Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Ploughing Logie Farm North Fife

This was last night, gentle rain on the honeysuckle.

Autumn clematis. This particular plant flowers in different seasons from year to year, right now it's in flower but not in a big way.


The overnight gentle rain provided ideal conditions for the plough. This particular field has lain fallow for a year and has probably provided richer pickings for the Gulls.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Monty Roberts Dunbog sept 2009

The road to Dunbog Church, Quite an avenue, even a tunnel, perhaps!

The House of Monty Roberts, a beautifully converted church in Dunbog, just off the Newburgh to Cupar road North Fife. A relaxed gathering of friends and relatives on a pleasant September evening.

8th day moon dusk at Dunbog North Fife. Co-incidentally the same moon-phase when I was born and that's a by-the-way.

Alfresco jolly's around the brazier.

A few of Monty's guests.

Dorothy Bosomworth networking.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Newport-on-Tay Property for sale. 48 West road

Newport-on-Tay property for sale, 48 West Road.
* Property Ref : 48west
* Property Type : Semi-detached
* Public Rooms : 3
* Bedrooms : 3
* Garage : no
* Garden : yes

* HOME REPORT AVAILABLE
Offers around £290,000

An immaculately presented semi detached villa with accommodation formed over three levels with views to the River Tay. The property has retained many fine traditional features and is located within 3 miles of Dundee, 12 miles from St Andrews and 16 miles from Carnoustie. Lounge. Dining Room. Sitting Room. Modern Kitchen. Three Bedrooms. Bathroom. Shower room. Utility Room. Cellar
Pagan Osborne is delighted to offer to the market this charming semi detached villa which overlooks the River Tay. The property is located within 3 miles of Dundee, 12 miles from St Andrews and 16 miles from Carnoustie. The property is immaculately presented inside and out and offers a degree of flexible accommodation. The subjects are formed over three levels and the ground level comprises; entrance vestibule with traditional glazed door; formal lounge with ornate cornice, ceiling rose, picture rail and antique style fireplace; dining room with coving and picture rail; sitting room, modern kitchen with integrated fridge freezer, dishwasher and built in cooker with ceramic hob; and shower room. A traditional cast iron spindle balustrade staircase leads to the first floor accommodation which comprises two double bedrooms (one with built in wardrobe) with extended views of the River Tay and walk in cupboard. The basement level is accessed via a stairwell in the main reception hallway which provides access to a double bedroom with concealed storage, utility room, bathroom, rear porch and cellar. Externally there is a driveway which provides off street parking for four cars or thereby. The driveway leads to the beautiful mature gardens which have a mixture of plants, trees and shrubbery. This garden is mostly laid to lawn and has an attractive patio area. The garden to the rear is chipped and is enclosed via a traditional stone wall. This garden has a pathway which leads to the River Tay, where those who have boating requirements can possibly place a mooring. The property is completed by gas central heating and Pagan Osborne highly recommends an early inspection to appreciate the accommodation. A Home Report is available upon request.
Photographs.

Pagan Osborne Property Services
Solicitors and Estate Agents
106 South Street
St Andrews
Fife
KY16 9QD

Tel : 01334 475151
Fax : 01334 477219

E-mail : property-standrews@pagan.co.uk
Website : www.paganosborne.com

Newburgh Orchard Group September 26

Today September 26 Newburgh Orchard Group held another sale in the High Street. Apples, Pears, Plums, Blackberries, Onions, Shallots, Jams, Preserves and Chutneys. These sales will happen for the next 2 Saturdays from 9-30 am. Be early if you really want to buy. Local food, Zero food miles, what could be better?

Just one of the varieties of eating apples for sale.

Apples, appreciative buyers choose from the wide variety of fruits grown in Newburgh.



