WME: Sandwell http://wme6.fotopic.net/ 30 rows en-gb 60 Exploring Sandwell: ROWLEY REGIS http://wme6.fotopic.net/c1686225.html My early visits to Rowley Regis had concentrated on the railway station and Blackheath Town Centre, so I wanted to explore more of the local area. My chance came as part of my Worlds End outing in June 2008, when I investigated Rowley Village and enjoyed lunch at Britannia Park. Wednesday 22 April 2009: My early visits to Rowley Regis had concentrated on the railway station and Blackheath Town Centre, so I wanted to explore more of the local area. My chance came as part of my Worlds End outing in June 2008, when I investigated Rowley Village and enjoyed lunch at Britannia Park.

The Britannia Inn The Robert Peel

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]]> Wed Apr 22 2009 Exploring Sandwell: BLACK PATCH http://wme6.fotopic.net/c1583840.html The Black Patch is a little corner of Smethwick nestled away close to the Soho Railway Junctions. The area is centred around Black Patch Park, with other landmarks including the Soho Foundry (complete with impressive gatehouse) and the Soho Foundry Tavern pub. Tuesday 23 September 2008: The Black Patch is a little corner of Smethwick nestled away close to the Soho Railway Junctions. The area is centred around Black Patch Park, with other landmarks including the Soho Foundry (complete with impressive gatehouse) and the Soho Foundry Tavern pub.

Hard Court Play Area Black Patch Park

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]]> Tue Sep 23 2008 Sandwell by Canal: The Dudley No. 2 Canal http://wme6.fotopic.net/c1570702.html Shortly after leaving Windmill End, the Dudley No. 2 Canal enters Sandwell territory by flirting with Blackheath and Old Hill before re-entering Dudley at Coombeswood. My explorations of this Sandwell section have thus far concentrated on Old Hill Station and Gosty Hill Tunnel. Saturday 30 August 2008: Shortly after leaving Windmill End, the Dudley No. 2 Canal enters Sandwell territory by flirting with Blackheath and Old Hill before re-entering Dudley at Coombeswood. My explorations of this Sandwell section have thus far concentrated on Old Hill Station and Gosty Hill Tunnel.

Gosty Hill Bridge Wrights Bridge

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]]> Sat Aug 30 2008 Exploring Sandwell: LANGLEY & LANGLEY GREEN http://wme6.fotopic.net/c1426445.html My visits to Langley have largely come about through explorations of Langley Green Station, although Rog and I did drop by for lunch at Langley Park in April 2006. Wednesday 19 December 2007: My visits to Langley have largely come about through explorations of Langley Green Station, although Rog and I did drop by for lunch at Langley Park in April 2006.

The Bridge Langley Maltings The Bridge (2)

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]]> Wed Dec 19 2007 Sandwell by Canal: The Old Birmingham Main Line http://wme6.fotopic.net/c1369884.html The Birmingham Main Line Canal effectively becomes two separate canals in Sandwell - Brindley's meandering Old Main Line (Wolverhampton Level) and Telford's more direct New Main Line (Birmingham Level). Here I focus on Brindley's canal, having so far explored it from Factory Junction near Tipton to Tividale, plus a small section in Smethwick. Saturday 15 September 2007: The Birmingham Main Line Canal effectively becomes two separate canals in Sandwell - Brindley's meandering Old Main Line (Wolverhampton Level) and Telford's more direct New Main Line (Birmingham Level). Here I focus on Brindley's canal, having so far explored it from Factory Junction near Tipton to Tividale, plus a small section in Smethwick.

Owen Street Bridge Tipton Green Bridge Brasshouse Lane Bridge Pitchfork Bridge Randalls Bridge Smethwick Junction Smethwick Junction View Seven Stars Bridge Inside Summit Tunnel Inside Summit Tunnel (2)

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]]> Sat Sep 15 2007 Sandwell by Rail: BESCOT STADIUM http://wme6.fotopic.net/c1348959.html Bescot Stadium has to go down as one of my least favourite stations - an ugly dump with a crumbling footbridge, the station serves the Walsall FC football ground and is a magnet for enthusiasts trying to get a glimpse of Bescot Yard. Access is from Bescot Crescent via a path that in going under the M6 crosses from Walsall and into Sandwell. You then have to negotiate the footbridge - a challenge for the able bodied never mind the less mobile. As of August 2007, the station is closed whilst undergoing a much needed redevelopment. Thursday 16 August 2007: Bescot Stadium has to go down as one of my least favourite stations - an ugly dump with a crumbling footbridge, the station serves the Walsall FC football ground and is a magnet for enthusiasts trying to get a glimpse of Bescot Yard. Access is from Bescot Crescent via a path that in going under the M6 crosses from Walsall and into Sandwell. You then have to negotiate the footbridge - a challenge for the able bodied never mind the less mobile. As of August 2007, the station is closed whilst undergoing a much needed redevelopment.

