Swans of Wells is a really great arts project that will be on the streets of Wells throughout the summer. It's colourful, fun and at the end of it in September will raise, hopefully, a huge amount of money for local charities.
All the swans have been sponsored by local businesses and individuals and imageinatively decorated by some very talented artists. I'm loving it, such fun to go around finding and photographing each one.
Both visitors and locals alike are really engaging with the spirit of the exhibition, equipped with their Trail Maps and seeking out as many as possible.
I've dedicated a gallery to my photos and this will be a project that continues throughout the summer. My plan is to record each swan and some of the detail, and then to include images of people interacting with them. It's great fun watching kids especially though they are inclined to try and climb on the swans which is to be seriously discouraged!
You can see my photos at
www.swansofwells.com is the website where you can find out much more about the project.
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
Tuesday, 5 June 2012
A Diamond Weekend
The Jubilee celebrations are now over and despite the weather it's been a memorable four days.
It would have been amazing to be in London to see the River Pageant, Concert and the open carriage ride back to Buckingham Palace, along with about a million other people. TV coverage has been superb though, and thoroughly recreated the wonderful atmosphere for us at home.
This was my third Jubilee - in 1977 I remember going to Pen Hill when the beacon was lit. there were hundreds of people there and we sang Rule Britania and Land of Hope and Glory.
In 2002 I was living on Skye, saw the Queen when she came to Portree and cried buckets while watching the TV coverage - I was so homesick!
2012 - Wow! I just wanted to soak up every bit of the pageantry, music, colour, history - it has been a brilliant celebration that even pouring rain couldn't spoil. Our Queen has reigned for 60 years and at 86 is an amazing lady. She has such a beautiful smile and looks so smart and elegant, it's difficult not to feel affection and respect for her.
It's been a really great weekend that I'll remember for a long, long time.
It would have been amazing to be in London to see the River Pageant, Concert and the open carriage ride back to Buckingham Palace, along with about a million other people. TV coverage has been superb though, and thoroughly recreated the wonderful atmosphere for us at home.
This was my third Jubilee - in 1977 I remember going to Pen Hill when the beacon was lit. there were hundreds of people there and we sang Rule Britania and Land of Hope and Glory.
In 2002 I was living on Skye, saw the Queen when she came to Portree and cried buckets while watching the TV coverage - I was so homesick!
2012 - Wow! I just wanted to soak up every bit of the pageantry, music, colour, history - it has been a brilliant celebration that even pouring rain couldn't spoil. Our Queen has reigned for 60 years and at 86 is an amazing lady. She has such a beautiful smile and looks so smart and elegant, it's difficult not to feel affection and respect for her.
It's been a really great weekend that I'll remember for a long, long time.
Sunday, 3 June 2012
Jubilee Celebrations and Priddy Friendly Society Club Day
Priddy Friendly Society celebrated it's 2012 Club Day today,combining it with the village Jubilee celebrations instead of as usual on Bank Holiday Monday.
Roll call took place outside the New Inn but I was at church bell ringing especially for the service that is part of the tradition. Usually this would be followed by a super lunch in the village hall but this year the whole village was invited to picnic on the Green. A Picnic for one isn't much fun and I would have much prefered lunch prepared by the ladies who normally do such a fantastic spread, so I hope this doesn't become the normal arrangement.
Despite the usual Mendip weather - rain, mist, more rain etc, there was a good turnout and a happy atmosphere prevailed through heavier showers alternating with occasional dry spells. Fred Payne organised the children and adult sports and Mike oversaw the tug of war. All events were well supported and nothing dampened the competitive spirits!
Cam Valley Morris dancers had to wait quite a while for their chance to perform while the first of 2 bands were doing their sound checks. Eventually the hog roast was ready so I grabbed my supper and headed for home in the pouring rain.
As usual I took photos to record my memories of the day. Thanks to all who worked hard to make it an enjoyable day.
Roll call took place outside the New Inn but I was at church bell ringing especially for the service that is part of the tradition. Usually this would be followed by a super lunch in the village hall but this year the whole village was invited to picnic on the Green. A Picnic for one isn't much fun and I would have much prefered lunch prepared by the ladies who normally do such a fantastic spread, so I hope this doesn't become the normal arrangement.
Despite the usual Mendip weather - rain, mist, more rain etc, there was a good turnout and a happy atmosphere prevailed through heavier showers alternating with occasional dry spells. Fred Payne organised the children and adult sports and Mike oversaw the tug of war. All events were well supported and nothing dampened the competitive spirits!
Cam Valley Morris dancers had to wait quite a while for their chance to perform while the first of 2 bands were doing their sound checks. Eventually the hog roast was ready so I grabbed my supper and headed for home in the pouring rain.
