River Weaver

Nice walk the other day along the River Weaver from behind the Memorial Hall to Hunts Locks. I can't belive it's taken us so long to do this walk after 12 years of living in Northwich. Really quite an attractive part of town which is ignored by most of the population. When we first came to see the area we went to a Water Festival on the river which was quite exciting with artists doing performances and duck races etc. but that sadly was a "one off" event that was never repeated for some reason.

Hopefully the new Northwich rejuvination programme or "vision", whatever they are calling it these days, will focus on the river and not spoil it with car parks and huge supermarkets as threatened before. Town planners and councils have a nasty habit of messing things up.

This was then and now is 24th August. Just back from Chester. A nice morning despite the traffic chaos due to roadworks by the Park & Ride. Got a nice old Victorian Inventions book with tons of old illustrations to make good use of. We had a copy somewhere so this is a spare. Had some veg. sausage rolls from the Pound Bakery outside the cathedral in the sun. Curious jazz duo by the market cross . Good keyboards but trumpet player was pretty awful. Thankfully the town cryer and his mini-me came over at 12 and stopped them making a racket for a while. Well, they just made another kind of racket with the bell and loud voice and the awful jokes. Then posing in the stocks with tourists. I'd left my camera at home for a change so you'll have to use your imaginations.

Norway

I must at least write a short bit about our wonderful holiday in Norway. We have stayed there before ofcourse with out dear friend Esther and her family. This time it was slightly soured by the terrible bomb and murders but despite this we found the Norwegians full of good heart as always. We took part in a candlelit march for the victims in Hamar on our third day there. Some very moving speeches and songs although we didnt understand the words the emotions were deeply felt.

We went to the cabin on the fourth day which is up by the Swedish border by lake Osen. A very beautiful tranquil place we went once before in 2005 and always wanted to go back too. There was no running water which was tricky but Esther had filled lots of drums and bottles at the local pump so we used that. The wet wipes came in handy too!
Archie took lots of nice photos and managed to get close ups of the freindly weasel and wood vole down by the lake side. Went for walks and had some interesting meals. I cooked the first one - pasta and tomato sauce and warm crusty bread in the mall electric oven. We used paper plates and cups to eliminate a lot of washing up.
Delicious breakfasts of local produce - brown cheese and jam, fish paste and a caramel spread called Pana I think.

On the Saturday we went to the local fair and junk market in the village across the lake. Lots of nick nacks and ornaments to sort through in the old community hall. Also a nearby craft fair by the two churches. One was very old and contained a beautiful hand painted and carved wooden alterpeice. Had a home made waffles with jam and sour cream bought from a stall outside and sat in the sun whilst jangling horses and carts went by giving rides around the village. We went back the following day too to catch the end of the sale - all you could stuff into a plastic bag for 100 krona ( about 10 english pounds ) Esther manages to get 90 candles , a cheese holder, ornaments, comics and tons of other stuff into her bag without it bursting! Also went to the nearby beach . Archie and the kids braved the cold waters. I stayed under an umbrella as I'd got a bit of sun burn and looked as red as beetroot!

Nice to get back to Hamar and have showers after three days at the cabin. We needed them!

Auntie Olwen R.I.P.

Sad news from my sister Barb yesterday about the death of my last Auntie , Olwen. I wrote about her in this blog in 2008 so will add it here. In the photo above she is on the left in 1947 after just coming out of the WRENS probably. That's my Mum in the middle, expecting me. My Auntie Iris is on the right. Photo taken probably in the garden in Highbury North London where my parents lived in digs just after the war for a short time.


