In the evening, I went to a 'Swish' event at Narborough Parish Centre to raise funds for Dogs Trust. The idea was to take several items of good quality clothing or accessories, pay £3 on the door and swap with other people's items. I've wanted to organise one of these events myself for ages so watch this space - I may do one soon. In exchange for my unwanted bags, tweed jacket and a couple of skirts, I came home with a brand new 60s style Next black and white dress, a pair of brand new pastel green ballet pumps, a Zara top and a Next linen suit - not bad! Plus around £100 was raised - good effort everyone.
I got home in time to watch the amazing opening ceremony for London 2012. Wasn't it incredible? From the beauty of Nimrod played against bucolic scenes of the English countryside making way for the mill towers and grime of the Industrial Revolution, the zip through the best music from the 60s to today with the technology sequence, the wonderful NHS/children's literature section and, my favourite bits of course, Mr Bean doing Chariots of Fire and the Queen as a Bond girl (which Lulu loved - mainly because of the corgis!).
An absolute work of genius - give Danny Boyle a knighthood. Only spoiled by the idiotic comments made by a Tory MP about it being 'multicultural crap '- what a horrible man.
After having only three hours sleep (due to staying up to watch the entire ceremony and Daisy waking me up at 4am.....), it was off to work at for another busy day. The weather has finally been summery plus we have had a deal on Groupon which has brought in lots of extra business - we're rushed off our feet! I then headed off to The Bakers' Arms at Blaby (the oldest pub in Leicestershire and reputedly the second oldest in the country) on my vintage 1940s Humber cycle to meet up with the Bicycle Belles, a women's cycling group based in Leicester. I did cheat a little as they all cycled all the way from the city but it was hard work riding my bike. It was great to meet like minded vintage cyclists (men were allowed on this occasion too!) and I took some fab photos. I was particularly impressed with the guy who turned up on a Penny Farthing - very brave!
Allyson, who organises the bike rides, told me you have to give your bike a name (like with old cars!) so I have now decided to name my bike 'Agatha' after Ms Christie. I always call it my Miss Marple bike anyway! I did feel a bit like Miranda Hart's character in Call the Midwife as I trundled along the cyclepath, wobbling away! But I did it without falling off or getting a puncture. I've had the bike for 2 years after spotting it on eBay for £15 with no bids. I had to collect it from King's Lynn on my way to North Norfolk and it only just fitted in my car! It was painted in blue emulsion paint which I stripped off and resprayed it in black, before adding a brand new wicker basket also bought on eBay. I've also added some patriotic bunting - go Team GB!
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| Meet Agatha! |
Sunday dawned and I headed off to Prestwold Hall near Loughborough for the Barefoot Festival. I was voluteering with the Morsbags Leicester crew, making and giving away bags. The weather stayed fine for us virtually all day which was amazing. There was a vintage area in the old stables plus lots of stalls selling crafts, alternative therapies and great live music. I saw a fantastic all girl rock n roll band called The Daisy Chains - they played 'Let's Twist Again', 'Reet Petite', 'The Locomotion' and loads more and were FAB-U-LOUS!! They also all made bags in our mini workshop, as did many others - the old Singer sewing machines were whirring away all day. Thanks to all the organisers and festival-goers - a great day was had by all!
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| The Morsbag Gazebo! |
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| The Daisy Chains rocking away! |
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| Free bag anyone? |
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| Tori and I indulge in a delicious pizza! |
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| A double rainbow over Loughborough! |