As usual I took photos to record my memories of the day. Thanks to all who worked hard to make it an enjoyable day.
Sunday, 27 May 2012
Bessie - One Year On
It was on a beautiful sunny day, just like today, exactly a year ago, that I said goodbye to my dear sweet Bessie.
She stepped into the gap left by Fly and became the best companion I could have hoped for - my soul mate, my travelling companion, my photography buddy. Her comical expression, the look she would give me that said 'What now Mum?', where are we going? Despite her age she still had enthusiasm for life. Putting on my knickers or socks was always enough to get her bouncing and wiggling with enthusiasm for the first walk of the day. At least now I can think of her and smile even though I'll always be sad she's not here with me.
My life was blessed for almost 17 years by two collies from Exmoor, sisters, a litter apart - Fly and Bessie. Miss you both so much, especially Bessie today, you'll be in my heart forever.
She stepped into the gap left by Fly and became the best companion I could have hoped for - my soul mate, my travelling companion, my photography buddy. Her comical expression, the look she would give me that said 'What now Mum?', where are we going? Despite her age she still had enthusiasm for life. Putting on my knickers or socks was always enough to get her bouncing and wiggling with enthusiasm for the first walk of the day. At least now I can think of her and smile even though I'll always be sad she's not here with me.
My life was blessed for almost 17 years by two collies from Exmoor, sisters, a litter apart - Fly and Bessie. Miss you both so much, especially Bessie today, you'll be in my heart forever.
Thursday, 24 May 2012
Exmoor in Springtime
This is where I feel really at home, my heart and soul belong here. Even though I'm just spending a couple of days here I don't feel like a visitor.
A perfect day or two - the perfect time of spring, leaves on the beech trees and hedges still pale and delicate, fluttering in a light wind. The oaks still not in leaf, their tops that distinctive yellowy colour.
Place names bring back so many memories - Tippacott, Shilstone, Halslake, Brendon Barton, Robber's Bridge - every road sign and footpath finger post has a name on it with an image or emotions attached. The years spent in this area were absolutely the best of my life and coming back revives all those good feelings. I love being familiar with places. Seeing orchids growing in the roadside banks of the A39 between Minehead and Porlock just as they were the first time I came here in spring, it's comforting. Hard to believe it's 20 years since Images of Exmoor was published - we packed so much into our time down here, getting the pics for the books and building a life, making friends, having fun, playing music, Tim singing, walking, lambing.
Went to camping field at Leeford, much changed, a proper track, fencing and toilets. Stayed there a while enjoying the peace and warm sun, sound of river etc. There are still primroses in the banks, bluebells under the trees in the woods, even here beside the river.
I can hear people talking on a footpath across the river, a pheasant, sheep and lambs. This is heaven for me, seeing sheep grazing in a field with buttercups, their lambs basking in the warm sunshine. Narrow lanes with high banks full of wild flowers as the road winds between Oare and Robber's Bridge, bluebells, campion, stitchwort, buttercups.
Not intentional but found myself places Bessie and I had gone together after Fly died, made me sad, she was such a brilliant companion.
Watched the dawn break and sun rise this morning but it was disappointing as thick cloud, misty stuff prevented it from lighting up the view. Decided to move on across the moor and see if things improved. Lots of deer on moorland approaching Chetsford, then at Hillhead Cross highland cattle and Exmoor ponies.
Stopped in the gravel lay by near Chetsford reservoir and walked down to the water, again revisiting places, this time Annie and Minor's pool where I put their ashes - lovely thoughts and memories of happy days. Annie had her last walk down here. Not intentional but found myself places Bessie and I had gone together too after Fly died, made me sad, she was such a brilliant companion, they both were.
Back to A39 via West Luccombe to photograph the orchids in the roadside banks. It's still quite grey and murky so no good for taking landscapes which is a shame, too much haze, heading for home
I don't need to live here, although that would be ideal, I'm lucky to have the van and it's close enough to come every week just like we used to, if I want. Don't be sad, I still have friends here.
A perfect day or two - the perfect time of spring, leaves on the beech trees and hedges still pale and delicate, fluttering in a light wind. The oaks still not in leaf, their tops that distinctive yellowy colour.
Place names bring back so many memories - Tippacott, Shilstone, Halslake, Brendon Barton, Robber's Bridge - every road sign and footpath finger post has a name on it with an image or emotions attached. The years spent in this area were absolutely the best of my life and coming back revives all those good feelings. I love being familiar with places. Seeing orchids growing in the roadside banks of the A39 between Minehead and Porlock just as they were the first time I came here in spring, it's comforting. Hard to believe it's 20 years since Images of Exmoor was published - we packed so much into our time down here, getting the pics for the books and building a life, making friends, having fun, playing music, Tim singing, walking, lambing.