The Birmingham Platform Footbridge Steps Footbridge Steps (2)

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]]> Thu Aug 16 2007 Sandwell by Rail: SMETHWICK ROLFE STREET http://wme6.fotopic.net/c1243221.html Smethwick Rolfe Street rather gives me the impression of a once-proud station that now feels a little sorry for itself, living in the shadow of its more modern neighbour (Smethwick Galton Bridge). The main station building might be worth a look, but the rest of the station is disappointingly shabby and overgrown Friday 30 March 2007: Smethwick Rolfe Street rather gives me the impression of a once-proud station that now feels a little sorry for itself, living in the shadow of its more modern neighbour (Smethwick Galton Bridge). The main station building might be worth a look, but the rest of the station is disappointingly shabby and overgrown

The Birmingham platform The Birmingham platfrom (2) The Birmingham Platform (3) The Wolverhampton Platform

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]]> Fri Mar 30 2007 Sandwell by Canal: The New Birmingham Main Line http://wme6.fotopic.net/c1224855.html The Birmingham Main Line Canal effectively becomes two separate canals in Sandwell - Brindley's meandering Old Main Line (Wolverhampton Level) and Telford's more direct New Main Line (Birmingham Level). Here I focus on Telford's canal, having so far explored it from Factory Junction near Tipton to Dudley Port. Monday 5 March 2007: The Birmingham Main Line Canal effectively becomes two separate canals in Sandwell - Brindley's meandering Old Main Line (Wolverhampton Level) and Telford's more direct New Main Line (Birmingham Level). Here I focus on Telford's canal, having so far explored it from Factory Junction near Tipton to Dudley Port.

Factory Junction Factory Locks Factory Locks (2) View at Factory Locks View at Factory Locks (2) Factory Junction (2) On Factory Junction Bridge Factory Locks (3) View at Factory Locks (3) Engine Arm Aqueduct Inside Galton Tunnel Factory Junction (3)

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]]> Mon Mar 5 2007 Exploring Sandwell: BLACKHEATH http://wme6.fotopic.net/c1081863.html Blackheath is a proper Black Country town, centred around its Market Place. I first visited with Rog back in June 2004 as we dried out after visiting Old Hill and Rowley Regis. Wednesday 13 September 2006: Blackheath is a proper Black Country town, centred around its Market Place. I first visited with Rog back in June 2004 as we dried out after visiting Old Hill and Rowley Regis.

The Ashley The Beech Tree

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]]> Wed Sep 13 2006 Sandwell by Rail: SMETHWICK GALTON BRIDGE http://wme6.fotopic.net/c1026107.html Smethwick Galton Bridge is one of the more recent additions to the West Midlands network - the station was built as part of the Jewellery Line, providing an interchange between the Stourbridge and Wolverhampton Lines and resulting in the eventual closure of Smethwick West. The station was one of the first I explored and I've enjoyed returning ever since - the station serves as a gateway to Stourbridge line stations, as well as favourites such as Yardley Wood and Shirley Tuesday 18 July 2006: Smethwick Galton Bridge is one of the more recent additions to the West Midlands network - the station was built as part of the Jewellery Line, providing an interchange between the Stourbridge and Wolverhampton Lines and resulting in the eventual closure of Smethwick West. The station was one of the first I explored and I've enjoyed returning ever since - the station serves as a gateway to Stourbridge line stations, as well as favourites such as Yardley Wood and Shirley

Platform view Train at Galton Bridge Train at Galton Bridge (2) Train at Galton Bridge (3) Train at Galton Bridge (4) Train at Galton Bridge (5) Train at Galton Bridge (6) Train at Galton Bridge (7)

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]]> Tue Jul 18 2006 Sandwell by Rail: LANGLEY GREEN http://wme6.fotopic.net/c937428.html Langley Green was the only station missing from my exploration of the Stourbridge Line, so I decided to visit in May 2005 to complete the collection. I stopped off on the way back from Merry Hill, and was pleasantly surprised to discover an attractive, modern station facility. I spent an hour or so taking photos, investigating the local area and just enjoying the peace and quiet - exploring doesn't get much better. Wednesday 26 April 2006: Langley Green was the only station missing from my exploration of the Stourbridge Line, so I decided to visit in May 2005 to complete the collection. I stopped off on the way back from Merry Hill, and was pleasantly surprised to discover an attractive, modern station facility. I spent an hour or so taking photos, investigating the local area and just enjoying the peace and quiet - exploring doesn't get much better.

