After two abortive attempts to get to Touchwood, one at the wrong time and the other at the right time (but too near the stores opening time), I arrived at the ideal time. Midnight is when the centre allowed #keytothecitybrum holders to enter the shopping centre. As you can imagine, this is not an easy time for most people and as I walked down a dimly lit alleyway in Solihull next to McDonalds, I started to get second thoughts.
In a dark dark street….
The after-hours entrance is not a solubrious placeI as I walked down to the gates and pressed the intercom. A voice kindly welcomed me to the venue, but I had to wait while they did their evening checks around the centre. After 10 minutes I was admitted. In the meantime, two other key holders had arrived. It was a dark foreboding alley, and I was apprehensive as they approached but then reassured when I saw their blue boxes holding the key.
Out of hours entrance to Touchwood
Once inside the main shopping hall, the security people took us to the information kiosk. The key opened a locked box on the desk. Inside were sachets of Cadbury’s drinking chocolate which the security team used to make mugs of drinking chocolate for their visitors. We were then allowed to wander around the deserted shopping centre with our cups in hand. It was a surreal experience.
Box on the deskDrinking ChocolateDrinks on the way
All the shops looked like there were in stasis just waiting for the people to arrive. The area around the cinema was interesting without people around. I think it was the lack of voices and general noise that made the centre feel so different. I loved the Polestar car showroom where all the cars had their headlamps full on. The Apple shop did not have queue outside it but of course it was not open! The restaurants had the chairs upturned ready for cleaning. I spent a good 45 minutes looking around, taking selfies, and looking around the empty shops. Time then to go home and get to bed after my late night visit!
No Queues at the Apple Shop LOLNight time driving in an empty shopping centreNo noisy working machinesCineworld is empty!DarkEmptyNo one aroundThe selfie had to be done.
My Journey with the Key If you wish to review my journey then I have published all my visits on my blog as follows.
By far the most popular venue for the #keyofthecitybrum was Birmingham’s newly built skyscraper, 103 Colmore row. On the 18th floor, there is a south facing viewing platform that provides amazing views of the City’s major buildings. When the Key started, Instagram was inundated with pictures of the City of Birmingham from this platform. Many of these pictures were excellent and circulated by the social media team at 103 Colmore Row. I left my visit to the building till late July and wondered how I could do a different picture from the platform.
A series of views from floor 19 of 103 Colmore Row
Arriving in the foyer of the building with Nicky Warwickshire, my photo companion for the day @nickywarwickshire, we were met by Touwa, one of the volunteers for the Key to the City Brum. Touwa welcomed us to 103 Colmore Row, Birmingham, England. He explained that the newly built building was a 108-metre tall 26-storey commercial office skyscraper. We were going to the 19th Floor and above this floor is the soon to be opened restaurant on the 24th floor. We were not going to the 18th floor viewing platform but to a floor that provides a 360o view. The floor was empty, and I was able to get pictures of buildings such as the BT tower and the Rotunda. I even did a panorama to take in the skyscrapers. It was also possible to capture views of the people visiting who were fascinated with the views.
Admiring the viewPanorama of the City
My different picture? I got down low and framed the top of the BT tower in the frame of the windows. I was pleased as I had got a different view which still conveys the sense of height above the city. The picture was featured by BBC Midlands Today that evening.
A different view of the BT TowerMy picture on BBC Midlands Today
Finally a few more pictures showing the colours of the City for the Commonwealth Games taken from the 19th floor of 103 Colmore Row.
Looking over the City and beyond. What can you see?Colours on the pillars.The view with everyone’s favourite the BT Tower.
My Journey with the Key If you wish to review my journey then I have published all my visits on my blog as follows.
The 61 and 63 buses routes are ones I know well as I use them to visit the dental school at Pebble Mill. I don’t often stay on the bus but for the keys of the City Brum, I carried on and headed down to Northfield. The final bus stop was only a short walk from the Northfield Community Garden. There were large iron gates which were locked by the heavy but majestic Yale lock. The gates had to be pushed open and then I entered.