"It will take me ages to find the very small photo I have of my Auntie Olwen so here's one of WRENS scrubbing the sides of a boat during the war. Not sure if Auntie "O" used to do such things but she did get rowed round Grimsby harbour by a sailor boyfriend she said- the nearest she got to any ships whilst she was in the navy during the war. She was just on the phone to me and it's hard to get a word in when she gets going - all about her childhood and the war etc. I expect I'll be like that when I'm 85 or whatever age she is.
She also told me about when my mother carried her into the Broadway cinema in Pitsea as "babes in arms" got in free. She was 7 at the time! My mother who must have been about 9 or 10 had some cheek! She spent the three pence entry money she saved on sweets. Olwen confessed it was very embarressing when the usherette came round and shone her torch on her and she had to pretend to be very tiny.
She also told me about Pitsea at length- a bigger place than it is now - having been swallowed up by Basildon New Town which did not exist in the '30's. They used to live in a bungalow down by the Station Hotel, opposite the market. I explained that the market has been gone many years. She seemed incredulous - "What, Pitsea market gone?!" Yes, and the cinema is now a Bingo Hall and has been for 25 years or more. "Never!"
Pitsea school is still standing and was "new" in the 30's she said- she remembers the teachers quite well- the four masters and the one lady teacher Mrs. Peace. I said I remembered only one teacher as her name was Mrs. Ramsbottom which always stuck in my mind and the howls of laughter from my mother whenever I told her what Mrs. Ramsbottom had been up to that day. I only went to Piteas school for a year back in the mid 50's , before the new Greenstead School was built in Basildon, just down the road. You had to walk miles down a concrete path , through fields and old bungalows to get to Pitsea school. As a five or six year old it was common to send children on their own to school in those days. With my satchel heavy with Shipham's bloater paste sandwiches ( if we were lucky!) or jam if things were a bit tight that week.

Auntie "O" also told me that she left school at 13 and worked in a shop in Southend for a while and then in Grays at the State cinema as an usherette. then she joined the WRENS ( Woman's Royal Navy Service ) . Or did she go to Grimsby to work in a rope making factory? Yes, that's it. She was told she could avoid being called up to fight if she worked in a factory doing essential "war work". But then joined the WRENS as she fancied the uniform and the sailors! "

Mr. Melk

Back from Norway after a delightful week with our friends Esther and her children. More photos and video soon but first a funny Norwegian advert that Vilde showed us.

Marsden, Leeds and Glossop

Back froma nice coupla days in Yorkshire thee knows. Got my collages back from Leeds. Thankfully our old mate Dave drove us there and so Hazel didnt have nervous breakdown going round appalling one way sytems and roundabouts. Also went to Andy Thornton's warehouse of old detritus and theme pub furniture. Archie took hundreds of photos for his Summer project. I took a few to be added to Flickr and here later. Stayed in quaint stone cottage by a babbling brook. Early morning duck alarm at 6. Drove back via Glossop for cheese pasty and mooch round the charity shops. Sat Nav behaved this time and we were sent round some charming lanes and byeways and not the Oldham bypass as before.

PC Problems

Old PC was playing up so much Hazel got me a new one for my birthday only it took ages to find the right one and still not sure. This Acer with Core i5 and Windows 7 seems pretty fast after the last sluggish geriactric but still having problems- not sure if its browser related or not. Cant seem to publish anything in blogger so this really is a test.

Marbury Walk and Boot Sale

Quite a busy week what with one thing and another. First it was the exhibition and open evening at Sir John Deans College to see Archie's "A" level artwork and the rest of the art department in the brand new building. Archie had some of his tin boxes ticking away on a looped film projection. The boxes were switched on every so often but the noise was so great he had to limit it to a couple of minutes for fear of everyone running out screaming holding their ears!
Then we went to Marbury for a walk and had a nice pub lunch nearby in Cumberbatch or is it Comberpatch? The barman was a bit grumpy and we almost walked out but we ordered some sandwiches which were fantastic and huge. We ate them outside in the small beer garden overlooking some old farm buildings. A handy man nearby was watering some hanging baskets with a pressure washer.
The next day we went over to see Treena and look at her latest crafts and art in her lovely leafy back garden. Also had fizzy pop and cake. Hazel bought a few things and ordered a larger collage/ fabric piece for which we supplied the frame.
Just one boot sael this week at Verdin Park which was pretty packed and a fun fair was nearby - part of the Northwich Carnival celebrations. Got a few DVD's including a very nice Ealing Classics boxed set for a quid. Hazel bought some plants crocodile clips and Kilner jars.

