Holbein Stitch Embroidery

 

From saw to needle, patterns and pictures in No. 6 silk thread on 25 count evenweave.

http://www.gekart.net/Contemporary/Embroidery.html

to visit the show.

Calne

 A very comfy place to rest our heads for six nights.

It had only opened for business in February, every thing brand spanky new.

First walk out, a 4 mile round trek along a very quiet A4 to view the Cherhill White Horse, one of 8 in the area,  and the monument. This particular horse has been here since 1780.

Evenings treated us to lovely sunsets.

Winchester

The first day saw us in Winchester to visit Robert, a friend we made in UB, for a very nice Sunday roast, followed by a conducted tour of the city with our new friend Charlie.

A chat with street artist Don Lavelle from Chorley, Lancashire no less

Where has he gone?

A must see, in full view before the leaves draw the curtain.

Robert had recently returned from a spell working in Beijing with Faye and little Charlie, a lovely little lad who let me play with his train set. 

Avebury

First a visit to the manor house and gardens.

The house was empty and abandoned for 20 years until the BBC used it for a TV series, using each room to illustrate a different period from Tudor times.  

Here to demonstrate the 18th century's love of things Chinese.  Subsequently, the National Trust took over the the property, keeping the BBC's props.

Then out to the stone circle,

to find the biggest stone for a photo opportunity.

Barbury Castle

First occupied some 2500 years ago, and was then used during the Roman occupation of the area. Archaeological investigations at Barbury have shown evidence of a number of buildings, indicating a village  or military garrison at this time. (Wikipedia)

The camera cannot do justice to the 360 degree views from up here.

Avon and Kennett Canal

The Caen Hill locks, all 16 of them.

This young man, living on his boat by all appearances, had climbed the hill solo. Absolutely exhausting. 

Lacock

OK, a visit with nothing to do with you know who,

but to visit an abbey founded by the most powerful woman in the Middle Ages, Ela, on the 16th of April 1232. 

Her original cloister was demolished in the 1400's and replaced with what you see today.

The village is very cute, 

and after a stroll around we availed ourselves of a lunch at The Red Lion. 

Court Gardens

Well, no need to ask what this image reminds you of.

Whilst the house is not open for visitors, the garden is lovely to visit even in early spring.

Classic Car Museum

On our last day away, a visit to see something a little more up to date. The chap who booked us in is a Morgan enthusiast. A manditory chat ensued.

A pose for Gek.

My  first road going car, a black  Ford Pop 103E, bought in 1968.

Next, a Mini bought in 1971.

And the last one I could find, a Frog Eyed Spirit, bought in 1975.