The gates to the garden with lockWelcome to the garden
There was a lovely welcome sign, and a garden-decorated tractor was also there to greet you. The garden, next to a busy road, is a mixture of different influences. My first thought is that the plants needed a good watering, but one could not overlook the enthusiasm that the gardeners have for the place. There are several car tyres used to good effect providing places for the growing plants. There were some welcome benches where one could sit down and take in the area. In one way it was chaotic, but this was also its charm.
The garden sits next to the busy Longbridge bypass and there is a dull noise of traffic in the background. Over time this noise recedes, and it is possible to relax, reflect and take in the surroundings. I loved the garden shed which was a colourful metal container painted with several eye-catching designs. Overall, a pleasant place to visit and wander around.
A flowerPlant potsThe GardenGarden Tractor
Lapworth Museum
I took the 61 bus back up the Bristol road and jumped off for the University. This #keyofthecitybrum was home territory for me as my visit was to the Lapworth Museum which is part of the University of Birmingham. The museum has won several local awards and been nominated for national awards. Geology is the theme, and this is highlighted by the magnificent Rock Wall which reaches up to the ceiling. The display cabinets have many drawers to pull out, with each one revealing different parts of the collection The large number of windows make the museum a delight to photograph and the afternoon light streaming through is a feature of the place.
Open up……to reveal the treasuresThe Rock WallLovely designs
But the centrepiece is a large dinosaur which is centre piece to the main museum room. Rory the Allosaurus is a commanding skeleton, and he is also the key to finding the lock as described in the instructions. Finding the lock could have been a challenge but I was ready for something hidden having already been to Acocks Green Cemetery. I found the lock in the cabinets opposite to Rory and inside there was a fascinating display of various rocks and fossils. The colours from the rocks is shown in the pictures. This treasure hunt for the key was rewarded with a lovely display. Very well done.
Rory shows the wayKey in the lockHidden treasure Colourful rocksFossil detailsThe contents of the #keytothecitybrumThe University of Birmingham
My Journey with the Key If you wish to review my journey then I have published all my visits on my blog as follows.
This venue like all the others was unique and the #keytothecitybrum takes you to places that you would never normally visit. Green Lane Mosque is in Small Health Birmingham not far from the Birmingham City Football ground. It is an easy venue to find with parking access in the adjacent supermarket car park. I made my way over to the Mosque. The property was originally built to house a swimming pool. The red brick architecture stands out against the modern supermarket buildings.
Anna who was one of the #keytotheciotybrum visitors
This is Anna who is a Key to the City participant, and I met her whilst I was waiting to enter Green Lane Mosque in Small Heath Birmingham. She was with her friend Myrtle who I met previously when I went to pick up my Key at New Street station. Anna picked up my Manchester accent. These days I forget about my life in Bolton and Manchester and even though I have lived in Birmingham since 1985, my original accent still comes through. Anna is from Birmingham but left during her teenage years and then returned. She is dressed up modestly with long hem and scarf for her visit to the mosque. We are by door G for key holders. We found that the electronic key did not work, and we chatted as we went around to the main office. I also learnt that Anna had lived in North Wales as well.
Salim the centre manager greets us and explains the day to day activities in the Mosque
Salim, the centre manager for Green Lane Mosque, met us and introduced himself. He explained that the full name is Green Lane Masjid and community. As a Key to the City holder, we are invited to observe the Dhuhr (noon) prayer. The exact time of prayer changes each day, so I had previously checked the time on the website and found it was 1.30pm. Salim was very patient with us and explained what would be happening at prayer time and then showed us to our viewing area. Once prayers had finished, he gave us a tour of the mosque.
Dhuhr (noon) prayer and the observer room.
