tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75118309154761133802024-03-10T02:46:14.469+00:00Bells & LabsBells & Labshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10616794431269069304noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511830915476113380.post-90182678592240406912018-07-10T13:18:00.001+01:002018-07-10T15:10:39.571+01:00CRAFTY POST - My revolting conservatory-camping-store-room, really needed a makeover....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlj_nPBVu0CV-EhR0xWeL9Zqm_HFq2u5Z6tmCi4ILActp2u22_HFjooQ0eU_ti7KrU_rrBPw-r0XAyqwR_Dtmt5w1-IpK-LMzzKV1ZoeOESk3i-fQPwygnB24OOY4-dc63sEQJ5972qCE/s1600/36905972_10155424244722301_6890602657891745792_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished!</td></tr>
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So I get asked, where do I store all my camping kit?<br />
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The answer is everywhere...attic...shed...trailor....campervan...but by far the worst area...is what can only be vaguely described now as a 'once conservatory'<br />
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This disgusting storage set up is where I stack all the canvas tents and awnings. Horrific isn't it (turn away you domestic goddesses)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlj_nPBVu0CV-EhR0xWeL9Zqm_HFq2u5Z6tmCi4ILActp2u22_HFjooQ0eU_ti7KrU_rrBPw-r0XAyqwR_Dtmt5w1-IpK-LMzzKV1ZoeOESk3i-fQPwygnB24OOY4-dc63sEQJ5972qCE/s1600/36905972_10155424244722301_6890602657891745792_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivlj_nPBVu0CV-EhR0xWeL9Zqm_HFq2u5Z6tmCi4ILActp2u22_HFjooQ0eU_ti7KrU_rrBPw-r0XAyqwR_Dtmt5w1-IpK-LMzzKV1ZoeOESk3i-fQPwygnB24OOY4-dc63sEQJ5972qCE/s400/36905972_10155424244722301_6890602657891745792_n.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIk2Run3GF13a1FChdGQMxOZC0Je3zN1XjJkPLmz-HtJNr7wisiUt-kIBuZ5wCaosbVUqDeAcEjxD-SN-KBclKPXI3rbrOPKSzEbvYFHOMEoKI44za-kXHHWnNCHrThbiEtMeVjOM3yCn/s1600/36866939_10155424244762301_3090621563842592768_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcIk2Run3GF13a1FChdGQMxOZC0Je3zN1XjJkPLmz-HtJNr7wisiUt-kIBuZ5wCaosbVUqDeAcEjxD-SN-KBclKPXI3rbrOPKSzEbvYFHOMEoKI44za-kXHHWnNCHrThbiEtMeVjOM3yCn/s400/36866939_10155424244762301_3090621563842592768_n.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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So even I know its in dire need of a tidy up.<br />
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With two weeks off work, and impending grandchild due, I couldn't actually go anywhere camping. So I took on 'Mount Shithole'. What an amazing idea to take on this room, in the middle of the only heatwave I can remember us having, in the last 25 years<br />
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I still needed to store my beloved tents, but just not so visually. I still also wanted the option to make up a spare bed in there, as under all that garbage is actually a bed sofa<br />
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At christmas I half tidy up, and this is my Harry Potter bedroom under the stair cupboard<br />
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Sourcing and pricing the foam (extortionate) was the first task. I finally managed to find euro pallet size foam pieces, and based the storage on this size. Found some fabric, and I started clearing it out.<br />
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I found the easiest way to clear it out, was just to move it all into the nearest room (the lounge)</div>
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Woodwork commenced, and the first of the five seating units were made. Each has lift off slats on the top, for comfort, access, and airing.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdO6ZS0uzkCBW0t4_CSHOGuAgE0Md_BiNve6i9qZ3ap_vwgkI6jekZ_oTQ6XZLx3_PD6DmfkYX5Jh57aU_-58JEicQHYtQ0dOjmmy6-yvJtw_K-maaPooamZNMusY_QGFRMh4klQPc4RK/s1600/36767952_10155417751912301_7743896420612046848_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdO6ZS0uzkCBW0t4_CSHOGuAgE0Md_BiNve6i9qZ3ap_vwgkI6jekZ_oTQ6XZLx3_PD6DmfkYX5Jh57aU_-58JEicQHYtQ0dOjmmy6-yvJtw_K-maaPooamZNMusY_QGFRMh4klQPc4RK/s400/36767952_10155417751912301_7743896420612046848_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is it finished?