The Shakespeare Express in 2022 and 2023

Vintage Trains and Tyseley Steam Trust continue to run the Shakespeare Express and the Polar Express between Stratford-upon-Avon and Birmingham Snow Hill stations. Here's some photos taken between 2022 and 2023. Steam locos used include 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe and 7029 Clun Castle.

The 2018 Shakespeare Express post. Shakespeare Express and Polar Express.

The 2019 Polar Express post: Polar Express 2019.

 

7029 Clun Castle

For the 2022 Polar Express season, I first spotted 7029 Clun Castle, with the Polar Express at Birmingham Moor Street Station on the 27th November 2022. This view below taken from the no 35 bus.

dndimg alt="Clun Castle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Clun%20Castle%20VT%20Polar%20Xpress%2027112022.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

After various attempts to see the Polar Express between November and December 2022, I finally got a photo of 7029 Clun Castle with the Polar Express at Birmingham Moor Street Station, platform 4 on the 11th December 2022.

dndimg alt="Clun Castle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/PE%207029%20BMSS%2011122022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

I next saw 7029 Clun Castle, this time with The Shakespeare Express passing Solihull Station at speed on the 12th February 2023. Usually I'd expect The Shakespeare Express to run in the summer, not winter! Was a bit unexpected, as was going to Birmingham Moor Street one way that day (I did not see it at Moor Street, as by then it was at Birmingham Snow Hill).

dndimg alt="Clun Castle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TSX%207029%20CC%20Solihull%20Station%2012022023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Clun Castle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TSX%207029%20CC%20Solihull%20Station%2012022023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Clun Castle" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TSX%207029%20CC%20Solihull%20Station%2012022023%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Carriages at Birmingham Snow Hill Station

On the 31st July 2022, I spotted these carriages of The Shakespeare Express at Birmingham Snow Hill Station, but did not see the steam locomotive. Initially from the Jewellery Quarter near Lionel Street, then from Great Charles Street Queensway, the car park near Ludgate Hill (the Great Charles Street construction site in 2023) and from the top of Snow Hill Car Park. They stretched to the end of platform 2. Was during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, so the station had wraps all over for the event.

dndimg alt="Shakespeare Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2031072022%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Shakespeare Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2031072022%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Shakespeare Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2031072022%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Shakespeare Express" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2031072022%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe

For a few Sunday's I kept thinking of seeing The Shakespeare Express again. There was one Sunday when I spotted a steam locomotive at Birmingham Moor Street, platform 1 before it returned to Birmingham Snow Hill (from the top of a bus). Then another Sunday, I was waiting for a bus in Solihull, when I saw The Shakespeare Express whistle at speed past Solihull Station.

So this time I kept checking Real Time Trains, and it said it would be at Birmingham Snow Hill on the 13th August 2023 around 13:40.

 

The view from platform 3, as 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe leads The Shakespeare Express into platform 2, through the Snow Hill Tunnel.

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe had decoupled from the carriages, heading to the Jewellery Quarter end from platform 2, then passing platform 3, then through the Snow Hill Tunnel to Birmingham Moor Street. Was a West Midlands Metro tram nearby at St Paul's Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

One of the carriages, Charter Train Coach E, shows the route: Birmingham - Tyseley - Henley-in-Arden - Stratford-upon-Avon - Tyseley - Birmingham. Although it does also go via Dorridge, as well as via Shirley and Whitlocks End.

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

After waiting for a West Midlands Railway Class 172 to come out of the Snow Hill Tunnel to platform 1 at Birmingham Snow Hill, shortly after, 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe emerges from the tunnel to re-couple onto the other end of the carriages waiting at platform 2.

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Earl of Mount Edgcumbe" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/5043%20EoME%20Shakespeare%20Express%20BSHS%2013082023%20(12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

See 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe with The Shakespeare Express on my YouTube Channel: Shakespeare Express 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe at Birmingham Snow Hill Station

Or on my Facebook page: Shakespeare Express 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe at Birmingham Snow Hill Station

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

Ozzy Birmingham's Mechanical Bull at Birmingham New Street Station

During July 2023, Artem FX rebuilt the raging Commonwealth Bull now called Ozzy at the concourse of Birmingham New Street Station. Unveiled 26th July 2023 by Sharon Osbourne. If arriving by train, exit at the A end of the station before exiting at the ticket barriers. Also balcony views around Grand Central, for the best views from above. Or approach from the concourse close up.

