Walk in the Cotswolds and spot of knitting.

So this time next week would have been the annual Yarndale event, but as with most things for safety it has been cancelled.  They are however running an online equivalent with lots of stall holders bringing the show direct to your home! 

My partner bought me this flask last year as I was unable to attend, it is the perfect drink bottle for when you need a refreshing drink. 

 I am blessed where I live as it is only 15 minutes and you are up on the hillside that on a clear day you can see all the way to the Black Mountain range in Wales. 

There are a few different paths to take, today I decided I wanted to go along the tree line and then up the hill for the fresh breeze and stunning views. 

You can't beat a stunning view and knitting can you! 

Until next time. 

Country walk and The Round House Gallery

I always like to explore where I am and even though on Google maps it didn't look like there was much to explore it's always fun finding out.

Nature is always inspiring. Here are some pictures from our four mile walk. 

We came to a cross roads and I check Google maps and we decided to do a rectangular walk. 

I'm so glad we did as we came across the most incredible gallery. 

Round House Gallery 

Set up over 30 years ago by it's founder Philip Evans.  Philip also has his own personal gallery that showcases his stunning work. Philip Evans Pottery

We were lucky enough to be aloud a viewing by Philip's son, who told us how his Father used to be an Art Teacher and upon retiring now travels the country buying stunning pottery from all over the UK along with producing his own pieces. 

The gallery now exhibits 30 crafts people and is supported by The Crafts Council. 

Each year they hold an exhibition called the Baker's dozen, sadly this year the event had to be cancelled, but last year they held the event with very talented people. 

For me their were 2 artists who's work I just loved. 

Age now 84 John Maltby is a much sort after sculptor his work has exhibited in many exhibitions along with the Victoria and Albert Museum.  His work is in very high demand and is influenced by the English landscape, myths and legends. Kings, Queens and Angels are frequently used as inspiration together with birds, boats and flowers.

Jane Hollidge is based in Cambridge, her work is by contrast very abstract and colourful. 

We couldn't leave without purchasing a piece and settled on one by Christy Keeney

Christy originated from Donegal Ireland studied at the Royal College of Art, after 17 years living in London he returned to his roots setting up home back in Ireland where he now works. Here is a Interview which very makes for very interesting listening. 

Here is my piece as yet unnamed. 

Thank you for taking time to view my blog, please do comment as it's lovely to know what you think. 

Broomhill Farm, Derbyshire

So this week we had the week off, it was meant to be to decorate mainly, but we got it done much quicker.  So we decided to book a couple of nights away in the van. 

Broomhill Beef Farm is a working Beef farm, run by Rosie and her husband and Pip the welcoming dog!  They offer really great pitches and shower/toilet facilities, which alot of sites are not currently.   

They have 19 incredibly free range chickens that wonder freely and you can buy the delicious eggs on site.  Alongside this they also sell there own Beef that they have reared. 

Rosie is very knowledgeable about the impact of rearing the animals and their wellbeing along with that of the environment.  All the Beef is grass feed in the summer and fed hay which they cut once a year at the end of July again to cause as little disturbance to the environment and nature as possible.  You can buy cuts of meat from the farm direct by contacting them.

We have only just purchased the additional side tent that attaches to the van so it took some doing working out how to assemble it!! 

Once it was up, goodness you could sleep 4 people in it!  We took it in turns one sleeping in the van, the other the tent. My turn for the tent later! 

This was me in the tent! 

Part ii is our morning walk and an amazing Pottery find!