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Elliott Brown People & community
20 Mar 2024 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

The first St Patrick's Day Parade in 5 years but on Bradford Street in Digbeth!

I previously got the St Patrick's Day Parade's in Digbeth in March 2015 and March 2018. Usually from a view outside Selfridges at the Bullring. But the 2024 St Patrick's Day Parade was on Bradford Street, due to the Eastside Metro extension works on the Digbeth High Street. It started at Camp Hill and went as far as Rea Street. I walked up Cheapside for extra views.

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The first St Patrick's Day Parade in 5 years but on Bradford Street in Digbeth!





I previously got the St Patrick's Day Parade's in Digbeth in March 2015 and March 2018. Usually from a view outside Selfridges at the Bullring. But the 2024 St Patrick's Day Parade was on Bradford Street, due to the Eastside Metro extension works on the Digbeth High Street. It started at Camp Hill and went as far as Rea Street. I walked up Cheapside for extra views.


A few days before the St Patrick's Day Parade, I went to the Custard Factory to get the painted billboard wall on Gibb Street. It was advertising Shanky's Whip for St Patrick's Day.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Pats%20Digbeth%20CF%2015032024.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Before noon on Sunday 17th March 2024, St Patrick's Day. The parade was waiting at the top of Camp Hill. Bus routes including the 2, 3, 4, 4A, 5, 6 and 50 were diverted from Camp Hill Circus, Bordesley Middleway, Coventry Road and onto the Digbeth High Street. Until 2019, the previous parades always used to use the Digbeth High Street (consisting of High Street Bordesley and High Street Dertiend). The 2020 and 2021 parades were cancelled due to the pandemic, then 2022 and 2023 due to the Eastside Metro extension works and other factors. But was decided for 2024 to use Bradford Street instead.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Camp%20Hill%20St%20Pats%20pre%2017032024%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Camp%20Hill%20St%20Pats%20pre%2017032024%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

I was thinking of going up to level 4 of Edgbaston Street Car Park for a view of the parade, but an alarm at the Bull Ring Indoor Market stopped that idea. So headed back to the Bullring then into Selfridges, and over the Parametric Bridge for a view from level 8 of Moor Street Car Park (which I was going to do anyway). But in the end, felt better just to leave the car park on Park Street and walk to Bradford Street in Digbeth for some views of the parade close up. There was no view from the balcony at the Bullring near Selfridges.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Patricks%20DP%20Bradford%20St%2017032024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The view from Bradford Street, beyond Rea Street, looking up to Camp Hill. Very crowded. But at least the parade was back.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Patricks%20DP%20Bradford%20St%2017032024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Patricks%20DP%20Bradford%20St%2017032024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Patricks%20DP%20Bradford%20St%2017032024%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Patricks%20DP%20Bradford%20St%2017032024%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Patricks%20DP%20Bradford%20St%2017032024%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Patricks%20DP%20Bradford%20St%2017032024%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Patricks%20DP%20Bradford%20St%2017032024%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Patricks%20DP%20Bradford%20St%2017032024%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

I left Bradford Street, and walked onto Barford Street then started going up Cheapside. A look up Rea Street towards The Anchor, Birmingham Coach Station and The Digbeth Institute.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Anchor%20SPDP%20BS%2017032024.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Continuing up Cheapside, the next road I popped up was Birchall Street, where you have a view of the Custard Factory (Devonshire House / Zellig Building). Modern flats on the right at Fabrick Square.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Custard%20Factory%20SPDP%20BS%2017032024.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

