Jack's visit to Selly Manor with Nechells POD

During July 2023, Jack Babington and Nechells POD visited Selly Manor and Minworth Greaves in Bournville. Enjoy Jack's photos in this post.

Selly Manor is run by the Bournville Village Trust.

The building was re-built at Bournville from 1912 to 1916 by W. Alexander Harvey for George Cadbury. The building dates back to the 15th century in the sub-manor of Selly.

dndimg alt="Jack Selly Manor" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Manor%20(July%202023)%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Henry VIII teddy bear.

dndimg alt="Jack Selly Manor" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Manor%20(July%202023)%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Cuddly toy cat on a bed.

dndimg alt="Jack Selly Manor" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Manor%20(July%202023)%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Food on the kitchen table.

dndimg alt="Jack Selly Manor" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Manor%20(July%202023)%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Kitchen.

dndimg alt="Jack Selly Manor" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Manor%20(July%202023)%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A boars head in the kitchen.

dndimg alt="Jack Selly Manor" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Manor%20(July%202023)%20(6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Civil War helmets.

dndimg alt="Jack Selly Manor" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Manor%20(July%202023)%20(7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Shields / coat of arms inside of Minworth Greaves.

dndimg alt="Jack Selly Manor" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Manor%20(July%202023)%20(8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

An old clock.

dndimg alt="Jack Selly Manor" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Manor%20(July%202023)%20(9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A view of Minworth Greaves.

It was re-built here in 1932 by Lawrence Cadbury. It was formerly located in Minworth near Sutton Coldfield, and dates to the 14th century. Restoration overseen by W. Alexander Harvey.

dndimg alt="Jack Selly Manor" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Manor%20(July%202023)%20(10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Jack Babington

Reflective Pool from the Secret Garden at the Library of Birmingham over the years

The renovations of Centenary Square was completed in 2019, with a reflective pool, with water jets. But various events have taken place on it since the summer of 2019, including events related to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and Ice Skate Birmingham. When those are not there, the dancing water jets are on with kids running through them.

All views here taken from the Secret Garden, Level 7 at the Library of Birmingham.

 

13th August 2021

First visit to the Secret Garden after all the lockdowns and closures of the library.

dndimg alt="Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cent%20Sq%20LoB%2013082021%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

4th September 2021

The Reflective Pool getting a good use, in the months before Ice Skate Birmingham returned.

dndimg alt="Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cent%20Sq%20Reflective%20SG%20LoB%2004092021.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

15th July 2022

The Birmingham 2022 Megastore a couple of weeks before the start of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

dndimg alt="Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/B2022%20Megastore%20LoB%2015072022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

13th August 2022

The Birmingham 2022 Megastore, this was a few days after the end of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games (the terraces were closed during it).

dndimg alt="Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMM%20Raging%20Bull%20Centenary%20Sq%2013082022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

16th September 2022

Empty again after the Birmingham 2022 Megastore had been dismantled. But preparing for the Conservative Party Conference next.

dndimg alt="Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ref%20Pool%20Centenary%20Sq%20LoB%2016092022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

24th September 2022

The marquees being put up for the Conservative Party Conference.

dndimg alt="Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Con%20Conf%20LoB%2024092022%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

29th October 2022

Ice Skate Birmingham begins to be built in Centenary Square, including the big wheel, Star Flyer and Air rides.

dndimg alt="Ice Skate Birmingham" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/ICB%20Centenary%20Sq%2029102022%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

26th January 2023

Centenary Square returned to normal after Ice Skate Birmingham had been dismantled again.

dndimg alt="Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cent%20Sq%20LTS%20LoB%2026012023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

25th April 2023

Centenary Square between events, this was a week or so before the King's Coronation celebrations.

dndimg alt="Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Centenary%20Sq%20SG%20LoB%2025042023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

1st June 2023

The Reflective Pool was turned off, while a bus stop in Centenary Square was getting done up at Library Metro Tram Stop.

dndimg alt="Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ref%20Pool%20Centenary%20Sq%2001062023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

14th June 2023

The Reflective Pool was on for most of June, with the dancing water jet fountains, kids enjoying the summer heatwave that month.

dndimg alt="Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Centenary%20Sq%2014062023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

29th July 2023

Birmingham Festival 23 on from 28th July to 6th August 2023, depending on the weather.

dndimg alt="Centenary Square" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BFest23%20Centenary%20Sq%2029072023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Ozzy Birmingham's Mechanical Bull at Birmingham New Street Station

During July 2023, Artem FX rebuilt the raging Commonwealth Bull now called Ozzy at the concourse of Birmingham New Street Station. Unveiled 26th July 2023 by Sharon Osbourne. If arriving by train, exit at the A end of the station before exiting at the ticket barriers. Also balcony views around Grand Central, for the best views from above. Or approach from the concourse close up.

