Centro Regional Railways livery on 323221

Eventually the Cross City Line fleet of the awesome Class 323 EMUs will be replaced by the new Class 730 EMUs. In December 2022 West Midlands Railway 323221 was repainted in classic 1990s yellow and green livery of Centro | Regional Railways. BWA's Elliott first photographed it at University on 11/02/2023, then rode it from Birmingham New Street to Shenstone and back on 15/02/2023.

Centro Regional Railways 323221

West Midlands Railway repainted the Class 323 unit 323221 in the 1990s livery of lime green, yellow and white with Centro and Regional Railways logos at the Soho depot. It returned to service on the 19th December 2022.

Birmingham We Are contributor Elliott Brown first spotted it at Selly Oak near the Worcester & Birmingham Canal a day later (near Selly Oak Shopping Park on 20/12/2022), but was unable to get a photo of it.

Several other attempts to see it including a trip from Five Ways to Longbridge (and back to Kings Norton on 21/12/2022), then Birmingham New Street to Aston (and back from Duddeston on 01/01/2023), finally Bournville to Birmingham New Street one way (on 28/01/2023), didn't catch it.

 

Previous liveries over the years

London Midland 323221 at Aston Station during August 2012.

dndimg alt="Aston Station" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/LM%20323221%20Aston%20(Aug%202012).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

London Midland 323221 at Witton Station during September 2012.

dndimg alt="London Midland" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Witton%20Station%20(Sep%202012)%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

London Midland 323221 at Bournville Station during January 2015.

dndimg alt="London Midland" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Bournville%20Station%20(Jan%202015).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Railway 323221 in London Midland livery, late December 2017, at Birmingham New Street Station. The franchise changed that month.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20BNSS%20(Dec%202017).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Railway 323221 at Chester Road Station during December 2018.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Chester%20Road%20West%20Midlands%20Railway%20323221.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

 

West Midlands Railway 323221 at Selly Oak Station during August 2019.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Selly%20Oak%20Station%20(Aug%202019)%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

 

University Station - 11th February 2023

On this day I went to the Selly Oak Shopping Park and walked up the Worcester & Birmingham Canal to catch a train one way from University to Birmingham New Street. And I finally got 323221 arriving on a service to Redditch! It was quite awesome to see. The station here is still not complete. At the front that day was 323204.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Uni%20Station%2011022023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The platforms here feel extra long, but don't walk past the no pedestrians sign at the end.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Uni%20Station%2011022023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Sometime in the future you will be able to use both sides of the new station building, but it is still not open or complete.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Uni%20Station%2011022023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

First full view of the back of 323221 in it's "new" Regional Railways livery.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Uni%20Station%2011022023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

These units still had this livery into the Central Trains era, but was changed to a darker green, yellow and white livery under London Midland from 2007 to 2017.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Uni%20Station%2011022023%20(5).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

Eventually when West Midlands Railway took over in 2017, they got a orange and white livery. They are due to be replaced by the new Class 730 Aventra with orange and purple livery sometime in the future, by 2024.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Uni%20Station%2011022023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Video clip on Youtube here West Midlands Railway 323 at University.

 

Birmingham New Street Station - 15th February 2023

A few days later, I went to Birmingham New Street to get the train to Shenstone in Staffordshire, to see the Annatomix mural. And guess what, Centro Regional Railways 323221 showed up at platform 8! So I got on it and had a half hour ride to Shenstone. While there was 11am emergency alarms tests at the station, but departed a few minutes later.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20BNSS%2015022023%20(1).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The Class 323's have a big gap between the platform if they are curved, so MIND THE GAP.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20BNSS%2015022023%20(2).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

The refurbished interior is unchanged from when West Midlands Railway did up the entire fleet from 2018 to 2021.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20BNSS%2015022023%20(3).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

My walk around the village of Shenstone gave me time to get back to the station and back on West Midlands Railway 323221 in Regional Railways Centro livery, and back to Birmingham New Street. Arriving at platform 12.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20BNSS%2015022023%20(4).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />

 