Point of sale where cash changes hands. The income is split between Newburgh growers and the orchard group.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Local Hero The Steeple Newburgh North Fife


Film Studio in The Steeple Arts Newburgh North Fife. Tonight is a showing of the Iconic Scottish film, Local Hero by Bill Forsyth. A comfortable space in which to watch and enjoy, even better you can bring along your own victuals. This the first film night of more to follow, you've obviously missed yourself tonight but you can maybe buy the video below.


A Review. A charming film, almost perfect from location to casting to plot. A jaded American businessman journeys to Scotland to take advantage of the locals and ends up falling in love with the village and the quiet life.

If you want to put a smile on your face, this is the way to do it.Local Hero [DVD] [1983]

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Local Food Festival September North Fife

North Howe Transition Toun organisers. The local Food Festival held in Letham village park North Fife was well attended and enjoyed, it will never be huge as the spirit is about being local. Few miles, less dependence on oil and by activity a greater connectedness with local beings.



Bellfield Organic farm produce.

Aberdeen Angus beefburgers locally grown which sold out. Everyone knows a good thing when they see it and more so when eaten.


The Honky Tonkin. Almost every event in Scotland will have live music and the Local Food Festival in Letham village park is no exception.


Central Scotland Smallholders Association.

Representing Elmwood College Cupar.




Food in Letham Park
Judging lunchbox competition.

Jams.

Letham Primary School.

Monimail Tower Project.

Monimail Church.

Oatcakes and very nice too. Your Piece Baking Company.

Cecilia the Jam Lady

The Secret garden.

Bicycles, the best local transport.

Mushroom identity talk from the Fife Ranger. Other free foods were noted, blackberries, elderberries, beech nuts and pine nuts along the wee walk.

Mushroom guide.This current book, Mushrooms (ISBN 0330442376), supersedes the older Phillips guide. It follows the format of the original book quite closely, but is now slightly smaller to make it more of a field guide - about the same size as Skinner's "Moths of the British Isles" (ISBN 0670803545) and, although still won't fit into a pocket, it is much more manageable than the older A4-sized book. There are 1,250 photographs, all of the excellent quality one associates with the author. Some 200 extra species are treated. Taxonomy and text has been brought up to date and into line with the standard taxonomy and nomenclature of lists published by the British Mycological Society. Mushrooms

If you're interested in fungi, don't hesitate - this book must be on your shelves. When you consider how much work went into this project, this represents tremendous value for money.

Puffball examination, edible when white inside.

Can you eat it?

Wild foods by Roger Phillips, a very useful guide.
Roger Phillips, creator of "Wild Flowers" and its bestselling companion volumes, turns his attention and his camera to the wide range of good things to eat from the countryside and seashore. From the multitude of species that are safely edible, he has selected those that are actually attractive and appetizing as food. Beautiful colour photography shows each species growing in the wild - for accurate identification - and prepared as an appealing dish. Well-known wine and food writers such as Jane grigson, Katie Stewart and B.C.A. Turner are among those who have contributed the recipes that accompany Roger Phillips' photographs. Buy Now.Wild Food (Natural history photographic guides)




Drumming with many happy participants getting into the groove.

The adjustable settings on the mill determine fine or course ground flour. Hopefully the energy from the product is greater than consumed in production.


A real grind but it well demonstrates that it can be done without connection to the electricity grid.



A happy and truly entertained audience in Letham Hall.



The Man who Planted Trees Puppet Show. This is just the beginning of a very entertaining, humorous and poignant story that has won many awards.

"I wrote this story to make people love trees, or more precisely to make people love planting trees. Of all my stories it is one of the ones of which I am most proud. It has never earned me a penny and for that reason it has accomplished the very purpose for which it was written."
Jean Giono, 1957

There is some debate, however, as to whether Giono based the character of Elzéard Bouffier on a real person. We recently met a headteacher on the Isle of Mull who used to work as a forester in France and told us that there were forested areas of Provence which according to the maps should be just scrub land. No-one knows where all these trees came from.