Since Autumn 2022, when the Raging Bull was removed from the wasteland in Ladywood, Artem FX took him back to their base in West London for a complete rebuild. After the public campaign to save him. Little news over Winter 2022-23, but by Spring 2023, we found out that the bull would be living at Birmingham New Street Station. 

A public vote was put out to name the bull, this was cut down to the final four: Ozzy, Brummie, Bostin or Boulton. More details on the vote here.

 

Waiting the the Bull, June 2023

1st June 2023, the space is set out in the concourse at Birmingham New Street Station,

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BNSS%2001062023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

10th June 2023, up and close with the spot where Ozzy would go.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/RB%20BNSS%2010062023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

18th June 2023, the barriers got even smaller!

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/No%20Bull%20BNSS%2018062023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

22nd June 2023, the Raging Commonwealth Bull is officially named Ozzy after a public vote landslide!

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photoshop mock up by Elliott Brown

 

27th June 2023, another look at the space where Ozzy would go in July.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20site%20BNSS%2027062023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Building Ozzy, July 2023

6th July 2023, the space is set, Ozzy would arrive in pieces overnight.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20bull%20BNSS%2006072023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20bull%20BNSS%2006072023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

7th July 2023, work begins to rebuild Ozzy the bull at Birmingham New Street Station. There is good views from Grand Central above.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2007072023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2007072023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2007072023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

9th July 2023, Ozzy's body has been reformed. But was headless at this point.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2009072023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2009072023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

14th July 2023, Ozzy is now fully formed, but has a veil over his head, which would not come down for another 12 days.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2014072023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2014072023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

16th July 2023, our last update before Ozzy would be revealed 10 days later, live on BBC Breakfast, to be unveiled by Sharon Osbourne.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2016072023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2016072023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Ozzy unveiling day, 26th July 2023

The views of Ozzy, Birmingham's Mechanical Bull from all angles. 

From the A end of Birmingham New Street Station (ticketed part of the concourse).

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Views from the concourse at Birmingham New Street.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Main views of course from the balconies at Grand Central above.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Ozzy%20Bull%20BNSS%2026072023%20(10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

More views of Ozzy around New Street Station and Grand Central.

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4112b_BULL23.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4134b_BULL23.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4141b_BULL23.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4155b_BULL23.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4200b_BULL23.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4128b_BULL23.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4121b_BULL23.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Ozzy" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4106b_BULL23.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Daniel Sturley

 

Soho Loop walk on the BCN Old Mainline

I was going to get onto the Soho Loop at Winson Green Junction, but on the BCN Mainline near Winson Green Road, towpath was closed, so walked down and got on at Rotton Park Junction. Then a minor diversion at the Soho Wharf development before rejoining at Spring Hill. Stayed on the Soho Loop until the Asylum Bridge (although would have gone further). But exited to Norman Street Park.

The Soho Loop opened in 1772, and was part of the Birmingham Canal Navigations Old Mainline and developed by James Brindley. It became a loop when the straighter Birmingham Canal Navigations Mainline, developed by Thomas Telford, opened in 1827. This created two junctions: Rotton Park Junction with the Soho Loop, Icknield Port Loop and the BCN Mainline and Winson Green Junction.

 

This walk was on Sunday 23rd July 2023.

