Posts
For the benefit of the technophiles and photographic enthusiasts, all today's images were shot in available natural light, using a Canon 1Ds Mk II using two lenses The Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8 L and the Sigma 15-30mm F3.5 - 4.5. Shot at 400 ISO in manual mode.
At the time of writing this, the pub is still designing its own web site, so the link above is from an independent listing. The pub has its own Facebook page though. I've been commissioned to do a number of shoots there over the past couple of years and so we are fairly regular visitors there. Today the venue started its first of a series of indoor Sunday markets with a number of local traders in attendance selling services and goods plus one charity The Cairn Trust. The latter raises much needed funds to educate the children of rural Nepal.
I love the format of this market as most of the people there today were fairly local. This gives them the opportunity to network with one another and increase the interaction and familiarity between local businesses and the people who run them. This, in turn, provides the opportunity for shared transport costs at future events to improve green credentials and also reciprocal arrangements or shared facilities with neighbouring businesses if the will is there.
This is the way our workers cooperative TPS Photos has operated for over 30 years (our 30th anniversary was last Thursday). It's become routine for the 25 photographers in our team to pass work to one another, lend/borrow lenses and other kit and exchange services. It's also commonplace for us to barter too. Last year our ground floor was decorated by New Look Décor in exchange for John the proprietor's daughter's wedding images. Win and win are words that spring to mind, although only our labour was exchanged this way. We had to pay for paint etc and he had to cover the cost of his daughter's album and other products.
Another site still sadly under construction is that of reflexologist Hannah Rose M.A.R. Some time ago I used a reflexology practitioner in Chiswick West London as did my wife Sian when she was pregnant and my mum on one of her trips to London too. If you've never tried it, I would recommend giving it a go, particularly if you are feeling stressed out.
Reflexology can assist in the relief of a variety of conditions from sinusitis to lumbago (back pain) and in all the years I've known about this complimentary health service, I've never heard anyone utilise the services of a qualified reflexologist and not sing their praises afterwards. By "complimentary" service I mean one which can be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to the NHS provisions - not complimentary as in FREE you understand.
Unlike the now-retired practitioner we used in Chiswick, Hannah also does home visits. I bought Sian a reflexology session with Hannah as a gift and after seeing her and those who followed her enjoy it so much, I latterly regretted not booking one for myself too. I'd been up most of the previous night though and taking off my shoes might have emptied the pub!
Amy specialises in artwork featuring correctly proportioned (but varying colours) of the Union Flag. Erroneously called the Union "Jack" by most of the public, this latter term applies only to the flag flown from the Jack staff of one of Her Majesty's ships or submarines. Actually she (the Queen not Amy) doesn't technically own any of the Royal Navy ships as they are paid for by the tax payer (AKA Not Vodaphone). I digress sorry.
Yet another web site under construction, so you'll have to wait until it's finished to see any more of her lovely work or go to the next pub market day. These are held on the second and last Sunday of each month.
The pub restaurant has enjoyed a consistently positive feedback score since its change in management a few years ago. Most commentators in their peer reviews in the on line eating out guides state that the Wheatsheaf's kitchen provides good quality food at a reasonable price. Based on all of my previous visits, portion sizes are always good. A full English breakfast costs just £5.00 and breakfast is a major feature of the Sunday markets.
Today the table we sat at had a selection of the Sunday papers and there was tennis on the overhead TV's going on silently in the background. This suits me as I don't want to go out to a pub where a sports TV channel is blaring out, ruining the opportunity for a bit of conversation or peace and quiet when I'm trying to read the papers. Although I went there to work today, after I'd finished shooting the images I managed to have an hour to chill with friends and family who had turned up and sip on a cappuccino or two. There is a beer garden at the back which also serves as a heated outdoor refuge for the nicotine addicts.
OK folks - no "site under construction" message here, but the "gallery" page with items for on line sale don't have images so you can't see what you are buying and other bits are also missing. With all the dead and missing links on this post I'm afraid this must be looking like a ploy for me to get everyone into the pub to see for themselves. I give readers my word I am not on commission here. Really lovely jewellery though.
At last - a fully functional working web site! Dr Barny Lucas DC MChiro Pg Cert MCC is seen here plying his craft on one of the pub customers. Based at 604 Fulham Road, a short distance from the pub.
Also in attendance today were the following:
Samsara Studios - What do they do? What don't they do would require a shorter answer. Wedding photography at a price I couldn't afford to offer; make-up and facial treatments, Cellutherapy & stretch marks body treatments, personal fitness training, Reiki, pedicure, manicure, sports massage, nutritional programmes and hairstyling. For rates and availability go to their web site in the above link. Sadly there don't appear to be any actual wedding images on the gallery pages and the link to their shop was not working when I viewed it, but the rest is very professionally laid out.
The Pet Parlour - the link (left) will take you to a web site that's almost complete. Only the testimonials page is still being built and it's a very easy site to navigate. Based in SW6 The Pet Parlour is run by Lesley West. The Pet Parlour provide a professional dog grooming service salon and boutique.
