The Commonwealth games are coming to Birmingham and the City council has gone overboard to make sure that the streets and roads are looking their very best. There are new pieces of artwork, refurbishing of old artwork and the enhancement of buildings. All guaranteed to make a Brummie proud. The following pictures provide a flavour of what is taking place across the City. Birmingham is making a statement to the Commonwealth and the World that it is a vibrant and exciting place to visit.
Perry, the mascot, is following the tramsOur young people are the future of Birmingham.Chamberlain Square coloursColours are everywhere…..and everywhere you look there are giant posters.The best way to get around is by foot or by bike.Taking a walk through the colours is fun.You can even Cycle through the Commonwealth What would our forefathers thought of all this?Bollards with the Be Bold colours.The runnerInterviewsPerryRainbow StepsPut a poster upA city transformedThe BullringThe countdown clock
Lots of pictures around the city and it has been so exciting to see it all. I just hope this leaves a lasting legacy on the City of Birmingham. John Bray of the BBC has put together a wonderful set of images of Birmingham and his photography is excellent. Commonwealth Games: Bright colours transform Birmingham landmarks – BBC
The Council House, Queen Victoria, 103 Colmore Row, Iron:Man and a Seagull
The Selfridges building is now back to its full glory after a period of renovation. The silver discs were causing problems by becoming detached and falling off the building. All this was happening prior to the pandemic. There were additional problems as the original manufacturer of the discs was no longer operating and a new supplier needed to be found. When the contractors were ready, they covered the building in a spectacular pink and black cover designed by Osman Yousefzada and underneath this “skin” replaced the discs. I liked the Infinity Pattern 1 design as it was a such a different take on the building.
An upward view accentuating the symmetry.A reflection capturing the work being done near to the HS2 site
The repair work continued during and after the pandemic. Finally, the scaffolding came down revealing the new replacement discs. I take part in a weekly photographic project and the week’s theme was geometry. The Selfridges building is perfect for this theme and I went out and about with my camera taking pictures to accentuate the amazing patterns. There was also the chance to get some interaction with reflections of people sitting next to the building. There was a good reaction to the pictures and I find that many people love the design. There are many people who dislike the building but everyone agrees it does put Birmingham on the map.
An opportunity for a few more reflections.Wherever you look there is a different pattern revealed.
I have included some past posts which will provide details of my previous photographic blogs that have involved this iconic building.
A stretch of green in the Warwickshire countryside close to Bidford-on-Avon is the home of Bidford Gliding and Flying Club. With the decline of Covid, many fairs and fêtes are back on the calendar and ‘Wings and Wheels’ promised to be a well-attended event. On arrival, the wheels were in full force with an impressive display of classic cars on one corner of the airfield. I enjoyed seeing the old Jaguar and Alfa Romeo cars as these were a particular love of my father. There were many other cars present including a monster truck alongside the tractors. The gleaming chrome work and the rainbow of colours made for some good photography. The morning was overcast so there were no dark shadows to contend with when photographing such subjects. The classic cars were lined up boot to boot and in-between the lines the owners and their families were sitting around on deckchairs discussing their cars. The pride and joy invested in their hobby was plain to see.
The interior of one of the vintage cars.The classic cars parked back to backLunch by the carUnion Jacks, classic cars and the occasional soft toy!
During the morning, propeller planes started to land on the grassy runway, shifting people’s attention away from the cars. It was the start of the ‘Wings’ to take the centre stage. The planes were colourful with both single wing and biplanes displayed. The proud owners were making last minute adjustments to the wings and fuselages polishing the outside and checking the engines. The main reason for attending the show was to watch Rich Goodwin undertake an aerobatic display as a warmup to the forthcoming RAF Cosford Airshow. Rich was to be the subject of a BBC Midlands Today news item. His entrance to the meeting teased the crowds, as two colourful biplanes flew overhead with smoke trails behind them. After landing and parking up, the red and blue biplanes, one red and blue, became the centre of attention. The blue biplane with the marking G-JPIT belonged to Rich Goodwin and upon his arrival on the airfield, he generated a wave of enthusiasm and anticipation for the forthcoming airshow. We did not have long to wait and after a several flypasts by other classic planes, it was the turn of Rich Goodwin to perform. With a flurry of smoke accompanied by the noise of the engines, the biplane took off with a low pass over the fields.