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyacvJP2NCadNQNMLx0VjsOCK1zo8NFGMbRkVihTuxWqxHGasAWeOMnCflbUpfHibrzSx1JnKC_WZnWYXBi9Lp2n3BrdGA_H6LZGci3nKG17wirZTix8a2EB3nQK3eUtaVoCvXhJ_vCHTW/s1600/36769305_10155417751392301_3813690311830405120_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyacvJP2NCadNQNMLx0VjsOCK1zo8NFGMbRkVihTuxWqxHGasAWeOMnCflbUpfHibrzSx1JnKC_WZnWYXBi9Lp2n3BrdGA_H6LZGci3nKG17wirZTix8a2EB3nQK3eUtaVoCvXhJ_vCHTW/s400/36769305_10155417751392301_3813690311830405120_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seems comfy enough. Is it finished</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAFvUdwEFcQmP5PKiwUox3T7JmXozW-KieP5kvwpPFEZU07AmKwPF1DbJaeH-4lRqT4sRegy_2Ksae1Hd-MsAYSXO6B0hXRbBn9eeAdzyCke7pBg_cCGD_F7IgfLTAfApL3IeXPTMZ0M8/s1600/36806936_10155421613767301_964477860284727296_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jAvT4Fm3kfsND7ehncByOT3clRZXM1jNw9BJSzJldd_jLgo3JAn07gW1Fc9T2JlyNAVWDYMJ_OFIaoMY77UgZUzxAZtUrtHhwQ1ckIEo1mDwPwn8Fnwg1gnY3bkFg_B8XG9hSrpzG2po/s1600/36817664_10155421613777301_5536095020706168832_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a> Plenty of wax, stencilling, liming wax, then the daunting task of making removable covers, wiped out days of my life, but finally they were all done. I didnt like the squareness of the foam with just the fabric on, so bought some 270g wadding, and wrapped this around the foam, before making the covers<br />
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To get the wadding to stick to the foam, and put the cover on, I just used the last of the spray glue I had for fixing the carpet line in the camper<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGaX8Q4tHJXxpIYtD8GPScPfgdI0ZEUufpxrFfMB2uNab_rVJddQPAKw89dGL1taW3ycKWSSlcUO4g3YMLpHmFrsC6i_JVlwRINA54Tlv71mj4BHV4thRI11_DVj8HfD0_d-IxEKKD-Kl/s1600/36822025_10155417752482301_431276216155111424_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGaX8Q4tHJXxpIYtD8GPScPfgdI0ZEUufpxrFfMB2uNab_rVJddQPAKw89dGL1taW3ycKWSSlcUO4g3YMLpHmFrsC6i_JVlwRINA54Tlv71mj4BHV4thRI11_DVj8HfD0_d-IxEKKD-Kl/s640/36822025_10155417752482301_431276216155111424_n.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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Next came the fun bit...titivating and making shite to go in there. Whilst waiting for baby elephant's arrival who had been stuck in my daughter for what seemed like 18 months now, I had a lot of time to crochet, and learn some macrame. So after another 8 overdue days, i had macramed pretty much everything, and run out of wool on the crochet<br />
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The Lights got macrame...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAFvUdwEFcQmP5PKiwUox3T7JmXozW-KieP5kvwpPFEZU07AmKwPF1DbJaeH-4lRqT4sRegy_2Ksae1Hd-MsAYSXO6B0hXRbBn9eeAdzyCke7pBg_cCGD_F7IgfLTAfApL3IeXPTMZ0M8/s1600/36806936_10155421613767301_964477860284727296_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAFvUdwEFcQmP5PKiwUox3T7JmXozW-KieP5kvwpPFEZU07AmKwPF1DbJaeH-4lRqT4sRegy_2Ksae1Hd-MsAYSXO6B0hXRbBn9eeAdzyCke7pBg_cCGD_F7IgfLTAfApL3IeXPTMZ0M8/s640/36806936_10155421613767301_964477860284727296_n.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jAvT4Fm3kfsND7ehncByOT3clRZXM1jNw9BJSzJldd_jLgo3JAn07gW1Fc9T2JlyNAVWDYMJ_OFIaoMY77UgZUzxAZtUrtHhwQ1ckIEo1mDwPwn8Fnwg1gnY3bkFg_B8XG9hSrpzG2po/s1600/36817664_10155421613777301_5536095020706168832_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jAvT4Fm3kfsND7ehncByOT3clRZXM1jNw9BJSzJldd_jLgo3JAn07gW1Fc9T2JlyNAVWDYMJ_OFIaoMY77UgZUzxAZtUrtHhwQ1ckIEo1mDwPwn8Fnwg1gnY3bkFg_B8XG9hSrpzG2po/s640/36817664_10155421613777301_5536095020706168832_n.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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The Plants got macrame<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqUa6r-CTwe6D8uslt-BlGWhlwCtVO-o_2Ed4QqpQBWDiq8equDuz7SdgbDPy9ybNb38Rw7SHgYovgfYLdy8lOgyCBUVZDhX7DSOXawsSAN6fo04erc5aZ9tpJeweXIuX7hrShgm_axxs/s1600/36766181_10155417750312301_7012835266767355904_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqUa6r-CTwe6D8uslt-BlGWhlwCtVO-o_2Ed4QqpQBWDiq8equDuz7SdgbDPy9ybNb38Rw7SHgYovgfYLdy8lOgyCBUVZDhX7DSOXawsSAN6fo04erc5aZ9tpJeweXIuX7hrShgm_axxs/s640/36766181_10155417750312301_7012835266767355904_n.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The candle holder got macrame...<br />
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Until I ran out of things to macrame<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ubUcmxAk6NZ_S8Rl7_M77J_nTzTF3V7lGThar0hduB0TXQAJ1Fk_zdaL3ww4jnlRKhRXjit2tlxYyrGXfXLllJhR7iw3m5ON0pyJBXr8zvqWp_ZF_dAc9qbOxb3BVFoPgfJKg1TkB8BU/s1600/36817673_10155423993022301_9189910646731309056_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ubUcmxAk6NZ_S8Rl7_M77J_nTzTF3V7lGThar0hduB0TXQAJ1Fk_zdaL3ww4jnlRKhRXjit2tlxYyrGXfXLllJhR7iw3m5ON0pyJBXr8zvqWp_ZF_dAc9qbOxb3BVFoPgfJKg1TkB8BU/s640/36817673_10155423993022301_9189910646731309056_n.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Eventually the crochet throw was also finished (first c2c I have ever done) The centre triangle was from a throw called South Western afghan. The original had lots of triangles. As a beginner I found one hard enough, without tangling my feet into it permanently<br />
