Nature reserve walk

I’ve never been to this nature reserve, and yet it’s only about a mile away behind the local University. My friend showed it me today. It takes in some hills, a lake and the River Trent. We walked quickly so I feel really tired out. Its somewhere to visit as the spring progresses. We might even have a picnic. X

Views include the river Trent, near Leek Road, Stoke-on-Trent,

Virtual panto link!

IT IS FINALLY HERE THE MOMENT YOU HAVE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR! OUR VIRTUAL PANTO EXTRAVAGANZA.
We hope you enjoy the show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utoP21vuFro
We are proud to be supporting YoungMinds. We are asking, if you are able, for donations of this performance to support their mission. Follow the link below: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/penkhullplayers
PLEASE SHARE A SMILE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Every year since 2009 our little village of Penkhull in the City of Stoke-on-Trent has held a pantomime in the village hall. This year we couldn’t do it, but we’ve tried to keep the fun going by taking part in an online version….. See what you think!

Today’s walk…

Took in wooden heads in Stoke that are part of an art project by bArts to bring art to the town centre. There were also banners but sadly the festival that was planned was cancelled because of covid. I wish I knew who the artist was but all I can say is they are interesting and very noticeable on a sparkling sunny day.

Big City Dreams

I keep seeing this stencil around our city. I think it’s a work by a local artist called ‘stokesy’? Whoever it is they are emulating Banksy.

I like these, it feels like they care about the city. There is a neatness and confidence about them. They are representative of the creative spirit of the city of the Potteries. The home of Clarice Cliff and Suzie Cooper, Emma Bridgewater, Wedgewood, and all the potteries and makers in the area. I ❤️ this city, I ♥️ Stoke-on-Trent.

Memory of an afternoon tea.

A year ago, we visited the Rabbit Hole tearoom with a friend who was visiting from Yorkshire. We had to book in advance. The food duly arrived in this cake stand with beautiful pots of tea.

Sadly, like so many other places, the Rabbit Hole is closed at the moment. Such a shame for a quaint and magical cafe in the centre of Stoke-upon-Trent, the town which the city of Stoke-on-Trent is named after.

Today’s walk

Up the hill and round the bend to Penkhull…. Just over 3km but it is steeply up and down hill. We walked along the road towards the local high school too. The view over the Lyme Valley where it is set was in danger of being lost as there was a fight over hundreds of houses being built there. Hopefully that won’t happen. Cities need green Lungs…..

I came home then went for a second, shorter walk with a friend. I’m shattered!

Mural at Florence

Based on the Florence colliery this is a mural I painted on panels several years ago. It’s emulsion on marine ply and it was covered in perspex to protect it from the dirt and fumes from the road. I think it’s been relocated from here but I’m not sure whether it’s now inside the building. I haven’t been there for a few years. One day I will go and have a look.