Champagne and Real Ale

Jim, me, Chris, Mike

The cryptic title of this post refers to the very different refreshments available at the two very different events I attended since my last post (Whenever that was!!) First was a brilliant afternoon/evening at Fransham Forge, the annual Folk at the Forge, hosted by the estimable Master Blacksmith Nigel . This year the weather was a great improvement on last lear,and we didn't need the roaring brazier to keep us warm! Much Real Ale was consumed - not by me, I hasten to add - and much music was played and enjoyed. The event coincided with a weekend course Nigel was running for blacksmiths, so there were lots of people around, as they bring their families and make a holiday of it.

A great BBQ was provided, cooked on the BBQ Nigel had forged that very morning! We took food for the communal table and there was more than enough for all.

This year we had trestle tables and benches, which was an improvement in one way on last year, but a little awkward for us box players, you had to sit a bit awry to play!

No photos of me this year but I was there, I promise! I love events like this, just chillin' and playin', great fun and totally relaxed.

Roger the Pipes

Mr Rob King 'gotchering' me as I 'gotchered' him!

The second, and more important event, was our grandson Chris's Graduation Day on Friday just gone. He is at Staffordshire University, and the awards ceremony was held at the very lovely Trentham Gardens, a beautiful setting and the weather was terrific - about 31 degrees we reckoned!

The ceremony was everything you'd expect , well run, entertaining, and emotional. The speeches were short and to the point, and the young people thoroughly immersed in the event. I hope all of them have happy and successful futures. The pride of the parents, friends and relatives was palpable, not least our own. What a wonderful way to celebrate all the hard work and achievement of our young people. We are so proud of Chris.

My Boys, Chris and his dad Mike

Look what I spotted hanging around the grounds ...

Brilliant, eh?

So despite the heat and the long drive there and back it was a day I wouldn't have missed for the world, and I'm sure those of you who have done similar will agree. So no textiles this week - and my A Year in Books has dropped off the scene I'm afraid; I HAVE read lots of books but have't got round to taking photos and making notes. I may pick it up later but I suspect there isn't much point any more!

Hope you are all enjoying the sunshine, and girding up your loins for the holidays!

Folk at the Forge

Rob, Julie, me, Jan, Colin on piano accordian, Roger on Uillean pipes. Early starters at the Folk at the Forge BBQ. This is an annual event at Fransham Forge, in Norfolk, owned by Nigel Barnett, Master Artist- Blacksmith, flute/whistle player and all round Good Bloke.

                                                 Nigel and Sue, woodwind section!

                                                Magnificent entrance to Nige's kingdom.

The Gallery - here you can see examples of Nige's work and photographs of previous commissions and press coverage. His work is sought after as far away as Saudi-Arabia, Russia, Australia.

So much to say about Nigel's work, but you are better off going to his website http://artist-blacksmith.co.uk and you can see his work, and read about all the good stuff he does. At a session in a pub last year I met a delightful young man who came in dressed almost in Amish fashion; these, he explained , were his Journeyman clothes and he had come from the Netherlands as a journeyman blacksmith to work as Nigel's apprentice. They come from all over Europe to work with him.

                                                                 Game of Thrones?

                                          Jim examining some of the wares in the Gallery.

                                              One of the old farm vehicles Nigel reconditions.

                                                                      Shepherd's Hut.

                                                  Alternative living accommodation!

 Some of the iron sculptures to be found as you wander through the woodland around the forge.

The Showman's Van, reconditioned by Nigel. You can buy a truck or a shepherd's hut, fully kitted out with pot-bellied stove  to keep you toasty warm.

The ingenious and wonderful BBQ. We all took something for the communal table inside the marquee.

                                                          Marquee central heating!

                                                       Rob and Lynne get the boxes out!

                                         Young dancer, totally unfazed by her audience.

And so it went on, into the small hours, though it was chilly, not quite June weather! What a splendid day it was, good food, great company and (ahem) brilliant music! Oh, and some really good beer, local Real Ale, Beeston Brewery. I don't drink beer, but I tried some, very hoppy, I'm sure if I DID drink, this would be my beer of choice! Rob had my share..............

Thanks to my lovely Jim who took most of today's photos, And sampled a little Beestons Beer as reward..........