Jewellery Quarter, Halloween, Pumpkin extravaganza, October 2024

The Jewellery Quarter is a picturesque part of Birmingham.  In the centre of the neighbourhood are two cemeteries, Warstone Lane and Key Hill.  Both graveyards are the resting place to the great and the good of Birmingham. During the day they are a quiet tranquil place where the peace is occasionally interrupted by workers from the Jewellery Quarter taking their lunch break. At weekends, there are groups of people touring the cemeteries. At night, the place is an ideal setting for more ghostly happenings.

Jewellery Quarter, Halloween, Pumpkin extravaganza, October 2024
The candlelit path to the catacombs
Jewellery Quarter, Halloween, Pumpkin extravaganza, October 2024
The Warstone Lane catacombs with lights and pumpkins.
Jewellery Quarter, Halloween, Pumpkin extravaganza, October 2024
The pumpkins on display with the different carvings.

The JQ BID put together a Pumpkin Extravaganza which was centred around the catacombs at Warstone Lane Cemetery.  IgersbirminghamUK were invited to take photographs of the event. The evening included visiting the various stalls that had set out their Halloween displays. Activities included the opportunity to carve your own pumpkin.  The Friends of Warstone Lane and Key Hill cemeteries had put out a display of skulls and other interesting spooky objects.  The Coffin Works were demonstrating how to make badges using techniques normally used on coffins.  

Jewellery Quarter, Halloween, Pumpkin extravaganza, October 2024
A frightened pumpkin

There were tours of the catacombs and our guide, Josie, gave us a historical background to the area plus a few ghost stories as well.  The low light made photography difficult but there were still many opportunities for pictures from the lights of the Pumpkins which were arranged in front of the doors of the catacombs.  A spooky night was enjoyed by all as the pictures show.  Thank you JQ BID for your organisation of the event.

Jewellery Quarter, Halloween, Pumpkin extravaganza, October 2024
Josie, our guide, in the Catacombs.
Jewellery Quarter, Halloween, Pumpkin extravaganza, October 2024
Spooky atmosphere
Jewellery Quarter, Halloween, Pumpkin extravaganza, October 2024
Ghosts walking amongst us.

If you enjoyed this blog about the IgersbirminghamUK photographic meetings then follow the link below and look out for details of our meetings on the IgersbirminghamUK Instagram page.

Early in Digbeth, Birmingham, October 2024

The winter months are an ideal time to photograph Digbeth. The lights that criss-cross the main streets are a feature of the area and are turned off around 8am.  Just before this happens, the white lights stand out against the “blue hour” sky.  At this time of the day, the colourful streets are enriched by the light of the dawn.  The next ingredient for a good photograph in Digbeth is when rainfall has happened in the previous few days.  Digbeth has several large puddles which provide ideal opportunities for reflections.  Over the years, I have learnt where these puddles are likely to occur.

Early in Digbeth, Birmingham, October 2024
Floodgate street in the blue hour.
Early in Digbeth, Birmingham, October 2024
Fancy a game?
Early in Digbeth, Birmingham, October 2024
Classic puddle photography in Gibb Street.
Early in Digbeth, Birmingham, October 2024
More classic views of Gibb Street.
Early in Digbeth, Birmingham, October 2024
Green lights

My urban photography is done with wither my iPhone or Fujifilm x100vi. The pictures in this blog are from both cameras and you should be able to distinguish between the two picture styles that they produce.  The iPhone gives vibrant colours whilst the Fujifilm gives a grittier feel to the pictures.  I like both effects. 

Early in Digbeth, Birmingham, October 2024
The colourful smiley by Tempo33 on Hack Street
Tempo33
More Hack Street graffiti.
Early in Digbeth, Birmingham, October 2024
This art by Golden Boy is still there on Hack Street.