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The grotty old sale lantern got a bit of treatment (sprayed gold, and a few test pots later), and it passed for a new battered looking lantern<br />
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More messing around, as the dimensions of the room, meant I couldn't find anything remotely suitable for tables. Not having the master skills of a craftsman, I bodged together some very 'rustic' tables<br />
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Coffee Sack Blinds</h3>
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Possibly the most soul destroying part of the process was making the coffee sack blinds...not a problem making 1, but never ending when there are 11 of them.</div>
Needless to say they aren't to be subjected to any scrutinising on my needlework, but they came out ok<br />
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As a few asked how I made these, this was the basic process:<br />
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Materials required<br />
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Coffee Sacks</div>
Calico Backing<br />
Cotton Washing Line for ties<br />
1" Dowel rod<br />
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Source and find coffee sacks (mine were an ebay job lot, and I got for £12 for 14 of them) Generally they will cost about £3-£4 each.<br />
Unpick the sacks. The most shittest job of the process. Some will work cunningly, and come apart at the seams, when you pull the threads in order.<br />
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Some don't. Some are cleverly crafted by a skilled brain surgeon, never to come apart unless painstakingly snipped on every stitch<br />
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Cut and measure the calico to the same size as the sacks (mine was 140 wide, so I got two blinds at 70cm wide from the fabric)<br />
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They measure up at about 2m deep<br />
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Sew the sides and bottom on the sack and calico<br />
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Turn right side out<br />
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Measure the bottom distance (mine was about 65cm, but the sacks do vary slightly), and cut the dowel this length<br />
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Just drop the dowel in and shake to the bottom of the sack, until it lies at the bottom<br />
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Cut two lengths of the cotton washing line (or cotton binding) to make the ties - I made my 3m long, so 1.5m falls either side of the blind<br />
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Fold the washing line in half, and pin about 6 inch from either end of the top seam. Keeping the long ends on the outside, tuck the seam in neatly, and sew along the top, trapping the two loops at the top of the washing line.<br />
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I then just folded over the top, and made sewed a channel all along - the cords will all be at the back of the blind, you just throw one side of the cord over to the front<br />
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Slip a curtain rod, or pole through the channel, and its done!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-wXIGSV8bWjibuRbkf549iZlQLdbbOKnWhOikfzsnZf2h4Yb46fAOdI7Setb411IYZAkiqnHKXp726UDcokV-qqYTiowhyphenhyphencQBYxgJu4VZbFN3sM46S_TzGVfQEw8Z2Tjl6Yk1w8SvUQX/s1600/36685983_10155417972487301_7891137571785277440_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-wXIGSV8bWjibuRbkf549iZlQLdbbOKnWhOikfzsnZf2h4Yb46fAOdI7Setb411IYZAkiqnHKXp726UDcokV-qqYTiowhyphenhyphencQBYxgJu4VZbFN3sM46S_TzGVfQEw8Z2Tjl6Yk1w8SvUQX/s640/36685983_10155417972487301_7891137571785277440_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Voila!!!</td></tr>
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Next was to actually stack all the camping stuff into the storage, plenty of room thankfully!</div>
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Next was to try out the bed option<br />
