Tuesday 12th - we went up to Lake Windermere and had a gorgeous (but rainy) cruise! We then went for a wander around Bowness and our son bought himself a 'buff' which he says is cool! The girls also wanted to so some shopping but I had a strop and said no!!
We found a lovely local cafe and had an excellant cuppa and cakes!
Wednesday 13th - we awoke to sunshine and so decided to put on our walking boots and we took a steep but rewarding walk up to the top of Brantfell. The views were stunning - we could see all the length of lake Windermere and we could even see Morcambe Bay in the south! We continued on to Post Knotte and once again were rewarded with fab views from the top.
That afternoon we took the car ferry across Windermere as we wanted to go to Hill Top Farm (former home of Beatrix Potter) however every other person in the Lakes that day must have had the same idea and the car park and every other available layby were full to capacity!
Instead we continued on to Ambleside and found ourselves a smashing tea room called The Giggling Goose and had the best home made Bakewell Tart I have ever tasted!!!
Thursday was a poor day!! The weather wasn't good so we went over to Barrow-In-Furness. Not much to see there though so it was lucky that in the afternoon the weather improved! We went back into Bowness and found Fell Foot Park - a beautiful lakeside park with boating and a fabulous tea room (Yes - another one!).
Friday 15th - Once again we awoke to glorious sunshine and so packed the car with walking boots, packed lunch, camera and wallet!! We went back to Fell Foot Park where we hired a rowing boat - what a laugh that was! We all took a turn and found ourselves having to steer out of reeds and away from the side - as well as having to avoid steamers! Diane was the best as she used to row in competitions when she was younger!! Our daughter seems to have a future as a budding coxwain - she seems to have a gift for shouting orders - usually ending in '... and ROW!'
After eating lunch lakeside we just found room for a very nice cake in the tea room!
Back in the car and we headed up to Aria Force near Ullswater, wow what a drive! We took the Kirkstone Pass and the views were absolutely breathtaking!
We had a great walk up to the waterfall and stood in awe at the force of the water as it came down in torents - it made it's own rainbow - stunning - this time we didn't stop for a cuppa and cake as waistline has expanded massively this week!
We did however stop off at the best fish and chip shop in Bowness called 'Seafarers' and had our tea!!
Well, here we are - it's Friday night already and we are all packed up and ready to roll. It has been a good week and the lakes have been lovely but we have all decided that we are missing Cornwall and so will be going back 'home' to St Ives next year!!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Monday, August 11, 2008
Where's the Sun?
Hello, I am blogging from the Lake District! We arrived on Saturday after a long winded diversion (I am sure someone moves those diversion signs just for a laugh!)
Our accomadation is spot on and we woke early Sunday morning to rain so decided to do White Scar Caves. This was truly amazing and due to the heavy rainfall the underground streams and waterfalls within the cave system were very impressive, at one point we were bent double for 100m and had to do the squeeze (note to self: I need to slim down!!)
We spent 80 minutes down below ground and thought it was money well spent. Had our lunch and then went over to Hawes. It hasn't changed much, I spent 3 years working and living at the Youth Hostel and it brought back good memories. It was at Hawes that I met Diane.
Today the Sun was shining against all predictions so we went to South Lakes Animal Park which was amazing! All the animals are in compounds with fences but the public have the chance to view the animals from up high on walkways!!
My daughter loves giraffes and was in her element today as she got to feed them from the walkways. She was the happiest girl on earth! The entrance charge was expensive but it was worth it to see her face!!
We also saw the new baby rhino only 2 months old and also watched the tigers being fed. They are not fed in the traditional way (ie drop the meat in the compound and watch them feed) .... these tigers have their meat attached to poles 30 feet off the ground and it is amazing to see them climb up to get their meal!!
All in all it had been a good two days, tomorrow the weather is not forcasted to be good in the morning but the afternoon is supposed to be dry so Lake Windermere is calling and our son is hoping we will find him a skateboard park!!
Our accomadation is spot on and we woke early Sunday morning to rain so decided to do White Scar Caves. This was truly amazing and due to the heavy rainfall the underground streams and waterfalls within the cave system were very impressive, at one point we were bent double for 100m and had to do the squeeze (note to self: I need to slim down!!)
We spent 80 minutes down below ground and thought it was money well spent. Had our lunch and then went over to Hawes. It hasn't changed much, I spent 3 years working and living at the Youth Hostel and it brought back good memories. It was at Hawes that I met Diane.
Today the Sun was shining against all predictions so we went to South Lakes Animal Park which was amazing! All the animals are in compounds with fences but the public have the chance to view the animals from up high on walkways!!
