Real Days Out

The River and Rowing Museum plays host to Tonia Williams oarsome exhibition

Alan — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:53:36 +0000

The River and Rowing Museum plays host to Tonia Williams oarsome exhibition

Oarsome – The Art of Rowing is the latest fascination exhibition being held at the River & Rowing Museum and showcases the work of Tonia Williams, the former rowing world champion and lightweight oarswoman in team GB. Her extensive sporting prowess coupled with her 20 years experience as an urban designer has brought about a series of art works that show the visual beauty of her chosen sport along with her technical skills.

The contemporary art that Williams created has evolved over the years as she searched her imagination for pieces that were inspired by rowing as she aimed to capture the very essence of this most exciting of sports. Her canvasses are based on both power and emotion, along with the dedication and symmetry needed to capture these moments forever, and this is a truly remarkable exhibition.

Williams’ artwork evolved through years of searching for contemporary paintings inspired by rowing that successfully captured the essence of the sport. Her vibrant canvasses based on a scientific and emotional response to the power, symmetry and dedication of rowing demand attention in this extraordinary show.

Tonia Williams grew up in New Zealand but was born in Plymouth, UK. Williams discovered rowing when she joined her local club whilst studying for an architectural degree. As a member of North Shore Rowing Club, she excelled and became part of the first New Zealand women’s eight to race abroad, winning the World University Boat Race at Brisbane expo in 1988.

Soon afterwards she moved to competing in lightweight events and the single scull. Following six months in Switzerland at the suggestion of Harry Mahon, then Swiss head coach, in 1990 she was invited to move to the UK to join the Nottinghamshire County Rowing Association high performance squad and gained selection for the Great Britain rowing squad.

Her first appearance for Britain was in a lightweight double scull in 1991. From 1992 until 1994 Williams stroked the British women’s lightweight four winning three medals including gold at the 1993 World Rowing Championships. This was Britain’s first ever world rowing gold medal for women. She retired from competitive rowing in 1996 then became President and then Commodore of North Shore Rowing Club in New Zealand. She is currently helping to oversee the club’s redevelopment, while actively competing as a master.

Lindsay Guest, Curator of the Exhibition said: “The River & Rowing Museum has always strived to display exciting contemporary artwork alongside the rich heritage of the sport. Tonia Williams’ experience as an athlete as well as an urban designer enables her to capture the essence of Rowing in a unique and fascinating way. We are delighted to exhibit her work”

Windermere relay creates fun for all the family this summer

Alan — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:13:13 +0000

Windermere relay creates fun for all the family this summer

Lakes Aquarium is an attraction in the Lake District which has joined forces with five other popular attractions in the area in order to create a family focused challenge in the spirit of the Olympics. This event is going to be running in the summer and it is called the Peter Rabbit Windermere Relay.

Visitors at the event are going to be able to run in the competition and there will be prizes for those who come in top place. The idea is that competitors are going to be collecting stamps from the different attractions and by doing this they complete the challenge. All they have to do to submit their entry is post it to the attraction in Bowness, the World of Beatrix Potter.

The Peter Rabbit™ Windermere Relay starts on June 30 and ends on September 2 2012. Entrants can collect their stamps as fast or as slowly as they wish, with some expected to tear around and collect their stamps over a week or weekend and others adopting the slow and steady wins the race motto, collecting stamps over the course of several visits.

The great news is that a stamp can be collected without paying to enter the attractions, though missing out on the fun offered by each would be a shame. Participating attractions are: The World of Beatrix Potter, Lakes Aquarium, Windermere Lake Cruises, Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, Brockhole – The Lake District Visitor Centre and the Lakeland Motor Museum.

Making Lakes Aquarium the starting point makes sense. The attraction has an Olympics theme running during the school summer holidays, but always provides an experience involving amazing swimming feats and artistic and balletic displays under water, diving exploits worthy of Tom Daley and aerial gymnastics.

The aquatic skills belong to the Oriental otters, which swim to depths of 3.2 metres in the amazing underwater tunnel, accessing their watery paradise from their ‘diving board’. Visitors can also see fascinating diving ducks foraging for food underwater. Gymnastics come from tiny pygmy marmosets, swinging between tree branches and performing twists and turns, which always thrill visitors.

