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Welcome to my blog.
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With photography it’s so easy to miss that great shot on your doorstep. Commonly, you visit the same places time and again but sometimes never really see them. Welcome, this week, to Selfridges, in Birmingham’s Bullring. 
Opened in 2003, Selfridges quickly became known as one of the most iconic and striking buildings in the city, it’s also one of the most photographed. This was one of the reasons I’d never personally got around to taking any photos. It almost seemed too common.
Just because you’ve seen countless photos of a subject, there’s nothing stopping you taking your own. You make it personal; it’s not about what others have produced, but what you capture at that moment. Even if a subject has been photographed thousands of times before, it all comes down to what you feel. So wherever you are, whatever you walk or drive past. Don’t forget to really look.
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How about trying something different with your photography today? It’s not a big request, in fact a fairly simple action that doesn’t take an awful lot of effort or time (unless you want it to), but surprisingly it could make a difference to your day. Think just for a moment; just how often do you look up? 
As you can see with the photo, looking at things from a new perspective can make a big difference. How many people look at detail of The Houses of Parliament from this angle? We’re all so busy walking around staring at the ground ahead of us, or (more commonly these days), staring at our phones while we send a text message or check our emails.
Your challenge today then; look up; look up and see something different. As ever, feel free to share with us on Facebook or Twitter. ‘Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.’ – Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) Published at:http://www.pocketfulofrye.co.uk/ Pocketful of Rye is aimed at yummy mummies and dishy dads on the look out for news, features and reviews covering all things family - homewares, babycare, toys, entertainment, food, health and beauty. Any fans of Sherlock Holmes out there? Yes, we thought there’d be one or two. With the great news that Benedict Cumberbatch will return as Sherlock in an upcoming special and fourth season, let’s take a moment to celebrate one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most famous creations. 
This week our photo is of Dartmoor’s Hound Tor, which is said to be Doyle’s inspiration for the Hound of the Baskervilles. First recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as ‘Hundatora’, this rocky outcrop is thought to have taken its name from the word ‘hound’. Why? Well, the true reason is, of course, buried in history, but some suggest that the shape of the rocks can resemble hounds from certain angles, while others favour the myth that a huntsman and his pack of hounds were turned to stone by a displeased witch.
Whatever your beliefs, with a medieval village close by, ancient graves and endless folklore surrounding it, this is truly a stunning and inspirational location. With close road access and ever changing lighting on the moor, there aren’t many better places to take your camera, even if just to recapture that feeling of ancient history… and get that little bit closer to Sherlock. Photograph by Stephen Curry. Words by Stephen Curry. Photo of the Week. From: http://www.pocketfulofrye.co.uk/hot-topics/hound-tor A photo, this week, for all you yummy mummies. Is it going to be that casual roughed up hair, attentive gaze, the slim figure or that slightly cheeky smile that gets you? I flatter myself that we could be talking about the photographer and writer of this piece, but alas, our subject is a rather lovely Dartmoor pony, and we think he’s a cutie. 
Maybe we built you up for a moment there, so sorry to disappoint, but when this came our way it had more coo’s of delight than the latest Mr Clooney snap.
If you haven’t been away yet this summer, or are planning day trips, then you simply must remember your camera. There’s a wealth of opportunity in this wonderful country for the best photos. And there’s opportunity everywhere, whether it be classical ruins, beautiful gardens, a day at the zoo, rugged landscapes, iconic buildings or as here, out on Dartmoor where some of the ponies even pose for you. The kids may be going barmy around you, but even they will stop and pay attention when you find just the right subject. Get yourselves out there, and see what you find. Photograph by Stephen Curry. Words by Stephen Curry. Photo of the Week. From: http://www.pocketfulofrye.co.uk/hot-topics/hello-handsome  Review and photographs by Stephen Curry When the opportunity came along to visit and review Go Ape, the forest tree top adventure, it wasn't a tough decision. The only part that was unknown was how my 13 year old daughter would take the idea. Now, she's up for a bit of adventure, but also suffers from the teenage affliction called love of technology. I needn't have worried; surprisingly, she was hugely enthusiastic, literally bouncing with delight at the prospect and uttering the word 'awesome.' Good start. There was only one more slight problem to overcome... She really, really does not like heights. On the day of our adventure we arrived to a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, the personable instructors making sure we were welcomed and had everything we needed from the outset. As there were just two of us, we joined another group and were soon in the training area. 
