Cycled today. The field scene at Cricket Malerbie looked good at the time with the bright sunlight and menacing clouds, but not sure now. Used a Nikon P530 went faulty just out of guarantee will not zoom properly. Will not buy Nikon again, its a cheap camera (£230) but I do expect stuff to last more that 24 months.
An enterprising young musician living in the Chard area has decided to branch out making Baby Grand Piano Shells. He realised through his long experience as a performer that he got more attention and respect from the audience when he used his baby grand piano shell he made for his keyboard. His colleagues and friends started asking him to make one for them. So this amazing idea has taken off and orders are flooding in. The picture above is in actual fact a Keyboard placed in his piano shell!
Normally a musician would use what they call a simple metal X stand to hold the keyboard into position whilst they performed, either standing or sitting. These are not visually exciting.
What he discovered was that he could sit comfortably and his equipment using a Baby Grand Piano Shell and this gave an extra dimension and an air of class to his performance.
The “shell” looks exactly like a grand piano and you would struggle to tell the difference from a real one.
You may all remember the performances by ABBA when Benny played at a baby grand, well this item will provide an on stage attraction.
Great part is its completely portable, with removable legs and the body will fit into most cars so its easily transported to the next Gig.
Those musicians who entertain us at functions like weddings are finding that this item is now a “must have” to provide that total air of professionalism. Some have ordered in both colours available white and black as they find this meets all functions and gigs.
Some local hobby music lovers who play at home have now latched on to this idea and are ordering them for their living rooms or playing area.
The Steveway Piano Shell is made to fit all keyboards currently in production, so it makes no difference whether yours is an expensive Yamaha or a low cost Casio you will look great sitting at your keyboard and be the envy of all.
Each Piano shell is made individually so you will have to place an order now to get it for Christmas.
Steve Walters can be contacted on his website www.stevewaypianos.com
Some shots using wide angle lens at the shop owned by Chard Antiques
No real preparation just shooting in available light
Sometimes you can miss things completely for years, things under your nose. For the past ten years I have walked past this place ignoring it completely. The Gallery Cafe came to my notice through the Chard Town Guide free printed issue out every three months.
I resolved to find out where it was in 6A Holyrood Street as this was its address shown in the Guide. Eventually I found it in an the alley squeezed next to the Newsagent Emery’s.
An archway led me up to an opening which revealed a cafe with seating all mod cons, disabled access and tables, a wide marble stairway led me up to the “gallery” which opened up in a light warm homely dining area, complete with a bar, settee, comfy chairs and many tables.
The walls are adorned with interesting works of original art and many figures and sculpted items are on display. The atmosphere is calm and almost serene and unhurried. Best of all there was no loud music , no one with ipods, no one with mobiles blaring.
An ideal place to spend a few minutes with a coffee or a long while chatting with friends, or go for the whole meal thing.
I managed to resist the chocolate cake.
Some time spent in the garden with a macro lens.
Micheal Eavis watching pedal power TV.
Many charities are either collecting cash for food to feed the five thousand, or help on projects.
Few offer educational self help alternatives. Alternatives that are cheap and effective.
A charity based in Somerset in the sleepy little town of Ilminster is teaching the third world to teach themselves, using media.
Nothing quite hits the spot like a good image. The same is true for those people living in Africa with no access to electricity. So that was until PFP or to give it its full name Purple Field Productions* came into existence.
Now with a good bicycle and strong legs the village can sit down to episodes of how to combat Ebola. Confronting ignorance is difficult but minds can be reached with media.
A meeting is arranged…..be there to help. Take your camera or some money or both.
Here is the invite
Please come along to a talk and presentation we are holding on Wednesday 14th January at 7pm in the Stocklinch Village Hall to hear all about Purple Field Productions six week pedal powered film festival that took place this summer in Malawi.
George Salt, the PFP UK representative, who delivered the festival along with two Malawian charity workers, would like to share his adventures with all of our supporters, volunteers and donors who have helped to make this project possible.
We very much hope you will be able to join us in what promises to be a hugely entertaining and informative evening.
(For directions to Stocklinch Village Hall, Stocklinch, nr. Ilminster, Somerset TA19 9JG please go to the following link www.bing.com/maps using the postcode given.)
I would be very grateful if you could let me know if you will be able to attend.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Very best wishes
Fiona Day
Administrator
Purple Field Productions
www.purplefieldproductions.org
01460 54142
The woodpecker is a difficult bird to photograph in flight with its swooping method
Gs Woodpecker in flight
