Today we are putting a date in our own diaries.
Diaries at the ready! Following on from our article about the wonderful Southport Flower Show , Southport Flower Show Ladies Day takes place on Friday August 19.
Photo credit: clarita from morguefile.com
We're just pencilling in a really great date in our diaries. 18 - 21 August is Southport Flower Show and this year we are going along for all four days courtesy of Southport Flower Show themselves to tell you all about it, so if you spot us please do stop and say hello won't you?!
Photo credit: blondieb38 from morguefile.com
Today we went to our very first Blog Camp at the Cornerhouse in Manchester. We met lovely bloggers Livi's Little Bubble, The Pink Whisk, Champagne Wedding Lemonade Budget, Mary Poppins and many more (sorry if you have been missed).
Photo credit: richcd from morguefile.com
Put a note in your diary for an amazing new exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery. Glamour of the Gods: Hollywood Portraits, Photographs from the John Kobal Foundation will examine the importance of photography in creating the stars of Hollywood from 1920 to 1960. Itwill include portraits of Marlene Dietrich, James Dean, Joan Collins, Marlon Brando, Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe by nearly 40 photographers including George Hurrell, Clarence Sinclair Bull, Laszlo Willinger, Bob Coburn and Ruth Harriet Louise.
Nearly all of the photographs in the exhibition will be vintage prints drawn from the archive of the John Kobal Foundation. This will be a rare opportunity to view these important artifacts of a now extinct Hollywood studio system. The exhibition will show both iconic and previously unseen studio portraits of Clark Gable, Marlene Dietrich, Joan Crawford, Vivien Leigh, Loretta Young, and Carole Lombard among others. These portraits will be shown alongside film scene stills including Lillian Gish for The Wind, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers for Swing Time and James Dean for Rebel without a Cause. Stills photographs which were used for lobby cards and posters and had to encapsulate the film plot, or be powerful and dramatic enough to attract film-goers in just one image.
John Kobal (1940-1991) was a collector and author who began collecting film photographs in the 1950s, he visited Los Angeles frequently when many of the major studios were being bought by corporations who cared little for the history of the film industry. At first John's interest was solely in the stars and their films but his interest began to shift to the photographers behind the portraits, many of whom were still alive and accessible at this time. Kobal tracked down the surviving members of the circle of great Hollywood photographers and sought to gain them the recognition they deserved. As a result, the significance of the Hollywood photographers is now widely acknowledged for their contribution to both the film industry and twentieth century photographic portraiture.
The exhibition will run from 7 July until 23 October 2011 in the Porter Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, London. For further information please visit www.npg.org.uk/glamour
Admission £6. Concessions £5.50/£5.00. To book tickets please call 0844 248 5033
John Kobal (1940-1991) was a collector and author who began collecting film photographs in the 1950s, he visited Los Angeles frequently when many of the major studios were being bought by corporations who cared little for the history of the film industry. At first John's interest was solely in the stars and their films but his interest began to shift to the photographers behind the portraits, many of whom were still alive and accessible at this time. Kobal tracked down the surviving members of the circle of great Hollywood photographers and sought to gain them the recognition they deserved. As a result, the significance of the Hollywood photographers is now widely acknowledged for their contribution to both the film industry and twentieth century photographic portraiture.
The exhibition will run from 7 July until 23 October 2011 in the Porter Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, London. For further information please visit www.npg.org.uk/glamour
Admission £6. Concessions £5.50/£5.00. To book tickets please call 0844 248 5033
Photo credit: mconnors from morguefile.com
If you thought that a giant house made from gingerbread, chocolate and vanilla tiles was the stuff of Fairy Tales, then think again. From 3rd June - 5th June 2011 the Brunswick Shopping Centre in Bloomsbury, London will be hosting an edible gingerbread house featuring meringue clouds, a cupcake lawn, and a pond filled with sweets. Inside, there will be shelves made from Bourbon biscuits, pictures on the wall made from sweets and giant edible gingerbread men.
There will also be stories, music and gingerbread workshops with all funds raised going straight to the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.
Join in between 11am-5pm each day.
There will also be stories, music and gingerbread workshops with all funds raised going straight to the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.
Join in between 11am-5pm each day.
Price: £2.00 suggested donation / £2.00 for Gingerbread Masterclass
If you cannot wait to see the Gingerbread House then here is a sneak peek video: Click here.
If you are in the capital between 26-30 May make your week go with a swing with London Swing Festival.
This year’s London Swing Festival is shaping up to be bigger and better than last year. Some of the world’s best teaching teams will be coming to London from Sweden, Australia, Argentina and Spain, plus there will be tonnes of events going on from parties to dancing competitions and workshops, as well as plenty of live swing music.
