tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54688596088065116172024-03-19T12:03:42.736+00:00Birmingham UKUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger242125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5468859608806511617.post-54896698725761231592015-01-25T11:09:00.000+00:002015-01-24T19:44:20.887+00:00Information<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Within the content of this web site you will find <b>archived information</b> about almost every aspect of Birmingham and the West Midlands. Please remember that <span style="color: red;"><b>this is an archive and no longer an active website</b></span> although occasionally you might find new posts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/102965299411655709609/albums/5750128522360106321?authkey=CPCIreHWr7W2YA" target="_blank">Photos of Birmingham</a></span><br />
<a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/102965299411655709609/albums/6107981431635742337?authkey=CPnqv-yq8fryPA" target="_blank">* New Photos 2015</a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Birmingham, West Midlands, UK52.486242999999988 -1.890400999999997152.176760999999985 -2.535847999999997 52.79572499999999 -1.2449539999999972tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5468859608806511617.post-49413454632173901452015-01-24T19:42:00.000+00:002015-01-24T19:42:09.927+00:00Birmingham Library<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKW6WmJP4a7HF5oDzOrhCoYiSmRk097L8igu2SR5uW92MDbfvmZK3EJw3MOAjSpVbNUMMbDRMLCxx1wZ2-E7XayMcGce2y5gPko6p2RZfLqpCa98USBUGRYSAkO559jsLL67yftx9I6DX/s1600/20150118_124719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKW6WmJP4a7HF5oDzOrhCoYiSmRk097L8igu2SR5uW92MDbfvmZK3EJw3MOAjSpVbNUMMbDRMLCxx1wZ2-E7XayMcGce2y5gPko6p2RZfLqpCa98USBUGRYSAkO559jsLL67yftx9I6DX/s1600/20150118_124719.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Situated in Centenary Square by the Birmingham Rep and Symphony Hall is the Birmingham Public Library. It opened in September 2013 and is the largest public library in the UK and the largest public cultural space in Europe.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmuPs73Qk8nDWozdyfaQZaahpH7iVs5vwQfizoKSCwI1tCPH1zaGG477BZ7Hhn5N_St-owH3UlOM1WKfv4HvfQecKObJJbwyBxSdHcupBOCRVCpEHaDU16atwTYZd3xub9yIbamjAKqGu/s1600/20150118_130005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmuPs73Qk8nDWozdyfaQZaahpH7iVs5vwQfizoKSCwI1tCPH1zaGG477BZ7Hhn5N_St-owH3UlOM1WKfv4HvfQecKObJJbwyBxSdHcupBOCRVCpEHaDU16atwTYZd3xub9yIbamjAKqGu/s1600/20150118_130005.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Library cost an estimated £188 million and its unique architecture has made it a prominent landmark on the city skyline. The old Central Library failed to gain status as a listed building despite arguments for its protection as an example of brutalist architecture. It will be demolished to make way for the redevelopment of Paradise Circus.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Birmingham, West Midlands, UK52.486242999999988 -1.890400999999997152.176760999999985 -2.535847999999997 52.79572499999999 -1.2449539999999972tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5468859608806511617.post-153545220326270442015-01-18T13:08:00.000+00:002020-12-01T14:14:11.121+00:00BMC - British Motor Corporation<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZxMsCK56_GfzXZNS-JgWfzTlka_NWX4j1ffhDVuiX3u6tCdJ-7AmJkBNr2GI1kMwYaQZHGvGN_d8vzXVnj2CnEnEG2aD7vLf1UKfd5pex75PnUtUhUjPFRoxku5lImag_WoiYHbXyQif/s1600/British+Motor+Corporation.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="161" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZxMsCK56_GfzXZNS-JgWfzTlka_NWX4j1ffhDVuiX3u6tCdJ-7AmJkBNr2GI1kMwYaQZHGvGN_d8vzXVnj2CnEnEG2aD7vLf1UKfd5pex75PnUtUhUjPFRoxku5lImag_WoiYHbXyQif/s1600/British+Motor+Corporation.gif" /></a></div>
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The British Motor Corporation or BMC was once one of the
world’s largest vehicle producers. It was formed in 1952 as a result of a merger
between Austin and Morris. BMC would become one of the world’s largest car
manufacturers, responsible at its peak for around 39% of British car exports.<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The British car industry did not keep up with the times and
was very much in decline by the time it was nationalised by the government in
1975 and re-named British Leyland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
would later become the Austin Rover Group. The group was later sold to British
Aerospace in 1998 but just 3 years later they sold it to BMW. The truth was
that it had been costing British Aerospace too much money to keep it going. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the cars had been developed under
partnership with Honda so it was a great surprise to many when BMW purchased
the company.<o:p></o:p></div>
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BMW would invest heavily in the group for the next 6 years
before they too came to the conclusion that they were spending too much money
to keep it afloat. Enter the Pheonix Consortium who bought the business for just
£10, acquired a large loan and thousands of unsold cars. With little investment
in R&D and an agreement to build cars in India, it could not establish its
reputation as a quality car builder and suffered against fierce competition
from other manufacturers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The five Phoenix directors made sure that they lined their
pockets to the tune of more than £16 million in salaries while the MG Rover
group itself continued to lose money. The last vehicles rolled off the
production line in 2005 and the company went into administration. It would
finally be sold to a Chinese consortium called SAIC who moved production to
China albeit with the exception of MG sports cars and a small operation still
at Longbridge employing a few hundred people.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The huge sprawling factory at Longbridge is now a shadow of
its former past. Most of it has been demolished and has made way for new
developments. This short story just gives you an insight into its history and
everything could have ended there it were not for two interesting developments.
British Leyland would continue in India as it does today and it still has strong
connections to the UK. Website: <a href="http://www.ashokleyland.com/">http://www.ashokleyland.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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You could be forgiven for thinking that BMC faded into
history and died in all but name but you would be wrong. Licenses for some BMC
products were passed on to a small Turkish company that kept the original name
and logo and started to produce vehicles. Scroll forward to present day and you
may be surprised to know that BMC is a large producer of light vehicles, trucks
and buses and even exports some of its products to the UK. <a href="http://www.bmc.com.tr/hakkimizda/?lang=en">http://www.bmc.com.tr/hakkimizda/?lang=en</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Visitors to Turkey might have noticed a very prominent
Leyland Sherpa lookalike in villages and towns around the country. Mostly in a
flat bed style rather than a van these vehicles are a legend in Turkey. They
have been a huge success story over here and parts for these vehicles are readily
available at a fraction of the cost of more modern vehicles. The flatbed pickups
were suitably named Levend ( notice the similarity with Leyland ) and they were
produced in their old shape right up until 1999 and then in
the new format until 2009! Below is one of the Sherpa UK versions.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ask any Turkish villager about the Levend. They are known
for their durability, their strength and character and they are loved for their
general ruggedness and capabilities as a good farming vehicle or city delivery
truck. No one has a bad word to say about them and they are still revered and
sought after. There is a very healthy second hand market for them in Turkey. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So, BMC lives on. It may no longer be British but just like Ashock
Leyland both companies retain their pedigree and on reflection it is a great
shame that the Leyland Sherpa was often ridiculed and lost ground to the Ford
Transit when in reality, as proven in Turkey, it turned out to be something
special with a long production span and a proud reputation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5468859608806511617.post-90424892653316791492012-08-11T21:13:00.001+01:002014-02-28T22:18:47.875+00:00Aston Villa F.C.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGg_v4x9KDFpCIeVetQq5At4r2EOO0EHd9TslFUEtSbfUj9yFzmSKSn_Ht1Dc6DIjOusBwTJ5kcPVeCh3lUKoWnFnRfRYV63MZ8kxR6iu6SL6CW1LX2lzUWebxyGmUAv460zT31eGBj_o/s1600/DSC02932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGg_v4x9KDFpCIeVetQq5At4r2EOO0EHd9TslFUEtSbfUj9yFzmSKSn_Ht1Dc6DIjOusBwTJ5kcPVeCh3lUKoWnFnRfRYV63MZ8kxR6iu6SL6CW1LX2lzUWebxyGmUAv460zT31eGBj_o/s320/DSC02932.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Aston Villa Football Club is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in the UK. Founded in 1874 the current ground has been their home since 1897.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Known as Villa or The Villa, the Villans and the Lions the club has a strong following. </span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Villa Park Birmingham, B6 6HE. Tel: 0870 950 9260</span></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/102965299411655709609/albums/5775509830737065457?authkey=CMi3oZPom7fcuwE" target="_blank">Photos of Aston Villa Football Club</a><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1Aston, Birmingham, West Midlands B6, UK52.495981 -1.88527252.486314 -1.905013 52.505648 -1.865531tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5468859608806511617.post-46254593854159535052012-08-11T14:17:00.000+01:002014-02-28T22:29:58.103+00:00The Sikh Warriors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BoY8jU0F5nJ8WhRr2CSTBaHgweeNjuvRutdRnLS5cpawU2sgQ03Yzz6DhDz_By0KnMezDb0gU-9ZFnVFr2fcBZoKuiy-AuxhOwvUrHe8jxENd3VnlBQgSonF7iT3fuMBJXgD1K8WEZTN/s1600/image002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BoY8jU0F5nJ8WhRr2CSTBaHgweeNjuvRutdRnLS5cpawU2sgQ03Yzz6DhDz_By0KnMezDb0gU-9ZFnVFr2fcBZoKuiy-AuxhOwvUrHe8jxENd3VnlBQgSonF7iT3fuMBJXgD1K8WEZTN/s320/image002.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Sikhs have always been known as great warriors. During the two World Wars over 80,000 Sikhs gave their lives for the allied cause.<br /><br />Whilst Birmingham celebrates VE Day we could do well to remember this. Often unforgotten, there are many Sikhs who have been awarded the Victoria Cross.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"> <br />Britain has a proud tradition of valiant armed forces and a capable military which has managed to defend these isles effectively for hundreds of years. British Military achievement is well known throughout the world and the bravery and versatility of its soldiers, seamen and airmen is unquestioned and forever stamped in history.<br /><br />Today as we look at the VE Day Celebrations there is an abundance of information in the media that provides an insight into what life would have been like in those troubled times. It is right that we remember them, the fallen, and the living whose numbers dwindle with every passing year. To them we owe our freedom as they fought for this land and often lost their lives so that we might remain a free country.<br /><br />However, whilst each country has a right to blow its own trumpet and remember the heroic gestures, hardships and victories that made this nation what it is today, we should also remember the massive sacrifice given by others from nations further afield.<br /><br />The Sikhs sacrificed a great deal for this country. During the Anglo-Sikh wars of 1845 – 1849 the British had been so impressed by the Khalsa Army they decided to enlist many battalions of Sikh forces. The former Sikh enemy became so loyal that in 1857 when most of the Indian Army revolted, the Sikhs remained totally supportive and fought side by side with the British Army. Subsequently, the Punjab became the recruiting ground for the British. This staunch and loyal Sikh support was to show itself again during the great wars.<br /><br />During the First World War Sikhs joined the ranks of the British Army in great numbers. They fought in the trenches of Germany and at Gallipoli where thousands of Sikhs fought and died. The British Indian Army was made of nearly 20% Sikhs, despite the fact that Sikhs account for only 2% of the population in India.<br /><br />During the Second World War this action was repeated. Even though there was now a quest for Indian Independence the British Indian Army grew from 189,000 at the start of the war to over 2.5 million through voluntary recruitment and a large proportion of those were Sikh. At no other time in history has a foreign army this large been voluntarily mobilised to fight for a foreign land as if it were their own country. The significance of this should not be underestimated.