tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27265485712226678682024-02-18T20:33:13.741-08:00West MidlandsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726548571222667868.post-26594169096801292422016-04-28T03:16:00.000-07:002012-10-13T06:56:58.191-07:00Information<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 archived information about almost every aspect of Birmingham and the West Midlands.<br /> <br />It is important for visitors to understand that we are <b>not the Tourist Information Office</b> and therefore we cannot respond to requests for posters or general information.<br /> <br />Please note that we are<b> NOT interested in any affiliate programs or reciprocal links</b> of any kind. We do not offer any kind of paid advertising or promotions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To navigate the rest of the site just click on the main header tabs at the top of this web page. The site has been split into sections and each section is independent of the others. Thank you for visiting Birmingham UK Com.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">NB: Coat of arms for the West Midlands not used since 1986. Image obtained from wikipedia.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/102965299411655709609/albums/5755438454276439617?authkey=CMDqp9bf_KujHw" target="_blank">Photos from around the West Midlands</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/102965299411655709609/albums/5734190140601732161?authkey=CJbX9r3Iqs2eDg" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial;">More photos</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726548571222667868.post-77347844828379021112015-02-14T13:22:00.000-08:002015-02-14T13:22:16.955-08:00British Ironwork Centre - Oswestry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYGJibcb9j_hjACu8sCZrOACl6nw2nfcI3YKla4S_eQW4eK77NcDYVaqRnSZol9Gg1fzwI9DoBjPbYR4T1JAHZECGjYdVCUvdDRsyltXrzEoxjoh7MDIPEX5HXQUHuHmw8aAcm4miyrM/s1600/20150214_115904.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/AVvXsEjXYGJibcb9j_hjACu8sCZrOACl6nw2nfcI3YKla4S_eQW4eK77NcDYVaqRnSZol9Gg1fzwI9DoBjPbYR4T1JAHZECGjYdVCUvdDRsyltXrzEoxjoh7MDIPEX5HXQUHuHmw8aAcm4miyrM/s1600/20150214_115904.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From humble beginings in 2008 as a theatre company for amateur performers and singers this fund raising arts centre has raised money for charity and diversified into other areas resulting in a huge collection of ironworks and creative artefacts.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh949MuAtAlLXsUhXPRhSmPg8ArcpYZ87Q3fsmyY2Vvyn_ST5Myzw9l2K5r0CxhdlFnXbnOkdTFzfEFyleFaOVQRBVkvVHYnJ2rmCpA9MFY50HWXjQbWnT1cdfA06O5j1WJZvFA5VG6kZU/s1600/20150214_115742.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/AVvXsEh949MuAtAlLXsUhXPRhSmPg8ArcpYZ87Q3fsmyY2Vvyn_ST5Myzw9l2K5r0CxhdlFnXbnOkdTFzfEFyleFaOVQRBVkvVHYnJ2rmCpA9MFY50HWXjQbWnT1cdfA06O5j1WJZvFA5VG6kZU/s1600/20150214_115742.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you approach the main buildings you drive through a large field resplendent with large full scale models of animals from all parts of the globe. Even before you get inside you know you are visiting something special.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtWcib5ZrePR38YPOX5zWvDfd4cvnDw5Re6JR5HvAIB_GFUVhGmH7EYUaDu3i9c2UTFESQvwY3MG-7zckuyFf7lKW0rdLcRSlCBCs0uJzmyzgBnxmcOcFY4t9deSkCKxkgVdjFi9kovg/s1600/20150214_115612.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/AVvXsEjwtWcib5ZrePR38YPOX5zWvDfd4cvnDw5Re6JR5HvAIB_GFUVhGmH7EYUaDu3i9c2UTFESQvwY3MG-7zckuyFf7lKW0rdLcRSlCBCs0uJzmyzgBnxmcOcFY4t9deSkCKxkgVdjFi9kovg/s1600/20150214_115612.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With resident crafts people, a warehouse full to the brim with interesting and exciting ironworks this is definately worth a visit. For details on opening times please visit their website.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whitehall, Aston, Oswestry, SY11 4JH </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(opposite the Oswestry Golf Course on the A5)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blackcountrymetalworks.co.uk/">www.blackcountrymetalworks.co.uk</a><span id="goog_1747383762"></span><span id="goog_1747383763"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more photos <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/102965299411655709609/albums/6115768020708282449?authkey=CN2N6N7uq5KKcw" target="_blank">click here</a></span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Oswestry, Oswestry, Shropshire SY11 4JH, UK52.8417054 -2.998360100000013552.8225229 -3.0387006000000136 52.8608879 -2.9580196000000134tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726548571222667868.post-58469774248979230752015-02-14T13:04:00.001-08:002015-02-14T13:04:54.734-08:00Oswestry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKGU3EIPzCcxHkJeREHazGfJ29s9hhyy05XNUht7-OnaLuLxtG_mGosLDtvQO7AlpGvcZfm8vZ0wFc4ziT6rJHBML2K4FJE3D-l-XIEd55Ws4X3z2iYdJFf0vfEQw9vWcbT1JULv-FUo/s1600/20150214_132025.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/AVvXsEikKGU3EIPzCcxHkJeREHazGfJ29s9hhyy05XNUht7-OnaLuLxtG_mGosLDtvQO7AlpGvcZfm8vZ0wFc4ziT6rJHBML2K4FJE3D-l-XIEd55Ws4X3z2iYdJFf0vfEQw9vWcbT1JULv-FUo/s1600/20150214_132025.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oswestry is a market town in Shropshire which is very close to the Welsh border. The town has many Welsh street names since the town changed hands between the English and Welsh a number of times.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIiCgs6X877gmfAaMlYradEnt9UlWpO6_gSMyACWCfdyLuWTZeTFD9O0Szr2JxM8XkjaIRqC9Fjs8oxkGMhnUU5iXWtNJ-OfTgsEW9HhaYyp-kXTJXrR1CSQ9MShXl46gfhlG6VV61Et0/s1600/20150214_140744.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/AVvXsEjIiCgs6X877gmfAaMlYradEnt9UlWpO6_gSMyACWCfdyLuWTZeTFD9O0Szr2JxM8XkjaIRqC9Fjs8oxkGMhnUU5iXWtNJ-OfTgsEW9HhaYyp-kXTJXrR1CSQ9MShXl46gfhlG6VV61Et0/s1600/20150214_140744.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oswestry gets its name from Oswald's Tree. There are several historic buildings in the town which still has a market held each Wednesday. A statue of a shepherd and his sheep in Market Square reminds us that prior to the late 1960's and an outbreak of foot and mouth disease the livetock market was held within the town.