Flash, bang, wallop, what a picture...

Been a bit of strange week, and a quiet(ish) weekend looks to be ahead, so as Friday evening approached I decided to head of for a wander around the excellent National Portrait Gallery which, like a lot of galleries and museums in London, is open late on Fridays.

I managed to catch the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize exhibition before it ends next weekend. I've come across this in the past - it's an annual competition - and, once again, I found there were numerous stunning images to draw you in.

The portraits vary from films stars, to quirky people, to a sort of reportage style - all are photographic portraits. It's not a massive exhibition but there is plenty to look at and ponder over. You may not agree with the prize winners - I'm not sure I did - yet there isn't a dud portrait to be found. I'm always fascinated by portraits, I think partly because I hate having my photo taken so am intrigued that people will sit for such photos, and ended up spending a lot more in the shop than intended!

The exhibition ends on 12th February - but if you do find yourself passing it definitely provides a diverting and rewarding few minutes of your time.

What the Dickens?

A friend was visiting so we spent a very pleasant day pottering around London including a visit to the excellent Dickens and London exhibition at the Museum of London.

The exhibition has a variety of items - beautiful pictures, furniture and models, and some fascinating original manuscripts. There is also a 20 minute film - The Houseless Shadow by William Raban - which was inspired by Dickens' night walks. It's rather lovely and nowhere near as bad as the words 'video installation' might suggest!

Well worth a potter around for an hour or so, and although it's a ticketed event, at £7 it's pretty good value, especially compared to some of the other exhibitions currently showing in London. Word of warning, it's busy - though that may be because we went on a Saturday afternoon - but there is also the rest of the excellent Museum of London to explore. It's one of the few museums I've been in London and an absolute gem. Enjoy.

Devonshire goodness

After a few days back in Birmingham, and via London and the Big Game 3 at Twickenham, have headed to Devon for a few days.

So currently in north Devon - walked through the empty Pannier Market in Barnstaple yesterday. Never seen it completely empty before and it had a lovely eerie architectural beauty about it...

Pannier Market - Barnstaple

Over at Woolacombe today there were a few heart souls enjoying the excellent surf - not really for me but was a stunning sky in the late afternoon light.

Surfer at Woolacombe

A bracing Christmas Day stroll

Head to Stratford Upon Avon for a morning stroll in the snow by the river - a good start to the day.

By the river

The Parish Church

River and the RSC

The quiet main street

Fancy a seat?

RSC theatre

Crisp and clear

Shakespeare's birthplace

What a photo??

On a couple of Christmas Day mornings I've made the most of the peace and quiet and taken photos in locations that have been a lot quieter than normal.

In 2009 it was Birmingham city centre and back in 2006 it was in the centre of London.

Wondering whether I'll venture out and do something similar this year - I'll be based in Birmingham so need think about any possible suitable locations.

My so called life...

Been a bit of a strange week...

• spoke at my local church on Sunday and the subject was Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. I included a couple of comments about whether blokes have a biological clock and if so does it just tick a little quieter than it does for women? Got a lot of comments and feedback on this - most reaction I've ever had on anything I've ever said.
• was coughing and spluttering on Monday and Tuesday - seemed to be my turn on the office rota
• Thursday evening was spent at the Riverside Studios in Hammersmith. Very pleasant evening that got a little strange as Question Time was being recorded there that evening (not the reason I was there) and Dimbleby and the panel emerged into a cordoned off part of the bar for a post show meal - didn't recognise any of them...
• pleasant Friday afternoon in Pizza Express for office Christmas meal. However, I do seem to spend a lot of time in Pizza Expresses - perhaps should move in...

Biking with Boris

Have taken the plunge and signed up with Boris' bike scheme.

It could be very useful - a cheap and pleasant way of getting around central London, especially in the summer.

Early impressions are good as my activation key arrived very promptly - the next day in fact. Not sure how it will work out but will update once I've had a go.

Mind you - the phrase 'with hilarious consquences' keeps coming to mine for some reason. Large slow bikes with inexperienced cyclists going around central London - what could possibly go wrong...

The geeks shall inherit the earth...

Been a busy week at work and wanted a Saturday completely off. On the train last night an advert for the London Film and Comic Con caught my eye. Well, although I'm a bit geeky this would be differentand so I headed off. Was a bit worried whilst queuing as some people in front were dressed as Harry Potter - there was also the obligatory stormtroopers.
Didn't know what to expect but was pleasantly surprised - various stands from comics to how to build your own R2D2, some talks, and opportunities to get signed autographs from various cult and sci-fi actors, like the two in the picture.