Leeds

My old chum Phil from Leeds came over to pick some of my work up last Saturday and we drover over the Pennines to hang the work on Sunday ( Father's Day ) which took a while and I have the blister on my hand to prove it! I stayed over at Phil's place in North Leeds for a couple of days so I could attend the Private View at the Tonic Gallery in the Leeds Royal Infirmary ( built by the same chap that designed the House Of Parliament ). Its an amazing place and one expected Florence Nightingale to wander down the corridor at any moment.

Phil and his son Trispian and grandchildren.

The following day I wandered around the city centre looking for art and architecture of which there is an abundance. The City Art Gallery has a some fine old paintings including some nice Stanley Spencers. Also trudged all the way up the hill to the University to see the student degree shows. Horrible new office block type building though with unhelpful receptionist who just pointed to a pile of maps and postcards and told me to find my own way through the maze of civil service type corridors. The work thankfully was more interesting than the building they were made in.

The Private View was well attended in the evening and nice to see Andy Sykes there- the ace animator and ex-student of Hazel's. We had lots of drinks and nibbles supplied by Phil's lovely friend Gil who ran the pub over the road to which we retired afterwards for more of the same and a fine buffet in the back snug or whatever it was called.

The lovely old Leeds Market Hall.

Manchester and Nantwich

Went to Manchester on Friday with Archie on the train to see the MMU shows in the Art School - mostly the Interactive Arts 3rd year show but we did wander round the Fine Art bit and Foundation etc. Had nice but very filling fish and chips and mushy peas in the staff canteen for lunch. Hazel was busy looking after the show and showing people round. A flavour of it in the short Flip video above.
A bit crowded in the evening so we left quite early after going to see the Illustration and Embroidery shows.
The next day we drove over to Nantwich to see Adela's "Bee" performance at the church hall where she had Will dressed up as the Queen Bee and the small select "audience" had to don our bee keepers robes and veils and attend her her needs - massage the feet, feed Crunchy Bars, arrange flowers and fan with small electric bees! All very bizarre but great fun.
We went in a few places showing art works as part of the Nantwich Arts Festival of which Adela's show was part. Mostly very dull and traditional landscapes, portraits etc. We got caught up in a vintage car rally on the way into town - a Nissan Micra amongst all the MG's and Stags looked very out of place!
Had a cheese pasty whilst watching a frantic bongo player compete with the church bells!

Remembering Ivor

Postcard from Ivor back in 1991. Painting by Peter Edwards in the National Portrait Gallery, London. 1989. On the reverse it reads " Dear Jones and Leigh, Thank you for your letter and book and lovely April rubbish badge. I think it is a good thing for society that you exist. Please continue to do so. Yours Cutler."

I think Hazel met Ivor Cutler first at the Tate where she used to work part time in the Clore bookshop in the Turner wing in the early 90's. Later he bought some badges from her at the Festival Hall where she was showing some of her inventions - another of his favourite haunts ( the Poetry library was upstairs somewhere ). He used to sign books in the book shop downstairs too. Some time later he phoned us up for some reason, probably about more badges and invited us over to his flat for tea. How could we refuse! I'd always enjoyed his drollery on Peels "Top Gear" and his appearance in the Beatles "Magical Mystery Tour" as the tour guide Buster Bloodvessel. He was a bit of a cult hero.
So we went to his flat in North London - I can't remember exactly where now and he met us on the doorstep as we tried to ring the bell. We assumed it was an elaborate joke and this was someone else's house! But there he was on his old bike festooned with bags containing cakes etc. We went up three flights of stairs to the very top flat ( he must have found this difficult when he was older ) and showed us into a rather shabby but bohemian looking room with posters and hats and all manner of exotica on the walls. Curled up postcards, photos, maps etc. It was a bit like walking into Steptoes back room in Oil Drum Lane! he gave a us a quick tune on his old wheezy harmonium. He didn't play much he said as he had very bad arthritis in his fingers. After tea and cakes we had a chat about his career- meeting the Beatles etc. He was concerned that Hazel didn't pronounce some words very clearly and gave her a written out speech "work out" he had devised to try.
Some days later he came over to our tiny flat in Lambeth Walk to have tea and cakes with us. He was incredibly kind and helpful and phoned up a nearby childrens book publisher (Walker Books )to try and get us some work. I did get some illustration work but sadly the SNAP comic venture went bust after a few weeks.
But unfortunately our short lived friendship came to an end when Archie came along - Ivor insisted we get on with our lives and leave him alone. I did send him some postcards but got a curt reply saying " Please no more correspondence - I am 74!"
I had this made up into a 1000 stickers by able label - a firm he used alot for his "stickies" - and sent him 500 to use on his envelopes.