 

Rotton Park Junction

Having caught the 11C bus to Summerfield Park, Winson Green, my plans changed when I found the towpath closed at the Winson Green Bridge, so couldn't walk to Winson Green Junction, so instead walked down the BCN Mainline and crossed the Rotton Park Towpath Bridge a Rotton Park Junction to get onto the Soho Loop. Here the skyline has changed, with The Mercian, The Bank towers 1 & 2 and the Cortland Square development on Broad Street. Icknield Port Loop to the right.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BCNML%20Winson%20Green%2023072023%20(8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Rotton Park Railway Bridge

View from the new Soho Wharf Footbridge, is the Rotton Park Railway Bridge at Rotton Park Junction. It carries the Birmingham to Wolverhampton railway line. This photo would have been impossible until the new footbridge had been built.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Soho%20Wharf%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Soho Wharf Footbridge

Most of the new Soho Wharf development on the left is now open. Also a new footbridge has opened to Spring Hill Wharf. I did walk a bit beyond, but found the towpath to be closed to Spring Hill, so had to double back, and divert off the Soho Loop and Soho Wharf to Dudley Road and Spring Hill.

dndimg alt="Soho Wharf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Soho%20Wharf%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Soho Wharf to Spring Hill

While I did walk a bit of the towpath here, found it to be closed at the Spring Hill Bridge, so had to leave the canal at Soho Wharf over the new footbridge. Street art on the walls to the right.

dndimg alt="Soho Wharf" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Soho%20Wharf%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(11).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Spring Hill Bridge

A look at the Spring Hill Bridge and Soho Wharf. The towpath on this side was closed. Hopefully it wont be too long before they reopen it to the public.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Spring%20Hill%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Spring Hill Pipe Bridge 

Rejoining the Soho Loop at Spring Hill, to walk towards the Black British History is British History sculpture, this was the first bridge back on the canal.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Spring%20Hill%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Towards Crabtree Lane

The Soho Loop from Spring Hill to Crabtree Lane. Passed several cyclists around here. Some parkland on the right.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hockley%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Western Road Bridge

The Western Road Bridge carries Crabtree Lane.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hockley%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Towards Hockley Port Junction

This long straight section towards Hockley Port Junction. Lots of trees here, feels very rural.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hockley%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Soho Branch at Hockley Port Junction

The next bridge crosses over at Hockley Port Junction which leads to the Soho Branch and Hockley Port. Private, the gate looked locked, but could see narrowboats down there.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hockley%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Curving round City Hospital

A curved section, City Hospital is on the left (behind the trees). Then had to walk past lots of fishermen!

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hockley%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Wildlife Trusts Birmingham & Black Country

Still passing the fishermen, on the left was The Wildlife Trusts Birmingham & Black Country, part of the Centre of the Earth. Was a boat moored called 'London Poly Roger'.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Poly%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Black British History is British History

The reason for this Soho Loop walk was to find this steel sculpture by Luke Perry called 'Black British History is British History'. It was unveiled in 2023. Was also designed by artist Canaan Brown.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Black%20BH%20is%20BH%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Asylum Bridge

A look at the Asylum Bridge. Originally I would have walked past it, but I went up onto it to see if it was open (Google Maps said it was closed, I later tried to get Google Maps to change it). Anyway I ended up exiting the Soho Loop here into Norman Street Park.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Asylum%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Winson Green Bridge

The view from the Asylum Bridge to the Winson Green Bridge. Was so close to the end of the Soho Loop. That bridge ahead carries another section of Winson Green Road. So will need to go back in future to complete the section to Winson Green Junction.

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Asylum%20Soho%20Loop%2023072023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Norman Street Park

There was an Asylum Bridge steel sculpture near the bridge in Norman Street Park. Also this gateway, and a street art wall. Ended up leaving here for the 11A bus stop on Aberdeen Street (not far from City Hospital).

dndimg alt="Soho Loop" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Norman%20St%20park%2023072023%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Nearby bus routes include the 11A, 11C, 82 and 87.

Appears to be in walking distance of Jewellery Quarter Station (trains) or Winson Green Outer Circle Tram Stop or Soho Benson Road Tram Stop (trams).

 

Photos by Elliott Brown

Black Sabbath Bench is well looked after in Westside

The Black Sabbath Bench, now a major attraction in Birmingham, receives an occasional touch up now and again given the attention the art receives from both tourists and locals. Followers of our great Birmingham Gems across Westside were there to see this happening on the 29th July 2023.

Enjoy this great gallery of photography.

Black Sabbath bench at the Black Sabbath Bridge on Broad Street in Westside receives a well deserved touch-up. 

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4403b_BSBR.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4436b_BSBR.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4422b_BSBR.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4535b_BSBR.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4557b_BSBR.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4570b_BSBR.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4572b_BSBR.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_4575b_BSBR.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Birmingham Gems contributor Daniel Sturley.