Rich arrives with friendPrior discussion about the airshow. Rich is in the Cockpit.Taking off.A diagonal ascent.A mock stall at the top.Rapidly coming down to earth.Covered in smoke.A final run just above the ground.
It was exciting to watch as the plane drove upwards in a twisting motion with a long smoke trail highlighting the ascent. At the summit of its vertical path, the plane seemed to stall, fall backwards into the smoke trail, and then suddenly shoot forward. The circular movements combined with flying upside down, rolling this way and that were occassionally difficult to follow. This unpredictability was part of the fun of the display. The impossible seemed to be possible and Rich Goodwin did it time and time again during his performance. As quickly as it had started, the final fly past began, and Rich landed his plane to great acclaim from the assembled spectators. Bravo for such a remarkable and memorable display. Following this, my friend John Bray filmed Rich for a BBC Midlands film. It was also time for me to depart.
Our man at the BBC, John Bray, recorded a news item on Rich Goodwin.
On the way out, I came across the Motorbikes and got lost in photographing the many different new and old bikes that were on display. The bikers were in good form and enjoyed having photographs taken. Thanks to the Bidford Gliding and Flying Club for organising the ‘Wings and Wheels’ day and good luck to Rich Goodwin in his future airshows.
Classic sidecar and bike.The bike display was impressive.Lots of bikes to see and photograph.Time to say good bye to ‘Wings and Wheels’.
Meanwhile I took so many pictures of the event so if you have reached this point in the blog then I have put a quick gallery together of all the other photographs I took.
Alfa Romeo classic carRed and WhiteFord Mustang Messerschmitt KR200Jubilee FlagsEnjoying the day outWingsDetailsStop!Do we let this one in.Plane CrazyNice GrillsClassic carsDetailsMore carsJaguar E-TypeWheelsLine up of planesPlane trailsGetting ready to flyThe red Barron colours
I, also, found myself getting caught up in this rollercoaster of a celebration of the motorway junction. Following on from my recent visit to the junction, IgersbirminghamUK organised a photographic meeting for the week of the celebrations. Just under 40 photographers arrived on a Sunday morning to be briefed on the planned photographic walk under the M6. The group photograph was a popular picture and was even featured by the national IgersUK Instagram page. All the photographs taken during the walk may be found under the Instagram hashtag #igbuk_meet_spagjunction. There are some very good pictures that show the relatively unseen world underneath the Spaghetti Junction.
IgersbirminghamUK participantsThe quietness of the canal with the Junction in the distance (selected for the BBC England’s Big Picture).A view of the columns holding up the Motorway.Nature is reclaiming the area underneath the Spaghetti Junction.
The events of the meeting were recorded by the BBC and the report by reporter Laura Mcmullan featured interviews with me and other photographers. Following the publication of the BBC news item, I was invited by the University of Birmingham to write an article on what lies below the Spaghetti Junction from a photographic viewpoint.
Broken glass in Salford CircusDiscarded and broken shopping trolley.
Although I was busy with the organisation of the meeting, I did have time to take a few pictures myself as featured in this blog. I wonder what the place will be like in another 50 years. Meanwhile, I know that I will be passing over the Junction in the future as I hurtle in and out of Birmingham.
Visiting popular National Trust destinations does have its challenges if you are a keen amateur photographer. Hanbury Hall is so photogenic and countless pictures have been taken over the years. I would guess each season throws up wonderful views not only of the house but the impeccable gardens as well. Usually, before I visit a well-known property, I check over the web sites and look at other people’s photographs to find out which are the best views. As it happens for this visit, I did not get myself organised, so I went to Hanbury Hall not knowing what to expect.
The commanding entrance to Hanbury Hall.
Arriving by car you pass the front façade of the house and catch a glimpse of the striking architecture. Walking back to the house from the carpark, the entrance approach provides post card picture views. The property is operating a timed ticket entrance which limits the amount of people. This favours the photographer as in this case there are only a few people and not the crowds that may interrupt the pictures.
Lots of tubs with tulips
First stop was the interior of the house, and I met a volunteer who in a few minutes gave me all the information I needed. Also, I found out that she was a good photographer and took a picture of me on the grand staircase with the beautiful paintings as a backdrop. The building is interesting and there was much activity happening in the house. The volunteers did not mind having their photographs taken included one dressed up as the former owner of the house, Thomas Vernon. The staircase is beautiful and the wall to ceiling painting by the English painter Sir James Thornhill has so much to see. I spent some time moving around using my iPhone for the pictures finding that the wide-angle lens was very useful.