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif_C6lGatMBFdcVOb25Q4HGKGWGMGQGp_28GznU80bDzfCsXiijFDK0zZS7phxZ3xmC0NOhh1gDZs-WHGV_npAntSOc-MpI_ddHCZkIRNCmUxSUGmXFzwfqBSPjlMD0XtYYNDU_h3rXNc/s1600/20150214_133149.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/AVvXsEif_C6lGatMBFdcVOb25Q4HGKGWGMGQGp_28GznU80bDzfCsXiijFDK0zZS7phxZ3xmC0NOhh1gDZs-WHGV_npAntSOc-MpI_ddHCZkIRNCmUxSUGmXFzwfqBSPjlMD0XtYYNDU_h3rXNc/s1600/20150214_133149.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The town has a number of good independent shops, pubs and cafe's and is a popular destination for visitors especially at weekends. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more photos of Oswestry <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/102965299411655709609/albums/6115766526524641793?authkey=CPnGyen90975-gE" target="_blank">click here</a></span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Oswestry, Oswestry, Shropshire, UK52.857148 -3.05641200000002352.8187975 -3.1370930000000232 52.8954985 -2.9757310000000228tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726548571222667868.post-82592532503958208472015-02-07T16:09:00.001-08:002015-02-07T16:09:11.034-08:00Nuneaton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoBSdZWEtD98Q3QMlVaTDXfoJ-3aBrFRjUcwGJF5fb0USPb4fUrRiu2FYoUJ_94EiPA1AnA1vVB5VSk_f2y5Ghc_8G1uzkSbLf5HiTMD74YRtxECjIhu0t8TCRo77Or94sxLmgd6A4sM/s1600/20150204_092122.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/AVvXsEiUoBSdZWEtD98Q3QMlVaTDXfoJ-3aBrFRjUcwGJF5fb0USPb4fUrRiu2FYoUJ_94EiPA1AnA1vVB5VSk_f2y5Ghc_8G1uzkSbLf5HiTMD74YRtxECjIhu0t8TCRo77Or94sxLmgd6A4sM/s1600/20150204_092122.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nuneaton is the largest town in Warwickshire and famous for its association with the 19th century author George Eliot whose statue stands proudly in the main street. The town is situated just 9 miles from Coventry and only 20 miles from Birmingham.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBafgn4K7xS-U9dT_1Xu8Grp1HehhyLBZAAgiXEi1tyd3ps483lUsRTi_uifQaMdo8U-iSblm65mGpCdKCHiniL_SrjPzVwHKc0xjK39Pz9M3FpFo8usLi_5SYcRqzL8EJl4iHQ_H3sKc/s1600/20150204_092401.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/AVvXsEgBafgn4K7xS-U9dT_1Xu8Grp1HehhyLBZAAgiXEi1tyd3ps483lUsRTi_uifQaMdo8U-iSblm65mGpCdKCHiniL_SrjPzVwHKc0xjK39Pz9M3FpFo8usLi_5SYcRqzL8EJl4iHQ_H3sKc/s1600/20150204_092401.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The River Anker runs through the town which gets its name from a 12th century Benedictine Nunnery of which parts of the building still survive. With close proximity to Coventry and Birmingham the town was bombed heavily during the Second World War due to having munitions factories nearby.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDP6f0o5hsTPHBZA1VgxBDaXcZ270WDWDppVGsko2zsPC5faIQsQh8Fm06eEoaxD-MEKQ3N4XzyZ4QwfytCv78aZcUH1dpumcAusfoKHOWFABnFAORZqOyrdvzY1Sc8x09I66rwFMRSc/s1600/20150204_093429.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/AVvXsEiHDP6f0o5hsTPHBZA1VgxBDaXcZ270WDWDppVGsko2zsPC5faIQsQh8Fm06eEoaxD-MEKQ3N4XzyZ4QwfytCv78aZcUH1dpumcAusfoKHOWFABnFAORZqOyrdvzY1Sc8x09I66rwFMRSc/s1600/20150204_093429.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nuneaton used be famous for its textile and manufacturing industries. Today the town services its larger neighbours but efforts have been made to introduce trade through the multi million pound Ropewalk Shopping Centre and improvements to the town centre which has a busy street market every Wednesday and Saturday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more photos of Nuneaton please <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/102965299411655709609/albums/6113256005436871841?authkey=CLXl06_nuaTbtgE" target="_blank">click here</a></span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Nuneaton, Warwickshire, UK52.520489 -1.465381999999976952.443186499999996 -1.6267434999999768 52.5977915 -1.3040204999999769tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726548571222667868.post-27957808918123216712014-08-25T05:37:00.001-07:002014-08-25T05:37:24.937-07:00Atherstone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQ32VwPf4ICxOi66d1D6l6K_QVlaaL4OwKHNdaASOAfNZdnY5OjupDhCILPlZeghx8LRudmqfXH058bc7QgeAMIBAIeNBD17P8CJr95JJEcqr_RrTWZH5Tax7Oy5zHzvhYgGNiXx5vO0/s1600/20140820_112445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQ32VwPf4ICxOi66d1D6l6K_QVlaaL4OwKHNdaASOAfNZdnY5OjupDhCILPlZeghx8LRudmqfXH058bc7QgeAMIBAIeNBD17P8CJr95JJEcqr_RrTWZH5Tax7Oy5zHzvhYgGNiXx5vO0/s1600/20140820_112445.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Atherstone in Warwickshire dates back to Roman times. It is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as being held by Countess Godiva. This pretty little market town is famous for its felt hats. Today the town is home to several large companies who use its excellent road links for distribution purposes.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Atherstone, Atherstone, Warwickshire CV9, UK52.576614 -1.543763000000012752.5380175 -1.6244440000000127 52.615210499999996 -1.4630820000000127tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726548571222667868.post-88683793527388843732014-08-17T04:30:00.003-07:002014-08-17T04:34:17.307-07:00Rugby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMhIaHvPD2bLysAkZveP4kfQerQkx9kWzPlKpCbG641Ly6gH4cbQGo03uKdoKfEBXtnSnUxrV-t0mBLkWE_PnnEYzIPLi-7abiwlrrm9GcLvAOiWe7yB5brWPnnHFsqkIyJHddE7luzs/s1600/20140804_114646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMhIaHvPD2bLysAkZveP4kfQerQkx9kWzPlKpCbG641Ly6gH4cbQGo03uKdoKfEBXtnSnUxrV-t0mBLkWE_PnnEYzIPLi-7abiwlrrm9GcLvAOiWe7yB5brWPnnHFsqkIyJHddE7luzs/s1600/20140804_114646.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Situated on the River Avon there has been a settlement here since the early Iron Age. Known as Tripontium in Roman times it is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Rocheberie but what really puts Rugby on the world map is that it is known as the birthplace of Rugby football.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Essentially a small market town until recent times the centre still has a mix of old and new buildings and you can see how rapid expansion in recent years has changed the town considerably. Most of the older buildings in the town are Victorian. With a population of 70,000 this is the second largest town in the county of Warwickshire.