Didn't we have a lovely day the day we went to Birmingham

Wednesday saw us taking the opportunity to meet up with old friends from our Stoke days in Birmingham. The city where I trained at the Queens Foundation for ministry and while I have been back occasionally the City centre has changed so much.

Having managed to find each other!!!!

 We set about the important task of getting coffee and cake and where better than the beautiful Art Museum


Not a bad setting to start catching up, get the first coffee fix of the trip- oh plus the cake.

Just so good to see old friends, to hear about their children and grandchildren. Most strange none of us appear to be missing work!!!!





Duly fortified a wander around the art work.


 Jacob Epstein Lucifer, 1945

It certainly stands out as you walk in.


Joe Lycett - 'Mona Lisa Scott-Lee, 2024

'Some have commented that this is the greatest artwork of the 21st Century, marking a huge cultural renaissance for western civilisation. Others have said it's an ok painting of Lisa Scott-Lee from steps as the Mona Lisa'

 

Like many British cities there were individuals who used their wealth to improve the conditions of others.

Albert Bruce Joy Statue of John Brght MP, 1888

He became Liberal MP for Birmingham in 1858 and held the seat for 32 yeas. Coming from a Quaker family in Rochdale, Bright dedicated his life to supporting reforms that helped the working-class people of Birmingham. He led campaigns for electoral reform, religious freedom and free trade, and against the unpopular Corn Laws. He's also reported to have created the phrase 'flogging a dead horse' in 1859.
What a great start to a day out. So out into the fresh air and with all the new builds in the city knowing where you are is a challenge. So off into the City Library an amazing building.


and as a real bonus it has a secret garden at the top.



Views over the city amazing.

All that walking and climbing steps led to one thing to do- yes time to eat out. To have the time with friends to enjoy a good meal, no rushing, it's just a pleasure.

A final stroll down to the canal.



As the light disappeared we wandered back to the Christmas market before time to catch our trains, and go our separate ways. Looks like it will be a summer trip to Stratford upon Avon.



























































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