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The end seating panel was just placed between the 2 middle ones...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9u6UKqylA6slS3B50VdstNqdSRkK88xsrfVS9zCh5wVsaVusmS-5CZc67QmLV0NleAO0HVanBYVF675ZNFp9bBdVq09ALVVlSaKKuMYK2ysCyUES-DQi-U30lo3P5G4ayuqxrMpY7npE/s1600/36829625_10155424245022301_8129669025929101312_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9u6UKqylA6slS3B50VdstNqdSRkK88xsrfVS9zCh5wVsaVusmS-5CZc67QmLV0NleAO0HVanBYVF675ZNFp9bBdVq09ALVVlSaKKuMYK2ysCyUES-DQi-U30lo3P5G4ayuqxrMpY7npE/s640/36829625_10155424245022301_8129669025929101312_n.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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And I had a huge comfy 2.4m x 2.4m bed (apart form the small cut outs triangles)<br />
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Event with Tarq in it, there is a stupid amount of room<br />
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Four days later, I have slept on the bed twice. Put it away back to seating after the weekend, and crashed on the benching as it was for the next two nights...I really need to move into the rest of the house... </div>
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And yes.....the grandson finally arrived!<br />
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Meet Leo<br />
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Bells & Labshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10616794431269069304noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511830915476113380.post-9014958301185815002018-06-18T14:19:00.001+01:002018-06-20T15:46:55.018+01:00REVIEW: Star Bell Tent from Boutique Camping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmKhM2ML3U-e8UoSdZyt2fr9o98E1r-EMCFch0gfbNLV5qAP_yX8RbAQWaLFLuwsKAsMcWW0eMruytI4vDzh7gs4CsFAtnwxqDg9l3ayGH-iMwWpVuw-ed-tFGsijJJnblKiWt4TkuMJL/s1600/IMG_4998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmKhM2ML3U-e8UoSdZyt2fr9o98E1r-EMCFch0gfbNLV5qAP_yX8RbAQWaLFLuwsKAsMcWW0eMruytI4vDzh7gs4CsFAtnwxqDg9l3ayGH-iMwWpVuw-ed-tFGsijJJnblKiWt4TkuMJL/s1600/IMG_4998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>So here we have something a bit different from the standard 5m bell tents....the Star Bell Tent from Boutique Camping<br />
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Finally there was a dry weekend forecast, and as we were having a bunch of mates from the Crafty Campers Group meeting up, I took it along.<br />
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So I laid everything out, and worked out what was a bit different from the normal<br />
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The star bell has an inbuilt canopy, so the extra five minutes you spend pitching this one, are justified in that you don't need to put a tarp or anything else at the front.<br />
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The canopy whilst not massively deep (about 500-750mm), is big enough to shield the doorway from rain etc, and gives some protection for shoes, wood and other bits<br />
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The actual doorway itself is also larger than a standard bell - in summer this is a really nice bonus (not that summer lasts more than 48 hours generally)<br />
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<h3>
<b>Contents</b></h3>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwnileTVtob7SRy0HeHyZzCPiG_9zznrBaYzmVWrDjD6IVcBuGQ8r7oo6e-yLhzSIDrzpi9MLoPnlFDhDG8MgvK3A-bUbO9s2QStLlba16Vp4xXsftOfVK4jKuemPY0G8emgi0NfP3Epa/s1600/IMG_4697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdwnileTVtob7SRy0HeHyZzCPiG_9zznrBaYzmVWrDjD6IVcBuGQ8r7oo6e-yLhzSIDrzpi9MLoPnlFDhDG8MgvK3A-bUbO9s2QStLlba16Vp4xXsftOfVK4jKuemPY0G8emgi0NfP3Epa/s400/IMG_4697.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7lwRqzVu5prDmtljlF9HsQTf_DgHeMHZXGbutEudx9l9HVCm6K4Z6ngXSr6FbC-lA9rGrGTY0Ts-2L_FwDyYmHNnyyc6IPGGRrzgLQY9GHYT9bamCTed4AaGDogtOcxogxnjWk6zHAW5/s1600/IMG_4698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><b><br /></b></div>
Mallet - Initial thoughts were 'YAYYY, I got a free mallet'<br />
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Pegs - Decent strong pegs supplied (enough to peg the groundsheet once, but elastics share the same peg. In fairness most suppliers only ever supply one set of pegs for this purpose)<br />
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Guy ropes - seem to have been upgraded with little metal barrel sliders. The same 'boutique purple' guy rope<br />
