It was a warm summer evening when I was kindly invited by the organisers of the Askers Meadow Wildlife Reserve team to do an official ‘opening’.   So much thought and work has gone into the creation of this.

There are explanatory and beautifully illustrated boards on what wildlife one might find placed around and along the area, with further information accessible via QR codes.

George Biles exhibition preview

This was so amazing – a massive collection of George Biles’ artwork and signs – a truly wonderful find and amazing display.  What a treat!  I have since been to all the venues displaying his work – a piece of important Bridport history and a privilege and pleasure to see.

I can’t show you all the art – I hope you’ve viewed it throughout August.

Our very own Paul Violet worked with him in his (Paul’s) youth!  Wow!

I can’t make this blog short – here’s most of my intro speech – (guided by David Dixon).

“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.

It 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.  So it is thanks to National Lottery players, that the Town Council has been able to support the following three actions:

Digitising the collection of George Biles artworks held by Palmers Brewery,  Running workshops in signwriting for young people in Bridport (isn’t that brilliant?) and putting together the exhibitions of George Biles works across Bridport this summer.

It is clear that 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.  These are:

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.  Thank you Ken.

Palmers Brewery who 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. Extra 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 we must thank Jemma Thompson, who has worked with the Town Council over the last 12 months – researching, tracking down artefacts and curating this wonderful exhibition.  Thank you so much, Jemma.

As you probably know, the George Biles exhibition will run from the 1st to the 29th August at a number of venues around town – here, Bridport Arts Centre, Bridport Museum and the Lord Nelson.   Please do encourage friends and visitors to come along and wonder at the level of artistry in George’s work and the link his work provides to what now feels like a lost time – when rural crafts, skilled hands and eyes were part of daily work life.

I think that covers all I have to say, but can we please show our appreciation in the usual way for all the effort and love put into this, before we continue to feast our eyes on this very special exhibition.”

Here I am, having made an introductory speech, hob-nobbing with the great and good.  Thanks to Palmers who offered refreshments at the event….cheers!

Crowning the Carnival Princess at the Teddy-bears’ picnic

 

Carnival Torchlight Procession

Well – was this the longest procession ever? Seemed like it! I love this event so much. That ‘river of fire’ that can be seen as we turn around for a few seconds and look back. I believe it took something like 45 minutes between the first torches arriving at West Bay and the last ones!

What a show – a huge bonfire to greet us, food and drink stalls to refresh us –
‘Static Flight’ rock band wowing the crowds with some heavy metal, and a majestic firework display to watch as well!

Honestly, who could ask for more from our wonderful Carnival Committee! Thank you all for organising this – and thanks to all who took part in any or all of it. Bridport at its very best!

Lots and lots of pics courtesy of Tim Russ – see if you can find yourself – go to his selection on www.flickr.com/photos/7656159@N08/albums/72177720319637888

Here we are, starting off…..!

Where there’s a Will…..

Oh and here’s Caroline!