Lakes Aquarium’s other advantage as a relay starting point is its Lakeside location, on Windermere’s southern shore – shared with both Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway and Windermere Lake Cruises. A family could collect three of their four relay stamps there in just one day. Additionally, there is a bus service from Lakeside to the Lakeland Motor Museum – another stamp collection venue.

Great value combined tickets are available for those wishing to visit Lakes Aquarium and one of its neighbouring attractions, so there are lots of reasons to both collect stamps and enjoy the experiences offered by each.

The prizes in the Peter Rabbit™ Windermere Relay are well worth winning. The Gold prize is a family stay for two adults and two children at the award-winning Abbey House Hotel, Barrow-in-Furness, on a bed and breakfast basis, with afternoon tea thrown in. The Gold winner also gets free entry to all six attractions and £200 spending money.

The Silver prize is a family ticket to the new Brockhole Treetop Trek Adventure experience near Windermere, a hamper of goodies and free entry to the six participating attractions. The Bronze winner will receive a hamper of goodies and free entry to the six attractions.

Take up the baton and enter the relay this summer. You never know your luck and by moving around, you will discover fantastic scenery, find out more about the attractions and have great fun as an energetic relay participant!

Visit www.lakesaquarium.co.uk for more details about your ideal relay starting point (as from June 30) and the tickets and offers available.

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admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 08:21:28 +0000

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Cutty Sark the great British maritime tradition

admin — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:33:11 +0000

The Cutty Sark is a name synonymous with the great British maritime tradition. The famous boat that was built for the Jock Willis shipping line back in 1869 was one of the last tea clippers ever made and also one of the fastest, as it came right at the end of a long period of design and development where sailing ships gave way to those propelled by steam, and the Cutty Sark history is the kind of stuff that usually belongs in fiction.

The Cutty Sark travelled the seven seas during its time as a tea clipper, including the new Suez Canal which opened in the same year as the boat was built. This meant that the route to China was that much quicker, and after travelling this route for several years carrying its precious cargoes of tea, before becoming part of the burgeoning wool trade and travelling back and forth from the UK to Australia.

After being sold on and used for many years as a training ship, the Cutty Sark had finally exceeded both its use and expectations, as it was only intended to be a serviceable vessel for 30 years. In 1954, it took up permanent residence at Greenwich dock, where it became a tourist attraction. Situated at the entrance of the Greenwich World Heritage site, it drew huge crowds until a disaster threatened its very existence.

During May 2007, the Cutty Sark had been partly dismantled as part of a restoration project when a fire broke out that took several hours to bring it under control. Initial reports made the damage sound devastating, but it was later revealed that much of the valuable structure had been removed, and after a major rebuild, as well as the original restoration, the Cutty Sark reopened to visitors in 2008, and is still a premier tourist attraction.

Such is the appeal of the Cutty Sark, and the fact that it is instantly recognisable, has made it a popular image on souvenirs. The fact that is was relaunched last month has brought about a whole new range of memorabilia, and in keeping with its history, tea experts Twinings have produced two new teas named after the Cutty Sark that come in attractive and collectable tins each depicting the image of the most famous of tea clippers.

This isn’t the only event that Twinings are commemorating with a special range of teas, and 2012 is also the year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, and being purveyors of some of the finest teas you can buy, you can bet that Twinings have delivered something very special. Ornately designed tin and caddies have been fashioned in various colours to give you a very special memento of an event none of us will likely see again.

Go to the Twinings website to have a look at both the Cutty Sark and the Diamond Jubilee tea blend containers, and get yourself a little bit of history that will help you commemorate two great events. While there have a look around and see their new White tea blend, that will take you back to the days when the Cutty Sark ruled the waves.

