What’s with this weather?

Humid, wet and warm – I like the warm bit but I’m a little fed up with the rain, aren’t you?

It’s been raining, on and off for nearly the last two weeks. I know this because that’s when my hubby first started trying to lay some new decking.

In order to reach the correct level, a section of our lawn was dug out and the spoils of this – mud and turf - have been there ever since.

What with that and the slugs who seem to be multiplying by the minute and eating their way through our entire garden and the allotment; I’m really ‘pead’ off.  

I might as well leave £10 notes on the flower beds and let the slugs eat them (I’m told they’re not terribly fussy and will happily eat paper), rather than go to the trouble of going to a garden centre and buying expensive plants.

And then there’s the soggy dog walks starting with ‘Shall I go now or wait till later?’, followed by ‘Shall I take a coat?’, then sensing a break in the rain or drizzle you’re off wading through mud, slipping about like a demented duck. Meanwhile, your boots are getting heavier and the long grass is causing a rising tide mark on your trousers.

And of course your meteorological sensors have let you down yet again, cause as soon as you are far enough away not to turn back, the heavens open and the decision not to take a coat further reminds you what an optimistic idiot you are!

Arriving home you now have to clean three sets of muddy paws on dog towels that haven't dried properly from the last time and the smell of 'wet dog' lingers in the house for the rest of the day. 

Bloody weather!

Changing your career after 50

‘Old age ain’t no place for sissies’, said the indomitable Bette Davis, but nor is middle age, if you are planning to change your career.

Unless you have unlimited stamina, firm resolve and patience, I would forget it - buy cakes for your team and hunker down in front of your PC, but if like me you feel it’s high time you took control and gave a symbolic ‘two fingers’ to all those dodgy bosses; now is your moment.

In March I was ‘released’ from my 47 hour per week job, where under great pressure to meet my boss’ unrealistic demands, I often worked overtime on average of 1-2 hours a day.

A right royal kick in the pants and something that although at the time was quite painful and certainly very annoying; has actually done me a huge favour.

I’m free – free from trying to juggle numerous tasks, placate dissatisfied staff, massage designers’ massive egos while maintaining an equilibrium with a demanding boss.  Why had I done this for so long – who was I pleasing – certainly not me and looking at how unceremoniously I was dumped – not my boss either.

So at 51, it’s time to take control, to stop moaning, blaming and deferring – from now on it’s down to me and I can’t wait!

Please follow me and share with your friends - thanks x

Locals on-board legendary locomotive

To the uninitiated, the long procession snaking its way along the fields in Wymington, must have looked a little baffling - why were 150 people, give or take a grandma, out so early on this misty morning making their way towards the passenger railway line around half a mile away?

This was a sight in itself worth seeing and fun to be part of because we were in on ‘the secret’ and would shortly become part of the legend that is the Flying Scotsman.

As a regular dog walker across these fields you get to know the ‘die-hard’ walkers of which June Tobin is one - rain or shine June can be seen out with her Border Collie Max. 

Pensioners June and her husband Terry also happen to be keen steam train enthusiasts and seeing an article in the Evening Telegraph in November of last year about the Flying Scotsman, decided to book it.

‘We always watch any steam trains that go through Wymington and after seeing the story in the Evening Telegraph about the Flying Scotsman, we decided that we wanted to be on it. It didn’t prove that easy though as I had to try three times to get tickets and eventually because Premium Class was sold out we had to settle for normal tickets’, said June.

So on Saturday 4 June, at 8.50am, while we were keenly waiting with wet knees in a wheat field, an excited Terry and June were boarding in Bedford to set off for York.

Slightly delayed from Victoria because of ‘photographers on the line’, (makes a change from wet leaves) who were later arrested; the Flying Scotsman didn’t reach us until 9.30am.

At last however, we heard a distant whistle, the line hummed quietly and then a quiet chuffing, growing louder as it approached until the Flying Scotsman appeared in all its glory, steaming confidently along pulling 11 vintage carriages behind. The delighted crowd waved, took pictures and videos and then in a few seconds, it was gone.

