Back to Blogging?

Hope so.

Don't quite know how we are halfway through the year and at the longest day already, but here we are. So far 2011 has been a bit strange and busy. Various things have come up - both work and play - which have meant the blogging has had to take a back seat. I know I've said it a couple of times in recent months, but hopefully I'll now be back to the blog on a regular basis.

So once again the usual mix of inanities, film/TV/book reviews, and general 'stuff' will, perhaps intermittently, appear on this blog again.

You have been warned...

Blogging will be back

Apologies that the blogging hiatus has been longer than expected - it will be back shortly.

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.

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!

Moore at the Tate

Went to a preview of the Henry Moore exhibition at Tate Britain the other evening.

Not sure what to make of it. I'll admit that I'm not a huge sculpture fan, but looking at these pieces up close you are forced to admire the artistry. Moore worked with a variety of materials - bronze, concrete, elmwood, alabaster - and his works comes in a variety of sizes. Seeing them all together does give you an appreciation of the sheer scale of his work.

But... well... putting so much Moore in one place does dilute it. There is a whole room of 'Mother & Child' pieces, another room has numerous 'Reclining figures'. It, frankly, becomes rather boring and 'samey' after a while - perhaps less really is Moore.

However, there are some simply stunning drawing of miners at work and people sheltering in the Underground during WW2 - they are beautiful and haunting. These are certainly worth seeing and spending time with.

If you are a fan of Moore then you'll enjoy this. If not I suggest an alternative. Within yards of Tate Britain find two of Moore's pieces - one by the Thames across the river from MI6 building, one on the green by Parliament where the TV crews do their interviews. These are beautiful pieces in beautiful locations - and can be enjoyed for free.