For Twinings

Norwich – Monuments and Hidden Gems

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 12:11:57 +0000

Norwich gets its fair share of visitors, but perhaps not as many as it deserves considering its rich history and well-presented attractions. For sight-seers, the castle and cathedral will be the highlights. There are some excellent museums and galleries at the castle and at the more newly-constructed Forum too. Norwich also has some hidden gems, but you won’t have to walk too far to find them. It’s a fairly compact city, and it has shops, bars and restaurants in abundance, so everyone will love Norwich.

Today, the city is the relatively small and quiet regional capital of Norfolk, but in its past it was a turbulent and influential place. It was in the heartland of the Iceni tribe who, under the leadership of Boudicca, launched their glorious but ill-fated revolt against Roman occupation. Later, Norwich was settled by Saxons, but they had to contend with bloody encounters with Viking raiders. When the Normans conquered England, Norwich was at its peak. During the 11th century, it was the second biggest city in England, and this is when construction of the castle and cathedral commenced.

From the outside, Norwich Castle doesn’t look like a typical castle. The Norman Keep, its most prominent feature, is rather square looking and shows no signs of battle scars. Inside, it’s a treat for those who like history to be interactive and fun. You can play medieval games, and get a feel for what life was like for the garrisoned Norman soldiers.

The cathedral is one of the best examples of English gothic architecture. As its constructors intended, it makes stone seem so light it almost floats. The interiors and cloisters are tranquil and impressive, and the lofty spire leaves no doubt where it’s pointing, to heaven.

Norwich Forum was built to celebrate the millennium. It houses the city’s library alongside the regional BBC headquarters. There are also shops, bars and restaurants, as well as exhibitions and a museum. The vast glass front reflects the impressive church of St Peter Mancroft. It’s a contrast of old and new, and the space in between has become a popular place for people of all ages to hang out and relax.

Shopping in Norwich centres around the market where you can browse the stalls for jewellery, flowers or old books, and graze through the many food stalls eating chips and seafood. A short distance from the market, there are two modern shopping malls for all the big high street names. For smaller independent shops, the art-nouveau Royal Arcade is one of Norwich’s great treasures, and the cobbled streets of the Lanes offer rich pickings too.

The best bars and restaurants are mostly around the edges of the city centre, for example in Tombland, near to the cathedral. There’s a saying that Norwich has a pub and a church for every day of the year. Whether that’s true or not, there are a lot of pubs, often quite small and always friendly. There are also many arts centres and little attractions scattered all over the city, and two theatres of note. Theatre Royal, the bigger of the two, is one of the top theatres outside London, and the Playhouse is a more intimate space for smaller productions.

Norwich may be a small city in comparison to many, but it has just about everything you could ever need.

Written by Mike who writes for www.completetravelguide.co.uk and enjoys blogging about his day trips to London at www.londondaytrip.co.uk you can follow on twitter @payt

Kent well deserves its title of the Garden of England

Alan — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:58:37 +0000

The county of Kent in the south-east of England has become known as the Garden of England because it has an incredible number of flowers and plants. This is largely because of its very fertile soil, which also makes it a good location for growing hops and orchards.

The area was strongly associated with beer making in the past and for this reason there are many oast houses in the area. Many of these today are no longer used for brewing but instead have been turned into beautiful homes which are often let out to holidaymakers. An oast house has a long pointy roof and in this roof is where hops were stored where they were dried before the beer was made.

As the making is a strong tradition it is no surprise that it is possible to tour a brewery here. In Faversham you will find the oldest brewer in the UK, Shepherd Neame. It is possible to tour this brewery which can be a fascinating insight into how beer is created.

English wine is something that is becoming more and more popular in the UK, and Kent is leading the way for the creation of the best British wines. There are numerous wineries in Kent where wine tasting can be done. One of the most famous is probably Chapel Down which is located in Tenterden, or the Lamberhurst Vineyard which is near Tunbridge Wells.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Kent can be found in Canterbury, Canterbury Cathedral. This is a world Heritage site and it is also the centre of Christianity for the country. This is a place of pilgrimage for many people and learning about the history of religion in this part of the country as a fascinating experience, you can learn about this through the Canterbury Tales exhibition.

