It was a lovely day yesterday, and I took the opportunity to pay a second visit to the relaunched Brownhills Market on my way out for a ride in the early autumn warmth. I was pleased to see that the market appears to be bedding in, and was indeed expanded and busier, even at 2:00pm when I visited, quite late in the day. There was only one empty pitch, and the clothes stalls seem to be returning.

Swinging out up Silver Street, I noted a fun day in progress at the Canoe and Outdoor centre, so popped in to take a look – there was a busy little bric-a-brac fete with food and games, and a plastic duck race was taking place. I didn’t actually get to see how that worked on the generally millpond-like canal, but all concerned seemed to be having fun…

Followed by a spin up to Hoar Cross and Tatenhill, it was an enjoyable ride with only an unusually large quantity of idiot driving to detract from the day. Cracking stuff!

Fruit stalls still seemed to be doing well

The market was much busier than on the relaunch day...

I really like the new, wide aisles

The meat van has been a staple of the market for years

It's great to see outdoor activities for kids, the canoe centre is a real asset to Brownhills

The fun day at the centre was in full swing

Duck racing, what was your number?