Give Peas A Chance

First collage from the great book of old TV ads I found in Chester recently. Added to new theme at Scrapiteria.
Yesterday , another wander around town and the charity shops. They must be sick of seeing me in there by now but I am drawn like a fly to muck. In the libray sale got 4 DVD set of Live Aid so can enjoy again Status Quo, Queen, Dylan, etc. in all their hirsute glory. Also CD's by the Maccabees and Dave Edmunds. 50p each! I ventured into the new Pound Planet shop where the old Tai Craft Shop used to be but it was pretty dull. I wouldn't pay 10p for most of it! Good to see a couple of new shops in town though after so many bit the dust over the last few years - including a Sue Ryder. O well, better than nothing.

Saw a man driving his tiny tot in a remote controlled car in town - he was walking behind and stearing with a hand held controller thingy. The 2 year old sat motionless with his hands by his sides as it whirred along.

Chester Bargains

Another shopping trip to Chester on Saturday. Drove in early for the Park & Rude ( grumpy bus driver ). Hazel went off on her own round the clothes shops and I did the charity shops etc. Saw these giant figures in the indoor market - for some parade or other I presume. Didnt find that much but bought a couple of nice books in the cheapo bookshop in the mall that was closing down. Old TV set adverts from the USA. Some really great images that will be turning up in collages pretty soon I'm sure. Only two quid each so don't feel too bad about cutting one up and saving the other.

Met up for lunch by the town cryer chap who was waiting for the noon bell to toll so he could amuse the tourists with some corny patter.
We escaped to the sausage roll emporium and afterwards a welcome de-caff coffee in our favourite cafe. It has big armchairs and sofas you can sink into and rest those tired feet and achey legs!

Today it was just one rather damp boot sale at the Co-op in town. Surprisingly several stalls there despite the grey clouds and threat of more rain. Betty was there and she said there is another

Cardiff

I seem to be a little behind in my bloggings for some reason. I thought I had blogged about our trip to Cardiff but seems I haven't. Most remiss of me as we had a great time courtesy of my old art school buddy Rick Cox and his lovely wife Alison who made us feel very welcome and let us stay a couple of nights.
Before we got there though we drove - or Hazel very bravely did - down via Shrewsbury and Knighton and popped into the Acton Scott Farm Museum which was really nice and great place to have our picnic lunch ( see above outside the old school house ).
Lots to see including the farrier making a horse shoe, a man sawing a big log, big brick ovens ( as seen in the TV prog.about the farm ) and folk dressed in the garb of the day- sewing doilies and knitting ploughs etc.
Well worth a visit if ever you pass that way. Some stunning countryside around the Welsh borders.
Getting into Cardiff was a little more scary despite the Tom Tom who led us a merry dance. Hazel was getting quite nervous by all those huge roads and roundabouts - which lane do we get in? How should I know?! Anyway we finally made it and Rick took us to the Chapter Arts Centre to see an attend an opening of a dreadful exhibition - scrawly drawings pinned to batons. The book shop was more interesting and Archie bought a Royal Wedding sick bag that some enterprising artist had made. He bought it with the 5 pound note he found in the car park at Acton Scott.

After watching a bit of the Royal Welding shinnanegans the following morning we walked through the park to the Castle and had a look around there. Amazing place with very ornate rooms and battlements, a keep and dungeons with Vera Lynne singing in them ( to keep up morale during the war ).
Then a look round the shops and the long walk back through the park, In the evening we were taken by Rick and Alison to the Bay Arts opening ( so much art in Cardiff!) and he shows us his studio upstairs. Then to the docks to see the new buildings ( see above). Afterwards a wonderful chinese meal nearby which was the tastiest Ive ever had. Our treat ofcourse.
The next day Rick and I went to Bristol to the Spike Island Open Studios and the Arnolfini to see a great book arts fair. Met up with lots of people I knew including Mark Pawson, Red Fox Press and Tony and Penny Eve. Not enough time to see it all and I'd run out of money so only had enough to pay for lunch and buy three badges.
Art overload now by this time so glad to get back to Cardiff for relaxing evening with some of the ISSUE participants ( an assembling book that Rick started some years ago ) and delicious food that Alison prepared.
It was home the next day and got caught up in traffic again despite being Sunday and going a different route. Eventually made it back to Acton Scott for a break and a sandwich we bought at an ASDA store. Took us 5 hours to get home!

