Cramlington.... tonight....

Oops!

The BBC web site currently has a 'LATEST' scrolling text headline which says this...

...but when you click through to the article it reveals this...

UPDATE: They've changed it now to this...

The Newcastle Gateshead Art Fair

A visit to the above yesterday to see what was on offer from the north east's artists. Lovely stuff was the answer, although a reasonable percentage of not-so-lovely stuff too! Alan and Susan were scurrying around, talking to customers, doing deals and hopefully selling pictures too. Karen was in attendance... with her work on display courtesy of Alpha Arts. I also bumped into mate Paul who was lurking around to see what the competition had to show. Paul does the most amazing panoramas and is the only official Adobe 'expert' on colour balance in the north east.

A visit to Calderdale Scribes

Saturday I took a trip down to Halifax to visit The Calderdale Scribes. It was their AGM and there was also an exhibition of members work, including these two magnificent pieces from Jim Winstanley.
During the afternoon there was a lecture from Timothy Noad about his work as a heraldic painter and scrivener. He told us that as a twelve year old he had a dream to be a heraldic artist at The College of Arms, and that is exactly what he has achieved. Tim is a professional calligrapher and illuminator, Fellow of both the Society of Scribes and Illuminators and the Calligraphy and Lettering Arts Society. While the majority of his work consists of formal commissions involving traditional skills and materials, he also introduces more experimental and innovative elements.

Lucas makes his entrance...

Here's the latest addition to our family. My niece gave birth last week to this lovely little bundle of joy... Lucas Isaac Thompson weighed in at 8lb 12oz. Big sister Eva starts as she means to go on by letting Lucas know who's in charge around here! Little does SHE know that that role has already been taken by Granny!

Harvest.... Home

Autumn is truly getting a grip when the guys come to harvest the grass from the field across from our place. Perhaps we'll be living elsewhere when they come to do likewise next year?

Newcastle Mela

Yesterday we were at the Newcastle Mela with Matt and Leon. This is an annual event (Mela means 'gathering') and is organised by the Asian community in the city. It's always a bright, lively and colourful event, and one of the outstanding features, for me at any rate, is the wonderful range of cooking smells from all the terrific food stalls. Leon settled for Candy Floss (the packet said Cotton Candy but we knew what they meant, and in any case, when did they start to put it in a PACKET?!!) The Lady Brenda headed directly for the Chikken Tikka and Gracie loitered around, picking up any scraps. Perhaps it was the lack of sunshine, but we all agreed that this year's event wasn't so bright and lively as previously.