Post by Deleted on Sept 1, 2012 21:14:51 GMT
Only my third visit to Port Vale, the first being over thirty years ago. It's a funny place to visit because I'd wager a fair number of people - who haven't been - aren't exactly sure where Vale play or what sort of place it is. The name, of course, tells us bugger all. Mind you, I did find Port Vale Street:
Nearby there was a clue that I was in the right neck of the woods:
So we're talking Stoke and the Potteries but more specifically Burslem, one of the six towns that make up the city of Stoke. Some of these towns are rather less significant these days now that Hanley has leaped ahead as the main centre of Stoke. Burslem's town centre isn't much bigger than somewhere like South Molton even though its population would be considerably greater. But I suspect South Molton would have been busier this lunch time. Burslem's centre, it strikes me, is redundant, neglected and half-forgotten.
Aim for Burslem by rail and you'll get off at Longport which is a mile or so from Vale Park. Longport - as you may guess - has a canal. It also immediately reminds you what the Potteries was all about:
Carry on up the hill to Burslem and, amongst the alarming number of bordered-up shops and other premises, you'll find two striking buildings. The first is the town hall; the second is the school of art that turned out many a ceramic artist. Head down a side street and you'll find more pot banks:
I doubt if there are too many Michelin-starred restaurants in Burslem even though Michelin UK is based down the road in Stoke. But look carefully and you'll discover a feast of culinary delights on offer:
Nearby there was a clue that I was in the right neck of the woods:
So we're talking Stoke and the Potteries but more specifically Burslem, one of the six towns that make up the city of Stoke. Some of these towns are rather less significant these days now that Hanley has leaped ahead as the main centre of Stoke. Burslem's town centre isn't much bigger than somewhere like South Molton even though its population would be considerably greater. But I suspect South Molton would have been busier this lunch time. Burslem's centre, it strikes me, is redundant, neglected and half-forgotten.
Aim for Burslem by rail and you'll get off at Longport which is a mile or so from Vale Park. Longport - as you may guess - has a canal. It also immediately reminds you what the Potteries was all about:
Carry on up the hill to Burslem and, amongst the alarming number of bordered-up shops and other premises, you'll find two striking buildings. The first is the town hall; the second is the school of art that turned out many a ceramic artist. Head down a side street and you'll find more pot banks:
I doubt if there are too many Michelin-starred restaurants in Burslem even though Michelin UK is based down the road in Stoke. But look carefully and you'll discover a feast of culinary delights on offer:
