Birmingham, Saturday 24th July, 2010.

1) We've come to Birmingham today to actually venture inside an Art Gallery (gulp) and have a look around the Steve McCurry exhibition. Very good it is too and we decide that the 'eyes have it'. Thus inspired, we set off around the city centre and take even more photos than usual to put on this blog and clog up the Internet. Mr McCurry would be proud.

2) Vicky's eye is drawn to this mosaic detailing on the City Of Birmingham Art School building which used to be the Ear Eye and Nose Hospital.

3) Architectural juxtaposition, typical of modern Birmingham. From left to right: Art School (see above), modern office block, and the Art Gallery.

4) We love to play the 'which one would we own' game every time we spot a precious motorcycle
parking space. Didn't take us long to debate this one.

5) Two together? And they both work? In the age of the mobile 'phone we can't help wonder who uses them. People who can't get a signal, maybe?

6) Time for some scran in Hudson's Coffee House. Food Police 'not hap' as cream teas and cheesy bacon sarnies are purchased. Nice place and it has got real bonafide waiters and waitresses. How posh.

7) Today's musical entertainment in Victoria Square is provided by the Hare Krishna people. That's all we're saying. Said too much already.

8) The 'entertainment' in Chamberlain Square, by way of a contrast, is provided by two big cranes lifting an iron girder-thingy and dropping it down again. Dunno for what purpose. Wasn't clear. Perhaps that was what made it all so interesting to so many passers by? Well, it was raining a bit.

9) Whilst the shower passes over we nip into the Symphony Hall to have a gawp at the auditorium. It's not exactly 'Rock City' is it?We've seen Van Morrison here (Vicky fell asleep), Ben Elton, and The Christians over the years. Possibly others, but we can't recall now.

10) The chap who designed this was also responsible for 'The Gherkin'. This is 'The Cube' and is supposed to look a bit like a Jewellery Box with some of its compartments open. Hmmmmm. We think Lunnon got the best deal (but only just).

11) We're now inside The Mail Box and Vicky's gone off to browse around Harvey Nics before we head back to the car park and the drive home.

12) Back home and all the fruits of the forest (recently purchased from Waitrose) are heaped in a bread envelope. Now all Vicky has to do is add several pounds of suger (well, it is one of Delia's) and we'll have enough Summer Pudding for the entire week.

13) The finished Puddin' (one of 'em). Could be the cause of a lot of, ahem, bathroom activity wouldn't you say? Food Police very hap tho' which is, we are sure you'll agree, the main thing.

Earth Wind And Fire: NIA Birmingham, Wednesday 21st July, 2010.

1) The NIA looms over everything like a very big round concrete building. Time to give it a bit of a re-vamp?

2) The support band is the Brand New Heavies. We have one of their CD's which should be a help but we only recognise a couple of their tracks. They have been going for a lot longer than we realised so they do have a lot of stuff to choose from. Vicky's verdict: 2/5 (bit harsh). David's verdict: 3/5.

3) EW&F come on and there is a problem with the sound. A bit quiet and muddy. The BNH's had a clear crisp sound. It takes about five tracks for the sound people to sort it out and then things get going. We have a good view but we are a bit too far from the stage for our compact to get a reasonable shot. Only one thing for it: we need to dispatch someone innocent-looking and cunning down to the front, past several security guards, to get a better view. Well volunteered, Vic!

4) Vicky gets a shot of Verdine White slappin' his bass, Ralph Johnson dancing about a bit, and Philip Bailey's right arm just before a security bloke tells her to get back to her seat. Evidently, you can dance in the aisles but not take photos. Hmmm?

5) The view from our seats. Vicky's verdict: 4/5 (they were the Dream Theater of funk-soul for a bit in the middle there). David's verdict: 4/5 (lost one point for the awful mix at the start). All-in-all a very entertaining and funkadaelic night, and that Philip Bailey can't half sing.

Worcestershire Winner Grass Track, Cladswell Hall Farm, Alcester, Sunday 18th July, 2010.

1) The spirit of Bazza is alive and well. Which is a good thing, we think.

2) All eyes on Heat Four.

3) Bored with the processional racing in Moto GP? Go to yer nearest grass track and wait for the 1000cc sidecar boys (and girls) to come out to play. It was like this for all four laps.

4) Shaun Harvey knows there's something wrong with the handling of his 500cc Sidecar but can't quite figure out what. It was only when he got back to the paddock that he realised he'd left the top half of his passenger on the start line.

5) There's always one, isn't there? Miles faster than everyone else. Showing off over the bumps etc. This time it was Jamie Rodgers on his 500cc JHR Jawa.

6) Vicky is under intense pressure to return to our comfy seats with two drinks and a bacon sarnie before the Food Police can catch her. Did she make it?

7) Nah mate. Ferget it. It's b*gg*r*d! Harland Cook hears the verdict all competitors dread.

8) I say, don't we know you from our walks around Worcester Racecourse? Well, yes we do, and he's a grass track fan. Worra dawg.

9) There's a lot of pirouetting at a grass track meeting. What with riders (Stephen Brook/350cc Jawa) spinning around their own rear wheel and landing on their *rs*. And marshals spinning on their heels to wave a flag (or two).

10) Our obligatory photo of Gerald Short. He is very very olde. Yet remains wonderfully capable of showing riders half his age (and younger) the quick way 'round a grass track. Long may he continue to do so.

Birmingham, Saturday 19th July, 2010.

1) Another cup of the best tea in Birmingham gives us a chance to listen to 'Phibes the Younger' playing with his organ (more tea Vicar?). What a pity he's using both hands otherwise we could have taken a photo of him drinking his cuppa through the hole in his neck he inherited from his Dad. Ah well, maybe next time.

2) The free musical entertainment today comes courtesy of The Jam (possibly) playing Beatles covers live in the Great Western Arcade. Let's rock.

3) Spitfire of sorts over Victoria Square.

4) David gazes across the geraniums of Chamberlain Square.

5) Vicky in one of the City's new-ish squares near the Icon Gallery just off Broad Street.

Those were the days pt II.

More info on the 'bike ridden by Sidge in yesterday's photo. It was a 1961 250cc Greeves MCS (Moto Cross Special). Built in Essex (appropriately enough) it was a replica of the 'bike Dave Bickers rode to victory in the Coupe d'Europe in 1960 - his world championship machine to all intents and purposes. Brand new it would have cost £250 but Sidge obtained his from a chap who had converted it for Trials use. Sidge subsequently converted it back (such things were commonplace back then).
This photo was taken in recent times (not sure of the exact date) and shows (from left to right) Dave Bickers, Sidge, and Bill Brooker (I think) with the actual World Championship winning 'bike that Greeves presented to Dave Bickers back in 1960. Memories of scrambling on the BBC's 'Grandstand' in the '60's, indeed.

Those were the days.

Here's a photo of 'Sidge' (Anthony to his Mum), of Eastern Centre ACU fame, riding in the Twickenham Club's 'Hundred Mile Scramble' back in 1963. The event took place on MOD land in Pirbright, Surrey, over a one mile course through sandy heathland complete with pit stops. The MOD insisted that all 'bikes were silenced or they couldn't compete. Unfortunately, Sidge lost his exhaust after about a third of the race, so had to stop riding and search the entire course for it. It was nowhere to be found. Downhearted, he retired to his van and began to pack up to go home. As he was doing so, a young lad ran up with the errant exhaust, so Sidge re-fitted it and carried on. He eventually finished 'just outside the money' having been lapped 21 times by the winner (Johnny Giles). We think it's a great photo. Not just 'cos it is Sidge but because it is so evocative of the times. How many spectators attend sporting events in a collar and tie nowadays? As Sidge says in his accompanying email: 'those were the days'. So, what was the 'bike?