Discovering England’s Jurassic Coast

Alan — Fri, 11 May 2012 17:55:33 +0000

From Dorset to East Devon is a stretch of coast which has the name the Jurassic Coast. This is because it has some of the oldest rocks that can be found anywhere in the UK. Scientists have used technology in order to estimate the age of these rocks and they think that they are around 250 million years old.

The number of fossils that can be seen in these rocks is quite astounding and you will be able to see many as you explore any part of this length of coastline which stretches for nearly 100 miles. This location is something that is well worth visiting and anyone who has been here will tell you what a great experience they had. Visiting this area reminds you of the incredibly rich heritage of the country and you can use many maps that have been created in order to guide tourists to the hotspots.

The area has been damaged by visitors in recent years, so it is very important that you come to the area and do not destroy anything, just observe the areas beauty. There are many towns around this area where visitors choose to stay and there is a wide range of accommodation options in these different villages and towns.

There are also numerous activities to enjoy in these villages and the surrounding area including visitors centres, museums and other attractions. One of the best areas to stay would be along the coast as this gives you easy access to the Jurassic Coast for exploration.

Driving is probably one of the most common ways to explore the area but there are definitely other ways to do it. Some companies offer special boat tours along the coast and this will give you an entirely different perspective of the area. However you decide to see this part of the country, you are sure to learn a lot.

Jubilee celebrations fit for a Queen take place in Staffordshire

Alan — Thu, 03 May 2012 17:08:37 +0000

Jubilee celebrations fit for a Queen take place in Staffordshire

With Jubilee fever about to grip the nation, as well as us all thinking the Queen for giving us a four day weekend, the county of Staffordshire has a huge and varied programme of events line up that will ensure all that attend enjoy a Bank Holiday weekend that is fit for Royalty.

There is a whole host of regal events being held at the Shugborough Estate as well as a whole host of activities to take part in. This is a particularly apt setting for Jubilee celebrations as it was once the home or society photographer Patrick Lichfield, the Queen’s cousin.

From 25th May – 30th June visitors can view a captivating selection of photographs of HRH The Queen taken by Patrick Lichfield along with the magnificent robes worn by his grandparents at the Queen’s coronation. There will also be an exhibition of historic 50s attire from the coronation years in the grand Saloon and in the Victorian Servants’ Quarters visitors can find out more about Queen Victoria’s jubilee and see the servants’ hall decked out for a royal celebration. On the 5th June, the Estate is hosting a special Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Day, where everyone is encouraged to don their best royal fancy dress and enjoy the celebration activities.

From Monday to Friday from 30th April – 18th May those with a passion for pottery can take a factory tour at Emma Bridgewater, Stoke-on-Trent, and see all the wonderful pieces, from egg cups to crowns, being made to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee! Then, on 3rd June, celebrate all things regal with the Emma Bridgewater Diamond Jubilee Courtyard Party. With delicious treats in the sunshine, royal activities and makes, it’s an event to entertain the whole family!

They might not be as famous as the Royal Yacht Britannia, but the narrowboats, canal boats and the Princess steam engine at Etruria Industrial Museum’s Jubilee Canal Festival will be just as impressive! The family-friendly summer festival on 2nd and 3rd June brings together some of the waterways’ finest in a lively carnival atmosphere with a Jubilee flotilla and tea party on the Sunday.

As the home of Royal commemorative ware, the Wedgwood Visitor Centre & Museum is hosting a week of Diamond Jubilee celebrations from 2nd – 8th June. Visitors can expect a commemorative museum gallery trail and factory tours, as well as family activities such as face painting, Diamond Jubilee treasure trails and children’s workshops. On Tuesday 5th June there will also be the opportunity to dress up as a Prince or Princess and join the fancy dress parade or even enter the ‘Best Crown’ competition. There is also a free glass of sparkling wine to everyone celebrating an anniversary that week, a free prize draw to win afternoon tea for two, children go free and free admission for anyone celebrating a 60th birthday in June!

Get the party started in Tamworth Castle Pleasure Grounds on Saturday 2nd June with a Diamond Jubilee Party in the Park from 12pm – 3pm. Royal festivities include live music from the bandstand, street magic, face painting and a visit from the King and Queen of Hearts! This is a free event, and guaranteed to be a veritable Royal roundup of fun – why not bring a picnic and make a day of it?

Lichfield has a whole host of exciting events fit for a Queen. Join the ‘Big Jubilee Lunch’ at Lichfield Cathedral on 3rd June where visitors can enjoy a free street party in style on Lichfield Cathedral’s lawns with music, food stalls, bunting and picnincs galore! On 4th June one of Staffordshire’s oldest traditions, Lichfield Greenhill Bower Diamond Jubilee Celebration, will provide the perfect opportunity to get in to the carnival spirit. A traditional street carnival which originates from the 12th century, the Bower boasts bands and floats all led by Green Mans Morris and Sword Club. Celebrations continue in Beacon Park with a full programme of family entertainment, trade and charity stalls, band displays, a fabulous funfair and even a family dog show! Early Bird Wristbands will be available from key locations within the city for just £1 instead of £3 on the day, and under 5s go free.

On 16th June two of Lichfield’s biggest destinations, Lichfield Garrick and Lichfield Cathedral, are joining together to host a true night to remember with a Jubilee Proms Concert. A magnificent celebration of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II combined with the great tradition of the patriotic British Proms concert, the programme will feature rousing Coronation anthems and spectacular film footage and excerpts from the Westminster Abbey Coronation. Expect to be singing along to such British favourites as Rule Britannia, Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory!

The National Memorial Arboretum, near Alrewas, is hosting two days of celebration in honour of The Queen’s milestone event. On Sunday 3rd June you can join the Diamond Jubilee Big Lunch at the Arboretum with Sunday lunch in the Rose Room and nostalgic entertainment from ‘Sincerely Yours’, a tribute to the heyday of 1940s wartime entertainment. Early booking is recommended. Then, on 4th June, there is a Diamond Jubilee Big Picnic, where visitors are invited bring their own Jubilee feast to the Arboretum and be entertained by local musicians ‘Strictly Swing’ and the ‘Lichfield Lighthouse Company’, whilst younger visitors can get involved with face painting and craft activities. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

Royal Air Force Museum Cosford are hosting a whole week of Diamond Jubilee half term activities guaranteed to keep the kids entertained from 2nd– 10th June. For just £1 per person little princes and princesses can show off their aristocratic arts and crafts skills by making and decorating their very own crown and decorating their own section of bunting – all of the bunting will then be pieced together to make a huge bunting display within the Museum!

On the 26th and 27th May Leek’s Diamond Jubilee Event will include an Italian and British market to commemorate both the Jubilee and the 10th anniversary of the town’s twinning with Este, Italy. Families are also invited to bring a picnic to Brough Park where there will be many activities including fairground rides, falconry displays, hog roasts and local bands. On the evening of Saturday 26th May there will be live performances from jazz/soul band ‘Major Feelgood and the Soul Warriors’ in Brough Park. Tickets are available from selected outlets in the town.

For a whole weekend of celebrations, head to Stafford for a Jubilee street party of Royal proportions. On Saturday 2nd June the town centre will be taken over by street theatre and entertainers as Stafford goes back to the 1950s. Those with a passion for all things vintage can learn ‘50s style dance and get their hair put up in styles of the era. There will also be a Jubilee Tea Party on the grounds of St Mary’s Church on the Saturday, where revelers can enjoy a well-earned cup of tea and cupcake! Then, on Sunday 3rd June, the famous Glen Miller Orchestra will be thrilling music-lovers with a celebration concert at the town’s Gatehouse Theatre. Finish off the bonanza weekend on Monday 4th July at Stafford Castle with a spectacular firework display to mark the historic occasion.

For lovers of local ales, the Diamond Jubilee Beer Festival at The Swan, Stafford, is sure to tickle the tastebuds! The festival begins at 4:00pm on Friday 1st June and runs through to the evening of Monday 4th June. As well as 30 varieties of locally brewed ales from Staffordshire’s breweries including Titanic and Lymestone Breweries, there will be food stalls, barbeques, live music and entertainment throughout all four days and evenings. Best of all, admission to the entire weekend is free!

To celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Enjoy Staffordshire are also hosting a Right Royal Treasure Hunt giving away 60 tickets to top attractions across the county. Whether you are an adventure junkie, nature lover or culture vulture, ten tickets from six of the county’s leading attractions including Alton Towers Resort, Drayton Manor Theme Park, Shugborough Estate, Emma Bridgewater, Trentham Estate and the Trentham Monkey Forest, as well as Enjoy Staffordshire Thrill Hopper tickets, will be given away each day from 28th May until the Jubilee weekend celebrations begin on 2nd June.

Each day, clues will be given out on the Enjoy Staffs Facebook Fan Page that lead participants to one of Staffordshire’s vast array of attractions and destinations. There will also be hints to the answers given out on the @EnjoyStaffs Twitter feed, and the clues can then be solved with the help of the Enjoy Staffordshire website; www.enjoystaffordshire.com. Ten lucky winners will be selected each day, giving 60 Right Royal Treasure Hunt entrants the opportunity to enjoy brand new attractions and experiences around the county this summer!

To be in with a chance of winning, and for more information about Jubilee events in and around Staffordshire, visit www.enjoystaffordshire.com, join the Enjoy Staffs Facebook Fanpage or follow them on Twitter @EnjoyStaffs.

Discover more about the North Yorkshire moors at the Moors Centre in Danby

Alan — Wed, 02 May 2012 14:24:51 +0000

If you have come to the North Yorkshire Moors for a holiday then you can educate yourself about the area by visiting the Moors Centre, which can be found in Danby. Here you will find a great deal of information about the local area and all the walks that can be enjoyed in the surrounding countryside.

One of the best walks that you can enjoy on a clear day is up Sutton Bank Top. Once you have reached a high point of this walk, you will be able to enjoy spectacular views over the surrounding area. There is an airfield nearby, and you will be able to watch planes taking off from it which can be a very enjoyable experience.

Another museum that is worth visiting is the Ryedale Folk Museum, which will provide visitors with a little bit of information about the history of the local area. At this attraction there have been many buildings reconstructed in the traditional style which will show how people used to live in the area many hundreds of years ago. The museum also has numerous events throughout the year which you should investigate before you visit.

If you are in Pickering, it would also be worth visiting the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. This is a railway that runs along the Moors for 18 miles and it is probably one of the best ways to enjoy the scenery. If you are coming during August, then you are lucky, as this is the best time to see the surrounding scenery as the purple heather the area is known for comes into full bloom.

Whatever reason you have come to the North Yorkshire Moors for, you’re sure to find something to entertain you, from beautiful walks, two fascinating museums, there is really something for everyone to enjoy.

Holidaying on the North Yorkshire moors

Alan — Tue, 01 May 2012 14:21:07 +0000

If you have come to the North Yorkshire moors for a holiday then there are numerous attractions and activities that you are going to be able to take part in. One of the most popular attractions is to take a walk around the area. You will find numerous great things to see on a walk including the town of Scarborough, as well as the many seaside resorts of Whitby, Bridlington and Robin Hood’s Bay.

It is not just walking that will entertain you while you are here and you will also be able to visit the Flamingo Land Zoo, which has recently undergone a significant expansion. This area is more than just a zoo and it also has a great deal of theme park rides which will particularly appeal to children. There are numerous shows that take place at this zoo and there is really something to entertain people of all ages.

Another attraction well worth visiting in North Yorkshire is Castle Howard. This is an incredibly beautiful building with a lake in front of it which is particularly spectacular in the summer months.

There are also concerts held at this location throughout the year, so you should also see if anything you want to see is being held while you are in the area. As well as having live music, there are often spectacular firework displays held throughout the year. There is no charge to visit the gardens at the Castle.

If you are looking to learn something from a museum then one of the best in the area is the Beck Isle Museum, which can be found in Pickering town. This was also the birthplace of the famous photographer Sidney Smith, and there are many of his most famous photographs housed here for visitors to the area to enjoy.