yardley Wood.

The Fold shops The Fold (2)

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Sun Feb 12 2006 Birmingham by Rail: BOURNVILLE http://wme4.fotopic.net/c848343.html Think of Bournville and you think of Cadbury's, and as soon as you arrive you can detect the company's presence in the form of the purple paintwork adorning the station. Bournville was a regular haunt during my time at University, especially as I did a stint working at a local school and used the station as a base for exploring the 35 and 27 bus routes. The main station building is off Bournville Lane with additional access from Mary Vale Road. Thursday 2 February 2006: Think of Bournville and you think of Cadbury's, and as soon as you arrive you can detect the company's presence in the form of the purple paintwork adorning the station. Bournville was a regular haunt during my time at University, especially as I did a stint working at a local school and used the station as a base for exploring the 35 and 27 bus routes. The main station building is off Bournville Lane with additional access from Mary Vale Road.

Station Underpass Sign on Mary Vale Road Train at Bournville Train at Bournville (2) Train at Bournville (3) Platform 2

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Thu Feb 2 2006 Birmingham by Canal: The Stratford-upon-Avon Canal http://wme4.fotopic.net/c848331.html The Stratford-upon-Avon Canal is another canal which I have hardly explored - my investigations have thus far been restricted to visiting the Guillotine Lock near Kings Norton Junction at the Birmingham end of the canal, and a look at Bancroft Basin at the Stratford end. Thursday 2 February 2006: The Stratford-upon-Avon Canal is another canal which I have hardly explored - my investigations have thus far been restricted to visiting the Guillotine Lock near Kings Norton Junction at the Birmingham end of the canal, and a look at Bancroft Basin at the Stratford end.

Bridge 1 Guillotine Lock Bridge 1 (2)

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Thu Feb 2 2006 Birmingham by Canal: Birmingham and Fazeley http://wme4.fotopic.net/c848313.html My exploration of the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal has proved very minimal thus far - I visited the canal in June 2003 when I walked from Old Turn Junction down to Snow Hill Bridge, and thats about it! It was a great walk though, visiting Farmers Bridge Locks and passing underneath Snow Hill Station. Thursday 2 February 2006: My exploration of the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal has proved very minimal thus far - I visited the canal in June 2003 when I walked from Old Turn Junction down to Snow Hill Bridge, and thats about it! It was a great walk though, visiting Farmers Bridge Locks and passing underneath Snow Hill Station.

Fishtail Sculpture Farmers Bridge Notices Newhall Street Bridge Fishtail Sculpture (2) Newhall Street Bridge (2) Old Snow Hill Sign

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Thu Feb 2 2006 Exploring Birmingham: KINGS NORTON http://wme4.fotopic.net/c840554.html Kings Norton is one of my favourite parts of Birmingham - the place retains a real village identity and atmosphere, centred around The Green and the local church. With a rail station and a canal junction for good measure, its always a great base for an outing. Thursday 26 January 2006: Kings Norton is one of my favourite parts of Birmingham - the place retains a real village identity and atmosphere, centred around The Green and the local church. With a rail station and a canal junction for good measure, its always a great base for an outing.

Kings Norton Library Kings Norton Library (2) The Navigation

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Thu Jan 26 2006 Birmingham by Rail: BLAKE STREET http://wme4.fotopic.net/c837116.html Rog and I visited Blake Street during our Streetly tour in December 2005. The station is on the Cross City Line North, the last stop in the Centro area before you head into Staffordshire and onto Shenstone and Lichfield. A nice local station which I enjoyed taking photos of. Monday 23 January 2006: Rog and I visited Blake Street during our Streetly tour in December 2005. The station is on the Cross City Line North, the last stop in the Centro area before you head into Staffordshire and onto Shenstone and Lichfield. A nice local station which I enjoyed taking photos of.