My daughter loves giraffes and was in her element today as she got to feed them from the walkways. She was the happiest girl on earth! The entrance charge was expensive but it was worth it to see her face!!
We also saw the new baby rhino only 2 months old and also watched the tigers being fed. They are not fed in the traditional way (ie drop the meat in the compound and watch them feed) .... these tigers have their meat attached to poles 30 feet off the ground and it is amazing to see them climb up to get their meal!!
All in all it had been a good two days, tomorrow the weather is not forcasted to be good in the morning but the afternoon is supposed to be dry so Lake Windermere is calling and our son is hoping we will find him a skateboard park!!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Oh What A Day!!
You know when you really want to do your best for a customer but other factors get in the way? Well I had one of those days today!
I had a very nice lady call in the gallery this morning, very interested in buying 'Jig For Jack' by Alexander Millar (a rare item!). The lady asks if I can ship it to Spain. 'No problem' I say... How wrong could I have been!!
After spending most of the day talking to couriers and our insurers I eventually get a price to ship one framed canvas by Air... cost £251 with only minimal insurance available!
I think to myself that due to the value and rarity of the item full insurance value will be required. I contact our insurance company who eventually confirm a quote of ... wait for it ... £250!!!
As you can see it would cost £500 to insure and ship the piece and so my very nice lady has decided not to purchase for now but she is still interested and has a shipping idea of her own to look into when she gets back!
In the meantime all suggestions greatly appreciated.
Email me at info@theacorngallery.co.uk
You'd think that would be enough for one day wouldn't you - but no! After tea I took my son skateboarding ... He spent ages 'dropping in' with help ... then we all heard a thud and a loud scream and he'd landed flat on his face and was in much pain.
We all rushed over, picked him up and brushed him down. We gave him a drink to rinse the blood out of his mouth and a cold compress to hold against his cheekbone... at this point I am thinking 'be brave' and praying that he hasn't broken anything!
After a few minutes he calms down but even after half an hour he is still unable to move his left arm ... Gary, his coach, is worried and suggests A & E ...
3.5 hours at York District, with x-rays and examinations and we are given the all clear. He hasn't broken his arm just badly jarred it and will be badly bruised ... no pot on his arm for the summer then - he is so relieved that he won't have to miss out on a summer of skateboarding fun!!
Texts were dispatched post haste at 1.30am to say all ok and that Gary was not to feel bad as it wasn't his fault.
As for me ... all I could think was 'Oh what a day'!!!
I had a very nice lady call in the gallery this morning, very interested in buying 'Jig For Jack' by Alexander Millar (a rare item!). The lady asks if I can ship it to Spain. 'No problem' I say... How wrong could I have been!!
After spending most of the day talking to couriers and our insurers I eventually get a price to ship one framed canvas by Air... cost £251 with only minimal insurance available!
I think to myself that due to the value and rarity of the item full insurance value will be required. I contact our insurance company who eventually confirm a quote of ... wait for it ... £250!!!
As you can see it would cost £500 to insure and ship the piece and so my very nice lady has decided not to purchase for now but she is still interested and has a shipping idea of her own to look into when she gets back!
In the meantime all suggestions greatly appreciated.
Email me at info@theacorngallery.co.uk
You'd think that would be enough for one day wouldn't you - but no! After tea I took my son skateboarding ... He spent ages 'dropping in' with help ... then we all heard a thud and a loud scream and he'd landed flat on his face and was in much pain.
We all rushed over, picked him up and brushed him down. We gave him a drink to rinse the blood out of his mouth and a cold compress to hold against his cheekbone... at this point I am thinking 'be brave' and praying that he hasn't broken anything!
After a few minutes he calms down but even after half an hour he is still unable to move his left arm ... Gary, his coach, is worried and suggests A & E ...
3.5 hours at York District, with x-rays and examinations and we are given the all clear. He hasn't broken his arm just badly jarred it and will be badly bruised ... no pot on his arm for the summer then - he is so relieved that he won't have to miss out on a summer of skateboarding fun!!
Texts were dispatched post haste at 1.30am to say all ok and that Gary was not to feel bad as it wasn't his fault.
As for me ... all I could think was 'Oh what a day'!!!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Yorkshire Day
Well, today is Yorkshire Day and the start of the Acorn Gallery sale! It's been a busy day with a few sales too - which is superb!!
Just to update you Bob Dylan was the top seller for July. Peter and Kevin couldn't over take him and with only two pieces left of Bob's he can not be top seller for August.
