I do feel a little guilty about not keeping this Blog up to date....... but not too much. It would be an unusual Blogger who contributed every day don't you think. Anyway, the others could have added stuff in my absence as there has been lots going on in the Angus Crafters World. The shop has been open every weekend up until the 21 Dec, there was a super-duper craft fair in Perth, and who could forget Santa's Grotto with accompanying craft tables at House of Dun. I couldn't manage either for the same reasons this Blog is behind the time. They are good reasons too.

2008 approaches its weary end this week and good riddance to it I say!

However, things have not been all downhill. The ACA shop has had a successful year, and most participants are 'up' on last year. There is the promise of others joining next year too. The ethos within the ACA has blossomed and this too has made for good times. I have enjoyed myself and look forward to the Spring.

Seasons Greetings to all and a Happy New Year when it comes!

Brrrrr, colder than usual.

Although a little later than advertised, the shop did open yesterday. But that's all it did. On opening, five potential customers popped in dressed as if for Alpine sledging but were quickly shooshed out by a BBC production person who shreiked that they had a very narrow 'time window'. So our customers were duly shepherded out the door by the tall blonde with the weatherproof clipboard , tight pants, and strained voice. They'd been filming at the house and were partly responsible, because of their 'relaxed' parking style, for me having to park my car half ways down the driveway. It may have been half ways up. I was busy concertrating on staying upright. The snow and ice shared the blame.

Coffee, soup and a cheese scone were delivered by Janet, God bless her, and Bertie also arrived to keep me warm and in good spirits. She being given an 'in', recalled her time in the tv / film idustry, and subsequentlylaid waste verbally to all media people and those who work for them. Actors got off lightly. Ian arrived and was soon lambasting Government quangos. What an afternoon we had!

As darkness began to squeeze through the trees, I closed up and slithered back down the drive. You've probably guessed that no sales were made.

1005

Overnight, 'Angus Crafts Association - Brian's Blog' crossed the 1000th visitor mark. That's more than the attendance for three Montrose home games. I wonder who the passing stranger was? Unlikely I will ever find out. There is so much I don't know about the World.

Five Star Pie

'Neck', a London-Irish Celtic-punk band play Montrose Town Hall on Saturday Night with 'Sons of the Soil' as Support. Looking forward to doing the photies for that. I think tickets will be on sale at the door if you fancy a 'hoolie'.
Last night I witnessed Diego Maradona's debut as Argentina's manager at Hampden Park. Not the most exciting contest I've ever been to but......as always, the Hampden steak pies were gloriously juicy and tasty! They're possibly worth the drive and late return home? It was Amy Macdonald's 'shottie' to sing our 'past it's sell buy date', anthem, 'Flower of Scotland'. I thought she did well, although the tune does not lend itself too easily to improvisation. It was difficult to concentrate fully on it tho' because I was eating my pie at the time with gravy running into my jacket.

Unusually, 'The Corona' on Pollockshaws Road, was quiet for pre-match refreshments. First time ever we've got seats and were served on arrival.

Even although I was well stocked with Midget Gems, maybe I'm getting too old for these trips.

I see we're nearly at 1000 hits on the Blog. Pity more than half have been me. I wonder who the 1000th visitor will be? Me?

'Gridlock'

So, how did Perth Fair go at the week-end? I did think about you all as I was stuck in that traffic jam between Perth and Dundee on Sunday evening. Why was all the traffic heading east? Forty minutes to travel two miles! The Couper Angus route to Glasgow seems a better option in the near future (which is tomorrow) methinks.

This weekend I'm in the shop....I wonder who's on with me?

Oor Michael v. SWRI

There has been e-mail ping pong this week regarding an article which Michael Kay wrote for publication the SWRI magazine, 'Scottish Home and Country'. Oor Michael is a friend of local SWRI groups and regularly and freely demonstrates his silversmith skills to these fine bodies of women. Unfortunately, the editor has decided that Michael's article is not an 'article' but an advert and she can't allow pieces to be seen to advertise the ACA or House of Dun in her publication. Here is SWRI criteria for publication from their webste:

'We accept articles on a variety of subjects. Our readers enjoy features on crafts, personal histories, social history, health, travel, cookery, general women's interests, etc. Instructional craft articles are also welcome but must include clear illustrations. We do not accept articles on religion or party politics.'

