Brighton

 Back from a very nice few days in sunny Brighton to see our boy and enjoy a change of scene by the briney. Hazel was meeting up with her old RCA "Pudding Club" chums on two of the days.  For the first me and Archie had a "boys day out" to Chichester to see the lovely Eduardo Paolozzi exhibition of collages, prints and sculptures at the Pallant House Gallery which was a trifle expensive but well worth it.

 On another day we went to the Marina on the Volk's Electric railway - built in 1910 I think? and still going strong. There was a festival/exhibition of sand sculpture nearby we popped in to see. The marina complex was hideous - just like a huge multi story car park with a MacDonalds and Kentucky Fried Chicken etc. in the middle.

 Here we are enjoying a nice sit down - one of many - on the pier. We also spent some time in the very noisy slot machine arcades on those tumbling 2p machines that drive you a bit bonkers after a while - hence the photo booth portrait below!

 The peace and tranquility of the Pavilion Gardens was a welcome distraction after the noise and crowds of the sea front.  There was a few buskers about including a good sitar player who blended well with the Indian setting.  We treated ourselves to a tour of the Pavilion - seemed silly not too see inside whilst Archie was living in the town.  It certainly was a wonderful view of a decadent way of life.  Some of the rooms were quite overpowering , especially the one with a candlebra weighing a ton!

 Another silly photo on the pier.

Shackerley Mere/ Leek

 Just back from a ride out to Shackerley Mere which isnt far from us. A nice walk round the lake and back again - watching the geese, gooses and ducks do their thing. Quiet today - just  a few people with dogs and children. Saw a heron. Heard the motorway.  Then to Riverside Organics for decaff coffee and shared a larrge chunk of chocolate cake outside overlooking the wonderful view over rolling Cheshire countryside.  Such a shame if the proposed rail track route goes through here - it would be criminal!

 Previously , we had a nice ride out to meet up with Barry Wenden who had been looking after my collages after the Southend Art School exhibition in June/July.  He kindly brought them back to Leek where he was visiting his cousin. We had a nice pub lunch and chat about old times - and new times!  Had a good wander round the many charity and junk shops.  Barry gave us a great old tin railway signal box and a signal - a late birthday present. I bought a record by Chris Barber and his band ( see my audio blog ).  Drove out to the hills and a rocky outcrop and another pub for another drink in the sunshine.  Lots of butterflies around this year - the budlia was full of them in the pub garden.