A couple of things did intrigue me. Numerous people dressed up - not just as stormtroopers but as Dr Who and assistant, as manga characters and even as Jessica Rabbit. Not something I'd do but fair play to them - they'd spent a lot of time and effort on the costumes and it's a safe environment in which to dress up; the worst that'll happen is people will want to take your photo. This is linked to the second thing. It wasn't just Comic Book Guy from the Simpsons types who were there, or indeed dressing up. In fact there were very few Comic Book Guys. The crowd was surpringly young - like at the Bon Jovi concerts I was 'above average' in age - and I'd guess 40% were women, including those in costume.

Stereotypes were suitably dented and a very enjoyable couple of hours - I'll be back.

And for those who don't know the photo is of Kenny Baker (R2D2 in Star Wars) and Dave Prowse (Darth Vadar and the Green Cross Code Man).

Making the most of the weather...

Not 100% sure I made the most of the weather - was very tempted to stay in and watch a variety of sports related TV programming - but went out for a delightful, and hot, cycle ride around the home counties/Thames valley.

So, for a few hours I pottered around Windsor, the Eton College boating lake (where the 2012 rowing will be held) and around Cliveden and Cookham.

Always surprises me that just outside London, just by the M4 or M25, and just under the Heathrow flight path you can find fields and small villages, complete with local churches and summer fayres.

All the way up to 11 - again

Spent last night at the opening concert of the Bon Jovi 'residency' at the O2.

As I've said before, I'm not a massive fan and they'll never be cool, but a good chance to catch up with a friend (a Bon Jovi fan) and you have to say the band know what they are doing. They did a good, tight 2 & half hour set mixing some new stuff with all the fans' favourites. It's basically a mass singalong with the band.

Two observations. First, the O2 really has changed from it's old incarnation as the Dome, and even from when I went to the first concert there a couple of years ago. It's a good venue and, unlike Wembley, pretty easy to get to/from on public transport, plus there are numerous bars and restaurants. Overall it's pretty impressive.

Second - I'm going to give up on trying to work out the Bon Jovi fanbase. They are a rock band who've been around for 25 years so you'd expect lots of middle aged blokes in demin? You'd be wrong. Me and my mate are both 39 and probably amongst some of the oldest there. Yes you'll still find the odd aging rocker - but most fans are in their 20s with a pretty even gender split, if not slightly more women. I find it bizarre that you're more likely to come across groups of women attending than blokes. I don't understand it, but can't knock it - the group know what they do and do it well.

Basically they've found a winning formula - and whilst they are never going to win masses of critical acclaim - you can't begrudge them their success.

Nothing like a Dame

Can't recall which royal said it - one of the George's I think - but 'bugger Bognor' seems about right. I thought I'd stay in a place on the coast but unfortunately I've chosen Bognor Regis... I've never been here before - if I had I doubt I'd have made that mistake.

To be fair it's like many other British seaside towns - it's a bit down on it's luck and I can't work out whether the large Butlin's resort is a blessing - still attracting tourists - or a curse - it sucks life out of the resort as they never have to leave the Butlin's bubble.

Nonetheless I discover that, like many seaside towns, once you escape the rather run down centre you can come across some nice places - in Margate you have the interesting Cliftonville, in Bognor you have Aldwick and Pagham. I manage to find a wonderful neighbourhood Italian restaurant with great homemade tiramisu and all is right with the world.

So after the 'delights' of Bognor last night, this morning I headed to Littlehampton. Again, like many small seaside towns I can't help but ask what is the point of Littlehampton? What do all the people who live here actually do?

Well, it doesn't matter as it has a certain charm - and the excellent East Beach Cafe. Somewhat surreally, as I tuck in to a lovely lunch, I discover that Dame Maggie Smith is sat a couple of tables away. Interestingly it's not the adults who've spotted her but some of the smaller children - they can spot a Hogwarts professor a mile off. With minimal fuss - most people still don't spot her - she discreetly signs a couple of autographs and is left to enjoy her lunch in piece with her friends and family.

I discover that this is not the only thespian connection Littlehampton has. Apparently Ronnie Barker used to live there and based Open All Hours on a local shop... small world...

Culture in Chichester

Have escaped London for a couple of days and today am in a damp Chichester. Spend the morning going around the excellent Pallant House Gallery with its wonderful collection of 20th century British art - a good selection of work including several by Peter Blake, Patrick Caulfield, and currently showing several pieces by some of the St Ives artists. Following a restorative coffee and chocolate cake - well it was raining and I needed something purely for medicinal purposes - I head to the Chichester Festival Theatre.