Arriving in Digbeth, I plan to walk around the following streets, Lower Trinity, Gibb and Floodgate.  I do visit other streets that lead off from the crucial three  as these pictures show.  The street art in Digbeth constantly changes.  Newer pieces appear, older artwork gets tagged whilst some of the murals remain untouched.  When photographing in Digbeth, I try to capture the interactions of the locals with the street activities.  There are a few people moving around on their way to work at the Custard Factory or the industry units around the area.  Pre pandemic the area was very busy but post pandemic people are working from home so the footfall is less.  However I am still able to capture people on the street.  I am building up a large portfolio of images from Digbeth although I am not alone and many other photographers pitch up on the streets.  The area still retains its charms and I see the slow but persistent march of gentrification which is changing the Digbeth scene. I hope the area still retains the charm that makes Digbeth a place to visit in Birmingham.

Early in Digbeth, Birmingham, October 2024
Your friendly neighbourhood……
Early in Digbeth, Birmingham, October 2024
Follow the leader.
Early in Digbeth, Birmingham, October 2024
Seen on Adderley Street (part 1)
Early in Digbeth, Birmingham, October 2024
Seen on Adderley Street (part 2)
Early in Digbeth, Birmingham, October 2024
Easy Rider on Upper Trinity Street.
Early in Digbeth, Birmingham, October 2024
Trainvaders, Lower Trinity Street
Early in Digbeth, Birmingham, October 2024
Made in Digbeth, Lower Trinity Street

Technique used for my puddle photography

The iPhone is ideal for this style of reflective photography.  The lenses can be placed close to the surface of the puddle to provide a perfect reflection.  The technique I employ, once I have located an ideal puddle, is to orientate the phone in landscape with the 3 lenses placed to the bottom right for the picture.  The iPhone has no flip out screen so bending down is necessary which may be difficult when you are standing in a large puddle.  I generally use the standard view or the wide angled setting.  Care is needed not to place the iPhone lenes so low that they touch the water.  The focus may start jumping to the nearest point in the puddle which will leads to blurring of the background.  Looking at the screen is difficult, so some guesswork of where you are focussing and handling the phone is necessary.  I must keep remembering to toggle the RAW setting although the resulting pictures on standard Live View are of sufficient quality to withstand the post editing.  

Early in Digbeth, Birmingham, October 2024
Sticker wall still going strong.
Early in Digbeth, Birmingham, October 2024
More views of Floodgate Street with only a few cars around.

If you want more views of Digbeth then follow my links through the blog posts below.

This blog is from August 2018 and shows a few changes that have taken place.
Sunday Lunch, Orelle Restaurant, 103 Colmore Row, Birmingham, 2024

Orelle restaurant is 24 floors up on the top floor of 103 Colmore Rd. As part of the IgersbirminghamUK team, we were invited to take photographs in 2022 just before the restaurant was open to the public.  The views from the restaurant were outstanding.  At the time, I remember saying one day “I will be back for a meal”.  Fast forward to our 40th wedding anniversary and our three daughters gave us money as a gift to use for a meal out.  Reading the reviews, I noted that Orelle was voted the best restaurant in Birmingham in 2024.  Furthermore, the reviews for the Sunday lunch menu have been consistently rated as good.  Therefore, we booked and looked forward to our day at Orelle.

Sunday Lunch, Orelle Restaurant, 103 Colmore Row, Birmingham, 2024
Sandy and Damien celebrating their 40th Wedding Anniversary

Leaving the lift on the 24th floor, the view of Birmingham takes your breath away.  The view of the city is spectacular and I immediately spotted the Rotunda and Moor Street.  The restaurant has a convivial ambiance and the staff are polite and courteous. We were shown to our table by the north window which gave us an uninterrupted view over St Phillip’s Cathedral and Snow Hill .  Our waiter was very attentive to our needs, and we ordered our drinks and then reviewed the menu.  Sandy is allergic to shellfish and the waiter explained that he would alert the kitchen and as a check we would notice a pink sticker on our order.  This indicated that the kitchen were aware of the allergy and ensured that no utensils or plates were mixed. 

Sunday Lunch, Orelle Restaurant, 103 Colmore Row, Birmingham, 2024
The view over St Philip’s cathedral.

Sandy chose the warmed sourdough bread with salted French butter.  The bread roll was generous and there was plenty for both of us.  This was useful as I selected the Ham hock terrine with pickled vegetables, pineapple and toasted sourdough.  I used the remaining bread with my starter.  The food was well presented and the terrine had a pleasing flavour.  