Not surprisingly in this day and age, safety really does come first at Go Ape; if you have any concerns, then worry no more as a very knowledgeable, professional, clear, and friendly hands-on training session followed, covering and trying out everything we'd need to know – from attaching your harness to what to do in an emergency. Then it was into the trees for our 2-3 hours of fun. The course is divided into sections and offers varying degrees of challenge. The earlier section is almost an introduction, not being too high or difficult, but still offering challenge enough; you'll grow gradually in confidence and sense of achievement. Let’s face it, if afraid of heights, you don't want to be at the highest point right away. You learn quickly to trust the harness and, more importantly, yourself, and before you know it you've negotiated platforms, balanced along logs and jumped on a rope swing into a net – all 30ft high in the trees. The thing is, you're concentrating on what you're doing rather than on looking down. Each section ends with a zip wire which is particularly popular – especially with my daughter. With just a little trepidation at jumping from a high platform into the unknown, she was off, with just a few squeals (make that screams) of delight and whoops of joy after landing. That one ticked the right boxes. With a well earned drink of water at the (very thoughtfully positioned) base of the next section, we were set for moving higher up the trees. Fear seemed to evaporate in my baboon (rather apt Go Ape speak for 12-17yr olds) as she clambered around, over and jumped off the varied obstacles; she was pretty much unstoppable... That was until she saw just a rope suspended between the next two trees. Now, as I’ve said, safety is paramount and she was attached to a cable, needing just to suspend herself in the harness and pull herself across using the rope. Suddenly though, all bravado and confidence had completely disappeared and my baboon found herself at great height clinging to a tree with just a rope for support, and no amount of persuasion (or bribery) would change that. You have two options if you have problems, you're told to simply shout 'help' or blow a whistle for support. I chose the former. Very quickly, our instructor arrived and climbed up to help. After assessing and discussing the situation, I continued, he then took my daughter (very much a girl once more, all baboon-like tendencies vanished) down and on to the start of the next section, where, confidence regained she continued. I have to say, this could have been make or break; she could have given up, but the instructor was fantastic with her. He was friendly and helpful, encouraging, not pushy and brought back her confidence. Fantastic customer service. I can’t say that strongly enough. Talking later, it turns out that every obstacle had somewhere to put your feet... except this one, and that was just too much for her. We all have our limits though, and I’m proud of my girl for testing hers. From there, it was all uphill (and higher), with confidence renewed and tough obstacles ahead, which she took in her stride. Add some fun, effort and concentration, and even scared of heights it's surprising what can be achieved. With a leap from the final platform, my baboon was off down the final zip wire, shouting with delight. 
The verdict? I've completed Go Ape once before and found this visit just as interesting as previously. This is a different few hours; it's physical, though how physical is partly up to you; thought provoking; exciting and ultimately rewarding. You do gain a sense of achievement, particularly if you're not used to more physical adventure or are simply afraid of heights. It's therefore a challenge in many different ways. Should those two reasons put you off? No, there's plenty of help and support from the instructors, and often from your fellow climbers. Other than that it's good old determination, confidence and conquering your fears.
As well as for individuals, Go Ape caters for pretty much every occasion, whether corporate events and team building, including offering conference facilities and host should you require; birthday parties, schools & colleges or even hen and stag do's. Add to this, fully catering for families - extending to little ones with the new Tree Top Junior (age 6 and above) facilities opening at many centres; Forest Segway experience, an hour's off-roading on an all terrain segway - and you're looking at an all-round service. Go Ape's Tree Top Adventure costs £30-£32 for over 18's, and £24 for 10-17 years (over 1.4m) and is available throughout the country (England, Scotland and Wales). Further details available from: www.goape.co.uk Visit: http://www.pocketfulofrye.co.uk/kids/go-ape 
Get Lost
A-maze-ing! Can you see the way out?
With the school holidays in full swing, that inevitable question arises; just what do you do with the kids? There are many, varied answers to this, and a lot can depend on just how yummy-a-mummy, or dad you actually are. One suggestion this week is get lost. Everyone loves a maze. Wandering around for hours wondering if someone keeps moving the exit, despairing when the kids run around a corner ahead of you and then vanish. All a bit of fun to keep them entertained, and if you look carefully, full of photo opportunities. This week’s photo was taken at Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire, a historic house with huge gardens and lake, and loads for the kids to do - including the Knights maze. So if you want to lose your little cherubs for a while, this may be the place… just remember to take your camera and show us your photos of summer visits. For full article and further Photo of the week images, visit: http://www.pocketfulofrye.co.uk/hot-topics/get-lost Launched in March 2013, Pocketful of Rye is aimed at yummy mummies and dishy dads on the look out for news, features and reviews covering all things family - homewares, babycare, toys, entertainment, food, health and beauty. Think of us as the mum's guide to a happy home! http://www.pocketfulofrye.co.uk/ Photo by Stephen Curry.  Meet a White Lioness.