By a stroke of luck I've got about the last ticket to Yes, Prime Minister - not a rerun, but a complete new show written by the original team of Anthony Jay and Jonathan Lynn. I'm one of the oldest in the audience - but then it was last on our screens back in 1988!

Written by Jay and Lynn, and directed by Lynn, this is a bang up to date version of the show, complete with references to SpADs, sub prime mortgages and the hung parliament. The writing is as sharp as ever - combining biting political satire with moments of pure farce - as the events unfold over a weekend at Chequers.

I have to admit I was a bit nervous seeing this as the original was so loved - plus could anyone else than Nigel Hawthorne and Paul Eddington play Sir Humphrey Appleby and Jim Hacker? The answer is a clear yes! Excellent casting with the wonderful Henry Goodman as Sir Humphrey, and David Haig (who has also been in the politically sharp The Thick of It) combining bumbling incompetence with political opportunism as Jim Hacker. Full of laughs it has had good reviews and deserves a West End transfer. A wonderful antidote to the damp bank holiday weather.

A local cinema for local people

Spent last Saturday cycling around the Sussex Weald - lovely small villages, quiet country lanes and some disused railway were the 40 mile route I covered. Have to admit I was completed shredded by the end of it so, with trusty cycle safely lashed to the roof bars, I headed in to Uckfield to watch a film.

What a delightful cinema the Picture House Uckfield is. A wonderful local cinema - on the high street, with lots of history (it's been showing films since 1920), and good value. It's clearly a well run, well loved local cinema - such a refreshing change from the 'retail park' chains or the hacked about Odeon's that used to one big screen but have been converted to multi-screen.

Best things were you could take wine into the showing - they had a good slection of red or whites available - and there were no trailers or adverts, straight in to the film. Admittedly I sort of missed of the trailers - but it's was sign that it was run by film fans for films fans - you've come to watch the movie, not the latest Radio 1 advert.

Should you ever be in East Sussex and fancy a film then head here - such gems should be encouraged and supported.

And not a Titchmarsh in sight...

Despite having lived in London for several years I have never been to Kew Gardens. This is perhaps even more shameful as for the last few years I've lived fairly close. Anyway, today I corrected that - with lovely spring sunshine and the added bonus of no planes flying overheard.

I'm not really in to gardens; I find them slightly dull as one plant looks pretty similar to another to me. What can I say, I'm a city boy. But Kew was lovely - from the magnificent glass houses to the peaceful quieter parts, from the beautiful lawns to the tree top walk - a well worth trip.

Kew collects an interesting selection of visitors. From pensioners with their season tickets who like the cafes and restaurants, to slightly bemused overseas tourists; from school trips with bored teenagers, to SW London yummie mummies and/or their nannies with children in tow. Having a coffee I was near a particularly braying mum with her brood - talking inanities to friends, or on her mobile, she was wittering on about 'raising children is soooo different in Europe' and 'I didn't even record the leaders' debate but daren't tell my freinds. But I ensured I Skyplused Desperate Housewives'. I have to admit that she was such a stereotype I did look around for a film crew wondering if a spoof or a new sitcom was being recorded (or even a section for Outnumbered which has to be the most depressingly middle class and unfunny 'sitcom' since Terry & June - no doubt that will annoy some...).

Stereotypical mums aside - a lovely few hours in an oasis in SW London.

An Easter Break

Blogging has been 'light' of late - OK, non existant. Anyway, been lots on lately and whilst I've not got nothing to say, blogging is a habit, and like all habits you can fall out of it quickly. Don't know if I'll resume blogging more regularly - and given the various false starts of late, I'm not promising!

Escaped to north Devon for a couple of days over the Easter weekend. Quite a contrast. On the Saturday went to Big Sheep - which does exactly what it says on the tin, there are sheep, lots. And pigs, and somewhat bizarrely, some Indian Running Ducks which you can watch being herded by a sheep dog. All very strange but good fun; a great venue, especially with small children in tow who have a wonderful time.

Sunday was slightly different as heading back up the A303 to Thruxton to watch the opening round of the British Touring Car Championship. When in the shelter from the wind and the sun came out it was lovely - when in the wind and no sun it was bitterly cold. Again another good day - and such a contrast in the space of 2 days. One day sheep, the next petrol heads and 'pit lane babes' - OK hairdressers from Essex.

So eventually headed back to London on the Monday. A very British bank holiday weekend in many ways - mixed weather and two different and typically British events.

Mind you, even in rural Devon there was no escape from some aspects of the Westminster Village.

