A pint of the local cider please I asked the man with green face paint behind the bar, the drum beat upon the castle hill in Hastings increased steadily to an all encompassing crescendo,something  rather sinister seemed imminent but clearly only the locals seemed to be in on the secret.My drink arrived,the third today of  this local beverage and the man bearing a vague resemblance to a tomato plant and something from childhood memories involving the Dr Who tv series and a half plant cactus man, leaned forward with my change wishing me a “happy Jack in the green day!” Turning around and heading back into the crowd I was confronted by another man in bizarre plant like leafery with the words RADIATOR emblazoned across his chest who stepped forward brandishing a green dripping sponge,”are you with us?” “errrr yes of course!” I muttered smiling inanely,oh good he said splattering my nose with green dye,oh well at least  I  looked like every one else now. I was a stranger in a strange land and yet I lived here.Rumour spread quickly,the drum beat increased constantly and a kind of concentrated frenzy and sense of purpose started to overcome the crowds ,it was time to kill Jack soon and quite who this Jack was remained quite a mystery.I was starting to feel like Edward Woodward in the wickerman and glanced around to see if there were any looming wooden effigy figures in the immediate proximity of a few cans of petrol !!!

Soon however all was revealed as a green effigy bearing a face of a  plant like mans face was transported into the center of the crowd and ceremonially executed in a flurry of sticks and leaves to the roar and cheers of the crowd.The frenzy dissipated and was replaced by merriment and an air of happiness.Everybody was good natured and headed back to town to enjoy the rest of the day, green noses held prominent and shown off proudly ,that was it for another year ,the spring had been welcomed,the ritual complete,bring on the summer.

What we had just witnessed was the culmination of several days of merriment and celebration that has become a yearly event lasting from April 30th to the 3rd of May  in Hastings on the southern coast of England ,a small  fishing town most famous for its famous history changing battle in 1066.

It is a ritual with largely pagan roots that predate christianity and is centered around the nature spirits and the “old ways” of  ancient Britain that still surge alive and well below the tapestry of  everyday British life occasionally surfacing on days such as this and in the rituals and dances of the may pole and morris dancing .A tradition frequently seen as the leafy face adorning  sboards hanging over green man pubs it is an ancient way of welcoming the summer and spring time.Indeed  the Green man legend has also been linked to other myths including the Arthurian tale of Gawain and the Green Knight and even Robin Hood.The christian church despite trying to stamp out paganism eventually adopted the legend into its dogma and the green mans face  is frequently seen adorning church buildings.The the Arthurian writings in particular Gawain and the Green Knight appear full of symbolism and seem to portray a faith battle between Gawain (symbolic of Christian values) and the Green Knight(The old Pagan Ways).

The current manifestation of the jack-in-the-green festival in Hastings is largely based on a tradition from the 1830s which was snuffed out at the start of the 20th century and then revived again in 1979 by a morris dancers group.It is a very entertaining weekend of morris dancers and other Performance Groups from all over Europe and is very much a family event.

The jack in the green character , the manifestation of the spirits of the forest leads a procession from the fishermans museum area of the old town and up to the castle perched overlooking the area.

Jack is accompanied by green clad locals known as Bogies that symbolise the incarnation of spirits along with a following of giants and appointed radiators who accompany the group splodging passers by on the nose with green dye to bring them into the fold.Its all very light humoured and a great day out.

At the culmination of the ceremony Jack is slain and the sticks that form the effigy are thrown into the crowds to be kept as a ward against spirits until the next winter solstice.

Below are some of the many spectacles from the day.They were photographed on a Nikon D700 with a 17-35mm f2.8 and a 70-200mm f2.8.

Pictures :Copyright Kerry Davies Strictly no Reproduction allowed.

Found myself in the Hague on a flying visit recently and during a spare moment took a stroll along the coast where the locals were preparing their businesses for the rapidly approaching days of summer.It was a cloudy windswept spring day with a foaming north sea swirl and I was struck by the bizarre way that shapes and colours particularly a red and brown hue seemed to form within the landscape,conscious or unconscious it was quite apparent.The area struck me as a perfect film set for an existential epic by the likes of Michelangelo Antonioni or Wim Wenders, Quite peculiar.

The Hague was described to me  as a kind of Amsterdam for diplomats and it is certainly the case as the city is the traditional home of many not to mention the international courts of Justice famous for its war trials.

I was very surprised however at its vast cultural side.There are no shortage of museums ,the Escher museum and the Mauritshuis with its Rembrants and Vermeer to name a few and the city has may sculptures at various park locations.

oh and check out the local fast food,chips and mayo  yum.

Pictures copyright: Kerry Davies no unauthorised reproduction allowed.

A fantastic day out that stretches the legs and refreshes the spirits while clearing the head and providing plenty of time for inspiration and contemplation, why not try a springtime trip to the ancient town of Avebury in Wiltshire situated in the heart of the British countryside.With the wonderful rolling ‘big sky’ Wiltshire downs creating a stunning panorama and  the enigmatic Avebury Stone Circle and Silbury Hill ancient monument at its core. The area provides a superb escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and of course the chance to enjoy a well earned sunday lunch and perhaps drink a pint of cider while admiring the sunset raking across the ancient stones.You can enjoy the infinite silence of the ages past and trying to figure out  Why!!!!  did these ancient ancestors of ours go to such an unbelievable effort to arrange this apparent giant  game of  enormous stone Dominoes for our appreciation and contemplation.

We took a sunday afternoon trip through this well trodden path through an ancient land just as the buds  of springtime were starting to emerge and it was quite frankly delightful.

Our 7 mile ramble made use of the Explorer 157 map of the area and for added fun and accuracy I took a  Garmin etrex Legend GPS  with pre programmed grid references and my trusty Swiss Army knife Camera a 13.5 mega pixel Nikon P6000 compact.

After parking in the local car park on the A4361 we began our stroll by crossing the main road and heading along an aptly named White Horse Trail along the infant River Kennet just across from the stunning Silbury hill monument.You can but wonder who, if anyone, was buried in there.Excavations have so far failed to shed any light on the mystery.My imagination suggests to me that this platform could have been an epic position where very important ritual cremations or ceremonies could have taken place.The location could have drawn large gatherings of onlookers where the surrounding slopes would have given a grandstand view of the blazing spectacle or oration that would have been visible for miles.

A short walk further the trail met the A4 again which we crossed to a small gate on the opposite side affording great views of Silbury hill behind us.

At the sign post we took an uphill walk to the West Kennett long barrow ,the most complete example of an ancient burial tomb in Britain that you can actually go inside and have a look around.The stones outside probably blocked the entry way originally.

Retreating back down the rolling slopes we the headed eastbound along the path of the river Kennett and past Avebury manor before strolling through some spring snow drop covered pathways and following the designated White Horse trail.Along the way we stumbled across a random brown horse with a friendly attitude.

Heading left up a main road and then across the river Kennett bridge we then head  towards some ancient barrows on the top of  the slope before crossing the A4 and joining the Roman road known as The Ridgeway.

Looking back behind you can see the landscape dotted with ancient burial mounds.

Heading uphill on a steady incline on our left the sun raked across the ancient Roman Ridgeway trade route backlighting more eerie looking burial mounds known as The Enclosure, marked out by sinister deep black trees on our left that overlook the Silbury Hill,its peak oddly still visible at the pinacle of the slope between the barrows  in an almost intended fashion.

A little further up the Ridgeway our journeys leads us left at a sign pointing us back in the direction of Avebury village towards Manor Farm and across some breathtaking  sunlit downs landscape along  another ancient pathway trail.

Turning left at Manor Farm we follow the road into Avebury village famished and in need of lunch before exploring the amazing stone circle that surrounds the village.At the center of the village is the Red Lion pub where refreshment and meals are served.We tried out some delicious pear cider along with a tasty sunday lunch.

After lunch and in serious need of either a wheel barrow or a good stroll at least, we crossed the road to see the sunset catch the monuments on fire with light,a photographers dream and a moment of enlightenment that  leaves you feeling like you are observing the mechanism of some ancient clock as its mechanism whirs into life.

TICK! TOCK! STARDUST.

copyright Kerry Davies.Re-Use forbidden.

An inscription carved on the back of a twisted metal crucifix possibly cleaved off a slain saxon warriors battle shield.If ever the past reached across the Centuries to speak to us about life in 7th century saxon Britain then this was it.

Wandering through the British Museum in London is a fantastic experience on any day but a recent visit left me reeling with wonder.

An announcement on the notice board near the main entrance caught my attention while visiting recently.

See the Staffordshire Hoard in room 36-7.

“It will redefine the dark ages ” say the experts.

The Hoard was discovered in a field in July 2009 by metal detectorist Terry Herbert and composed of 1500 individual items of  silver and gold mostly consisting of what appear to be battle trophies,there were 84 Pommel Caps,71 Sword hilt collars and gold crucifix formations looking like shield fittings that were cleaved off along with helmet cheek pieces and personal items.

The Items date from around the 7th Century,a  period when Britain was a maelstrom of tribal rivalry and religious revolution as the country went from pagan to christian beliefs.

Having seen the news and press announcing the find I was filled with anticipation as I clambered up the stairs and into the room containing a selection of the find in several glass cases just around the corner from another amazing artifact room that of the Sutton Hoo finds.

I was gobsmacked! It was stunning!!! absolutely amazing to see!!You almost have to pinch yourself to remind yourself  that what you are looking at is simply the real thing from all those centuries ago inches from your nose and not some prop from a Hollywood movie.

I fully understand how Terry Herbert the metal detectorist  who found it said he was dreaming for days about what he would find next.

It has been valued at 3.285 million pounds and the British museum has launched its hoard appeal to pay for it.

If you are in London grab the chance while its on show,it will enrich your sense of history and the ancient world.

The official Website is here:http://www.staffordshirehoard.org.uk/about/

Pictures courtesy of the Staffordshire Hoard Website and Dave Rowan and Daniel Buxton.

The Town of Alcoy is the site of a yearly re-enactment  next planned in April 2010 in full historical costume that remains one of Spains most well known and Colourful Fiestas.

It is based on  the battle of Alcoy in the 13th Century and is in place to honour St George the Patron Saint of the town who is said to have saved the town from the Moorish forces of Alazraq in 1275.

As the tale is told James I of Aragon led a campaign of reconquest through the region after centuries of Moorish occupation and influence. In retaliation the Moors  invaded once more to recover their lost ground.However as the Battle was starting St George is said to have appeared in the sky over the famous gorge in the town to save the day.

It is a colourful and entertaining day in which mock battles are fought all over the town and where a fog of gunpowder and fireworks descend amidst the playing of traditional period music and merriment and much feasting.

It is a 3 day 24hr long festival in which 28 armies do battle and the whole town is festooned in the red cross flags of St George.                                  St George saving Alcoy from the Moors.

Being from the United Kingdom I was fascinated by the  interpretation of  the Patron Saint adopted both here and in  England and its interpretation in both countries.

In the U.K  St George is frequently shown as the slayer of the Dragon but in this area of Spain he is shown as a saviour from the Moors.

The local Church of St George at Portal de san Marcos shows fascinating murals of the battle painted by Fernando Cabrera Canto  painted in 1921 and a Relic said to be St Georges finger that is paraded around the town during the festival.

Heres link to the Alcoi festival tourist site:http://www.alcoiturisme.com/

The Battle of Alcoy in St Georges Church

The Relic of St Georges Finger

Further South heading back to Alicante one sees the outstanding pinacle on which is Perched the Castle of castalla.

The Castalla Castle

Raised in the 11th Century by the Moors it was incorporated into the kingdom of Aragon in 1244.

In 1362 the castle was given to Ramon de Vilanova to defend against Castilian attacks and ultimately became part of the Hapsburg Monarchy’s defence strategy against Barbary pirate attacks on Alicantes coast line.

Throughout the 18th century Spanish war of succession it became a place for storage and was in ruins by 1813.

Castalla like Pamplona also has its own running of the bull festival in August and like Alcoy above has its own Moors and Christians festival.

The town found itself embroiled in the Spanish Civil war and Between 1933 and 1935 the hill and fort was sacked by the locals looking for treasure.In recent times it has been the subject of restoration with a view towards tourism.

Wandering through the old medieval town on an early morning sunlit stroll is a nice way to start the day and each corner throughout the maze of passage ways can reveal odd surprises and treats for the senses with sun bleached bright coloured old buildings and elevated views of the area ,a coffee and a taste of the local olives is also highly recommended.Below are some views around Castalla.

All these images were shot on a Nikon P6000 compact camera which I like to set up with easy access to manual overide settings for compensation,flash output and white balance using the my menu settings for speed.

Its a great light weight durable tool for keeping in your pocket when traveling light.

All the best.

Pictures copyright:Kerry Davies. WWW.WABISABIPIX.COM

Howdy partner! the gunslinger announced as we turned up unannounced in a wild west tumbleweed town strangely somehow  familiar after traveling hundreds of miles across the sun scorched desert.There had just been a torrential downpour and the ground steamed as we disembarked from our metal horse and examined our surroundings. This Sure isn’t Kansas anymore toto I muttered as my boots hit the sand,then again it isnt quite America either,more Almeria Spain,mmm! think I fancy a pepsi and some tapas might be a good idea!!!

We had just arrived in Almeria Spain,surprising to some this was the real wild west that is portrayed in the classic movies from the 70s starring such famous stars as Clint Eastwood,Yul Brynner and many others.

Clint apparently even bought his famous Poncho locally in the area.

It was the location of such Spaghetti Western classics by Sergio Leone  as ” a fistfull of Dollars”,”for a few dollars more”,and ”The Good,the Bad and the Ugly” and also for other films such as Conan the Barbarian and Michelangelo Antonioni film “the Passenger” starring Jack Nicholson.

My interest had been drawn to the area after seeing an hilarious Spanish black comedy film by Director Alex de la Iglesia called  “800 Balas” meaning “800 Bullets”(2002),starring comedy actor Sancho Gracia,Angel de Andres Lopez and Carmen Maura.Its an hilarious film about a Stuntman and his colleagues who make a living at a Wild West town in Almeria Spain.They are making a living entertaining small groups of tourists that are deposited in their Wild west  movie set town.The stuntmans son also a stuntman was killed in a filming accident back in the towns golden age somewhat far back in the decadent past when westerns were popular and his child grows up fascinated in the life his deceased father lived.So begins an hilarious quest as the son runs away seeking out the wild west town to learn more about his fathers percieved heroic past.When the childs powerful theme park executive mother finds out the son has run away she pursues them angrily trying to close down the park with hysterical results.

This film rekindled my interest in the Spaghetti westerns and I was totally stunned to find that the town portrayed in the film was in fact very Real and that it did indeed have a contingent  of Actors making a living out of the old Wild West movies.

Its called Texas Hollywood in the area known as Tabernas Almeria.

So hi ho silva and away and here we are!!!

It was a hilarious afternoon walking around the exact same set as 800 Balas almost pinching ourselves as to how we had stumbled across the attraction.

Throughout the day they put on shows for the public and provide excursions and carriage rides around the area giving a tour and insights into its movie past.

There are pictures from its film set days and you can see quite a few famous faces portrayed treading the dusty streets in which you now find yourself.

Theres also an Indian village and a few Buffalos oh! and dont miss the Camels apparently related to those in Lawrence of Arabia which was partially shot in the area!!

Most Recently Pepsi shot here starring David Beckham and his pals and the area is frequently used by Car commercials needing that Authentic Wild West touch.

All in all it was quite a surreal and amusing afternoon as well as quite informative from a movie history point of view. Ive been watching the old spaghetti westerns lately just trying to catch a glimpse of parts of the landscape.

After some refreshments at the saloon  we saddled up,put in some more petrol,set up the Sat Nav and headed south  across the pass and into other areas of movie interest.

The area was  also the location of the film Conan The Barbarian by John Milius starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sandahl Bergman and the nearby Las Salinas mountains featured  in scenes portraying Conan in Hyboria  that were well known areas in the land of the spaghetti western.

Almerimar was the scene of the Wizard/Stone Fortress encounters along with La Ciudad Encantada,El Condor,Cuevas de Roque and Penon De Bernal the famous Mount Doom in the film.This was the location we headed for next in our whistle stop tour of the region.

Penon De Bernal was the mountain upon which a spectacular Temple of Doom was built and Arnold Schwarzenegger Aka Conan The Barbarian confronted his nemesis ultimately burning down the temple film set in the movie.

It is located near the town of Almeria itself.you can find more locations from the film here:

http://www.western-locations-spain.com/almeria-top-20/conan/index.htm

I found the Conan Completist Web site very useful in finding these locations and it is packed with great information on the area.

I am sure local tour groups provide tours of this movie history rich area and a little research would provide a great trip if you are interested in the area.

After a long day passing thorough several periods in movie history we turned our wagons back north and headed back into the sunset.

Mmm where did i put those bangers and mash? errr! black lotus ,anyone? Stygian the best!!

Contemplate this on the tree of woe!!

Enjoy.

Blog Pictures:Copyright Kerry Davies.

The scene is set for one of the most spectacular and active periods of animal behaviour in the seasonal calender of the Park as male stags compete for control of the female deer and try to create harems with which to mate .The event provides some primeval and stunning action that has remained unchanged since Time began and if you have a bit of seasonal mist can be  a very memorable experience.

Armed with an Nikkor 300mm f2.8 and a 500mm f4 on a D200 body I followed the herd for a morning observing the behaviour as the hours passed watching for any clashes and unusual behaviour.The Stags can be quite reactionary and the slightest threat can send them charging off at a percieved threat so its wise to shoot from a distance and give them space,it surprises me no end that people are frequently letting lose dogs and children to chase them!!

It is a stunning way to spend the morning and you get a bit of exercise as well.Heres a selection of pics I took so please enjoy and maybe consider a visit yourself.

You looking at me!!!

All the best.

Pictures copyright Kerry Davies www.wabisabipix.com

Alls fair in love and war I guess!

A few other images on a relatively fight free day,i guess the stags are a little knackered after several weeks of beating themselves up and chasing skirt!

Pictures copyright:kerry Davies www.wabisabipix.com

Two thoughts that entered my mind as my time machine touched down in Battle near Hastings circa 14th October 1066 in a muddy field at the back of Battle Abbey.

As the mists of time cleared there was the thunder of hoofs and the clash of steel as armoured knights battled it out across the hillsides of  East Sussex England.

Oy! dont throw that spear at me! oh watch where you fire those arrows!!!!! ouch!

Actually it was a  rather excellent day trip to the ancient Battle field of Hastings on Sunday the 11th of October where celebrations were underway for the actual nation changing battle all those years ago.

In the rear area of the Abbey built just after the battle circa 1079 (as a sorry for killing so many of the locals gesture by William the Conqueror) a reenactment  society had created a medieval village for the yearly event run by English Heritage.

It was a feast for the eyes for anyone with the slightest interest in things medieval a the event filled the air with smells of cooking meat  on wood fires and the sight of  leather workers and Artisans at work.

There  were metal workers and woodworkers offering their wears along with trinkets and other gifts to take home and celebrate ones ancient ancestry and kids battled it out locked into their imaginary world slaying dragons in the abbey ruins.

Medieval musicians and Bards told tales of deeds long past among the cloisters and  young warriors were showing off demonstrating how to duck oncoming arrows!!!!

wandering the area I took along with me a Nikon D200 equipped with a Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 and a  Nikkor 24mm f2.8 traveling very light.

It was a great way of meeting the locals as they would have been in times past!!

The battle of Hastings proved to be the major nation changing event of the British Isles in Medieval times. It was fought between Harold Godwinson and the leader of the Norman Army William the Conqueror at this location on Senlac hill in Battle.

The Norman Army consisted of approx 9000 men that was a full modern army at the time involving Infantry, cavalry,Archers and crossbowmen against the English army that consisted of  mostly 7500 Infantry soldiers.

After holding steady with an impenetrable shield wall the English fell for the run Away! run away! tactic that resulted in English troops breaking their defence and pursuing the Normans only to be surrounded and cut down by Norman Knights.

King Harold was killed believed shot through the eye (wounded and fell near the church altars position apparently) with and arrow and as they say history was written by the winners,the Normans took control and the Saxons got used to French food and going on strike!

The Battle is portrayed in all its gory detail by the Bayeux Tapestry.

After all this gnashing of teeth , twooing and frowing and clashing of steel we were in much need of a good sunday lunch and I cannot recommend enough the Bull Inn in Battle high Street where we were served a medieval size sunday lunch with lashings of excellent gravy.The yorkshire pudding is the largest I have ever seen in my life,a serving fit for the likes of Desperate Dan or even Henry VIII.

So enguarde!  Enjoy.

Pictures copyright:Kerry Davies.

Due to the exceptional demand for this post and  request for more images from the event please enjoy viewing these extra pictures.

More known for its towns it is in actual fact an area of stunning natural beauty and is dotted with quaint olde world villages never without with the atmospheric warm glowing lights of old style inns from times past beckoning you in to sample an ale or two ,a welcome break after walking the network of national trust walking routes that meander through the area.

Deep in the heart of Battle of Britain country it is steeped in history and it is easy while walking here to imagine the war time  sky battles that took place over here not so long ago.

I took a stroll in a small part of the area and found it a charming and rewarding place to spend a day.

I took a nikon D200 and a 17-35mm f2.8 lens, my usual for such wanderings,fast and very sharp..!

The walk started at the Outwood mill ,Englands oldest working mill,built in 1665 it was the perfect place to climb and view the great fire of London that happened in the same year.

The oldest mill in England built 1665 in Outwood Surrey.

A great place to view The great fire of London from.

The mill is over 40 ft high and weighs 25 tons but is so well designed that one man can operate it via a single wheel “tailpole” mechanism.

The walk took us off to the left of the mill heading across National Trust pathways for a distance of about 7 miles.

Heading away from Outwood.

We took a heading through a small woodland and past Outwood church before turning right onto the National Trust path well signposted as usual.

Outwood Church.

Heading along the NT path we came across a delightful grove with a pond.

delightful Village pond.

A place to relax.

Heading North out of the woods and having crossed several stiles we were walking through open country with the sun burning down behind us,time for some sun lotion methinks…!

We headed past several farms with cattle and on through more ploughed fields with a small path clearly trailing into the distance.

A typical British scene,timeless!!

Following the Path.

A clear trail.

Eventually after about 3 miles we came to a farm area which the trail took us through, past donkeys goats and other farm animals and old style barns.

Donkeys!

Blackberries on the trail.

Old Macdonalds Farm!!! a menagerie of different livestock.

Old style Barns.

Past the farms we cleared a railway line and headed north into an area of rolling fields with sheep and cottages dotted here and there.

open country.

BAAAA!

Gradually the area became steeper as we approached a nearby village .

Heading up hill.

Clambering up hill after a long steady walk we reached the top of  a narrow lane passing an olde world cottage and fell upon the quaint village of  Bletchingley.

Displayed on a newspaper board outside the local shop was Mirror Battle of Britain Special.It seemed almost as if we had been transported back in time for a moment.

Bletchingley Time Warp!!! Battle of Britain Special on Display.

Parched and thirsty from the walk and seduced by the signs offering cream teas we set down in a wonderful tea room called Lamingtons right in the center of the village.

Lamingtons Tea room.

The Perfect Place for a break.

Cream tea.

Refueled and refreshed but dreaming of more scones and cream we head away from the tea rooms and wander through the sunkissed village past the Prince Albert pub and rejoin our route heading south back towards Outwood but following a parallel route avoiding the roads.

The Prince Albert Pub.

With the sun getting lower the landscape developed  a warmer glow and the route took us through corn fields and woodlands as we descended back down the hill towards our stating point about 3.5 miles away.

Sunkissed cornfields.

South bound.

Soon the area is aglow by sunlight as we cross the final stage heading back to our start point the windmill.Turning a corner we stumble across a field of glowing Sunflowers.

Sunflowers.

We pass through more yellow glowing fields before finally picking up the path heading back through nearby woods and a few more stiles marked with NT markers

Dusk lit fields.

Breaking through the woodland shade we the find ourselves opposite the mill as the sun catches it just right.

Dusk light.

perfect!

We arrive back as the windmill is bathed in light and head off to the Bell inn nearby with its 300 year old ships bell for a well earned pint of cider.

I really can’t think of a better way to spend a sunny sunday afternoon than a good walk in an area such as this.

All the best.

Pictures copyright: Kerry Davies

www.wabisabipix.com