I'm sure Michael passed regarding the religion and party politics. Maybe he should resubmit leaving blanks where he mentions ACA and House of Dun in the style of 'I've got News For You'?
Could be considered for a quiz page.

I was up the coast taking snaps yesterday. Here's one of Gourdon Harbour which I'm advertising.

So, what do I make of the past two days at Forbes of Kingennie ( where does that name originate from?). In this case is Forbes a first name or surname? I once knew a Marjory of Motherwell or was it Moffat? I wonder if she is now an 'up-market resort' , she was when I knew her. But of course I muse. I also had a metalwork teacher called Mr Forbes. He was such a barbarian that I spent most of his lessons down the beach shivering in harr and wishing I was older and out of the educational system which had too many employees akin to Mr Forbes. 'Forbes of Kingennie', a great name for a butcher.

Being an 'upmarket resort', in Angus terms, the location of our craft fair was excellent. Visitors were steady without crush barriers being required. Quality products were on display and browsers were complimentary although hands were reluctant to open purses or delve into pockets. Is it the credit crunch? In a business sense my view was that goods were not 'flying' off the stalls although some crafters, and thankfully some first timers, did ok.

But you and I know that there is more to life than business. The ethos of the occasion was splendid. New aquaintences soon became old friends. Ideas were shared, views exchanged and friendships made. We all got along 'like a house on fire' and to herald this the alarm was sounded mid afternoon. Ritchie and I thoroughly enjoyed our two days and big thanks to new chums Peter and Family at the next table, Georgia, Michael, Cheryl and Christine. Not forgetting Bertie, P&J, Janet, Walter, Young Georgina, the staff of Blue Daisy Jewellry and fellow snapper Mark & Di. I know I've missed some of you out and I apologise but it's time I retired to bed.

Good times.

While we're away......

........many thanks to Linda and Sue for stepping in and making sure the shop stays open on Sunday while we are at Kingennie. It is much appreciated.

Oops, dearie me!

How could I forget?

Members of Angus Crafts Association, who run the Crafts of Angus Showcase and Shop at House of Dun, have presented a cheque for £100 to Lippen Care. The sum was raised through the generosity of the crafters who donated items of their work to be sold for this purpose. Lippen Care is a charity which supports Strathmore Hospice at Whitehills Hospital , Forfar. Presenting the cheque to Peter and Elizabeth Duncan of Lippen Care is Janet McFarlane, chairperson of Crafts of Angus.
Crafts of Angus and Café Dun are now open on weekends only (11.00am – 4.00pm) until 14 December. L-R Sue Beavan, Peter Fordyce, Elizabeth and Peter Duncan, Janet McFarlane, and Aileen Ogilvie.

'Anyday above ground's a good day'

Some time has lapsed since my last post. That's because the large cheque came in the post and I've been busy celebrating with fish suppers, mars bars, litre bottles of Coke and monster bags of crisps. What a time I've had! Btw... this post's title does not refer to Walter (pictured). It was a thought provoking Texan homily provided by Dear Janet in reponse to my 'mumping' at the last committee meeting. In my place I was put!

First a reminder that an ACA Craft Fair is being held at Forbes of Kingennie on Sat 8 (10.30 -5.00) and Sun 9 November (11.30 -6.30). Most of this Blog's characters will be there selling their wares to our discerning customers. There is another Fair in Perth on 15/16 December too.

Not forgetting the House of Dun Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday 6 December.

NEWSFLASH! ACA is to form a business partnership with Angus Cooncil's Education Department. Now that's an exciting venture.

Walter the Woodcarver was demonstrating his skills in the Gamekeeper's Bothy at House of Dun recently and gathered a large crowd of onlookers. Was this because of his woodcarving or his kilt I wonder? Peter 'the Woodturner' Fordyce plans to demo his lathe work soon too. I'm not very good with dates but it's sometime in December.

Blue skies, nuthin' but blue skies....

What a difference a day makes as the song says. So would a large cheque in the post and if I don't get it soon, I shall name and shame on this BLOG!

Beachcomber Steve and I met with Angus Cooncil's education enterprise guru, Joanne, this morning in Cafe Dun where I noticed that the reshuffled cabinet had had the glass door removed. I wonder who did that? No one mentioned it and neither did I.

I think a partnership with the Cooncil would prove beneficial for all but as I said at the Brighton Conference, making plans is the easy bit and many good intentions have decomposed in the wheelie bin of vision.