Shenstone Station - 15th February 2023

Between Sutton Coldfield and Staffordshire as usual is all the fields, and after that Shenstone is the first station outside of the WMCA. Got off West Midlands Railway 323221 at Shenstone. It was a bit bright from this side as I exited the station. Couldn't initially saw the Annatomix. A half hour walk around the village, found three pubs, and several old churches.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Shenstone%20Stn%2015022023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

The station building at Shenstone probably dates to 1884 but isn't listed, sunlight to bright from this side, was better to see from the car park.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Shenstone%20Stn%2015022023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Up the steps to Lynn Lane, for a half hour walk around Shenstone.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Shenstone%20Stn%2015022023%20(3).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

After the walk, back to Shenstone Station. The Annatomix was in the bike store area on platform 2. This time 323221 was at the back, with 323207 at the front, still I decided to get on 323221 again for the half hour train ride back to Birmingham New Street from Shenstone.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Shenstone%20Stn%2015022023%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

323207 passed under the Lynn Lane bridge.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Shenstone%20Stn%2015022023%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Six carriages on three car sets linked together. The WMR livery contrasts with the Centro Regional Railways livery behind.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Shenstone%20Stn%2015022023%20(6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Yellow doors with the Centro logo, press the button to open the doors when it lights up.

dndimg alt="West Midlands Railway" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/WMR%20323221%20Shenstone%20Stn%2015022023%20(7).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

Photography by Elliott Brown

Lunar New Year 2023: The Year of the Rabbit in Birmingham

The Lunar New Year celebrations kicked off at the Bullring & Grand Central on Saturday 21st January 2023 with the Traditional Lion Dance from Choy Lee Fut Lion and Dragon Dance Team, orgainised by the Chinese Festival Committee Birmingham. There was also events in Southside at Hippodrome Square and The Arcadian on Sunday 22nd January 2023. Happy Chinese New Year!

Saturday 21st January 2023 at Bullring & Grand Central Birmingham

Chinese Lion Procession (Beginning at 'The Bull')

The festivities began around 12pm at The Bull. Birmingham We Are's Elliott Brown popped up to Costa Coffee inside Next at the Bullring, and after buying a coffee, was able to get a table for the views. After they left Rotunda Square, and went down St Martin's Walk, it was time to leave Costa @ Next and head to the West Mall 2nd floor balcony view!

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dndimg alt="Chinese Lion dance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/CPL%20Bullring%2021012023%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Traditional Lion Dance at the Bullring

The Choy Lee Fut Lion and Dragon Dance Team walking in with the their dancing lions and drums on the ground floor of the Bullring, was a great view from the 2nd floor balcony, many people were watching. After introductions from the MC and James Wong, the drummers really showed their stuff to the crowd! Would be more events during the day, but this was all that I wanted to see, and it hurts to stand on one spot for too long.

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dndimg alt="Chinese Lion dance" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/TLD%20Bullring%2021012023%20(10).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Sunday 22nd January 2023 around Southside

 

Lunar New Year Celebrations in Hippodrome Square

For the first time in 3 years (since January 2020 before the pandemic), they had a stage set up in Hippodrome Square, and it drew a large crowd of people, a little bit too crowded, and not enough room to walk out of the area. The Chinese lion dancers and drummers went on stage early on, after the procession from The Arcadian.

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dndimg alt="Southside" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Stage%20LNY%20HSq%2022012023%20(6).JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Ladywell Walk

There was a carousel on Ladywell Walk near Hippodrome Square, as well as a balloon arch. The procession from The Arcadian went up here to the stage.

dndimg alt="Ladywell Walk" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/LNY%20Ladywell%20Walk%202201223.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Hurst Street

On Hurst Street, south of the Hippodrome was various market stalls and fun fair rides. Was a bit crowded at this end.

dndimg alt="Hurst Street" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/LNY%20Hurst%20St%2022012023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

There was also a ride called Hysteria on Hurst Street, close to the Missing bar and Bromsgrove Street. On the roads that were open, was a lot of traffic around. Was also a teacup ride at this end.

dndimg alt="Hysteria" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hysteria%20HS%2022012023%20(1).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Hysteria" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hysteria%20HS%2022012023%20(2).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

