3Vote!
Greetings from Nowhere (Free subscription) | 28/10/2009
So, I'm noodling around with an idea for my next book. While I have absolutely no story (heh), I know it revolves around pigeon racing. Here's what I know about pigeon racing: ZIPPO So when I learned that the national convention of the American Pigeon Racing Union was being held nearby, well, dang, how could I NOT go, right? AND - there was going to be a Junior race (for kids who race pigeons). Oh,...
5Vote!
Ruta's Ramblings (Free subscription) | 17/10/2009
It was a beautiful day as we set off for an hour and a half's drive to meet up with our friends at Priddy , near the Cheddar Gorge. It's a kind of half way point where we meet up for a walk in the spectacular limestone landscape around the gorge. As you approach Cheddar the spine of the Mendip hills breaks out from the flat rather nondescript Somerset landscape. The underlying limestone has created...
4Vote!
Chris Sperring MBE (Free subscription) | 15/10/2009
First of the wintering Redwings are now here, also this week whilst walking through a local woodland I watched in awe as I found a Goshawk (female) plucking at a wood pigeon on the path, it was a momentary observation as the Goss saw me then took off, but what a great sight (don't even ask where the camera was :( They are now breeding locally which is great news I'm keeping in close touch with one...
5Vote!
Harpies Crafty Corner (Free subscription) | 11/10/2009
My friend and great source of inspiration Gail Milburn ( Gails Blog ) has, out of the goodness of her heart been very kind to me ! I was taken by a fabric bird that she did in the style of Jenni Horne in an article in the Summer 2009 edition of Sew Somerset inspired by an original by Betz White . It's a long time since I did any hand sewing even though I only used blanket stitch on this one, but Gail...
3Vote!
Wiltshire Heritage Museum (Free subscription) | 02/10/2009
The Eeles Family Pottery exhibition is now open. Come and see the fantastic pieces produced by the Dorset-based family of potters. The pottery of stoneware, porcelain and Raku is made using simple ingredients from around the south west, including Dorset ball clay, Devon china clay and basalt from Somerset. Inspiration for the shapes and patterns of the pottery are drawn largely from nature with colours...
8Vote!
Caroline's Miscellany (Free subscription) | 29/09/2009
I didn't plan a visit here, but the sign to the Bakelite Museum in Williton, Somerset was irresistible. This private collection is housed in (indeed, crammed into) an old mill, and many of the displays are on open shelves. Some, like a tie press, even encourage you to touch. If a bakelite collection conjures up images of endless brown plastic, think again: bakelite essentially has two meanings. First,...
3Vote!
Business Wire (Free subscription) | 28/09/2009
SOMERSET, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Catalent Pharma Solutions, Inc. announced today the appointment of Will Downie in a dual role as Group President, Sterile Technologies and Senior Vice President of Global Sales & Marketing, effective October 12, 2009. Mr. Downie will have full accountability for the Sterile Technologies segment, which includes the Company’s injectable manufacturing businesses...
3Vote!
Jane's London (Free subscription) | 26/09/2009
Last week, along with 4 other London bloggers, I was invited to Gintelligensia at Dusk, the pop-up bar on the terrace facing the river at Somerset House; a promotional eve of gin mixology. I had ideas of being a gin-soaked DJ for the evening but it turns out we were there to learn about Bombay Sapphire gin; how it's made etc. As we sat bouncy on Tom Dixon chairs, Sam Carter, Bombay Sapphire Brand Ambassador,...
5Vote!
paul the potter (Free subscription) | 19/09/2009
Last Night was our Private View This is the start of the evening just before people started arriving. I Managed to find the perfect use for a Leach Kick Wheel. The Copper Lined tray acts as a perfect Ice Bucket for the Beers. Part of the show with Doug's pots . The workshop area with Jane's wood work only when it all calmed down did I get a chance to take some pictures. Tea Lights in Flower Pots It's...
3Vote!
Keeper of the Snails (Free subscription) | 06/09/2009
I've had a quiet weekend away from the computer, but tonight have compiled a few book reviews for Sunday Salon. The Lure of China by Frances Wood. This book was sent to me by Yale University Press and I have written about it in a couple of posts before. It's a beautifully presented little book - well-illustrated with small exquisite pictures and this makes it very attractive to read. Starting with...
3Vote!
Laudator Temporis Acti (Free subscription) | 06/09/2009
C.S. Lewis, The Future of Forestry : How will the legend of the age of trees Feel, when the last tree falls in England? When the concrete spreads and the town conquers The country's heart; when contraceptive Tarmac's laid where farm has faded, Tramline flows where slept a hamlet, And shop-fronts, blazing without a stop from Dover to Wrath, have glazed us over? Simplest tales will then bewilder The...
5Vote!
Suzy's Vintage Attic (Free subscription) | 04/09/2009
Last Saturday, Alan and I had to go to Hampshire. On our way back, we stopped in a village called Odiham which is within a mile of Fleet. We were recommended a pub which would be a nicer alternative to the Fleet services (M3 Motorway) The Waterwitch Pub - Odiham Inside the pub The pub backs on to a canal After a lovely lunch, we decided to have a walk around Odiham before heading back to Somerset....
7Vote!
Freeborn John (Free subscription) | 03/09/2009
JuliaM reported disapprovingly, a few days ago, about a protest mounted by British Humanists against a creationist zoo that has opened near Bristol: The Noah's Ark Zoo, in Wraxall, near Bristol, is accused by the British Humanist Association (BHA) of misleading tens of thousands of annual visitors and "threatening public understanding". The BHA has written to the British and Irish Association...
Explore : Bristol,
Bristol,
Camel,
Cornwall,
Dorset,
Field,
Lifestyle,
Somerset,
Wraxall,
Wraxall,
Zoo
5Vote!
dots and spots (Free subscription) | 30/08/2009
Flea Market Finds Spent a happy (but soggy!) morning at a giant Flea Market here in Somerset. Stalls packed full of things from a bygone era. Items that, despite their somewhat battered state - which only adds to their charm - have stood the test of time well, made from 'traditional' materials of wood, enamel, cotton and linen: no plastic here! Back home and some 'new' items for the dots and spots...
6Vote!
Birds, Birding, and Me.... (Free subscription) | 28/08/2009
I have a soft spot for Crakes, I always have and always will. So, with the patch being fairly quiet, I just had to make the trip in to Somerset this afternoon to see the Spotted Crake that has been showing at Greylake RSPB. Dad joined me for this cross-county twitch. I was surprised as to where the Spotted Crake was hanging out. Bearing in mind what the Somerset Levels is, miles and miles of reeds...
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