Faure at St Marys this coming Saturday

Fernhurst Choral Society will be in Petworth this coming Saturday.  The programme is choral music (I suppose it would be really) from Faure and Mozart.

Petworth Business Association now have a Flickr Group

I have just noticed that the Petworth Business Association have a Flickr group.   So now there is somewhere else you can see pictures of Petworth apart from this blog.


http://www.flickr.com/photos/petworthbusinessassociation/

It's a double yellow line for a reason

It's a double yellow line for a reason
Originally uploaded by PetworthPoster

This van parked on double yellow lines opposite Artful Teasing on Sunday Afternoon succeeded in trapping a coach. The driver got out to find the driver to ask him to move it, but he was not to be found.

I don't know how the coach got out of its position but I guess it had to reverse onto the pavement by Daintree House, a fairly dangerous manouvre.

Co-op closed for refurbishment

There can't be any Petworth resident who doesn't pop into the Co-op regularly to top on their shopping. Be warned, it is going to close for refurbishment shortly. Unfortunately I don't have the dates yet, but I will let you know as soon as I can. In a further blow to hungry Petworthians the chip shop is closing for the last week of October.

Its probably a good idea to get a few tins of baked beans in now.

Petworth Live Windows 2

I've had to take the video down for the moment.  I have just found out that you are not supposed to take photographs of children without their parents' permission.  I will re-edit and put it back up when I have removed the urchin shots.   Sorry about that everyone.

Stuffed Stag in Anthony Shorts

Stuffed Stag in Anthony Shorts
Originally uploaded by PetworthPoster

I have been trying to get a decent picture of this amazing piece of stock for a while now, and the light is never right. I will stick with this for now unless I can get a better one.

I don't know how long it is going to be there. On the one hand, there can't be that many people who want something like this. On the other hand I imagine if you did want one you would need to grab it quickly while it was going.

Petworth Live Windows 2009 - The Video!

Petworth Live Windows 2009
Originally uploaded by PetworthPoster

The gorgeous girls from Tiffins, Petworth's top tea shop took pity on me for my poor collection of photos from last year's live windows.

They have very kindly let me have theirs.

I haven't had a chance to go through all of them yet, but I think there are some good ones. In the meantime, here is a video of a couple of them.

Note - I have taken the video down for the moment.  I have just learned that it is against the law to take pictures of children without their parents' permission.   I don't think there are any in this video but I want to have another look just to be sure.   Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.

Hennings Wine Press: Petworth Live Windows 2009

Hennings Wine Press: Petworth Live Windows 2009
Originally uploaded by PetworthPoster

One of my photos from last year's live windows. Hennings set up a wine press and had one of their younger and fitter males enthusiastically pressing grapes in it.

Any details on this year's live windows in Petworth will be posted at http://visitpetworth.blogspot.com/2010/09/live-windows-christmas-2010.html

Follit - New Shop in Petworth

Follit - New Shop in Petworth
Originally uploaded by PetworthPoster

Follit is a new shop in New Street selling homeware and ornaments. Well its been open a few months actually but I have only just got round to taking a photo. They have a website ( http://www.follit.com/ ) but at time of writing it isn't up and running.

Twenty - Petworth Live Windows 2009

Twenty - Petworth Live Windows 2009
Originally uploaded by PetworthPoster

The weather was so dreadful last year I couldn't get much in the way of decent photos, but I will stick up a few of the least bad ones. This was Twenty's model who needless to say was wearing a great dress which, equally needless to say, I failed to get in the picture.

I'll be putting any more news about the 2010 Petworth Live Windows competition on http://visitpetworth.blogspot.com/2010/09/live-windows-christmas-2010.html

Chip Shop Petworth

Chip Shop Petworth
Originally uploaded by PetworthPoster

The chip shop in Petworth is in a bit of an awkward spot to get a decent photo of. I have had a few attempts, and this is the best I can come up with. I think it will have to do. None of this affects the chips, which are nice and tasty.

They have a little restaurant area where you can have a sit down meal.

So a nice little chip shop.

Live Windows Christmas 2010

Artful Teasing ChristmasWindow 2006
Originally uploaded by PetworthPoster

I am hearing rumours that the town traders will be repeating the live windows thing that they did last year. I haven't got any more details at the moment, but I gather there will be a Facebook page and a Twitter feed - though I imagine the details of the windows themselves will be a closely guarded secret until the day itself.