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Rain Cap - Simple things! - They added a screw to the rain cap, so you just screw it on and off! No more lost rain cap, and it secures the canvas down<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Gt-FPuz_ZdaSJVXQH3eX4YipTPAwOQ8KGyX6kNVw1JnHK8TablLlnGkmKnWWAHcQ28mDxTdJ1MaTxqLsvzBanW4qu6yQcvuviA83x7JfDpOJrykXUvknnR9SETa_RmjT-dWdddsgVlhj/s1600/IMG_4701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Gt-FPuz_ZdaSJVXQH3eX4YipTPAwOQ8KGyX6kNVw1JnHK8TablLlnGkmKnWWAHcQ28mDxTdJ1MaTxqLsvzBanW4qu6yQcvuviA83x7JfDpOJrykXUvknnR9SETa_RmjT-dWdddsgVlhj/s320/IMG_4701.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">screwy rain cap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmKhM2ML3U-e8UoSdZyt2fr9o98E1r-EMCFch0gfbNLV5qAP_yX8RbAQWaLFLuwsKAsMcWW0eMruytI4vDzh7gs4CsFAtnwxqDg9l3ayGH-iMwWpVuw-ed-tFGsijJJnblKiWt4TkuMJL/s1600/IMG_4998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmKhM2ML3U-e8UoSdZyt2fr9o98E1r-EMCFch0gfbNLV5qAP_yX8RbAQWaLFLuwsKAsMcWW0eMruytI4vDzh7gs4CsFAtnwxqDg9l3ayGH-iMwWpVuw-ed-tFGsijJJnblKiWt4TkuMJL/s320/IMG_4998.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple Guys and metal runner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7lwRqzVu5prDmtljlF9HsQTf_DgHeMHZXGbutEudx9l9HVCm6K4Z6ngXSr6FbC-lA9rGrGTY0Ts-2L_FwDyYmHNnyyc6IPGGRrzgLQY9GHYT9bamCTed4AaGDogtOcxogxnjWk6zHAW5/s1600/IMG_4698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7lwRqzVu5prDmtljlF9HsQTf_DgHeMHZXGbutEudx9l9HVCm6K4Z6ngXSr6FbC-lA9rGrGTY0Ts-2L_FwDyYmHNnyyc6IPGGRrzgLQY9GHYT9bamCTed4AaGDogtOcxogxnjWk6zHAW5/s320/IMG_4698.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Centre Pole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjJ2oMzGvK5bRH7__6xdiwmZXSHJHL8v4J8ycH5IWUbWhyiI5NHdrtxXV92ePBf0Nnmd0VxlcUd_ZlhqJdJ745Abrg2hPnel0vgRX4k9lEQvyhpuWfyObOHShEzYkBbMdO638bHV2KaRC/s1600/IMG_4699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijjJ2oMzGvK5bRH7__6xdiwmZXSHJHL8v4J8ycH5IWUbWhyiI5NHdrtxXV92ePBf0Nnmd0VxlcUd_ZlhqJdJ745Abrg2hPnel0vgRX4k9lEQvyhpuWfyObOHShEzYkBbMdO638bHV2KaRC/s320/IMG_4699.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canopy pole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Canvas - Nice deeper sandstone colour, and same quality as most credible bells<br />
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Groundsheet & zips - again, fairly standard, thick and decent quality<br />
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Packaging straps - Nice quality, decent straps for pulling the canvas tight for packing<br />
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<h3>
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<h3>
<b><br /></b></h3>
Poles - Made of aluminium, rather than the normal steel. Centre pole is in 4 sections with the button type push out joins, which work just as well, if not better than the standard springs (which always break anyway). The hook on the centre pole doesn't look as sturdy as the usual steel ones, but its easy enough to add a bolt if you wanted anything more substantial. The A-frame is made of the same aluminium. Lighter and look fine, my only gripe would be the ease of them sliding into each other - they tend to be a bit 'sticky' when you push them in. Perhaps after a few uses, this will wear off, and connecting will be simple....<br />
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<h3>
<b>Pitching</b></h3>
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1. As normal, peg down the groundsheet - as there are fewer panels than a standard bell, this is a bit quicker. The info sheet advise to then do the elastics - I don't. Why pull the canvas taught, before inserting the centre pole? I always do the elastics around the edges, after the centre pole has been positioned<br />
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2. Sling exciting new lovely free broken mallet in bin, and dig out stronger mallet from the van<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECB3HX80-qPOEC8BpWVfIsgB2ewJzP5-ZHCHXJYxqXMlwRukJ3vY_zNh9sOQoCifw2Wx6bXc3xuB6sapLaOYX4xOju21LmV8qGYXJCEtVZxNRFl3T5q7DBAWzNPRuF7FYRX9h2Yf88_lV/s1600/IMG_4702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECB3HX80-qPOEC8BpWVfIsgB2ewJzP5-ZHCHXJYxqXMlwRukJ3vY_zNh9sOQoCifw2Wx6bXc3xuB6sapLaOYX4xOju21LmV8qGYXJCEtVZxNRFl3T5q7DBAWzNPRuF7FYRX9h2Yf88_lV/s320/IMG_4702.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arghhh</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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3. Once the groundsheet is pegged, you then slide the long thin pole through the edge of the front of the canopy, and push the ends over the 2 pins at the end of the canopy edges - this gives it its shape.<br />
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4. Insert the centre pole.<br />