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dndimg alt="Hysteria" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hysteria%20HS%2022012023%20(4).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />

dndimg alt="Hysteria" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/Hysteria%20HS%2022012023%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Arcadian

The procession of the lion dance started in the arena here, before proceeding to Ladywell Walk and Hippodrome Square.

dndimg alt="The Arcadian" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/LNY%20Arcadian%2022012023.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

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dndimg alt="Lunar New Year" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/LNY%20Jack%2022012023%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Jack Babington

 

MasterChef champion Dan Lee was also in Southside with his trophy.

dndimg alt="Lunar New Year" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/LNY%20Jack%2022012023%20(6).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Jack Babington

My personal top 54 favourites photos taken in 2022

I took photography up around 5 years ago, i have got autism and it is my special interest and hobby.

I love taking pictures around Birmingham city centre the different events happening in 2022 like the gay pride and PolliNations 

so here iare my favourite 54 pictures shot by me, 'prophotographypicture' on Instagram and Twitter.

 

Photos from January to December 2022 

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 Thank you and have a happy new year!

The Ribbons: Birmingham AIDS & HIV Memorial in Hippodrome Square

Until now, there has been no memorial sculpture to those people who lost their lives to AIDs & HIV. Garry Jones came up with it after watching It's a Sin on Channel 4, and his design was sculpted by Luke Perry. It was unveiled in Hippodrome Square on Hurst Street in Southside, outside Genting Casino on the 1st December 2022. It is two interlaced red ribbons.

For more on The Ribbons go to the Birmingham AIDS & HIV Memorial website.

The community and city of passionate individuals worked tirelessly over 18 months to deliver a lasting and symbolic memorial in the centre of the UK, in our hometown of Birmingham. It was unveiled on World AIDS Day on the 1st December 2022.

The Red Ribbons sculpture was created by Garry Jones, and was sculpted by Luke Perry. Also involved was co-founders Phil Oldershaw and Andrew Bentley-King.

 

The plinth, October 2022

In the last couple of weeks of October 2022, work took place to install the plinth in Hippodrome Square on Hurst Street, Southside in front of the Chinese Quarter shops: Sohair, Ying Wah, Happy Lemon and Mr Egg.

dndimg alt="BAHM" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BAH%20Memorial%2029102022.JPG" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Ribbons sculpture arrives wrapped, November 2022

With less than two weeks to go, The Ribbons: Birmingham AIDS & HIV Memorial is installed on the plinth, but will remain under wraps until the evening of the 1st December 2022.

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Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Unveiling of The Ribbons, 1st December 2022

While Birmingham We Are's regular contributor Elliott Brown, was unable to attend the event that evening, Daniel Sturley and Jack Babington were able to attend.

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dndimg alt="BAHM" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/IMG_0751b_HIVM.jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Daniel Sturley

 

The Ribbons, a few days after unveiling, December 2022

Elliott had always planned to return a couple of days after the unveiling to get The Ribbons: Birmingham AIDS & HIV Memorial in the daylight, and without anyone in the way. It is quite inspiring to see, and had flowers on the plinth below.

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dndimg alt="BAHM" dndsrc="../uploadedfiles/BAHM%20Ribbons%2004122022%20(5).jpg" style="width: 100%;" />Photography by Elliott Brown

Diwali on the Square in Victoria Square

I've only really passed through Victoria Square while Diwali on the Square was on, just stopping to get my photos in the middle of my photo walk. These are my photos of the event from October 2018, October 2019 and October 2022. It was held by the West Midlands Combined Authority and the Indian Consulate General of Birmingham.

Diwali is usually celebrated by the Indian community in Birmingham every October. In the last couple of years of the 2010s, the Indian Consulate General of Birmingham organised an event along with the West Midlands Combined Authority, and taking place in Victoria Square. Due to the Pandemic, there was no event in the square during 2020 and 2021, but it returned in 2022. There is usually a stage with music and dancing on it. Various stands with food and drink, hand and face painting etc.

 

Diwali on the Square - 20th October 2018

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Diwali on the Square - 19th October 2019

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Diwali on the Square - 15th October 2022

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Photography by Elliott Brown