Bands, Bristol, Bonadventures...

Folk Night Bristol by bribriwilliam


I haven't been to a gig in Bristol for some time, so when I saw that Ellen and The Escapades were hitting the city I bought my ticket quickly. The band have played the festivals all summer long and even won Michael Eavis' heart at Glastonbury this year. So Bristol bound, I looked forward to night of folky rock.

They played at St Bonaventures Parish Social club which I didn't know even existed let alone held gigs. Trying to find the place to begin with, I asked a man on the street "Is it a real church?" to which he replied "Yes it is...well it's catholic...". I won't linger on that but it made me chuckle!Anyway, the social club is like a working men's club stuck onto the back of a church. Red covered booths and doombar on tap, a classy joint. But it wasn't the decor and choice of drink that was important, it was the bands.

Kicking off the night was singer /song writer Nick Parker with humorous ballads and gentle guitar playing. Nick tried to woo the audience with his vulnerabilty and continuous guitar tuning and it seemed to do the trick!

Next up was Scottish/ Leeds lad Gary Stewart who was surprsingly punchy. A unique voice and some really captivating sounds. For just one man and his guitar he filled the room effortlessly with northern passion and a bit of Bristol soul. I was impressed (which isn't an easy task). One of my favourite tunes was Behind The Door. The lovely Ellen accompanied Gary on stage to sing and it was great. I don't know how else to describe it so I'll let you have a listen and see what you think...



Finally Ellen and the Escapades settled on stage to introduce the backhalls of Bristol to their earthy sound. Each time I hear them play I can't get over the rawness of Ellen's voice and the soft harmonies that trickle through each song, magical. Very much still an emerging band we were treated to a few new, albeit unfinshed, songs. I look forward to hearing more of them. Coming Back Home always puts a smile on my face and the crowd rather enjoyed it too.

(E and the E are missing their bassist Andy Calder who is recovering from pneumonia which isn't very nice. Hopefully he'll be back on the scene soon. Gary had to step in to help and I think he rather liked it.)

What was great about my Bristol folk night is that all of the acts were friendly and engaging. Not one let us forget that it was them we were here to see. Who needs X-Factor?!

Wiltshire Rambles

It’s getting colder and crisper as we settled into Autumn. But sometimes that’s a good thing. The log fire can roar, the winter coats come out and leaves can crunch.

What better way to get warm than to go on a brisk walk. I joined the West Wiltshire Ramblers just south of Trowbridge on one of their walks. I was met a pleasant group of sixty something’s and Bailey the dog. A lovely bunch who welcomed me into their group.

As we set off I was intrigued to learn why these people had joined the Ramblers. For some it was the sheer joy of walking and getting out into the countryside, but for others it was life changing. One lady I met told me that after her husband died “Sunday’s were the worst” and the Ramblers saved her in way. When I hear comments like this it makes me realise that life should not be taken for granted and we should make the most of it whilst we can. Do the things we dream of.

Rambling is a social occasion as well as a health benefit. It’s also a great way to get out and see the beautiful landscape. Along our walk, much to my delight, we spied some sloe berries. I’ve cleaned them up and put them in the freezer, I can start making sloe gin soon! So not only did I get to meet some great people I also got thrown a great recipe for sloe gin. Good Times, Good Walks.

Jamie's Italian, Briohny's Disappointment

I finish work and head into Cardiff city centre to meet me friend for a coffee. But hey it’s nearly half six and there isn’t a queue at Jamie’s Italian. As they have a ‘no book’ policy I decided for a treat it might be a good idea to take advantage of the quiet Wednesday evening and go for dinner. I wish I hadn’t.

My friend and I were taken up stairs to where the light was dim I could hardly read my menu. Great. I was pretty hungry so decided to order a hearty pasta dish for my main ‘Mushroom Panzerotti’ and some chips and a selection of Italian bread to keep me going in the mean time.

Let’s just say the chips and bread were more style than substance. I think I counted about twenty chips. Just the fact that I could count them disappointed me. They were nice don’t get me wrong, but for the price they were, one may have expected a few more! Now, the bread. Is it just me that remembers a time when bread was just brought to your table? No charge, no ordering, just a nice crusty selection to nibble on whilst your choosing what to have. This tradition seems to have vanished in many restaurants and Jamie’s is no different.

On the plus side, my main meal came pretty swiftly. After just a few minutes of munching on chips and bread along came my pasta dish- described as ‘Home-made half moons filled with our mate Mike the woodman’s brown cap and porcini mushrooms, ricotta and parmesan, with crispy fried sage and gremolata.’ I’d quite like to know who this Mike is, I’ve never met him before. The dish arrived tepid. If it wasn’t for the fact I wash pushed for time I would have sent it back so that next time around the food may have actually been hot rather than being on the cooler side of warm. I was not impressed. The meal was alright, nothing extraordinary. It wasn’t as flavoursome as I thought it was going to be especially because it had Mike’s mushrooms in it. The crunchy sage was lovely, probably the best part of the dish! But once again, there wasn’t a great deal of this dish. I’m not someone who enjoys eating massive portions but I do like a meal that fills me up and doesn’t leave me still feeling hungry. But that’s exactly what I was after finishing my main meal.

