My Embroidery Exhibition

I am very thrilled and excited to say that my exhibition is now open in the studio at Plonk et Plus in Belvès. It was quite an emotional day when I set up my work for display. But I held it together until we had placed the poster onto the A frame then the tears, but tears of happiness is always good.

The A-frame will be on display outside Plonk et Plus in the main square at Belvès for the next 2 weeks.

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My signature butterfly all set for the evening opening event.

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At the opening event the butterfly in the frame and the peacock cushion were the first items to be sold, followed by three more framed embroideries. It was great seeing so many people at the event taking an interest in my embroidery and wanting to know more details about my work and my inspiration for each piece.

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Another cushion with our cat Angel in the centre.

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Most of my inspiration is taken from the local area.

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I adore the red squirrels of the Perigord.

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Gorgeous stone and oak beamed room to display my work

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One of the highlights for me was the presentation of a gorgeous bouquet of flowers.

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A big thank you to Plonk et Plus for their excellent friendly service, from the greeter at the door who served wine and showed people the way to the exhibition, to the excellent platters of charcuterie and cheeses in the exhibition room. Also, a very big thank you to all of the people who attended the evening event, you made my day.

The exhibition is open until the 30^th July, closed Monday and Tuesday. So come along and take a look.

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Event:- that is amazing each year is the Fete Medievale in Belvès.

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Exhibition Of My Work

I am very excited and a little nervous, my first exhibition will be held from the 19^th to the 29^th July in Belves at Plonk and Plus. Details of the opening hours are below on the poster. Do come and take a look, the exhibition is free to look around and if something catches your eye the prices range from twenty to forty euros.

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Below is a small sample of my work.

There are twenty nine items which range from cushions for the bedroom and chairs, pictures in frames of the local area and wildlife, to pillow cases and a small tapestry. Plus two pictures inspired by The Hobbit, which is one of my favourite films.

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The inspiration for the cat cushion was taken from our cat Angel, who is, shall we say, a little too plump for climbing.

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This one is a 1930’s style lady who is taking her dog for a walk while observing a stone hut that are particularly indigenous to the local area.

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All types of bird life thrive in the Perigord but I can honestly say that a Kingfisher is one of my favourites.

Do come and take a look, you will be very welcome.

A big thank you to two wonderful men who own Plonk et Plus (the best wine shop in the Perigord) and have given me the opportunity to exhibit my work.

A link here to their site for both Plonk et Plus and their wine and cheese bar Planches et Plonk

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Château Montdoyen.

If you are looking for a wine tour which guides you through magnificent vistas of the Perigord Purple. A vineyard which stretchers as far has the eye can see, with an informative and excellent guide to the various wine process, culminating with a very pleasant tasting of the wines. This is the vineyard to go to.

Château Montdoyen was recommended by a friend of ours, Graham from Planches and Plonk, and Plonk and Plus in Belves and after tasting a bottle or two of the wines produced at the Château Montdoyen that Graham had recommended we just had to book a visit and go and see for ourselves.

Château Montdoyen is situated South West of Monbazillac in the heart of the Perigord Purple.

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The domane covers eighty three hectares, forty or which have vines being cultivated.

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Grape varieties are red grape Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. The white grape varieties are Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Muscadelle and Semillon.

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Grapes are harvested by hand, then maceration for about twenty four hours, pressed, rotated, strained and fermentation before the wine is aged on lees. The lees are regularly stirred and after months of attention they are ready for the next process of ageing.

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Imagine that you are taken to a dark room then the lights are switched on, oh my wow, this was the sight before us. All oak barrels labelled with the wine and date so they people know when it is ready to bottle. The very large barrel is quite special due to the fact that the grapes go straight into the barrel by a funnel at the top. When the oak barrels get too old they are sent to be used in the process of making Cognac.

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A mobile bottling plant is hired every year from a team that goes from vineyard to vineyard.

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Bottled and ready for labeling. By this time we where ready for the tasting of the various wines so onward to the tasting room.

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Here is a list and prices of the various wines they make at Château Montdoyen.

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The wine tasting room.

Check out their web site:-

Château Montdoyen.

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Belves Revisited.

Every Saturday in Belves is market day where you can buy fresh produce, clothes and craft wares. Belves is one of our favourite medieval towns to visit, on this particular day we headed first to the tourist office and secondly to the wine and beer store which is run by our two friends Graham and Damon.

13^th Century Belves on Market Day.

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At the Tourist Office.we were looking for information about the Medieval Festival which reopened once more last year after an absence because of Covid. It was a brilliant fun day last year, you are transported back in time to the Medieval Period to enjoy the costumes, musicians, dance and more, follow the parade through the streets of Belves and drink in the atmosphere. That is not all, there is also a Medieval Market where local and ancient crafts can be seen and bought.

This year the Medieval Festival will take place on Sunday 7^th August. Watch this pace for further information, but we can highly recommend a visit.

Our second call of the day was to Plonk and Plus which is owned by two friends of ours Graham and Damon who know everything that you will ever need to know about the wines and beers from the local area, it is always well worth a visit.

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And here we see a little Hobbit (me) standing along side Graham, who gave us a glimpse into his extensive knowledge of wines.

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On the left a Rosé and on the right is a dry White Wine We have not tasted these before but both are highly recommended so I shall let you know in a future blog.

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Graham and Damon also own Planches and Plonk which is a cheese and wine bar that can be found at 34 Rue Jacques Manchotte. All produce is made by local, independent producers. Again well worth a visit to enjoy a glass or two of excellent wine and a selection of their gorgeous cheeses. Or you can stay longer in their bed and breakfast accommodation where you can explore more of Belves and the Perigord region.

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Terre Sauvage.

This is the recently opened Terre Sauvage shop which is also situated on the main shopping street in Belves.

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It is where a local artist displays his work. I particularly like the skill which is evident in the animal and bird creations on display, made from recycled metal and you can buy at a reasonable price.

The artist has captured the birds brilliantly in these two works of art.

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Plonk and Plus.

Planches et Plonk, the fabulous cheese and wine bar in Belves have recently opened Plonk & Plus, a wine cellar in Belves central square. Selling great value delicious wines from local vineyards and artisan beer. Perfect for your barbecue, lunch or dinner parties or a glass or two while relaxing in the gorgeous sunshine. Or why not a bottle or two for that perfect present.

Looking good in his Medieval outfit in the new wine cellar.

A large selection of quality wines to choose from

Whatever your choice you will know that the bottle will have been selected by the two experienced owners, Graham and Damon,.who have a very good knowledge of wines and are always ready to advise and help you with your choice.

An artistic display of local artisan beers.

We had to stop and have a glass of wine in Planches et Plonk. Love the Medieval outfits.

Remember this is the fabulous cheese and wine bar in the centre of Belves offering a high quality of food and service. Also, they offer bed and breakfast accommodation and gourmet breaks.

Lastly, two more pictures from the Medieval Day in Belves.

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Stories told on stilts

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