Scary Days for the steel men

Living in South Wales, one cannot help but feel a strong empathy for those ultra skilled men of the Steel Industry. I cant imagine what it must feel like to know, that which you have invested your life in, is about to crumble around your feet. My Grandfather was a steel worker in the works of John Lysaught who's company originated in the heart of the industrial midlands. For nearly forty years he wheeled tons of spent ash from the furnaces, unloading trucks full of coal. Twice he suffered serious injuries but he continued until his retirement in the early 1960s.
The politicians must forget their historical beliefs and show their belief and commitment  in those who have given their all to this proud industry. The picture \I have chosen shows a Furnace man from  the Barrow Iron Works C1950s

Tuesday 29th Goodbye Easter

Did it actually make any difference, the spring time clock alteration. Time is something which has been created by someone else so why bother about it. unless the pub is about to close. And apart from that the sun has hardly risen to the occasion, looking out of the window now its black beyond.
So who is the idiot of today ? Yet again its repeat prescription time which is always good for a giggle and an increase in blood pressure. I think I spend at least two whole days per month  on the phone, while the pharmacist blames the doctors receptionist for the wrong prescription and like wise  says the doctors. "we  gave it too them" they protest (I wish someone would!)
Well here we go again!
I am feeling quite spiritual today, 'have been cutting out church windows for a new model. I have now found a superb way to produce the tracery , its called a Silhouette Cameo, a superb pattern cutter in many mediums, ideal for the model maker.

These are the initial trial patterns,they have been cleaned up a lot and are now spot on. There is nothing quite like an Old Church for bringing the mind into perspective and having a good old reflect on where life is taking you. And apart from that old stone and wood is mesmeric , the textures, the smells, it is a wonderful experience. How said that so many are now closing for want of a congregation, even if you don't believe, there is a spiritual dimension that only a complete moron could not fail to notice. Tara !

Todays favourite picture

Today is Easter Monday or bank holiday Monday, whichever way you want to view it. Its a bit farcical when you think about it, Bank Holiday ? The bills still leave your account so where is the Holiday? What about a consumers holiday, a few days a year when we the long suffering public get a reduction on everything in recognition of all the Crap Service we have to put up with on a daily basis.
Oh well we live in hope.
I had some new images in yesterday for the picture library. They are a set of transparencies which seem to be around the 1960s period and relate to Cornwall and I think Scotland, which are opposite ends of the spectrum. Un fortunately there were no accurate descriptions with them so in though I would open them up to the public and see what you come up with !

Steak Out

Why do restaurants always give one of those ridiculous steak knives with a meal - not much good with soup- but seriously, if the steak is cooked properly, why need a serrated knife.
Well now I am going super slim, and joined weight watchers on line here's what I had for lunch.
Fry three dry diced potatoes, in a spray of oil .Add half an onion and a large diced mushroom. A fresh green chilli and a small packet of broccoli spears , just blanched. Fry it until the spuds are tender and add three free range eggs, and cook like an omelette. Sprinkle a tad of parmesan cheese and wop it under the grill with a shake of black pepper and garlic salt. Then go for the big munch.

https://www.facebook.com/GemsCreationsx/

I found this fantastic site on Facebook, creating unusual gifts, for everyday events. What I love about this crafts site is that speciality gifts can be created and personalised according to the seasons, Christmas, Easter, Halloween, etc etc. Its well worth a look and a bit of forward thought, as the years whizz by and that special time will be on us once again .Remember that quality crafts are not made overnight so a bit of forward planning will make life much easier when you are scratching your head and looking for that something special. Five start rating for this one.

Newport Through Time

                                                      Newport Through Time

A book of comparisons The Newport of Old and how it I now. Lots of pics and dialogue , please buy a copy I have  big brown Hairy dog which I mind for my son and she eats everything . Also my 60 frogs are pregnant and will need constant attention.

Woodend Mining Museum Burnley

WOODEND MINING MUSEUM BURNLEY

Some images from the Wood End mining museum diorama at Reedley Hallows Burnley. A fantastic camp site and museum, well worth a visit.

This is quite disgraceful , all this time and no additions to my blog. I am amazed its still here, even I had trouble finding it. So much has gone on in the last few years, both good and bad. My Book Newport through Time is published and is going well. (Amberley Publishing). As for the models well where do I start. The enthusiasm shred by many for Jack the Ripper and old London Scenes reached a pinnacle with a large East End scenario  in O Gauge. The mine project at Woodend Burnley progressed culminating in a large diorama of the underground workings. This was really enjoyable to build, I only wish I could have added an underground railway, but space did not permit. I have added some images of recent work including that of the Old Cornish Candy Shoppe in St Ives Cornwall. This was a pleasure to create as I adore St Ives and have been a visitor for over 50 years.

These are The Olde Cornish Candy Shoppe St Ives, well worth a visit you wont get out without a packet of their home made goodies I promise.

Christmas last was a mish mash affair , all very strange with the other half no longer with us. I started experimenting with lights and other mediums of creativity. I am quite in to light boxes and

creating images with both models and reality such as wood small branches etc.

This is a row of shops and cottages using more interior shop fitting cast from my own designs in resin. Interiors can be so much fun but, unfortunately rarely scene.