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Rugby Cement works on the outskirts of the town is now part of the Cemex Company and is one of the largest cement works of its type in Europe. Residents near the large complex are used to waking up in the morning to find their cars covered in a fine layer of cement dust. Some would argue that this blights the landscape on what would otherwise have been a pleasant location to live.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once in the town though you have wide pedestrian walkways and an abundance of places to eat from small cafes to all manner of world cuisine. There are also a fair number of good pubs in the vicinity. Tourism plays an ever important role in the economy of the town and a good deal of time and effort has been spent making the centre of town more appealing to visitors.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For photos of Rugby <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/102965299411655709609/albums/6048495727595066193?authkey=CPjxqfL4wYPcnQE" target="_blank">click here</a></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Rugby, Rugby, Warwickshire, UK52.370878 -1.265032000000019352.2933315 -1.4263935000000192 52.448424499999994 -1.1036705000000193tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726548571222667868.post-35958612243810728772014-05-04T15:09:00.001-07:002014-05-04T15:09:41.829-07:00Evesham Country Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7m9NUKdZ7I7YgFjcAXb_G1vnakHpcRxSbE7xRtOSkx1K7jkNmPLeAGr2gNObkBkZGwOZbmvxAP6ASckab_LHk2glcUny9CyueesTwh86pJBJSOj2pturTGLVG7KWNn5dhFMXLyRsnbDc/s1600/20140503_132217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7m9NUKdZ7I7YgFjcAXb_G1vnakHpcRxSbE7xRtOSkx1K7jkNmPLeAGr2gNObkBkZGwOZbmvxAP6ASckab_LHk2glcUny9CyueesTwh86pJBJSOj2pturTGLVG7KWNn5dhFMXLyRsnbDc/s1600/20140503_132217.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Evesham Country Park features a large garden centre and a courtyard of Trade Outlets. There is a light railway which passes through the beautiful countryside and also a farm shop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">With good parking facilities there are is also a restaurant, cafe and snack facilities. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; display: inline ! important; float: none; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 20.3px; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Evesham Country Park • Evesham • Worcestershire • WR11 4TP</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Evesham Country Park, Evesham, Worcestershire WR11, UK52.116020000000013 -1.939570000000003326.593985500000013 -43.248164 77.63805450000001 39.369023999999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726548571222667868.post-34738249795571099092013-08-18T09:35:00.000-07:002013-08-18T09:35:02.357-07:00Hidcote Manor Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKCrLWdJbapLYg9qWjqyYEucAhrOwCmSIfeIrbEikZ2Vqq4yRbpHKhxeGC-1Uhyi3n6logT34i1PNsnub3PhdhKXKcJq3vpBn0EwRBLW-BkqGq67PTsPL_ymjLHh9KfJ4Fwc-zG42bgg/s1600/DSC_0069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKCrLWdJbapLYg9qWjqyYEucAhrOwCmSIfeIrbEikZ2Vqq4yRbpHKhxeGC-1Uhyi3n6logT34i1PNsnub3PhdhKXKcJq3vpBn0EwRBLW-BkqGq67PTsPL_ymjLHh9KfJ4Fwc-zG42bgg/s1600/DSC_0069.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hidcote Manor Garden is a National Trust property near Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire. It is famous for its variety of hedged gardens and although the house is not open to the public there are displays, a shop and tea rooms.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For photos of Hidcote Manor Garden <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/102965299411655709609/albums/5913199915047689729?authkey=CLn5xO7p3ceHnwE" target="_blank">click here</a></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Hidcote, Near Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire GL55 6LR, UK52.084134000000013 -1.744455000000016326.562099500000013 -43.053049000000016 77.60616850000001 39.564138999999983tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726548571222667868.post-8231569697666994912013-07-21T11:48:00.001-07:002013-07-21T11:48:20.227-07:00Snowshill Manor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VvS8DW69ZZPQ3iCdpfed4fgDRfICzEPkGpLj1zM3udh144x5YH2x2j4FgaMMwa3Vqbw4YynvJwctfxplYOv6KBTfDCj_NPkOGFsXPq2hcdmhw3wB2aqGWNYOOU9lL2rB_7ZlPKXC2eQ/s1600/DSC_0094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VvS8DW69ZZPQ3iCdpfed4fgDRfICzEPkGpLj1zM3udh144x5YH2x2j4FgaMMwa3Vqbw4YynvJwctfxplYOv6KBTfDCj_NPkOGFsXPq2hcdmhw3wB2aqGWNYOOU9lL2rB_7ZlPKXC2eQ/s320/DSC_0094.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Snowshill Manor in the village of Snowshill dates back to the times of the Abbey and the old land and property was confiscated by Henry VIII with the dissolution of the monasteries. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMVCfVIHKHhPh8omYcAWI-wXCuhHd8dcYKe5Opmkec9iR8EIbNoXf_Z4lulBJNPy_z4l7Lc8VbpV5NOEJxSx7yn4mzTZpbAvJvHVdUJJFxq8tpYStqcDcrUPXK_KTZ7VZcukO0g9jaWA/s1600/DSC_0077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMVCfVIHKHhPh8omYcAWI-wXCuhHd8dcYKe5Opmkec9iR8EIbNoXf_Z4lulBJNPy_z4l7Lc8VbpV5NOEJxSx7yn4mzTZpbAvJvHVdUJJFxq8tpYStqcDcrUPXK_KTZ7VZcukO0g9jaWA/s320/DSC_0077.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Snowshill Manor was gifted to the National Trust by Charles Paget Wade who had restored the property and turned the main manor house into a home for his vast collection of objects. Known locally as an eccentric he started his collection at the age of 7 and it know fills the entire manor house. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4A1iCUp9WI12RSIb_h9wKeNQ8CoAvn-z8-aqujXsWhwf7jkpGvi8Jj7tfVXHBDdtJiKlTwRYUaU1KHbwH0RYsBVJRlPq4AMvnwoTOWiUQURoLTycnagrL4-RdDZLi2h8Ii26BgVGUIE/s1600/DSC_0074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4A1iCUp9WI12RSIb_h9wKeNQ8CoAvn-z8-aqujXsWhwf7jkpGvi8Jj7tfVXHBDdtJiKlTwRYUaU1KHbwH0RYsBVJRlPq4AMvnwoTOWiUQURoLTycnagrL4-RdDZLi2h8Ii26BgVGUIE/s320/DSC_0074.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The actual manor house that now stands in the grounds dates back to the 16th century. The outbuildings and particular a small cottage are where Charles Paget Wade lived until 1951 when he gifted the property to the nation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more photos of Snowshill Manor <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/116938360291787713587/albums/5903137284961414385?authkey=CMOb1ILS-5ys3wE" target="_blank">click here</a></span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Snowshill, Gloucestershire WR12, UK52.003253 -1.862743000000023126.4812185 -43.171337000000022 77.5252875 39.445850999999976tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726548571222667868.post-59002934353277761442013-07-06T09:38:00.001-07:002013-07-06T09:38:30.449-07:00Smethwick Fire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDhfWJ0ucYVHKNgSqeIDtmSWOy2XpTyCNlPg7gSn4bgtVikZspMG1Xb4lgnxEICQJqj8RUsGdvmlzGWWGreWKYvMEDlZTOaifGXVWfy4lGPlPeuUO1keOLaKh_O_3P7ZGRXAEs1LIJn8/s1600/DSC_0198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDhfWJ0ucYVHKNgSqeIDtmSWOy2XpTyCNlPg7gSn4bgtVikZspMG1Xb4lgnxEICQJqj8RUsGdvmlzGWWGreWKYvMEDlZTOaifGXVWfy4lGPlPeuUO1keOLaKh_O_3P7ZGRXAEs1LIJn8/s1600/DSC_0198.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The photo above shows smoke from the recent fire in Smethwick which was thought to have been caused by a Chinese Lantern landing on open bales of plastic awaiting onward transmission for recycling. Smoke from the fire had risen upwards to 4,000 feet. It took nearly 200 Fire Officers to finally put out the blaze.</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726548571222667868.post-26816715681592134352013-07-06T09:29:00.003-07:002013-07-06T09:29:49.678-07:00Crickley Hill Country Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sxAk2Re4tQMuM45BFuUHLraFccGzKC16X47N6eKWsPdI0P2UxVHS5GJKhNrgwx1ow_IMjB8cARH6aTq9nGpWXRsGrjaISL4EpjR6d5Pv6wpQnOHybC9JcbQaNQKt-go8S5EjAHBUQ5U/s1600/DSC_0247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0sxAk2Re4tQMuM45BFuUHLraFccGzKC16X47N6eKWsPdI0P2UxVHS5GJKhNrgwx1ow_IMjB8cARH6aTq9nGpWXRsGrjaISL4EpjR6d5Pv6wpQnOHybC9JcbQaNQKt-go8S5EjAHBUQ5U/s1600/DSC_0247.jpg" height="155" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Come off at Junction 11a of the M5 Motorway and head towards Cirencester. The dual carriageway takes you to an island and a well known local pub the Air Balloon. Head towards Cirencester and the Country Park is signposted about a mile ahead on your right.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiViz1I6ZNG5Kb_Beiq8SImMH-yqnZxpLtV4xTzknzuZcMvfauGPBgUsZTSTKtTqJZeCfQgJCuIZ7-7BdXuAzqLhiFuBA8WuHYBW-2h37UjqLjyqGlD1GCApz_jmip2yvefyNHOAjDVHbY/s1600/DSC_0250.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/AVvXsEiViz1I6ZNG5Kb_Beiq8SImMH-yqnZxpLtV4xTzknzuZcMvfauGPBgUsZTSTKtTqJZeCfQgJCuIZ7-7BdXuAzqLhiFuBA8WuHYBW-2h37UjqLjyqGlD1GCApz_jmip2yvefyNHOAjDVHbY/s1600/DSC_0250.jpg" height="118" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crickley Hill is a beautiful country park with some spectacular views over the Severn Vale. The park is managed by the National Trust and Gloucestershire County Council.</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Crickley Hill Country Park, Gloucester, Gloucestershire GL4, UK51.8471525 -2.097849399999972851.842248 -2.1079343999999729 51.852057 -2.0877643999999727tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726548571222667868.post-29397189604607235572012-10-13T07:20:00.001-07:002012-10-13T07:20:31.366-07:00Waterfront, Dudley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Waterfront at Dudley is an extension of the Merry Hill Shopping complex but not build for shopping. It is mainly office buildings which house the Inland Revenue and companies like Virgin Media. The business park is also home to a Copthorne Hotel. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Dudley No.1 Canal passes straight through the Waterfront site which also has a number of restaurants and pubs as well as a marina.</span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Dudley, West Midlands, UK52.512255 -2.08111252.4349465 -2.2390405 52.589563500000004 -1.9231835000000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726548571222667868.post-57425930750512655622012-10-13T06:45:00.000-07:002012-10-13T06:45:20.104-07:00Shugborough Estate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPdj_2ySKXjNaHnTvZXkAAzHcNMwtUEMxceI5pvkOXmLo3i3_-ng9zZ2k9_QNkb3abKHb0FF91jyu0DAXakq_akcjVvWrNKuIwbZFK6PeFURP6SkFi7yeIUHw-QSHy76Aaz3n_ZegEUs/s1600/Shugborough.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPdj_2ySKXjNaHnTvZXkAAzHcNMwtUEMxceI5pvkOXmLo3i3_-ng9zZ2k9_QNkb3abKHb0FF91jyu0DAXakq_akcjVvWrNKuIwbZFK6PeFURP6SkFi7yeIUHw-QSHy76Aaz3n_ZegEUs/s320/Shugborough.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Shugborough Estate is situated in Great Haywood just 4 miles from Stafford. It used to be owned by the Bishops of Lichfield but after the Dissolution of the Monasteries it was purchased by the Anson family and remained with them until it was gifted to the National Trust in 1960.<br /><br />Today visitors can walk through the 900 acres of parkland and riverside gardens and see the magnificent mansion house with its working servants quarters and farm. For families with young children there is also a train ride, play park and restauratn and tea room facilities as well as a gift shop and craft workshops.</div>
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<a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/102965299411655709609/albums/5783190635754115761?authkey=COL48f2Z8tHltQE" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Click here to see photos of the Shugborough Estate</span></a><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Shugborough Estate The, Shugborough Hall County Museum, Great Haywood, Stafford, Staffordshire ST17 0XB, UK52.7919151 -2.015776652.782313099999996 -2.0355176 52.8015171 -1.9960356000000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726548571222667868.post-77429201721847547632012-08-11T07:00:00.000-07:002012-08-11T07:04:39.391-07:00Wychbury Obelisk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfsPu5i43x2bByLLM9LHJKguvVU8X7xJFMOLom-h1Q1oK44Yh_lIF2mh_DFGZQuCPcZbVBPTZZYrxCPtAtce_VDs-wbASUVDkrSqi9D54jk4Sn41GufmKo8Iroh-eJjX4R1RpsMAHg2k/s1600/hagley-obelisk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfsPu5i43x2bByLLM9LHJKguvVU8X7xJFMOLom-h1Q1oK44Yh_lIF2mh_DFGZQuCPcZbVBPTZZYrxCPtAtce_VDs-wbASUVDkrSqi9D54jk4Sn41GufmKo8Iroh-eJjX4R1RpsMAHg2k/s320/hagley-obelisk.