For the extensive programme please visit their website here
This year’s London Swing Festival is shaping up to be bigger and better than last year. Some of the world’s best teaching teams will be coming to London from Sweden, Australia, Argentina and Spain, plus there will be tonnes of events going on from parties to dancing competitions and workshops, as well as plenty of live swing music.
For the extensive programme please visit their website here
Photo credit: clarita from morguefile.com
The fair is devoted to vintage fashions dating from the 1900’s to the 1980’s, and is a great place to find hidden treasures, great fashions and interesting textiles. Perfect for dealers, collectors or just for people wanting to wear vintage.
Entrance is £3. For more information visit www.leedsvintagefashionfairs.com/
Leeds Vintage Fashion Fair
Sunday 8 May 2011
9.30 - 16.30
In addition the Real Food Theatre will be packed with top chefs including Giorgio Locatelli, Jason Atherton and Valentine Warner and the Real Food Cookery school will offer both children and adults the chance to hone their skills in the kitchen. Visitors will be able to get more hands-on experience at butchery and artisan food workshops, pick their own tea in a Cornish botanical garden and learn more about cheese, wine and chocolate with special talks, demos and tastings.
In the Kids Taste Tent children will have the chance to learn how to make butter, bread and even shuck oysters. Garden Organic will also be there with their 'Grow Your Own' workshops - popular with all those with green fingers.
Photo by UK Pictures
If you are looking for something to do on the 29th of April and you want to have a royally good time head on down to the wonderfully named And The Dish Ran Away with the Spoon for a tea fit for a (future) King.
Just £8.95 will buy you a lovely afternoon tea with a regal flavour. Feast on a free range egg and watercress or a honey roast ham and wholegrain mustard sandwich, followed by mini scones with homemade jam, clotted cream and chocolate dripped strawberries. Then choose three cakes from a choice of raspberry Bakewell slice, delicious meringues, lemon drizzle cake or a royal wedding cupcake to finish. This is all served with a pot of tea which you can choose from their incredible fourteen varieties.
To add to the royal flavour there will be Union Jack bunting, themed china and other decorative surprises. They also hope to stream the whole event live on their website for all the world to see.
For more information visit http://www.dishandspoonfood.co.uk
And The Dish Ran Away with the Spoon
230 Burton Road, West Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2LW
Mon - closed
Tue - 11.30am - 5pm
Wed - 10.30am - 5pm
Thu to Sat -10am - 5pm
Sun - 11am - 5pm
If you are looking for something to do on the 29th of April and you want to have a royally good time head on down to the wonderfully named And The Dish Ran Away with the Spoon for a tea fit for a (future) King.Just £8.95 will buy you a lovely afternoon tea with a regal flavour. Feast on a free range egg and watercress or a honey roast ham and wholegrain mustard sandwich, followed by mini scones with homemade jam, clotted cream and chocolate dripped strawberries. Then choose three cakes from a choice of raspberry Bakewell slice, delicious meringues, lemon drizzle cake or a royal wedding cupcake to finish. This is all served with a pot of tea which you can choose from their incredible fourteen varieties.
To add to the royal flavour there will be Union Jack bunting, themed china and other decorative surprises. They also hope to stream the whole event live on their website for all the world to see.
For more information visit http://www.dishandspoonfood.co.uk
And The Dish Ran Away with the Spoon
230 Burton Road, West Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2LW
Mon - closed
Tue - 11.30am - 5pm
Wed - 10.30am - 5pm
Thu to Sat -10am - 5pm
Sun - 11am - 5pm
Photo credit: nazka2002 from morguefile.com
There are some amazing events across the country this Easter here are our five best for families:
Mells Daffodil Festival, Somerset
Set in the historic village of Mells, Somerset the Daffodil Festival on 25 April is an event to behold as the whole village celebrates. There will be over 150 street stalls – selling glassware, retro collectibles, homemade cakes and antiques – as well as beer and cider tents, a children’s fun fair, falconry displays, live music, an Easter bonnet competition for all ages, Morris men and town criers.
Easter Ducklings at the London Wetland Centre
Come along to the Wetland Centre between 9 - 25 April and see real life Easter eggs, by way of ducklings growing inside their shells. If you are lucky you might see one hatching or even taking it's first swim. Wardens will be on hand to explain how the ducklings have developed. Adults £10.55, children £5.85.
Alice in Wonderland Easter Festival at Tatton Park, Cheshire
Oh my ears and whiskers hop along to this event at Tatton Park between 23 - 25 April and immerse yourself in the world of Alice in Wonderland . Listen to the Queen of Hearts tell stories down at the farm, join the Mad Hatters Tea Part in the gardens and step through the looking glass in the mansion and follow the trail through the state rooms. Adults £7, children £3.50.