The beautiful painting that highlights the staircase.An upward viewA volunteer dressed up as “Thomas Vernon” former owner of the house.Preparing the table with the silverware.There are some beautiful rooms in the house.Inside viewand outside
Following that important mid-morning coffee, it was time to set off and explore the grounds of the house. I am always amazed how the National Trust find gardeners to tend and cultivate their extensive properties. They are so creative and design wonderful garden designs. The apple orchard was symmetrically laid out and the trees were just beginning to blossom.
The beautiful apple orchard.
The Orangery was a particular favourite of mine. The sun was shining in through the large windows accentuating the orange glow of the brick paintwork. I leant that this grade II listed building has red Flemish bond ashlar brickwork which gives the characteristic colour. There is also a tiled floor. One of the tiles has a dog paw print caused by a disobedient pet wandering around before the cement had set 250 years ago.
The OrangeryThe inside of the OrangeryThe 250 year old footprint!A pheasant greeting
The symmetry of the Pareteer garden was beautifully coloured by yellow tulips. The Encyclopaedia Britannica describes “a Pareteer as the division of garden beds in such a way that the pattern is itself an ornament.” It is like an Elizabethan knot garden and was fun to photograph. Linking the gardens is Snob’s tunnel which returns you to the back of the house. The tunnel allowed servants to move around without being seen by guests of the house.
Love the symmetry in the gardensThe house in a lensball.Snob’s TunnelBeautiful walks surround the property.
On my way home I visited Hanbury Church which is adjacent to the Hall and has commanding views over the river seven valley.
Bluebells stretching out in a forest glen are always a wonderful sight to behold. This year there has been an abundance of bluebells and they are slightly earlier than previous times. For the photographer, bluebells are so appealing and to see the blue flowers either close up or at a distance is always very appealing. This year I first noticed the bluebells when I visited the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham and then again during a bike ride to Hay Wood that is close to home. I have visited several bluebell woods before, including Austy Woods, and I am always on the lookout for one that may offer a different take on this renowned British walk. The Heart of England Forest‘s Bluebell Wood which is in Great Alne, Warwickshire, held a charity woodland walk to help to conserve these irreplaceable ancient woodland habitats. I found it by chance on browsing through Facebook and signed up for the event.
The start of the walk on a glorious spring day.The path into the bluebell wood.A beautiful ancient woodland with a lovely carpet of bluebells.
The wood is near to one of my favourite breweries, Purity Beer, but sadly we passed the entrance and arrived at the Great Alne wood. Another time maybe! There were a few parked cars and there was a warm welcome from the organisers. My daughter, Natasha and Noah, my grandson, came with me and we set off to explore. This is an ancient wood and there were strategic signs placed along the way that gave us interesting nuggets of information about the wood. There was also a tree log strategically placed midway during the walk, where we could get some lovely selfie pictures with a bluebell backdrop. The place was quiet, and we felt at one with the place. The wood has a rolling terrain with gentle hills which show off the bluebells. Having had our fill of the bluebells we made our way back to the start. There was a short detour to a hill that provided a view of the surrounding area. The sun was out throughout the visit and this helped with the photography and views of both bluebells and scenery.
Bluebell backgrounds always makes for a lovely photograph.A view of bluebells in the ancient woodland.The perfect opportunity for a lensball picture
Photographic tips – I took my tripod with me, and I used my Canon 5D mkIV. I brought my general-purpose lens EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM and a zoom lens EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM. I added a polariser on the 24-70mm lens. All pictures were taken in manual setting with the ISO 100 and I had my tripod to allow for a low shutter speed. My trusty iPhone13 also delivered some excellent pictures.
The final view of the Warwickshire countryside.