St Anne's Catholic Church could be seen from Alcester Street with an Irish flag. They held a service here that morning before the festivities began.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/St%20Annes%20Digbeth%20RC%20SPDP%2017032024.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Also on Alcester Street near St Anne's Catholic Church was this stall selling Irish flags, hats and scarves.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cheapside%20St%20Pats%20BS%2017032024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Further up Cheapside is Rea Place, between new apartment buildings, Rea House and Kinvara Heights, towards Abacus on Bradford Street. Bit hard to see anything from here, so continued walking up the hill.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cheapside%20St%20Pats%20BS%2017032024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cheapside%20St%20Pats%20BS%2017032024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Now onto Moseley Road. The parade floats near A1 Clutches and Adam & Eve Evolve.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cheapside%20St%20Pats%20BS%2017032024%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cheapside%20St%20Pats%20BS%2017032024%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Cheapside%20St%20Pats%20BS%2017032024%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

After Moseley Road, I then walked up Ravenhurst Street to Camp Hill, I did briefly look at one side from Lowe Street. The last parade floats on Camp Hill, as they were about to go onto Bradford Street. After this I walked around Bordesley Middleway, Coventry Street, Upper Trinity Street and Adderley Street, before getting a bus from the Digbeth High Street.

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Camp%20Hill%20Bradford%20St%20SPDP%2017032024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Camp%20Hill%20Bradford%20St%20SPDP%2017032024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Camp%20Hill%20Bradford%20St%20SPDP%2017032024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Camp%20Hill%20Bradford%20St%20SPDP%2017032024%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="St Patrick's Day Parade" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Camp%20Hill%20Bradford%20St%20SPDP%2017032024%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown Transport
18 Feb 2024 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

A look around the new look University Station

The new University Station buildings were opened on Sunday 28th January 2024, and I went to have a look around two weeks later on Sunday 11th February 2024. I got a train one way up from Longbridge, then checked out the buildings inside, the went over the bridge to the campus, and walked around to Vincent Drive and Pritchatts Road. It looks good and fresh. The old building is exit only.

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A look around the new look University Station





The new University Station buildings were opened on Sunday 28th January 2024, and I went to have a look around two weeks later on Sunday 11th February 2024. I got a train one way up from Longbridge, then checked out the buildings inside, the went over the bridge to the campus, and walked around to Vincent Drive and Pritchatts Road. It looks good and fresh. The old building is exit only.


University Station, the new buildings at the West Gate of the University of Birmingham and at Vincent Drive was fully opened on Sunday 28th January 2024. With the ASLEF train driver strikes the following weekend (3rd and 4th February 2024), thought it was best to wait until the next weekend (10th and 11th February 2024) to come back and check out the buildings.

 

I got the 12:43 train from Longbridge to University, and to my suprise it was West Midlands Railway 323221 in the classic Regional Railways livery. I got to University shortly before 1pm on Sunday 11th February 2024.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The waiting room on platform 1, there is also a new waiting room on platform 2. Probably useful for passengers going with Cross Country on the line between Cardiff Central and Nottingham via Birmingham New Street (if not the Cross City Line, as trains are frequent during the week).

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A look at the main concourse from platform level, toilets are to the right. Soon there will be an NHS facility to the left.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Tickets and information near the stairs, way out to the Medical School.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Up the steps from platform 1 concourse, there is seats to sit on near the lift.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

View out of the window on the new bridge above the tracks, platform 1 on the right, platform 2 on the left. Towards the 1978 building, now exit only.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Steps down to the platform 2 concourse. Also a lift.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Exiting the station over the new footbridge to the University of Birmingham campus, with a view to Old Joe, it crosses the Worcester & Birmingham Canal.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

There is also an entrance to University Station from the Worcester & Birmingham Canal towpath. I used to have to leave the canal via the steps to Westgate to get to the 1978 entrance.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

To the right is a ramp for disabled passengers (wheelchairs etc) to use, or 45 steps down to the University campus.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Looking back at University Station from the new footbridge.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

There is some unfinished areas near the footbridge, including in this view towards the canal and new station building.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

This grassed area is currently all fenced off, awaiting completion, other than that the steps, ramp and bridge above are open.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(13).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Following the Westgate path towards the 1978 building, as we see the 2024 building alongside the canal. This was part of the site of Metchley Roman Fort.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(14).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Now heading to the new University Station building from the new path from Westgate.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(15).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