The Great Peter Rabbit Easter Egg Hunt, Cumbria
Join in with the North of Englands biggest Easter egg hunt, search for 100 ceramic eggs with thousands of others across 2,600 square miles of Lake District. There is a prize for every egg found.
Easter Trail at Holkham Hall, Norfolk
Have a rabbiting good time at Holkham Hall from 22- 25 April, test your knowledge with a rabbit themed quiz and find the giant bunnies to collect tokens that you can trade in for prizes. There will also be balloon modelling and juggling from clowns Justso James and Stevie Spud. Adults A4, children £2.
Big Prom on the Promenade 99 (Photographs by Natalie Wilson)
SAFE@LAST are a charity working with children and young people at risk through running away. They are holding a vintage tea dance at Sandbeck Park, Rotherham on April 17 between 1pm and 5pm.
Sandbeck Park is the beautiful country estate of the Earl and Countess of Scarborough who are the charity's patrons, during the afternoon guests will be able to enjoy vintage shopping, ballroom dancing and a sedate cream tea. Stalls will include a wide range of goods everything from fascinators to gumdrops amidst a beautiful vintage atmosphere reminiscent of small village fairs in days gone by.
For those who have not danced before,there is a chance to learn with Judith and Tony Bennett, parents of Darren Bennett (of Strictly Come Dancing fame). They will host a class that will teach you to approach the dance floor in style !
Price: £15 including cream tea and dance lesson (optional)
Tickets are limited so please book asap to avoid disappointment. You can book on their website here
SAFE@LAST are a charity working with children and young people at risk through running away. They are holding a vintage tea dance at Sandbeck Park, Rotherham on April 17 between 1pm and 5pm.
Sandbeck Park is the beautiful country estate of the Earl and Countess of Scarborough who are the charity's patrons, during the afternoon guests will be able to enjoy vintage shopping, ballroom dancing and a sedate cream tea. Stalls will include a wide range of goods everything from fascinators to gumdrops amidst a beautiful vintage atmosphere reminiscent of small village fairs in days gone by.
For those who have not danced before,there is a chance to learn with Judith and Tony Bennett, parents of Darren Bennett (of Strictly Come Dancing fame). They will host a class that will teach you to approach the dance floor in style !
Price: £15 including cream tea and dance lesson (optional)
Tickets are limited so please book asap to avoid disappointment. You can book on their website here
Photo credit: gracey from morguefile.com
If you are looking for a lovely treat for you and your little ones as well as some great retail therapy head down to Pixie this Sunday (27 March). From 2 - 5pm they will be hosting a vintage inspired tea party to raise funds for breast cancer charity Genesis UK . Enjoy traditional games, sparkling refreshments and view their gorgeous new season clothes range with 20% off Noa Noa Womenswear - for one day only!
Pixie is a beautiful designer clothing and gifts emporium is based in Didsbury, Manchester. It was established in 2003 selling high-quality designer clothing and gifts for babies and children and now also sells designer womenswear and hand-built nursery furniture.
Well worth a visit!
Enjoy music by guest DJ’sThe Oven Bottom Boys and free dance demonstrations throughout the day by The Back Step Boogie Club. Shop for retro gifts and treats including ladies and mens fashions, jewellery and accessories, homewares, books, music,uniforms and militaria.
Stop by the cafe for morning coffee and afternoon tea with cakes, buns and biscuits all served on vintage china.
It promises to be a great vintage day out!
Friends of the Forties Retro Spring Fayre Sunday 27th March 2011, 10.00am to 5.00pm.
Denshaw Village Hall, Ripponden Road, Denshaw, Saddleworth, West Yorks OL3 5SH (just a few minutes off the M62 Junction 21 or 22).
Admission is £2.00 for more details email info@friendsoftheforties.co.uk
Friends of the Forties Retro Spring Fayre Sunday 27th March 2011, 10.00am to 5.00pm.
Denshaw Village Hall, Ripponden Road, Denshaw, Saddleworth, West Yorks OL3 5SH (just a few minutes off the M62 Junction 21 or 22).
Admission is £2.00 for more details email info@friendsoftheforties.co.uk
Photo credit: melodi2
If you are in North Humberside this weekend and are looking for something lovely to do to while away an afternoon why not visit the Shire Hall in Howden for a lovely old fashioned afternoon tea?
The popup tearoom is being hosted by the team from Haldenby Grange . They invite you to step back in time to enjoy a vintage tea served on delecate china, including cake stands, silver cultery, linen tablecloths and of course doilies. Enjoy the sounds of the past as you taste gorgeous homemade cakes, sandwiches, trifles and jellies and of course sip some delightful tea.
There will also be a reange of stalls for you to peruse including table of table memorabilia , vintage fabrics & haberdashery, home produce and crafts. Booking is advisable..