The current leader after only one day is Peter Smith who has stormed off into the lead and thats before his new releases arrive in the gallery. Early days but Peter could take the top spot for the month of August. I will keep you updated!!
Today also heralded the return of my daughter from 'Band Camp'! I had a mad dash home from the gallery tonight as I had to be in Selby Abbey for 7.30pm to watch and listen to my daughter and her chums show us what they had been practising all week.
Well, all I can say is that she made me very proud! The concert was fantastic and considering that they are only aged upto 16 they sounded like a professional orchestra! Superb!
They had guest performers playing with them for some pieces too! One of these was a percussionist called Simone Robello, who was outstanding and made playing percussion instruments so much fun and made you feel like learning to play!! The other performer was Michael Dodd who played the Euphonium he too was outstanding!!
It was a wonderful evening to end a very good Yorkshire Day however my daughter has just announced that she wants to go away again 'cause band camp was so much fun!
Nice to know she hasn't missed us then!!
Just to update you Bob Dylan was the top seller for July. Peter and Kevin couldn't over take him and with only two pieces left of Bob's he can not be top seller for August.
The current leader after only one day is Peter Smith who has stormed off into the lead and thats before his new releases arrive in the gallery. Early days but Peter could take the top spot for the month of August. I will keep you updated!!
Today also heralded the return of my daughter from 'Band Camp'! I had a mad dash home from the gallery tonight as I had to be in Selby Abbey for 7.30pm to watch and listen to my daughter and her chums show us what they had been practising all week.
Well, all I can say is that she made me very proud! The concert was fantastic and considering that they are only aged upto 16 they sounded like a professional orchestra! Superb!
They had guest performers playing with them for some pieces too! One of these was a percussionist called Simone Robello, who was outstanding and made playing percussion instruments so much fun and made you feel like learning to play!! The other performer was Michael Dodd who played the Euphonium he too was outstanding!!
It was a wonderful evening to end a very good Yorkshire Day however my daughter has just announced that she wants to go away again 'cause band camp was so much fun!
Nice to know she hasn't missed us then!!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Our Wedding Anniversary
Today is our 18th Wedding Anniversary!!
Diane & I have known each other for 22 years and been happily married for 18 of those. We have also worked together for 15 years.
I would just like to say that I will be Forever by your Side
that you will always be mine
.jpg)
and that I hope we will always and forever love each other!!
Happy Anniversary Diane, all my love, John xx
Diane & I have known each other for 22 years and been happily married for 18 of those. We have also worked together for 15 years.
I would just like to say that I will be Forever by your Side
that you will always be mine
.jpg)
and that I hope we will always and forever love each other!!
Happy Anniversary Diane, all my love, John xx
A Hot Week!!!
What can I say? It has been one hot week! So much so that very few people came in - but those who did were very appreciative and it's always good to have a chat with like-minded people!
But then again it is the summer and in this hot weather people just want to sit out in the garden, drink cold beers and have a barbecue (and really - who can blame them?)!!
Yesterday we dropped our daughter off in Selby with a massive suitcase and her clarinet and saxophone as she is spending the week away at 'Band Camp'! She will practise music for 7.5 hours per day culminating in a concert on Friday at Selby Abbey! She was so excited and we are really looking forward to the concert!
We then met up with a friend on the M62 to swap over a signed limited edition print (he owns a gallery too!!) and then we went to Hull to do some clothes shopping (as you do) and then popped in to see family for a welcome cold drink before heading back!.
Our son had been invited skateboarding after tea so we dropped him off at his coaches house where he spent 3 hours skateboarding in the back garden (massive ramp - nice one Gary!)
Diane & I ended up staying to watch the boys on the skateboard and drinking!! (Only coffee for me though - I'm teetotal!)
It was the first time I had seen our son on the skateboard ramp and I was very impressed with him and also at Gary's patience and the amount of praise and encouragement he gave everyone.
It was a lovely evening, the company was superb and the boys didn't stop all night. We eventually dragged ourselves away at about 9.30pm.
Our son was very tired but very elated that he had managed to 'Drop In' and 'Kiss the bar' (skateboard terminology) and even though he has explained what it means it is still double dutch to me but Diane is 'digging it'!
But then again it is the summer and in this hot weather people just want to sit out in the garden, drink cold beers and have a barbecue (and really - who can blame them?)!!
Yesterday we dropped our daughter off in Selby with a massive suitcase and her clarinet and saxophone as she is spending the week away at 'Band Camp'! She will practise music for 7.5 hours per day culminating in a concert on Friday at Selby Abbey! She was so excited and we are really looking forward to the concert!