Sunday Lunch, Orelle Restaurant, 103 Colmore Row, Birmingham, 2024
Our lunch prior to adding the vegetables.

For our Sunday lunch main course, we both selected the Surlonge rôtie which was 35 day aged Cumbrian sirloin.  There was a generous sized Yorkshire pudding and the vegetables came in small pans placed in the centre of the table.  If I had one criticism then it must be the gravy.  There could have been a more generous serving.  Luckily the amount of gravy was just sufficient for both us and we did not have to ask for more.  The meat was cooked to our preference of medium with little fat and we tucked into a good lunch.  

For drinks, I chose a beer and selected the excellent 21 Pale Ale Citra  made by Brew by numbers.  I saw that there was an excellent range of wines.  Sandy chose a non-alcoholic cocktail which was not to her taste.  She persevered with it but then reverted to water.  We should have exchanged the cocktail for a more pleasing one.

Following on from the main course there was space for dessert. Sandy and I parted ways.  Sandy chose the Chocolat et Yuzu which was a milk chocolate mousse, walnut brownie, yuzu caramel and vanilla ice cream.  I went for the Crème brûlée consisting of spiced orange, macerated berries and vanilla sable.  Both were nicely presented and were lovely end to the lunch.

Sunday Lunch, Orelle Restaurant, 103 Colmore Row, Birmingham, 2024
Chocolat et Yuzu
Sunday Lunch, Orelle Restaurant, 103 Colmore Row, Birmingham, 2024
Crème brûlée

Throughout the meal, we admired the view and watched the clouds move through the landscape.  We saw the trams and trains pass through Snow Hill.  When we started, the restaurant was relatively quiet but when we finished by late afternoon, the place was full and there were one or two parties waiting to sit down.  Not once did we feel rushed or interrupted by the activities of a busy restaurant.

Sunday Lunch, Orelle Restaurant, 103 Colmore Row, Birmingham, 2024
Looking up to the top of 103 Colmore Row

Overall impressions 

Sunday lunch at Orelle is all about the experience.  The view from the top floor is unparalleled and provides a super backdrop whilst you are enjoying your food.  The meal was very good.  Service was of a high standard and we both enjoyed our Sunday lunch menu.  One may say that the place is expensive but this was a special occasion.  The expense was worth it as we had a marvellous time.  We reflected over coffee that whilst we would not be making Sunday lunch a regular pursuit at Orelle, we would come back again. I would recommend a visit and you will understand why the restaurant is voted as the best in Birmingham.

Links

Sunset and sunrise, the Octagon, Birmingham City Centre, September, 2024.

The sun people.

The golden ticket on a beautiful September evening was a 155 metres journey to the top of the Octagon skyscraper.  The invite from Core-marketing on behalf of Paradise Birmingham brought out the great and the good of the photographic fraternity in Birmingham.  There were many people disappointed that they were not there to celebrate the “topping out” of this iconic skyscraper.  Over 60 photographers gathered at the base of the Octagon waiting to be taken up the 49 floors to the very top of the building.  Our “lift” was a hoist which was a platform cage that pointed away from the building. This took up the first 25 photographers.  Then there was an anxious wait as the hoist came back down for the rest of us. We did not want to miss the sunset.  The cage of the hoist was bordered by a metal grill and as we climbed the outside of the building to the very top , our mobile phones recorded the journey.  

Sunset and sunrise, the Octagon, Birmingham City Centre, September, 2024.
Our “hoist” to the top.

We were greeted with a beautiful golden sun that was setting in the West over Edgbaston reservoir.  The 360 degrees view was spectacular and with time the familiar landmarks around Birmingham came into focus.  There was Broad Street, the Rotunda, the Cube and the BT Tower.   Further away the Aston Expressway together with various mosques and churches scattered around the horizon could be seen.  The serious photographers were very active.  Cameras were pointed at the view and many pictures were taken.  There were two levels at the crown of the Octagon, the main level with a metal barrier around the periphery and then a central raised column accessed by a metal staircase, provided a clearer view.  There were various cameras on display ranging from super zoom telescopic lenses right down to the humble mobile phone.  The social media channels were going to be saturated with views of  Birmingham. Nicky Warwickshire, James never Jim and myself (dammodammo) were there representing the IgersbirminghamUK team!

