Balsall Heath is an absorbing place to photograph. As part of the Balsall Heath Observation Project, I have connected with many local groups. Several individuals have kindly taken the time to walk with me around the streets of Balsall Heath and share their memories—both past and present—of the area. During these photowalks, I have photographed the surroundings and recorded their stories. I have also spoken with many residents to learn about daily life, how the community works together, and the ways people support one another.
The mobile citizen Advice Logo
One of the charities that has welcomed me and offered an opportunity to see their work is the MECC on Court Road. The MECC charity supports the local community by offering advice and information on a wide range of topics, including employment opportunities, education, and training. The Trust also provides access to household support funds that help vulnerable Birmingham households with essential living costs. Their website offers further details, where you can learn more about the valuable contribution they make to the Balsall Heath community.
Discussing the merits of the MECC
One activity that particularly interested me was the MECC bus. This “energy” bus serves as a mobile base that provides advice and information to the local community. At the invitation of Tony Fox, a volunteer with the Trust, I went to see the bus for myself. The blue MECC bus was parked in Cannon Hill Park near the gates leading to Cannon Hill Road. There I met Tony and Bashir, who were running the information centre for the day. The weather was bright and sunny, and many people stopped to speak with them as they passed by. Several members of the public showed interest, and Tony and Bashir were more than happy to engage, explain their work, and share information leaflets.
Tony displays the MECC uniform.
I found that we had a great deal in common, and I really enjoyed my time learning about their work. My photographs show the bus along with Tony and Bashir. The MECC charity has many aims, and if you would like to learn more, please visit their website: https://www.mecctrust.co.uk.
Advice sheets.MECC-Zero
If you happen to see the MECC bus on your travels especially when it is in Canon Hill Park then please give Tony and Bashir a shout out. Their work is improving the wellbeing of the community.
The sun shines on the MECC bus.
Balsall Heath Observation Project
This blog is part of my documentary project taking place in Balsall Heath. The project is a continuation of similar work completed in Stirchley, where over several weeks in 2024 we interacted with members of the local community. The Stirchley Observation Project was very successful, and I subsequently enrolled with the same group of photographers for the Balsall Heath Observation Project. We meet at the Old Print Works on Saturdays for formal lectures and project feedback. Each of us is undertaking a different project around Balsall Heath, an area of Birmingham rich in community activity and spirit. The project is part of the PRISM photography network.
Baddesley Clinton staged the Twelve Days of Christmas with a difference. The story was told by twelve Snowmen who were placed in strategic positions around the National Trust property. I made the mistake of counting down the Twelve Days rather than starting at the first day and moving forward. I must remember this when I bring the grandchildren to visit!
A cheeky grin from one of the snowmen.On the third day of Christmas….I find myself at Baddesley Clinton.
I set myself a photographic challenge: to capture images of the Snowmen and tell the story in a slightly different way. The Snowmen were very cooperative, and I had no trouble persuading them to pose for the camera, although they did struggle when it came to turning around.
Someone is dancing on the Snowman.I love those legs they are eggcellent.
I wondered how the Snowmen would look against the beautiful gardens and the historic, grand moated house. To my pleasant surprise, the combination worked wonderfully, and the designs on the twelve Snowmen were beautifully painted. This artistic element was created by Wild on Art, who are always brilliant at imagining unique and engaging artwork. They have taken their Snowman to previous Christmas National Trust displays at Sheffield Park, and Knole Park.
Look out – the swans are behind you.Here’s looking at you.
The exhibition is well worth a visit and a delight for both young and old. Just remember to follow the route the right way round, anticlockwise, otherwise you’ll find yourself counting down to the first day of Christmas. Although, that’s not such a bad idea either!
I feel a little overdressed for the weather.
BTW not all the twelve snowmen are photographed so you will have to go and see them for yourself. The National Trust are excellent and creating magic at Christmas. Here is a blog about Baddesley Clinton and Packwood House when I visited the properties two years ago.
I was so excited to learn about the light trail taking place at Warwick Castle. Not only was I excited, but one of my daughters and her two daughters were also eager to see the lights. The main attraction for them was Stories with Santa, followed closely by ice skating. For me, it was the light trail around the grounds of the castle. On a cold night we set off to the Castle, the children talking non-stop during our journey there.
The excitement mounts as we approach the entrance.
