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Elliott Brown Rivers, lakes & canals
28 Mar 2022 - Elliott Brown
Gallery
The River Tame: Brookvale Road Flood Wall in Witton

The River Tame: Brookvale Road Flood Wall in Witton

The River Tame in Witton used to flood when the river level was high due to heavy rain, so the Environment Agency decided to build flood walls on Brookvale Road. This took place around 2015-16. There are various words on the wall. A flood gate was installed at the Atlas Bridge. These works continue to Perry Barr.

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The River Tame: Brookvale Road Flood Wall in Witton





The River Tame in Witton used to flood when the river level was high due to heavy rain, so the Environment Agency decided to build flood walls on Brookvale Road. This took place around 2015-16. There are various words on the wall. A flood gate was installed at the Atlas Bridge. These works continue to Perry Barr.


BROOKVALE ROAD FLOOD WALL, RIVER TAME, WITTON

Heading out from Witton Station on Witton Road at midday on Tuesday 22nd March 2022. It was a sunny early spring day.

I was aware of these walls from over a year ago, while doing the River Tame feature.

Never got around to checking them out until now.

The flood wall starts on Brookvale Road, and you can't see the River Tame from the opposite pavement.

There is various words written on the wall, as you will see below.

It reads something like "BARRING RIVER ENLIVENING TAME MEANDERING RIVER REFORMING TAME FORGING RIVER POOLING TAME SEEKING RIVER MELDING TAME TRAVERSING  RIVER MEANDERING TAME".

dndimg alt="Brookvale Road flood wall Witton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Brookvale Rd FW R Tame Witton 22032022 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

RIVER ENLIVENING

dndimg alt="Brookvale Road flood wall Witton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Brookvale Rd FW R Tame Witton 22032022 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

REFORMING

dndimg alt="Brookvale Road flood wall Witton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Brookvale Rd FW R Tame Witton 22032022 (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

SEEKING RIVER

dndimg alt="Brookvale Road flood wall Witton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Brookvale Rd FW R Tame Witton 22032022 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

TRAVERSING RIVER

dndimg alt="Brookvale Road flood wall Witton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Brookvale Rd FW R Tame Witton 22032022 (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The flood wall splits at the red Atlas Bridge, which also has a flood gate.

dndimg alt="Brookvale Road flood wall Witton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Brookvale Rd FW R Tame Witton 22032022 (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

TAME POOLING

dndimg alt="Brookvale Road flood wall Witton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Brookvale Rd FW R Tame Witton 22032022 (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

TRAVERSING TAME

dndimg alt="Brookvale Road flood wall Witton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Brookvale Rd FW R Tame Witton 22032022 (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Views of the River Tame alongside the Brookvale Road Flood Wall, The railings above them are quite high.

dndimg alt="Brookvale Road River Tame Witton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/River Tame Brookvale Rd Witton 22032022 (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This direction towards the Holford Industrial Estate.

dndimg alt="Brookvale Road River Tame Witton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/River Tame Brookvale Rd Witton 22032022 (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This direction towards the Atlas Industrial Estate.

dndimg alt="Brookvale Road River Tame Witton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/River Tame Brookvale Rd Witton 22032022 (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Yew Tree pub is on the left on Brookvale Road in Witton.

dndimg alt="Brookvale Road River Tame Witton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/River Tame Brookvale Rd Witton 22032022 (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Brookvale Road River Tame Witton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/River Tame Brookvale Rd Witton 22032022 (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

View towards Villa Park, home of Aston Villa FC.

dndimg alt="Brookvale Road River Tame Witton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/River Tame Brookvale Rd Witton 22032022 (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Brookvale Road River Tame Witton" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/River Tame Brookvale Rd Witton 22032022 (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

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Elliott Brown History & heritage
24 Jan 2022 - Elliott Brown
Did you know?

Garden of Memory at Warstone Lane Cemetery

Did you know that there used to be funerary chapel at Warstone Lane Cemetery? Dedicated to St Michael and All Angels, it was built from 1847 to 1848, but was badly damaged during WW2 and was demolished in the 1950s. During the 2019 to 2021 restoration works, the site was found again, and was turned into a Garden of Memory. Railings and gates removed during the war was also replaced.

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Garden of Memory at Warstone Lane Cemetery





Did you know that there used to be funerary chapel at Warstone Lane Cemetery? Dedicated to St Michael and All Angels, it was built from 1847 to 1848, but was badly damaged during WW2 and was demolished in the 1950s. During the 2019 to 2021 restoration works, the site was found again, and was turned into a Garden of Memory. Railings and gates removed during the war was also replaced.


