Potfest in the Park 2010

We're just back from a fun-filled morning at Potfest. It is held at Hutton-in-the-Forest (pictured below). It costs £5 per adult to get in, and that includes parking and access to the gardens as well as to the 150 ceramics exhibitors.

The exhibitors have stands set up in marquees. The photo below shows one of our favourites: Charlotte and Sigerd Bohmer of Germany. We bought these lovely plates from them.

We were very taken with these adorable figures by Chiu-I Wu of Yorkshire.

This beautiful hare is by Nichola Theakston of Lincolnshire.

I bought these dramatic earrings from Steve Woodhead Studio Ceramics.

The event is well worth a visit. Lunches, teas, cakes, ice creams and other refreshments are served in the main house and in several other places,while a brass trio plays music in the background.

Each year a competition for the ceramicists is set. This year the theme was "Altars, Shrines and Markers". The exhibits are all set out on the lawn and visitors can vote on their top three favourites. Both Rob and I picked a beautiful and funny entry by Christine Hester Smith showing a queue of tiny penguins making offerings of fish to the God of Flight - a huge stylized eagle. Our photo sadly didn't do it justice, but click on the link to see examples of her work.

Finish up with a walk around the beautiful grounds and walled garden - the latter is full of flowers, fruit and bumble bees at this time of year. Highly recommended!

Hand Painted Silk Cushion Cover

My latest purchase, from Etsy seller Rosemary of Derwent Textiles.
This beautiful cushion cover is made from hand painted silk. Rosemary also makes "wearable art" scarves and accessories and knitted items. Her shop also stocks buttons, photographs and special items sold for charity: well worth a visit!

If you would like a custom designed item for yourself, your home or as a gift, visit Rosemary's own website.

Damascus Drum Cafe, Hawick

Whenever we are in Hawick, (Scottish Borders), Rob and I always visit the Damascus Drum Cafe. It is situated up a quiet side road and serves great food and coffee.

The interior is converted from an old boot makers shop and still retains some original features from that time, such as the wood panelling and interior windows. There is also a small range of interesting second hand books to browse through and buy, plus some wonderful handmade rugs.

There are lots of options for vegetarians on the menu, such as the mezes. You can pick three for £4.95. I chose hummus, roast tomatoes and baba ganoush with pitta bread. Other possible choices include pasta arrabiata, vegetarian burger, filled bagels and soup. The homemade cakes are irresistible and the coffee is excellent. A good lunch with coffee and cake cost us under £18. Highly recommended!

Afterwards, you can enjoy a stroll in the award winning Wilton Lodge Park, a visit to the local museum and art gallery and a rootle round the shops.