It is well landscaped with lampposts and a grass lawn.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(16).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The station building is close to Vincent Drive. Bollards should prevent vehicles going beyond and parking where they shouldn't do.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(17).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

One of the many new University Station signs at the station.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(18).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The University Station sign from Vincent Drive.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(19).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

One last look at the station from the bridges on Pritchatts Road, heading to the North Gate of the University of Birmingham, as West Midlands Railway 323218 arrived at platform 2.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2011022024%20(20).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

We hope you enjoyed our tour of the new University Station. Experience it yourself by buying your tickets at West Midlands Railway. We recommend using their app, which has a QR code ticket (once tickets purchased). But you can still buy tickets at the station of your choice (ticket machines or ticket office) such as Birmingham New Street. There is ticket gates at the station, on the platform level. Trains on the Cross City Line go between Redditch or Bromsgrove to Lichfield Trent Valley.

 

Photography by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown Transport
31 Jan 2024 - Elliott Brown
News & Updates

University Station progress from May 2022 to January 2024

The new University Station buildings opened on Sunday 28th January 2024. Here's our photo update from May 2022 to January 2024. The station was open throughout the works, and the extended platforms were open in time for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, but was delays for some reason in completing the station, beyond 2022. We'll get another update at a later date.

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University Station progress from May 2022 to January 2024





The new University Station buildings opened on Sunday 28th January 2024. Here's our photo update from May 2022 to January 2024. The station was open throughout the works, and the extended platforms were open in time for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, but was delays for some reason in completing the station, beyond 2022. We'll get another update at a later date.


It was supposed to open in July 2022, but is now going to fully open on Sunday 28th January 2024. 

Photo progress gallery below from May 2022 to January 2024.

* Note that all these photos were taken before the new buildings were opened to the public.

 

May 2022

Worcester & Birmingham Canal view near the University of Birmingham, the new buildings under scaffolding.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20WB%20Canal%2021052022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

First look at the extended platforms from platform 1 at University.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20PU%2021052022%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20PU%2021052022%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20PU%2021052022%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20PU%2021052022%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Cross Country Trains Class 220 Voyager passed non stop towards Birmingham New Street.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/XC%20220%20Uni%20Station%2021052022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Railway 323209 calls at University, platform 2.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323209%20Uni%20Station%2021052022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Railway 170501 passes on a service to Worcester Foregate Street (this train is now at sister company East Midlands Railway).

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20170501%20Uni%20Station%2021052022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Railway 323208 calls at University, platform 1 (this train has since moved to Northern Trains).

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323208%20Uni%20Station%2021052022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

June 2022

From the X21 bus top deck, before the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games began. Clearly it wouldn't be ready for summer 2022.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2021062022%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2021062022%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2021062022%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2021062022%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A day later, a comparison with the 1978 building (right, still open) and 2024 building (left).

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2022062022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

August 2022

Views of University Station from the Worcester & Birmingham Canal. Some scaffolding had come down at the time.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20WB%20Canal%2027082022%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20WB%20Canal%2027082022%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20WB%20Canal%2027082022%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20WB%20Canal%2027082022%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20WB%20Canal%2027082022%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20WB%20Canal%2027082022%20(6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20WB%20Canal%2027082022%20(7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%20WB%20Canal%2027082022%20(8).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

October 2022

Approaching from New Fosse Way and the Westgate entrance.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

One last look during 2022 at the platforms, clearly the buildings wouldn't open by the end of the year.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Cross Country Voyager Class 220 passing at speed towards the south west.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Railway 323217 stops at University, to take me to Birmingham New Street.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2016102022%20(12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

February 2023

First University update of 2023, as usual the walk up the Worcester & Birmingham Canal from the Selly Oak Shopping Park.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2011022023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

This time I walked to the far end of platform 1, buildings appeared to be complete, but would not open for at least another year.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2011022023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2011022023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2011022023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2011022023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2011022023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2011022023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/University%20Station%2011022023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

This was the day, when I managed to get West Midlands Railway 323221 in the Regional Railways Centro livery!