Garden of Memory

Warstone Lane Cemetery Chapel was dedicated to St Michael and All Angels, and was the funerary chapel, which once dominated the landscape. It had stained glass windows manufactured by the Chance Brothers. It was built around 1847 to 1848. It was demolished in the 1950s having been damaged by bombing of the Jewellery Quarter during WWII. The cemetery was already in decline, and damage can still be seen on many memorials in this part of the cemetery. Restoration work took place from 2019 to 2021, and the footprint of the chapel was recreated as a Garden of Memory, so it can once again be served as a space for the community to congregate, contemplate and celebrate life.

Photos below taken during January 2022. Headed into the cemetery via the open gate on Pitsford Street on Saturday 15th January 2022, while checking out Hockley Mills near Jewellery Quarter Station.

dndimg alt="Warstone Lane Cemetery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Warstone Ln Cem (Jan 2022) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Warstone Lane Cemetery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Warstone Ln Cem (Jan 2022) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Warstone Lane Cemetery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Warstone Ln Cem (Jan 2022) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Warstone Lane Cemetery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Warstone Ln Cem (Jan 2022) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Warstone Lane Cemetery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Warstone Ln Cem (Jan 2022) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Vyse Street Gate

The cemetery was originally surrounded by cast-iron gothic railings which were removed in the post war period, when the chapel was demolished. The railings and gate posts were replaced during the 2019 to 2021 restoration works. The Vyse Street frontage has new cast-iron railings which were matched to the original design using archival drawings and confirmed by small pieces found during the restoration work.

Photos below taken during January 2022.

dndimg alt="Warstone Lane Cemetery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Warstone Ln Cem (Jan 2022) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Warstone Lane Cemetery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Warstone Ln Cem (Jan 2022) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

View below of the new painted railings and stone pilars on Vyse Street, seen during August 2020.

dndimg alt="Warstone Lane Cemetery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Warstone Ln Cem Vyse St (Aug 2020) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

View below of the new painted railings on Warstone Lane, seen during November 2020.

dndimg alt="Warstone Lane Cemetery" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Warstone Ln Cem Vyse St (Aug 2020) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown can also be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

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Elliott Brown Sport & leisure
17 Aug 2021 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Model Boating at Bournville Lake at The Valley Parkway

On regular Sunday's the Bournville Radio Sailing and Model Boat Club meet to use their remote controlled boats on Bournville Lake at The Valley Parkway, near Bournville Lane. The club has a history going back to 1900, although has been on this site since 1926. On Sunday morning, 15th August 2021, the club was back. Also some archive photos from 2017 and 2018.

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Model Boating at Bournville Lake at The Valley Parkway





On regular Sunday's the Bournville Radio Sailing and Model Boat Club meet to use their remote controlled boats on Bournville Lake at The Valley Parkway, near Bournville Lane. The club has a history going back to 1900, although has been on this site since 1926. On Sunday morning, 15th August 2021, the club was back. Also some archive photos from 2017 and 2018.


Bournville Radio Sailing and Model Boat Club

The Bournville Radio Sailing and Model Boat Club, also called Bournville Model Yacht & Powerboat Club, was founded in the year 1900 as the Bournville Model Yachting Club at Rowheath Park. By 1926, George Cadbury Jr (son of the late George Cadbury who died in 1922) commissioned an area of marshland on the now famous Bournville Village Trust, to be reclaimed, and a concrete pool of even depth was created. The surrounding park is called The Valley Parkway by Birmingham City Council. The club has their own Boat House on site, and regularly meet on Sunday mornings for model yachting, and Sunday afternoons for model power boating. They sometimes also meet on other days for model boating.

 

26th March 2017

That Sunday there was model RNLI  powerboats on Bournville Lake at The Valley Parkway.

dndimg alt="Valley Parkway Bournville" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Valley Pway Bville (Mar 2017) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Valley Parkway Bournville" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Valley Pway Bville (Mar 2017) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

4th October 2018

On a Thursday morning walk through The Valley Parkway, I only managed to get one photo of a model yacht in the lake. See the project gallery for more photos. They don't usually sail the model yachts on Thursday's. At weekends they regularly meet on Sunday mornings for model yachting, and on weekdays, they meet on Wednesday mornings, and sometimes Tuesday afternoons. It's the power boat sessions that meets on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

dndimg alt="Valley Parkway Bournville" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Valley Pway Bville (Oct 2018) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

15th August 2021

A Sunday morning walk along Bournville Lane, to see if I could see any activity from the Bournville Model Yacht Club. Luckily, there was a whole bunch of them out at Bournville Lake, with a lot of model yachts, as you can see in the gallery below. The members seem to be mostly retired men and women.

dndimg alt="Valley Parkway Bournville" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Model Yachts Bournville TVP (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Valley Parkway Bournville" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Model Yachts Bournville TVP (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Valley Parkway Bournville" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Model Yachts Bournville TVP (Aug 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Valley Parkway Bournville" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Model Yachts Bournville TVP (Aug 2021) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Valley Parkway Bournville" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Model Yachts Bournville TVP (Aug 2021) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Valley Parkway Bournville" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Model Yachts Bournville TVP (Aug 2021) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Valley Parkway Bournville" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Model Yachts Bournville TVP (Aug 2021) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Valley Parkway Bournville" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Model Yachts Bournville TVP (Aug 2021) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

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Elliott Brown Green open spaces
09 Aug 2021 - Elliott Brown
Inspiration

A visit to Sandwell Valley Country Park on the 4th August 2021

I've been meaning to do a proper walk around of Sandwell Valley Country Park for a while now. My last visit four years ago for the Big Sleuth, I didn't get far into the park. This time entered via Salters Lane, passed a farm, then a bridge over the M5 led to Swan Pool. Eventually got back on the main path and found the Sandwell Priory ruins before one more bridge over the motorway.

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A visit to Sandwell Valley Country Park on the 4th August 2021





I've been meaning to do a proper walk around of Sandwell Valley Country Park for a while now. My last visit four years ago for the Big Sleuth, I didn't get far into the park. This time entered via Salters Lane, passed a farm, then a bridge over the M5 led to Swan Pool. Eventually got back on the main path and found the Sandwell Priory ruins before one more bridge over the motorway.


Previous Sandwell Valley Country Park post from my visit of July 2017.

 

Sandwell Valley Country Park, 4th August 2021

It's been around two years since I last got off the tram at West Bromwich Central Tram Stop. And since then we have had the pandemic. By late July 2021, the Midland Metro Alliance closed the extension from Bull Street to Stephenson Street (so all stops to Library are closed until October 2021 for track relaying works). So I booked my day ticket in the My Metro app before I set out, and travelled to Bull Street Tram Stop.

I got the tram to West Bromwich Central, and after a coffee and toastie at Costa at New Square Shopping Centre, started walking towards Sandwell Valley Country Park (via the Cronehills Interchange Bridge which crosses The Expressway). I avoided Dartmouth Park, and got to Dagger Lane, and headed down Salters Lane to get into the park.

 

Sandwell Park Farm

Welcome to Sandwell Valley Country Park. Home to Sandwell Park Farm. This sign seen from Salters Lane. Sandwell Valley Children's Fun Fair is to the right.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley CP (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I almost walked up the road to the car park, but instead got back on Salters Lane towards the gate and went through it into the park.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley CP (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The path / road to walk on was quite rough. On the right saw a field full of cows.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley CP (Aug 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

These flowers growing in the field are Helicrysum arenarium, according to a scan of Google Lens on my phone.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley CP (Aug 2021) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Further down, another field was full of sheep.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley CP (Aug 2021) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The rough path continues on towards the first bridge that crosses over the M5 motorway.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley CP (Aug 2021) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Before I crossed the bridge, saw another path, this one runs around Hillhouse Farm

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley CP (Aug 2021) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

M5 bridge crossing no 1

The first bridge over the M5 motorway. It is a Weak Bridge, so only vehicles of 7.5T mgw or less. Assume it is used by lightweight farm or park vehicles?

dndimg alt="M5 bridge 1" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bridge 1 M5 SVCP (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The bridge rises over the M5 motorway as I walked towards the other half of the park.

dndimg alt="M5 bridge 1" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bridge 1 M5 SVCP (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A lot of traffic on the M5 below. Heading towards the end of the M5 and M6, Junction 8. Left lane, M6 south, right lanes, M6 north.

dndimg alt="M5 bridge 1" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bridge 1 M5 SVCP (Aug 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This view below towards M5, Junction 1 for West Bromwich. There was also a sign for Birmingham Park & Ride (either train or tram). If train then it probably means either The Hawthorns or Smethwick Galton Bridge.

dndimg alt="M5 bridge 1" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bridge 1 M5 SVCP (Aug 2021) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Swan Pool

This is the largest lake at Sandwell Valley Country Park. It is called the Swan Pool (alternative names include Wasson or Warstone). Used for sailing. Home of ducks, geese and swans. Paths around the lake for walks, taking your dog for a walk. Also used by cyclists.

A walk around Swan Pool, along the paths in a clockwise direction.

dndimg alt="Swan Pool Sandwell Valley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Swan Pool SVCP (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Some swans in the lake, near decking used for fishing.

dndimg alt="Swan Pool Sandwell Valley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Swan Pool SVCP (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Swan Pool Sandwell Valley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Swan Pool SVCP (Aug 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Swan Pool Sandwell Valley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Swan Pool SVCP (Aug 2021) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

There was Canada geese in the lake as well as some Greylag geese.

dndimg alt="Swan Pool Sandwell Valley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Swan Pool SVCP (Aug 2021) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Swan Pool Sandwell Valley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Swan Pool SVCP (Aug 2021) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Swan Pool Sandwell Valley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Swan Pool SVCP (Aug 2021) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Swan Pool Sandwell Valley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Swan Pool SVCP (Aug 2021) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

After leaving Swan Pool, got a couple more photos from the path towards Park Lane, near the Priory Woods Local Nature Reserve.

dndimg alt="Swan Pool Sandwell Valley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Swan Pool SVCP (Aug 2021) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Swan Pool Sandwell Valley" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Swan Pool SVCP (Aug 2021) (10).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Path from Park Lane

After leaving Swan Pool I was next heading towards Park Lane. I eventually got to this gate and crossed over, but couldn't see any pavements to safely walk to The Hawthorns, so instead followed the path towards the ruins instead.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley CP (Aug 2021) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Looking back to the Park Lane exit, behind me, I was approaching the ruins of both Sandwell Priory (closed 1525) and Sandwell Hall (demolished 1928).

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Valley CP (Aug 2021) (9).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Sandwell Priory Ruins

The remains of Sandwell Priory, a medieval Benedictine monastery, which was excavated between 1982 and 1988. Some of the finds are on display at a small museum at Sandwell Park Farm. It was built in the mid 12th century by William son of Guy de Offeni, Lord of the Manor of West Bromwich. It was located next to the 'Sand Well' a natural spring a short distance to the south from which the Priory gets its name. In the first couple of centuries there was probably hundreds of monks here, but by the second half of the 14th century, there was only about one or two monks at the priory. After a recovery in the 15th century, the numbers declined again by the time Cardinal Wolsey closed it in 1525. By this date there was only the Prior and one monk, and many buildings were in a poor state.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Priory Ruins" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Priory Ruins SVCP (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Sandwell Priory Ruins" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Priory Ruins SVCP (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Sandwell Priory Ruins" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Priory Ruins SVCP (Aug 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Sandwell Priory Ruins" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Priory Ruins SVCP (Aug 2021) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Sandwell Hall Ruins

Sandwell Hall was built in top of Sandwell Priory in 1705. The site was bought by Lord Dartmouth in 1701, and in 1705 he demolished most of the existing buildings to build a new house. It was built in brick and had towers on three corners. In the 19th century a portico supported by columns was added to the front of the hall, and the hall was extended to the west. 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 Ruins" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Hall Ruins SVCP (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Sandwell Hall Ruins" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Sandwell Hall Ruins SVCP (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

M5 bridge crossing no 2

After seeing the ruins of both Sandwell Priory and Sandwell Hall, the path leads directly to another footbridge over the M5 motorway. Again a Weak Bridge for vehicles with 7.5T mgw.

dndimg alt="M5 Bridge 2" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bridge 2 M5 SVCP (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

I wasn't expecting to cross the M5 twice, as I originally thought of leaving the park at Park Lane (but no pavements).

dndimg alt="M5 Bridge 2" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bridge 2 M5 SVCP (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Busy traffic on the M5 below. Was a 40 mph limit towards the junction with the M6.

dndimg alt="M5 Bridge 2" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bridge 2 M5 SVCP (Aug 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Southbound towards Worcester and Bristol was fine, just northbound to the end of the M5 looked congested.

dndimg alt="M5 Bridge 2" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bridge 2 M5 SVCP (Aug 2021) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Exit to Europa Avenue

After crossing over the second M5 bridge, I left via the path towards Europa Avenue. Found a housing estate with various cul-de-sacs. The path emerged onto a cul-de-sac called St John's Close. Saw this Welcome sign.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/SVCP Europa Ave (Aug 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Now on Europa Avenue, saw this Sandwell Valley Community Noticeboard next to a red post box.