When I hear more, I will tell more.

Memorial in St Marys Church Petworth

Memorial in St Marys Petworth
Originally uploaded by PetworthPoster

I wonder how many people sitting in the pews of St Marys Church have shared my amusement with this memorial.

Stamp Cushion at Rugs of Petworth

Stamp-cushion-at-Rugs-of-Petworth
Originally uploaded by PetworthPoster

When Rugs of Petworth opened it was hard to think of a more opt name. But since then they have branched out into a few other lines including cushions. I really liked this intriguing design that was in the window over the summer.

Lickfold Inn to Close

Chris Evans has announced that he is closing the Lickfold Inn.  I have heard good things about it, but I never went there.  Sounds like I never will now.

Quick Update on Red Lion

Planning permission applications posted indicate the plan is for a bistro, bakery and a takeaway pizza.

Winning Goal at Veuve Clicquot Polo Gold Cup 2010

 Bit of a departure on this blog post.  A video of a winning goal at the 2010 Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup polo match at Cowdray Park.

The Tempest Bignor Park 27th July 2010

The Tempest Bignor Park
Originally uploaded by PetworthPoster

I took this photo on my mobile so it is a bit rubbish, but it is the ony record I have of the Tempest  performed in the open air at Bignor Park. Local photographer Linda Westmore was there taking official photos which will be a lot better.

The play itself was very well done.  The very small cast managed with very few props, no special effects and not even a female to take the part of Miranda.  They did a pretty good job keeping everyone's attention right to the end.  It isn't the easiest play to do in the open air.  There isn't a a huge amount of action and the end is a bit odd to modern ears, with Prospero right at the end dropping out of character and asking for applause.  But you had to admire the projection skills of the actors.  A very enjoyable night out.

Annette Putmann, Petworth

Annette Putmann
Originally uploaded by PetworthPoster

A new shop down the High Street - or at least I have only just notice it. Apologies if it has been open for years without registering in the gooey stuff that I try to pass off as my brain.

Seems to stock shabby chic furnishings so fits in pretty well with that part of town.

I couldn't find any online presence for this business - but if anyone has a link let me know and I will add it.

Spectacular display of Petunias at Therapy, Petworth

therapy-petworth-with-petunias
Originally uploaded by PetworthPoster

Therapy is one of the most popular clothes shops in Petworth but at the moment it is mainly notable for having huge quantities of petunias outside their branch in Golden Square.

If you are interested in what they actually sell have a look at their website http://www.therapypetworth.co.uk/about.html

Hennings Wine Shop, Petworth Music Festival Window Entry

Hennings Wine Shop, Petworth Music Festival Window Entry
Originally uploaded by PetworthPoster

Hennings picked up on the World Music aspect of the festival and came up with a sort of collage of flags and items of sheet music. It didn't win anything - though as the prize was a bottle of champagne maybe that bother them too much - but it has bought a splash of colour to that corner of Golden Square which has cheered me up when going to buy my booze.

Diver's Helmet in Riverbank, Petworth

Diver's Helmet in Riverbank
Originally uploaded by PetworthPoster

Where do you go if you want to buy a brass diver's helmet? To Riverbank, the antique shop in the High Street in Petworth it would seem. It didn't have a price tag that I could see. If you buy it as a result of seeing it on here, please leave a comment. I won't get a commission but it would be fun to think I played a part in bringing someone together with a piece of vintage brassware.

See http://visitpetworth.riverbank-petworth for a photo of the shop.

Divot stamping at Veuve Cliquot Gold Cup 2010

Divot stamping at Veuve Cliquot Gold Cup 2010
Originally uploaded by PetworthPoster

Photo taken at the final of the polo year at Cowdray in July 2010. One of the traditions of polo is to let the spectators onto the pitch between chukkas to stamp the pitch flat again. This is called divot stamping, and was very popular with the large crowd that had turned out.

Guilt's Festval Window Competition Entry

Guilt's Festval Window Competition
Originally uploaded by PetworthPoster

Guilt have come up with some cracking window ideas over the years. This one maybe isn't their best ever, but is still colourful and entertaining. (It didn't win though.)

Guilt have now opened a shop in Chichester, which means that the PetworthPoster office have designated that part of Chichester as Greater Petworth, and I'll try and get some photos of it up.