Checked to see if Maura was closing early tonight but she wasn't. Maura is a conscientious crafter whose goal is to serve the public and make a buck or two for us all. She made me £2.90 today which was enough to buy a pack of Pollacks.

Here's a pic of Peter's plates.

Outside it was a grey, wet, windy, miserable Wednesday. Inside, Joan and I were glowing! Yes we were! With coffee on tap and time to reflect, the day flew by in that uncanny way that it does. There were so few visitors that instead of tallying the numbers, we took their names. Most of them worked at Cafe Dun next door so it was like old friends popping in for a chat. However, a sale was made(one of Peter's clocks). I think it's possible that Joan sends decoys to buy Peter's stuff on quiet days.

Tried to contact Steve about tomorrow's meeting with the enterprise guru but got his answering machine. I may make a habit of it as his partner has an engaging accent which appealed to me.

Lunch involved first class vegetable soup at Cafe Dun and fine conversation with the charming staff 'who had time to chat' today. Alice and I mused on where we'd gone wrong.

Helped Janet and Linda shuffle a large cabinet. I shall refrain from making an obvious political joke there although it's tempting. My lifting skills earned me a slice of date and pecan pie. I said there was no need but Janet told me 'in no uncertain terms' that there was. Janet is not a woman to be trifled with when it comes to desserts.

Just as I was closing, the shop filled with a family of four. I assessed the situation and continued 'cashing up' (today it didn't take long). It's funny, you can tell when a sale is on the horizon. They were just searching for places to stay out of the rain. Switching the lights off soon got rid of them.

Angus Ambassador's Thingy

So, I see from yesterday's Courier that we have not made the short leet for the Angus Ambassador's Award Thingy. Nevermind, isn't it the taking part? Magnanimous we shall be and offer our sincerest congratulations to those who have been chosen for the 'finals'.

Maybe we should not have bombarded the judging panel with both submissions and that box of carmel wafers? Overkill?

Hey Ho.

Apart from the Angus Ambassador's Rejection Thingy I've had a great day.

a) Been up Glen Clova in glorious sunshine waving a flag.
b) Enjoyed al fresco coffee, crumbed ham sandwiches, 'light' crisps, and a carmel wafer.
c) Fell asleep on a hill in the glorious sunshine.
d) Bought 20% off taps for IKEA sink which doesn't have a tap hole.
e) Spoke to Aileen and she didn't mention the rent.
f) Had an Aussie burger, minus beetroot slices, in Roo's Leap
g) Successfully bought sanitory ware online.
h) and a cooker hood.
i) Working in the shop with Joan tomorrow.

Sue is a Shining Star in the Angus Crafts Galaxy

Many thanks Sue for opening and holding the 'fort' on Saturday. You are indeed a fine woman. Although the rest of us gave plausible excuses for unavailability, the truth is, we were off on a coach trip to the 'Dancing Waters' in Newtonmore.

Well done Catherine!!!!!

Catherine, part-time waitress in Cafe Dun, has been awarded the Lord Lieutenant of Angus Award for being an all round good ATC egg and fabulous young person. She was presented with her certificate by the Lord Lieutenant of Angus, Georgiana Osborne at ATC HQ last night. In describing Catherine's wonderful achievements as an ATC cadet and human being, one phrase I noted with a smile.....'sensibly opinionated for her age'. Cafe Dun rubs off I see. Well done Catherine, I was mightily impressed!

Auchmithie

Today has not been the best of days for me but I did spend some time on the beach at Auchmithie. Although it's less than 12 miles away, It's the first time I've been there. It's a beautiful place.

Well, this is my first attempt at posting on this blog. It probably won't work though, so no sweat! I have spent 8 hours working today, and it is Saturday, when some people would take a day off. Not me though, my customers don't know a rest day even if it jumps out and hits them. I was hoping for a call from the craft shop to tell me my most expensive chair had sold, but once again I am disappointed. Never mind, back to work!

Night Golf

Aileen called me today to say that two visitors in the shop had commented favourably on my photo cards and bought a couple. However, they added that they thought some of my titles were 'inappropriate'. I shall take heed of their musings and act accordingly. Maybe I should have labels on them stating 'This card has been deemed INAPPROPRIATE!' I reckon sales would increase. Aileen also mentioned that I hadn't paid my rent this month. She possibly just made up that bit about the visitors to ease the conversation into the really important bit.