This fine specimen is one of the White Lions from the pride at West Midland Safari Park, Worcestershire. White Lions are critically endangered and this female represents one of a total pride of 15, the largest in the UK, and one of the largest in captivity in the world. The Global White Lion Protection Trust estimates that there are no more than 300 white lions in existence. These White Lions were first introduced to the park in 2004, and in 2006 four cubs were born - the first ever in the UK. It is further births that now bring the pride total to 15. The White Lions can be seen in Kingdom of the White Lions that forms part of the four-mile self drive safari. If you wish to have a go at some wild animal photography, a safari park is one of the places to start. Being close to the animals is a huge bonus, and with a little time and patience, there are some superb chances for great photos. And while you’re having a fantastic family day out, you’re supporting conservation efforts, which are needed more now than ever before. The message here, though, is clear - by the beginning of a snarl and the showing of some very large teeth - you do not want to mess with me, or it may just be you that becomes endangered! Photo by Stephen Curry. For full article and further Photo of the week images, visit: For full article and further Photo of the week images, visit: http://www.pocketfulofrye.co.uk/hot-topics/watching-you Launched in March 2013, Pocketful of Rye is aimed at yummy mummies and dishy dads on the look out for news, features and reviews covering all things family - homewares, babycare, toys, entertainment, food, health and beauty. Think of us as the mum's guide to a happy home! http://www.pocketfulofrye.co.uk/  There’s a subject that won’t leave our mind this week, and that subject is a garden. The garden is, however, rather special and a little larger than average… A world leader in conservation and botanical science, with over 250 years of history The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, are a wonder. This is under threat, due to Government funding cuts that will cost up to 120 posts with a £5M deficit. Why should we save Kew? Sir David Attenborough was recently quoted as saying: "Kew has an absolutely crucial role in looking after our botanical heritage and our botanical future. The important thing to remember is that it is the premiere botanical gardens in the world scientifically. People who think it is just a place to go to look at pretty flowers and flower beds are mistaking the importance of Kew Gardens. The Seed Bank is of world importance and it should be supported by the Government like a proper institution or university and the continuing idea that Kew Gardens is merely a playground and that you just put up the prices to look after it is a misguided assessment of the value of Kew. The Government and the scientific departments should recognise that and support it properly." 
Our photo(s) this week are therefore taken in Kew. These giant fungi are by Tom Hare, who uses Willow to create amazing sculptures. Let’s hope that the opportunities continue within Kew for everyone to see..
Love Kew? Sign the petition at Change.org to let your view be heard: http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/globally-important-conservation-and-science-under-threat-at-royal-botanic-gardens-kew-due-to-uk-government-cuts-5m-deficit-will-lead-to-loss-of-over-120-posts For full article and further Photo of the week images, visit: For full article and further Photo of the week images, visit: http://www.pocketfulofrye.co.uk/hot-topics/kewing-up-for-fungi Launched in March 2013, Pocketful of Rye is aimed at yummy mummies and dishy dads on the look out for news, features and reviews covering all things family - homewares, babycare, toys, entertainment, food, health and beauty. Think of us as the mum's guide to a happy home! http://www.pocketfulofrye.co.uk/ Photos by Stephen Curry. Words by Stephen Curry.  As we’re heading out of spring and into the beginning of a nice long, hot summer (hopefully), we felt this week that it was time to celebrate three fantastic plants that have been all around us over the past month or two. Say hello to the Poppy, Daisy and Rape Seed Blossom - all together in this week’s photo of the week.
We’re seeing a lot more of daisies and poppies these days, with some landowners sowing at the edges of their fields (as in our photo), or in some cases giving whole fields over to wild flowers. Councils are seeding roundabouts and sides of the road, and slowly we have seen verges change, helping insects, birds and small mammals survive, many of which are in decline. As well as being beautiful, the message here is two-fold. Firstly, get sowing! All you need are a few packets of seed and you can create your own oasis of colour. Secondly, grab your camera, get out there and take some pictures. Go on show us your best. Photograph by Stephen Curry - Future Proof Photography. Words by Stephen Curry. For full article and further Photo of the week images, visit: http://www.pocketfulofrye.co.uk/hot-topics/landscape-painting Launched in March 2013, Pocketful of Rye is aimed at yummy mummies and dishy dads on the look out for news, features and reviews covering all things family - homewares, babycare, toys, entertainment, food, health and beauty. Think of us as the mum's guide to a happy home! http://www.pocketfulofrye.co.uk/ |
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