Solihull - Borders Stock Liquidation

10% off everything at Borders - possibly more. In Solihull only - but the rest of Borders were soon to follow.

Exhibition at Solihull Arts Centre

Solihull Gallery can be approached either from the library or from the theatre. Both parts of the cultural centre meet here. The current exhibition of sculpture made from soft furnishings and loved objects is by Kirsty E Smith.
Here is an old biscuit tin she has memories of, highly elaborated. She says as introduction to the exhibition "I live in a constant dialogue between my childhood memories and my experience of the preseent... Making is something I have done since a child..' To find out more visit her blog Frillip Moolog.

Town Girl in Country

Not everybody came properly dressed for the Millom & Broughton Country Show in Cumbria
Nethertheless you don't need to be a country person to recognise prize winning vegetables...
or be able to spot prize winning poultry
But it does help to have a basic understanding of country ways to get between them.

Laurel and Hardy

Ulverston in Cumbria used to have a backstreet Laurel and Hardy museum with newspaper clippings about Stan Laurel, who originally came from the town. Earlier this year a new statue was unveiled in front of the Coronation Hall.

Grange Over Sands

This view is from Grange Railway Station over what was the Grange Sands. It is far less sandy having been overgrown by an invasive plant since the last time we were there about ten years ago. After taking this picture I was told by the station master that photography in the station was no longer allowed because it is an infringement of copyright. So that too has changed since ten years ago.
Our main reason for going was not to see the station but to view all the art and craft displays along the promenade.
This lady is creating flowers from willow sticks which are then mounted on hazel.

Prague - by my better half

And finally two of my wife's pictures. The only reason I get away with taking so many pictures on holiday is she is doing it too.
Jesus Christ with churches behind...
Two ladies on a bench.

Prague Day 8

Before returning home a couple of images of things British found in Prague. This wonderful statue of Churchill...

and a large shopping mall very close to our hotel but which we did not discover until the last day. A large Tesco over two floors - there are supervisors who get about here on roller blades. Also an M&S and Next. And shops we have lost like C&A are still there in Prague.

Prague Day 7

During my stay here I have been reading The Castle by Franz Kafka. This simple monument to Kafka, and his parents is in the jewish cemetary.
Ivy grows over and between most graves. Since the holocaust very few new graves have been erected in this particular cemetary.

Prague Day 6

Another image from another cemetary - an angel before crumbling monuments.
A street crossing in Prague. People waiting.

Prague Day 5

A dancing building.
Some of the best art is to be found for free in a cemetary in Prague remembering notable people from the the inter war years - it has no politicians or military. Most public art you must pay for in Prague.