I had an interesting assignment this evening. It was to photograph 'night golf'. Here are the 'night golfers' before tee-off. I've cropped the luminous balls.

It's confirmed - I can blog!

At last I have managed to get on to blog with the rest of you. I has only taken me three days to overcome the "error" messages and finally get ON. Don't know what I'll do now I'm hear so I'll just watch and see what you lot do!

Christmas Craft Fairs

8 and 9 November at Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort
Saturday 10.30am - 5.00 pm
Sunday 11.30 am - 6.30 pm

15 and 16 November at Perth Concert Hall
Saturday 10.00 am - 5.00 pm
Sunday Noon - 5.00pm

Courier Copy

At the recent A.G.M. of Angus Crafts Association held in Letham Village Hall. A large number of members turned out to support the Association and took advantage of the opportunity to network with other crafters. Steve Davidson was elected Chairperson and commented,” The aim of the association is to promote and foster contemporary and traditional crafts within Angus and this year we would like to be more involved with the wider community, especially the younger people who may like to know more about traditional crafts.We hope to have regular demonstrations in the Craft of Angus Showcase & Shop at the House of Dun where some of our members are retailing their crafts.”

Steve runs his one man business, Western Isles Decorative Glass, designing and installing traditionally crafted stained glass for doors, windows, walls and ceilings. He also creates and designs stained glass mirrors, driftwood mirrors and driftwood clocks. The driftwood he collects and carries from the remotest parts of the Western Isles, most times in a rucksack as the only way to get there and back is on foot.

With a passion for ‘keeping it local’, Steve was instrumental in getting the Crafts of Angus Showcase and Shop off the ground. Members of the Angus Crafts Association took up the challenge to open the shop in the prestigious setting at the House of Dun. The old stable block has been transformed into a showcase and shop for some of the beautiful local crafts. Visitors are able to choose from contemporary and designer jewellery, ceramics, fine embroidery & needlework, cards, chair cane seating, felt hats & Bags, wooden items of all shapes and sizes, wrought iron work, painted glass, hand painted suncatchers, stained glass and decorative mirrors, photographic prints, and an extensive range of fanciful gifts.

“I can often be found behind the counter in the craft shop, taking my turn on the rota”, says Steve,” “Customers like to talk to the people who make the crafts and I enjoy talking about my work.”

The Crafts of Angus Showcase and Shop can be found in the old stables at the House of Dun, along side Cafe Dun. For more information about joining the Angus Crafts Association contact the membership secretary on Tel: 01307 466297

Well done!

Well done to whoever orchestrated our little press rlease. Nice picture of Steve and nice write-up too. Keep up the good work.
I was spreading the word to the Forfar Ladies Luncheon Club today. Hopefully, a few of them will be trekking up to our shop at House of Dun to buy lots of Christmas gifts!

Hello - well I think I've done it!!

I hope this is a reply to the blog we'll see if it appears, not sure if I'll remember how to get back in though.

Thought there would have been more comment here by now.

I still have to master the Wikki thingy! will work on that next.
Tessa

Ha, Ha, Ha!!!

Now I can write posts in this blog, too!!!!

Hello All, this is Maura, the ACA secretary and the only other member of the ACA committee who already has a Blogger account apparently. Oh wait a minute - where are you, Rhi?

Team Blog

I've found out how to turn this Blog into a 'team blog' and have just invited the members of the committee to become joint authors (sorry Linda and Janet P I don't have your e-mail addresses). Hopefully we can extend it to all members in the future? I've also changed the title to include our logo.......food for thought there eh?

If you're a crafter from outwith Angus, Scotland and you've Googled here, stumbled, whatever here, please get in touch to share ideas and globally gossip. We'd enjoy hearing from you.

At the shop

'In less than 3 years a small group of dedicated Angus Crafts Association members have taken a dusty, cobwebby, forgotten storeroom and created a unique and vibrant enterprise. By renovating the old Stable Block at the House of Dun we have not only created a modern retail environment but also pulled together as a team and become a strong and dynamic independent crafting cooperative. Each person continues to volunteer their specialist skills for a mutually beneficial purpose.

The result of our team effort is the Crafts of Angus Showcase and Shop – a gallery of locally-produced, handmade items entirely staffed and run by the makers of the products available on the shelves. Where each of us would fail individually, together we have succeeded in creating a profitable and unique enterprise of which we are all justifiably proud.'