Evesham Cats Protection, Sunday 11th July 2010.

1) The eyes have it, we think.


2) My mummy has given me a very important job. I mustn't let her down. Guarding the food bowl is crucial. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, oh bugger.

3) Oh, I say, this is soooo typical of humans. First they stuff us full of food then, just as we find somewhere really comfy to rest, they come around and wake us up so they can clean us out. Pillocks.

Saturday 10th July, 2010.

1) Bewdley's Food Police are everywhere. Some one's told them that Dave has just had a huge bacon sammidge. But, using all his guile, he evades capture by chomping his way through the largest crab apple in Worcestershire.

2) The Boys have been making good use of their double-chem lessons again by the looks of things.

3) Those pesky Welsh need to send us some more rain pronto. You wouldn't normally be able to stand there and only be up to your knees - it would be over your head.

4) Something going on in Droitwich? Surely some mistake? But no, someone has put together a little exhibition of American cars. Only three, I mean you wouldn't want the Town Fathers to go overboard now would you? If we were on holiday in New England we'd take a photo, so we do.

5) Been to Bewdley, had a snack and a walk. Been to Droitwich, done the shopping. Back home now, had some dinner, and so it's time to assume the usual position. Well, it is a hard life.

England Lions v India 'A', New Road, Worcester, Tuesday 6th July, 2010.

1) New Road is always a splendid (and I use the word advisedly) place to watch a spot of cricket.


2) Last year, against the dreaded Aussies, Ian Bell was a national disgrace (oh yes). Out for a Golden Duck. This time he is a National Hero (note the capitals) having scored 150-and-odd.

3) The England innings is over and we wont stand for any talk about the ground staff doctoring the wicket in favour of our brave bowlers (oh no).

4) Steward is, ahem, somewhat taken aback at the state of the travelling Barmy Army's 'comedy barnets'. A good dose of the Army'd do 'em good.

5) Ian Bell (second right), as Captain, drums into the lads how close the finish to the game is likely to be. 'Right then, whatever you do, don't let the Indians draw off the very last ball thanks to a sloppy leg bye'. OK, Cap'n, no probs.

Birmingham, Saturday 3rd July, 2010.

1) It's thirsty work, this getting up in the morning and driving into town. So, first stop, is our traditional visit to the best place for a nice cuppa tea in Birmingham. 50p a cup and a free biscuit. But where are we?

2) Here's a second clue. Still haven't got it? Good. It's Top Secret and we wouldn't want any old riff-raff finding out about free ginger nuts.

3) It's not been a particularly successful shopping trip. We couldn't find any of the things we wanted and finished up buying two CD's (olde Rolling Stones stuff) and an air freshener for the car which, it has to be said, we could have got anywhere. But there's no need to be too despondent, as Birmingham has always got something going on to keep the masses entertained and today appears to be no exception.

4) It's a bhangra gig! Yay!! Possibly the most spiritually uplifting music in the world and what the word 'happy' was invented for. This drumming is a really serious business as any aspiring sticksman (or stickswoman, for that matter) will tell you.

5) Not everyone is inspired by a bit of bhangra, it would seem.

6) The multi-cultural bhangra band blast out their latest single and hundreds of grown up people can't help but jig about a bit.

7) Having bhangra-ed it's time to head over to the canals of Broad Street and Gas Street Basin. Ooh, look over yonder far towpath, it's the Handmade Burger Co! The Food Police are conspicuous by their absence. Let's go in!

8) Another new building has sprung up. Last time we came here, about a year ago, it was just a big hole in the ground (Birmingham is full of these big holes - one will transform into a new central library soon) but now it is a tall building with asymmetric gaps in its skin. But what the hell is it gonna be used for?

9) Everyone has a camera nowadays and visitors to the city are always taking shots of the civic buildings. The Council, ever aware of Birmingham's public image, are now employing roving make-up artists to help everyone look their best. And, let's face it, some folk need more help than others.