Archive

Author Archive

West Sussex attraction: Highdown Gardens

October 1, 2012 1 comment

These stunning gardens are a fantastic attraction, free to the public and open all year round. The gardens are also used for junior activities, theatre and ‘friends of Highdown’ are volunteers who help with the maintenance and general upkeep of the gardens.

At the gardens you will find a pleasant variety, including:

  1. Tree and Shrub Area
  2. The Herb Garden
  3. Himalayan Birch Bark Cherry Avenue
  4. The Chalk Pit
  5. Himalayan Musk Rose
  6. The Bamboo Pond
  7. The Cave Pond
  8. Hellebore Bank
  9. The Paper Bark Maple
  10. The Rose Garden
  11. The Beech Wood
  12. Judas Tree
  13. Greek Wind Flower
  14. Rosa ‘Highdownensis’
  15. Middle Garden Island Beds
  16. Tree planted by Queen Mary
  17. Cotoneaster serotinus glaucophyllus (now lost)
  18. Acid Beds
  19. Pittosporum tenuifolium
  20. Rose ‘Wedding Day’
  21. Lower Island Beds
  22. Fig Border
  23. Strawberry Tree
  24. Indian Horse Chestnut
  25. The Drive
  26. Highdown Towers

Here are a few photographs of the beautiful Highdown Gardens in West Sussex. See the website for more information.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

Categories: Blog, Reviews Tags: , , , ,

London Acoustic Guitar Show 2012: Sandi Thom

September 24, 2012 Leave a comment

The London Acoustic Guitar Show 2012, in association with Acoustic Magazine, gave guitar enthusiasts and fans and the chance to come together to celebrate the sheer brilliancy of the acoustic guitar. This two-day event, running from Saturday 22nd to Sunday 23rd September 2012, was a tremendous success and truly memorable weekend.

The event, at Olympia Conference Centre, gave visitors a fantastic weekend or day out. Acoustic brand exhibitors displayed the highest-quality guitars and accessories of today. Visitors could choose their own schedule; whether that was attending a masterclass, sitting in the acoustic cafe area and enjoying a relaxing performance or visiting the main stage and listening to their favourite musicians. The main stage could hold a capacity of 450 visitors. This meant each performance was intimate and unique, a rarity in comparison to other music events.

One of the main headliners of the event, Sandi Thom, really stole the show. Her performance on Sunday was energetic, enigmatic and captivating. Raw emotion and soul was definitely felt with her cover of ‘The Big Ones Get Away’. It was truly breathtaking, to witness the 31-year olds ability to sing each note with such determination and strength. Long gone are the days of ‘I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker’. Thom has grown from strength to strength.

She treated the audience to an insight into the roots of her musical career and childhood. As a young girl she loved Guns N’ Roses and her cover of ‘November Rain’ was something to be admired.

Her latest single, ‘Love You Like a Lunatic’, from the new album Flesh and Blood, was a self-reflective piece, beautifully sung and mesmerising, which we can all relate to. Flesh and Blood was recorded at Nashville’s renowned, 16 Tons studio, with Black Crowes guitarist Rich Robinson (production). If this doesn’t scream phenomenal music, expertly produced, what does?

Overall Sandi Thom’s performance showcased her outstanding talent and versatility as both a singer, songwriter and guitar player. Her fantastic new album is out now on iTunes, which I highly recommend! Follow Sandi Thom (@Sandi_Thom) or visit her website.

Categories: Blog, Opinion, Reviews Tags: , , , , ,

Book review: The Chocolate Run, Dorothy Koomson

September 19, 2012 Leave a comment

This is one tasty read for chocolate-fueled females after a delightful read. The Chocolate Run beautifully explores the difficulties of choosing the ‘right chocolate bar’, boyfriend and life. If you have ever pondered over a Mars, Flake or Twirl you will undoubtedly enjoy this fantastic book, written by award-winning author, Dorothy Koomson.

The main character, Amber Salpone, finds herself sleeping with her best friend, Greg Walterson and low and behold starting a secret affair. The only trouble is, he has a very promiscuous past which leaves Amber feeling uncertain and confused. To make matters worse Amber is reluctant to let him into her life or introduce him to her dysfunctional family and she can definitely be described as a commitment-phobe. Her best friend Jen changes throughout the novel, from being her ultra nice friend to manipulative and sly; the strains of their relationship make a grabbing read and lead to surprising revelations!

Full of twists and surprises The Chocolate Run is a 9/10! A must-have for readers who enjoy chocolate, themes of love, sex and uncertainty and above all else, a well-written novel.

‘I didn’t mean to, honest to goodness I didn’t. It just happened.’

Categories: Blog, Reviews Tags: , , , ,