This is part of our submission to Angus Council for their 'Angus Ambassadors Scheme'. It also summarises what the shop is.......and that's where I was today. We take turns of manning the till and being shopkeepers for a few days a month. House of Dun is a National Trust for Scotland property and attracts a fair number of visitors from all over the World. Today, they must have found somewhere else to go.

But I'm not complaining, the carrot, corriander and ginger soup, followed by a cake from the Table of Temptation of Cafe Dun made my day. Janet McF and I also had a grand chat about future press releases, what was on offer at the Table of Temptation, and we also had time to sort out the World's financial crisis. So, what a day we had!

Soon, I hope to turn this blog into a'team blog' but I'll need to find out how to do it.

I should really explain a bit about ACA but I can't be bothered so I'll copy some info from the ACA website. You can also link to this from the right hand menu.

'Following research by Angus Council, craft workers were offered the opportunity to come together to discuss their needs and aspirations. After an initial meeting in March 2004, which over forty crafters attended, a steering group was formed and with financial help from Angus Council, ACA was established. Since the inaugural meeting in October 2004, the ACA has formed into a structured group dedicated to fostering and promoting crafts made in Angus.'

I didn't know this. Praise to Angus 'Cooncil' for their initiative and bold forward thinking. Praise also to the pioneering crafters who launched the Association in those early days.

But enough praise for one post. In the near future I feel I may need to comment on some of the 'Cooncil's' present practices and policies (or lack of them) but for the moment I'll leave their integrity and reputation unchallenged. Steve, we really do need to confer on this.

I've just remembered that it's my wedding anniversary tomorrow and all the shops, apart from T**co are closed. Do I have time to craft a card?

These are our links..... rhs menu

Well, the ones that do link. If you're an ACA member and feelin' a bit miffed that I haven't listed your link then please get in touch by leaving a comment.

Today was a good day apart from the Montrose result. Normandy Pork with runner beans eased the disappointment tho'. At least I'm not a Hearts supporter! Paid a lot of crafting cash to see them being trounced by United this afternoon. On that showing, my Heart of Midlothian Edinburgh chums, Mr Romanov should not be thinking 'trophy rooms'. I often wonder if he was related to Tanya Romanov? Now, she was some Russian!

Dominoes and Wine Tasting

I promised myself that I would never add a post after wine tasting and a game of dominoes. So I won't.

To what purpose?

I think I know why I've opened this Blog but in truth, I haven't really thought it through properly. I've just done it. I suppose I've always had a hankering to 'blog' but could never justify the time or effort. Nor could I find a reason for having one. Maybe I do now.

Last night I attended the AGM of Angus Crafts Association in Letham Village Hall. That's Letham in Angus, not Perth & Kinross. If it had been in Perth & Kinross it would have been the Perth and Kinross Crafts Association, but it's not, it's Angus. New members were required for the committee and I suppose by default, as it is with agms being little clamour for nominations, I was suggested along with three other gullible but nonetheless fascinating souls. In fact, there was little clamour of members even to attend (and Janet mentioned this in AOCB - more of Janet later under AOCB).
For those who knew me pre-crafting days, I'm sure their eyebrows would have been raised at my acceptance and willingness to participate. They may even assume that because of my hearing difficulty, I didn't fully understand what was going on and thought I was volunteering for a wine tasting evening with dominoes. Ah, people change.

So, here I am with my blog and membership of the ACA Committee. My remit, as I was told (which of course is the way of democratic co-operatives), was PR man, dealing with the media, press officer, and all things that would help promote ACA in every sense. Also, as it is with these things, I have no background, expertise or experience in these matters.......but I do own more than one camera and a biro.

As you can tell, I'm off to a flyer! I would have been an even higher flyer if Dr Maura , Secretary and all round good egg, hadn't beaten me to it with a Wiki (interesting idea to be beaten with a wiki) .

Let's get back to my initial point. I hope this blog, as well as being a personal chronicle of my association with the Association, will help promote the aspirations, values and downright goodness of the crafters of ACA whom I have had the pleasure to meet and work with over the past 18 months (I welcome their input to this blog as well). In the coming posts, you will have the pleasure of meeting them all and I apologise now if I go too far in describing their traits (especially Steve, Beachcomber, Geordie, Chairperson, and last night............ spiv).

See you later. I'm 'beating' up Glen Clova tomorrow.