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Elliott Brown Green open spaces
18 Jun 2023 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Secret Garden summer 2023 bloom at the Library of Birmingham

Get the lift up to level 7 to experience the Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham in full bloom, this summer 2023! The views may have got a bit the same and boring (nothing new). But there is benches to sit down if you want, and enjoy the sunshine and the flowers. We also had a look at the Secret Garden during spring 2023, a few months earlier.

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Secret Garden summer 2023 bloom at the Library of Birmingham





Get the lift up to level 7 to experience the Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham in full bloom, this summer 2023! The views may have got a bit the same and boring (nothing new). But there is benches to sit down if you want, and enjoy the sunshine and the flowers. We also had a look at the Secret Garden during spring 2023, a few months earlier.


A visit to the Secret Garden on the 25th April 2023. Remember if you come up here, do not use your drone! It is not allowed!

dndimg alt="Secret Garden" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Secret%20Garden%20LoB%2025042023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

In mid spring, the flowers were looking quite lush on the seventh floor garden terrace.

dndimg alt="Secret Garden" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Secret%20Garden%20LoB%2025042023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Secret Garden" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Secret%20Garden%20LoB%2025042023%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

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Red flowers seen at the Secret Garden on the 1st June 2023. Google Lens say that they are Avens.

dndimg alt="Secret Garden" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Secret%20Garden%20LoB%2001062023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The quick visit of the 14th June 2023. The flowers and plants are in full bloom, the sky was blue, and it was hot during the June Summer 2023 heatwave!

dndimg alt="Secret Garden" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Secret%20Garden%20LoB%2014062023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Secret Garden" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Secret%20Garden%20LoB%2014062023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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dndimg alt="Secret Garden" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Secret%20Garden%20LoB%2014062023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

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70 passion points
Elliott Brown Environment & green action
23 Apr 2023 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Sandwell Valley Country Park Trail

Sandwell Valley Country Park Trail

This is a wonderful walk or cycle ride in a wonderful Park. There is so much to enjoy including the Swan Pool, Sandwell Priory ruins and Sandwell Park Farm.  Enjoy with our compliments.

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Sandwell Valley Country Park Trail





Sandwell Valley Country Park Trail

This is a wonderful walk or cycle ride in a wonderful Park. There is so much to enjoy including the Swan Pool, Sandwell Priory ruins and Sandwell Park Farm.  Enjoy with our compliments.


To get to Sandwell Country Park

If you are travelling from outside Sandwell, catch the West Midlands Metro from Birmingham or Wolverhampton to West Bromwich Central. Alternatively catch the no 74 bus to West Bromwich Bus Station.

Note:  We recommend you buy a day ticket on the My Metro app before you travel.

dndimg alt="West Bromwich Central Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 24 West Brom Central (Aug 2021).jpg" />Photography by Elliott Brown

Outside the station you could hire a West Midlands Cycle bike if you do not fancy walking.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Cycle Hire West Bromwich" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMCH West Brom (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" />Photography by Elliott Brown

Turn left onto the West Bromwich Ringway, then pass West Bromwich Bus Station. Turn right onto St Michael Street, continue onto New Street into the New Square shopping centre. Perhaps stop for coffee.

If you missed West Midlands Cycle Hire before, there is another docking point outside of Central St Michael's Sixth Form College.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Cycle Hire" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMCH West Brom (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />West Midlands Cycle Hire at Central St Michael's Sixth Form College (August 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

Continue through New Square and turn left towards Cronehill Linkway Car Park. Next walk up Cronehills Linkway, stop at the lights and cross over the Cronehills Interchange Bridge.

dndimg alt="Cronehills Interchange Bridge" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cronehills IB West Brom (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Cronehills Interchange Bridge. Photography by Elliott Brown

Near The Expressway follow the path onto Sandwell Road North, then onto Taylors Lane and Woodward Street until you get to Dagger Lane.

Turn right onto Salters Lane and continue heading down to the gate.

Enter Sandwell Valley Country Park. 

At the gates, enter Sandwell Valley Country Park.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley CP (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" />Salters Lane entrance to Sandwell Valley Country Park. Photography by Elliott Brown

Continue along Salters Lane through the park. The path/road here is a bit rough.

Along the way you will pass the fields of Sandwell Park Farm.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley cows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley CP (Aug 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Sandwell Park Farm. Photography by Elliott Brown

You will then cross the first bridge over the M5 motorway.

dndimg alt="Bridge 1 M5 Sandwell Valley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bridge 1 M5 SVCP (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" />Bridge over the M5 motorway at Sandwell Valley Country Park. Photography by Elliott Brown

You are now on the other side of Sandwell Valley Country Park.