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Wychbury Hill Obelisk, known locally as the monument or the Hagley Obelisk, can be seen for miles around. Constructed in 1758 under instructions from Lord Lyttleton it dominates the landscape and is believed to have been built on the site of an ancient shrine.</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 obelisk is fenced off due to the danger of it collapsing. It seems unlikely that it will ever be restored.</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;">Graffiti on the structure reads "Who put Bella in the Wych Elm" refers to a mystery dating back to the 1940's when poachers discovered the skeleton of a young woman in an old Wych elm nearby. </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;">Wychbury Hill is still part of the estate of the Viscounts Cobham of Hagley Hall although it can be accessed from public footpaths.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726548571222667868.post-753181985526829642012-08-11T05:53:00.000-07:002012-08-11T05:53:09.737-07:00Pershore<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">About 5 miles from Evesham on the banks of the Avon lies Pershore</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">surrounded by orchards, a former coaching post on the London to Holyhead road it is now a peaceful and graceful English market town.</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;">Pershore's pride and glory is it's Abbey, an architectural gem, parts of which date back to the 11th century. The town centre is full of charm, specialist shops and Georgian architecture, it has been designated as a town of major architectural importance by the Council of British Archeology , and listed as an outstanding conservation area.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Pershore, Worcestershire WR10, UK52.109994 -2.07481452.0904905 -2.114296 52.1294975 -2.035332tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726548571222667868.post-6057507328990986802012-08-10T12:31:00.000-07:002012-08-10T12:31:30.417-07:00Dryham Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnn4T9_mCFy1wjCdva-igadxREN1sQNsLteR89hgmR3ajuj9P87O9v8NW3pe0FxfuuFi723Hea2aZFczge_6SSEiPpcI0dByrw3ZA29UsEf2Ft8v6vaDtjmVqCuxal0RJIJTt9zgHqfQ/s1600/dyrham.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnn4T9_mCFy1wjCdva-igadxREN1sQNsLteR89hgmR3ajuj9P87O9v8NW3pe0FxfuuFi723Hea2aZFczge_6SSEiPpcI0dByrw3ZA29UsEf2Ft8v6vaDtjmVqCuxal0RJIJTt9zgHqfQ/s320/dyrham.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Originally a Tudor house the property was transformed into a mansion in the Baroque style in 1704. Dyrham Park is situated just 8 miles north of Bath and just 2 miles from Junction 18 of the M4.</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;">Dyrham Park is noted for its Deer Park which is one of oldest in England.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Dyrham Park, Chippenham, Gloucestershire SN14 8ER, UK51.4833648 -2.367655651.473476299999994 -2.3873965999999998 51.4932533 -2.3479146tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726548571222667868.post-40585414558036203252012-08-04T10:11:00.001-07:002012-08-04T10:11:34.432-07:00Bromsgrove<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32moDh3fRRS2gS6HY2OchYulmYay8oSi-zHDV_-NfDRJVkcH0BnFhJyWWg3CPv7aolDp22RPEHLdiicvhqBGdxvyByFGvwj18My3_hlDnBYuXViq9nkvFXD1DF5tXtYqW5a7zYbqwL5w/s1600/bromsgrove+010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32moDh3fRRS2gS6HY2OchYulmYay8oSi-zHDV_-NfDRJVkcH0BnFhJyWWg3CPv7aolDp22RPEHLdiicvhqBGdxvyByFGvwj18My3_hlDnBYuXViq9nkvFXD1DF5tXtYqW5a7zYbqwL5w/s320/bromsgrove+010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Bromsgrove in Worcestershire is just 13 miles south west of Birmingham near the M42 Junction of the M5. Surrounded in beautiful countryside with the Lickey, Clent and Waseley Hills beyond, a settlement has been here since as early as the 9th century.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8aCLkKTveFYWCRnZzfCf9eAkBwffj_Biacc6NzDVoGMy833jBtiGmGc_uMPZ7XABf4X25t1dZcp6QIdRgr3YLhDVD6ZQLuUdi36sDaSgEg6T5D8yP56dEuWo5ahpglVaygjSyth6G8I/s1600/bromsgrove+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8aCLkKTveFYWCRnZzfCf9eAkBwffj_Biacc6NzDVoGMy833jBtiGmGc_uMPZ7XABf4X25t1dZcp6QIdRgr3YLhDVD6ZQLuUdi36sDaSgEg6T5D8yP56dEuWo5ahpglVaygjSyth6G8I/s320/bromsgrove+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />The town used to be famous for its nail making and wool. Today it has a vibrant services and industrial economy. The town is served with good shopping facilities and there are plenty of places to visit nearby. The Avoncroft Museum is one popular destination with its restored buildings and the privately owned Hagley Hall and the National Trust Hanbury Hall are top favourites when visiting Bromsgrove. There is also the Needle Museum in Redditch.</span></div>
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<a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/102965299411655709609/albums/5752161892953565681?authkey=CO6X-o-9y-H9ew" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Photos of Bromsgrove and Avoncroft Museum</span></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, UK52.335589 -2.06190652.2967795 -2.14087 52.3743985 -1.982942tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726548571222667868.post-85437972501295568752012-08-04T09:38:00.001-07:002012-08-04T09:38:21.818-07:00Bridgnorth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjToj8kqU2rMcMjYpazYEfXxOxNK9vDC-HdAqe9yz3Has57U6l4HAXmlrj59QBupCKy1KAc_NWxx_0s2E1nvBYTQWo9EREiB23-PMxkETuq1gsAkEbdnsVMTTf-bQnkxmSuqt2NZNEgYv8/s1600/may05+025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjToj8kqU2rMcMjYpazYEfXxOxNK9vDC-HdAqe9yz3Has57U6l4HAXmlrj59QBupCKy1KAc_NWxx_0s2E1nvBYTQWo9EREiB23-PMxkETuq1gsAkEbdnsVMTTf-bQnkxmSuqt2NZNEgYv8/s320/may05+025.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Bridgnorth is a town in Shropshire, England. It is split into Low Town and High Town, named on account of their elevations relative to the River Severn. It is the seat of the Bridgnorth district. As of the 2001 census the district's population was 52,497. The population of the town of Bridgnorth is estimated to be 11,500.