NOW YOU SEE IT....













NOW YOU DON'T!!

THE HP SAUCE LOGO IS GONE!!

A panoramic view of the wreckage.

LICHFIELD ROAD TRAIPSE 24 July 2007

After viewing the sad demise of the HP Sauce factory, I sought solace by walking along the peaceful and tranquil path alongside Lichfield Road to the top of Cuckoo Road, hoping to photograph scenes of beauty, historical worth and architectural interest.
In fact Lichfield Road must be one of the most God-forsaken stretches of highway in Birmingham. The only buildings of any note were mainly pubs*. Nevertheless, taking advantage of the sun (today must be officially summer!) I plodded on with my trusty camera.
First:- The Manor Tavern, a working pub at the junction of Portland Street and Wainwright Street.

*I resisted temptation on all occasions despite the heat.

The Vine, another working pub, at the top of Sandy Lane.

Another view of The Vine from Sandy Lane.

A residential area on Lichfield Road.

A pleasant aspect along Lichfield Road with Grosvenor Road to the left. A sign suggests all the interesting bits are to the left, which they are.... 
Aston Park, Aston Hall, Villa Park, Aston Juxta Church.

The Britannia, an ex-pub (although a sign shows "under new management").

The railway viaduct adds colour to the scene.

At the junction of Lichfield Road and Holborn Hill is The Swan and Mitre, still open for business.

An old chimney, or maybe a new light-house... we seem to get a lot of rain now!

The King Edward VII pub is still open. The yellow signs outside proclaim "Smoking Conservatory Open".

Drinkers can sit outside on the benches and enjoy the beautiful view...

... the beautiful view of the traffic on Lichfield Road.

Cars for sale on the pavement, vehicles which have been sold on the road and on the M6 flyover in the background... a pattern begins to emerge!

Finishing my journey at the top end of Cuckoo Road I find The Reservoir, another ex-pub. My next-door neighbour ran it 30 years ago.

The old pub sign is still intact.

HP SAUCE - D-Day 19 - Friday 20th July 2007

Well today was a day which will be remembered for the continual torrential rainfall with wide-spread flooding. But even today I went off to Aston to see what was happening to the factory. A lot more of the building on the right has disappeared, there is a lot of rubble in the front, but today rain stopped play.

THE VIEWFINDER & FXB - Saturday 14th July 2007

Today was the official opening of the Viewfinder, a project involving the architect with various Sheldon schools... and thus involving my daughter. Although it was supposed to be the opening the weather had not permitted the completion of the project.
This was part of an exhibition called the Festival of Extreme Building (FXB) and todays opening was accompanied by live music, a barbecue and face-painting for the youngsters.

 A board explaining the design and purpose of the Viewfinder.

 The Banner.

An info board for the banner. 

 The Micro-compact Home.

 Info panel for the Micro-compact Home.

 The front door. As a demo home, it's strictly a shoes-off policy.

 The living-room/dining-room/relaxation area. Seating for 4. Out of view above the table is a fold-down bed. The home uses daylight to it's maximum advantage.

 A view through the window looking at "The Circle".

 The kitchen(ette).

 More storage behind the table.

Entertainers in The Circle. 

 ?

 The T-House.

Info board for the T-House.