Wreath

I think this Christmas wreath is much cooler than a boring old holly wreath. Modern versus traditional. What's hanging on your front door this Christmas?

Hello Kitty

Hello Kitty doesn't look bad for 35 does she? The iconic character started life in Japan in 1974 on a purse and is now a global phenomena. The character is now seen on all sorts of merchandise as well as having her own theme park and maternity hospital in Taiwan! And Hello Kitty is worth big bucks, $1 billion a year to be precise! So this mobile stall in the High Street was doing its bit to boost sales. Umbrella, beach ball, inflatable Hello Kitty anyone?!

Green Balls

Yes, another Autumn themed photo. I told you you'd be sick of it by the end of the week! These green balls were covering the ground, they must be related to the Horse Chestnut tree but had no conkers inside, so I've no idea what they are. Any thoughts? Tash, you are always good at finding things out when I can't be bothered!

Marley In Rhodes

I'm back! First things first - once again many thanks to my fellow CDP bloggers who lent photos to appear here in my absence, and thanks to those who continued to visit and comment while I was away. Now, on to the holiday snaps!

We had a fantastic week in Rhodes, staying in the village of Pefkos. Lots of lazing by the pool, eating and, of course, drinking! Today and tomorrow I'll share with you a few photos.

The view from our balcony of the bay towards Lardos.

Colourful beach balls and buckets.

Night time view of Enigma restaurant. We ate here a couple of times and sat on the open roof terraces. Lovely.

Bell tower in the neighbouring village of Lindos.

The Greek sense of humour shines through everywhere, like on this sign outside a bar. Who could resist an offer like this?!

More snaps tomorrow.
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Big Balls!

Now I've got your attention its time to tell you about these spheres! Actually I don't know much about them other than they mark the former entrance into Imperial Gardens. The gardens, like all of those in Cheltenham, used to be surrounded by iron railings but the railings were removed during World War Two to be melted down, to aid the war effort. Either side of these markers are stone blocks set in the ground with holes in them where the railings once were. Anyway, back to the balls. They are solid and weathered and I think they look great.

I've got a lot on this week, and its not work - its fun! Anyway, I'm scheduling posts and will comment when I can.
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Pump Room

This is my last photo of Pitville Park, and it shows the magnificent looking Pitville Pump Room. The building stands at the northern end of the park and looks over the lake and gardens. The Pump Room is one of the towns finest examples of Regency architecture, with its main feature being the Ionic columns that front onto the large lawn.

Building work started in 1825 and took 5 years to complete, with a grand opening and ball being held on the 20th July 1830. The building was the idea of wealthy banker Joseph Pitt and was designed by architect John Forbes, who had a hand in the design of many other Cheltenham buildings. It cost £40,000 to complete, but the Pump Room soon ran into difficulties and it was sold to the Borough Council for just £5,400 in 1890! Throughout the second world war the Pump Room was used as a base by the American Army and, during this time of deprivation ,the building was greatly neglected, infact it is said that the dry rot was so bad that the plaster was all that was stopping the dome from collapsing! After public subscription and government grants the total of £43,200 was raised in 1960 to help restore the building.

Inside the Pump Room today you can still sample the Spa water (pumped from an 80 foot deep well), while marvelling at the grand dome and sweeping staircase. The Pump Room is now Cheltenhams most popular wedding venue and at other times of the year is used for concerts, shows and exhibitions. Infact you could hire it for your next party, just make sure I'm on the guest list!

Having A Ball

I have just discovered artist Giles Penny while trying to find the creator of this bronze sculpture, Man With Ball, and I really like his style. Giles Penny was born in 1962 in Dorchester, Dorset and studied at various Art Colleges between 1978 and 1984. His website says "His fondest way of working is in relief, which he believes is half way between sculpture and drawing." and his work is, more often than not, in bronze. His drawings, sculpture and relief work all have a humorous and friendly nature, and is accessible to none arty types, like me. The work shown is about 8 feet tall and stands in the entrance to housing development Sheldons Court (off of Winchcombe Street), it was commissioned by Crest Homes in 2000. Giles Penny's work has been used in many different locations including many pieces at the Bodyshop Headquarters, the Atrium Garden at the BBC and at Canary Wharf London.

Check out more of Giles Penny's work here http://www.gilespenny.co.uk/Large20%Sculpture.htm