dndimg alt="Sandwell Valley Country Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/SVCP Europa Ave (Aug 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Passing a Mercure Hotel, I took a route towards Kenrick Park Tram Stop, via Beeches Road, Birmingham Road, Roebuck Lane and Devereux Road. Found a path onto the West Bromwich Parkway, and Kenrick Park was a short walk away. The tram back had no free seats, so stood all the way back to Bull Street.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

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Elliott Brown Green open spaces
19 Jul 2021 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Chamberlain Gardens in Ladywood

In 2020-21 Chamberlain Gardens had new gates and railings installed. Located in Ladywood at Monument Road and Ladywood Road. Towards Beaufort Road. The parkland also has a playground, outdoor gym area, tennis and basketball courts. A short walk to Perrott's Folly and Edgbaston Reservoir. Ladywood Middleway and Broadway Plaza are also nearby. 

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Chamberlain Gardens in Ladywood





In 2020-21 Chamberlain Gardens had new gates and railings installed. Located in Ladywood at Monument Road and Ladywood Road. Towards Beaufort Road. The parkland also has a playground, outdoor gym area, tennis and basketball courts. A short walk to Perrott's Folly and Edgbaston Reservoir. Ladywood Middleway and Broadway Plaza are also nearby. 


Chamberlain Gardens, Ladywood

During 2020 and 2021, Birmingham City Council has installed new railings and gates at Chamberlain Gardens in Ladywood. The parkland is at the heart of a Council housing estate, many of the tower blocks here have been reclad in recent years.

I found at least four new gates, from Beaufort Road, at the Calthorpe Entrance, at Cawdor Crescent, is the Winfield Entrance. Further up Cawdor Crescent to Monument Road is Perrotts Entrance, and at the Monument Road corner with Ladywood Road is the Osler Entrance.

Chamberlain Gardens was first developed in the 1960s, and was named after the former Mayor of Birmingham, Joseph Chamberlain (1836 - 1914), he served three terms from 1873 to 1876, before he resigned the office when he got elected to Parliament.

 

2014

I first briefly went into Chamberlain Gardens back in October 2014. I was close to the corner of Monument Road and Ladywood Road at the time. This sign for Chamberlain Gardens, A Barclays Space for Sports.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Gdns (Oct 2014) (2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

It was very autumnal at the time, when I spotted this hut in the middle near the trees.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Gdns (Oct 2014) (3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The roof was missing some tiles at the time. What was it used for in the past, a ticket kiosk, or somewhere to buy ice cream? Anyone know?

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Gdns (Oct 2014) (1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

2021

Fast forward to July 2021, and it was time to check out Chamberlain Gardens. Last year I went to see Perrotts Folly and the Edgbaston Waterworks Tower again, but at the time decided to not pop into the park. There is now new gates that have been installed since I was last in the area.

Welcome to Chamberlain Gardens. This is the Calthorpe Entrance at Beaufort Road in Ladywood. It is near Kenrick House.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Gdns Lwd (Jul 2021) (1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Passing Kenrick House from the Beaufort Road entrance into the park.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Gdns Lwd (Jul 2021) (2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The Council has recently cut the grass here.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Gdns Lwd (Jul 2021) (3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

A look to the Chamberlain Gardens Playground.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Gdns Lwd (Jul 2021) (4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Next to that was the Chamberlain Gardens Outdoor Gym Area.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Gdns Lwd (Jul 2021) (5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading to Cawdor Crescent, to check out the next gate.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Gdns Lwd (Jul 2021) (6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

This is the Winfield Entrance at Cawdor Crescent.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Gdns Lwd (Jul 2021) (7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Heading along Cawdor Crescent, double yellow lines, so no cars parked here.

dndimg alt="Chamberlain Gardens" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chamberlain Gdns Lwd (Jul 2021) (8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

View of the tennis and basketball courts from Cawdor Crescent.

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Between Cawdor Crescent and Monument Road is the next gate, this is Perrotts Entrance. It is close to Perrotts Folly (which is on Reservoir Road). Although Noel Road is closer at this point.

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Heading back into the park, there is a view here towards The Mercian.

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Another look at the hut I saw all those years ago. The roof is now repaired by the looks of it, but it is still unused.

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One of the paths seems to have been resurfaced here, maybe it is suitable for cyclists.

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Now heading along the path near Monument Road towards Ladywood Road.

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Nice reflection on the newly laid path of a tree.

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The path curves around past the trees near Ladywood Road.

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Out of the park one last time. This is the Osler Entrance at the corner of Ladywood Road and Monument Road.

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From here, it was a short walk to Ladywood Middleway along Monument Road. It was very hot and sunny.

 

Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

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