After a bad start to the day, the evening of Saturday, 16th July was glorious. After the heavy rain of the morning, the air was clear and warm, and there was a stiff but refreshing breeze. Escaping for a golden hour or so, I visited a place I always neglect. I pass through Hammerwich lots, but rarely explore it. So I did just that. With it’s prominent converted windmill and beautifully angular church, the village is a joy. Atop a fair hill, views to the south are beautiful, particularly from the abandoned and grimly fascinating Meerash Farm. A serene, beautiful place. I must come here more often.
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Windmills of your mind. This converted one is a landmark for miles, as is the church. Meerash Lane, 5:37pm Saturday, 16th July 2011.
Decaying threshing machine - surely a museum piece? Meerash Farm, 5:33pm Saturday, 16th July 2011.
The view southwards from the derelict Meerash Farm, Meerash Lane, 5:33pm Saturday, 16th July 2011.
Hammerwich church has a remarkably elegant spire. When I was a youth, I had a temporary job for a few months working a machine on an industrial estate in Brownhills that faced this view. I decided I could get through the time as long as I could see that church through the window. Church Lane, 5:42pm Saturday, 16th July 2011.
The village is on quite a hill and is visible for miles. Church Lane, 5:47pm Saturday, 16th July 2011.
The church roof is currently in a very poor condition. Parishioners are trying to raise £25,000 to fix it. Hammerwich churchyard, 5:45pm Saturday, 16th July 2011.