My sketchbook...

Sketching at the Trengilly Wartha Inn - jamming session

We took our lovely friends to an evening of wonderful music at the  

Trengilly Wartha Inn here in Constantine.

 With a bottle of red and pen in hand, good company and music that was a joy, I sketched.

  Drawing without looking at the page, the only way when people are moving and chatting..

 I sometimes slipped up completely, when my glass needed filling..

I sketched the listeners and watchers, the musicians were too quick in movement for me to capture.. Less wine next time me thinks!

Wivehoe May Fair

Every May bank holiday Monday we have a music festival here in the village ... 

Our very own 'mini' Glastonbury...

We hope against hope for good weather, with our fingers crossed for sunshine.  It worked!  The sky was blue and the sun shone brightly, just look at King George's field... who would believe it..... Several thousand people young and old just chilling and having a good time.

Everyone meeting up with  friends, young and old alike.....long time no see, hugs and kisses from friends united once again... Together with manly handshakes of course.

To our delight 'Hot club Gitane' were playing in one of the tents, we sat down at the alloted time.. (on the grass, no chairs here) and were enthralled once again with their musical delights.... Hope to see them again soon...

While the band played I watched this wonderful fellow teaching dance. he was amazing, gently leading his partners' and making it look ooooooh, so easy.  We a chat with him after, such a character, so gentle and so encouraging, said that everyone could learn to dance.  We suggested he started giving dance lessons in the town.  I'm sure they would go down fantastically.  He was amazing.. I want my name to be first on the list.. Maybe I shall learn to dance at last.

There were lots of stalls, people selling all manor of things, second hand clothing, bric -a-brack and vintage items, hand made soap and cake..... (No I didn't have any)

I love to see the VW vans and what ideas their owners have come up with.. Above, a coffee shop.

This green one sold amazing food... It looked so good, the van and the food!

This is Owen or rather David Wyn Tudor Owen.  Wow! What a name!  Another wonderful character at the fair.   I sold all of my pottery equipment to this fellow two or three years ago when I had to give up the studio.. I was so glad to hear that the kiln is still working and that he is enjoying his work... If anyone is interested in his beautiful pots 
tel: 07533301037 he certainly doesn't charge enough, so if you'd like a bargain - A wonderful hand thrown mug or jug, just give him a call. Great chap, and great pots.


Well with music in my ears... I'm off back to the grind.... Well sketch book... 

I feel a little brighter now, I can't stay gloomy for long.... Perhaps I'll get some birthday cards tomorrow, better late than never, eh!

Bookshop: Unplugged

In the smallest venue - Our local bookshop  

We were lucky enough to get tickets to a magical musical event.

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The amazing ‘Hot Club Gitane’ came to Wivenhoe last night, they are Manouche Jazz (Gypsy Jazz), musicians, and they were superb.

There is not a lot of space, in our local bookshop, we were squeezed amongst literary greats, and the gardening section, did we mind..... Not one bit.!

 As you can see by the expressions, everyone was enthralled by their amazing abilities to play music that tickled your sense's, whilst dancing in your head..

 The 'Hot Club Gitane' musicians must have been exhausted, they played for an amazingly and wonderful 3 HOUR's! - It felt like 20 minutes - always a good sign. Would we go to see them again.... At a drop of a hat!

A good time was had by all, great venue, great music and great company,  and a glass of wine, can anyone ask for more.... Thank you Ginny, Sue and the team who organised the event and made us feel so welcome.