We have visited the Castle many times and parked as usual at the Stratford Road car park. My granddaughters always love the shrieks of the peacocks who live on the grounds. Tonight the peacocks were in bed, but the lights lit up our short walk to the entrance. The Castle looked amazing, lit up in purple with yellow lights surrounding the walls. We could see the ice-skating rink where we were booked later in the evening. This first sight of the Castle really ramped up the excitement levels. We also met the elves, who were checking whether we had been good. Much to my granddaughters’ disbelief, my daughter was told she had been naughty!
Your first view of the floodlights on the Castle.A warm family greeting from the elves.
We had underestimated how much there is to do at the Castle. Although we were scheduled for ice skating and Stories with Santa, we also needed to allow time for the light trail and getting food. As always as a family, our planning was not perfect, but we had great fun trying to do everything.
The Castle looked amazing.
First, we did the light trail backwards! Early on we encountered a loud voice tempting us to “push the button, push the button.” When we did, it unleashed a sequence of events across the River Avon. A light-activated trebuchet fired, followed by a flame explosion not far from where we were standing. It was a loud bang which made us all jump. We marvelled at all the light displays but realised we had to hurry back to the ice-skating.
Push the button!The explosion is very loud.
–
The boat house looking colourful
At the ice-rink, I stood on the side to take pictures. We were treated to a spectacular display of ice-skating by a group of young people who gave a beautiful demonstration of the art of skating. Ice Angels UK have a number of British Champions in their group and showed the art of ice dance. Their illuminated cloaks at the end were stunning. My granddaughters and daughter loved the ice skating and used both a penguin figure and a whale as helpers on the rink. As a keen roller-blade skater, my eldest granddaughter took to the ice straight away. It was a wonderfully Christmassy scene with the Castle as the backdrop. Eventually I grew restless—and had a go at skating myself!
The ice dance group were amazing.Very talented skaters.The skating light show.
We had worked up a healthy appetite and went to find food. The vendors catered for all tastes. As I was not driving, I enjoyed a pint of my favourite pale ale from the Purity brewing company. There was so much choice. For my granddaughters, toasting marshmallows was an essential item on their list. On a cold night, the hot food was very welcome, and we were serenaded by Christmas singers as we sat.
One of the many food vendors.Toasting the marsh mallows.Lots of goodies to purchase.Christmas singers.
Then it was back for another go at the light trail—this time the right way! I loved the light tunnels, my granddaughters loved controlling the colours on the Christmas tree, and we all loved Holly the horse with her rider and handler.
A picture with Holly, the horse, who saved Christmas.Brilliant light tunnels.The look of Joy….…..and concentration.
–
We rushed back to be in time for Stories with Santa, our final scheduled event of the evening and a major highlight. I have visited the Castle on many occasions and the majestic Great Hall always takes my breath away. We were treated to a cup of orange juice for the children and prosecco for the adults. The elves were waiting in the dining room and introduced themselves. They asked the children to help sort out the presents. When this was done, Mrs Claus appeared followed by Santa himself, arriving via the chimney. There was much excitement and laughter as Santa settled to read us a story, Holly the Horse Who Saved Christmas. When it finished, all the children received a Holly soft toy and a picture with Santa, while the adults received a mince pie from Mrs Claus.
Santa Claus and Mrs Claus telling the story of Holly the horse that saved Christmas.That all important picture with Santa.Important discussions with the elves and some surprises.
By now my grandchildren were very tired and we slowly made our way back to the car. I took the opportunity to climb up the steps leading to walk along the castle walls. This allowed me to take pictures of the inner circle of the Castle in all its grandeur. We left in high spirits and the journey home was very quiet as the two girls fell asleep, dreaming of the evening’s adventures.
The conservatory looking beautiful in the light trail.
I would highly recommend a visit to the Castle. Everything about the experience is first class, well organised, and full of smiles from the staff. The lights were amazing, the ice skating was lovely to watch, and the food and drink hit the spot. Finally, a magical light trail. In my blog I have overused the words fun, magical, and excitement—but they truly sum up the evening.
Just so you know, the light trail is at Warwick Castle 🙂
The images online do not compare to walking through and taking part in the events. As a keen photographer, I was mesmerised by the lights and the creative ideas behind the trail. In truth, there was so much to do that we need a second visit to experience it all properly.
Thank you to everybody at Warwick Castle for such a wonderful evening.
If you enjoyed this blog then stay a while and also explore Warwick. Here is a blog that I wrote in 2020 and little has changed since then. Warwick Castle and the town has so much to offer.
I entered the first ever Eden Project Wildflower Photographer of the Year competition, run in partnership with Canary Wharf Group, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the National Wildflower Centre (NWC). Imagine my delight when my image won first place in the Amateur Photographer category — plus a generous prize that allowed me to upgrade my Canon camera!