The history of the building was fascinating and as previously mentioned, it was once a public swimming bath. I put some pictures of my visit up on Facebook and one of my friends came back saying she remembered her swimming lessons at Green Lane. We were shown different parts of the mosque including the library, the activity area and the part leading to the tower. At the end of the visit, we were given a bag with a copy of the Koran in English, a keyring, and some chocolates. Overall Salim and the community extended warm hospitality to the keyholders and I left with some good memories.
The half round metal surrounds were part of the design of the swimming baths.The black and white brings out the architecture of the building.Shoes offView of the MosqueWindow viewThe tower of the MosqueLooking upCopies of the KoranUsing the Key
–
Salim with the incense burner
My Journey with the Key If you wish to review my journey then I have published all my visits on my blog as follows.
The following visits were quiet and enabled me to reflect on my journey around Birmingham with my #keytothecitybrum. Two different venues, but each allowing a key holder to stop, pause and take in life.
Robin Hood Cemetery
Approach to Lavender walkOpening the vault.
The key took me to Robin Hood Cemetery near Hall Green, a place I have visited several times previously saying my respects to good friends who have passed away. This time it was for the #keyofthecityBrum project. The place was relatively quiet as usually when there is a large funeral taking place, access is difficult. When I arrived, there was a funeral in process and I kept discreetly in the background. Passing the main buildings, I made my way to the pergola over a path called Lavender walk. Here the overground vaults were laid out along the walk. The key opened one of these vaults. There were no signs or indications of where this would be. After 5 minutes I looked up a photographic colleague, Elliot Brown who had already discovered the vault. Reading his account, I realised which vault I should focus on. Immediately I saw that there was one vault which was slightly different to the rest and it had a lock on the front. My key opened the vault and inside there were drawings, ceramic pins, and other objects. There was a lovely poem about the sea and a few other notes. An interesting find that made me pause and reflect.
Mementoes left in the vault A poem about the sea.The Lavender walk
Hall Green library
All the public libraries in Birmingham were participating in the #keyofthecityBrum project. You just needed to visit one of the listed libraries to access a lock.
Entrance to Hall Green Library
As it turned out Hall Green library is not far from Robin Hood Cemetery. I arrived just after lunchtime as the Birmingham libraries close for an hour and reopen at 2pm. The place was busy, but the librarian showed me the metal box which was padlocked. My key opened the lock allowing me to access a red book. Opening this book, I found that I was asked to write down a list of my experiences of visiting the various places in the #keytothecityBrum. The book was brand new, and the librarian informed me that I was the first person to visit Hall Green Library and ask to see the box. I wrote down my entry replaced the book and locked the padlock. I left thanking the librarians. Outside I took several pictures. Once outside I wondered how libraries are surviving in the present era of digital changes. This library may look a little dated on the outside, but it was very much part of the community judging by the number of people who were using it.
The safe box in the LibraryRetrieving the book out of the safe.My reflections.
My Journey with the Key If you wish to review my journey then I have published all my visits on my blog as follows.
My next two venues for #keytothecitybrum were close to each other and both were intriguing. They took me to a part of Birmingham that I have rarely visited. I have had no previous reason to visit the area and I have only passed through on the dual carriage way onto Perry Barr. The north west part of the City is relatively unknown to me and I was about to find out that I had missed some hidden gems.
The Blyden’s Garden
This was a delightful place to visit. A private garden in the middle of Birmingham. When the #keystothecitybrum were released, this place was the most intriguing. A small plot of land was going to be shared with the larger Birmingham community. I did not know what to expect and headed out to the garden. Finding Brooklyn Avenue, I went along to the end of the cul-de-sac and located the road that went behind house 63. The place did not look inviting and one of the houses on the street had a stack of rubbish on the front lawn. I turned the corner and at first did not register anything except an open gate. As I took in my surroundings, I saw a shocking pink door with a welcome sign.
