I think there is trouble ahead. Many companies are tendering to provide services without the wherewithal to complete or match the service requirements. The NHS for ne a few years back went out to tender for in house services, recruitment, portering, kitchen staff, not that successful! Why? They didn't have inside knowledge of the business.....

It's unfortunate these things are being reduced. I love a good market. All towns in mid Wales had them, but they have reduced this last ten years.

Welshpool, is the closest regular market. New premises from about 8 years ago. Not the same atmosphere. But a good breakfast. The day can be long though. We get there about 4 - 5 am to get the stock in a pen before the queue builds up. I don't believe in sitting in a queue for hours with stock in the trailer is good for animal welfare .
The social side has gone from these events. So me and my old mate often head off to machinery auctions, or farm dispersal/reduction sales. These are great days out. Like minded old boys enjoying the chat, stories of yesteryear, and the knack of starting a Fordson Major tractor.

It's surprising what you learn and who you meet at these events.

Did you ever buy day old chicks from Cyril Bason in Craven Arms?
Twm

My first train spotting was at Snowhill. A grey, drizzly day during the school holidays, bored and probably getting under everyone's feet. I was given some change (1½d comes to mind?) and persuaded to get the tram to town and "collect train numbers". Or something along those lines.

Can't remember if I also made it to New Street that day or later, but anyway I know that got me started.

I don't have any photos of Snowhill. But here's one showing what my tram was like. This was taken at the Wylde Green terminius, probably early 50s, although I'd have got on at Erdington by the Post office.

I don't ever remember going on a tram. I can remember the tram lines in the street. I think there was a tram at the Science Museum. You could press a button and you would hear a recording of a tram travelling.
Twm

Gerald, Townie, TWM,

Here's a Google street view taken from as close as I can get to the original.



And here's one from the opposite end of the road, possibly close to the shopes you mention, Townie?



P.S. to Moderators: I suggest that the 'Modify' tool I mentione before needs alteratio. It's a bit daft IMO that I can't edit or remove a post from only a few minutes ago. I was prevented from removing my initial post to Twm and replacing it with this consolidated reply. So it's now redundant!


Terry, East Grinstead, UK

Thank you for the pictures of the green and the trees. It was great to see how they had grown over the years. Next time in Brum I must take a trip that way.
Twm

Hello
Do you understand Mrs May and do you believe anything she tell us. We will
still be part of the EU in 2100 if she carries on as she is.
Bring back Nigel and UKIP.
Geral.

Hello Gerald, I'm not holding my breath on this one. I had great faith in Mrs May has Home Secretary, but now I have my worry beads out!

Hello Gerald. When working on the forestry in mid Wales I came across many old track beds that were reminders of the old days before Beeching. There was one near Llanafan that I think headed towards Tregaron.

I also spotted one last year when heading through Abermule near Newtown. This one heads up the valley towards Kerry or Sarn. It must have been a beautiful sight back in the day. It was running along side a river that must run into the Severn at Abermule. In fact it may have been the Afon Mwl  come to think of it.
Twm

Hello Terrypin and welcome. I live in mid Wales these days, left Brum about 38 years ago. I worked in the Southeast for many years. I have visited the Blue Bell railway on two occasions. The railway is a credit to all those that have kept it alive.

I was also on Beckley a few years ago. Out for a walk through some woods I noticed a steam train in the distance, a beautiful sight. I'm not sure if this was East Kent Raikway, even though I were in Susex.

Oh dear, back to the stage coach!

Brilliant 

Edifi, I know, what a crazy world. Kids need to learn about dangers. As kids we were always getting into scraps. I think it helped us assess situations better.
Twm

So true.....

I'd do anything as a kid to get a few conkers. Something really nice about a conker when it comes out of its shell, it's just so shiny and expensive looking. Not so many kids seem to bother these days...

Lovely picture. Are those trees still standing? I must admit I knew of Castle Bromwich, the area. But didn't actually know about the original part.
Twm

As they couldn't get her 100% clean of the muck from the toilet, eventually she blossomed like never before and won first prize in the village show...

Difficult to say, the bride to be has not been seen since she went to spend a penny......