I have added links to previous bluebell walks. Please also visit the Heart of England Forest websites to learn more about what they do protecting and developing our forests. Bluebells in Austy Woods Heart of England Forest
The Wythall transport museum is a treasure trove of bus memorabilia and it was recommend to the IgersbirminghamUK team as a place to hold an Instameet following a feature on BBC Midlands Today. The man behind the museum is enthusiast Denis Chick and he was there to greet us as we arrived at the Museum. Denis is Vice Chairman and Press Officer and there is nothing he does not know about the collection. His enthusiasm for the place is unlimited and we received a warm welcome. This was a limited numbers IgersbirminghamUK meeting as Denis already had a booking with a classic car display taking place. When we arrived the cars were already getting ready for the display. The sun was shinning off the highly polished bodywork. We could not have asked for better weather for a day out at the Transport Museum.
Denis Chick in front of one of the restored buses at the museum.
Many of the IgersbirminghamUK regulars were present plus one or two new faces. We had a quick introduction to the day, a group photograph and then we set off to explore the cars and buses. The museum houses over 90 buses. Many of the famous names of the past are there including Midland Red and the WMPTE blue and cream buses. There are other transport buses from around the West Midlands including representation from local independent operators. All the buses are in operating condition and sport a wonderful array of colours.
A busy day of classic cars and buses at the Museum
The IgersbirminghamUK participants were able to roam around the three hangers that housed the vehicles, and many photographs were taken. It was a dream location. Reflections in the windows and mirrors made for many great compositions. The small details in and around the buses and other memorabilia meant that as photographers we had a great time as we snapped away. I particularly liked all the emblems and old signs.
The no 11 busSetting off for a bus ride around the area.Petrol Cap (they don’t make them like this anymore!)Stop signal in the drivers cab.Lovely Chrome work radiator.Authentic scale model buses to purchaseMidland red
In line with the current green agenda, the museum has a collection of battery electric road vehicles. This includes 30 electric milk floats and bread vans. These vehicles were operated by companies such as the Co-op, Midland Counties and Birmingham and Handsworth Dairies. Once again like the buses, the milk floats were very photogenic and there was always a volunteer around to talk about their previous history and how they went about restoring them.
A line up of electric milk floats.
The exhibits were photographed all over from the overall bus to the minute details of the inside and the wheels and other interesting components. The spectrum of colours was a delight.
The bonus to the visit was National drive-it day. This is when all classic vehicle owners are encouraged to get their vehicle on the road. There were several car clubs present and the range of cars was so varied.
My first car was a Hillman Imp. Great to see this model.A line up of classic carsA Ford Mustang
A big thank you to Wythall Transport Museum for hosting us. Thank you to Nicky Butler part of the IgersbirminghamUK team for putting together the day but unable to join us. To John Convey of the Igers team for helping on the day. Thank you to all the participants who came along. These are my own personal photographs and if you wish to see some of the marvellous pictures taken then follow the link #igbuk_meet_wythall. If you are interested in our previous IgersbirminghamUK instameets then follow the links to show the variety of photographic subjects that are covered. The Exchange meets IgersbirminghamUK Moseley Instameet – IgersbirminghamUK
Selfie with instructions on how to great the public on the buses.
I always wonder how I miss local attractions when I have lived in the area for most of my life. Kingsbury water park and Drayton Manor Park are near to each other and the family has enjoyed many days out in both places. What I had overlooked over the years is Middleton lakes which is owned by the RSPB and is situated between the other two major venues. The RSPB reserve is next to the Bodymoor Heath Aston Villa training grounds and adjacent to Middleton Hall. The latter was closed when I visited but the RSPD car park was open and once there, I set off to explore the reserve.
Birds on a feederLet’s hop between the twoWith the addition of a woodpecker
My first port of call was the bird feeders and as I placed myself behind the hide, several birds visited included blue tits and a woodpecker. I had brought along my 400mm zoom lens and was able to get some good close ups. My walk up the river path took me to the Birmingham and Fazerley canal. The path took me past some nooks and crannies near to the river. Here I was able to stand in the woods and get some great pictures of the birds who came along.
A chaffinch in the woodsA robin says hello
I walked past the canal onto the flatlands and there were hundreds of seagulls flying around although there were a few other birds such as Canada geese present. I did spot my first butterfly of the season, an orange tip. The reserve is well set out and you can get good views of wildlife. I spotted swans, herons and partridges although I was not quick enough with my camera for some of them.
The wetlands at Middleton LakesThe wetlandsBlowing in the breezeOrange tip butterflyFlying geese and my aerial shots need some more practice.
I did enjoy the visit but was left frustrated as I did not capture the flying birds as well as I had hoped. As I walked back reflecting on how to get better images, there were two ducks on the canal bridge walls. Getting my iPhone out I took a close-up picture of the birds before they moved on.