The Red Lion - For Now

Red Lion - For Now
Originally uploaded by PetworthPoster

There are lots of workmen busy on the Red Lion at the moment. The word on the streets is that it is going to reopen shortly as a bistro called The Leconfield, and that it is going to be run by a big name chef.

Watch this blog for future developments.

Tiffins - Winner! Petworth Festival Shop Window Competion Results out

As predicted, favourites Tiffins won the shop window competition.  Dark horse Artful Teasing pulled off a prize too.  I've been a bit under the weather over the last few days but I'll get out and get some pictures as soon as I can.

Artful Teasing's Chinese Fan - Petworth Festival Window Entry

Artful Teasing's Chinese Fan
Originally uploaded by PetworthPoster

Artful Teasing are taking the subtle approach this year. Their theme is Chinese music with a Chinese flute and some elegant looking fans along with one of their famous kimonos.

Not getting much backing at the bookies but could be a dark horse of the competition.

John Bird's Entry in Festival Window Competition

John Bird's Window Competition
Originally uploaded by PetworthPoster

After his success in the Christmas window competition a lot of us were looking to John to come up with his Sgt Pepper of a window. Not sure he has really pulled it off this time.

Tiffins -Front Runners in Window Competition

Tiffins -Front Runners in Window Competition
Originally uploaded by PetworthPoster

Part of the Petworth Music Festival is a competition for the shop with the best window. This provokes fierce rivalries with the shop keepers checking out the opposition and gossiping about one another mercilessly. The clear front runner this year are Tiffins who have gone with a teddy bear theme and created a storyline. A formidable entry indeed. But other outlets haven't shown their hand yet so there could still be an upset.

New Coat of Paint on Stringers Gallery

New Coat of Paint on Stringers Gallery
Originally uploaded by PetworthPoster

Stringers gallery seems to be steadily upgrading itself from an art supplies shop to a sort of all round artists' resource centre. They still sell paint, canvas and prints but they also have a big printer for doing posters and reproducing large copies.

They are also offering courses for people who want to develop their art skills.

Black is a very arty and trendy colour, so probably a good choice.

Free Concert in Petworth Park

Free Concert
Originally uploaded by PetworthPoster

Mrs Petworthposter and myself enjoyed a great evening of sun and music last night as the Petworth Music Festival opened with a free concert in the park.  The opening group were Kasai Masai from the Congo who were great.  The next act were KB, Terez and the Spank Band who seemed a bit thin on the ground.  There were only three of them.  But the lead singer made up in personality what they lacked in numbers.  He claimed that they were the top band in the Bahamas and they seemed to be being followed by Bahamas TV.  As the concert ended the crowd, including yours truly, spontaneously formed a conga.  A really nice start to the season.

A Very Old Petworth Resident

How about some ancient history.  Henry I was one of the sons of William the Conqueror.  His second wife was Adeliza of Louvain, who must have been a looker because she was known as the fair maid of Brabant.  She was not only beautiful, but was from a very good family indeed.  She was a direct descendant of the emperor Charlemagne.  When she became Queen she was given various lands around the kingdom, including Arundel and its surrounding area.  She must have been keen on this particular bit of property because she made her brother Jocelyn the constable of it, and also appointed him the baron of Petworth.  A descendant of this family still owns Arundel Castle today.  Another branch of the family included Ann Boleyn and Catherine Howard. 

Icicles in Petworth

The conditions on Sunday 10th 2010 must have been really conducive to the formation of icicles.

This house in North Street took the prize for length. But for size I didn't see any bigger than these over a door in East Street. And these ones down the side of Artful Teasing were pretty spectacular.

Snow Dalek in the Cow Yard at Petworth House

Impressive creativity!

Snow Chaos

I have to admit that I have enjoyed the snow, but of course it isn't fun for everyone. The Midhurst and Petworth Observer have been pointing out the downside. Snow - all the bad bits

Petworth Christmas Windows Competiion Winner

The winner of the 2009 Petworth Christmas Window competition was popular and well deserved. John Bird Antiques is one of the focal points of the town and was done up a treat this year.

Personally I think it was the gnomes in the window that swung it.

Snow Photos

This is Lecky the big snow face in Market Square. The story I heard was that he was made by some people coming out of the Star at closing time in good spirits, and they rolled up all the snow in Lombard Street. I wasn't the only person out snapping the snow this morning!