From My Gander Bag

Firstletter to Hazel back in 1983 after she wrote to ask about mail art network.

Frodsham

Nice morning over at Frodsham after dropping Archie off at Sainsburys. Marveled at the olde worlde 17th century buildings but only managed to take photos of the electricity sub station on the Sandstone Trail which seemed more relevant somehow?! Not many bargains to be had though Hazel was tempted by the eye glass thingy in Roy's Relics. Roy was very amiable and told me all about his massive record collection and pointed us at the bakers opposite when we asked if he knew any good eateries. It turned out they did a very nice breakfast and sold delicious wholemeal bread ( expensive though at £3.50 a loaf!) Then to Lady Hayes antique emporium for a wander, but their prices have shot up over the years so we didn't buy anything. Home for lunch.

Hazel's Birthday

Hazel's birthday which we celebrated with Tony and Pene, light lunch and ate some of the delicious carrot cake that Archie made. Sadly he had to work but was back in time to go out in the evening for a pub meal at the Golden Pheasant in Plumley. More cake later at Granma's. Time to go on a diet again!

Whitegate Boot Sale

More bargains from the boot sale this morning at soggy Whitegate. The football ground was only a third full because of the possibility of rain -but the rain held off thankfully. Got 3 DVD's for a £1 from Bob's stall and had a chat to him about the exhibition which he hoped to see tomorrow - but realised later that it doesn't open on a Monday. He supplied some of the rare artifacts that Hazel is displaying. He used to work at the Museum back in the 80's he said before half of it was knocked down. Its a shame they couldn't save the other part as the smaller space doesn't attract that many visitors now the the Lion Salt Works has opened. Also bought cheaply were some ceramic pot stands, large reel of twine, a razor doo-dad thingy, and a trivet. Archie decided not to come as he was working this afternoon and needed his beauty sleep.

Private View

Nice evening of chat with old friends including Tony and Pene Eve and surprise guest Bob Nancollis who was at Manchester College of Art back in the 60's. Nice to see our neighbours Richard, Mark and Eilain turn up too. Archie was working so couldn't be there. Charlie Holt did a good introduction as did the nice lady who's name I forget from the museum. Hazel gave Gina , who organised the show some flowers to thank her for her help. Hazel's Mom and sister Audrey came too which was a surprise as they hardly ever go out in the evenings.

Collage & Curiosity Exhibition

Coming soon to the Weaver Hall Museum in Northwich if you are ever passing through during the next three months. Collage work by Charlie Holt ( pictured ) and metalwork/ inventions by Hazel Jones. Also collages on the theme of "museums and collecting" by yours truly. Putting it up next week. Should be fun!

More Birthday Photos

Lovely day out at Anderton Boat Lift with Barb, Dee, Des, Steve and Hazel. A river trip and lunch afterwards in the Salt Barge again as the Stanley Arms was closed for refurbishment. Later went to Granma's for a slap up feed. The next morning we met up again for breakfast at our place so everyone could meet Meriel who was over for a couple of days from Dublin. Sisters and other halves went back to Essex soon after. Such a great weekend!