</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;">Low Town is home to the Severn Valley Railway, which runs southwards to Kidderminster. Low Town is connected to the High Town by the steepest inland cliff railway in Britain, the Castle Hill Railway.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JIzwhAvjJZHUlqzUivDZpOzWR5IS8BNLH0F-rHEqUfyK8u64UeI8-byyyYJH81PLcl8giYLwOOpGD-smnv3ZppuFiT5vhj3NWkcYuuGIIjSgjAarjMrx1miiIRuJe4UAz4uhdpyd1YA/s1600/may05+041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JIzwhAvjJZHUlqzUivDZpOzWR5IS8BNLH0F-rHEqUfyK8u64UeI8-byyyYJH81PLcl8giYLwOOpGD-smnv3ZppuFiT5vhj3NWkcYuuGIIjSgjAarjMrx1miiIRuJe4UAz4uhdpyd1YA/s320/may05+041.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">High Town is dominated by Bridgnorth Castle and St Mary's church, designed by Thomas Telford. Other notable buildings in the town are the seventeenth century Bridgnorth Town Hall, a surviving town gate, and Daniel's Mill, a watermill.</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 Castle, built in 1190 by Robert de Belleme (later Earl of Shrewsbury) was besieged four times in its history, last by the Roundheads in 1646 during the English Civil War. Parliamentary forces used an artificial hill (Panpudding Hill) across from the castle in order to bombard it. The castle survived the seige only to be blown up by the Roundheads in order to prevent its use by the Royalists. The only part that remains, part of the great tower, leans at an angle greater than the Leaning Tower of Pisa.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULlJN2v0-S3TvGrMtMfCMbeTsmksj0o0-1_CKJMxm3vyRxnvonC_zNFrspC8r66Tj94JIUIGqiJ4Noeaga9dcfpr6Xn8GEmdzj3X_PxNYB4TXWNgn-nY7EfxzlBm9zWleKg9m5XX6FSA/s1600/may05+035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULlJN2v0-S3TvGrMtMfCMbeTsmksj0o0-1_CKJMxm3vyRxnvonC_zNFrspC8r66Tj94JIUIGqiJ4Noeaga9dcfpr6Xn8GEmdzj3X_PxNYB4TXWNgn-nY7EfxzlBm9zWleKg9m5XX6FSA/s320/may05+035.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">On August 21, 2003, Bridgnorth was granted Fairtrade Town status.</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;">It is popular with Black Country tourists and drinkers because of, amongst many other things, its 27 pubs, including 'The Golden Lion', 'The Railwayman's Arms', 'The Black Horse' and 'The Black Boy'.</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;">Bridgnorth is the home of a well-known folk festival.</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;">Nazi HQ of Britain?</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;">In 2005, German papers from 1941 were discovered outlining a possible Nazi invasion of the United Kingdom. There is a lot of detail about two Shropshire towns in the documentation - Ludlow and Bridgnorth. Some experts now believe that it was Hitler's intention to make Bridgnorth his HQ in Britain, due to its central, but rural, location and its now disused airfield.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/102965299411655709609/albums/5752161471229788577?authkey=CNXdyeua3qnDTw" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Photos of Bridgnorth</span></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Bridgnorth, Shropshire, UK52.534455 -2.42454952.5151375 -2.464031 52.5537725 -2.385067tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726548571222667868.post-20361124006478853412012-08-04T09:22:00.001-07:002012-10-07T07:58:41.152-07:00Dudmaston Hall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyI6FTKepc1749PSC5F7SUyhROhbV0WbYSyN3y6j3ejmAfruCJVBvIC5RohREv8rfoxr8HG7Py_FjBRM0j4x_YJN474ah2kchmL1UAhT0oRcP4sn8JDYM7W_s6TkGOLHrxGCjN2JOz2c0/s1600/may05+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyI6FTKepc1749PSC5F7SUyhROhbV0WbYSyN3y6j3ejmAfruCJVBvIC5RohREv8rfoxr8HG7Py_FjBRM0j4x_YJN474ah2kchmL1UAhT0oRcP4sn8JDYM7W_s6TkGOLHrxGCjN2JOz2c0/s320/may05+015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">For 850 years the Dudmaston Estate has moved through time with its changing owners and fortunes. The house was completed in 1701 and a parapet and changed roof line added in the 1820's. The estate passed over to the National Trust in 1978 as a gift from Rachel Labouchere who was fulfilling her fathers wishes that the estate be looked after for future generations. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />The oak room is impressive and the furniture and paintings, along with the sculptures make this an interesting residence. The estate walks are also superb.<br /><br />Dudmaston Hall, Quatt, Nr Bridgnorth, Shropshire. WV15 6QN. Tel:01746 780866</span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Quatt, Shropshire WV15 6QN, UK52.4956703 -2.367910452.4860028 -2.3876513999999998 52.5053378 -2.3481694tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726548571222667868.post-45341774948712880712012-08-04T09:13:00.000-07:002012-08-04T09:15:44.755-07:00Hampton Loade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOfSGh53LncZAigb7cloKOICsL3VMXUWSFYlpE1QmV1HNjjwyDPNEC7xqiwiopFVsCoxs33uVdbSPJC0nJgZtjyw5Sxml3tS78kfbMw2unl19pS-LzvdyqfvZEqe2AHIexBxIQaRsCgs/s1600/may05+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOfSGh53LncZAigb7cloKOICsL3VMXUWSFYlpE1QmV1HNjjwyDPNEC7xqiwiopFVsCoxs33uVdbSPJC0nJgZtjyw5Sxml3tS78kfbMw2unl19pS-LzvdyqfvZEqe2AHIexBxIQaRsCgs/s320/may05+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hampton Loade is a picturesque village in Shropshire that is famous for being situated on the River Severn and for having a cable ferry that has been working here for about 400 years. The cable or chain ferry takes passengers across the river from Hampton Loade to Hampton.</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 Severn Valley Railway runs through Hampton Loade and has a station here. This makes it a popular destination for tourists but there is also ample parking and plenty of space for a picnic if you are arriving by car.</span><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/102965299411655709609/albums/5752315003041700753?authkey=CLb6y6H19ZKyrgE" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Photos of Hampton Loade</span></a></span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Hampton Loade, Shropshire WV15, UK52.4769 -2.374111952.4672285 -2.3938528999999997 52.486571500000004 -2.3543709tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726548571222667868.post-36088880915412580452012-08-04T08:07:00.000-07:002012-08-11T12:41:59.093-07:00Telford<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkv-m-I_X7i9X9miZ56pMew5vI29FpnPcEkzQGGeGq23BPIM_LIMc4WdaG4yfBhLy51gHzYOkDTA2cUgBs2sIzt9VaEvMAAHEdBIsywfeb3NIZ-Gq-hemjiwHd6vlyydyg1bLzAkRXbg/s1600/telford.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCkv-m-I_X7i9X9miZ56pMew5vI29FpnPcEkzQGGeGq23BPIM_LIMc4WdaG4yfBhLy51gHzYOkDTA2cUgBs2sIzt9VaEvMAAHEdBIsywfeb3NIZ-Gq-hemjiwHd6vlyydyg1bLzAkRXbg/s320/telford.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Telford is the largest town in Shropshire. The town gets its name from the famous civil engineer Thomas Telford although the town really expanded rapidly in the 1960's and 1970's under plans to take the pressure of the rapid expansion of Birmingham and surrounding urban areas. Telford connects up to the main highways with the M54 motorway.<br />