Now turn left onto Beacon Way and follow the path all the way around the Swan Pool.

dndimg alt="Swan Pool Sandwell Valley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Swan Pool SVCP (Aug 2021) (3).jpg" />Swan Pool at Sandwell Valley Country Park. Photography by Elliott Brown

After you've gone around the Swan Pool, turn left which takes you back onto the main path /road towards Park Lane. You will pass the Priory Woods Local Nature Reserve.

At the end of this path, turn right alongside Park Lane, heading to the gate.

Note: If you want to leave the park here, you can, but there are no pavements on Park Lane.

dndimg alt="Park Lane gate Sandwell Valley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley CP (Aug 2021) (8).jpg" />Park Lane gate at Sandwell Valley Country Park. Photography by Elliott Brown

Let's continue along the path towards the ruins of Sandwell Priory and Sandwell Hall.

They were built in the 12th century by William son of Guy de Offeni, Lord of the Manor of West Bromwich.

Located next to the 'Sand Well', a natural spring a short distance to the south from which the Priory gets its name, it was closed by Cardinal Wolsey in 1525 during the Reformation, and later demolished.

It was excavated between 1982 and 1988.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Priory Ruins" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Priory Ruins SVCP (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Sandwell Priory Ruins at Sandwell Valley Country Park. Photography by Elliott Brown

Next to the Priory is the ruins of Sandwell Hall. The land was bought by Lord Dartmouth in 1701, and in 1705 he demolished the existing buildings to build his house.

The Dartmouth's moved to Patshull near Wolverhampton in 1853, and Sandwell Hall had a variety of uses before it was demolished in 1928.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Hall" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Hall Ruins SVCP (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Remains of Sandwell Hall at Sandwell Valley Country Park. Photography by Elliott Brown

After this, continue along the path, and then cross over the second bridge over the M5 motorway.

Alternatively if you have time, check out the Ice House Pool and Cascade Pool.

There is also another path that takes you back towards the Swan Pool.

dndimg alt="M5 Bridge 2" dndsrc="https://www.birminghamweare.com/uploadedfiles/Bridge 2 M5 SVCP (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" /> Second bridge over the M5 motorway at Sandwell Valley Country Park. Photography by Elliott Brown

After the bridge, there is a path where you can take your exit towards Europa Avenue, or you can continue onto Dartmouth Park or Sandwell Park Farm.

The Europa Avenue exit goes past a Mercure Hotel near M5, Junction 1 and The Expressway.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="https://www.birminghamweare.com/uploadedfiles/SVCP Europa Ave (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" /> Leaving Sandwell Valley Country Park at Europa Avenue. Photography by Elliott Brown

From Europa Avenue, take Beeches Road to Birmingham Road. If you want to catch a bus instead of the tram, the 74 stops on Birmingham Road.

Here you can either go down Roebuck Street or Roebuck Lane. Go onto Devereux Road, and get onto West Bromwich Parkway.

This is the end of the trail.  We hope you enjoyed it!

If you need a tram, follow the path to Kenrick Park Tram Stop. Look out for trams.

dndimg alt="West Bromwich Parkway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 19 West Brom Pkwy (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />West Midlands Metro tram at West Bromwich Parkway. Photography by Elliott Brown

It shouldn't be too long to wait for a tram at Kenrick Park Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="Kenrick Park Tram Stop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM 23 Kenrick Pk (Aug 2021).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />West Midlands Metro tram arriving at Kenrick Park Tram Stop. Photography by Elliott Brown

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60 passion points
Elliott Brown Rivers, lakes & canals
20 Apr 2023 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Birmingham to Smethwick walk up the Birmingham Canal Navigations New Mainline with Jonathan

Enjoy this walk with Jonathan on a walk up the Birmingham Canal Navigations New Mainline, starting at Old Turn Junction near the Arena and finishing just beyond the Galton Bridge in Smethwick. You can walk or cycle there and back. Or get the train back from Smethwick Galton Bridge Station to Birmingham Snow Hill or New Street (your choice).

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Birmingham to Smethwick walk up the Birmingham Canal Navigations New Mainline with Jonathan





Enjoy this walk with Jonathan on a walk up the Birmingham Canal Navigations New Mainline, starting at Old Turn Junction near the Arena and finishing just beyond the Galton Bridge in Smethwick. You can walk or cycle there and back. Or get the train back from Smethwick Galton Bridge Station to Birmingham Snow Hill or New Street (your choice).


