Piglets take in the sun

These newly-born piglets are completely enjoying the current sunshine.

Lots of children were enjoying the sight of the piglets (though Mum was ignoring them) at the animal centre at Byrkley Park.

Link: Byrkley Park

Phew...a scorcher

Another scorcher today, at 25 Celsius ... and what do the English do when it's unexpectedly hot? Head for a garden centre - like this one, the Byrkley Park Centre near Shobnall.

And, it must be hot: you rarely see someone holding up their umbrella to guard them from the ... sun!

Link: Byrkley Garden Centre

Indian summer days

Can this 'Indian summer' last? Seven days of unseasonal, continual sunshine.  The best part of the day during this sort of weather is, I think, when the last rays of the sun, low in the sky, make one sigh to just relax and take it easy.
Some walk a dog, while some check their texts outside the pub as this young lady is doing - at The Vaults in Uttoxeter.

Graffiti illusion

Do you see the man buried by rubble?

As I passed this patch of waste ground to the back of Tesco in Hanley, I did a double-take, thinking I could see some poor homeless man, who had been pushed back against the wall - and was perhaps being crushed by a fall of loose earth.
As I was about to race over and save him, I realised it was just a piece of graffiti.

I can't help thinking the artist was trying to create the exact illusion that I fell for...!

Emerging from LDF

‘Tent’ is the event during the London Design Festival week that tends to showcase the more innovative or younger & exciting designers.  Hundreds of ambitious youngsters take over empty spaces – warehouses and the like – to exhibit their work in the city.

I really enjoyed this particular showcase, ‘Emerge’ at Spitalfields, which featured the crop of young graphic designers, including Matt Lucas from Staffordshire University. His brilliant take on an astrological table was really inspired. Trouble was - I missed him by one day. (I should have read his table!)

Link: Matt Lucas at Emerge

Solar panels

You don't often see solar panels on private homes in Staffordshire. This householder in Tean clearly thinks they are the way forward though.

The literature suggests that they are an investment in the long-term, not just simply a way of keeping your bills low.
But, as the technology in gathering solar power improves, will they turn out to be that much of an investment?  It's a dilemma.

Skull & crossbones crockery

I decided to visit the London Design Festival, which runs across the city for a week in late September every year. The big event, '100% Design', was at Earl’s Court, where dozens of Europe’s leading design firms had stands.

I was really happy to turn one corner and find Denise O’Sullivan, who makes her colourfully individual ceramic pieces in north Staffordshire. She said that the latest news was that her newest range, a skull & crossbones crockery set, had attracted the attention of a bikers’ club; and she had been booked in to present tea for them at a rally.

Right. Hmm.

Link: Denise O'Sullivan / London Design Festival

Staffordshire way

The Staffordshire Way is the long distance footpath that crosses the county from the north, going south-east, and then zigzagging back into it south-west corner.

This sign is on the Teddesley Park estate.

Canal boat rises

The sight of a narrowboat slowly rising into view from down deep in a lock – it’s something that always makes me laugh, especially if I’m caught by a surprise.

Don’t know why it’s comical, but somehow it is.

Astral vinyl

In Staffordshire, there are one or two small record shops, run by enthusiasts, which will stock a lot of vinyl. There’s one in Rugeley and one in Stoke town for instance.

But only Astral Vinyl (in Hanley) stocks nothing but vinyl. Dave (seen here on the left) really loves the stuff.  

Although the records are not in alphabetical order, it doesn’t seem to matter, as Chris seems to know exactly where everything in his shop is (and what he’s got).  Just ask him – it’s all in his head.

If you're a fan of the black stuff, you'll recognise the album sleeve that Dave is holding - it's from an LP by Jimi Hendrix.

Link: Astral Vinyl record shop