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The town of Telford has plenty of good hotels and restaurants and it does receive thousands of tourists every year due its location near the Ironbridge Gorge Museums and other other major attractions. In fact, within easy striking distance of Telford is the Severn Valley Railway, the RAF Museum at Cosford, Weston Park and the Wrekin. There is something for all ages in and around Telford. There are play areas, a boating lake and the Wonderland family park. The town has a wealth of leisure and recreational facilities as well as being home to The International Centre, a large conference and exhibition complex.<br />
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At Telford Shopping centre there are over 150 stores with all the major brand names set in a 50 acre site. You literallyc can shop till you drop here in Telford. Recognised as the 'Birthplace of Industry' Telford's Ironbridge Gorge is a UNESCO World Heritage site. </div>
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<a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/102965299411655709609/albums/5752426623670099185?authkey=CPyRhf64z6f3lQE" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Photos from Ironbridge Gorge Museums </span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/102965299411655709609/albums/5755023291626145921?authkey=CLn59_21gqP-Nw" target="_blank">For Telford Town Photos click here</a></span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Telford, UK52.697167 -2.534313252.5432005 -2.8501702 52.8511335 -2.2184562000000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726548571222667868.post-23507405640968075402012-08-04T07:16:00.002-07:002012-08-04T07:16:54.146-07:00Kidderminster<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/AVvXsEg6l0tQID6n318jxm7gm9f0dbLQ0R7M8-P3Tie1oh3x-v111FJ1h3OWPastdy-eu8ZK5upSng-PQ3Yez0aIM88dOD7WcasnI_qGfDKeFefRF2__hybBDHB1tiV4pcync0Zrq-ki3E1OgZ0/s1600/DSC01619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6l0tQID6n318jxm7gm9f0dbLQ0R7M8-P3Tie1oh3x-v111FJ1h3OWPastdy-eu8ZK5upSng-PQ3Yez0aIM88dOD7WcasnI_qGfDKeFefRF2__hybBDHB1tiV4pcync0Zrq-ki3E1OgZ0/s320/DSC01619.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Kidderminster is a town just seventeen miles south of Birmingham. It is famous for its carpet industry history. Some of the famous names in carpets come from the town of Kidderminster. The town is full of wonderful architecture from old mill buildings, many of which are situated along the canal waterways.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnah3J4_5lBtqEZqm7o5_2078Z6-ZEL-Qh34UoEBLAUtqjErrwr8s06oWqKZtAN0kHeO3zLpn45N6MjiUkN7_ZZFw61PUZ57iwRA5vm6P_rRThqR61xqxPXtXJwJ4IC9LhD51Mu_3ZvvI/s1600/DSC01617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnah3J4_5lBtqEZqm7o5_2078Z6-ZEL-Qh34UoEBLAUtqjErrwr8s06oWqKZtAN0kHeO3zLpn45N6MjiUkN7_ZZFw61PUZ57iwRA5vm6P_rRThqR61xqxPXtXJwJ4IC9LhD51Mu_3ZvvI/s320/DSC01617.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />A settlement has been at Kidderminster since Anglo Saxon times but the invention of the power loom and large scale carpet production has always been an important part of the economy. Carpets are still made in the town today. Brintons Carpets is a firm that started carpet making in the town in 1785 and it is still going strong.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUF-LpzdBB_XNt_XcOgw6d5-kpGyUnwMaVvP1cFGlWPEeeuGNgivDC0ahTlktd0Uf05i4nQnvaZh3xsbCcO7XQ3OgYXGAXHZPQ8GkEJi-T1BwJ1uFgeQcE0l2e-_puzHVn9K1OMfa6ZfI/s1600/DSC01605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUF-LpzdBB_XNt_XcOgw6d5-kpGyUnwMaVvP1cFGlWPEeeuGNgivDC0ahTlktd0Uf05i4nQnvaZh3xsbCcO7XQ3OgYXGAXHZPQ8GkEJi-T1BwJ1uFgeQcE0l2e-_puzHVn9K1OMfa6ZfI/s320/DSC01605.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">There are three shopping areas in Kidderminster with Weavers Wharf being the latest addition. Many major brands are present here and the old mill buildings have been used to house various retail outlets. <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/102965299411655709609/albums/5752428259634433809?authkey=CPCMy9zbkaXrMA" target="_blank">Photos of Kidderminster</a></span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Kidderminster, Worcestershire, UK52.388596 -2.249683952.349833 -2.3286479 52.427359 -2.1707199tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726548571222667868.post-56157351922239235472012-08-04T06:26:00.000-07:002012-08-11T12:34:05.579-07:00Forge Mill Needle Museum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmo4MB61xVDug_mxyfzvJWkx75ElhNVNwLo8mAyD0krF7w1J_-OE-S9TmI6oBFODngSPZAA-8XwZPVkL8ByLDOuOomC8NaZwtzyOgQwPlR-AHj_W5MAd7NfnXeD93a6qEOxVsfcncS7A/s1600/mar05+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmo4MB61xVDug_mxyfzvJWkx75ElhNVNwLo8mAyD0krF7w1J_-OE-S9TmI6oBFODngSPZAA-8XwZPVkL8ByLDOuOomC8NaZwtzyOgQwPlR-AHj_W5MAd7NfnXeD93a6qEOxVsfcncS7A/s320/mar05+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Forge Mill Needle Museum in Redditch was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1983 and it is dedicated to showcasing the needle and fishing tackle industry that took place in Redditch in Victorian times. This is a fascinating museum and of interest to all age groups. There is ample parking on site, a gift shop and picnic tables for those that wish to bring their own food. There is no restaurant or cafe on site. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygEPH3ePBLh60e1Yy_Fh8f3L_H-hTYn5vy_Ly7eJM_B0C4CfbCMmDSSAjimR1glZN3AlfDx-Oz36akFeHnW7Ro1yTYQgwb6Pi0Z6muoOQQDp2JzEttxsWJ4oRt283G_DP95DPCoDQh14/s1600/mar05+032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygEPH3ePBLh60e1Yy_Fh8f3L_H-hTYn5vy_Ly7eJM_B0C4CfbCMmDSSAjimR1glZN3AlfDx-Oz36akFeHnW7Ro1yTYQgwb6Pi0Z6muoOQQDp2JzEttxsWJ4oRt283G_DP95DPCoDQh14/s320/mar05+032.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There are exhibitions and demonstrations and many examples of needles and the work that has been made using fine needles in the leather and textile industries. The museum is right by the ruins of Bordesley Abbey which is the site of a medieval Cistercian Abbey with extensive excavations. The Visitor Centre which is housed in a 16th century barn documents the history of the Abbey until its dissolution by Henry VIII in 1538. </span><br />
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<b>Forge Mill Needle Museum & Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre<br /> Needle Mill Lane, Riverside, Redditch, B98 8HY. Tel: 01527 62509</b></div>
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<a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/102965299411655709609/albums/5752442962640917969?authkey=CMXkpZmvwtCooQE" target="_blank">Photos of the Needle Museum and Bordesley Abbey</a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Forge Mill Needle Museum, Redditch, Worcestershire B98, UK52.3153896 -1.93395552.305682600000004 -1.953696 52.3250966 -1.914214tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726548571222667868.post-44607267000719205792012-08-01T11:41:00.003-07:002012-08-01T11:41:47.130-07:00Severn Valley Country Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHeTITiSLB-_p43ioxtaWDNBh3-YBz6dRNuW_Bh5UyZE0PobOQDReoPZZUmzSZsjuSVVJkl4x3f3aa3NDl-F-nzU60CPwzcBj5iDl5knu7T3HzoOVaAXVYByeqiRMztjYv_JySFPggcNg/s1600/may05+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHeTITiSLB-_p43ioxtaWDNBh3-YBz6dRNuW_Bh5UyZE0PobOQDReoPZZUmzSZsjuSVVJkl4x3f3aa3NDl-F-nzU60CPwzcBj5iDl5knu7T3HzoOVaAXVYByeqiRMztjYv_JySFPggcNg/s320/may05+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Severn Valley Country Park with its custom built visitor centre is situated by a river in meadows and woodlands. There are a number of walks and the park has a cafe and toilet facilities. It is very popular in the summer months.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHM-jt_1bVoPRJKPXfcIA_7umV8GtKdGkwFwSO19xReC-a5Xrz77gWp9q9EqzzBgFBYWicHUcQ_JMBq-PabC4rt3ETn2PtzKl3Uep8GoEHhJken6wE_u0Wfmj-bXwi80gYjZ1UBcZtAo/s1600/may05+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgHM-jt_1bVoPRJKPXfcIA_7umV8GtKdGkwFwSO19xReC-a5Xrz77gWp9q9EqzzBgFBYWicHUcQ_JMBq-PabC4rt3ETn2PtzKl3Uep8GoEHhJken6wE_u0Wfmj-bXwi80gYjZ1UBcZtAo/s320/may05+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The park has won a Green Flag Award and was opened to the public in 1992. The Severn Valley Railway runs near to the park and visitors can make use of the picnic site by the river and relax in the open countryside.</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 site where the Country park now stands used to be a coal mine. Having closed in 1969 the land was eventually reclaimed and the result of this effort is what you see today.</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;">Chapel Lane, Alveley, Bridgnorth, Shropshire. WV15 6NN.</span></b></span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Alveley, Shropshire WV15 6NN, UK52.4553817 -2.351636952.452962699999993 -2.3565724 52.4578007 -2.3467013999999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2726548571222667868.post-67106944827417390282012-07-29T11:29:00.001-07:002012-07-29T11:29:45.339-07:00Alcester<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-3OI-dOBjBt0jsNlpUr9lbEczaZ2UyCWVPDYpsFR1I23nDyTIjD5OY7QetDHUBHAq0_WzOMlo5TWWH-Huu_z7Wx6j4BjB8sGU2xNe0riyUGFBWJ8OTFQ8k51v9FVkr1Vf8-nlo22Nhc/s1600/may05_026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC-3OI-dOBjBt0jsNlpUr9lbEczaZ2UyCWVPDYpsFR1I23nDyTIjD5OY7QetDHUBHAq0_WzOMlo5TWWH-Huu_z7Wx6j4BjB8sGU2xNe0riyUGFBWJ8OTFQ8k51v9FVkr1Vf8-nlo22Nhc/s320/may05_026.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Alcester is an ancient Roman town in Warwickshire. Close to Stratford on Avon it has many archaeological sites around the town. With peaceful Tudor cottages and other equally historic buildings, Alcester used to be a walled Roman town. Around the middle of the 12th century it was known for its Benedictine Monastery. This is a very picturesque market town where the rivers Alne and Arrow meet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLTUtZt8Xl2cO0Qkralc9O-wfSPHid8xOY8IXINkYJyDGlBQoyRf4A7OhyphenhyphenmoKK0NC_fBtseAt-gd2tnnYAWh44cwZfexjcj2Afn0-7dfUua7-Do-noDqQmo0giStAMDT1cKyEGZH6TaA/s1600/may05_022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLTUtZt8Xl2cO0Qkralc9O-wfSPHid8xOY8IXINkYJyDGlBQoyRf4A7OhyphenhyphenmoKK0NC_fBtseAt-gd2tnnYAWh44cwZfexjcj2Afn0-7dfUua7-Do-noDqQmo0giStAMDT1cKyEGZH6TaA/s320/may05_022.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br />Some of the finest buildings in the town are around Butter Street and Malt Hill Lane near the church with its fine Old Rectory Georgian building. The town holds an annual Mop Fair in October which lasts for two days and where the town comes to life with amusements, stalls and a variety of fair entertainment. Every May the town plasys host to The Alcester Forest of Arden Food Festival. <br /><br />With Stratford on Avon so close by and with a wealth of beautiful countryside surrounding Alcester there is a lot to see and do. Ragley Hall is a well known local attraction set in 400 acres of parkland and a great place for families with its adventure playground, maze and woodland walks and picnic areas. Coughton Court, owned by the National Trust is just 2 miles north of Alcester with its beautiful house and grounds and Longbarn village is home to a number of of small businesses nestling in the countryside. </span></div>
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<a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/102965299411655709609/albums/5754988492820619665?authkey=CIjnsL3n_7vTuAE" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">Photos of Alcester </span></a></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Alcester, Warwickshire B49, UK52.215311 -1.86760552.1958535 -1.907087 52.2347685 -1.828123