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5. Then you do the A-frame. Except it isnt. It's a H frame. Now if I am going to have any whinge about this tent (and in honesty, I really like it), its the bloody H frame!!! This part of the process took me longer than pitching the rest of it. The H frame falls as you are trying to slip it into two pockets, which go at right angles in the corners of the tent. You have to place the frame into the entrance, then add the extra section at the bottom on either side. This was a total ball ache. As I said previously, the pole is quite stiff/sticky to slide into each section, so the frame didn't want to go together properly, until it was locked into place, and tied into position.<br />
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I had a H style frame on my canvas and cast, and was never very impressed with them then, either. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJEuXSHUTRGi94VQ6NWrNaUBLcDYDu3pmFygR1rOgL-J625VShJu_PSybd0onuV4S-Fpr8ufJm47SlcqL3gRnAl9oGqWe-8J9SpnQk_kOEGNIdRrVyWYAe9jCju0EiZI9X9sPOODI1u_9/s1600/IMG_4997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJEuXSHUTRGi94VQ6NWrNaUBLcDYDu3pmFygR1rOgL-J625VShJu_PSybd0onuV4S-Fpr8ufJm47SlcqL3gRnAl9oGqWe-8J9SpnQk_kOEGNIdRrVyWYAe9jCju0EiZI9X9sPOODI1u_9/s320/IMG_4997.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6wFiv2RGnwsOpVd_GV5WGtVBayQmYtotgef5OTCd5GoZomrzw3WC8Isnqzoqki4AMrkdzUdxX7ZKQGKSTV743YQ61uTJs7LQXIGOACZ7bAk-tiYXSOtCU57NEQ250z3_5LQiMjuz3DTn/s1600/IMG_4715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6wFiv2RGnwsOpVd_GV5WGtVBayQmYtotgef5OTCd5GoZomrzw3WC8Isnqzoqki4AMrkdzUdxX7ZKQGKSTV743YQ61uTJs7LQXIGOACZ7bAk-tiYXSOtCU57NEQ250z3_5LQiMjuz3DTn/s320/IMG_4715.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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I am presuming it has to be this shape, to get the entrance of the star bell in position, as the standard A frame wouldn't work (but is a lot quicker) It probably didn't take that long to do it, but it doesn't take much for me to throw my rattle out<br />
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Then you go round and guy the star portions of the outside of the canvas. Now rather than guy ropes, you insert the peg into a webbing strap at the end of each of the star points. Read the info leaflet for this. I tried to put the peg into the open strap at the end. Went back, read the info, and realised you need to make a loop behind the buckle at the top. The peg then goes in there. The beauty of these points is that the tent feels a lot more stable and secure (windy weather etc), and as the points cover a lot of the wall canvas, there is less chance of leakage around the ZIP<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-sZs4Ov9oH0qqbLmyYMRj_i5Sb_5BCD1E2NUDvxS-p6OA6i1OuqQ8Z74sJm-JzN6N79lDufzIhCBn3KwpvfHo-PYtehVpfJ3VAgLT6lcHT-jhWfCkY8hp9IdMZza4EYddxhGT3MBIwxs/s1600/IMG_4758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-sZs4Ov9oH0qqbLmyYMRj_i5Sb_5BCD1E2NUDvxS-p6OA6i1OuqQ8Z74sJm-JzN6N79lDufzIhCBn3KwpvfHo-PYtehVpfJ3VAgLT6lcHT-jhWfCkY8hp9IdMZza4EYddxhGT3MBIwxs/s640/IMG_4758.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h3>
<b>Overall</b></h3>
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<h4>
<b>Pros</b></h4>
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The tent has the standard mesh door nets included<br />
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The stability seems sturdier than a standard bell<br />
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The aesthetics (in my opinion) are nicer than a standard bell<br />
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The canopy at the front is incorporated into the design, so you dont need to faff with tarps and canopies, to give some protection to the door entrance<br />
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Pitching time is probably similar to a standard bell<br />
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At 29kg, its no heavier than any other 5m 285g bell, despite having the canopy<br />
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The walls are higher than other bells - always a bonus<br />
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No crouching to get into the entrance<br />