But not for Terry and June who said: ‘We were amazed to see so many people had turned up to see the train, especially our friends in Wymington and we felt like royalty sitting on the train waving back’.

With their journey just begun they thought things couldn’t get much more exciting, but a £5.00 raffle ticket bought on-board proved to be the icing on the cake.

 June told me: ‘We couldn’t believe it, we won first prize in the raffle and guess what, it was two tickets to travel Premium Class in a steam train of our choice! So we have not only had one trip of a lifetime but can look forward to another one soon!’

Which just goes to show that the Flying Scotsman is still working its magic whether you are on-board or track side.

To watch my video, please click here.

Crowds drawn to Loughborough Arts Degree Show 2016

Every year the undergraduate and foundation students of Loughborough University exhibit their work, which includes Fine Art, Textiles, 3D Design and Graphic Communication and Illustration.

If you wish to visit the Arts Degree Show tucked away in the Loughborough campus, don’t be put off by the tired and scruffy aspect of the buildings and their sterile interiors - there’s not much of a ‘muse’ here, unless you’re an urban artist who wishes to add some colour or personality to this dull environment.

No dragging of feet or loitering on the stairs, push on to the top floor where the Graphic Communication and Illustration graduates showcase their work on this ‘blank canvas’ utilised as the perfect foil for an explosion of enthusiastic creativity.

Each student starts with a 2 x 2m space in which to exhibit and market their work, as this is also an opportunity for potential employees to snap up talented designers before they make it on to the market.

Eye-catching visuals and graphics pop and fizz – ideas fly – it’s an information overload which engages and excites.

Some designers have played safe with commercial product designs with household names that make the design instantly recognisable, while others have pushed the boundaries with innovative Apps, computer games, animation and original illustrations.

Look out for an alternative and competent product design for Fairtrade by Jade Thomas, thoughtful animation from Jessica Perrin, useful App OAPP from Tanya Beri, conceptional design from Sophie Redford and inspired illustrations and horror genre computer game PRESENCE by Eleanor Marriott (pictured above).  

What strikes you is the talent, enthusiasm and excitement presented in a refreshingly earnest way that does make you look forward to all their futures. 

Simon Downs, Programme Director, Graphic Communication & Illustration agrees: ‘This year’s graduates are a collectively minded bunch of people and they contribute with a will to the tasks they undertake.  It is always rewarding to work with people who are so collectively willing to get the job done.  This quality of care will stand them in good stead as both designers and citizens living in a world in need of care but which is frequently careless. If this world is to be saved, we need good people in the communications field who can direct the public’s eyes towards a better place, a fairer future; these finalists have the skills and will to do just that.’

The event runs from the 4 to the 12 June and is open to the public on those dates. For more info, please click here

Harborough Artist's Cluster Open Studios

An recent open studios event in Market Harborough sparked much excitement and anticipation with local artists and buyers alike.

This annual event, usually held later in the year, is a unique opportunity to see talented local artists in the Harborough Artist's Cluster, exhibiting their latest work.

There were 18 artists involved: Janet Alderson-Smith, Maggie Barlow, Roger & Daniele Bradley, Derek Brittan, Kay Carpenter, Maxine Dodd, Kelly Gardner, Mark Hancock, Barbara Hatton, Marion Holden, Mikki Longley, Greta Paradine-Palmer, Dave Rolls, Brian Taylor, Lisa Timmerman, Emily Twomlow and Andrew Wynne plus an exhibition by the Embroiderers’ Guild.

 Armed with a leaflet listing the artists, addresses and a simple map, we chose a selection to visit.

The idyllic setting of the ‘The Chestnuts’, Foxton housed an exhibition by Lisa Timmerman. Lisa uses vibrant colours to create original oil and acrylic paintings of flowers. Her gallery was buzzing and several pieces were purchased while we were there.

 Across the swing bridge and into Great Bowden bought us to Kay Carpenter, who has been part of the group since 2009.  Kay exhibited her colourful watercolours and pastels, in her airy conservatory.

