On my strolls along the Pershore Road, or Stirchley High Street as it is more colloquially known, I'm reminded as to why is such a wonderful place and why, 37 years after I first moved here, it is finally starting to fulfil it's potential as an up-and-coming suburb!
One of the first to show the potential of Stirchley was Stirchley Wines & Spirits.
 |
| Stirchley Wines & Spirits - 31st March 2020 |
 |
| Stirchley Wines & Spirits - 11th January 2013 |
Unfortunately, in these difficult times, the off licence has decided to stay closed on safety grounds even thogh they are allowed to open. Hopefully they will return once the crisis is over and continue to provide such a wide range of drinks.
Further down this row of shops you can just see the blue awning of Stirchley's finest (and longest lasting) greengrocer, Wards.
 |
| Wards Potato - 31st March 2020 |
 |
| Wards Potato - 11th January 2013 |
This is a proper 'old school' greengrocers which has not changed (apart from a lick of paint) in the years I've been living here. It is my go-to place for Maris Piper potatoes which make far superior chips compared to supermarket Maris Pipers!
Halfway between Wards and Stirchley Wines, on the other side of the road, stands my doctor's surgery next door to the pharmacy.
 |
| Ash Tree Pharmacy + Medical Centre - 31st March 2020 |
 |
| Ash Tree Pharmacy + Medical Centre - 11th January 2013 |
Very little external change over the years, but the Ashtree Medical Practice has now merged with one in Kings Norton which does give more options for appointments. Ash Tree Pharmacy is not actually linked to the Medical Centre, but is my go-to place form y regular pills and potions. As I took this picture I was curious about the people standing in the alleyway. At first I thought that they were having a fag, but upon reading the note on the pharmacy door, I now know that they were in the queue for the side door as that's the only way in during the crisis!
Heading back towards town and on the other side of the road we find more shops.
 |
| Myrtle Villas - 5th April 2020 |
 |
| Myrtle Villas - 11th January 2013 |
This image nicely depicts the turnover of shop ownership here in Stirchley (and many other parts of the country). Interestingly, what was Joshuaa Shaun is now Iron Oxide (a specialist, bespoke lighting manufacturer) and what was Bits & Pieces is now Joshuaa Shaun hairdressing. I have no idea what Shop! is! Just out of picture (on the left) Vac Clinic is still going (pandemic pending) and is another Stirchley stalwart.
Finally for today, a shop that I've never set foot in, but one that I do hope survives this current crisis - P Browell, Tobacconist.
 |
| P Browell, Tobacconist - 31st March 2020 |
 |
| P Browell, Tobacconist - 11th January 2013 |
Established in 1924, whenever I've looked through the window it looks like a proper old school tobacconist and it would be sad for such an historic shop to disappear.
So, there you have it, another stroll through Stirchley in search of the quirky and unique.
Some more good photos there, Pete. It looks like you have a nice little community there in Stirchley.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Paul. Stirchley is an interesting place that has more of a community feel than some suburbs might. Over the past few years the area has finally started to 'take off' with quite a few new bars and restaurants/cafés!
Delete