Monday, June 13, 2005

Sussex - June 2005

One week in East Sussex staying B&B in what was originally a 15th Century Hall? Sounds like a good idea to me. In addition to being a unique place to stay, the hospitality, food, and general surroundings were superb (notwithstanding the mutant three legged sheep)

From this humble homestead we were able to take in all that Rye, Dungeness, and Hastings had to offer. Obvious attractions in these parts include the gardens at Sissinghurst, and the castles of Pevensey and Bodiam. (No sign of Adam Hart Davis!)

Less well known but equally enjoyable were the landscaped grounds of Scotney Castle Gardens and Estate. Bedgebury Pinetum was ideal for a picnic stop with its’ Leylandii cathedral and huge diversity of coniferous trees.






Leeds Castle was truly impressive with a nice approach to photography (i.e. film what you want inside and out – unlike Hever Castle). The Falconry display, Maze and Aviary all made it a great day out with a nice finale by one of the resident peacocks!

Saturday, June 04, 2005

Potfest - 2005

Quite a bizarre location for an international festival of pottery but I guess these ceramicists get their kicks anywhere they can: Cattle sheds probably don’t jump to mind as the most appropriate venue but I suppose it focuses the mind towards the wonderful artwork rather than allowing you to drift off into some sort of reverie

By and large the work was superb. It was great to see Mel again and nice to see how her work has ‘grown’ into more organic textured pieces from the last show we saw.