Haiti Earthquake Fund-Raiser

Just finished a piece of work that I will be contributing to a fund-raising auction. It's all in aid of the Haiti earthquake. So pleased I could do something that might help.

g.

Untitled. Pine - 60cm x 30cm

Dudley Winter Ales Festival

Back in November Jo, me and our neighbour Jim, went along to the Dudley Winter Ales Festival. It was an amazing trip into the Black Country', very evocative of my childhood and all the Saturday shopping days I spent in places like Dudley. The festival was a hoot, so friendly and the beer was delicious:-P After leaving the Festival we visited the Olde Swan,(or Ma Pardoe's as it's known locally) in Netherton. Jim took along his old CanonA1 SLR; the photos he took, really bring back the wintry atmosphere of. As you can see from the last photo, I was pretty involved in the sampling process. Great company, great beer and we'll do it again next November...come along if you like....the more, the very merrier!
g.

If there is a heaven does it taste like this?

Photo Competition...Winner?

Over Christmas, we caught up with some good friends. The conversation got around to the idea that it would be good, to have an informal competition, to see who could get a photo, or news article, into the most obscure publication in 2010. Well those friends started the year off well by getting their photo of the recent UK weather onto the front cover of the Bridgnorth Journal. Take a look below...it's beautiful. Going to be hard to beat this:-)

g.

It was a year ago today...

...that I was in hospital, looking at this view!

Worcester A&E - 28th December 2008

I'd just broken my leg at Chesterfield BMX track. I had to spend the following night in Worcester A&E and had to have the following two months off work, (wearing the crazy splint you see in the second photo!) I've, only recently, begun to ride and run again and feel as though the leg is really beginning to feel normal again.

What I learnt from the whole episode was that I have some very dear friends and family...people whom I love but don't tell them this often enough. Yes, I'll continue to put myself in situations that might mean me breaking another bone, but I'm able to do it because I am supported by so so many wonderful people. I am very grateful to all the people that are patient with me, encourage me and give me the space that I, so selfishly, require. I going to try and be more sociable and communicative this coming year. I am looking forward to racing again this year, especially since we will have a new track at Redditch; I also look forward to producing more work that makes people smile...Thanks again and here's to a productive, (and break free) 2010!
gx

Bamboo House - Recycled compressed bamboo sheet and Acrylic.

Cold and Frosty Morning!!

Finally finished work on Friday. Ended the very long term, with a meal in Hereford and a few drinks at one of my favourite pubs, The Barrels. It was a great atmosphere with loads of students, past and present, in attendance.

Got up early today and travelled to the Bishops Tachbrook pump track. There was a pretty dusting of snow on the track, which made for some entertaining riding...still, had a good time though. It was great to catch up with my fellow team mates Benn thombs and Tim Print, whose not been on his bike for a while now. For those not familiar with Tim, he was an amazing racer (and still is in my book) in BMX's founding years, the eighties. He rode in the age group above mine, often against, my good friend Mark (Woppa)Watkins. I've alot of respect for Tim, he's a stylish rider and an all round good bloke, great to have in the team...
g.

Beautiful morning!

Made for tricky riding conditions..

Tim Print now...

and as he was then...(No.3)

Redditch Premier members Me, Benn Thombs and Tim Print

More Bloody Flying Houses!

Only this time, arranged, in a sort of 'flying ducks' kind of a way...I've sliced them across the back so they seem to come out of the wall at a 'jaunty' angle. God, I wish Cristmas was here already; I'm gagging for a few days off, for some constructive loafing and some outdoor cycling jocularity. Want to get out on my bike now!
g.

Scott Edgworth...

One of my Murray Jam/Ride BMX DVD heroes showing us all how to ride the Bishops Tachbrook pump track...think I'd better head up there this weekend and practice...SKILLS!
g.