<br /><br />In 1944, Sikh Soldiers halted the advance of the Japanese in Burma and prevented them from invading India. Four VC’s were awarded in this campaign.<br /><br />As the British Empire came to a close many Sikhs were encouraged to settle in the UK. Their loyalty, hard work ethics and historic connection with the British should be remembered. Many Sikh families in Birmingham are direct descendents of those who put so much into this country.<br /><br />Of course, there were also millions of Russians who died in the Second World War. One might argue that the Russians won the war and that without them things would have been significantly different. Then of course there are the 100,000 Gurkhas who fought in World War I and the 40 battalions of Gurkhas in the Second World War. What of the Polish who valiantly fought during the Battle of Britain and those from other nations who out of Patriotism and loyalty, came from oversees to enlist, and often die, in order that we might enjoy our freedom today.</span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5468859608806511617.post-43102924083607847502012-08-11T14:04:00.000+01:002012-08-11T14:04:07.168+01:00Rubbish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Is this acceptable?</span></b></h3>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Or should a city like Birmingham deserve better?</span></b></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Several years ago most of Gloucestershire adopted the wheelie bin system for the storage of household waste. A recent visit by a friend of mine to Birmingham made me think about some of the things our council could do to improve the cleanliness of our streets.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />My friend was horrified that a big cosmopolitan city should still be using bin liners piled up in the street as the main system of refuse collection. I had to admit that on occassions the bags did indeed split and the contents were left strewn across the road and blown around the street to end up settled in front gardens up and down both sides of the road. Domestic pets and occassional attacks by foxes have also led to bags being ripped asunder and their contents littering the streets.<br /><br />Here I was showing my guest the delights of modern Brum, the great achievements of the past decade or so, and then, its - 'down to earth with a with a bump' on something so obvious! Something so simple stuck in his mind and leaves a lasting impression. Birmingham has gone a long way towards shaking off its image of a drab and dreary urban sprawl and the word is getting around that this a city going somewhere. Isn't it a shame that our rubbish isn't going in a wheelie bin? Couldn't we go the extra mile?<br /><br />There are issues of course. There is the cost. There may be a requirement for adapted refuse trucks and a change in working practices to cope with using wheelie bins. However, I am convinced that the changes would be for the better. A much cleaner environment and far easier and more tidy than existing arrangements. When Tewekesbury County Council first adopted the scheme over a decade ago, questions were raised such as where would the bins be left when they were emptied - in the street? What about the elderly who find it awkward to move the bins?<br /><br />Perhaps Birmingham City Council should talk to other counties who are using this much cleaner and more efficient method of refuse collection in order to find the answers. I am sure none of these counties would consider reverting back to black plastic bin liners. What a shameful advert for our region.</span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5468859608806511617.post-58813479277445557952012-08-10T21:56:00.004+01:002014-02-28T22:21:41.863+00:00Frankley Beeches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygxcvsaLUpxJx7VGMqvF2hoKsOs48zPZ5hPdDBS1Y3fPVgMc8r-hQYinoRjgaumg7YIJHwu-8PmCyarxkCHNYBS7_xvgzlcLmFXEqWw1UCnSanVRjAMkr3wIDAzD65-mSnUqy7qv-YAmm/s1600/frankley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygxcvsaLUpxJx7VGMqvF2hoKsOs48zPZ5hPdDBS1Y3fPVgMc8r-hQYinoRjgaumg7YIJHwu-8PmCyarxkCHNYBS7_xvgzlcLmFXEqWw1UCnSanVRjAMkr3wIDAzD65-mSnUqy7qv-YAmm/s320/frankley.jpg" height="182" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Frankley has been placed firmly on the map of Birmingham simply by its association with the motorway services at Junction 3 of the M5 which is named after what was once a village that now merges with Bartley Green and the rest of Birmingham.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The services, originally built in the 1960’s, are owned by Moto. Although modernization has taken place over the years the main infrastructure of the services buildings has remained pretty much unchanged.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The usual food outlets can be found here, the convenience of cash dispensers and a petrol station. There is also a Travel Lodge. Locals used to use the service road in and out of the service area or as a quick entry to the M5 prior to it having barriers installed.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Coming out of Frankley Services and heading towards Birmingham, motorists will take the exit at Junction 3 for the Hagley Road into central Birmingham, the main attractions and Cadbury World. </span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">At Junction 2 the exit brings the visitor into Oldbury with access to the Wolverhampton Road and Smethwick.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Junction 1 finds the motorist at West Bromwich and anything beyond that and you have missed Birmingham entirely as you merge with the M6 and hurtle north.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Birmingham, West Midlands, UK52.486243 -1.89040152.331536 -2.206258 52.640950000000004 -1.574544tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5468859608806511617.post-207204371218881472012-08-10T21:54:00.002+01:002012-08-10T21:54:29.363+01:00Frankley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhQn6qGf1feg5bqFc8tLC1QL6jEDmTweH-znh4MCuFstQ8BWYC-hQfPFDgC1qqLhl8839A04bfqDNrh_R31y8PsE4QKuuAhtEhE1c7nHH9qtuMzvkFMnroNS0GMR2hfGnIqB_bWTsk1ny/s1600/frankleychurch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhQn6qGf1feg5bqFc8tLC1QL6jEDmTweH-znh4MCuFstQ8BWYC-hQfPFDgC1qqLhl8839A04bfqDNrh_R31y8PsE4QKuuAhtEhE1c7nHH9qtuMzvkFMnroNS0GMR2hfGnIqB_bWTsk1ny/s1600/frankleychurch.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Most people only ever mention Frankley when it comes to giving directions off the M5 motorway. Frankley Services on Junction 3 the last stop for the Hagley Road and the way into central Birmingham from the South.