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The bag was generally larger than normal, so it was easy enough to pack away<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdx__rRApbAa5E1voUoqg8Oig2sTHSJ-YdmqRaT0u1Kie_ZUJZBiilZaA-HEOUZStTUYAcKgL3O6NGZYezN-Q4ioYHWbsDZpuG982R-8VGUpIsYnrEwH84YSaQrurnx16NK54u_w08LBx/s1600/IMG_4885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdx__rRApbAa5E1voUoqg8Oig2sTHSJ-YdmqRaT0u1Kie_ZUJZBiilZaA-HEOUZStTUYAcKgL3O6NGZYezN-Q4ioYHWbsDZpuG982R-8VGUpIsYnrEwH84YSaQrurnx16NK54u_w08LBx/s320/IMG_4885.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Higher Walls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXEJeJk0B7JEQSom6ImIKIUc_E2D9x9pfHOCeGjixBQv_XZKfyD6SUyJxVJX9X3Tk5b46mh_-BELSATbK8GtL4yd1LkQvKTprICsTqKpFoy1c6h5dvRy2xBVEy99lPsp4Z1fXd7mwRMW2/s1600/IMG_4993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXEJeJk0B7JEQSom6ImIKIUc_E2D9x9pfHOCeGjixBQv_XZKfyD6SUyJxVJX9X3Tk5b46mh_-BELSATbK8GtL4yd1LkQvKTprICsTqKpFoy1c6h5dvRy2xBVEy99lPsp4Z1fXd7mwRMW2/s320/IMG_4993.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lantern Holder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3k4ErVbWAZX21M3_cz84xgoI59MwqGZhQn_x8zDdYO-_ELoihsDn-yVhjXplnl_rfz75sjU7TfpUzwZEBA_FIkkfMvamX94KASvKYwkRU371JivISossTd5y4ab6zcPhUF7ADtqO7szqT/s1600/IMG_4803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3k4ErVbWAZX21M3_cz84xgoI59MwqGZhQn_x8zDdYO-_ELoihsDn-yVhjXplnl_rfz75sjU7TfpUzwZEBA_FIkkfMvamX94KASvKYwkRU371JivISossTd5y4ab6zcPhUF7ADtqO7szqT/s640/IMG_4803.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large Entrance </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXEJeJk0B7JEQSom6ImIKIUc_E2D9x9pfHOCeGjixBQv_XZKfyD6SUyJxVJX9X3Tk5b46mh_-BELSATbK8GtL4yd1LkQvKTprICsTqKpFoy1c6h5dvRy2xBVEy99lPsp4Z1fXd7mwRMW2/s1600/IMG_4993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<h4>
<b>Cons</b></h4>
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The H Frame. Farty thing<br />
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No inner tent available at the moment (if you are handy with a sewing needle, you could probably easily adapt an inner) The plastic rings are in place for an inner to hook to, so I am presuming there is one in the pipeline<br />
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I'm not sure you would get clearance with a wall exit wood stove - It would take a bit of manouevering to get it into a decent clear space (roof exit would be fine)<br />
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It you want fit a larger tarp to the front, for kitchen use etc, you would struggle to fit it against the existing porch<br />
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Standard lantern holders won't fit around the bigger centre pole<br />
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<h3>
<b>Summary</b></h3>
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So overall, yes ok , I am sold on it. If I was starting out and wanted a 5m bell - I would go for this option rather than the regular shape<br />
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As it was a decent weekend for weather, I can't comment yet on waterproofing etc (thankfully, no rain) So I will pitch it again, when I can go through the lovely chore of camping in horrible wet conditions. I will pray that summer comes on the day I take it down<br />
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Link to the seller:</h4>
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<a href="https://www.boutiquecamping.com/tents-c1/star-range-c64/5m-sandstone-star-bell-tent-p995">https://www.boutiquecamping.com/tents-c1/star-range-c64/5m-sandstone-star-bell-tent-p995</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJLBeZy7ZDdRllejswbrzxVfec3mtdXRld4XSs49Z40HS9njvkVszYIrIN0FN2i4J_GJnlZpAsUGP9e4SQTMBG3OHqUBmDU7y6-7gDNt6CPQerqa3WpMGAhhZ9DQRqYbuZPj7X-j8R48V/s1600/IMG_4752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJLBeZy7ZDdRllejswbrzxVfec3mtdXRld4XSs49Z40HS9njvkVszYIrIN0FN2i4J_GJnlZpAsUGP9e4SQTMBG3OHqUBmDU7y6-7gDNt6CPQerqa3WpMGAhhZ9DQRqYbuZPj7X-j8R48V/s640/IMG_4752.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<img height="640" src="https://www.boutiquecamping.com/downloads/1519917997Star_Bell.jpg" width="457" /><br />
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The standard manufacturers blurb is:<br />
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<ul style="background-color: #fbfaf6; box-sizing: inherit; color: #545454; font-family: Barlow, sans-serif; font-size: 13.328px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" type="disc">
