I have loved the Black Country ever since I worked at Wordsley General Hospital in the late eighties. Arriving in the West Midlands from Manchester, I was amazed to find the Black Country full of warm, kindhearted people that reminded me of home. Sadly Wordsley hospital is no longer there but I still retain a deep-rooted love for the Black Country and its people.
Enjoying the excellent music at the Festival.
The Black Country Folk Festival took place over two days. I attended the Sunday show and on arrival, I learnt that Saturday was a success and the sun had been seen. The weather forecast for Sunday was not good but in true British spirit the music played on regardless. I met Festival co-organiser Steve Edwards who was very enthusiastic about the day’s music. Steve runs the Black Country Hub and is also founder of the Black Country Day.
Steve Edwards, Festival co-organiser.
The music had started when I arrived and the first artist I saw was Susy Wall. Her songs resonated with me bringing back memories of visiting the Black Country. The next band Shotgun Marmalade injected a furious mix of Ska and Punk to the proceedings. They were followed by Sam Draisey who is an amazing musician making good use of a partial left arm for strumming his guitar. Sam played songs from his extensive back catalogue.
Susy Wall performing on stage.Shotgun Marmalade There is some marmalade in those colours.Sam Draisey with his unique style of guitar playing. Alongside Sam is Ewan Stevens.A sought after selfie with Sam.
James Stevens and Rachel Slater from The Empty Can played an entertaining set and even their dog howled in unison with them. I enjoyed the energetic Atilla the Stockbroker. You must read the Wikipedia pages on this remarkable punk poet and musician. He has been influential in music, football and politics. I found his set really tuned you into the present problems besetting the world.
James Stevens and Rachel Slater from The Empty Can.Attila the Stockbroker, punk poet, musician and activist.
I was left wondering how you could beat all these performances and as the Jess Silk trio took to the stage expectations were high. Jess has been likened to a new Billy Bragg. I met Jess prior to her performance finding her to be an engaging individual. On stage she was full of fire and enthusiasm. Her songs strike a chord with you as they cover social topics that need to be heard. I loved the band and they produced a super performance to end the festival.
Jess Silk on stage
A comment on the rain. It hardly stopped but it failed to dampen the spirits and the fun of the Festival. The beer was supplied by the Fixed Wheel brewery, the Black Country flags were proudly displayed and Himley Hall, the former home of the Earls of Dudley provided a striking backdrop to the stage.
Picnic in the rain.A chat under the umbrella.Making friends at the Festival.Black Country Merchandise for sale.The Festival site at Himley Hall, Dudley.
The Colmore Food Festival provides a great opportunity to sample food from some of the best restaurants in Birmingham. I was determined to visit and sample the food at the festival. There was one drawback, the rain. Waking up on Saturday, the forecast was not good with the prospect of a soggy day ahead. Motivating the family to go into Birmingham on such a wet day was not easy and the train strikes compounded the problem. Once I had convinced everyone, we set off for the city centre. Parking turned out to be straightforward and we made our way from New Street station to St Philips Cathedral. The area around the Cathedral is known as Pigeon Park and in the northern quarter nearest to Snow Hill station, the Colmore Food Festival was set up and in full flow.
Enjoying the food on offer.Queuing up for soft drinksEating whilst sheltering from the rain.Lots of colours and tastes.
So was it worth the effort to get there? The answer is Yes. We enjoyed the festival. There was so much to like. The choice of food outlets was excellent and for the family we were split between Asha’s and Purnell’s. We went for dishes from both and were not disappointed. The food was well cooked and so tasty. There was a chance to wash it down with a glass of Purity’s session IPA from Purecraft beer stall. Once the main course was finished, we browsed the other stalls and kept going back to Miss Macaroons for dessert. The brightly coloured meringue-based sandwich cookies were in many different flavours. Our choice included the following Pistachio, Rhubarb and orange, strawberry, and caramel. There were many more there. We all agree that the food stalls were excellent and I apologise that I cannot review more of what was on offer but there is only so much we could eat.
Umbrellas were a necessity.Some of the vendors were very happy.The Festival was well attended despite the rain.
My grandson was spoilt rotten. He received a free spiderman face paint, free drawing materials, a book, and a balloon. He was very happy which also made mum and grandparents very pleased. This was the detail that made the food festival a success for the family. Not only was the food good but the children were well looked after. The music was good as well even though dancing on the wet ground was a challenge. Everyone was in a happy mood despite the rain. I am already looking forward to next year’s food festival and I don’t think it will be a problem motivating the family to go whatever the weather.