On a positive note, because I was still feeling rather peckish I ordered pudding, and I’m very glad I did. ‘Awesome Chocolate and Espresso Tart with sticky glazed figs and orange crème fraiche.’ It truly was awesome. A rich chocolate taste with the dark bitterness of the coffee settling in the mouth, lovely. I’m a big fan of figs and I think they go with any dessert so I was a happy bunny. The tart pastry was thin and light, perfection. The tart’s texture was unbeatable. Smooth and dense, it never failed to satisfy with every bite.

I think I’ve learnt my lesson-enjoy Jamie’s desserts, just not his Italian.

September Sea

I haven't been abroad for two years, but this hasn't dampened my spirits...well not quite. I often forget how wonderful the U.K is. Just a few hours from Cardiff I found myself at Oxwich Bay. It had been raining all week but luckily the sky was kind and the weekend proved to be bright with sunshine and crisp with wind. On such a glorious weekend I was surprised to find the beach empty and bare. As I walked into the cool sea, there was hardly anyone around to hear my shrill voice as I entered the rough water. The waves tossing my limp body as I floated as best I could when the power of Neptune's force was hurtling itself at my back. Lovely. In the space of 24 hours I entered the sea three times on the Gower coast. Each time was like a separate holiday in itself. How wonderful the sea is. I'm always amazed at how great I feel after jumping in it. I still get the sense that I can do anything by just standing and looking into the empty unknown of the glistening blue that lies before me.

I'll stop gushing now. It was truly a great Gower weekend. Pasta on the camping stove with a small bottle of champagne, the waves crashing and singing the evensong.

Da Iawm

Auto Jumble

The shape and set up of cars are changing all the time. These days you have to be more of an electrician to fix a car than a mechanic. But there are still those that appreciate the wonderful lines of classic cars, how they rock and how they roll.

But alas there are still those who would rather spend thousands tinkering with an old car rather than buying a modern one. Yes they exist and yes they are enthusiasts and yes they have to do strange things to get the right parts to fix their cars. At Egham and District Social Club the first Tuesday of each month the Auto Jumble Auction takes place. That’s what I said-the Auto Jumble Auction.

With my Dad I walked into what I can only describe as the hall of a Working Men’s club. Two red and white striped plastic sheets were on the ground. Gradually as more people came into the hall the plastics sheets began to get covered with old cars parts, boxes of car books, car photos, tools and other car related objects. All the items were to be auctioned off.

As I sat on the dusty blue sofa that lined the edge of the room, I wondered what everyone was waiting for. The goods were laid out, the auction forms filled in, why wasn’t anything happening? The Auctioneer hadn’t arrived. Wow, I thought. We’re in the back room of a bar, there’s about 15 people here drinking cider and guiness and we are waiting for the professional Auto Jumble Auctioneer to arrive. But he did, carrying his own PA system he jumped up onto a small stage and so the auction began. It’s amazing what can happen in a room full of middle age men, alcohol and boxes of old junk. Bidding wars. Bidding starts at £2 and sometimes it got fierce. A box of old car books went up to £22! It was the most surreal thing I’ve witnessed in a long time. Not put off by my Auto Jumble inexperience I put in a bid for an old wooden toolbox. Three pounds; I got it! Only then did I fully understand why these things take place.

CLA Game Fair 2010

Ragley Hall was the back drop for the 2010 CLA Game Fair. A dramatic setting and a dramatic event. Horse and Hound on parade, dogs chasing pheasant dummies, archery and fishing all to the song of rifles and other guns being shot in the background. The summer is the time when game keepers will be rearing their birds in time for the beginning of the shooting season come autumn. With many stands and shops available those wanting to find out more about the game industry it's certainly a great place to be to be educated. I spoke to Alex Butler who is the Central England Advisor from the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust about the organisation and what it brings to the event. I also chatted to Charles Nodder from the National Gamekeepers Organisation to get the latest on current shooting issues.

Game Fair by bribriwilliam


But it's not just a place to sit and observe, there are many activities going on that anyone can take part in. I had a go at Clay Pigeon shooting and managed to hit two!I think I need a little more practice.

But apart from the fun and games the scale of the Game Fair just mirrors the size of the industry in rural communities. Game shoots add to the rural economy and Game Keepers can help preserve the wildlife in the countryside. The proud smiles of dog owners showing their animals skill, agility and obedience when it comes to working the land.

As a dog lover I was impressed by the standard and variety of the working dogs that were on show. I felt slightly out of place with out a dog at my heels but there were plenty around that I could pretend were mine.

Buffering in Bristol

First it was Shank, then came Release and now? Buffering is the third creation from Bristol film makers Darren Flaxstone and Christian Martin, Bonne idee Productions.

In the back streets of Fishponds an derelict building has been transformed into an array of colourful film sets. Sex shops and bedroom orgies Buffering has it all. I went behind the scenes to take a sneak peak at what was going on set.

Buffering by bribriwilliams

And you can find out more about what the crew and cast are doing as they are keeping their own blog...Click here to read!

Using the city of Bristol as its back drop Buffering makes the most of local talent. The script is clever and witty, the plot quirky but kind and in some areas just a little bizarre! Without giving too much away it's a complex love story that spends most of its time on the internet. Does that not make any sense? Well good, it's not suppose too.

Shooting continues in Bristol for the next week or so and then comes the post production. Then we just have to wait and see when this little number will have its big premier.