Yorkshire Derbyshire Trip

Went over to see our old chum Dave in Yorkshire last week for a couple of days. Hazel bravely drove over the Peaks via Glossop where we stopped off for some lunch and wander around the charity shops. Then on to Marsden via that village where Foggy and Nora Batty live. It's a bit of a tourist trap though so avoided the crowds of geriatrics having cream teas at Cleg's Cafe or whatever its called. Last Of The Summer Wine country. Didn't see any old codgers sliding down the cobbles in an old bath - most suprising!

Dave introduced us to his new neighbour who had bought his barn and converted it into a very nice little cottage - with three bathrooms no less! Amazed at the transformation. Walked round the village and popped into the only charity shop open. Bought some snacks at the health food shop.
In the evening had a nice walk along the Huddersfield canal just behind the B&B we were staying in. Had a delicious and filling meal in the swanky restaurant before retiring. Very warm though and when in night by Hazel trying to wedge open the broken sash window with a pile of paperbacks ( see her blog )!
The next day we went to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park with dave driving. It was supposed to be 40 minutes but Dave forget his sat nav and we drove around Wakefield for 45 mins trying to spot a sign to it. Found it eventually and managed to park despite the place being choc-a-block. I didn't realise modern sculpture was so popular! Beautiful grounds and so much to see including Jaume Plensa, Mel Brimfield and Andy Goldsworthy etc. You needed a whole day to see it all really and we just had a few hours.

Stand By Me - Playing For Change

Stand By Me | Playing For Change | Song Around The World from Concord Music Group on Vimeo.

This is great - thanks to Roger for pointing this out on Friendface.

Spring Has Sprung

Enjoying a few days out into the Cheshire countryside. Yesterday to Frodsham and the Lady Hayes crafty junk emporiums. The lanes still had quite few daffodils along the verges which was nice to see although some were passed their best.
Not mush cop at Lady Hayes which seems to have gone down hill - now full of expensive modern repro and tat. Hazel managed to find a few jokes and a sheet of old buttons. Also a nice brass magnifying thingy on three legs for looking at fleas.
I didnt get anythings. Hazel's sister Audrey came too and got a few nick nacks.

The big car boot at Chelford was a bit of a marathon last Sunday. Hundreds of stalls to look round and a bouncy castle shaped like Noah's Ark. I managed to resist taking of my shoes and going for a bounce!
Got a few films including The Crazies, The Road, and Nathan Barley, Hazel got a few things but I forget what. Tins? A nice one of Southend Pier and another with a squirrel on the inside of the lid, Good for keeping your nuts (or bolts ) in.

Every Day Is Like Sunday

My mother would probably have preferred a bit of Frankie Vaughn or Robert Earl but Morrisey is my choice for a rainy Sunday.
Went to two indoor boot sales - one in Tarporley and the other in Winsford. Both were very quiet and more pleasant than usual - not having to squeeze through the crowds to see any bargains. Didnt find much though- some cheap frames and a DVD. Hazel got a few plants for her Mom who came over later for a slice of cake and some tea. Archie showed them his new tin whistles and animations which they hadn't seen. The rain came down.

Knit Yourself A Badger Day

I seem to be a little behind in my bloggage as Stanley might have said. Two legends here on the Parkinson show sometime back in the 70's I imagine.
No boot sales last week and the one before that was a complete wash out. We did try the new antique place in Barnton though which used to be an old pub called the Red Lion - it has a lovely view of the chemical works by the River Weaver. Quite expensive and really not much of interest. Afterwards a walk around Marbury and Hazel bought some herbs in the garden centre - Thyme, French parsley and Rosemary. For pots by the back door.
Malcolm the PC bloke came round the other day to delete lots of temp files from our ailing computer. I could have done that myself if I'd known where they were! He added some AntiSpyWare app. and charged 60 quid. Gulp! I shall try and fix it myself next time. It seems a little better now but not 60 quids worth better!

