Malley

Malley is a dog looking for a new home. He was taken away from owners who were not treating him very well, and is now looking for someone new to love. He is a collie cross - but quite what the cross is I am not sure. He is intelligent and eager to please, and very affectionate, but needs a bit more training. He is between one and two years old (nearer to one I would guess), and has recently been neuterered. Any interest? Please feel free to share the photo.

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Midsummer Watch 2013 - Devilment

The final section of the Midsummer Watch were the Devils - Devil take the hindmost, maybe? I love this part of procession - this section always seems to make the most effort.

 

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Midsummer Watch 2013 - Old Favourites

As well as new faces, moast of the old favourites were at Midsummer Watch as well.

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Midsummer Watch 2013 - New Faces

There were several new faces this year, or at least ones that I hadn't seen before (they might have been around last year, but I wasn't).

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Midsummer Watch 2013 - Mayor and Guard

There was a mayoral contingent, pulled around in a chariot, with a Roman (of course!) guard of honour. There was also a very interesting-looking mayoral companion

 

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Midsummer Watch 2013 - Power

All the Midsummer Watch characters have to be moved somehow, and that somehow is obviously human powered. So please spare a thought for those that lurk underneath...

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Midsummer Watch 2013 - Community Groups

Various community groups were represented at the Midsummer Watch - among them the Freemen and Guilds, Cambrian Community Dancers, and several primary school groups.

 

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Midsummer Watch 2013 - Pirates

As well as the usual pirate ship, and general piratical behaviour from Russell Kirk, there was a pirate band this year, playing sea shanties.

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Midsummer Watch 2013 - Karamba Samba

Midsummer Watch 2013 was led by Kathryn Kirk, dressed as a jester, followed by Karamba Samba, a marching drumming band. More about Karamba Samba here:
http://www.karambasamba.co.uk/Karamba/Welcome.html

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Midsummer Watch 2013

The Midsummer Watch happened today (there's a repeat performance tomorrow), and all the usual characters were there, plus a few new ones. Luckily the rain held off, though there were a few nervous moments about giants and high winds...

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The Narrows

The Narrows Community Park has two flower beds at its entrance. Year after year they became overgrown with weeds, mainly because the council short-sightedly spends money on planting, but nothing on maintenance. Now, however, they are a riot of colour and are looking lovely. This is because, I understand, a local member of the community has adopted them and looks after them. Well done that person, but shouldn't the council give them a small allowance for seed, plants, and tools?

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Tea With An Architect

Tea With An Architect is coming to Chester. This is an opportunity for you to have a free, informal, chat with an architect, and is taking place at the Tea On The Wall on Tuesday 2nd July. More information about the project in general can be found here:
http://teawithanarchitect.com/

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The Northgate

On or near the site of the current Northgate, was the Porta Decumana of the Roman fortress, and later the medieval gate which also housed the city gaol. The present arch, designed by the architect Thomas Harrison, was built 1808-10 and presented to the city by Robert, Earl Grosvenor.

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Mystery Plays 2013

The Mystery plays commence on the 26th June, and there were definite 'setting up' signs when I passed the Cathedral on Saturday. If you join the Mystery Play group on Facebook, there is mounting excitement and anticipation. These plays are only normally produced every FIVE years, so this is your big chance to see them. Tickets here: http://www.chestermysteryplays.com/ticket_sales/ticket_sales_linkpage.html

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Ducklings

Perhaps because of the late Spring, ducklings are still hatching at an astonishing rate - I saw some brand new ones on Saturday. This mother was about to lead her slightly older brood on a hunt for food.

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Chester Farmers Market

Chester Farmers Market has been resurrected, but this time on the second Saturday of the month (rather than on a Wednesday, as formerly). I missed it the first couple of months it happened, but stumbled across it last Saturday. It was very busy, and by the time I got there, Jane's bread had already sold out!

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Stanley Arms

The Stanley Arms is at the end of Brook Street, and is a nice enough pub, but I have always wondered why there were so many places called 'Stanley' something-or-other around Chester. Turns out they were probably named after Lord Stanley, 1st Earl of Derby, who owned much of the land hereabouts. You can find out more about him here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Stanley,_1st_Earl_of_Derby

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Friday Night

Friday 14th is bringing some interesting places to go and things to do. Handels Court Gallery has the opening of a new solo exhibition by Finn Blair, and there is the start up of the new Chester Fringe - an exciting idea given the amazing breadth of musical talent around currently. More details on both here:
http://chesterculture.wordpress.com/2013/06/12/chester-fringe-programme-14-16-june/
and here:
http://handelscourtgallery.co.uk/

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Steamer Trading

The Steamer Trading Cookshop has been open on Bridge Street for a while, but I only got around to going in there the other day. Whilst not the cheapest place for cookware, it certainly has a comprehensive selection, and helpful staff.

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May Blossom

May blossom is normally out, as its name suggests, in May. Frequently over the last couple of decades, it has appeared in April, or even as early as late March. Here we are in the second week of June and it is still blossoming, thanks to the very cold Spring.

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Open Gardens

The National Garden Society has an Open Garden Scheme, which has many open days in and around Chester. As well as the flyer shown below, the Cathedral Garth and 150 Barrel Well Hill are also open (more information here: http://www.ngs.org.uk/gardens/gardenfinder/garden.aspx?search=type:advanced-pc:ch2+3rb-d:3-dr:6&id=29704) and interestingly you can be dropped off by boat at this one

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Chester Cycling Campaign

Chester Cycling Campaign have produced a new series of leaflets on cycling routes round Chester, in an attempt to make Chester a more cycle friendly city. To find out more about the campaign you can visit http://www.chestercyclecity.org/

 

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Minstrels Court 2013

Advance warning for anyone interested - the Minstrels Court is once more happening at St John's Church on Saturday June 15th. It happens from 10:30am to 5pm, and there is also Merrie Musicke With Minstrels from 7:30 to 9:30pm in the same place (and undoubtedly a session in the pub afterwards as well, minstrelling being a very thirsty business). Daytime is free, evening concert is a bargain at only five pounds.

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Cathedral South Cloister

At the end of the South Cloister, according to an old tradition, were buried the early abbots of Chester. Their grave slabs can still be seen in the floor, where they were placed after being rescued from serving as walling stones in the foundations of the Cloister wall.

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