Now that I am living in Stratford-Upon-Avon, after over 50 years living around London, I decided to take the train in to Snow Hill and take a look around to see all the changes that you all post about.
I started by going to St Phillips to look at the Burne-Jones Windows, spectacular! Lovely warm welcome as I entered. I then made my way to the town hall where a graduation ceremony was taking place, lovely atmosphere with all the graduates taking photos of each other in their cap and gowns.
I got a glimpse of the Floosie in her Jacuzzi even though she was surrounded by barriers as the workmen noisily worked around her. I then could not find my way to the library because of all the building works at the Paradise development but a friendly street sweeper directed me through the maze of hoarding. I loved the library, or the cake boxes, as she described it, what an innovative piece of architecture. Straight to the 9th floor to the Shakespeare room and the viewing area, brilliant, so pleased that some of the old Shakespeare library was retained. I then went down to the secret garden on 7th floor, what a wonderful surprise, out into the cool air after the heat of the library to wonderful views over the city and quiet garden to sit and contemplate.
One of the places I wanted to find was my old college, food and domestic arts, I walked through centenary square past the public art of the Birmingham Family and the Golden Boys, noticed that the registry office, opposite the Hall of Memory, has now gone, and then saw my old college building and the Shakespeare pub. I decided to go into the pub, first time since 1969, front bar area was how I remember it, wonderful carved wood, leaded windows, not as scruffy as it used to be, and a very warm welcome. I had a coffee and a bar snack and a chat to the manager. I am so pleased that I went in I would definitely recommend the pub.
Reflecting on the visit I know there are lots of changes but the city is dynamic as it always has been. There was still plenty of the familiar landmarks to help me recognise it and find my way around. What I came home with was the feel of the place and that was down to the warmth and friendliness of the people I encountered.It's great to be back home in the Midlands.
Carolann
I started by going to St Phillips to look at the Burne-Jones Windows, spectacular! Lovely warm welcome as I entered. I then made my way to the town hall where a graduation ceremony was taking place, lovely atmosphere with all the graduates taking photos of each other in their cap and gowns.
I got a glimpse of the Floosie in her Jacuzzi even though she was surrounded by barriers as the workmen noisily worked around her. I then could not find my way to the library because of all the building works at the Paradise development but a friendly street sweeper directed me through the maze of hoarding. I loved the library, or the cake boxes, as she described it, what an innovative piece of architecture. Straight to the 9th floor to the Shakespeare room and the viewing area, brilliant, so pleased that some of the old Shakespeare library was retained. I then went down to the secret garden on 7th floor, what a wonderful surprise, out into the cool air after the heat of the library to wonderful views over the city and quiet garden to sit and contemplate.
One of the places I wanted to find was my old college, food and domestic arts, I walked through centenary square past the public art of the Birmingham Family and the Golden Boys, noticed that the registry office, opposite the Hall of Memory, has now gone, and then saw my old college building and the Shakespeare pub. I decided to go into the pub, first time since 1969, front bar area was how I remember it, wonderful carved wood, leaded windows, not as scruffy as it used to be, and a very warm welcome. I had a coffee and a bar snack and a chat to the manager. I am so pleased that I went in I would definitely recommend the pub.
Reflecting on the visit I know there are lots of changes but the city is dynamic as it always has been. There was still plenty of the familiar landmarks to help me recognise it and find my way around. What I came home with was the feel of the place and that was down to the warmth and friendliness of the people I encountered.It's great to be back home in the Midlands.
Carolann