RE: GOOGLE STREET VIEW. - 3

Volty

We were once offered as much of that railway siding as we wanted from the gate a bit further up the road from the position of your photo as far up as Moor St if we required it. It was in the early 70's when our depot in Balsall Heath had just been compulsory purchased. We decided that it was too open and it was accessible by anyone. We went for a yard and unit on the newly converted Brook Tool which was then known as Greet Trading Estate. Did you know that is where they used to unload the livestock on that siding and from there is was herded over to Bradford St for slaughter?

Phil

Yes Phil, I read about the livestock transfer just recently, what I didn't realise was just where the station was.
I passed it four times last week. Next time I go that way I will have to take a ride up that road.
I can't quite see how they got the cattle down to street level, it must have been a bit different when it was open.
VM

Volty,

If you carry on down to the gate I mentioned you will see that there is a long ramp up to track level. It wouldn't have been a lot of use to us with lorries without it.

Phil

Phil,
Were Brooke Tools on Seeleys Road and Warwick Road?
VM

Yes

Thats the place, its also where I started work (first job). I think I lasted about two months before I chucked it in. I used to earn more money on a weekend working for my uncle that I could there all week.

Phil

Re the Cattle Station I have been looking at the following site and all becomes clear.
http://www.railaroundbirmingham.co.uk/Stations/bordesley.php

I was walking (Google of course) down Alcester Road just now looking for the site of an ex pub and I discovered asomething I don't recall seeing before.
Can soneone enlighten me on what this was?
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&ie=U...2,52.01,,0,1.12
VM

Volty

It was Trafalgar Rd tram depot way back in the day, I believe it has recently been a climbing instruction place, anyway its open pubs you should be looking for not closed ones. Whats the name of the one you were looking for?

Phil

Thanks Phil.
I was looking for, and found, the Jug of Ale, it was still there when the google shots were taken.
VM

I much preferred the Prince of Wales when it wasn't full of on duty CID and off duty plod.

Phil

Nice Tram pic Phil, I can't believe I have driven past the building so many times and never properly looked at it, I had no idea it was there.