Spotted: Wolverhampton

We've all got places that we can associate with, maybe if we've been to college there or just happen to call home, I call Wolverhampton a place for both predicaments. Wolverhampton, a city that's certainly gone through the mill and doesn't seem to have risen above the strains of the recession, something that's been acknowledged over recent years. Wolverhampton has been in the media for things that haven't so attractive but I know this city is a diamond in the rough, you'll shine one day soon Lady Wulfruna! I don't want to sound negative or be unnecessarily out of order about this city because its quite close to home for me.

Wolverhampton is a city that has many qualities and quirks that set it apart from other places in the West Midlands but things have changed. I have spent a lot of time away from Wolverhampton due to moving to Birmingham for university and to America to work, so upon my arrival back to England I was looking to reconnect with the Wolverhampton that I had once known. Being a Birmingham and New York City Boy my view of places has changed, my sense of surrounding has been heightened so it's tough to see Wolverhampton go through this sorry state. Let's just say that in some cases change is not such a positive thing.

 

Captured to the left is Queen Street, the gateway to Wolverhampton's main shopping amenities. Things might look normal from the photo that has been captured to the left but over recent years life hasn't been too kind to the retail of Wolverhampton's city center. I don't want to be negative, this blog only serves realness and that's what I intend to serve to you, the reader! Home is home but after Woolworths closed down the Mander Centre has seen a quick succession of shops closing due to the economic downturn, times are definitely tough! I love a good bargain but I don't want to see a Poundland or Bargain Corner open up across from the city's Primark store.

I onced lived in the center of Wolverhampton at Mooney's Irish Pub, it was a thriving Irish pub located on Princess Street that had true life and soul. No longer this public house exists, after moving out some years ago it was taken over by a new owner. More recently this once bustling Irish Pub is now a 'Paddy Power' betting shop, a stark change to what it once was but I suppose its Irish roots have been artificially been revived. I look back at my time at Mooney's Irish Pub to think I was living in a vibrant place that always had something going on, but as a child I wasn't aware of the delights that I could now take advantage of! See, I'm not completely talking Wolverhampton down to the gutter I just made a positive reference. Good memories aside it's now more common to see betting shops and payday loan stores in place of the gems like Mooney's Irish Pub. Nonetheless, I'm proud that my early years were spent at this pub even though it was for boring from time to time, I'm over eighteen now so it would be a complete different story! We live in a changing world but I just don't understand the way that this place is changing! Will there be a pot of gold at the end of Wolverhampton's rainbow?! Oh! I know, it must be the new bus and coach station!? Good things will come your way Wolverhampton!

Queens Square is the focal point of Wolverhampton from my point of view. I'm so over the Metro bridge its just grey! Captured to the left is the 'Man on the Horse' a monument of Prince Albert that was unveiled in 1866 by Queen Victoria, it was five years after his death that this feature was brought to Wolverhampton. I'm proud that a Queen of like Victoria came to Wolverhampton because she would have been real! The area surrounding the 'Man on the Horse' has been transformed into a modern and open square that's complete with several special water features. Wolverhampton's list of royal visits doesn't stop at Queen Victoria because the divine Princess Diana came to Wolverhampton to open Bilston Street's police station in July 1992. All the Queens are welcome in Wolverhampton! Wolverhampton, I'm warming towards you again !

During my college days I spent my dinner breaks wandering around Wolverhampton's city center with my classmates. I dare say we made the most of the local sights no matter how amusing they posed to be. Spotted: Wolverhampton has gripped Facebook with a frank look at selected photos of people from Wolverhampton. This Facebook site has caused a lot of controversy but it's also quite playful, because who is it really hurting? Take what you want from this site but I won't stop following the updates of Spotted: Wolverhampton anytime soon! 

On a rather dramatic note Wolverhampton is home to a place that once made Thursday nights special for me! St. Peter's House was the home of the Christian Drama Club (CDC) for the three years I spent my Thursday evenings with my six friends and the best Artistic Director, I had a great time! We rehearsed for our performances, improvised from time to time and had a cheeky hot chocolate too! Good Times! I do genuinely have fond memories of being in Wolverhampton, it's a interesting place that has a lot to answer for! Keep within the acting theme, Wolverhampton will always be the home of Kuumba Arts Movement. Kuumba was a Youth Theatre Company that has transformed my confidence and introduced me to the world of acting and theater. I will always champion Kuumba Arts Movement for continually being a professional, dedicated and welcoming place to act, sing and dance!

So, I haven't been to harsh about Wolverhampton, but I will say that I have found a whole of host of positive things to say about this city. Things have to change and with the situation that our region is facing we're not doing to badly!

Joseph Harrison