The pink door to the garden
This was nothing like the picture in the booklet! My key fitted the lock. The door needed a good pull as it opened towards me and once inside I discovered a quiet oasis. The place was set out with herb plants including strawberries. There were motivational words hung up on the surrounding fences. There was a large bench where you could sit down and survey your surroundings.
Motivation signsA corner of the gardenPlant pots hanging on the fence
A blackboard was set up near to the door and someone had written in chalk a question of the day.
“If you could go back in time and meet your 10-year-old self. What advice would you give yourself?”
My advice to myself from @dammodammo
I am not sure that my answer was profound enough for the board, but it was fun to participate. I took a few pictures and then sat down. I took some time out to reflect and soak in the ambiance of the garden. Then I took some pictures and before long (around 10 minutes later), I decided it was time to move onto the next venue on my #keytothecitybrum quest.
Reflecting on my time in the Blyden’s GardenMy friends for the dayCool plant potsA corner of the gardenA pink door with a keyTools of the GardenA bench to sit upon
The Legacy Centre of Excellence is on Potters Lane, Birmingham. Upon arrival, I was made welcome by Sarah who showed me what my key unlocked in the building. The room I entered had pictures made from card cut-outs hanging on the wall. These were drawn by Dr Martin Glynn, lecturer in Criminology at Birmingham City University. The collection of pictures was called “Moments and Memories” and were inspired by the Covid19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown.
Moments and MemoriesThe cut outs were striking and very visual.
Dr Glynn investigated the themes of reflection and during his journey wished to immerse his audience into his work. Dr Glynn’s pictures resonated with my own reflections. I have done a series of articles of life during and after the pandemic. In a similar way, I have been on a part of Dr Glynn’s journey. His cut-outs provided very powerful imagery.
The face echoes moments from the pandemic.More of Dr Glynn’s picturesWindrush history.The visitors’ bookThe modern look of the centreSarah in the legacy centre.Legacy centre
Sarah gave me details of the Legacy centre and showed me the main stage that was set up for a B2022 Commonwealth Games Community Engagement event: A journey through Windrush. Sarah agreed to having her picture taken and I discovered that she is an artist in her own right and examples of her work are on her Instagram site @whitecanaryillustration. Another fascinating place on my Journey with the Key.
Negotiating the City
My Journey with the Key If you wish to review my journey then I have published all my visits on my blog as follows.
I planned my day to take in three locations of the Key to the City Brum around the West Midlands. Each venue is very different but they were linked by the way that I planned my visits for the day. I was to find out that these particular venues were very photogenic. Also each of the venues had wonderful stories connected with them. I started at Minworth Green Bridge and then moved over to Streetly Gate. Finally I drove to Washwood Heath to see St. Margaret’s Church. It was a memorable day and I hope I have captured not only my enthusiasm but those of the people I met on my journey.
Minworth Green Bridge
The canal bridge and the doorThe information about the contents
Minworth Green Bridge is on the boundary of the City of Birmingham. It is the furthest north of the key locations and the road bridge crosses over the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal but these are not reasons why it was chosen for the Keys to the City. On one side of the canal bridge is an iron barred door. Making my way down to the door, I came across a family who had just closed the door and were walking along the canal towpath. I got my key out and opened the lock. The opening of the door required some force and once inside there was a surprise. In the narrow long space behind the door, there were several hefty planks of wood. The Canal and River Trust had left an information notice about the use of these wooden planks. When the canal needed to be drained for repair, the planks are used to block off the water. There are grooves in the canal walls which house the planks. This practical solution to the maintenance of the canal was described in the door notice.
Selfie on opening the doorThe opened door reveals it contentsThe door at Minworth Green Bridge
I closed the door and locked the padlock, making it ready for the next visitor. The family returned and they told me that they were on half term holidays and the Key activity gave them a chance to visit different places. For myself, there was the opportunity to take some pictures of the canal including a boat that was moored up by the bridge. I left reflecting on a peaceful spot with an intriguing door.
A canal boat in the distance
Gatehouse, Streetly Gate
This site was a treasure trove and when I arrived there were already people inside. I met, Ian and James, father and son, who were also visiting the place. For a small room, the Gatehouse at Streetly Gate near to Sutton Park has so much to offer. Ian and James were on their first key visit. They were very enthusiastic about the project and were keen to know about the places that I had visited. Ian and James are pictured in the Gatehouse. This project is a great way to meet new people and I explained to them that I undertake a 100 Strangers photographic project. Both were happy to be photographed in the Gatehouse for my project.
Ian and James at the Gatehouse
Once they left. I investigated the contents of the Gate house. The building was used by the park authorities for checking in visitors to the park. There were many items on display and the pictures and posters provided snippets of the history. Only now am I able to show these pictures, as at the time I did not want to spoil the visit for other key holders who wished to experience the excitement of learning what is inside.
Looks like it is still being used.Keys are a prominent feature Entry Fees!Someone wants to be a rangerOpen doorCup of Tea anyone?Memories from the GatehouseNo mobile number then?A different take on the Selfie reflection.A picture from another time.A map of Sutton Park.
When you visit somewhere that is just so full of atmosphere then it leaves a memorable impression. This describes my visit to St Margaret’s Church, Ward End, Birmingham. As a visitor to the community, I was given a warm welcome to the centre. This venue in the “key to the city Brum” was a hidden gem in more ways than one. The building is a Grade II listed former Church of England parish church in Birmingham. In the church are stained glass windows by pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones. There is also a bust by Peter Hollins of 1848 that celebrates William Hutton (1723-1815) who provided the first account of the history of Birmingham.
Stained glass windows by pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-JonesA bust by Peter Hollins of 1848 that celebrates William Hutton
There was a memorable encounter with Kaniz who is the Community Development Practitioner at the centre. She explained to me about the centre and the role it plays in the community. I was shown the “key to the City Brum” exhibit and provided with a cup of coffee and biscuits whilst I looked through the contents of the cabinet. Kaniz was a photographer but after the pandemic fulfilled her desire to get involved with the community. She was very keen to give something back and help others. Kaniz agreed to be in my strangers’ portfolio. The picture is taken in the hall where there is a community meeting taking place.
Kaniz is a Community Development Practitioner.
The contents of the cabinet had past parish newsletters and other historical mementoes. There was a celebration of Metro-Cammell, formally the Metropolitan Cammell Carriage and Wagon Company (MCCW). Metro-Cammell had a factory in Washwood Heath near to the church. The company manufactured railway carriages, locomotives, and railway wagons and with increased world wide competition the factory was forced to close in 2005. The cabinet contained models and books from the era that the factory was at full production.
Celebration of Metro-CammellInside the cabinetKey to the cabinetHistory of the Church in the glass cabinet
I wandered around the church grounds and loved the architecture which was juxta positioned with the brutalist flats neighbouring the church. The #KeytotheCityBrum highlights places which have living history. Many of the venues inspires visitors and gives a background to the historical development of the City of Birmingham.
The council flats contrast sharply with the ChurchThe entrance to the Church
My next visits with #keytothecitybrum involved both a train station and a football ground. This is an account of my travels to two different venues.
New Street Train Station
Having passed through New Street Train station countless times, I wondered what surprise the key would provide. The instructions were to go the end of platform one and announce your arrival at the door. There was a wait as a prior party made the visit and then it was my turn. There were two members of staff who took me down the stairs. One of them, worked at the station but had never seen the underground tunnels. We walked along an access tunnel and then we entered the area under the platforms. Whilst you were allowed to take pictures along this access corridor, I was given strict instructions not to take pictures of the tunnels under the platforms. These tunnels were originally used to connect with the Mailbox for mail delivery. They are now used to deliver refreshments to the trains that pass through New Street. This was a good key location and gave access to a very interesting part of the City of Birmingham.
Access to the tunnels under New Street Station.Approaching the door.Door to the secret tunnelsPlatform 1 and #b2022Selfie at New Street Station
A trip to the Hawthorns
Taking part in the #keyofthecitybrum is not just about the places you visit. The key allows you to meet people who live and work in the West Midlands. My journey with the key took me to the Hawthorns, the home of West Bromwich Albion Football club. My key worked in the lock and when opened, the door led to a viewing platform where you could view the football stadium. The picture is of Leah who works in the WBA Club shop. Leah opened the door to the ground and introduced me to the football club. She and her colleague were good company. We talked about her father who is a lifelong WBA football supporter. In turn, I talked about my love of Manchester City. Two of my boyhood heroes were Jeff Astle and Tony Brown even though they did not play for my beloved City. I told Leah that I remember WBA winning the FA cup in 1968 as it was the year before City won the cup. This stadium is a very friendly place and happens to be one of my favourite football grounds. I just like the Hawthorns and thank you to “Key of the City Brum” for allowing me to visit once again.
Leah with the background of the pitch.The plaque commemorating WBA’s historyApproaching the door.The Lock against the blue door.The Hawthorns, home to West Bromwich Albion
My Journey with the Key If you wish to review my journey then I have published all my visits on my blog as follows.
Now that the #keytothecitybrum project is over, I can reveal my full journey around the sites. I have grouped them into themes whether I visited the sites on the same day or the story of the unlocking the venues were linked together by themes. The first Chapter was described earlier in my blog where I picked up my key and visited my first venue “Artfull Expression”.
This chapter covers the story of my visits to the IKON Gallery, Symphony Hall and Selfridges.
kon Gallery
My second key venue took me to the IKON gallery. When we arrived, the receptionist on the front desk gave us directions. Our key opened a rather inconspicuous cupboard in the entrance hall. Once opened there were the letters ‘Miss You’ lit up in Neon. That was the surprise and I laughed out loud. I loved the installation.
Art work by SavageA view from belowVery pleased to open my second door.The IKON GalleryOpening the door with the key
My photo buddy, Nicky was convinced there was something else and looked for some form of opening beyond the cupboard space. The reception staff were very knowledgeable and helpful, explaining that this neon letter writing was created by the artist Savage who had lifted the letters from Graffiti in the City of Birmingham. I did return to the IKON gallery to see the “Made in Birmingham/Made in Sydney” exhibition as this was advertised during my visit.
Symphony Hall
I realise that the #keytothecityBrum is a large undertaking and that many people are going to descend on your location. The Symphony Hall had placed an ornate box which the key opened. Once inside there was a QR code to scan which linked to a YouTube channel. I understand that if you were lucky there were prizes to be gained but we were not winners.
Opening the boxA QR code is revealed.WE have a yellow box with a lock.Just a QR code
I was disillusioned with the venue as the Symphony Hall looked uninviting, and the box office personnel were not that interested in what was taking place. Compared to the other venues, this was the most disappointing. The success gained from this location was that we had used our key, opened the box and therefore another key location was done. I left thinking that so much more could have been done and it was an opportunity missed.
Selfridges
This was a fun door to open and Selfridges had put a lot of thought into what you would find. The key gave you access to the music system in the menswear floor of Selfridges. It was a bright yellow compartment with a bright yellow door. Once inside you accessed a touch screen that allowed you to add your choice of music being played in the store. My choice was “Whiskey in the Jar” by Thin Lizzy. The bright yellow colours against the dark surrounds were a photographer’s dream and I had fun taking lots of pictures. Well done Selfridges. To oversee the music in the menswear department was an inspired choice.
Opening the door.Inside the yellow booth.My choice for the music.Chatting outside the box.My visit to the Menswear floor at Selfridges.
My Journey with the Key If you wish to review my journey then I have published all my visits on my blog as follows.
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