The photo was taken in Kinver in the summer of 2024. It had already done well in the International Garden Photographer of the Year competition, where it placed second. So I was thrilled to be able to submit the same image to the Eden Project competition.
My one concern is that the version shared on social media had the wrong colour balance — it looked dull and lifeless. I hope this will be corrected, as it has taken a little of the shine off the achievement.
Everywhere I look, there are signs. There are warning signs, diversion signs, public right of way signs. They puncture the landscape, each one a reminder that HS2 is reshaping the countryside in ways both visible and invisible.
HS2 make sure you stay on the official footpath.
Since my last visit, the HS2 works have progressed. The path where the trains will run is now clearly defined, bridges have risen across the fields, and yet the disruption continues. Earthmovers, fences, and machinery still dominate what was once quiet farmland and woodland.
One of the major bridges on this part of the HS2 track. A sign indicates where to go.Concrete pipes ready to be laid.Metal fences protect the HS2 works.
As I walked along the public path, I met Tony and Louise, out for a weekend stroll. We chatted about the project. Tony focussed on the endless metal fencing, the slow pace of construction, and the sense that someone, somewhere, must be profiting handsomely from all this upheaval. Then Bill passed by, shaking his head. He said that HS2 was “Disastrous for the countryside.” He told me how he’d recently brought his daughter to see the area near Sixteen Acre Wood, and how shocked she had been by the scale of the destruction.
Tony and Louise pictured by the steel HS2 fences.Bill looking out on HS2 path that has destroyed the farmers field.
What strikes me most, though, is the sheer number of signs. They seem to compete with the landscape itself for attention. The public path winds past a tired-looking environmental pond. Then further down there is the original pond still clinging to its place amid the diggers and debris. The woodland here is sparse. Trees have been toppled, stripped back and scarred, but still they hang on waiting for the construction to finish.
Pedestrian lights control the construction traffic.Beware heavy plants.A new pond is out of bounds.
Walking across the path of the future train tracks. I took in the scene. The HS2 line is still dirt for now, awaiting concrete and steel. Machinery parts, pipes, fencing, and plastic weights litter the area. It is difficult to imagine what this place will look like when everything is complete. Will nature ever fully reclaim it?
The high speed train track is just dirt and compacted soil. The tracks await.
Tony asked me what I thought of it all. His question caught me off guard. The truth is, I am somewhere in the middle rather like the metal fence that separates one side from the other. I am dismayed at how easily nature is cast aside, yet I cannot deny the appeal of improved transport and connectivity. Still, the pace and the cost weigh heavily on any sense of progress.
An autumnal path leads to the HS2 works.A bleaker path takes you over the HS2 track.
Taken in 2011, it shows a dark, dense woodland. The scene is peaceful and the field is ploughed ready for planting. This is an image from another age.
Progress, it seems, may be efficient but it is rarely kind.
This is the latest in a long line of Blogs about the HS2 construction taking place around 16 Acre Wood near Berkswell. If you found this interesting then please read my last blog which will then lead you along to all the others on this subject.
A visit to a new National Trust property is always exciting, and I was pleased to have the opportunity to explore Canons Ashby near Northampton. I drove from Rugby, where I had stayed the night, and my SatNav showed that the route was due south to the property. What it did not reveal, however, was that much of the journey would take me cross-country through some of the delightful Northamptonshire countryside.
The rich decoration and coat of arms seen in the drawing room.Central staircase in the house.
When I arrived at Canons Ashby, the grounds were very quiet. My visit coincided just after Storm Benjamin had passed through, so parts of the property had restricted access. Fortunately, by the time I arrived, the worst of the storm had passed, and there were signs of the weather improving. The Tudor house looked very impressive and was decorated with pumpkins ready for Halloween.
Outside staircase decorated with pumpkins.
Arriving early, with an hour before the house opened, I took the opportunity to explore the gardens and the grounds outside the walled garden. One of my photos of the house and gardens was even featured on the BBC East Midlands weather forecast.
Outside view of Canons Ashby that was featured on BBC East Midlands weather.
Inside, the house had many stories to tell. The volunteers shared fascinating accounts of its history, and I particularly enjoyed learning about Alice Dryden’s photographic record of life in and around Canons Ashby. Her images were both detailed and evocative.
The photographs and camera of Alice Dryden exhibited in her room.
I enjoyed the close ups of the details on the bedroom walls. The rooms were full of atmosphere. There was much to see and photograph. Further details of Canons Ashby are on the National Trust website and my blog shows what caught my eye during my visit.