A happy grandson with Spiderman faceprint.Enjoying ourselves in the rain.Singing in the rain.Happy vibes.
I hope you enjoy the pictures which were all taken on my Fujifilm x100v. The camera is weatherproofed which makes it ideal when the weather is wet. I even had someone come up to me to ask about the camera as he liked the look of it so much.
Making sure we all enjoyed the day.
Finally a big thanks to Colmore Row Business District for organising the food festival. I have provided a link to CBD and the food festival so you can make a note of the event for next year.
I enjoy a photographic walk with my Fujifilm x100v camera around the streets of Birmingham. The early hours are best when few people are around and about. This series of photographs begins at Eastside where the HS2 works are taking place. Digbeth was next and I returned to Birmingham along the canal exiting again near to the HS2 works.
Digging holes and barriers around HS2
What is there to tell you about my walk? No surprises, as building in Birmingham has not finished and HS2 is still digging and putting up barriers. I took a few pictures and was interested to see BBC midlands covering the HS2 disruption in the evening news. Why is HS2 taking so long and why is there so much disruption? I do get upset with the blasé way they are undertaking the HS2 works. I am sure it will look wonderful when finished but is it worth the upheaval and time taken. The latest BBC item puts HS2 under the spotlight.
Curson street station awaits a HS2 upgrade.The empty Woodman pub awaits customers but when will they return?
Digbeth was quiet for a Monday morning and since the pandemic there is less footfall during business hours. The nightlife is always busy but there is a definite change in activity during the day. My next observation is the encroachment of high rise living around Digbeth and the loss of character with the demolition and neglect of buildings.
Micheal Jackson on a furniture shop door.
There are several brownfield sites around the area that will become large skyscrapers. Other signs of change include the former Typhoo tea building which is starting to see activity around the relocation of the BBC to the building. Change may not always be positive and one of my pictures is outside what was the DigBrew entrance. Sadly this excellent brewery has ceased trading and artwork from the street artist Tempo33 marks the spot.
Don’t go there.The former Typhoo building soon to become the BBC Midlands Headquaters.Don’t park here.
There is much chaotic colour around the streets of Digbeth and the morning sun brings out the light and shadows. The canalside is another area in Digbeth that is changing with several buildings undergoing renovation. How this change will progress will be interesting to document in future months.
I’m late for an important date. (street art Tempo33)Colours stuck to a wall in Digbeth.Cryola’s wonderful street art is still attracting attention.Standing in Liverpool Street looking up Fazeley Street.Birmingham Canal Navigation through DigbethThe details under the Great Barr Street bridge.The Fox mural by Annatomix still impressesView of the canal buildings with Birmingham in the background.
My final picture was taken on my iPhone as I went past the Selfridges building. I went low and framed the iconic discs in the background. I was in luck as a woman walked past although she was confused by what I was doing. The picture turned out well but was also a reminder not to attract undue attention during my street photography.
The Selfridges Crossing.
Returning to the HS2 theme then there are more stories about the construction on my blog. I have been documenting 16 acre wood and the damage caused by HS2 around Balsall Common since 2020. Here is my account of this part of the HS2.
A new Lavender field to visit. Warwickshire Lavender Fields is behind Coventry airport nestled in the beautiful countryside that remains between Coventry and Leamington Spa. The fields are relatively young and started out in 2016. Several photographic friends has told me about the fields and having done the Cotswolds Lavender fields, the family thought a fields closer to home would be worth a visit.
A low down view of the lavender fieldsStriking a pose in the colour purple.Running through the lavender.
The day we chose was one of sunshine and showers. The showers when they arrived were wet and windy. This did not stop us having great fun at the fields. I understand that before we got there my oldest daughter had excelled at falling down a hole much to the amusement of the grandchildren. When we arrived the heavens opened, and we got soaked. However the rain did clear the fields, and everyone made for shelter. Although my camera was under threat from the rain, there were some wonderful photographic opportunities as people were crowded into the tents. Even Lily came along to pose in front of the tents. The children had such fun even though they got very wet. The café served great coffee and lovely cakes and the shop offered a range of lavender products including bunches of lavender flowers.
Then the rain came.Luckily everyone could get into the tent to escape the rain.Lily posing in front of everyone sheltering from the rain.Chloe with her lavender flowers.
Whilst a bit of sunshine would have made the visit, we still enjoyed ourselves. We set off home for a change of clothes and to share photographs of the day. Well worth a visit and a very photogenic site for all photographers out there.