Not much else to report. The usual shopping trips into town - no real bargloaders to speak of. Don't forget to knit yourself a badger!

Jammin' With Hegley

Nice to see John Hegley yesterday who came over from Manchester on the train for lunch. We were hoping to go for a walk but he missed the earlier train so we only had a couple of hours to eat and discuss the things on the walls that John seemed interested in. Archie was encouraged to get his ukulele for a quick jam session after lunch of goats cheese quiche, salad and crusty bread etc. I managed to capture the last 90 seconds of it ( see above). Hazel was playing the old crunchy cornflake cluster box. We gave John a lift to Crewe station afterwards so he could get back to London. Off to Scotland next week for gigs he said so try and catch him if you can. While he was here he coloured in a copy of his latest little book on the Donut Press which is called The Adventures Of Monsieur Robinet which has 3 new line drawings added in this edition. He took from his pocket some tiny fragments of crayon which he carefully held in his fingertips and coloured in the illustrations. We lent him some coloured pencils but he seemed to prefer these crayon pellets. They smudge better apparently.

Previously..... did I mention the Fire Engine Museum in Tarporely? There is one indeed which looks like a large shed but has a big arched door filled with glass and inside is an old horse drawn fire engine ( without the horse ) surrounded by other fire fighting paraphenalia like brass helmets and stirrup pumps etc. It was closed being a Sunday but hope to go back sometime to look more closely although you can see it all quite well by looking through the front door!

"Tarporley first had an independent station in 1866 and there as been a fire station here ever since. At that time, 1866 - 1957, they were situated at Park Road.

The Park Road site has since become the location for the Fire Brigade Museum, housing various memorabilia plus a horse drawn Shand Mason pump owned now by Maurice Hunt, one of our retired firefighters. Maurice also acts as curator for the museum, opening up and closing the doors at each end of the day.

In 1957 the station moved to a new location in the centre of the High Street until 1993. This has since become a chocolate shop known as "The Old Fire Station Chocolate Shop". Whilst the fire engine was housed at High Street, the fire service Land Rover still resided in the old "hearse house", that should speak for itself, it's where the hearse used to be kept long ago, which is right next to the old fire station in Park Road.

In 1993 we moved to our present address in Birch Heath Road. "

The King's Peach

Not been to see it yet. Archie has and said it was OK. Too hyped up for my liking. All the cinemas near us have closed now so have to go miles to see films anyway. Quite happy to watch DVD's. Have quite a pile to get through as it is.
Still, it's nearly Spring and the sparrows are twitterpated or high on sunflower seeds - one or the other.
Nice weekend of trips out to Chester on Saturday and Tarporley on Sunday.
Met up with Hazel's chum Alex, who used to work at Manchester Art Gallery, She lives in Sheffield so quite a train journey to get to Chester. She'd never been though so a treat for her to see the Roman Wall and the River Dee ( Hazel and Alex went on a boat trip ) and the shops ofcourse. Plenty of buskers out in force. A would be Jimmy Page playing Led Zeppelin riffs and a violinist with backing track that is cheating a bit I always think. Also various folkies and a tiny tot duo on guitars.
I went off on my own to scour the charity shops but didnt find any bargains. We met up at lunchtine at Spud-U-Like ( Spudoolickay as Victoria Wood once said ) and ha d a very boring spud with a mountain of cheese and tuna on top with horrible plastic cutlery! Wont go there again! Mind you it did give us a chance to see the Roman ruins in the basement.
Later we wandered around some more until my feet ached and met up again for a coffee in a posher coffee shop with proper cups and spoons. Then back to the bus stop and the park and ride- waved Alex off to the station and her train home.
The indoor boot sale at Tarporley was much like previous sales - I seemed to be looking through the saem piles of books and records! I did buy some films though including Galaxy Quest ( an old favourite), Once Upon A Time In Mexico and Bill Bailey in Concert double disc set. Hazel bought some embroidery for her friend and a tin pencil box.