A quiet corner of the house.One of the two Dryden Lions licking a “lollipop”. The planet represents science and learning.St Mary’s church, the only remaining part of a 13th-century priory.Graffiti found in Spencer’s room.
I love added my visits to National Trust properties on my blog and if you enjoyed these pictures then be sure to visit my other blogs on the National Trust. I have listed two below to start your journey.
Cracks Hill is near the village of Crick, just over the border from Warwickshire. My daughter lives in Houlton, close to Crick, and I was visiting her when the weather forecast predicted thick fog for the morning.
The contrast between the tree with no leaves and one with full foliage.
I drove over and walked across the fields, along the canal, and up to Cracks Hill. The fog was dense, and visibility was low. I had brought my tripod, which allowed me to capture some excellent photographs at long exposures with my camera.
On the edge of the hill a tree is isolated in the fog.
The images I liked most were of the cobwebs on the canal bridge, with mist and moisture delicately hanging on the strands. The combination added a sense of mystery to the scene. The area around Cracks Hill is very pretty, and although much of the usual landscape was hidden, I was able to take some wonderfully atmospheric pictures of the trees.
Cobwebs on either side of the metal parts of the canal bridge.The shadows of the canal bridge reflected in the water.
The fog in the countryside contrasts with that seen in the city. Here is a blog when the fog settled on Birmingham.
I had been feeling a little jaded and in need of some new inspiration for my photography. To spark a fresh way of seeing, I decided to give myself a challenge: to photograph the Library of Birmingham without showing any books. It sounded simple, but it pushed me to look at the building differently and find views that have not already been captured a thousand times.
Looking up at the patterns in the skylights.
The Library of Birmingham never fails to surprise me. Its striking architecture, spacious interiors, futuristic escalators and sweeping balconies all have a story to tell. Although it is, of course, a library filled with books, I wanted to focus on its atmosphere and design rather than what sits on the shelves.
The sharp angles against the cloud filled sky.
Autumn had arrived and the leaves on the trees were a deep contrasting red colour. The outside gardens are a peaceful place to visit. Visitors to the library enjoy finding quiet spots to reflect and relax from the busy City below.
The colours of Autumn against the backdrop of the library.Finding a quiet place to reflect and take time out.
For this project, I used three cameras: my Canon 5D Mark IV, my Fujifilm X100VI, and my iPhone. Each one encouraged a different way of seeing. The Canon, with its wide-angle lens, delivered crisp and detailed shots. The Fujifilm, which has a fixed 50 mm lens, performed beautifully in the softer light but required a slower, more considered approach. The iPhone proved surprisingly powerful when capturing reflections, as its lens can be placed right up against a surface to create playful and unexpected effects.
A place to meet and look out over the square below.
This collection of photographs shares what I discovered on that visit. It is my attempt to show the Library of Birmingham from a new angle and to remind myself that inspiration often appears when you look at familiar places in unfamiliar ways.
An example of the futuristic design of the interior.A reflective window to the outside world.Colour contrasts on the balcony.
This is not the first time that I have photographed the library and you may well enjoy this earlier account. Be warned a few library books creep into the pictures.
I travelled to Worcester in search of streets with burst of colour, even though the weather forecast looked less than promising. Accompanied by my daughter and grandson, we set off to explore the city’s urban art scene during the Worcester Paint Festival. From hidden alleyways to large murals, Worcester proved to be a colourful place, full of surprises for anyone who loves street art and photography.
Careful of paint splashes.
Our first stop was the CrownGate Shopping Centre, which served as the temporary headquarters for the festival. Friendly faces greeted us. We chatted about the Paint Festival and where to see the artwork. Printed maps were available and proved to be excellent as they were clear, detailed, and very useful alongside the online version. A great reference source that set us up for the day.
From the shopping centre, we headed to Angel Place street market, where several art murals caught our attention. The atmosphere of the market combined with the colourful artworks made for perfect photo opportunities. I particularly enjoy capturing street art with people passing by, as it adds a human element that brings both the artwork and the photography to life.
Next, we sought out Inkie’s work at the Royal Porcelain Works. His colourful mural decorated the gate leading to the old printing works and stood out vividly against its surroundings. We then made our way back into the city centre, passing a series of murals, some finished, others still in progress. Friar Street is one of my favourite parts of Worcester, with its mix of heritage buildings and modern urban art. One mural was cordoned off while the artist was working though I managed to catch a glimpse from a stairwell.
Along the way, we discovered plenty of independent shops and more artwork. Before leaving the city centre, I climbed the stairs to the car park roof to photograph some stunning murals, their lively colours contrasting with the rows of parked cars around them.