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Uni%20Station%2011022023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Uni%20Station%2011022023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Uni%20Station%2011022023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Uni%20Station%2011022023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Later that month, some views from the X21 bus as it went up Pritchatts Road and Vincent Drive.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2028022023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2028022023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2028022023%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

June 2023

A walk along Prichatts Road and Vincent Drive for more views of the station.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2029062023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2029062023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2029062023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2029062023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

July 2023

A look at the new access footbridge from the University of Birmingham, near the Westgate.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018072023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018072023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

This will be one of the new station entrances from Westgate and New Fosse Way.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018072023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018072023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

August 2023

Approaching University Station again from the Worcester & Birmingham Canal.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2024082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Views from the X21 bus on Vincent Drive.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2024082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2024082023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

A week later, views from the X22 bus on Vincent Drive.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2031082023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2031082023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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January 2024

With the news that the ORR had given permission for the new University Station buildings to open on Sunday 28th January 2024, I had one last visit to the station before it opened to the public.

The usual views from the Worcester & Birmingham Canal on the walk from Selly Oak Shopping Park.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Looks pretty much the same from platform 1, the boards with train times were on. Some labels needed peeling off.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

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A Cross Country Trains Class 220 Voyager in the direction of Birmingham New Street.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Railway 323241 seen arriving at platform 2.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(11).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

My West Midlands Railway Class 323 train arrived, to take me one way to Birmingham New Street.

dndimg alt="University Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Uni%20Station%2018012024%20(12).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown Art; Culture & creativity
07 Jan 2024 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

Birmingham Cathedral: Divine Beauty at Night

This is the second year that Divine Beauty at Night has been held at Birmingham Cathedral. This time from the 4th to 6th January 2024. After the Edward Burne-Jones stained glass windows were cleaned and restored during 2023. I went on the evening of the 6th January 2024. Was in a queue outside initially, and got in a little late due to a technical issue, but once in, it was amazing!

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Birmingham Cathedral: Divine Beauty at Night





This is the second year that Divine Beauty at Night has been held at Birmingham Cathedral. This time from the 4th to 6th January 2024. After the Edward Burne-Jones stained glass windows were cleaned and restored during 2023. I went on the evening of the 6th January 2024. Was in a queue outside initially, and got in a little late due to a technical issue, but once in, it was amazing!


St Philip's Church commissioned the famous Arts & Crafts firm of Morris & Co and the artist Edward Burne-Jones to design and construct three stained glass windows in 1884.

He chose three subjects for the windows:

The Ascension (completed 1885)

dndimg alt="Burnes-Jones windows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Burne%20Jones%20windows%20Bham%20Cathedral%20St%20Philip%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Nativity (1887-8)

dndimg alt="Burnes-Jones windows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Burne%20Jones%20windows%20Bham%20Cathedral%20St%20Philip%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Crucifixion (1887-8)

dndimg alt="Burnes-Jones windows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Burne%20Jones%20windows%20Bham%20Cathedral%20St%20Philip%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

These were in the newly enlarged chancel.

 

About a decade later a fourth window followed, the Last Judgement (1897).

dndimg alt="Burnes-Jones windows" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Burne%20Jones%20windows%20Bham%20Cathedral%20St%20Philip%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

During World War 2 (1939-45) they were removed to a Welsh slate mine to keep them safe.

In 2023, the Divine Beauty Project started, and the windows were fully restored and cleaned.

The first Divine Beauty at Night took place from the 12th to 14th January 2023. The second from the 4th to 6th January 2024. Both events organised by Luxmuralis.

 

Divine Beauty at Night 2024

On Saturday 6th January 2024, was the third evening / night of Divine Beauty at Night. Held for the second year. Was a long queue, with the timed ticketed slots, but the delay was due to a technical issue, meaning the show started a bit late. So got into Birmingham Cathedral around 20 minutes later than expected, but was worth it once I got in the building.