Since Autumn 2022, when the Raging Bull was removed from the wasteland in Ladywood, Artem FX took him back to their base in West London for a complete rebuild. After the public campaign to save him. Little news over Winter 2022-23, but by Spring 2023, we found out that the bull would be living at Birmingham New Street Station. 

A public vote was put out to name the bull, this was cut down to the final four: Ozzy, Brummie, Bostin or Boulton. More details on the vote here.

 

Waiting the the Bull, June 2023

1st June 2023, the space is set out in the concourse at Birmingham New Street Station,

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BNSS%2001062023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

10th June 2023, up and close with the spot where Ozzy would go.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/RB%20BNSS%2010062023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

18th June 2023, the barriers got even smaller!

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/No%20Bull%20BNSS%2018062023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

22nd June 2023, the Raging Commonwealth Bull is officially named Ozzy after a public vote landslide!

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photoshop mock up by Elliott Brown

 

27th June 2023, another look at the space where Ozzy would go in July.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20site%20BNSS%2027062023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Building Ozzy, July 2023

6th July 2023, the space is set, Ozzy would arrive in pieces overnight.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20bull%20BNSS%2006072023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20bull%20BNSS%2006072023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

7th July 2023, work begins to rebuild Ozzy the bull at Birmingham New Street Station. There is good views from Grand Central above.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2007072023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2007072023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2007072023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

9th July 2023, Ozzy's body has been reformed. But was headless at this point.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2009072023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2009072023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

14th July 2023, Ozzy is now fully formed, but has a veil over his head, which would not come down for another 12 days.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2014072023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2014072023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

16th July 2023, our last update before Ozzy would be revealed 10 days later, live on BBC Breakfast, to be unveiled by Sharon Osbourne.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2016072023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2016072023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Ozzy unveiling day, 26th July 2023

The views of Ozzy, Birmingham's Mechanical Bull from all angles. 

From the A end of Birmingham New Street Station (ticketed part of the concourse).

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Views from the concourse at Birmingham New Street.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Main views of course from the balconies at Grand Central above.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

More views of Ozzy around New Street Station and Grand Central.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4112b_BULL23.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4134b_BULL23.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4141b_BULL23.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4155b_BULL23.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4200b_BULL23.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4128b_BULL23.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4121b_BULL23.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4106b_BULL23.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Daniel Sturley

 

Walk up the Tame Valley Canal from Tame Bridge Parkway towards Great Barr

I got the train to Tame Bridge Parkway Station in Sandwell, and had a walk in the hot weather along part of the Tame Valley Canal. This bit goes near the M5 and M6 motorways. I got off at the Newton Road Bridge in Great Barr (then tried to make my way to Hamstead for the next train to Birmingham). Was probably too hot and humid to do the walk.

After arriving at Tame Bridge Parkway Station on Saturday 24th June 2023, left the station via the entrance / exit on the Walsall Road, then headed onto Navigation Lane, to get onto the Tame Valley Canal.

 

Stonecross Bridge

The Stonecross Bridge, also called Friar Park Bridge or the Walsall Road Bridge. I did not walk in that direction, as was heading to a couple of aqueducts nearby.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TVC%20Tame%20Bridge%2024062023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Navigation Lane Aqueduct

This aqueduct crosses over Navigation Lane, and is Grade II listed. Was built 1841-44.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TVC%20Tame%20Bridge%2024062023%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Grand Junction Aqueduct

This aqueduct is near Tame Bridge Parkway Station (opened in 1990). Was built over the Grand Junction Railway (now part of the Birmingham New Street via Perry Barr to Walsall line). Grade II listed, it opened in 1844. There is good views of the station from up here, as well as to the Bescot Yard, Bescot Stadium and The RAC building near the M6 motorway.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Grand%20Junction%20Aqueduct%20TVC%2024062023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

M5 Motorway Aqueduct

The next aqueduct crosses over the M5 motorway, to the north west, with it's junction with the M6. The River Tame is also near here, but didn't see it.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/M5%20Aqueduct%20TVC%2024062023%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

River Tame Aqueduct

One more aqueduct, this one crosses over the River Tame. Only had views of the M6 heading in this direction, or the Birmingham skyline and nearby tower blocks.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TVC%20aqueduct%20RT%2024062023.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Grey Heron