Side Entrance Side Entrance (2) Exit off the Lichfield platform The Lichfield Platform The Birmingham Platform Station Entrance Station Signs Steps to Birmingham platform Steps to Lichfield platform

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Mon Jan 23 2006 Birmingham by Rail: BUTLERS LANE http://wme4.fotopic.net/c801306.html Butlers Lane is a local station on the Cross City Line north of Sutton Coldfield. I visited the station with Rog during our Streetly tour in December 2005 - it was good to finally visit the place, even though the station is quite basic Wednesday 21 December 2005: Butlers Lane is a local station on the Cross City Line north of Sutton Coldfield. I visited the station with Rog during our Streetly tour in December 2005 - it was good to finally visit the place, even though the station is quite basic

View of Birmingham platform Shelter on Lichfield platform Station Sign

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Wed Dec 21 2005 Exploring Birmingham: HAWKESLEY http://wme4.fotopic.net/c801303.html My first explorations of Hawkesley came from passing through on the 35 bus, but in February 2004 I decided to explore the estate more closely. It was a cold and icy morning but I really enjoyed my walk around, taking photos of the shops and pubs. Wednesday 21 December 2005: My first explorations of Hawkesley came from passing through on the 35 bus, but in February 2004 I decided to explore the estate more closely. It was a cold and icy morning but I really enjoyed my walk around, taking photos of the shops and pubs.

Birmingham Mobile Library The Primrose Inn Hawkesley Square

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Wed Dec 21 2005 Exploring Birmingham: HARBORNE http://wme4.fotopic.net/c796075.html My first experience of Harborne came from passing through on the 448 to Bearwood. The place looked interesting, with a busy High Street and some interesting buildings, so I was soon exploring the area more closely. Friday 16 December 2005: My first experience of Harborne came from passing through on the 448 to Bearwood. The place looked interesting, with a busy High Street and some interesting buildings, so I was soon exploring the area more closely.

Harborne Swimming Baths Harborne High Street The White Horse The Sportsman

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Fri Dec 16 2005 Birmingham by Rail: PERRY BARR http://wme4.fotopic.net/c796071.html Perry Barr Station is a rather grim stop on the line between Walsall and Birmingham. The station has an interesting entrance, hidden away in a grotty block of shops, but beyond that the station is rather functional and depressing. Friday 16 December 2005: Perry Barr Station is a rather grim stop on the line between Walsall and Birmingham. The station has an interesting entrance, hidden away in a grotty block of shops, but beyond that the station is rather functional and depressing.

Perry Barr, Station Sign Train at Perry Barr

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Fri Dec 16 2005 Birmingham by Rail: KINGS NORTON http://wme4.fotopic.net/c796070.html Kings Norton Station is located on the Cross City line, served by trains between Lichfield and Redditch via Birmingham New Street. The main station entrance is just off the Pershore Road in Cotteridge, but there is additional access off Station Road at the far end of the platforms. I always enjoy visiting the station as there is a good deal to explore and take photos of. Friday 16 December 2005: Kings Norton Station is located on the Cross City line, served by trains between Lichfield and Redditch via Birmingham New Street. The main station entrance is just off the Pershore Road in Cotteridge, but there is additional access off Station Road at the far end of the platforms. I always enjoy visiting the station as there is a good deal to explore and take photos of.

Inside the footbridge Path to Birmingham Platform Path to Birmingham Platform (2) Signs for the ramp Train at Kings Norton Platform 1 entrance Footbridge Steps to Platform 4 Station in the Snow Station Road Steps

Published in WME: Birmingham

]]> Fri Dec 16 2005 Birmingham by Rail: UNIVERSITY http://wme4.fotopic.net/c796069.html University Station holds many memories for me of my time as a student at the University of Birmingham. I have stood on those platforms in all weathers, head full of lectures and assignments, waiting for a train home or ready to start a Birmingham Area exploration. The station is situated on the Cross City Line (South), one of several built as the line was developed in the late 1970s. Friday 16 December 2005: University Station holds many memories for me of my time as a student at the University of Birmingham. I have stood on those platforms in all weathers, head full of lectures and assignments, waiting for a train home or ready to start a Birmingham Area exploration. The station is situated on the Cross City Line (South), one of several built as the line was developed in the late 1970s.

University, Platform 2 University, Platform 1 University Station Train at University

Published in WME: Birmingham

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