Still in Great Bowden, Pippins Studio is tucked away in the corner of a cul-de-sac. Here we saw two contrasting artists - Maxine Dodd and Derek Brittan. Maxine exhibited an energetic selection of ‘fast-moving sports subjects in watercolour’, while Derek had an array of ‘contemporary block-colour works.’

Onwards to ‘The Limes’ in pretty Clipston where we saw paintings by Janet Alderton-Smith and Barbara Hutton. Janet is an award-winning artist who specialises in line-drawing in bright acrylic ink, while Barbara creates ‘semi-abstract paintings in oil and acrylic.’

We finally visited Emily Twomlow in Market Harborough who inspired by nature, skillfully makes bespoke, hand-tufted rugs using 100% British wool.

With a wide selection of styles and prices, the Open Studio initiative is a great way to access local art in your area, while enjoying the beautiful Leicestershire countryside.

Visit http://www.harboroughartists.co.uk/ for more information.

All the toast you can eat!

Last week I discovered a village called Poundbury, an interesting but unusual 'extension' to Dorchester, which Prince Charles and the Duchy of Cornwall helped create. 

There's an amazing array of houses and shops in numerous styles, which look attractive and almost too good to be true, which makes it all feel a little unreal and left me feeling like an extra on 'The Truman Show'. It would be fascinating to know if Prince Charles' has been to Disneyland and if Poundbury is his idea of Utopia...

 ...my idea of Utopia is the amazing 'Butter Market Bakery', which I visited while I was there.

This attractive café styled on an old Market Hall, is round with a high vaulted ceiling.  Entering through large doors you emerge into a large, airy space occupied by long, heavy wooden tables and benches. 

Blackboards and friendly staff advise you what to do, as initially it feels like you've just come down stairs in your friends house after staying the night and you're not sure whether to help yourself or wait to be served. But once you catch on, it's a fun - if you fancy boiling your own eggs or making your own toast with their fantastic bread, that's fine or if you would prefer a cooked breakfast, they will do that on the grill at the back of the room.  

I have to admit that I did succumbed to a deliciously crispy, pain au chocolat, which I helped myself to from a selection of perfect pastries. 

What's not to like? Rustically sophisticated, laid back and welcoming. No fuss, no frills, just great coffee, delicious pastries and all the toast you can eat!

Unfortunately their website is still under construction but in case it becomes live soon, the address is http://www.ourbakeries.com/

For more information about Poundbury, click here.

In pursuit of a cuckoo

Every year it's the same - have you seen a Swallow, are the Bluebells out yet, who’s seen the Orchids in the field on the corner, is it the Ash or the Oak or have you heard a Cuckoo? Of course the smug inquisitor has clearly heard or seen all of the above and are at pains to prove that they are the keenest naturalist among us.

Competitive by nature, I thought my moment had arrived last Friday morning when I heard a sound a little like a wooden steam train whistle issuing urgently from across the fields. I was off in the general direction with my phone out ready to record this elusive sound, keen to prove my ‘Spotify’ skills. Hurrying along the hedge-line where the Cuckoo was flying along in front of me, I caught a quick glimpse before it disappeared over the fields cuckooing as it went. Not much of a pursuit but the soulful sound left in its wake was sublime.

What is it about the Cuckoo that intrigues us? Being uncompromisingly parasitic, it might never make it into Britain’s top ten nicest birds and it’s not as if it sticks with us through thick and thin – arriving in April and off again soon after to warmer climes. Nevertheless we do seek the Cuckoo every year, as it gives us hope as we want to hear its plaintive call at least once to prove that Spring is with us, indeed it’s said that in our twilight years, if we don’t hear a Cuckoo in Spring, we won’t be around to hear it the next.

Part of our DNA, it must be the unearthly sound combined with their elusive quality that moves us, responding to a primeval feeling deep in our souls of longing and sadness with an optimistic song.

But as if to fulfil its ethereal prophesy, the Cuckoo is disappearing; numbers in Great Britain are reported to have declined by 50% over the last 15 years. It’s thought that climate change and modern farming are the causes; what a world we live in where such a unique bird may disappear simply because humans are a bigger and more effective parasite! 

To watch my video, please click here and to read more about the Cuckoo's decline click here.