Mediaeval Archery

There was an archer at the mediaeval day, and showing and explaining that arrow tips came in different types for different purposes. He also explained the tactics used at the Battle of Agincourt, and showed how arrows were made.

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Mediaeval Spicer

The mediaeval spicer at the castle on Saturday was a mine of information. Amongst the more interesting tidbits of information were the fact the England had ravioli in the 14th century, and that there was no real concept of sweet/savoury. Photos, clockwise from top left: an ember day (no meat, no fish) meal with onions, milk, and currants; ravioli (in dish); a cone of sugar; mediaeval gingerbread; flatbreads cooked on an open fire with cheese.

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Car Boot Sales

A typical Sunday morning pastime around Chester is browsing (or selling) at car boot sales. The main two are at the Countess of Chester and, during the summer, the Rugby Club (which doesn't start until 10am and is therefore better for those of us who like a lie-in).

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Medieval Day

Today was Mediaeval Day, with activities at the Castle (open for the first time in a couple of years), the Grosvenor Museum, and the Amphitheatre. The living history displays at the Castle were very interesting and informative, and more of them later.

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Holy Ascension Church, Upton

Out on Church Lane, Upton, is the Holy Ascension Church. Built in 1853, it has a beautiful lychgate and an atmospheric graveyard. English Heritage have given it Grade II listing. More information about it can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Ascension_Church,_Upton_by_Chester

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John Pearson

In the Cathedral there is a monument to John Pearson, Bishop of Chester 1672-86. He was a very great theologian, and took a prominent part in the discussions which led to the present Prayer Book becoming the service book of the Church of England in 1662. You can find out more about him here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Pearson_%28bishop%29

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RAF Memorial

The tour of the Grosvenor Park also alerted me to the RAF memorial, which I had never noticed before - the decluttering is really working.

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Springhead

Down in the Groves, behind what are now public toilets, there used to be a spring, and a springhead was constructed there. When the spring fell into disuse, the springhead was moved into Grosvenor Park, and has now been uncovered once more by the renovations.

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Grosvenor Park Refurbishment

Grosvenor Park is currently undergoing a three million pound refurbishment, the result of a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. At the moment it all looks a bit of a mess, but trees have been removed, vistas opened up, a new playground is being constructed and a cafe and tearooms created, and a new toilet block is being built. Overall, there should be a huge improvement, and there are opportunities to go on a tour with the Friends of Grosvenor Park to find out more about it, or there are display boards in the centre of the Park.

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Cyrano de Bergerac

Last night we went to see Cyrano de Bergerac at the open air theatre in Grosvenor Park, and had a really good time. The acting was excellent, and, for once, the weather was perfect. Seats are still available, so what are you waiting for?

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Kelsall Equestrian Centre

Heading out of Chester on the A51 is the Kelsall Equestrian Centre. It has everything the discerning rider (and horse) could possibly need, and the staff are friendly and helpful. You can find out more about them here: www.kelsallhill.co.uk

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Northgate Festival - Ukelele Day

Northgate Festival continues with a Ukelele Day this coming Sunday. There will be more than one hundred players performing, and a chance to design or build you fantasy building out of cardboard. Sounds like fun!

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Kaleyards Gate II

The Kaleyards Gate was, as previously reported here, historically always locked at 9pm (to keep out marauding Welshmen). This had been discontinued, but now it has been reinstated and you can once again hear the curfew bell just before 9 and see the gate being locked. It also means that you occasionally have to walk a little further, but you have been warned!

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River Trips II

As well as the cruises, you can take out a rowing boat, a pedallo, or a motor boat. All three are the same price, but you get the longest for your money in a rowing boat, and all of them take up to four adults.

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River Trips

There are many ways of taking a trip on the river, but one of the most popular is the river cruiser. Currently there seem to be two of them plying their trade, and you can go for either a 30 minute or a two hour trip.

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Gone Fishing

The River Dee used to throng with salmon, but now they are few and far between. Reasons for the drastic reduction include water pollution and over-fishing. Still, there are fishermen still hoping to catch something (in this case I was told chub or dace).

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Katie Moore

There is a shop in Rufus Court where you can see the work of upholsterer Katie Moore. I love the quality and feel of the fabrics she uses, and the work is quirky and interesting. Buy now before she gets too well-known and expensive! You can see more of it here: www.katiemoore.co.uk

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Sunday Painters

Each Sunday (and sometimes other days), painters station themselves down by the river, around the base of Recorder Steps, to sell their wares. Usually they are distinctly amateurish, but last Sunday I was going past and noticed someone new, whose stuff looked a cut above the usual. His name is Peter J. Farrall, and my guess is that he is an architect who does drawings of buildings. Go and check out his work.

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Riverside Promenade

There is a guided riverside walk tomorrow, all about the history of the Groves and Grosvenor Park. Book by phoning Chester History & Heritage on 01244 972210. The tour leaves from there at 1:30pm, and costs five pounds.

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Choir Day II

Choir Day went off very well, with performances from 10 different choirs. Next Sunday is going to be History Day, with re-enactors camped out on the Deanery Field, and various stalls in Northgate Street. Covering Roundheads, Vikings and Victorians. For more information, go to  www.thenorthgatequarter.co.uk

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Raft Race 2013

Just for once, the raft race took place in glorious sunshine, on a hot summers' day - miracles do happen! There was the usual bombardment of rafts with flour bombs by those standing on the suspension bridge, and the equally usual retaliation by the rafts firing water upwards and onto the riverbanks. A good time was had by all, and strangely, no-one seemed to mind getting wet this year. Not sure who won the race, but I don't think anyone cared.

 

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Choir Day

Advance notice of Choir Day on Sunday - Northgate Street will be closed to traffic and more than a dozen choirs on four stages, all directed by Matt Baker, will be singing their hearts out. Music from the Mystery Plays will be featured, so if you haven't made your mind up about buying a ticket perhaps going along to this might help.

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Malley Finds A Home

Malley has found himself a new family, and has gone off to start a new life in Pensby, on the Wirral.

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Cathedral Grounds

The Cathedral grounds are looking especially beautiful - someone has obviously worked hard on the planting schemes this year, and I know they are part of the Open Gardens scheme this year. Well done to whoever has done all the hard work!

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Edward Bedward

I noticed this gravestone in the Cathedral Gardens and just loved the name - Edward Bedward. His parents obviously had a sense of humour.

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Mystery Play Seating

To ensure that the Mystery plays can be seen adequately tiered seating has been installed temporarily. Unfortunately the seats are very cramped, and I found them difficult to fit into, despite being only 1m75. My son (1m94) found it impossible, and had to dangle his legs out into the aisle. The seats were also very hard and uncomfortable, and, if you are going, you should take a cushion.

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Mystery Plays 2013

We went to see the Mystery Plays in the Cathedral on Saturday evening. They were certainly better than the previous productions that I have seen - far more professional and well thought through, and I don't think they lost much for being cut down to a single performance (as opposed to the 3 nights you would have had to attend for previously). The giant in the photo was outside advertising the performance, along with Karamba Samba, tho were there drumming up business. As well as the plays there were performances by some very talented young musicians in the Cloisters beforehand.

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Alexanders Beer Garden

There are very few beer gardens within the city walls, and Alexanders is, I would have thought, the largest there is. A pleasant place to sit outside on a summer's day, but best to go inside to order drinks or meals.

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