Our next destination was the Sixways legal wall on Offerton Lane, a council-designated space for street art. Tucked beneath the A449 and running alongside the Worcester and Birmingham canal, it has become a hub of creativity. We parked at the back of Sixways Stadium, and I went on alone to explore the underpasses. Artists were hard at work on the walls of the two underpasses. The air was thick with the smell of spray paint being applied to the concrete.
Cycling pastCathedral, mural and bike.Colour co-ordinationReflections in the canal.Spray cans at the ready.Footprints.
The line-up was impressive: Worcester Writers KFO crew and guests, featuring PHE, Zeeizm, Kask, Sore, Spar, Knel, WWF (Wizards with Funk) Crew, Buser (OSK Bristol), Inkie (KTS, ASK Bristol), Such (ACT Sheffield), Rob Dise (TWC, Worcester), Merk, Hart, Frank Brough, Umix, and Arbour. I have always loved the names chosen by graffiti writers each one hinting at the personality behind the art. I am unsure who is who in my photographs at the Sixways legal wall, so please do get in touch if you can help with credits.
City limits.
This visit was just a glimpse into Worcester’s thriving urban art scene, which comes into its own during the Paint Festival. Murals and installations can be found across the city where they are tucked down small side streets, hidden in alleyways, or displayed on large walls. With every visit, there is something new to discover, making Worcester a worthwhile destination for anyone interested in street art, colour, and creativity.
If you enjoyed this then be sure to read my blogs about street art When I visited Cheltenham Spa and Halifax, Canada.
This is my 500th blog post — a remarkable milestone in my blogging journey. I first began writing my blog on this website on 27th December 2016, although my experience with online storytelling stretches back much further. Since 2006, I ran a work blog for the School of Dentistry, and even before that, in the early nineties, I was exploring websites and digital storytelling. I have always enjoyed keeping a diary of photographs, recording important years and events alongside my images. Social media gave me the opportunity to bring words and photos together, sharing my personal blog reflections and photographic stories with a wider audience. Now, 500 posts later, I am still passionate about blogging.
My first post in December 2016 and included this reflection of one of the entrances to the then recently opened New Street station. I was very proud of this picture and is one of my trademark reflections. I still come here to take pictures as you can get many varied and interesting street photography views.
Watching the sun set whilst sitting on the edge of Stanley Park
Post 100 – I was at a conference in Vancouver in July, 2019. On one of the evenings, I went out to Stanley Park and sat with many other local residents to see the Sun set. The experience was memorable and the picture does not fully convey the atmosphere of the evening.
Red post and telephone box in the snow
Post 200 – January 2021 and we had lived through Covid19 but we were still in one of the many lockdowns. Luckily waking up one morning, I saw that it had snowed. My village, Knowle, is very photogenic and the red postbox and phonebox stand out against the white background.
The interior of St Margaret’s Church, Ward End, Birmingham.
Post 300 – The Commonwealth Games in Birmingham was a magical time and there was so much going on. There was an art project called “Keys to City” which open locks around Birmingham. I visited several venues with my key. This is St Margaret’s Church, Ward End, Birmingham. No longer a church, the place is a community centre. What was special about the Church were the stained glass windows which were created by pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones.
A view along Smallsbrook Queensway.
Post 400 – The Ringway Centre which is to the right of the picture is earmarked to be demolished. There is opposition to this proposal and therefore the bulldozers are so far silent. The planners wish to take down what they say is a building with concrete sickness and replace it with new shiny residential towers. I am unsure if this is progress but we wait and see what the outcome will be.
Knowle sunrise in September and featured on BBC Midlands today weather.My picture on BBC Midlands today – note the spelling of Solihull.
Post 500 – This is Knowle Park on a cold Tuesday morning in September. The figures walking along the path are entering the mist with the fiery sunrise beyond the trees. This was featured by Shafali Ozer on the BBC weathers. I always receive kind comments on social media when a picture is featured.
So we have reached 500 posts and I would like to thank James Kelly, who has been instrumental in setting up my website back in 2016. Little did we know back then that this blog would still be thriving 500 posts later. My very first post was about Birmingham Gems, an annual calendar at that time featuring my photographs. That first image, the entrance to New Street Station with ceiling reflections creating a surreal scene, remains one of my proudest photographs.
Finally, thank you to all my readers over these 500 posts. Some of you may have joined for just one or two views, whilst others have followed the entire blogging journey. I appreciate every single reader.
Here is to many more blog posts, more photography inspiration, and perhaps even a few books drawn from the stories I have shared over the years.
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