Archive for the ‘Henley-in-Arden’ Category

I visit Downing Street…

Tuesday, June 9th, 2009

Well, the day following my meeting with our MP I thought that I really must visit Downing Street. There are two round here - one in Smethwick and the other near Halesowen. I pedalled over to Smerrick (as it is known round here) I’ll get over to Halesowen another day, the return up Mucklow Hill needs some serious mental preparation.

Downing Street, Smethwick

Downing Street, Smethwick

The haunt of prime ministers, or any minister for that matter, this certainly isn’t. However, I do believe that bicycle saddle makers Brooks are based at the city end - I cycled in the other dircection (must go back and ride the full length sometime). (more…)

A musical angle…

Tuesday, May 5th, 2009

With just eight weeks to go before the London to Paris ride I thought I should ratchet up the ‘training’ a bit. So I hit the road last Sunday for what turned out to be a fifty mile spin round the lanes.

Out of town via King’s Heath, Yardley Wood, and Wythall, the first stop was at Tanworth-in-Arden.

The church at Tanworth-in-Arden

The church at Tanworth-in-Arden

I believe that Nick Drake, the singer songwriter brother of actress Gabrielle Drake, is buried in the churchyard here. He was born in June 1948 and like many creative people suffered from depression. Sadly he died of an overdose aged 26. (more…)