NickyWardArt and The Bower Wirks

I was quite good at art at school.. I found it therapeutical and fulfilling. However, since leaving school, many many years ago, I've never pursued the interest. Having children is wonderful for sparking off those forgotten interests, in an effort to interest/inspire/distract ...

Funny how going to Mass was and remains a very integral and treasured hour of the week, since having my children..and now I'm uncovering past authors and books, Enid Blyton, Peter Rabbit, Green Smoke, Tom's Secret Garden, Catweazle and other favourites, which I believe are fast becoming lost in a world where the children do not even remember the name of our Queen.

Well! Art is a delicious thing to re-enter, and even more fulfilling when enjoyed by your children. We were lucky enough to happen upon Nicky Ward at Chesterfield Canal Trust Fair during the summer 2012. My older son was instantly attracted to the Chesterfield Canal Collage, where he proudly beholds his contribution.

Yesterday, we participated in the Funny Faces workshop at Nicky Ward's own Bower Wirks. What an amazing art experience! Nicky is an afficianado of recycling, something I admire and aspire to . Her works are inspired, full of life and glowing with talent.

Nicky has recently held several workshops for adults and children. Her space is a veritable cove of enchantment. Check out the Bower Wirks on Facebook for pictures and more information...

Matlock Bath...and Pavillion Trust

Anyone know has visited Derbyshire, or who lives in the area will know about Matlock Bath. A historical site, for medicinal purposes in faded days gone by. the baths are still there to be visited, along with an aquarium and gallery of interesting artefacts and pictures. This facility is free to visit and a good place to visit with children.

Along with a bikers paradise, plenty of good fish and chippies, there is an interesting array of shops including gifts and crockery, hippy clothes, biker wear, books and more, plus the famous riverwalk, ornamental fish and fantastic play areas for children, aswell as being close to Gullivers Kingdom and the Heights of Abraham.

Being the enthusiastic purveyor, collector and peddlar of books,( incuding but not exclusive to Usborne, Children's Publisher of the Year), I was happy to participate in a Craft Fair recently, with my Usborne books, at Matlock Bath Pavillion. I was shocked to lug my heavy loads up several flights of stairs, to a derelict hall, filled with puzzled and disorientated stallholders trying to make their wares look attractive within the dingy surrounding...crumbling roof and boarded up windows did not serve to display the hard work of the participants that well...
However, it was due to the volunteer worker, Trina that I was enlightened regarding how much actual work had already been done to save this listed building, and how much more there was to do...
I started to feel proud to be included on the first craft fair that was to raise funds for the Trust, and the atmosphere was cheerful. Call it the Dunkirk Spirit, but everyone took pride to display their wares to the fullest potential. Gregor McGregor, the man of the day (and the website, a Trustee) escorted interested parties for tours around the huge place, explaining the ambitious project and the potential to be had. I am all for it! Please support the next Craft Fair and browse the website for more infomation  ...http://www.savethepavilion.co.uk/