Posted by Paul on August 20, 2009 – 1:03 pm
Four carvers will compete at a thrilling ’speed carving’ competition as the sawdust flies at The National Forest Wood Fair on Bank Holiday Monday 31st August 2009. Lorraine Botterill, Andrew Frost, Dick Tilley and Carrie Yuen will have just half an hour flat to be on their marks, get set and off at full power to create a piece of sculpture from a plain lump of wood. Having impressed visitors with their impressive creations, they will then go on to wield their way through more lumps of timber than an eager beaver, and each will donate at least one piece of sculpture to a charity auction.
Packed with live demonstrations of woodworking skills and craft displays, the whole day will consist of a variety of hands-on activities for adults and children alike. There will be stories and songs from the Wild Man of the Woods, archery, birds of prey and a brilliant climbing wall.
Admission charges for the day out at Beacon Hill Country Park include car parking and a programme and will cost adults £6, concessions £4 and a family ticket £14 (for two adults and three children).
Posted by Jennifer on August 20, 2009 – 9:00 am
Today’s picture of the day is of St Peter’s Church in the beautiful area of Worcestershire. It is located in the tranquil village of Abbot’s Morton. The church dates back over one thousand years and it is open every day of the year. The architecture is fascinating and attracts visitors from across the world.
Posted by Paul on August 20, 2009 – 7:32 am
Witness the majesty, pomp and pageantry as Henry VIII arrives at Pendennis Castle on Sunday 30th & Monday 31st August 2009. Actors, players, knights, soldiers and ladies accompany the enigmatic King and his Queen as they take part in mounted hunting games and are entertained with demonstrations of Tudor falconry. Courtly music helps set the scene with the highlight of each day being a remarkable display of Tudor horsemanship with a pair of fully armoured knights in a full contact joust. Prices: Adults £12.00 / Concessions £10.20 / Children £6.00 / Family Ticket £30.00. English Heritage Members: Adults £6.00 / Concessions £5.10 / Children £3.00 / Family Ticket £15.00
Booking recommended.
Posted by Jennifer on August 19, 2009 – 9:00 am
Today’s picture of the day is of Diss Mere. Its name derives from the Saxon name for ‘ditch if sand water’ and it dates back to the ice age. The mere is 60 feet deep and it has a fountain and a place to feed the ducks and do some fishing.
Posted by Paul on August 19, 2009 – 12:32 am
Ghosts don’t wait until Halloween – so why should we? Join Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight this Bank Holiday weekend for a spine-tingling day out with terrifyingly fun activities for all the family including a ghost tour led by spooky characters around the castle. You had better keep your wits about you, as who knows what or who you will bump into!
Posted by Paul on August 19, 2009 – 12:28 am
The Royal China Club on Baker Street will be hosting free chopstick lessons for children. Commencing on Monday 24th August and held every day until Friday 28 August 2009, the lessons will run from 3.30pm – 4.30pm. The restaurant welcomes children of all ages to visit during this week and learn the art of using chopsticks.
The hour long lesson will include a variety of activities using chopsticks, and children will be given complimentary treats and dim sum to practice with and to nibble on. A competition at the end of the lesson will test the children’s newfound skills, and a prize will be given to the winner. Children will be able to keep their chopsticks as a souvenir to take home.
Families are invited to partake in these complimentary classes, and to enjoy an hour of fun and games which promises to give children a better grasp on how to use chopsticks. The lessons and treats are completely free of charge, and are perfect for families looking to entertain children during their summer holiday.
Posted by Jennifer on August 18, 2009 – 9:00 am
Today’s picture of the day is of Loch Long in Argyll, Scotland. It stretches from Arrochar to the picturesque Clyde Coast. In 1236 the Vikings hauled their boats from Loch Long to Loch Lomond where they launched an attack. It is a beautiful area and surrounded by a collection of mountains called the Arrochar Alps.
Posted by Paul on August 18, 2009 – 8:29 am
The beautiful Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides is hosting its first ever Whisky Galore Festival from 18th to 20th September 2009. Celebrating 60 years since the release of the historic Ealing Comedy Whisky Galore, which was filmed on the island, the festival offers residents and visitors the chance to reflect on the years of cinematic fame and the island’s unique culture.
The festival, which will be launched in Kisimul Castle based on a rocky outcrop in Castlebay, will include: special screenings of the original film which featured many local characters; a tournament on the UK’s most westerly golf course; an island whisky hunt; re-enactments; an exhibition and seminar; and, of course, whisky tastings. Supported by Homecoming Scotland, the event will reinforce the local pride surrounding featuring in this best-loved film.
Based on a true story, the original book of the film was written by Compton Mackenzie and centres on the locals who salvage thousands of bottles of whisky from a shipwreck and their antics in keeping their illicit haul hidden from the Excise Men. The festival will feature tours of the film locations as well as a visit to the graveside of Compton Mackenzie himself.
Barra is the only island in the world where scheduled flights land on the beach. With only just over 1,000 residents, it is a world apart and is a wonderful destination for a holiday or weekend away from it all. The island hosts an annual traditional music festival, plus its half marathon known as the ‘Barrathon’ and has many historic and ancient sites of interest.
Posted by Paul on August 17, 2009 – 12:24 pm
For two weeks at the end of September shops, restaurants, schools and many food-related businesses will be taking part in a countywide celebration of everything that is good about Norfolk food and drink.
The EDP Bidwells Norfolk Food Festival 2009 will be a showcase promotion to highlight the breadth of quality local produce, the county’s rich food heritage and the importance of good food to everyone’s well-being. The festival will run from 19th September to 4th October 2009 – linking in with the national Great British Food Fortnight and one of the key events in the first few days will be the announcement of the winners in this year’s Eastern Daily Press Norfolk Food Awards.
Posted by Jennifer on August 17, 2009 – 9:00 am
Today’s picture of the day is of Glasgow Science Centre. It provides hands-on exhibit, interactive workshops and live science entertainment. It is a fantastic place to take the family with its IMAX Cinema showing 2D and 3D films.