Lavender plants to take how with you.
If you want to know more about Warwickshire Lavender fields then please follow the link.
Since the Bull was unveiled in a spectacular showpiece at the Commonwealth Games in the summer of 2022, the Birmingham public haven fallen in love with him. As soon as the opening ceremony was over, the Bull was brought to Centenary Square where thousands of people came to view him. His popularity was immense, and this soon created a new problem. What to do with Bully after the games had finished? There were many suggestions but no concrete solutions and before long the Bull was moved from the square to a lock up location in Ladywood. There he stayed underneath a tarpaulin sheet as Birmingham leaders decided what to do with him. The public learnt that a solution had been found but first the bull needed to be upgraded for his new location. Time moved on and then there was an announcement of a competition to find a name for the Bull. After a public vote, the name Ozzy was selected. We also learnt where he was to be housed. In the large atrium of New Street Station. Then in early July a space was set up followed by parts of Ozzy being delivered to the station over one night in July. Commuters woke up the next day to see the construction of Ozzy. First the body, then the head and horns.
Ozzy is tall and stands with a sheet over his head.People move around as normal while Ozzy waits to be unveiled.
Every photographer in Birmingham rushed to take pictures of Ozzy as he is being constructed. When I visited the feet were still missing although the rest of Ozzy is pieced together. I had forgotten the size of the Bull and the distinctive head is high into the Atrium. Someone has placed a white sheet over the head of Ozzy. Brummies are unsure why this has been done as it is not possible with a single sheet to hide the identity of the bull. However the sheet does give an air of mystery to the statue.
You just wonder what all the fuss is about.This picture provides an idea on how impressive Ozzy is.
Enjoy these pictures and stay tuned for the unveiling of Ozzy in all his glory later this month. You may also wish to see two of my earlier posts which chronicle the history of Ozzy the Bull.
Edgbaston reservoir started life in 1827 as a water supply to top up the local canal network around Birmingham and the Black Country. Originally called “Roach Pool”, it was enlarged by Thomas Telford, the influential engineer between 1824 –1829, to become the large expanse of water that it is now. Whilst the place still does this important function for the canal network, it is now much more than just a reservoir. The area is a haven for wildlife, walkers, and joggers. The reservoir is also the home for the Midlands Sailing club and Birmingham rowing club which are very active on the water.
IgersbirminghamUK was invited by the Friends of Birmingham Reservoir to hold an Instameet to highlight the natural beauty on and around the water. Nearly, 20 photographers met at the Reservoir Road entrance and were greeted by Chris and Carol from the Friends of Edgbaston Reservoir.
Midland Sailing Club in action on the reservoir.
The Instameet was organised by Lena, one of the IgersbirminghamUK team. Lena made the introductions, and then we heard from Chris and Carol who gave us lots of information about the reservoir. The first discussion point was the area of waste ground next to the Reservoir entrance. We were next to the site of the former Tower Ballroom. I remember going to many student functions at the Tower, but the building fell out of favour in recent years and was demolished. Now the plan is to build luxury flats on the site. This is very much out of keeping with the area which is a natural wildlife reserve. Also we are adjacent to Ladywood which is an area of high deprivation. Do we really need luxury flats in this area? A debatable point and the friends of the reservoir are keen to see that the council enters a meaningful engagement about the future of the reservoir. They wish to see all options discussed including re-purposing the Tower site for community use. If you wish to know more about this ongoing story, then visit the Friends of Edgbaston Reservoir Facebook page.
Chris, friends of the Edgbaston reservoir, standing against the Birmingham Cityscape.Carol, Friends of the Reservoir, surveys the site of the former Tower Ballroom.A lone poppy.
Chris and Carol provided much of the historical information and brought us right up to date with life on and around the reservoir. After lots of questions and answers, we set off to take photographs as we walked the 2.8 km (1.75 miles) path around the reservoir.
Photographers on the move. This could be a scene from Reservoir Dogs.The reservoir dam with the two towers in the background.Making sure that all the details are photographed.A chain over the reservoir.Locked out.Texture of bricks in the water.
The main dam provided good photographic opportunities as we looked over towards the Birmingham Cityscape. The Canal and River Trust base was below the dam wall. The old machinery that is still present for regulating the water flow was very photogenic with a combination of chains and cog wheels. Looking back the two towers which are said to have inspired Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings may be seen. (A previous blog on the area has more on the two towers). On the water, the Midlands Sailing Club was active with a teaching session and several boats were out and about. The sailors came close to the edge of the dam allowing for several action shots of the boats.