Main Entrance Langley Green Station Footbridge Steps Footbridge Steps (2) Footbridge Steps (3) Train at Langley Green Train at Langley Green (2) The Birmingham platform Platform View Train at Langley Green (3) Station Sign

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]]> Wed Apr 26 2006 Sandwell by Bus: Stops & Stations http://wme6.fotopic.net/c923064.html A look at some of the bus stops and stations that have featured in my explorations of Sandwell over the years Friday 14 April 2006: A look at some of the bus stops and stations that have featured in my explorations of Sandwell over the years

Cradley Heath Interchange Wednesbury, Old Bus Station West Bromwich, Old Bus Station Bearwood Bus Station Cradley Heath, Stand D Rebuilding Bearwood Great Bridge Station View Hamstead, Green Lane

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]]> Fri Apr 14 2006 Sandwell by Rail: OLD HILL http://wme6.fotopic.net/c893219.html Old Hill is a local station on the Stourbridge line - the station is a fair walk from the centre of Old Hill, far enough for Rog and I to get absolutely soaked when we visited during a deluge in June 2004. No photos that day then, but I did return with better success in January 2005. Friday 17 March 2006: Old Hill is a local station on the Stourbridge line - the station is a fair walk from the centre of Old Hill, far enough for Rog and I to get absolutely soaked when we visited during a deluge in June 2004. No photos that day then, but I did return with better success in January 2005.

View of Platform One Old Hill Station Entrance Steps Train at Old Hill

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]]> Fri Mar 17 2006 Sandwell by Rail: ROWLEY REGIS http://wme6.fotopic.net/c893216.html I first visited Rowley Regis during an outing with Rog in June 2004. As it was wet I couldn't take many photos, so I returned for a better look the following January. The station is located not far from Blackheath Town Centre and is served by local trains on the Stourbridge line. Friday 17 March 2006: I first visited Rowley Regis during an outing with Rog in June 2004. As it was wet I couldn't take many photos, so I returned for a better look the following January. The station is located not far from Blackheath Town Centre and is served by local trains on the Stourbridge line.

View along the corridor Train at Rowley Regis Train at Rowley Regis (2) Platform view Train at Rowley Regis (3)

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]]> Fri Mar 17 2006 Exploring Sandwell: WEDNESBURY http://wme6.fotopic.net/c891263.html Wednesbury is another of the traditional towns that makes up the borough of Sandwell. Centred around the Market Place and its prominent clock, the town seems popular and is worth a visit. Wednesday 15 March 2006: Wednesbury is another of the traditional towns that makes up the borough of Sandwell. Centred around the Market Place and its prominent clock, the town seems popular and is worth a visit.

Leisure Centre Memorial Gardens Brunswick Park Sign The Bush, Leabrook Road Leabrook Methodist Church Leisure Centre (2)

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]]> Wed Mar 15 2006 Exploring Sandwell: BEARWOOD http://wme6.fotopic.net/c891259.html Bearwood is one of my favourite parts of Sandwell, a place I have always enjoyed exploring. I have visited quite a few times, watching the bus station being redeveloped and investigating routes such as the 11, the 448 and the 450 in the process. Wednesday 15 March 2006: Bearwood is one of my favourite parts of Sandwell, a place I have always enjoyed exploring. I have visited quite a few times, watching the bus station being redeveloped and investigating routes such as the 11, the 448 and the 450 in the process.

Lightwoods Park Lightwoods Park (2) The Abbey

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]]> Wed Mar 15 2006 Sandwell by Rail: SANDWELL & DUDLEY http://wme6.fotopic.net/c875332.html Sandwell and Dudley station is a main line station served by trains to London Euston, as well as local services. The station was upgraded in the mid 1980s to take main line services - having previously been Oldbury Station, the station was renamed Sandwell and Dudley to reflect its new status as the flagship rail location for both boroughs. Tuesday 28 February 2006: Sandwell and Dudley station is a main line station served by trains to London Euston, as well as local services. The station was upgraded in the mid 1980s to take main line services - having previously been Oldbury Station, the station was renamed Sandwell and Dudley to reflect its new status as the flagship rail location for both boroughs.

The Birmingham platform Station entrance

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]]> Tue Feb 28 2006 Exploring Sandwell: PRINCES END http://wme6.fotopic.net/c845488.html A selection of photos taken around Princes End, near Tipton - an area I've visted a couple of times and rather wished I hadn't! Tuesday 31 January 2006: A selection of photos taken around Princes End, near Tipton - an area I've visted a couple of times and rather wished I hadn't!

The Lagoon Princes End Shops Princes End Post Office

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]]> Tue Jan 31 2006 Exploring Sandwell: OLDBURY http://wme6.fotopic.net/c845486.html Oldbury is one of the traditional towns that makes up the borough of Sandwell. I visited back in February 2004 on my way to Sandwell and Dudley Station Tuesday 31 January 2006: Oldbury is one of the traditional towns that makes up the borough of Sandwell. I visited back in February 2004 on my way to Sandwell and Dudley Station

Oldbury Memorial The Railway Inn The Railway Inn (2)

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]]> Tue Jan 31 2006 Sandwell by Rail: TAME BRIDGE PARKWAY http://wme6.fotopic.net/c845484.html I visited Tame Bridge Parkway back in August 2003 - my second station of the day having earlier visited Bescot. I can't say I like the station that much - its a good facility, but lacks character due to its relatively recent construction. The station is situated on the Birmingham - Walsall line, and is served by semi-fast services as well as local trains calling at all stations. Tuesday 31 January 2006: I visited Tame Bridge Parkway back in August 2003 - my second station of the day having earlier visited Bescot. I can't say I like the station that much - its a good facility, but lacks character due to its relatively recent construction. The station is situated on the Birmingham - Walsall line, and is served by semi-fast services as well as local trains calling at all stations.

Platform 2 Tame Bridge Station

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]]> Tue Jan 31 2006 Sandwell by Rail: THE HAWTHORNS http://wme6.fotopic.net/c801325.html The Hawthorns is a relatively recent addition to the West Midlands Rail Network, and was built as part of the Jewellery Line development to connect Stourbridge Line services through to Birmingham Snow Hill. More recently still, the station has become an interchange with the arrival of Midland Metro Line One. I visited the station in April 2004 and had a good morning there with a steady supply of trains and trams to photograph. Wednesday 21 December 2005: The Hawthorns is a relatively recent addition to the West Midlands Rail Network, and was built as part of the Jewellery Line development to connect Stourbridge Line services through to Birmingham Snow Hill. More recently still, the station has become an interchange with the arrival of Midland Metro Line One. I visited the station in April 2004 and had a good morning there with a steady supply of trains and trams to photograph.

Train at The Hawthorns Train at The Hawthorns (2) Train at The Hawthorns (3) Train at The Hawthorns (4)

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]]> Wed Dec 21 2005 Sandwell by Tram: MIDLAND METRO http://wme6.fotopic.net/c801324.html Midland Metro Line One passes through Sandwell on its way between Wolverhampton and Birmingham, providing useful connections to towns such as West Bromwich and Wednesbury. Wednesday 21 December 2005: Midland Metro Line One passes through Sandwell on its way between Wolverhampton and Birmingham, providing useful connections to towns such as West Bromwich and Wednesbury.

Metro at The Hawthorns Metro at The Hawthorns (2) Metro at The Hawthorns (3) Metro at The Hawthorns (4) Metro at Trinity Way Metro at West Bromwich Central Metro at The Hawthorns (5)

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]]> Wed Dec 21 2005 Sandwell by Rail: DUDLEY PORT http://wme6.fotopic.net/c764725.html Dudley Port is one of the most depressing stations I've come across. I visited the station in February 2004, and found the station to be ugly and unwelcoming. The station is the nearest connection to Dudley town centre, but is located across the borough boundary in Sandwell Wednesday 16 November 2005: Dudley Port is one of the most depressing stations I've come across. I visited the station in February 2004, and found the station to be ugly and unwelcoming. The station is the nearest connection to Dudley town centre, but is located across the borough boundary in Sandwell

Path to Park Lane East Access from Park Lane East Platform view Station entrance The Wolverhampton platform The Birmingham platform Platform view (2) Train at Dudley Port

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]]> Wed Nov 16 2005 Sandwell by Rail: TIPTON http://wme6.fotopic.net/c750770.html I first visited Tipton Station as part of a tour of Weoley Castle, Northfield and Bartley Green in November 2003. The station became an instant favourite - good fun to explore on a quiet Friday afternoon. The station is served by local trains between Wolverhampton and Birmingham. Friday 4 November 2005: I first visited Tipton Station as part of a tour of Weoley Castle, Northfield and Bartley Green in November 2003. The station became an instant favourite - good fun to explore on a quiet Friday afternoon. The station is served by local trains between Wolverhampton and Birmingham.

The Birmingham platform Tipton Station Tipton Station (2) Tipton Station (3)

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]]> Fri Nov 4 2005 Exploring Sandwell: HAMSTEAD http://wme6.fotopic.net/c734117.html Hamstead is one of my more recent exploration discoveries, having first visited in December 2004. Parts of the village come under Sandwell, with the Hamstead Hill end being in Birmingham. Friday 21 October 2005: Hamstead is one of my more recent exploration discoveries, having first visited in December 2004. Parts of the village come under Sandwell, with the Hamstead Hill end being in Birmingham.

The Joker The Hamstead The Joker (2) The Joker (3) The Hamstead (2) Hamstead Road Shops

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]]> Fri Oct 21 2005 Sandwell by Rail: SMETHWICK WEST http://wme6.fotopic.net/c710386.html Before the construction of the Jewellery Line and Smethwick Galton Bridge, Smethwick West station was the only station on the Stourbridge Line serving Smethwick. The station closed in the mid 1990's but some remains of the station are still intact. Saturday 1 October 2005: Before the construction of the Jewellery Line and Smethwick Galton Bridge, Smethwick West station was the only station on the Stourbridge Line serving Smethwick. The station closed in the mid 1990's but some remains of the station are still intact.

Old Station Building The Stourbridge platform The Birmingham platform Platform view

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]]> Sat Oct 1 2005 Sandwell by Rail: CRADLEY HEATH http://wme6.fotopic.net/c700848.html Cradley Heath Station is situated on the Stourbridge Line and has a neighbouring bus interchange making it a good place for transport photos. Friday 23 September 2005: Cradley Heath Station is situated on the Stourbridge Line and has a neighbouring bus interchange making it a good place for transport photos.

View of the Stourbridge platform Cradley Heath Station Train at Cradley Heath Train at Cradley Heath (2)

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]]> Fri Sep 23 2005 Exploring Sandwell: TIPTON http://wme6.fotopic.net/c700845.html Tipton is one of the traditional Black Country towns that forms the Sandwell area. I always find Tipton an interesting place to visit, with lots to photograph including the canals, the station and a number of pubs. Friday 23 September 2005: Tipton is one of the traditional Black Country towns that forms the Sandwell area. I always find Tipton an interesting place to visit, with lots to photograph including the canals, the station and a number of pubs.

The Boscobel The Fountain Victoria Park Memorial The Barrel The Pie Factory Tipton Slasher Plaque The Fountain (2) The Red Lion Jubilee Park

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]]> Fri Sep 23 2005 Exploring Sandwell: GREAT BRIDGE http://wme6.fotopic.net/c700842.html A selection of photos taken in and around Great Bridge Friday 23 September 2005: A selection of photos taken in and around Great Bridge

The Limerick The Limerick (2) The Old Crown The Limerick (3) The Limerick (4)

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]]> Fri Sep 23 2005 Sandwell by Bus http://wme6.fotopic.net/c700838.html Out and about on routes in the Sandwell area Friday 23 September 2005: Out and about on routes in the Sandwell area

310 Great Bridge 310 Great Bridge (2) 644 Great Bridge (TWM 234) 644 Great Bridge (2) (TWM 226) 644 Great Bridge (3) (TWM 237) 644 Great Bridge (4) (TWM 234) 74 Great Bridge 123 Cradley Heath 124 Cradley Heath 401 West Bromwich 405 West Bromwich (TWM 643) 410 Wednesbury 646 Princes End 639 Wednesbury (TWM 655) 78A Wednesbury 78 Wednesbury (TWM 674) 401 West Bromwich (2) 447 Bearwood 240 Cradley Heath 402 Tipton Central Avenue 406H West Bromwich 425 Hamstead 654 Hamstead 447 Bearwood (2) 417 Blackheath

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]]> Fri Sep 23 2005