Left Cambridge on Tuesday for a few days away in Guernsey. I've been to the island once before (I believe it was in 1968!) and apart from a staggering increase in the amount of traffic it doesn't seem to have changed much. The following pictures were taken while waiting for a bus having just landed at the airport.
An excellent bus service (each journey costs £1, or 50p if pre-paid with a smart card, irrespective of distance) dropped us very close to our hotel. After checking in we went for a walk in search of an ice cream, and discovered the first example of a Guernsey phenomenon: Hedge Veg. Apparently, "veg" is used as a generic term, and can mean anything for sale at the side of the road (including books, DVDs and - apparently - ash trays).
We also spotted a car for sale: a "good little runner", despite not being roadworthy, which was free to a good home. The car was 20 years old and had done 80,000 miles - not bad on an island which is 6 miles by 4 and has a maximum speed limit of 35mph!
One of the things I remember from my first visit was the sheer number of greenhouses. We've seen several which are derelict; or, like this one, for sale. Perhaps the bottom has dropped out of the Guernsey tomato business?
Random postings from an itinerant engineer who would rather be taking pictures or catching trout on the fly...
Thursday, 28 July 2011
Saturday, 23 July 2011
CLA Game Fair
We managed to get to the CLA Game Fair, which was held in the grounds of Blenheim Palace this year. A very large and busy event with lots going on - starting with the queue to get in (a cool £56 for a family ticket).
Then, of course, there is the inevitable battle of the sexes. Note the obvious differences between the waiting times for the Gents' and Ladies' loos.
Who could resist a couple of Basset Hounds? Totally endearing to everyone, including to a young child who had a close encounter...
I found myself photographing things with a dogs' eye view - of which more later. This included the obligatory green wellies.
There were some pretty bizarre things on sale at the show. These included a rather some rather expensive decoy hunting targets (too deer for me [sorry!]) and a rather spooky mask.
More wellies, of varying hues.
My personal interest in going to the show was the fly fishing stalls. There were several live demonstrations, some of which were being filmed. The elongated stretch of water is a casting pool, and the chap with the rod is demonstrating a Spey cast with a double-handed salmon rod. The final image is a fly-tying demonstration, the details of which were shown on a big screen.
People watching is a good pastime at such events. I presume the guy inspecting the Bentley didn't have to ask how much it cost...
Other strange things spotted during the day, including a sign which is bound to come in useful sometime along with some microscopic tweeds for the land-owner-to-be. Mustn't forget the beer tent, of course, or the surreal sight of a 20 foot giraffe and a blimp representing the back end of a dog...
More pictures of dogs (or taken with a dogs' eye view).
A couple of a jazz trio who were playing their hearts out.
Not forgetting the "leading artificial turf" company, the AA (no joiners), or the "not so sushi" bar.
Then, of course, there is the inevitable battle of the sexes. Note the obvious differences between the waiting times for the Gents' and Ladies' loos.
Who could resist a couple of Basset Hounds? Totally endearing to everyone, including to a young child who had a close encounter...
I found myself photographing things with a dogs' eye view - of which more later. This included the obligatory green wellies.
There were some pretty bizarre things on sale at the show. These included a rather some rather expensive decoy hunting targets (too deer for me [sorry!]) and a rather spooky mask.
More wellies, of varying hues.
My personal interest in going to the show was the fly fishing stalls. There were several live demonstrations, some of which were being filmed. The elongated stretch of water is a casting pool, and the chap with the rod is demonstrating a Spey cast with a double-handed salmon rod. The final image is a fly-tying demonstration, the details of which were shown on a big screen.
People watching is a good pastime at such events. I presume the guy inspecting the Bentley didn't have to ask how much it cost...
Other strange things spotted during the day, including a sign which is bound to come in useful sometime along with some microscopic tweeds for the land-owner-to-be. Mustn't forget the beer tent, of course, or the surreal sight of a 20 foot giraffe and a blimp representing the back end of a dog...
More pictures of dogs (or taken with a dogs' eye view).
A couple of a jazz trio who were playing their hearts out.
Not forgetting the "leading artificial turf" company, the AA (no joiners), or the "not so sushi" bar.
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
It's exhibition time again
If you're in the Grantchester area this weekend, why not drop by at our exhibition and say hello? Even if you don't like any of the pictures, there will be plenty of tea and cake available...
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
Visit to Monach Farm
Enormous thanks are due to Roland Randall and his wife, Dreda, for allowing us to wander around Monach Farm on Saturday afternoon taking pictures. A wonderful place, and the Caprilatte ice cream is to die for!
These are some of the horses being moved after a heavy day at the Riding Stables.
The goats were endearing, and great characters. These two had been banished into a barn along with a couple of tractors.
There was an opportunity to photograph the goats being milked, but it was much more fun to take pictures of Homo photographicus instead.
Some more goats, along with a "wannabe" goat: a Highland calf called Buzz Lightyear who is being hand-reared.
Does my nose look big in this? Also, it seems like Buzz wasn't the only goat wannabe...
Roland showing us Paddington, his stud boar, who stole the show.
Monach Farm is a great place, and well worth going to one of their open days. There's always one on August Bank Holiday Monday.
These are some of the horses being moved after a heavy day at the Riding Stables.
The goats were endearing, and great characters. These two had been banished into a barn along with a couple of tractors.
There was an opportunity to photograph the goats being milked, but it was much more fun to take pictures of Homo photographicus instead.
Some more goats, along with a "wannabe" goat: a Highland calf called Buzz Lightyear who is being hand-reared.
Does my nose look big in this? Also, it seems like Buzz wasn't the only goat wannabe...
Roland showing us Paddington, his stud boar, who stole the show.
Monach Farm is a great place, and well worth going to one of their open days. There's always one on August Bank Holiday Monday.
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