Start at Brindleyplace. Pass the National Sealife Centre, then cross over the footbridge, passing the Oozells Street Loop. 

At Old Turn Junction will be a view of The Malt House and the Library of Birmingham. The Birmingham & Fazeley Canal starts here, but it was the Newhall Branch of the Birmingham Canal Navigations as far as Farmers Bridge Locks / Cambrian Wharf.

Old Turn Junction and The Malt House

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/D983EF0A-6897-4083-A050-898D36CD622F.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Pass the Arena, and turn left past the Legoland Discovery Centre Birmingham, head down the towpath onto the Birmingham Canal Navigations New Mainline.

Utilita Arena Birmingham - Old Turn Junction

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/62889DEF-1C05-4A98-AC0A-D6B372E38022.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

At Old Turn Junction is also the start of the Oozells Street Loop at this bridge near Brindleyplace. Part of the Old Mainline.

Oozells Street Loop Junction Bridge - Old Turn Junction

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCB30681-6E4E-4782-A0BD-2D8676680028.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Walk under the Sheepcote Street Bridge as you pass The Distillery and the Roundhouse.

Sheepcote Street Bridge

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/38978DFE-122E-4C61-8F12-E55BA8B7C740.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Distillery

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/06CE760E-67D5-49F2-A305-F22E7F2FBB5C.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Roundhouse

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/A1BE3658-9063-4A22-96BD-4AE1478E7ABE.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Before leaving the City Centre you pass Ladywood Junction, where the end of the Oozells Street Loop joins onto the BCN New Mainline.

Ladywood Junction Bridge - Oozells Street Loop

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/ED9D9DAB-07B2-442A-A1BB-8F8C8B477B69.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Head out of the City Centre under the St Vincent Street Bridge into Ladywood.

St Vincent Street Bridge

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/8E6672DF-CE05-4993-A1FB-614AF0F3FA21.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

After passing under Ladywood Middleway, at the Monument Road Bridge, you will pass the start of the Ickield Port Loop at Sandy Turn. There is also the Monument Road Basin Bridge, also called Monument Lane Basin, just before Ladywood Middleway.

Sandy Turn bridge - Icknield Port Loop

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/2F87B3F1-D7E0-4606-88DF-DB121D162F4C.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The new Port Loop development is between both ends of the Icknield Port Loop near Rotton Park Street.

Port Loop development

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/3BA4AE43-4B33-45BB-959E-5046D7775824.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The other end of the Icknield Port Loop is at Rotton Park Junction.

Rotton Park Junction Bridge - Icknield Port Loop

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/158C45A2-7DDD-4B16-A8C6-1EFD083BD132.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

You will pass over the Eyre Street Junction Bridge, which is at the start of the Soho Loop, near the Soho Wharf development. The other end of the Icknield Port Loop is opposite here, plus the railway bridge that carries the line from Birmingham New Street to Wolverhampton.

Eyre Street Junction Bridge - Soho Loop 

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/411F97E0-DA67-484C-B6C7-5AF0BCF4B68E.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Pass under the Rotton Park Towpath Bridge, continue past the Site of Harborne Branch Railway Bridge, until you get to the Lee Bridge.

Lee Bridge

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/1AD5C0B3-377A-4ADE-A96F-73C7D2ABFEFC.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Continue up to the Winson Green Bridge, which has Winson Green Road crossing overhead.

Winson Green Bridge

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/AEAED132-C15B-4FDC-894B-17006BC40A3E.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The other end of the Soho Loop is at Winson Green Junction. This is near the Soho EMU Depot, home of the Cross City Line's famous Class 323 Electric Multiple Units!

Winson Green Junction Bridge - Soho Loop

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/6057678A-E77E-4C4E-9969-84682F853ABE.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Winson Green Gauging Island is next to the Winson Green Roving Bridge, as you pass the Soho EMU Depot (either side of the canal, there is a towpath on both sides here).

Winson Green Roving Bridge

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/66B79FC5-218A-4AEE-8CB9-2D532CED4AC0.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Continue walking up to the railway bridge, as you will soon cross into Smethwick in Sandwell.

Soho Railway Bridge

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DCC83FB1-4CCD-43D3-ADAF-EB869AA88010.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Between here was the site of Soho Foundry Basin, and the site of Smethwick Gas Works Basin, and the French Walls Basin Bridge.

Rabone Lane Bridge

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/C9106B94-B902-43AF-8439-F7E6B0DDFB01.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Smethwick Junction on the BCN is where the New Line and Old Line splits. The New Mainline is to the left on the Birmingham Level, while the Old Mainline is to the right on the Wolverhampton Level.