What are you staring at?Hope you enjoy the view.
My duck stare picture did get a positive set of viewing on my social media channels. The picture of the lakes was featured on the lunchtime BBC weather report. These features made for a satisfying end of my visit to Middleton Lakes.
My picture feature on BBC Midlands weather report.
What lies below is a theme for this and my next blog. Spaghetti Junction is 50 years old in May 2022. Millions of car drivers pass over Spaghetti Junction as they hurtle past Birmingham. Many are on the M6 heading north or south to their destination with no thought about what is below. For others the Aston Expressway is the main northern route into Birmingham and is a spur off the Junction. The sprawl of roads spit out cars to Erdington and 6 ways along the Tyburn Road. People live in Gravelly Hill immediately adjacent to the junction. The area is a mixture of concrete, noise and fumes. The Junction celebrates 50 years in May and at the time was seen as a landmark construction. Over the years it has become synonymous with Birmingham.
The layers of the Junction from the River Tame to the Signs for the Aston Expressway
As a photographer what lies below is much more interesting and is seldom seen from above. The first part of the junction to investigate is Salford circus which is the link roundabout for many of the local roads to the motorway. It is not clear what the planners had in mind but the inner pedestrian area of the junction is an unfriendly concrete jungle. It is covered in litter and graffiti tagging. It is not a place to visit alone and luckily my photographic colleague John Bray was with me. The concrete pillars are giants holding up the roads above. The area is under attack and the hero is nature as it attempts to reclaim the area.
What wonders what the planners had in mind for the underpasses.The sound of broken glassNature is fighting back on the concrete.Tagging and signsHaving someone with you when visiting is essential.
Kicking our way through the rubbish we make ouir way through the underpasses and cross the busy junction to reach the canal access steps. Running under the Motorway the canals also make a junction. There is where three canals come together namely the Birmingham and Fazeley, the Tame Valley and the Birmingham and Warwick Junction canals. Flowing alongside the canals is the River Tame. The area has numerous bridges criss crossing the canal and the light peeks through vents above. There are grafitti strewn around the place. Cyclists and walkers move around in a surreal dance. Walking eastwards the Motorway passes Star City and the area is reminiscent of many TV programmes. This is probably because a great deal of car chase filming takes place around here.
Concrete everywhereAccess to the canalStarting to explore underneath.A view of the Star City entertainment complexA place where many movies car chases are filmed.
Moving westwards there is a bridge tunnel where there is graffiti which in the past was renowned for its beauty and craftsmanship in previous years. When we visited, there was just a white washed wall with a prison window. I am unsure of the meaning of this painting. The site is used as there is a shaft of light that comes down from above the junction onto the canalside.
Underneath the heart of the junction.The “prison window” graffiti. Reflections and stagnations in the water.The deep green canal.Traffic thunders above.Constant repair of the road structure goes on.Looking back along the canal.Bolts hold the roads together.
The canal path leads under all the roads that form the Junction and there is repair work on several of the bridges. A path along the Aston Expressway eventually comes out onto Aston reservoir. This is a hidden feature in the shadows of the Motorway. It is relatively peaceful and a contrast to the distant noise of the traffic. Moving along the perimeter and keeping the river Tame in view, there are trees and shrubs which are reclaiming the land underneath the tarmac. This becomes the end of our journey underneath Spaghetti junction, and we head home back on the M6.
Aston ReservoirSpring Blossom against the concrete pillars.
There are likely to be birthday celebrations on its big 50 birthday but meanwhile here is a BBC link celebrating 40 years.
Oozells square in the westside of Birmingham is unremarkable other than the IKON gallery which is on one side of the square. The IKON is a highly acclaimed contemporary art venue and when you have finished looking over the latest exhibits, take a well earned rest in Yorks coffee shop. However in the months of March and April the square erupts with cherry blossom and becomes one of the most photographed squares in Birmingham. I also took many photographs. The square was featured in a BBC news and my photograph was included. I have also added a few more of my own in this post.
A favourite reflection is produced around the water featurethe blossom turns and ordinary square into the extraordinary.A traditional view of the blossom with the IKON in the background.Another traditional view of the blossom in the square.
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Little Red Riding Hood – Poster with hanger£19.50