Pop up Vintage Tearoom Sunday 13 March 2011, 1.30 - 4pm at the Shire Hall, 11 Market Place, Howden, Goole, North Humberside DN14 7BJ
For more information click here
Oh my ears and whiskers please don't be late for this very special date!
Swanage Pier is hosting a very special afternoon tea with a Mad Hatters theme on 12 March.
The world famous venue is holding the event as part of British Tourism Week. They will bring to life Lewis Carroll's well known tale during a free afternoon of storytime magic with a healthy dose of mayhem.
Visitors will be able to promenade along the restored Victorian pier, try their had it croquet and giant chess, listen to exotic storytelling and of course take tea at The Mad Hatters Table. In addition there will be a silent auction and creative crafts.
The tea party takes place from 11am - 3pm.
For more information about event or Swanage Pier visit http://www.swanagepiertrust.com
The tea party takes place from 11am - 3pm.
For more information about event or Swanage Pier visit http://www.swanagepiertrust.com
If you are a woman working in science, engineering or technology and are at a loose end on a Sunday afternoon why not get together to network and meet like minded people at a Geek Girl Tea Party.
In Manchester tea parties are held monthly at Madlab in the Northern Quarter and include hands-on activities such as an introduction to open source hardware, web development (HTML/CSS) and “Build your own PC” sessions. All the workshops are run by volunteers and are just £2 to attend. Their next tea party is on 27 March from 2 - 4pm and is a geeky show and tell. What gadget could you not live without? What scientific wonder should the world know about? Talk up to ten minutes on a subject of your own choice. Click here to book a ticket
If you are further South, Nottingham Geek Girls are just about to host their very first tea party an Agile story writing workshop on 6th March from 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM at Nottingham Hackspace. Click here to book a ticket.
For Geek Girl events across the country visit http://girlgeekdinners.com/
If you are looking for something unique to do this valentine's weekend and you are a lover of history look no further than this amazing fundraising event at the Brunel Museum in London.
For the first time in 140 years the Grand Entrance Hall to the Thames Tunnel will reopen and you are invited to step inside for a tale of romance. The tunnel was Isambard Kingdom Brunel's first project aged just 19 years old. It was was actually designed to move cargo, but the money ran out and they could not build the ramps to get the cargo down, so in 1843 it opened as a cargo tunnel that could not take cargo. There was no money from the shipping agents, so the Thames Tunnel Company opened the world’s first underwater shopping arcade!
Within less than four months half the population had visited the site now known as the 8th wonder of the world. Sixty arches lined the Tunnel, between the north and south carriageways, and in each archway they built a shop. In each archway they sold souvenirs. When visitor numbers dropped shops fell empty the Thames Tunnel Company organised the world first underwater fair. Amongst the performers were tightrope artists, sword swallowers, fire-eaters, Ethiopian serenader's, Indian dancers, and Chinese singers. A whole section of the Tunnel was decked out as a ballroom, where a steam powered musical organ played dance tunes. It was bawdy and colourful but it was the most romantic of settings. There were dinner parties and secret meetings in the chamber. Here Brunel romanced a famous actress. The Grand Entrance Hall, above the Tunnel of Love, was London’s favourite meeting place for couples.
It is in this space where the Brunel Museum is pleased to offer tale of an underground romance. The story of young Brunel and Fanny Kemble, the story of ‘The Actress and the Engineer’.
Tickets are just £5 and will raise money for a new museum.
No booking is necessary just turn up to the Brunel Museum, Railway Avenue, Rotherhithe, SE16 4LF.
12th & 13th February 14.00, 15.00, 16.00
14th February 17.00, 18.00, 19.00
For more information visit www.brunel-museum.org.uk or call 020 7231 3840
LOVE February Competition - Fourteen days of fabulous prizes!
Tell the team at Dormouse and The Teapot if you could live in any time period when would it be and why. Post your answer in the comments section by clicking on comments below, make sure you leave a contact email or twitter name otherwise if you win we won't be able to send you your prize!
Today's lucky winner will win a digital subscription to Vintage Life Magazine. If you have a passion for vintage, then don't be without your copy of Vintage Life Magazine - this super glam magazine is full of vintage style. From style and fashion, hair and beauty, house and home, to music and film, everything great about the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s through to the 70s - all in one great magazine. With a wide collection of experts sharing their knowledge and many featured articles each issue, VLM really puts you in touch with memories past and brings them alive all over again.
All winners will go in a draw on 14 February to win a fantastic vintage tea set for two from www.dormouseandtheteapot.com
Remember there will be fourteen days of competitions, you may enter the competitions as many times as you wish over the fortnight but you may only win one prize.
Sorry UK entrants only
Dormouse and The Teapot use a randomiser to select the winner.
This competition is now closed
Dormouse and The Teapot use a randomiser to select the winner.
This competition is now closed