Sunset and sunrise, the Octagon, Birmingham City Centre, September, 2024.
The crown of the Octagon.
Sunset and sunrise, the Octagon, Birmingham City Centre, September, 2024.
The view of the sunset over Edgbaston Reservoir.
Sunset and sunrise, the Octagon, Birmingham City Centre, September, 2024.
Capturing the sunset.

Sunset was upon us and we gathered to pay homage to the setting of the sun.  I was reminded of the Bowie song “Memory of a Free Festival” and the lyrics of the song resonated with me. “The sun machine is going down and we are going to have a party”.  This time there was no music just the quiet clicking of camera shutters.  However, the fun wasn’t finished.   The lights of the city came on and car headlights lights started streaking down the streets like small silver dots.  Suddenly you could see into the illuminated offices hidden during the day by reflective glass. Trams and buses were gracefully moving along the streets.  Particular views that I enjoyed included Moor Street station and the Birmingham canal navigations.  

Sunset and sunrise, the Octagon, Birmingham City Centre, September, 2024.
The view from the Octagon

Needless to say we all took so many pictures that saturation point was quickly reached and then the time came to descend back down the hoist and catch the train home.  In my excitement, I forgot to get a picture of the moonrise but luckily many other photographers filled that void and I was able to see their views of the moon. One photographer Pete Davies was at Edgbaston reservoir and he captured the moonrise next to the Octagon. You can just make out the photographers on the top.

Sunset and sunrise, the Octagon, Birmingham City Centre, September, 2024.
Tram passing through Victoria Square.
Sunset and sunrise, the Octagon, Birmingham City Centre, September, 2024.
Cars on the Expressway.

We were discussing the visit and how  spectacular the tower construction was on the train home.  One of the Octagon project leaders was on the same train home and he gave us a fascinating insight into how the structure had been built and what was involved in its construction.  Our conversation took in previous buildings such as the Cube and what was in store for Birmingham in the future.  This was a really enjoyable evening and I knew that there was still the morning sunrise to look forward to.  However the weather forecast didn’t look too promising but then again we wait and see.

Sunset and sunrise, the Octagon, Birmingham City Centre, September, 2024.
Final look at the sunset glow on our way home.

The sunrise shift.

Getting up at 4:00am was not easy but once I got moving, I was wide awake.  After a quick breakfast and walking the dog, I drove into Birmingham and parked up in Brindley Place. Birmingham City Centre was very quiet with only a few people moving around. I walked briskly through Centenary square, past the library, into Chamberlain place and on to the Octagon for the morning session. There were far fewer photographers gathered at the base of the building.  Getting up early appears to be a much more difficult activity for a photographer than the evening sunset.   The weather was dull and the golden glow of yesterday evening was quickly forgotten as we checked in and made our way to the “hoist”.  Soon we were back travelling on the outside of the building. This was now familiar territory and recording the journey up was much easier the second time around. 

Going up the Octogen

 When we arrived at the crown, the first thing I noticed was the wind and the cold.  Night had not loosened its grip of the new day and the bright city lights were still shining.  I got out my camera and started taking pictures. There were some opportunities to take some long exposures of the rush hour traffic that was starting to stream into the City.    Reviewing other people’s photographs, I realized that I had missed some buildings and I made sure that I got St. Paul’s church and the Big Pen in the Jewellery Quarter.  There were a few other places that I had forgotten all about from last night and this was the most exciting part of the visit, taking new views of the city. 

Sunset and sunrise, the Octagon, Birmingham City Centre, September, 2024.
The rush hour into the City along Suffolk Street Queensway.
Sunset and sunrise, the Octagon, Birmingham City Centre, September, 2024.
A Bus moving down Broad street.
Sunset and sunrise, the Octagon, Birmingham City Centre, September, 2024.
Centenary Square
Sunset and sunrise, the Octagon, Birmingham City Centre, September, 2024.
Cambrian Wharf.
Sunset and sunrise, the Octagon, Birmingham City Centre, September, 2024.
St Paul’s Church
Sunset and sunrise, the Octagon, Birmingham City Centre, September, 2024.
The Big Pen and the JQ in the early morning mist.
Sunset and sunrise, the Octagon, Birmingham City Centre, September, 2024.
The mist rolls in.

Slowly the dawn crept forward and banished the dark of the night.  The wind seemed to be increasing and I was glad that I had my jumper with me to add to the layers of clothers that I was wearing.  A mist started rolling in and unsurprisingly, there was no sunrise but I knew the sun was out there somewhere.  With my remaining time, I started looking for unusual shots around the building.   BBC West Midlands radio were present, interviewing people who were getting ready for the topping out ceremony that was taking place later that day.   

Sunset and sunrise, the Octagon, Birmingham City Centre, September, 2024.
Interviews for BBC West Midlands Radio.

This visit was a quieter affair.  Mindfulness is a wonderful feeling and I stood taking in the view which was much more rewarding than just wanting to use my camera.  I had taken all the pictures that I needed and went back down the hoist for the final time.  There was a touch of sadness as I had really enjoyed my two visits to the top of the Octagon.   This 49 floor skyscraper is ready for future residential living and the plan is to rent out the apartments.   The building will soon be completed and then the army of construction workers will move on to the next tall building.  Birmingham is an exciting place and is changing all the time.  I hope to go up the next building that gets finished, but in the meantime, I left with good thoughts as I wandered back through the city to my car.  There were more workers out and about getting ready for the day,   I had already completed a day on top of the Octagon and now I was getting ready for a second day.  I looked forward to getting my pictures together and telling people how much I had enjoyed my visit to the Octagon.

Sunset and sunrise, the Octagon, Birmingham City Centre, September, 2024.
Bolt and Bokeh
Sunset and sunrise, the Octagon, Birmingham City Centre, September, 2024.
Hoist Call
Sunset and sunrise, the Octagon, Birmingham City Centre, September, 2024.
Hook and crane

Acknowledgements

Many thanks to all at the Octagon who allowed these amazing visits to take place.  I do hope you enjoyed reading about my visit to the Octagon.  Thank you to Paradise Birmingham and Core-Marketing for the opportunity.

Sunset and sunrise, the Octagon, Birmingham City Centre, September, 2024.
Sunset memories.

I have given a link to some of my other visits to skyscrapers and hope you continue to read my photographic journey.

Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew, Birmingham Heritage week, September 2024

This cathedral is a Birmingham hidden gem.  I have walked past the building several times and always wondered what the place was like inside.  Located on Summer Hill Terrace, the cathedral sits on the edge of the Jewellery quarter.  Summer Hill is an elevated part of Birmingham and when you stand by the cathedral you are overlooking a  busy dual carriageway that leads into Birmingham.  From here you look over the National Indoor Arena with a good view of the new shiny skyscrapers that are being built in the city centre.  The streets around the Cathedral are very narrow with a one-way system.  The church has access to parking and leaving my car I made my way to the entrance.  On this Saturday night, the service of Vespers was taking place.  Vespers is a liturgy of evening prayer.  Sunset is when the liturgical day starts.  The hymns that are sung introduce the day’s themes.   This opportunity of visiting the Cathedral to partake in the Vesper’s service was made possible through the Birmingham Heritage Week and invitation of the Church Committee of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew.    

Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew, Birmingham Heritage week, September 2024
The beautiful symmetry of the Cathedral.

The rain was coming down and walking through the entrance, there was a warm light flowing outwards welcoming you to the Church.  The elders of the cathedral had taken over the church in 1957 and the original stonework with repeating arches is impressive.  Overlaying this architecture was an abundance of riches with extensive chandeliers and religious icons both on the walls and at various entrances. The alter was the focus of a large collection of paintings and icons.   The Greek Orthodox congregation were very friendly and the singing was beautiful.

Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew, Birmingham Heritage week, September 2024
An upward view of the large Chandelier
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew, Birmingham Heritage week, September 2024
The beautiful arches and stonework.

Before I knew it the beautiful rendition of the Vespers service was over. One of the Church committee then explained the history of the cathedral and pointed out particular features of interest. Then we were invited to look around the cathedral and then to join everyone for refreshments in the Cathedral hall. The cathedral was full and it was difficult to get good pictures with people moving around. I went for refreshments and then made my way out. To my delight the church happened to be quiet and peaceful and I was able to move around and take pictures with my iPhone.  The symmetry of the church caught my imagination and the iPhone is good at working in low light. I particularly enjoyed viewing the icons and the many pictures around the Cathedral. The evening was very memorable and this blog is my attempt to convey the evening through text and pictures.

Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew, Birmingham Heritage week, September 2024
A stunning icon of the Madonna and child.

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Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew, Birmingham Heritage week, September 2024
Details of the alter.
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew, Birmingham Heritage week, September 2024
The dome of the Cathedral

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Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God and St. Andrew, Birmingham Heritage week, September 2024
The outside of the cathedral from Summer Hill Road

This is the link to the Birmingham Heritage week.

I have included a blog on another notable Birmingham Church for you to read.

16 Acre wood, HS@ works, Berkswell, Sept 2024

Sixteen-acre ward has been a project that I started in March 2021, and I have visited the area at regular intervals since. The wood was in the news, when the initial plans for the HS2 line revealed that it would cut into the wood.  Therefore, trees were felled, and an old ancient pond was duplicated in a new location nearby.  This new pond has signage and chains to protect this nature venture.  Over the years, the landscape around the wood has changed drastically.  This is my fourth visit to the wood. As with the previous ones, I was interested to see if anything had changed since my visit last year.

16 Acre wood, HS@ works, Berkswell, Sept 2024
The new pond is covered with vegetation.
16 Acre wood, HS@ works, Berkswell, Sept 2024
No entry to the pond.

Fortunately, my drive to Berkswell village was not difficult as the HS2 works will close access to various roads around the area at a moment’s notice.  I parked my car near to St Mary’s Church, Berkswell, and walked along the boardwalk. There is a footpath that runs up the hill over a farmer’s field. This footpath meets up and follows the HS2 route I reached the part of the HS2 track which passes by Sixteen-acre wood and goes onto meet Kenilworth Rd.

16 Acre wood, HS@ works, Berkswell, Sept 2024
The landscape has really changed.
16 Acre wood, HS@ works, Berkswell, Sept 2024
Drainage and fences
16 Acre wood, HS@ works, Berkswell, Sept 2024
Not a place for swimming.

A year on and I noticed that the vegetation is starting to reclaim much of the area.   The new pond is thriving although it could do with some trees around the parameter.  Meanwhile the old pond has not given up and there is still life around an old tree has collapsed into the water. Walking down the designated footpath there is a sharp contrast.  On the left side beyond the steel fence the large land moving vehicles were resting as it was a Sunday, a day of rest.   The earth had been moved into heaps of brown soil and there were lines of plastic pipes lined up for draining the water.   On the right-hand side, the wood looked in a sorry state. Some of the vegetation is recovering but there are still scars around the knocked down trees.  Some of the trees looked like scarecrows contrasting against the bleak sky.   What did catch my eye was the number of butterflies and dragonflies that were present.  Nature is slowly attempting to get back to its feet after being interrupted by the HS2 works.   

16 Acre wood, HS@ works, Berkswell, Sept 2024
The old pond looks out at the new landscape.
16 Acre wood, HS@ works, Berkswell, Sept 2024
The trees look bare.

These pictures show the amount of construction that is happening as the pace of building is now moving quickly.   In the midst of this construction, there were some beautiful butterflies and I must have seen around 10 different types of insects.  There was a hoard of dragonflies that are living in the stagnant water created around the HS2 trenches.   Someone once told me not to worry about HS2 as everything will grow back once the viaducts that are planned are completed.   I wait to see if this will be true as the scars in the land look very deep.  I now have my 4th entry into my 16 acre wood project and I will return next year to  see what progress has happened and whether nature is coping with the changes forced on the landscape.