Sails coming together.Sailing in the right direction.
Then the rain arrived, and we sheltered next to the Midlands Sailing Club buildings. We were able to admire the artwork of the local Street artist @icreatenotdestroy
Photographers sheltering from the rain.Details from the mural on the wall behind the Midlands Sailing ClubThe emblem of the Midlands Sailing Club is similar to the Swiss flag. I wonder why 🙂
The mural depicts the history associated with the reservoir and highlights two influential people. Thomas Telford is the Scottish Civil Engineer who enlarged ‘Roach Pool’ and created Edgbaston reservoir and William H Ward, Earl of Dudley was the first club commodore of The Edgbaston Sailing Club in 1895.
Boats and masts.Details of the reservoir shore line.The lonely life of a photographer.
The next stretch of the perimeter walk includes much of the natural wildlife area of the reservoir. There are places from where to explore nature in the woodlands and then there are places to get close to the water. At the turn of the reservoir near to Gillott Road, there is a bridge and there is a nicely framed view of the Birmingham skyline which provides further picture opportunities. Further along is the Birmingham Settlement – the Red Shed – sits back from the path near to Selwyn Road and is an area for well being projects.
The Birmingham Settlement at the Reservoir.
The Reservoir then stretches further westwards and then the path turns 180 degrees heading back to the reservoir entrance. The walk takes you by the back of St Paul’s School of Girls. The area is peaceful and wildlife is abundant at the water’s edge where there is semi marsh land created by a mix of trees, shrubs and water. We pass by the Birmingham Rowing club and then finally complete a full circuit of the reservoir. Thanks were given to Chris, Carol and Lena for arranging the Instameet and we said our goodbyes. Some of us remained to chat over a cup of coffee in the reservoir café before heading home.
If you wish to know more about the Reservoir then please visit “The Friends of Edgbaston Reservoir” Facebook page and sign up for further information.
Father and son look out over the reservoir.
If you are a photographer then please follow the IgersbirminghamUK instagram feed and look out for our Instameets. Examples of previous meetings are on my blog.
Chesterton windmill has featured in my blog over the years. The windmill is a popular structure sitting on top of a prominent hill in Warwickshire just outside Leamington Spa. You can just see the windmill from the M40 motorway, but you need to be a passenger as your eyes have to search for it in the landscape. During the Covid Lockdown, we visited the windmill many times to meet up with our grandchildren and therefore the place has many special memories. I have not visited much in the last two years as the sails have been sent off for repairs. The repair process has been ongoing with no sign of the sails being returned. On Twitter, David Adams, a member of the Chesterton Archaeology Research Team lamented about the situation to English Heritage and Historic England. He tweeted that the Windmill was looking more like a folly these days. His words spurred me on to visit once again.
A low down view of the sail-less windmill from the adjoining Barley field.
The place was quiet when I arrived, and I was the only visitor around. I had brought along my tripod and spent my time leisurely approaching the windmill taking pictures. To begin with I used my 400mm lens to obtain some pictures of the lines in the field lined up with the remaining windmill structure. There are lines in the barley crop that provide a lead into the windmill making for an attractive picture. At the windmill, there is evidence of both natural and artificial erosion of the surrounding wall and the four-legged structure. The artificial erosion is the damage caused by visitors. There are stones scattered around the site and part of the surrounding wall is broken. The damage is unsightly, and no one is taking care or looking to repair the war.
Evidence of wall damage that is all around the Windmill.
The sails are obviously missing, and this removes much of the majestic appearance of the windmill. Any windmill will look deflated without sails. The unique architecture is still appealing for photographs but it is still not the same. A popular place for viewing the windmill is just into the fields on the western approach. With care I went along the tracks into the fields to set up my picture. For these pictures, I decided to use my big stopper filter. This was used to slow down time providing a cinematic feel to the pictures. There is some blurring of the barley due to the light wind blowing across the area. The clouds passed by and so did the time. I decided to move on, leave the peace behind and re-enter the hectic time of the day.
The windmill does not look the same without the sails. We need them back.
There was still some sadness as I left. The windmill is looking more like a folly without its sails. Using this blog and social media, I will ask people to post pictures of Chesterton Windmill in a campaign to bring back the sails. The picture below is one of my favourite pictures of the Windmill which was featured in the BBC England Big Picture
There is a rush of colour to the eyes when you first see the Confetti Fields in Wick near Pershore. The family have been going to the fields since 2018 and every time the colours of the flowers surprise me. The delphinium flowers are white, purple, pink, or lilac blue. They are set out in lines along the field in a regimented style. Nature has a few quirks as in each line of colour there is some cross contamination that adds a small local contrast of colour. One line is of mixed colour and then around the edges are wildflower displays which add another touch of contrast. The family enjoy the day out to the fields and on arrival we walk to the top of the field before slowly making our way back through the paths created in the lines of flowers. Along the way there are lengthy stops for photographs. The viewing platform provides an overall view of the whole field and my grandchildren enjoy the trip up the steps to see the colourful flowers up high.
A happy granddaughter in the fieldsSelfie taking in the fieldsThe fields are great for those extra special family portraits.
This year I brought along my 85mm portrait lens, and it proved to be a big success in the family portraits. The lens gives a superb focus and a nice bokeh to the pictures. Having taken in the flower fields, we walk past the refreshments to the car. We learnt long ago that buying bunches of delphiniums cause problems. They look delightful to begin with but rapidly shed their petals when placed in a flower vase.
More colourful pictures of the Confetti fields.Matching colours
Every year we have a picnic ready for the park in Pershore which is near to the Abbey. However, this year our visit clashed with a brass band festival. Everywhere was busy and there were no parking places available. We were very disappointed. As we headed out of Pershore, my daughter and I remembered a small car park that we had driven past near to the old Pershore bridge. We pulled into the car park and found spaces. There were also picnic benches. A bonus included a viewing platform overlooking the river Avon. The platform was between the new and old bridge and allowed us to view people kayaking on the river. As several narrowboats passed by, the grandchildren were able to wave to the people on board. Whilst we were on the platform, I met Rob preparing his kayak for a paddle on the river Avon. My picture shows him setting up his kayak surrounded by the other equipment laid out on the viewing platform.
Waving to the narrowboats passing by.
The historic Pershore bridge, which is now pedestrian only, has so much history attached to it. In 1413, the abbot of Pershore Abbey lost his life here on the old wooden bridge, The monks rebuilt it in stone. During the English Civil war, the King ordered the bridge to be destroyed to prevent the advancing Parliamentarian army from crossing it. The demolition, led by a Major Bridge, went disastrously wrong leading to the deaths by drowning of 40 Royalist soldiers. In World War 2 ,the bridge was fortified in the event of a German invasion.
Rob preparing his Kayak for the river.
Now the place is a picnic area and Rob can kayak peacefully beyond the bridge from Pershore to Evesham.
I brought along an old Polaroid Pogo allowing the pictures to be printed on the spot.
The family loved the day as can be seen from the photographs. If you want to learn more about our day out then I have provided some links below
I also recorded past visits to the Confetti fields in 2020, 2019, and 2018. Pictures from 2021 and 2022 were featured on my Flickr and Instagram accounts.
Maxstoke Castle is very distinctive built in red brick with all the requirements for being a castle on the checklist. There are walls and towers with a large moat circling the building. Inside there are living quarters and gardens. Maxstoke is said to be very unusual because the castle is still the same as when it was built in 1345. During the English Civil War the castle was used as a garrison by the Parliamentary troops and did not sustain any damage. Situated near to Coleshill in the green belt between Birmingham and Coventry, Maxstoke castle is now privately owned. I learnt that there is a strong connection between Maxstoke and Packwood house which happened when there was a marriage between the two families in the 18th Century. Most of the information about the castle can be gleaned from the internet. However what really fascinated me was the majestic appearance of the castle and I was very keen to photograph the place.
Looking up at the front towers of the entrance.Detail of the house in the central courtyardRoses and windows
The castle opens up for one day a year for local charities which this year were the Coleshill Parish Church restoration project and the National Gardens Scheme. The day was very hot and when we arrived, there were queues outside the entrance. We were advised to return in 20 minutes so we took time to stroll around nearby Shustoke reservoir. When we came back to the entrance, we were initially worried that we would not get in again but lucky the gates opened. The entrance to the castle is very photogenic as the trees lead you to the castle and the view opens up to show the grand architecture. I moved to the left and found a view which captured the reflections of the castle in the moat with the water lilies creating a foreground feature. Once we had stocked up with drinking water and cake, we began exploring. My grandson immediately noticed the damsel files and dragonflies darting around the edges of the moat. There was a lady painting the castle in watercolours and I am not sure how she kept her concentration with all the questions from passersby. Inside the castle, there was a chance to see the various treasures in the house but the queue was long and there will always be next year to prioritise this when visiting. Instead we wandered around the castle admiring the gardens and the views.