Smethwick Main Line Turnover Bridge - Smethwick Junction

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/4619F0A4-36A9-4348-B1F9-F255DE2C91EF.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Rolfe Bridge in Smethwick is at Bridge Street North. One of the towpaths is fenced off here.

Rolfe Bridge

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/F6B7ACF3-4813-4C78-8784-1969834F6984.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Passing the Rolfe Pipe Bridge and Smethwick Stop, and then pass under the Engine Arm Aqueduct.

Engine Arm Aqueduct

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/C2243D55-D83A-43D2-8178-8940B0B2D0D3.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The next bridge to walk under is the Brass House Bridge, which is on Brasshouse Lane in Smethwick.

Brass House Bridge

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/B4A1CF64-16A1-42D0-BEDF-6DE489414E18.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Smethwick Pumping Station, also called the Galton Valley Canal Museum, or the New Smethwick Pumping Station. It was built in 1892. The lower level is on the New Mainline, while the upper level to the right is on the Old Mainline of the BCN.

Smethwick Pumping Station

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/A8D3A1EF-949C-4479-AD4D-696DC0525FFC.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Walking up to the Galton Tunnel from the southeastern portal, then walk through to the northwestern portal. It was built of concrete, and is below Telford Way.

Galton Tunnel

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/466CD1E7-9C08-475D-BAFB-35CA2ED83544.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Cross under the famous Galton Bridge. Opened in 1829 and designed by Thomas Telford. It has been pedestrianised since the 1970s. A Grade I listed structure.

Galton Bridge

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/DD55CD1E-E29F-4895-9719-78BE1443E673.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The next bridge is the Smethwick Railway Bridge. This was converted into Smethwick Galton Bridge Station in 1995, with the opening of the Jewellery Line, it carries the Snow Hill lines on the high level, while there is also a low level that carries the line from Birmingham New Street to Wolverhampton.

Smethwick Galton Bridge Station

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/8A7757F9-E149-4572-8565-1A8BD327439F.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The next bridge carries Spon Lane South, not far from the remains of the Chance Glassworks.

Spon Lane Station Bridge 

dndimg alt="BCN New Mainline" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CB933BAF-1992-45C2-902F-8BF868D71D3F.jpeg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

This was where Jonathan ended his walk, and turned back towards Birmingham. Beyond here is a couple of bridges next to Chance Glassworks, and Spon Lane Junction, where the Old Mainline crossed the New Mainline on the Steward Aqueduct, followed by the M5 motorway.

 

You can either walk or cycle back, or leave at Spon Lane South, and walk to Smethwick Galton Bridge Station, to catch the train to either Birmingham Snow Hill or Birmingham New Street (your choice, remember to buy your train tickets before travelling). Also various nearby bus routes.

 

Post by Elliott Brown. Photos from Jonathan Bostock.

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80 passion points
Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
12 Feb 2023 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

Sustrans: Local Heroes - Jane Sixsmith, Ellie Simmonds and Lenny Henry

At the beginning of February 2023, Sustrans unveiled a new set of statues at Osler Street Play Area in Ladywood. Of Local Heroes - Jane Sixsmith MBE (former hockey player), Ellie Simmonds OBE (former Paralympian swimmer) and Sir Lenny Henry CBE (actor, comedian, presenter etc). They are Portrait Benches on the National Cycle Network across the UK, now including here in Birmingham.

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Sustrans: Local Heroes - Jane Sixsmith, Ellie Simmonds and Lenny Henry





At the beginning of February 2023, Sustrans unveiled a new set of statues at Osler Street Play Area in Ladywood. Of Local Heroes - Jane Sixsmith MBE (former hockey player), Ellie Simmonds OBE (former Paralympian swimmer) and Sir Lenny Henry CBE (actor, comedian, presenter etc). They are Portrait Benches on the National Cycle Network across the UK, now including here in Birmingham.


Sustrans on the National Cycle Network

Explore Birmingham using the National Cycle Network.

Local Heroes are sculptures that are part of a series celebrating local heroes, chosen by communities across the UK.

For more information visit: Sustrans Portrait benches.

These were created to celebrate Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

It was reported by the BBC - article here: Sir Lenny Henry sculpture boosts Birmingham community park. And by the Birmingham Mail: Lenny Henry 'moved' as sculpture unveiled at park - alongside Jane Sixsmith and Ellie Simmonds.

 

Osler Street Play Area, Ladywood, Birmingham

In Birmingham the three statues were unveiled on the 1st February 2023 at Osler Street Play Area (or Osler Street Park) in Ladywood. Close to Clark Street, Reservoir Road and Osler Street (plus close to Edgbaston Reservoir).