16 Acre wood, HS@ works, Berkswell, Sept 2024
HS2 construction is gathering pace.
16 Acre wood, HS@ works, Berkswell, Sept 2024
Earth moving equipment waiting for Monday morning.
16 Acre wood, HS@ works, Berkswell, Sept 2024
The stagnant water has encouraged the growth of the dragonfly population. The wood is to the left of the picture.

You may also like to see 16 Acre Wood in 2013.
My past entries of 16 Acre Wood show the ongoing changes and the blog posts are listed below.

Octagon, Birmingham, August, 2024

The newest and tallest building in Birmingham is the Octagon which is 155 m (509 ft) tall.  The skyscraper will have 49 floors and is dominating the Birmingham skyline.  The picture shows how dominant this building will be across the City. The platforms at Snow Hill Station are uneven and puddles form after the rain.  I took this one in a large puddle to show the dominating structure. I am looking forward to taking more pictures of the completed skyscraper. Watch this space.

Octagon, Birmingham, August, 2024
Different styles between the Library and the neighbouring Octagon.
The Library of Birmingham, August, 2024

The Library of Birmingham is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the UK.  Built in September 2013, the building is spectacular both inside and out. There is so much to photograph and there are so many different layers to the building. There is a photo opportunity around every corner.   Since the opening in 2013, I regularly visit the building with the aim of taking photographs during the different seasons.  You will find many pictures of this building throughout my blog.

The Library of Birmingham, August, 2024
Going up on the escalators.
The Library of Birmingham, August, 2024
One of the many quiet areas to work in the Library.
The Library of Birmingham, August, 2024
“Inception” style reflections. This could be a still from the film.

This set of photographs is from my recent visit in August 2023.  I took several pictures with my iPhone as I moved up the escalators. I then went out onto the first balcony and took several reflective pictures. When the library first opened this was one of the favourite pictures styles that appeared on the social media channels. There is one new building that features in my pictures and this is the Library’s tall neighbour, the Octagon. This 49 floor skyscraper is the tallest building in Birmingham and is nearing completion.

This is a link to the next blog which features photographs of the Octagon as it now dominates the Birmingham Skyline.

The Library of Birmingham, August, 2024
Balcony view

Some more exciting views of the Library may be seen in this weblink

In pursuit of repetative beats, August, 2024

I was a student in Manchester in the seventies when punk and new wave were the big thing. I caught up with the New Romantics music whilst in London.  In the eighties it was all about getting my qualifications and working for promotion. Family arrived and that was my life.  The rave culture happened and it was just news headlines. I loved the music and often read about the rave gatherings that were taking place in Coventry and Birmingham.  Sadly, I never attended a rave although the popular music of Orbital, Future Sound of London, Massive Attack and Underworld was very much a fav at the time.

In pursuit of repetative beats, August, 2024
Getting ready to see where the illegal rave will be. Wow an A-Z map and cassettes.

When I read about “In pursuit of repetitive beats” at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, I knew that I must experience it. This art installation transports you into a wild and immersive VR experience. You are thrown into a story set in 1989 about attending an illegal rave around Coventry.  The story focusses on three young people attending the event alongside the accounts by police who were trying to stop the illegal raves from taking place. 

In pursuit of repetative beats, August, 2024
Here I am kitted out and dancing in my VR space.

Once I was kitted out with Virtual Reality headset and hand controllers, I was ready to go into this virtual world.  The experience was surreal.  You followed the story by picking up leaflets with your virtual hands and there was a talking head providing information as you removed around your virtual world. In one part, I was flying towards a gigantic eye with electricity bolts steaming out of my hands.  It was so cool. I became immersed in the story of an illegal rave.  Realistic car journeys,  the police chase and then the rave itself. All the time I was moving and dancing with the beats of the music. I must have looked a real sight whilst I was in a virtual world! Still such great fun. Attention to detail was spot on.  

In pursuit of repetative beats, August, 2024
A range of posters that were used to advertise the upcoming raves.