Steampunk in the castleWith a friend in the sunPainting the castle
There were many people at the castle and there was an eye catching group of Seam Punks who were dressed in bright clothes. They just love having their photograph taken with the castle as a backdrop. I enjoyed the day even though the sun was strong creating difficult shadows for the camera.
View of the moatClimbing roses on the castle walls.Queues for the house tours.Noah holding a Steampunk ogre (pic by Katie Morgan)
On the way out, there was a display of MG cars from a local owners club. The two yellow MGs looked amazing although the others did not disappoint.
Noah, my grandson with Teddy Bear and a red MG.MG sports carMG sports car decked out with Union Jacks.
If you like my pictures and blog then keep a look out for the open day next year. The castle is worth visiting and as mentioned the entrance fee helps several local charities. As a family, we enjoyed the day and my grandson loved seeing the damsel flies, pretending to live in the castle and seeing the sports cars. He even got to hold one of the Steampunk ogres!
Visitors to the castle.The long entrance driveway to Maxstoke Castle.
You may wish to read my visit to Kenilworth Castle which is not so far away and owned by English Heritage.
When the dental hospital was on St Chad’s Queensway, one of the places I was always walking past was the lock-up cells on Steelhouse lane. The Police Station was active and the cells in the lockup were still being used till 2016. There was always lots of activity around there with police vans and officers moving around sometimes in large numbers. Now the building has been renovated and reopened as the West Midlands Police Museum. The entrance to the Children’s hospital is now the busiest place on the street and several of the buildings are being turned into Luxury flats.
Coleridge passage and the side view of the MuseumOne of the many passage ways inside the museum with the cells on the left.
Having seen several photographs of the inside of the building, this has been on my list of a place to visit for some time. The opportunity arose when a group of friends organised a visit and I looked forward to exploring the inside of the building. The museum is the former site of the West Midlands Police Lockups that were used to temporarily hold prisoners whilst they were being tried at the Law Courts next door. The prison has a long and colourful history and many people from different backgrounds passed through the cell doors. With the popularity of the Peaky Blinders BBC series, such sites have generated a high level of public interest. In fact the term Peaky Blinders covers many of the gangs that roamed Victorian Birmingham in the 1890s. Needless to say the museum features the Peaky Blinders in their displays and you can learn more about the gangs that roamed Birmingham which were kept in check by a robust police force.
The sparse contents of a cell.The medical cellThe cell door with viewing latch.
The museum covers three floors and when you enter the building you are immediately drawn to the metal walkways and the cell doors placed along the side of the building. There is a large skylight in the roof which allows the light to filter in all the way down to the lower levels. The play of the light on the whitewashed walls was fascinating and the metal railings and floor created interesting patterns that were immediately captured by my camera. I had brought my trusty Fujifilm x100v and it proved a useful camera in the tight areas of the prison. There were several favourite pictures which revolved around the cells. There were interesting stories everywhere including the toilets inside the cell with the cisterns outside so as to prevent prisoners self harming with the chains.
The toilet in the corner…….the flush on the outside.
The passage way from the lockup to the Law courts was another favourite. I imagined how it must have been when it was in full use as a lockup. Overall I was really fascinated on how the light fell into the prison. Even though the place must have been a difficult place with the smells and the noise, there is also a warmth to the building. The museum features those brave police officers who were harmed whilst undertaking the “line of duty”. There are references to police animals and the highway patrol officers. The presence of a birching stool reminds you of how far we have come in society over a short space of time. In the talk that was given by Peter one of the volunteers, I learnt that the lockup had a matron who oversaw the domestic requirements of the prisoners such as medical care. There were plenty of stories to be told.
A police horse surveys the basement floor of the lockup.Former police motorbikes take centre stage on the top floor.An old “Tardis” design police box on the upper floor of the lockup.Recruitment to the force.The mugshots of previous inmates held in the LockupHelen Taylor, the Museum manager with the background of the steel stairs and floors behind her.
The museum is managed by Helen Taylor and her informative staff, some of whom are former police officers who worked in the lock ups. The staff brought the museum to life and ensured that all questions were answered and made sure we enjoyed our visit. The pictures provide a glimpse into the museum and I know that evening tours are often arranged but for me the light coming into the prison at midday was fascinating. I will certainly revisit at a later date.
Here are some references to the prison including their website
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