On the section of the Tame Valley Canal beyond the first M5 crossing, saw several grey herons.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Grey%20heron%20TVC%2024062023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Rushall Junction

At this point on the Tame Valley Canal, is Rushall Junction where it joins onto the Rushall Canal. The Rushall Junction Bridge on the left.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Rushall%20Jcn%20TVC%2024062023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Rushall Canal

The start of the Rushall Canal from the Rushall Junction Bridge on the Tame Valley Canal. Bridge in front carries the M6 motorway. Catshill Junction is about 8 miles and 9 locks away on this canal.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Rushall%20Canal%20Jcn%2024062023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Brickfields Bridge

At this point, the towpath switches sides at the Brickfields Bridge. Behind is a pair of M5 motorway bridges, which go from the south west to north east, and join onto the M6. This footbridge is Grade II listed and dates to 1844.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/M5%20Brickfields%20TVC%2024062023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

M5 Link Road Bridge 1

The first M5 link bridge can be seen from the Brickfields Bridge as you cross it, or as you walk or cycle under it. This is for traffic heading to the end of the M5 and onto the M6 going east.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/M5%20Brickfields%20TVC%2024062023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

M5 Link Road Bridge 2

The second M5 link bridge. Seen after walking under it. This is for traffic leaving the M6 and heading onto the M5 motorway, heading south west.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/M5%20Brickfields%20TVC%2024062023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Brickfields Turnover Bridge

One more Victorian footbridge. Grade II listed, it dates to 1844. Formerly a road bridge apparently. Not sure where it went, but was a man fishing on the other side, and someone with their dog. The Brickfields Turnover Bridge probably links to nearby Chatsworth Avenue.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TVC%20Newton%20Rd%2024062023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Newton Road Bridge

A very high (compared to the canal) road bridge on Newton Road in Great Barr. I took my exit here. Was very hot and sweaty by this point.

dndimg alt="Tame Valley Canal" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TVC%20Newton%20Rd%2024062023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Could of continued to Hamstead and Perry Barr, but left at Great Barr, then tried to get to Hamstead on foot. But at one point caught a no 16 bus to the Scott Arms in Great Barr, before getting another 16 (probably the same one) to Hamstead Station.

 

In future, maybe best to do these canal walks in cooler weather. It was just too hot and warm. Plus there was the usual illegal off-road motorbikes I encountered on the canal. They were also on a path in a field that lead to Sandwell Valley.

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

Flying over Birmingham and coming into land at Birmingham Airport

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.

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.

dndimg alt="Birmingham City Centre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCC%20BHX%20air%2018052023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham City Centre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCC%20BHX%20air%2018052023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham City Centre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCC%20BHX%20air%2018052023%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham City Centre" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCC%20BHX%20air%2018052023%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Airport" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BHX%20JLR%2018052023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham Airport" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BHX%20JLR%2018052023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Adderley Park

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

dndimg alt="Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Flying%20over%20Birmingham%2018052023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Freightliner terminal - Landor Street, Birmingham

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

dndimg alt="Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Flying%20over%20Birmingham%2018052023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Bloomsbury Park

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

dndimg alt="Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Flying%20over%20Birmingham%2018052023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Flying%20over%20Birmingham%2018052023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Flying%20over%20Birmingham%2018052023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Flying%20over%20Birmingham%2018052023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Flying%20over%20Birmingham%2018052023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Flying%20over%20Birmingham%2018052023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Flying%20over%20Birmingham%2018052023%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Flying%20over%20Birmingham%2018052023%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Witton Lakes

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

dndimg alt="Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Flying%20over%20Birmingham%2018052023%20(11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Flying%20over%20Birmingham%2018052023%20(12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

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.

dndimg alt="Birmingham Airport" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Jet2%20Smartwings%20BHX%20landing%2018052023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham Airport" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Jet2%20Smartwings%20BHX%20landing%2018052023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham Airport" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Jet2%20Smartwings%20BHX%20landing%2018052023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham Airport" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Jet2%20Smartwings%20BHX%20landing%2018052023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Birmingham Airport" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Jet2%20Smartwings%20BHX%20landing%2018052023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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

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

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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Dunkirk Toll Island

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

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Albion Junction

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Trident Steel Works Conveyor Bridge

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

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Photography by Elliott Brown