Whilst I am unable to provide pictures of the VR experience there were pre-show displays at the entrance to the experience. This detail is from the phone box display which was set up to show how people communicated and navigated to the raid before the advent of mobile phones.

The trailer for In Pursuit of repetitive beats.
Stirchley Taster, July, 2024

Stirchley has many good memories as a place to visit.   Our first family drink, after lockdown restrictions were relaxed, took place on a cold night in May at an outside table at Birmingham Brewing Company.   I have also visited the other two breweries Attic and Glass House, the latter brewery is on the other side of the canal and is just in the Stirchley boundary.  

Stirchley Taster, July, 2024
Street scene Stirchley style.

I took part in previous Birmingham half marathons when the route passed along Bourneville Lane with a return down Mary Vale road.  In the process, you ran along part of the Stirchley High Street.  The Birmingham suburb is easy to reach using the No 45/47 bus route that connects the city via the Pershore Road.  All this contrasts with how Stirchley would have looked in 1600 as the area got its name from pastures where cattle grazed undisturbed. There are records of Roman roads that went to the nearby fort which is now the University of Birmingham campus.  Stirchley does have history. These days the suburb is recognised as one of the best places to live in the Midlands, an accolade given by the Sunday Times 

Stirchley Taster, July, 2024
Arriving on the Stirchley side of the tracks. Bourneville Station.

Therefore when I heard about an in-depth photographic project involving Stirchley then I took advantage of the unique offering from the Prism Photographic Network.  The aim is to develop a documentary photography project focussed on the neighbourhood of Stirchley.  The course is run by Oksana Bischin with support from the Prism Network. Full details are on their web site.  I attended the second of two taster workshops where we had a lecture on an aspect of photography followed by a photographic walk in Stirchley.  When the course starts in September, there will be several themes which will come together allowing participants to produce an exhibition of the group work.

We gathered at Stirchley baths which is a beautifully restored community centre.  A representative from the Stirchley Residents Association outlined their work and extolled the benefits of living in the area.  She was not a great fan of the Stirchley beer mile but recognised the benefits such activity creates for Stirchley.  She highlighted the presence of several industrial units either side of the high street and the layout of the terraced houses that are around the area.  After introductions, Oksana introduced the camera topic which was how to use the program controls on the camera and then Francesco discussed Typography using the work of Tom Hicks who created “Black Country Type”.  After a question-and-answer session, it was time for us to discover Stirchley with our cameras.   I am not sure what the shopkeepers and coffee shop owners thought of the small army of photographers patrolling down the street, taking pictures of their shops.  

Stirchley Taster, July, 2024
The lamp posts have a story to tell.

Before I arrived at the baths, I spent a few minutes taking photographs and scouting the area.  There was an opportune moment as carpets were being moved at the shops with the Stirchley Gorilla overseeing the activity.  On the way onto the street, I like to spend time by myself and I noticed some letter boxes and the typography of 70 in a doorway.  But there was also a need to stay with the group and see what the others were up to.  Being a Saturday morning, there was a great deal of activity so the picture taking began.  One shopkeeper came out to check what we were doing, other people just wandered by keen to get on with their shopping.  

Stirchley Taster, July, 2024
Letter boxes
Stirchley Taster, July, 2024
Is this no 70?

The high street is a mix of lively coffee shops and general shops. Several shop fronts have roller shutters that ensure privacy.  A lone gorilla logo on one of these shutters adds colour. After photographing the high street we turned right and walked along Ash Tree road onto Charlotte Road.  I like the style of the houses and my eye is drawn to the names and dates of the houses.  We walked along Mary Vale Road to the Industrial estate that houses Attic Brewery.

Then it was time to get a brunch and talk about the pictures we took and those that got away.  The taster session gave me an insight into how the course will develop.  I like the idea of the themes as outlined and the idea of curating one’s work for an exhibition.  

Stirchley Taster, July, 2024
Coffee shop viewing.

As a postscript, I discovered on my research of Stirchley an informative website created by users which is a mix of photographic links and historical notes.  I am sure that this will prove to be a good background resource and provide a source of inspiration.

Mapping Stirchley is a Walkspace project that came out of the spring lockdown of 2020.