But this is much more than a story about forestry: it is a wonderful parable of life - the tale of a human being who saw a need and decided not to ignore it but to "put things right" . He received no payment or recognition, yet his life of dedication brought him great happiness and health. The story is also known as 'The Man Who Planted Hope and Reaped Happiness'.

We have tried to dramatise the story as Giono wrote it - i.e. as if it were a true story - and in many ways it is. Fiction can be full of truth. Adapted and performed by Richard Medrington and Rick Conte. Co Director Designer, Ailie Cohen.

At the end of a very successful and enjoyable day.

Orchid Flowers September North Fife



Orchid Flowers this September. This single cluster has been in the studio for about a month slowly maturing. I find them difficult to pass by when on sale at the local Lidl store, exceptional value as the flowers last so long.

Simply Magic Workshop

Students from Glenalmond College Perthshire attending a simply magic workshop directed by Mary-Ann Orr at the Steeple Arts, Newburgh North Fife. Some very creative outcomes.









The next course using thread art.
A Wand in the wardrobe- wearable art- learn how to transform the old into the new. you will be taught the basic techniques of deconstruction of textiles and fibres. Then using multiple free motion stitch techniques you will re-construct the textiles into a panel of a new garment. You will make a light linen summer top with a thread art collar. 24th, 25th,&26th September.contact. orrgallery@gmail.com

Singing in The Steeple Newburgh

Singing in The Steeple Newburgh North Fife. This was the outcome after an hour or so of an open get together of people who wish to sing. The group was led by Debra Salem, community choir leader and singer. In the video clip below you can enjoy the sheer exuberance and vitality that group singing induces here from persons who had never sung together before.



The next meeting is Tuesday night 7-30, 13th October. All are welcome to share the feel-good factor. There is a modest fee of £3-00.

Alfred Malocco Collessie North Fife

Alfred Malocco at ease in his studio and exhibition space.

Today on the road from Cupar to Auchtermuchty I was diverted by an exhibition sign to the charming village of Collessie, it led me to The Glebe. Inside the Gallery outbuilding I met Alfred Malocco.
After a successful career as an Architect, He turned to painting as an interesting and challenging change of direction. Mainly self taught, his paintings are executed in oils and watercolours, and the subjects range from Landscapes, Seascapes, Portraiture, Still Life and figurative Studies.
He has travel widely, looking for interesting material in Italy, Scotland, France,Portugal Scandinavia etc.. and much of his work to date has reflected these cultures and is constantly seeking new ways to develop his skills.



In addition to his paintings and cards strictly limited signed Giclee prints are also available.

Annual Exhibition 2009
at
THE GLEBE GALLERY
& Studio
from
Saturday 19th September
till
Sunday 27th September
open
10.30 am till
6pm daily
The Glebe Gallery and Studio. Collessie North Fife,KY15 7RQ. Tel 01337 810338
Email malocco@btinternet.com

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Newburgh Orchard Group Moth Night

Newburgh North Fife Orchard Group Moth Night in collaboration with The Fife Ranger Service met today to inspect the light traps. The light given by mercury vapour bulbs radiates in the ultra-violet spectrum which is irresistible to moths. They spiral in, drawn down a funnel and find rest under egg trays to hide. In the event it was a cold night with few moths flying and the mornings yield was meagre.

Identifying the few which had arrived.

The books were out to find the appropriate name.

Along with the many children present us oldies inspected. I myself since childhood have been fascinated with moths some of which are quite extraordinary and beautiful. Below is a book that illustrates some of the many different kinds.

This is a great practical solution for every moth enthusiast. The guide has all the illustrations of the classic "Field Guide to Moths of Great Britain and Ireland" but in a portable wiro-bound format with concise descriptions opposite the plates, all contained in a durable PVC wallet. Nearly all the resident and migrant British and Irish species of macro-moth are described and illustrated with superb colour artworks by Richard Lewington, showing the moths in their natural resting postures. Concise Guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland