What a lot of fun!

After some bright and sunny weather this day started off fairly grey and people were saying the Raft Race would be ‘washed out’ – my response was that it’s a pretty wet event anyway – would the participants be any worse off?  No, of course not!

There were hordes of people thronging around – I was invited to attend and help to choose which rafts, their team outfits and overall entertainment value would win the prestigious awards.

We got chatting to all the entrants and it was obvious how much effort had been put in to making each and every river-faring raft and their amazing fancy dress outfits to match the team names.  It was not an easy task to single out those few who deserved to win a cup!

However once I’d blown the starting horn the serious business was underway and the fun and water-fighting began.  Then suddenly the sun appeared from behind a cloud and a fine evening ensued.

As the first raft returned and crossed the winning line I blew the horn again and more and more splashing and water-bombing, and jumping off the rafts took place – I was glad to have a row of small children just in front of me, shielding me from the deluges heading our way, which they thought was hilarious – smart move, I thought!

Having arrived at our difficult decisions the event ended with my having the honour of presenting the well-deserved trophies to those worthy and very wet but happy teams.

Bridport News has some fab pics…

West Bay RNLI Raft Race picture gallery | Bridport and Lyme Regis News (bridportnews.co.uk)

30^th July – Opening the Asker Meadows Nature Trail

 I was invited to say a few words (with the help and guidance of our very own David Dixon so that I don’t forget anyone or anything) on the celebration of the opening of the Asker Meadows Nature Trail – a truly delightful and educational trail, brought together by the Asker Meadows Nature Reserve Group, who secured funding, help with from the Wessex Water Community Connectors Initiative.

There are some lovely information posts along the main path, which are very informative and serve as a reminder for us to use ALL our senses to enjoy this great green space.

These posts have a QR code which will fill people in on more details of what they can see around them, or habitats they may not be aware of.   Being of the ‘older generation’ QR codes are somewhat of a mystery to me – so it is good to know there is a young person looking after these!

There are many people to thank for making this all come together, but Nicola Dennis, a member of the group, who has been a driving force behind the concept and execution of this, needs a special mention.

I enjoyed looking at some interesting pieces of artwork on display, by local children, showing a considerable amount of interest in their surroundings and the creatures that live there, plus good amounts of talent and knowledge.

Pics to follow when I can get hold of some.

31^st July – George Biles exhibition preview at the British Legion Hall

 On a very very very warm evening I was invited to the British Legion Hall to a preview of one of the exhibitions showing the very special work of George Biles – signwriter extraordinaire, or King of Signwriters.

Never having seen his work before (much like many others) I was blown away.  All sorts of subjects included, and many of local pubs and businesses, which is a wonderful piece of history to know about.

These pieces of art have been in storage and were threatened with burning (!!) if another home couldn’t be found for them soon, as the space was required.  Along came Jemma Thompson, who rescued them and put together this truly wonderful exhibition, in venues all over town, for the whole of August this year.

Here’s an excerpt from my ‘speech’, with which I was aided by David Dixon – thanks David.

“We think this is perhaps the first proper celebration of George Biles – a highly talented signwriter and pictorial painter who lived in Bridport throughout his life.

This exhibition is the culmination of 12 months work between the Town council, Jemma Thompson the project curator and Palmers Brewery. The George Biles Project, as we call it, was made possible with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. It is thanks to National Lottery players, that the Town Council has been able to support:

• Digitising the collection of George Biles’ artworks held by Palmers Brewery
• Running workshops in signwriting for young people in Bridport
• Putting together the exhibitions of George Biles’ works across Bridport this summer.

It has taken a good number of people, working together, to make this exhibition possible and I’d like to acknowledge the gratitude of the Town Council to a number of key people, without whose help the whole project would have never come about.

Ken Allen – Ken knew George and was quick to recognise that his work and his life story would one day be appreciated. It was Ken who has kindly loaned many of the artifacts that you will find in this exhibition.

Palmers Brewery – have been involved in the Lottery Funded project from the start and have helped bring the pub signs produced by George together, oh, and provided the refreshment for tonight’s preview. Thanks for that.

Daryl Chambers and his team for tireless help to put the exhibition up here and at the Arts Centre.

Bridport Arts Centre/ Bridport Museum and the Lord Nelson pub for agreeing to provide space for the exhibits that we couldn’t get into this hall!

Linda Bullock and the British Legion Hall Committee for agreeing to host the month long exhibition here.

But above all, thanks to Jemma Thompson, who has worked with the Town Council over the last 12 months researching, tracking down artefacts and curating this wonderful exhibition.”

In addition to the British Legion Hall, exhibits can be enjoyed at Bridport Arts Centre, Bridport Museum and the Lord Nelson.

If you see this blog and it’s still August ’24, you have time to appreciate his work and a time of when rural crafts, skilled hands and eyes were part of daily work life.  Get there!

Pics to follow when available.

4^th August – Bridport Carnival Teddy-bears’ picnic and crowning of Carnival ‘Royalty’

 “If you go down to the Millennium Green, you’re sure of a big surprise!”

If you go down to the Millennium Green, you might even win a prize!

“For every bear that ever there was, is certain to be there, because

Today’s the day that teddy-bears have their picnic!”

Yet another gorgeous Sunday afternoon – this time on our very own Millennium Green, which was just the right venue in my opinion, looking colourful with fun activities, stalls and lots and lots of teddy-bears, lots of children and all proceeds going into the much-needed Carnival pot. After many laughs and lovely conversations, I was called to ‘crown’ the Carnival Royalty – first the two attendants and then the Carnival Princess.  Each wearing their sashes proudly, received a cash prize, a beautiful bouquet, and sparkling tiara – three lovely girls with beautiful smiles – fitting well into their roles. Photo courtesy of Tim Russ photography   I am looking forward to the Carnival Procession and of course the Torchlight Procession, coming up soon!