They depict local heroes: Jane Sixsmith, Ellie Simmonds and Lenny Henry.

dndimg alt="Sustrans Local Heroes" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Local%20Heroes%20OSPA%20(Feb%202023)%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

 

Jane Sixsmith MBE

Jane Sixsmith is the first British female hockey player to compete in four Olympics. She retired from international hockey after scoring over 100 goals, winning 165 caps for England and 158 for Great Britain. Her honours include an MBE, an Olympic bronze (1992), European Cup gold (1991) and a Commonwealth silver medal (1998).

dndimg alt="Sustrans Local Heroes" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Local%20Heroes%20OSPA%20(Feb%202023)%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Ellie Simmonds OBE

Ellie Simmonds is a British former Paralympian swimmer. She competed at the Summer Paralympics in 2008 in Beijing, winning two gold medals aged 13. She won further gold medals at the London 2012 Paralympics and the Rio 2016 Paralympics. She set a 400m freestyle world record in London 2012, and a 200m medley world record in Rio.

dndimg alt="Sustrans Local Heroes" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Local%20Heroes%20OSPA%20(Feb%202023)%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

 

Sir Lenny Henry CBE

Lenny Henry is an actor, comedian, singer, presenter and writer from Dudley. He co-founded the charity Comic Relief in 1985, and was knighted in 2015 for services to drama and charity. More recently Lenny acted in Amazon Prime Video's Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and Netflix's The Witcher: Blood Origin.

dndimg alt="Sustrans Local Heroes" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Local%20Heroes%20OSPA%20(Feb%202023)%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Some more views

The approach on the path from Osler Street.

dndimg alt="Sustrans Local Heroes" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Local%20Heroes%20OSPA%20(Feb%202023)%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Exploring Birmingham Using the National Cycle Network sign.

dndimg alt="Sustrans Local Heroes" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Local%20Heroes%20OSPA%20(Feb%202023)%20(6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The sign with the three statues.

dndimg alt="Sustrans Local Heroes" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Local%20Heroes%20OSPA%20(Feb%202023)%20(7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The view from Clark Street, just having left the path.

dndimg alt="Sustrans Local Heroes" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Local%20Heroes%20OSPA%20(Feb%202023)%20(8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Clark Street view with all three statues. The view towards the main entrance of Edgbaston Reservoir.

dndimg alt="Sustrans Local Heroes" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Local%20Heroes%20OSPA%20(Feb%202023)%20(9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

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50 passion points
Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
14 Dec 2022 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Luminate at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Another lights trail at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, on Westbourne Road in Edgbaston. During the Christmas 2022 season. Tickets need to be bought in advance. I went with a group on Tuesday 6th December 2022 between 7pm and 8pm in the evening. The trail was a bit different to the Magical Lantern Festival I'd previously seen here. At least it wasn't raining. But it was cold.

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Luminate at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens





Another lights trail at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, on Westbourne Road in Edgbaston. During the Christmas 2022 season. Tickets need to be bought in advance. I went with a group on Tuesday 6th December 2022 between 7pm and 8pm in the evening. The trail was a bit different to the Magical Lantern Festival I'd previously seen here. At least it wasn't raining. But it was cold.


LUMINATE, BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS, CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TRAIL 2022

 

Arriving at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens on Westbourne Road in Edgbaston. We didn't park here, so we had a bit of a walk from Frederick Road via Calthorpe Road.

The main entrance of the Botanical Gardens, with Christmas trees, where we waited for other members of our group to arrive.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

There was several Christmas trees in the foyer, these ones, near the exit to the shop.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Later on near the end of the visit was the #BBG hashtag in the foyer and one of the Christmas trees. These are more to do with the Botanical Gardens than Luminate.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(17).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

After the group tickets were shown, one of the first things you see is this Luminate sign.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

On the main lawn was these lights that kept changing colours.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

There was a full moon that evening over the Botanical Gardens. The Cold Moon apparently. It was still full two nights later.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The rainbow ribbon suspension bridge.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The enchanted fairyland.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Glitterball Solar System.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The rainbow light path.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Square light tunnel.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Spotlights from the Viewpoint near the Refreshments area.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Globe lights canopy above a path.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Bright white reindeer trail.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(13).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The warped light tunnel. This was popular.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(14).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The light bulb beads, you had to walk through these.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(15).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Near the end. The Alpine Yard with lit up greenhouses.

dndimg alt="Luminate" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Luminate%20BBG%2006122022%20(16).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

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