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There is however more to Frankley. Although not a large community within Birmingham it does nestle in pleasant countryside with rolling hills and a real rural atmosphere that would normally only be found miles out of the city centre. The people of Frankley are fortunate to have the best of both city life and the countryside as well as immediate access to the M5 motorway. </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Frankley, Worcestershire B32, UK52.422058 -2.00351552.4123745 -2.023256 52.4317415 -1.9837740000000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5468859608806511617.post-25379981375798574012012-08-04T17:55:00.000+01:002012-08-04T17:55:10.920+01:00VE Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">Birmingham was very important to the war effort in World War II. The city produced arms and ammunitions, vehicles and military supplies. Everything from shells to aircraft was produced in and around Birmingham and for the VE Day Celebrations in 2005 Brummies were able to get together and remember what happened 60 years ago.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzhsXdZ3DFaUMKw-RnVLEnin_NNjbRZW4bBE04JvW9Eblc4FDG2sAz1BS-RcRPL2AtXyWIpov0WgeptzOK0SF8Vank4qtZ6xTAC3FA4Sf3xQCoIk1jZeO1qhKJyzUqdGPqYbjeXo9vfhhh/s1600/VE_Day_036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzhsXdZ3DFaUMKw-RnVLEnin_NNjbRZW4bBE04JvW9Eblc4FDG2sAz1BS-RcRPL2AtXyWIpov0WgeptzOK0SF8Vank4qtZ6xTAC3FA4Sf3xQCoIk1jZeO1qhKJyzUqdGPqYbjeXo9vfhhh/s320/VE_Day_036.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />Birmingham was the most heavily bombed city outside of London. The Lutwaffe dropped thousands of bombs on the city in an effort to halt the production of heavy machinery and military supplies but the factories of the West Midlands kept the allied forces supplied throughout the war. The VE Day Celebrations brought together veterans and visitors from overseas as well as locals too young to remember the war. <br /><br /><a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/102965299411655709609/albums/5752162918781767953?authkey=CNyX1t7DqsW0Eg" target="_blank">Click here to see the photos of this spectacular event.</a></span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Council House, Birmingham, West Midlands B3, UK52.4803465 -1.902525252.477929 -1.9074607 52.482764 -1.8975897tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5468859608806511617.post-72332066663488595682012-06-16T20:45:00.000+01:002012-06-16T20:45:15.467+01:00Church of St Martin - Bull Ring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The church of St Martin in the Bull Ring is the original church of the parish of Birmingham. It is a Grade II listed building situated between the shopping centre and the markets.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There has been a church on this site since 1290 although the existing church is of a Victorian gothic design. The old church was completely demolished in 1873 and a new one constructed and designed by J A Chatwin who also worked on the Houses of Parliament.</span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The interior of the church features floor tiles with the quartered arms of the de Birmingham family. A window in the church by William Morris in 1875 was saved from destruction by being taken down during the Second World War only a day before a bomb exploded nearby which destroyed all the other windows in the church.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The church has had a facelift and was cleaned and repaired as part of the development of the Bull Ring complex in 2003. The church fits in well with its new surroundings and features a tea lounge, healing centre and a learning and advice service.</span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Further information and opening times can be found at: </span><a href="http://www.stmartininthebullring.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.stmartininthebullring.com</span></a><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Bull Ring, Halesowen, West Midlands B63, UK52.4483878 -2.0497852.4459683 -2.0547155000000004 52.4508073 -2.0448445tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5468859608806511617.post-76536528665836593502012-06-04T18:47:00.001+01:002012-06-04T18:47:21.106+01:00Yardley<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yardley used to be the old Parish from Yardley Wood to the Lea Village. </span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An old settlement dating back to 900 A.D. when it was first recorded. Like most older communites around Birmingham it would have been a rural village. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 1911 Yardley Rural District Council lost it's battle to keep Yardley out of Birmingham. Development followed and large housing projects ensured that the population mushroomed. In 1969 Yardley Village became the City's first conservation area. A main attraction in the area is Blakesley Hall a late Tudor Building with it's very own Tudor lavatory shute.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5468859608806511617.post-82788669222046217632012-06-04T18:01:00.002+01:002014-02-28T22:08:52.830+00:00Woodgate Valley Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Woodgate Valley Park, near the M5 at Junction 3, has over 450 acres of woodland, wetland and meadows. Many events take place here for the enjoyment of children and the pony trekking is particularly popular. The visitor centre provides information on the park and its events as well as being a place for refreshments. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A local charity operate an independent urban farm within the park boundries which houses domestic animals, birds and pets for the enjoyment of visitors. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Bourn Brook flows runs through the centre of Woodgate Valley Park. This actually forms the boundary between Quinton and Bartley Green. Along the brook there is evidence of burnt mounds from the Bronze Age, proving that man once lived here around 2500BC.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plenty of wildlife can be seen here including buzzards and swallows hunting over the fields in the summer months. With plenty of hay meadows and over 250 species of plants having been found, the meadows are a haven to butterflies and wild flowers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>History</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This area would originally have been farmland for arable crops and dairy cattle. Records mention Hole Farm listed as a stock and dairy farm in 1344. Hole Farm is now the Trekking Centre and the Urban Farm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Industry in this area would have included brick and tile making, coal mining and nail making. The Lapal Tunnel is a disused canal tunnel which used to be part of the Dudley No. 2 Canal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This narrow brick lined tunnel would have had no towpath. Passing through the tunnel would have involved passage by legging or poling. The tunnel suffered from several collapses and it was abandoned in 1917.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The tunnel is called Lapal after the residential area of Halesowen. Little evidence exists today due to the fact that the canal either side of the tunnel has been filled in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This area was designated a Country Park in 1984 and is managed by Birmingham's Park Ranger Service. The visitor centre is open daily from 10am - 4.30pm in the winter and 10am - 7pm in the summer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Visitor Centre, Clapgate Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham. B32 3DS. Tel:0121 421 7575</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5468859608806511617.post-41111477217676109852012-06-04T17:36:00.003+01:002012-06-04T17:36:30.302+01:00Winson Green Prison<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Winson Green prison is a Victorian prison built in 1849. It is a prison for male prisoners. Winson Green prison is a local prison and serves the courts of Birmingham and Coventry as well as Burton, Cannock, Lichfield, Rugeley, Sutton and Tamworth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The prison has two training wings with workshop spaces and an education centre which places emphasis on basic and key skills. There are resettlement and preparation for work sessions. The prison is currently undergoing a major expansion programme which includes two new houseblocks, a health care centre, workshop and gymnasium. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Visitors Centre: All domestic visitors must report to the visitors centre 30 minutes before the visit Remand/convicted visits booking line: 0121 507 1598 (can only book 7 days in advance.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />The booking line times are 09.00 to 12.00 and 13.00 to 16.30. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently the prison has come under much criticism for its conditions and hopefully this will change with the modernisation and adding of new facilities. A recent BBC report came up with the following information: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Chief Inspector of Prisons for England and Wales has described conditions at Birmingham's Winson Green Jail as some of the worst ever seen. Sir David Ramsbotham said ministers had ignored his appeals to improve the Victorian prison and conditions had deteriorated since his last highly critical report. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Around 11% of inmates claimed to have been assaulted by officers and one mentally-disturbed prisoner had been denied a wash or change of clothes for weeks because staff thought he was faking his illness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Source: BBC Website: </span><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://news.bbc.co.uk/</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HM Prison, Winson Green Road, Birmingham, B18 4AS. Tel: 0121 345 2500 </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Birmingham Police Museum, Sparkhill Police Station, 639 Stratford Road, Sparkhill, Birmingham. B11 4EA. Tel: 0121 626 7181</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5468859608806511617.post-68826836686527019732012-06-04T17:33:00.004+01:002012-06-04T17:33:36.262+01:00Winson Green<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtMU3jXDEkUZ88vWwpUzJh4l0FO-Q4Kdio_megm9-SM0hX0NDgYYsgTcVZoXut2ZGKjJVcYjca72B73j01mH5x661jNRI4C3fEgTR1XJanmTdCBc-nhb2WhtVtPad1TDvRy8Zu3vRSFqA/s1600/winsongn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtMU3jXDEkUZ88vWwpUzJh4l0FO-Q4Kdio_megm9-SM0hX0NDgYYsgTcVZoXut2ZGKjJVcYjca72B73j01mH5x661jNRI4C3fEgTR1XJanmTdCBc-nhb2WhtVtPad1TDvRy8Zu3vRSFqA/s1600/winsongn.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Winson Green gets it name from the fact that it would originally have been a small settlement with a village green. Like many smaller settlements that would have once been surrounded by countryside, Winson Green was enveloped by the land hungry city of Birmingham</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Much of the development of Winson Green took place in the late 1800's and this is reflected in the number of Victorian properties that still exist in the area. Winson Green borders Smethwick and most people know Winson Green for its famous prison or from visits to City Hospita</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Winson Green still has to benefit from the regeneration of Birmingham and many parts of Winson Green are still run down and in need of renovation. The area is however served with a reasonably good level of local amenities and recreational facilities. Summerfield Park with its well kept lawns and flower borders is particularly well laid out and Edgbaston reservoir is close to Winson Green and provides much needed open space and relaxation for those wishing to escape from the daily stress of city living.</span> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5468859608806511617.post-80335041932014164182012-06-04T17:32:00.000+01:002012-06-04T17:32:09.380+01:00Wing Yip & Brothers Holdings Ltd<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrRoWPiISjN2K7GeJ6W5rj4YA8rE_v_xfYLtSYu5qOuCSavji33em-x_oFS1TUl9ezVMX9wnfS79dKHTpjhDY-lT4-g5TkEzrPEzM8i9zykoU5HK8MYvN78cAhUO9UnhN3ybmop5rG0ya/s1600/wingyip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrRoWPiISjN2K7GeJ6W5rj4YA8rE_v_xfYLtSYu5qOuCSavji33em-x_oFS1TUl9ezVMX9wnfS79dKHTpjhDY-lT4-g5TkEzrPEzM8i9zykoU5HK8MYvN78cAhUO9UnhN3ybmop5rG0ya/s320/wingyip.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wing Yip is one of the UK's leading Chinese suppliers of authentic and Oriental and Chinese Food. The company has been trading for over 35 years and operates from Birmingham ( Head Office ), Manchester, Cricklewood and Croydon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The main hypermarket in Birmingham is a large cash and carry used by restaurants, take aways and supermarket traders. It supplies a wide range of Chinese and Oriental goods. The frozen foods section is impressive and almost every type of noodle and sauce can be found here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a paradise for anyone who likes Chinese or Oriental food. You can find almost everything here that you would find in Hong Kong, Thailand or China. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The hypermarket is designed for bulk purchasing but many customers are ordinary Chinese families and food enthusiasts. This is an ideal place to shop if you are having a barbecue, organising a large dinner party or company event.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The complex also features a Chinese travel agent and a restaurant. This is very popular with Chinese families especially at the weekends. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more information and to shop online visit:</span></div>
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<br /><a href="http://www.wingyipstore.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.wingyipstore.co.uk</span></a></div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5468859608806511617.post-74080143580735705112012-06-04T17:19:00.002+01:002012-06-04T17:19:35.933+01:00Wholesale Markets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrnvJ1RRGPiCdMW877gKenDxjF6MgoSQ2zKABRFcPbZMH1e8qJ8wMHYPHskbdS3eHDGVPQufYDJ22eKo4TbMBE_DBAujFPLRmPFiJKoZfMxMxHHgPJL3tGTo5wBu53DBMSdiNoI6_nuxH/s1600/wholesale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrnvJ1RRGPiCdMW877gKenDxjF6MgoSQ2zKABRFcPbZMH1e8qJ8wMHYPHskbdS3eHDGVPQufYDJ22eKo4TbMBE_DBAujFPLRmPFiJKoZfMxMxHHgPJL3tGTo5wBu53DBMSdiNoI6_nuxH/s320/wholesale.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The centre of Birmingham has been home to markets ever since records began. The Wholesale Markets have existed on their present site since 1816 when the land was purchased from the De Birmingham family along with the old moated manor house which had been occupied by the family and its descendents for centuries. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just a year later The Smithfield Market was opened by the Birmingham Street Commissioners, the new owners of the old De Birmingham estate. As the market expanded and developed it established its own cattle market which later sold sheep and pigs and other livestock. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 1883 the wholesale vegetable market was opened and the cattle markets and animal stock moved away from the site. Markets were still held around the Bull Ring and for a time the Rag Market also operated within the grounds of the wholesale vegetable market. In 1897 the Meat Market and Abattoir opened in Bradford Street.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This fragmented arrangement of markets were given a new home in the mid 1970's when the new fish, meat and poultry markets were opened. The current wholesale market is the largest of its type in the UK and the site is now far too crowded with no room for any additional expansion.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The success of the existing markets means that the site will move from its outdated infrastructure to custom built efficient and food safe premises in a covered market site near the M6 at Witton on the site of the old IMI premises on Brookvale Road. Over 80 units will house a wide variety of wholesale market traders.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The decision to transfer the wholesale markets to "The Hub" gives it the chance to expand by a third more than its existing size on a site which has been developed by property company Pruprim. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moving the existing wholesalemarkets will create room for further urban regeneration and modernisation in this key city location. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 21 acre site is expected to be sold by auction and the money used for various projects in and around the city centre. The sheer size of the site makes this the largest single urban redevelopment site in the UK. What a fantastic opportunity for the City of Birmingham. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the downside no one seems to know what will happen to the regular Sunday Car Boot sale that has taken place for years on the old site.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.birminghamwholesalemarket.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.birminghamwholesalemarket.com</span></a><br />
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5468859608806511617.post-51759326172366057522012-06-04T17:11:00.003+01:002012-06-04T17:11:52.909+01:00Weoley Castle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRJn5UkuxvCH2q1oyBznLWUYYvGvRjXLW19b7kgYP-VlFXFmYBsPc1jAVDdIR1ajC7GO8zCVdrTmplYUfrjClPGSRKUJaxh9QhkUqHy7h4eDb_wfttnmEW2Tpw3fb2cq-fZ3_q3DDfBSc/s1600/weoleycastle2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRJn5UkuxvCH2q1oyBznLWUYYvGvRjXLW19b7kgYP-VlFXFmYBsPc1jAVDdIR1ajC7GO8zCVdrTmplYUfrjClPGSRKUJaxh9QhkUqHy7h4eDb_wfttnmEW2Tpw3fb2cq-fZ3_q3DDfBSc/s1600/weoleycastle2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weoley Castle expanded rapidly in the 1930's and is not as established as the older areas of Birmingham with their Victorian housing. By contrast the housing is more spacious and there are plenty of opens spaces. The first mention of Weoley Castle appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 with the owner of Weoley listed as 'Awold' The actual castle was recorded as belonging to 'William Fitz Ansculf' who lived at Dudley Castle and actually owned most of the Birmingham area as we know it today. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weoley Castle itself was never really a true castle. It was more of a fortified manor house, surrounded by a moat with a defensive wall and watch towers. The excavations at Weoley Castle have revealed that the manor included a brewery, a bakery, a chapel, Great Hall, kitchens and various living quarters. In later times the castle was rebuilt and eventually deserted, the stones being used by the local community for new buildings. </span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weoley Castle was purchased by the city council in the 1930's and excavated. Many of the objects can be seen at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Examples of these include a Communion Cruet which dates back to 1325, glassware, ceramics and German stoneware. Many household items of the day were also found, along with coins and tools. Weoley Castle is currently closed to the general public for essential repairs but the site has been opened for viewing on several occassions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weoley Castle Square, the hub of the community in Weoley Castle is due for redevelopment. It provides a wide range of local shops and amenities. The Woodgate Valley Park is close to Weoley Castle which borders Northfield and one of the main routes (Bristol Road) into Birmingham. </span><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5468859608806511617.post-24557877627598809502012-06-04T17:04:00.001+01:002012-06-04T17:04:17.450+01:00James Watt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy56oQw2JQUru1JIjay2n8QNNhhqMdh9EH0PXOS49U9nlTXk2QT_XKriKecV0_QMZu1HPGl0FAouN9qkuitnksdSWCXB9gqD6hS9N8ds8CcwikttFVweAFdz680LDfelibSHxwP03Kip-Q/s1600/aston_pump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy56oQw2JQUru1JIjay2n8QNNhhqMdh9EH0PXOS49U9nlTXk2QT_XKriKecV0_QMZu1HPGl0FAouN9qkuitnksdSWCXB9gqD6hS9N8ds8CcwikttFVweAFdz680LDfelibSHxwP03Kip-Q/s1600/aston_pump.jpg" /></a></div>