Went to camping field at Leeford, much changed, a proper track, fencing and toilets. Stayed there a while enjoying the peace and warm sun, sound of river etc. There are still primroses in the banks, bluebells under the trees in the woods, even here beside the river.
I can hear people talking on a footpath across the river, a pheasant, sheep and lambs. This is heaven for me, seeing sheep grazing in a field with buttercups, their lambs basking in the warm sunshine. Narrow lanes with high banks full of wild flowers as the road winds between Oare and Robber's Bridge, bluebells, campion, stitchwort, buttercups.
Not intentional but found myself places Bessie and I had gone together after Fly died, made me sad, she was such a brilliant companion.
Watched the dawn break and sun rise this morning but it was disappointing as thick cloud, misty stuff prevented it from lighting up the view. Decided to move on across the moor and see if things improved. Lots of deer on moorland approaching Chetsford, then at Hillhead Cross highland cattle and Exmoor ponies.
Stopped in the gravel lay by near Chetsford reservoir and walked down to the water, again revisiting places, this time Annie and Minor's pool where I put their ashes - lovely thoughts and memories of happy days. Annie had her last walk down here. Not intentional but found myself places Bessie and I had gone together too after Fly died, made me sad, she was such a brilliant companion, they both were.
Back to A39 via West Luccombe to photograph the orchids in the roadside banks. It's still quite grey and murky so no good for taking landscapes which is a shame, too much haze, heading for home
I don't need to live here, although that would be ideal, I'm lucky to have the van and it's close enough to come every week just like we used to, if I want. Don't be sad, I still have friends here.
Thursday, 3 May 2012
Renewed Faith
What a difference a phone call can make!
More and more often I find myself wondering what the point of my photography is as the number, variety and quality of photos taken and shared over the internet increases exponentially by the hour. After all, I don't visit foreign countries, climb mountains or stalk wild animals, so what do I have to offer that is of interest to anyone other than me?
Out of the blue comes a phone call from someone who really 'gets' what I'm doing with my photography. They feel the emotions that I do or did when taking the photograph. They can relate to me and my images, and want to use some of them on their website. Suddenly it all becomes worthwhile again. I don't mean from the financial point of view although obviously that helps too, but to feel that the images are valued gives me a wonderful warm glow inside.
With our dismal weather lately there's been little to inspire me to get out with the camera, though I take it with me sometimes when walking the dogs. Even today while stomping around in muddy boots with equally muddy dogs, I feel the inclination to take it with me and seek out something..........
More and more often I find myself wondering what the point of my photography is as the number, variety and quality of photos taken and shared over the internet increases exponentially by the hour. After all, I don't visit foreign countries, climb mountains or stalk wild animals, so what do I have to offer that is of interest to anyone other than me?
Out of the blue comes a phone call from someone who really 'gets' what I'm doing with my photography. They feel the emotions that I do or did when taking the photograph. They can relate to me and my images, and want to use some of them on their website. Suddenly it all becomes worthwhile again. I don't mean from the financial point of view although obviously that helps too, but to feel that the images are valued gives me a wonderful warm glow inside.
With our dismal weather lately there's been little to inspire me to get out with the camera, though I take it with me sometimes when walking the dogs. Even today while stomping around in muddy boots with equally muddy dogs, I feel the inclination to take it with me and seek out something..........
Thursday, 19 April 2012
Primrose Day
This would have been the 70 something anniversary of my parents marriage - they did see 60 years together and then Dad died a couple of weeks later, but still it was quite a landmark.
Mum always used to say that the date of their marriage was Primrose Day and I always believed it was simply because this beautiful spring flower was always in bloom at this time of year.
Primrose Day began in England on April 19, 1881
when Benjamin Disreaeli died. Queen Victoria sent primroses to be placed on his coffin. England's Primrose Day sprang from this simple gesture.
The weather here for the past week has been miserable, not a bit spring-like, with heavy rain and hail which has battered most of the primroses in the garden and growing wild. Such a shame because they were particularly beautiful this year.
Mum always used to say that the date of their marriage was Primrose Day and I always believed it was simply because this beautiful spring flower was always in bloom at this time of year.
Primrose Day began in England on April 19, 1881
when Benjamin Disreaeli died. Queen Victoria sent primroses to be placed on his coffin. England's Primrose Day sprang from this simple gesture.
The weather here for the past week has been miserable, not a bit spring-like, with heavy rain and hail which has battered most of the primroses in the garden and growing wild. Such a shame because they were particularly beautiful this year.
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