The Divine Beauty at Night lights show of the Burne-Jones windows lasted about 25 minutes, it was quite impressive. A gallery of photos is below.

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dndimg alt="Divine Beauty at Night" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Divine%20Beauty%20at%20Night%20BC%2006012023%20(25).JPG" style="width: 100%;" /> Photography by Elliott Brown

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Elliott Brown Classic Architecture
01 Nov 2023 - Elliott Brown
Gallery

A visit to the National Trust property of Attingham Park in Shropshire

Went to Attingham Park in Shropshire in late October 2023, on the way for a weeks holiday in Llangollen, Wales. The Deer Park was closed after Storm Babet. So was only able to go around the house, stables and to the walled garden. But was a lot of puddles and mud around. This post just a general look around the house with the rooms open to the public.

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A visit to the National Trust property of Attingham Park in Shropshire





Went to Attingham Park in Shropshire in late October 2023, on the way for a weeks holiday in Llangollen, Wales. The Deer Park was closed after Storm Babet. So was only able to go around the house, stables and to the walled garden. But was a lot of puddles and mud around. This post just a general look around the house with the rooms open to the public.


Between 1784 and 1947, Attingham Park was home to the 1st to 8th Lord Berwick's and their families. The 1st Lord Berwick was Noel Hill MP for Shrewsbury. Between 1948 and 1976 it was The Adult Education College. After that it became a National Trust property. The mansion is a Grade I listed building.

The Deer Park was closed due to Storm Babet, and was still a lot of mud and puddles around the part of the estate that was open. This post mostly looking at the mansion at Attingham Park and the historic rooms inside. It is also called Attingham Hall.

 

First view of the mansion at Attingham Park from the car.

dndimg alt="Attingham Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Mansion%20Attingham%20Park%2021102023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The West Wing

dndimg alt="Attingham Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Mansion%20Attingham%20Park%2021102023%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Exterior of Attingham Park, the mansion before going in.

dndimg alt="Attingham Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Attingham%20Park%2021102023.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Inner Courtyard on exiting the hall. It leads to the Service Courtyard.

dndimg alt="Attingham Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IC%20Attingham%20Park%2021102023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Service Courtyard - leads to the Clock Gatehouse on exiting.

dndimg alt="Attingham Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/SC%20Attingham%20Park%2021102023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Attingham Park - rooms inside

Entrance Hall

dndimg alt="Attingham Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Entrance%20Hall%20Att%20Pk%2021102023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Picture Gallery

dndimg alt="Attingham Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Picture%20Gallery%20Att%20Pk%2021102023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Nash Staircase

dndimg alt="Attingham Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Nash%20Staircase%20Att%20Pk%2021102023%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

The Dining Room

dndimg alt="Attingham Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Attingham%20Park%20DR%2021102023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Inner Library

dndimg alt="Attingham Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IL%20Att%20Pk%2021102023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Ante Room

dndimg alt="Attingham Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WA%20Att%20Pk%2021102023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Octagon Room

dndimg alt="Attingham Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/OR%20Att%20Pk%2021102023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Servants World

Servants Hall

dndimg alt="Attingham Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Serv%20Hall%20Att%20Pk%2021102023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Butlers Pantry

dndimg alt="Attingham Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Servants%20Att%20Pk%2021102023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Servants Waiting Room

dndimg alt="Attingham Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Servants%20Att%20Pk%2021102023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Kitchen

dndimg alt="Attingham Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Servants%20Att%20Pk%2021102023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Servants Dining Room

dndimg alt="Attingham Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Servants%20Att%20Pk%2021102023%20(7).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Still Room Kitchen

dndimg alt="Attingham Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Servants%20Att%20Pk%2021102023%20(8).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Lord Berwick's luggage (to the house exit)

dndimg alt="Attingham Park" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Servants%20Att%20Pk%2021102023%20(9).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Photos by Elliott Brown

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