THE BRITISH LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS...

Discover in this stunning portfolio of award-winning photographs, a celebration of British life in all of its most captivating forms. Interest in photography has never been higher, with high end digital cameras now available to all and sundry as well as expert photographers who regularly document around the world. The British Life Photography Awards exist to celebrate that interest, that expertise and the very best of British reportage, documentary and street photography.

This book collects the winners and celebrates the best of the rest, with hundreds of eye-opening images giving a thought provoking, beautiful and refreshing view of life in the UK today.

Available from Amazon at only £1.29 for hardcover version of it.

THE UK's MOST BEAUTIFUL #BEER GARDENS...

According to Stylist  UK has some of the most beautiful beer gardens.

They say that .....

"There are some things that British summertime just wouldn’t be complete without. Drinking Pimms out of a plastic cup in your local park; striding determinedly into a steel-grey sea, gritting your teeth as the icy water reaches your bikini bottoms; buying a ‘99’ from an ice cream van and reflecting sadly on the fact that they no longer cost 99p.

But possibly the most beyond-crucial ingredient is the classic British beer garden. From seafront seating in Brighton, to trendy roof terraces in Leeds and secret courtyards in Soho, we've got some of the UK's best right here ".

 From The Farm Pub  tucked away in Bristol's leafy St. Werburgh's district, as its name suggests has the feel of a proper countryside pub. It's big green garden is a balm for the soul, and there's a great selection of local cider at the bar. 

Hopetoun Road, Bristol, BS2 9YL; thefarmpub.co.uk

To the oldest pub along the Thames, The Ship is South London is about as close to the water as its possible to be without actually being a ship. It's been open since 1786 and you can watch the sun set from decked waterfront beer garden, close to Wandsworth Bridge. 

41 Jews Row, Wandsworth, SW18 1TB;theship.co.uk

Head down to The Stylist website for a choice of 30 of the best beer gardens.

A #ROUTE WITH A VIEW - FROM CHESTERFIELD TO DISLEY...

At least once a month I pop over to see my Dad in Manchester and always go through Chesterfield and over the Peak District rather than the direct route on the Motorway.

The reason is simply because of the view. It only takes about half an hour to get to Chesterfield where you pass it's famous 'Crooked Spire', then onto the A619 to the Peak District National Park. 

After a short drive through beautiful countryside I reach Chatsworth, which is a village well worth a visit to see the stunning Chatsworth House and lovely walks and tea rooms like Hatties in Baslow which is part of the Devonshire Arms in Baslow. The pretty village has quirky interior design shops and a  unique bespoke Gentlemans Tailors (GA Shepherd), which are far and few between nowadays.

You then approach Stoney Middleton after going through Calver, which is a beautiful quaint little village where cave lovers meet to go underground and see the world in a completely different light to us. It was first settle by Ancient Britons around 4,000 BC who may have been drawn by the thermal waters which still flow through the village today. The thermal springs provided water to the Roman bath house, where bathing in the mineral rich water was thought to have the power to heal.

You then stay on the A623 towards Stockport and enjoy the fantastic scenery of the Peak District National Park.  where the Peak District website says ' Take in a view you will never forget'.

The next village which you by pass is Chapel en le Frith then onto Furness Vale. Furness Vale on the A6 has one main road running through it, with wonderful views on either side and a lovely Marina (see picture above).

You then go into Disley which has an abundance of lovely shops and pubs for such a small village and a regular stop off point for many heading towards Stockport. Lyme Park ( a National Trust Property) is just outside the village and a very popular and beautiful park for a day out. Just don't go on a Good Friday as my Dad and I were stuck in a traffic jam for two hours which was all down to cars queuing up to get into the Park over the holiday.

Once through Disley I know I'm out of the true countryside and getting nearer to Stockport and Manchester but even though I have driven this route hundreds of times, it still looks different each time I go on that route home.

MY NEW BOOK - COMPLIMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES FOR PAIN...

I am pleased to say that my latest book 'Complimentary & Alternative Therapies for Pain', Your guide to over 50 treatments for Pain Relief, has been published and is now available on Amazon in book format or on Kindle.

Reviews would be greatly appreciated. 

OUR BEAUTIFUL AND LUSH GREEN BRITAIN...

 It's lambing time in the UK at the moment, wherever you drive in the country side you see the tiny little lambs jumping around and following their mothers every move.

There's nothing quite like Britain in April as it reaches the end of Spring and everywhere looks so green and lush. I don't think anywhere in the world can beat our views at this time of year.

Imagine waking up to a view like this.... This year everywhere is even greener than ever after our very wet winter. It's typical April weather with April showers popping up most days but May is on the horizon and can be a great month for the weather in the UK.

BRITAIN IN BLOOM 2014...

Growing for Gold – 50 Years of Britain in Bloom!

To launch the 2014 RHS Britain in Bloom campaign and to celebrate Bloom’s golden anniversary, the RHS is encouraging community groups across the UK to plant golden pollinator-friendly flowers in public spaces this year.


The RHS is providing over 500,000 golden sunflower seeds to Britain in Bloom community groups across the UK to plant in their neighbourhoods.

They hope that groups will get involved by holding ‘Growing for Gold’ planting events between 14 – 20 April 2014, to coincide with the national launch activity for RHS Britain in Bloom.

Add your events to the National Gardening Week website to promote your work to thousands of potential new volunteers.


They hope that groups will sow their golden displays in a public space(s) where the local community can enjoy them. Please ensure that you have permission from whoever owns the land before planting.