We then met up with a friend on the M62 to swap over a signed limited edition print (he owns a gallery too!!) and then we went to Hull to do some clothes shopping (as you do) and then popped in to see family for a welcome cold drink before heading back!.
Our son had been invited skateboarding after tea so we dropped him off at his coaches house where he spent 3 hours skateboarding in the back garden (massive ramp - nice one Gary!)
Diane & I ended up staying to watch the boys on the skateboard and drinking!! (Only coffee for me though - I'm teetotal!)
It was the first time I had seen our son on the skateboard ramp and I was very impressed with him and also at Gary's patience and the amount of praise and encouragement he gave everyone.
It was a lovely evening, the company was superb and the boys didn't stop all night. We eventually dragged ourselves away at about 9.30pm.
Our son was very tired but very elated that he had managed to 'Drop In' and 'Kiss the bar' (skateboard terminology) and even though he has explained what it means it is still double dutch to me but Diane is 'digging it'!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Ready for the Weekend!!
It's been a busy week and we've had alot of people through the gallery and some good sales too!!!
Yesterday was a fantastic day as we sold our first Kevin Day Original! The gentleman buyer was very taken by the piece and bought one of Kevins very limited editions too! Kevin's work is superb and is getting alot of attention at the moment! This space is definitely worth watching!
Today has been an especially busy one as our newsletter has started to land on doormats and I have had a rush of people coming into the gallery to ask about the latest releases by Paul Horton, Jeff Rowland, Mark Grieves and Peter Smith.
The prints should be here within a fortnight although if we get them sooner then we will let you know - if you would like your name adding to the 'early warning' list then email us now!
Dylan is still causing a stir and I can reveal that (surprisingly!) Dylan was our top seller for the month of June. No other artist got a look in!!
So far this month we have the following in the top four spots:-
1. Bob Dylan
2. Peter Smith
3. Kevin Day
4. Alexander Millar
I think when the new releases arrive in the gallery at the end of the month we shall see a battle between Paul & Peter for the month of August!
I look forward to August with great interest. However we still have 10 more working days left this month. Will Peter pip Bob Dylan to the top spot or will Kevin come round on the outside to cross the finishing line first?!!
Ooh this is better than the Grand National!!
Yesterday was a fantastic day as we sold our first Kevin Day Original! The gentleman buyer was very taken by the piece and bought one of Kevins very limited editions too! Kevin's work is superb and is getting alot of attention at the moment! This space is definitely worth watching!
Today has been an especially busy one as our newsletter has started to land on doormats and I have had a rush of people coming into the gallery to ask about the latest releases by Paul Horton, Jeff Rowland, Mark Grieves and Peter Smith.
The prints should be here within a fortnight although if we get them sooner then we will let you know - if you would like your name adding to the 'early warning' list then email us now!
Dylan is still causing a stir and I can reveal that (surprisingly!) Dylan was our top seller for the month of June. No other artist got a look in!!
So far this month we have the following in the top four spots:-
1. Bob Dylan
2. Peter Smith
3. Kevin Day
4. Alexander Millar
I think when the new releases arrive in the gallery at the end of the month we shall see a battle between Paul & Peter for the month of August!
I look forward to August with great interest. However we still have 10 more working days left this month. Will Peter pip Bob Dylan to the top spot or will Kevin come round on the outside to cross the finishing line first?!!
Ooh this is better than the Grand National!!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Life Is Full Of Surprises!!
It is only Wednesday and we have had 3 telephone calls from three artists and a surprise visit by an artist too!!
The first call came from Angela Smyth for an update!
The second call came from Mike Jackson for a chat!
The third call came from Paul James - a truly amazing animal and landscape artist. Many of you will have seen 'Winston' and 'October Afternoon' in the gallery.
Paul has some new releases available and we have agreed to have some in the gallery! I'm sure you will agree that 'Streetwise Charlie' is a real character, look out for 'Madge' too!
Paul is hoping to pop in when he is next over from Ireland so watch this space for news and updates on this talented man! Brochures showing his latest images are available now from the gallery and are free to take away!!
The artist who called in today was Philip Stuttard! Philip was really pleased to see that we have one of his originals called 'Warlords - Too Old To Grow Up' and advised us that it was his favourite piece! He was delighted that we had managed to get hold off it!
To the lucky buyer - a dedication can be arranged!!
We have also managed to send out 166 newsletters which include the latest releases from Peter Smith, Paul Horton, Mark Grieves and Jeff Rowland. The newsletter will be landing on doormats over the next couple of days but if you are not on our mailing list and would like to be included then please let us have your details.