Talking 'bout a Revolution

Last weekend I was up in Manchester to go to Revolution 28. The Revolution series are track cycling meetings that are a cross between an exhibition event and a team meeting, which gives a chance for young talent to develop. Held at the national Velodrome on a Saturday evening it's a good family event for cycle fans - blending the best of the world (Sir Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton were competing) with up and coming talent.

I'd never been to the velodrome before and it's a great venue. Spectators are close to the tight, banked track as the athletes whizz past - the atmosphere is great. It must be incredible at a World Cup or championship event.

British Cycling is have a wonderful time - dominant on the track and now with a strong Protour professional team with Team Sky. Interestingly Sky where at the event doing some 3D recording - which will be fascinating to see. But like most sports in the UK it relies on a strong volunteer base. Looking at the officials at the meeting doing their thing in the centre of the track I couldn't help but wonder what some of these volunteers make of it - some of them must have been helping cycling during the lean years. I wonder what they'd have said if 15 years ago you'd told them what the state of UK cycling would be today - complete with knighthoods, world champions and a thorough and professional outfit?

So a great evening - thoroughly enjoyable. And the banking of the velodrome track has to be seen to be believed!

Forest for the trees

Weather's not great but need some fresh air so head out for a decent stroll.

I like the fact that even though you can live in the south east of England, in some of the most densely populated parts of Europe, you still find peace and quiet.

It's cold, damp and a bit muddy - this forest could just as easily be in Wales or Scotland. And then, to surprise you, you come across a market gardening operation.

Though looking at the sign, I'm guessing it's not just the locals of Surrey employed here.

New Year Resolutions - Day 2

So, day 2 - how are the New Year Resolutions going? So far, so good??


A couple of weeks ago I registered with an new GP so had a minor check up. On the whole things were fine, "when did you last see your GP?" "1996", was my reply. My blood pressure was a little high - the nurse took it 3 times just to make sure - but when I told them where I work, "well, I guess that explains that." Then came the time to measure my weight. It wasn't too bad - but let's just say that I'm *ahem* slightly 'bigger boned' that I thought. Upshot is I need to take more exercise.

Weather today was lovely and crisp, and one of the joys of where I live is that in 40 minutes I can be amongst the countryside. So today I headed to the North Downs and the River Wey just outside Guildford for a 7-8 mile walk.

OK, so much of the good work... most of the good work... probably all of the good work... was undone by the pie and chips I had for tea... Still, day 2 and the 'more exercise' resolution is intact. Small steps...

Peace & Quiet at Christmas

A very happy Christmas to one and all.

It's a wonderful crisp morning and for the first time in many years I'm in Birmingham when Santa delivers his presents. A few years ago on Christmas Day I headed in to central London, on my way somewhere, to see how busy it was, and, if quiet, to take some photos of quiet London streets. It was busier than I thought and to have a re-read of that post see here.

This morning, with lovely clear skies, I do the same in the centre of Birmingham. It's lot quieter than central London, but there are still more people milling around than I expect, including some tourist taking the odd photo.

The old and the new - St Martins Church and Selfridges

A quiet Bull Ring - will be very different in 24 hours!

The now iconic addition to Birmingham's skyline

Birmingham Cathedral - spot the Bishop competition

More of the changing Brummie skyline.

The Christmas Bells

Back in Birmingham for a few days over Christmas and head to one of the more unusual Christmas traditions in south Birmingham - the Bournville Village Green Carol Service.

Bournville - the 'village' created by the Cadbury's in the late 19th century - has a primary school, indeed it's the one I attended. For reasons never entirely clear, the school has a bell tower complete with a carillon of bells. This means that rather than merely play chimes on the hour, there is a sort of keyboard and full tunes can be played on the large clock bells. Each Christmas Eve a couple of thousand gather to sing carols on Bournville Green as the tunes are played on the bells in the school bell tower. There are also traditional Christmas readings.

It does become semi amusing as the laws of physics kick in. The Green is one side of the main road through Bournville, the school the other. The Green is fairly large. Sound travels at 330m per second. Result - rarely are the bells and the singing in time - indeed this year during the first carol the singing managed to be both ahead and behind the music!

Still, its a decent, and well timed, service lasting 45 minutes. The prayers by the local vicar are good as they contain relevant and local prayers for both the future of Cadbury's - a massive local employer current under rumours of takeover by Kraft - and for the injured servicemen and women who end up being treated at the local Selly Oak Hospital.

Overall it's one of those wonderfully strange quirks that you occasionally come across in Britain - and not a bad way to start Christmas.