I open this evening, 19th Sept, in my new space an old cider shed.  It has been a long journey to create this, firstly the remains of the old cider press had to be shifted, they went to a good home with a bunch of keen cider makers in Dorset – quite a heave to get it loaded.  Then my son Tim moved into the space with lots of machinery whilst he built his eco home, that lot eventually got Gumtreed when he moved on to greater things. My daughters then invaded or rather boomeranged and their stuff had to be shifted to what is now ‘The Old Darkroom’ .  Finally the old lime walls had to be distempered, the broken window mended and electrics rearranged before the transformation into a gallery could start.  It is now almost there and looks wonderful, we open tonight with appropriately cider being on offer to our visitors.  My work monochrome work on a rural theme is on show plus a few images form last winter’s storms and my very new flower studies which I have been working towards over the past couple of years.  I was determined to get something on the wall this year, we will see how they are received!! That is the good thing about Arts Weeks – immediate feedback!!  Alongside my work, Rod Page is showing a wonderful array of turned wooden pieces including some very creative work with drift wood which has been plentiful on the beach at Lyme Regis this year.  Jo Mills has some of her lovely somerset willow baskets and a few fairies on sale, they cover up some ‘irregularities’ in the old walls and look absolutely beautiful displayed on old wine boxes.  Lastly my good friend who I met at my first arts week 16 years ago, James Crowden will have his range of very individual books for sale at astonishing good value prices.

The heavy rain this morning was not what we wanted but it is forecast to clear and then may the sun shine and the visitors come for the next 2 weeks.

Open 11am-6pm  from now till 5th Oct but closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.  Another delightful venue is just down the road and refreshments will be available throughout.