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</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">James Watt was actually born in Scotland in 1736 although he is associated with Birmingham and the West Midlands through his partnership with Matthew Boulton the great industrialist. He originally travelled to London to learn mathematical and philosophical instrument making. Glasgow University offered him employment and gave him a workshop where he made mathematical instruments. It wasn't long however before he became interested in steam engines. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 1763 he was asked to repair an early steam engine owned by John Anderson. The Newcomen engine was inefficient and wasted fuel. It was some two years later that Watt realised that by condensing steam in a separate tank he could make the engine more efficient and much safer. Watt's work in improving steam engines set the pace for the Industrial Revolution. His first patent in 1769 and improvements to the Newcomen engine made him an authority on steam engines. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">James Watt moved to Birmingham and entered into a business partnership with Matthew Boulton producing steam engines. Research and new patents followed which included a rotary engine. James Watt was never the inventor of the steam engine. However, his important contribution to the steam age and the significant improvements he made were revolutionary. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The partnership in 1774 is probably one of the most important partnerships of the Industrial Revolution. Visitors from around the globe flocked to see the new engines and were amazed at the ingenuity of the new machines. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The engines were used for pumping water from Cornish copper and tin mines and eventually for the cotton mills. Steam power drove the spinning and later the weaving processes. Marine propulsion became a possibility in 1788 with a steam powered catamaran that crossed Dalswinton loch. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">William Murdoch worked for the company and fixed Watt's engines. Murdoch later moved on to become the inventor and pioneer of gas lighting. The term "horsepower" comes from James Watt who created the phrase to measure the power of a steam engine. Watt was involved in many various projects and research. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">James Watt retired in 1800 a wealthy man and died in 1819. When we talk about watts and wattage in electrical units we are using his surname after which this form of measurement was named in his honour by the British Association in 1882.</span> <br />
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5468859608806511617.post-10735660788093788822012-06-04T16:40:00.001+01:002012-06-04T16:40:16.382+01:00War Research Society<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Founded several years ago by Serving and Retired Police Officers, Ex Service personnel and friends, the war Research Society has taken thousands of Pilgrims, Veterans, Widows and children to visit the Battlefield, Memorials and last resting places of the fallen, and incorporated this with interesting guided historical tours of the areas of the First and Second World War in Northern France, Belgium, and Italy. Our Second World War Tours visit, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Poland and Italy. We cover the earlier campaigns in Europe with Agincourt/Crecy and the Battle of Waterloo.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And now for the third year we are organising our Annual tour to South Africa and The Boer and Zulu War Battle Sites.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meticulous care goes into the planning of these tours. We travel P &Q Stena Ferries using executive coaches with reclining seats, toilets, catering facilities and video system, hired through Birmingham International Coaches with regular drivers. Scheduled Airlines are used for our South African, Gallipoli, and Singapore and Bridge on the river Kwai tours.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The routes are carefully planned so that you see as much as possible: the hotels are all of excellent standard- family run with private bathrooms, toilet, telephone in all rooms, buffet breakfast and 3 course evening meals. Packed lunches are available on some of the days</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Visit the War Research Society website for more information:</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.battlefieldtours.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.battlefieldtours.co.uk</span></a> </div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5468859608806511617.post-22631250393902704832012-06-04T16:21:00.004+01:002012-06-04T16:21:51.220+01:00Vintage Trains<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vintage Trains run several steam engine tours along the rail network. During the summer months, and on Sundays only, they operate the Shakespeare Express from Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vintage Trains operates from its base in the West Midlands and is a susidiary of the Birmingham Railway Museum Trust. Ticket sales are reinvested in the running and maintenance of the steam engines and rolling stock.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Passengers can enjoy a touch of nostalgia with Vintage Trains and even a traditional Sunday lunch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Further information can be found at:</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.vintagetrains.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.vintagetrains.co.uk</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Vintage Trains, 670 Warwick Road, Tyseley, Birmingham. B11 2HL. Tel: 0121 708 4960</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5468859608806511617.post-81524869438339498892012-06-04T16:19:00.001+01:002012-06-04T16:19:27.212+01:00Victoria Law Courts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a beautiful ornate building in red brick and terracotta.The Victorian Law Courts are a Grade l listed building in Corporation Street. This is probably one of the most impressive courts of its kind in the UK.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Queen Victoria laid the foundation stone in 1887 in her Golden Jubilee year and a statue of her can be found above the arched entrance to the courts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The courts were opened in 1891 and the building was constructed by a Birmingham firm to a design by Aston Webb & Ingress Bell of London.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5468859608806511617.post-64727465935520329262012-06-04T16:15:00.002+01:002012-06-04T16:15:28.568+01:00Urban Living<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All over Birmingham there is evidence of change. Derelict and disused properties are either transformed or demolished to make way for the latest trend towards inner city living. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was once a danger of a deserted Birmingham as large department stores moved to retail parks outside of the city centre and High Streets took a battering as the number of customers dwindled.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thankfully the city centre of Birmingham is now as popular and as busy as it ever was. The new Bull Ring and investments by developers in better quality housing has made sure that the streets are once again bustling with people both during the day and night.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Birmingham has been forward thinking in its city planning decisions. Ugly industrial brownsite areas have been swept aside to make way for ultra modern inner city apartments, many having been built along the numerous canal banks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rather than look towards green belt areas the city has utilised land that has already been previously developed. Gone are most of the ugly 1960's tower blocks - replaced by much superior accommodation and a bright new hope for a better future. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The extensive redevelopment of Birmingham which started in the city centre has now spread further afield giving Birmingham residents a sense of pride in their environment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inner city apartments used be expensive and many developments of luxury flats were beyond the means of many residents. However, this is changing as more modern and affordable accommodation can now be found.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is a long term strategy in place to provide regeneration in areas that have so far escaped the building frenzy. Aston, Soho and Lozells are to receive a £53 million housing regeneration package which will see significant improvements in these areas over the next 15 years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From Aston to Soho, Hockley to Lozells and Digbeth to Newtown, the regeneration of key neighbourhoods is beginning to make a noticeable and welcome difference to the cityscape of Birmingham.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are of course pockets of old housing very close to the city centre that have yet to benefit but these are now either earmarked for improvement or just waiting for a developer to realise their full potential.</span></div>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5468859608806511617.post-41247193751902716872012-06-04T16:11:00.002+01:002012-06-04T16:11:57.478+01:00Birmingham University<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joseph Chamberlain is responsible for Birmingham University as we know it today. This was a civic achievement on a grand scale. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Chamberlain Tower dominates the University skyline and was designed by Aston Webb the same man responsible for the Victoria Law Courts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Much of the architecture surrounding the tower is Byzantium in style. The grand buildings and Byzantine style would have developed further if it were not for lack of funds</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The University grounds are pleasant to walk through and you cannot help but admire the buildings with their ornate style and decoration. The doorway of the Great Hall depicts the statues of Beethoven, Virgil, Michelangelo, Plato, Shakespeare, Newton, Watt, Faraday and Darwin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The library building is impressive as are the many of the buildings within the University grounds. It is here that modern architecture meets with old. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many of the new modern buildings seem out of place but the lay out of the campus and the open spaces between the buildings take away most of the character clashes you would expect had they been placed closer together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more information about the university visit:</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.bham.ac.uk/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.bham.ac.uk</span></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5468859608806511617.post-20736234154410131862012-06-03T23:43:00.001+01:002012-06-03T23:43:26.311+01:00Turkish Food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most things can be found in Birmingham. Turk yemek bile var. So hadi arkadaslar, hemen alis verise gidebilrisiniz. There are actually two Turkish stores along the Soho Road, The International Supermarket and the Diyabakir further along towards the Hawthorns at the top end going out of the city.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both supermarkets appear to be Kurdish operations but Turkish is spoken here and at the International Supermarket you can find all the sort of food you find at your bakal back home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The sucuk and tursu is particularly good along with a range of Turkish tea. A fairly comprehensive selection of Turkish food at a reasonable price - we give this one the thumbs up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Soho Road, Birmingham</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5468859608806511617.post-66226477397282625042012-06-03T23:31:00.001+01:002012-06-03T23:31:12.675+01:00Trigate House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trigate House is a landmark office building in Quinton, situated on the Hagley Road West and Wolverhampton Road crossroads. The building provides spacious office accommodation and good access to the city centre and the M5 motorway at Junction 3.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The building has recently been modernised both inside and out. It used to be a fairly plain brick building and not very appealing but the architects have worked wonders with the interior and exterior.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This six storey office block features air-conditioned offices in a variety of sizes for a range of requirements. With suspended ceilings and recessed lighting, the newly carpeted interior and modernised reception and common areas give this building a new lease of life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trigate House, Hagley Road West, Quinton, Birmingham.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Further details regarding this building can be found at:</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.trigateoffices.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">www.trigateoffices.com</span></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0