I wonder what else the week has in store for us?
Will we get more artists ringing up for a chat or popping in for a cuppa?
I will keep you updated!!
The first call came from Angela Smyth for an update!
The second call came from Mike Jackson for a chat!
The third call came from Paul James - a truly amazing animal and landscape artist. Many of you will have seen 'Winston' and 'October Afternoon' in the gallery.
Paul has some new releases available and we have agreed to have some in the gallery! I'm sure you will agree that 'Streetwise Charlie' is a real character, look out for 'Madge' too!
Paul is hoping to pop in when he is next over from Ireland so watch this space for news and updates on this talented man! Brochures showing his latest images are available now from the gallery and are free to take away!!
The artist who called in today was Philip Stuttard! Philip was really pleased to see that we have one of his originals called 'Warlords - Too Old To Grow Up' and advised us that it was his favourite piece! He was delighted that we had managed to get hold off it!
To the lucky buyer - a dedication can be arranged!!
We have also managed to send out 166 newsletters which include the latest releases from Peter Smith, Paul Horton, Mark Grieves and Jeff Rowland. The newsletter will be landing on doormats over the next couple of days but if you are not on our mailing list and would like to be included then please let us have your details.
I wonder what else the week has in store for us?
Will we get more artists ringing up for a chat or popping in for a cuppa?
I will keep you updated!!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Poetry At The Acorn!!
The Acorn Gallery hosted its first ever poetry evening on Friday 4th July 2008 in association with Simply Books as part of Pocklington's first ever Book Festival. The poet for the evening was Michael Hildred, a local poet and artist.
The evening started off with champagne and canapes, with Sara, owner of Simply Books, greeting the invited guests and introducing them to Michael.
After 20 minutes of chatting and browsing at the artwork on display Michael began his poetry recital.
The invited audience stood spellbound whilst Michael recited his poems from memory. He was very entertaining and we had tales of a boat, of foxes and of Lil his cat, all with acompanying artwork. The evening was a great success and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves tremendously.
Diane & I would just like to say thankyou to Sara for allowing us the honour of being part of the first ever Pocklington Book Festival and we wish her every success with future events!
The evening started off with champagne and canapes, with Sara, owner of Simply Books, greeting the invited guests and introducing them to Michael.
After 20 minutes of chatting and browsing at the artwork on display Michael began his poetry recital.
The invited audience stood spellbound whilst Michael recited his poems from memory. He was very entertaining and we had tales of a boat, of foxes and of Lil his cat, all with acompanying artwork. The evening was a great success and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves tremendously.
Diane & I would just like to say thankyou to Sara for allowing us the honour of being part of the first ever Pocklington Book Festival and we wish her every success with future events!
Friday, July 4, 2008
Just another day ... or is it?
Well what can I say... people are still ringing round to get the last few Dylan pieces - we have only 4 images left but not for long I'm sure!
The gallery seems quiet now the mania of Dylan is finished, we are back to spending quality time with our customers!
Well, it's Friday and the sunshine is giving us one more tempting glance of what we're NOT going to get this weekend! A few people have been in this morning and everyone is happy and chatty in the summer sun ... but then...
... do you ever look at someone and think 'I know you! You were in ... on the telly!' but daren't say anything in case you invade their privacy!
Well we were priviledged to have a well-known British actor in the gallery today! He spent some time in here with his wife and we're proud to say that he seemed to like several pieces!
We did recognise him but everyone is entitled to shop in peace and we never were ones to leap on celebrities and demand autographs!
Well, if he is reading this then he will know who he is - and we'd like to let him know that he is welcome back anytime!
I wonder if we will have any more famous people through the door today?
The gallery seems quiet now the mania of Dylan is finished, we are back to spending quality time with our customers!
Well, it's Friday and the sunshine is giving us one more tempting glance of what we're NOT going to get this weekend! A few people have been in this morning and everyone is happy and chatty in the summer sun ... but then...
... do you ever look at someone and think 'I know you! You were in ... on the telly!' but daren't say anything in case you invade their privacy!
Well we were priviledged to have a well-known British actor in the gallery today! He spent some time in here with his wife and we're proud to say that he seemed to like several pieces!
We did recognise him but everyone is entitled to shop in peace and we never were ones to leap on celebrities and demand autographs!
Well, if he is reading this then he will know who he is - and we'd like to let him know that he is welcome back anytime!
I wonder if we will have any more famous people through the door today?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