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0.25rem;">Brand new Boutique Camping 5m Star Bell Tent design </li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0.25rem;">All Boutique Camping tents come with zipped In groundsheet (ZIG)</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0.25rem;">Luxury bell tent with heavy duty zipped in water resistant, extra thick groundsheet (540g per sqm)</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0.25rem;">Total weight 5m = 29kg </li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0.25rem;">3m lightweight 35mm diameter Aluminium centre pole.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0.25rem;">Centre pole has a loop to hang chandeliers</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0.25rem;">This bell tent does <span style="box-sizing: inherit; text-decoration-line: underline;">not</span> fit our current, standard inner tent.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0.25rem;">3 Extra thick 5mm guy ropes for the canopy entrance</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0.25rem;">360 netting around the 75cm walls, can be rolled up for airflow</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0.25rem;">Heavy Duty Pegs; 6mm groundsheet pegs and 8mm robust groundsheet pegs</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0.25rem;">Packed downsize (105cm x 36cm x 36cm)</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0.25rem;">Big entrance door 2m high & 2.90cm wide</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0.25rem;">Bendy pole for canopy</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0.25rem;">Integrated canopy with a 50cm overhang at the entrance</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0.25rem;">Breathable and durable polycotton canvas 285g per sqm, with reinforced double stitched seams. For more information, please click <a href="https://www.boutiquecamping.com/polycotton-i278" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: inherit; color: #383838; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank" title="Polycotton">here</a>.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0.25rem;">Webbing to secure the tent to the ground</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0.25rem;">Double-sided zippers</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0.25rem;">3 way zips with loops that can be easily padlocked for extra security</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0.25rem;">Secondary zipped mosquito door</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0.25rem;">4 zipped windows for airflow and ventilation with mesh cover to keep insects away</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0.25rem;">Canvas tents are renowned for retaining heat and their cooling effect, as they are a breathable material.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0.25rem;">Canvas is treated with UV, mildew, rot & water repellent</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0.25rem;">All our bell tents will fit a wood burning stove, however, you will need to create the opening yourself</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0.25rem;">Can sleep up to 6 adults on airbeds comfortably with space for luggage, furniture or a walkway</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0.25rem;">Easy to assemble – one person can assemble in under 15 min</li>
<li style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 0.25rem;">Comes with 12 months manufacturers warranty</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvf2zcajHNMm_1Kv5uxOHRV2mEjMcRD0a0qVe8SPfP7r9nYZu4gnap5PvFBzYPsectPdWRbgdnKh9N1VPzzTB4wX8rZK-J4b3Nzm_wbu-8joJTME7InmuCAxbl2KTDNe75e1gzaN15LU8W/s1600/IMG_5063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvf2zcajHNMm_1Kv5uxOHRV2mEjMcRD0a0qVe8SPfP7r9nYZu4gnap5PvFBzYPsectPdWRbgdnKh9N1VPzzTB4wX8rZK-J4b3Nzm_wbu-8joJTME7InmuCAxbl2KTDNe75e1gzaN15LU8W/s640/IMG_5063.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alcohol is flowing</td></tr>
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<br />Bells & Labshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10616794431269069304noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511830915476113380.post-35765967084946506592018-05-08T19:16:00.002+01:002018-05-08T19:16:56.703+01:00CRAFTY POST - Making a DIY Pom Pom Rug<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8f3lQJSkeVLNhIFz9OS8kkDdK0xPBdcD4ZJwrG4MIb6oe9AQ_TAECSrLbiTYOnKWuFnFsZxFBNsI8rnGmc04DqCMS0cc0XWeWX7hcEb8XshgwuqfB1TpdfTac8amOqbjDrBlKxdl8CRi7/s1600/32089778_10155298786977301_7907744853109243904_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8f3lQJSkeVLNhIFz9OS8kkDdK0xPBdcD4ZJwrG4MIb6oe9AQ_TAECSrLbiTYOnKWuFnFsZxFBNsI8rnGmc04DqCMS0cc0XWeWX7hcEb8XshgwuqfB1TpdfTac8amOqbjDrBlKxdl8CRi7/s640/32089778_10155298786977301_7907744853109243904_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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It was easier to put some instructions on this blog, than post responses on facebook, so here they are...<br />
<br />It's very simple to make, just takes forever to make them<br />
<br />I went fairly large for a pom pom rug (there's a surprise) - Most you see on Pinterest or google tend to be smaller<br />
<br />In total I made over 400 pom poms. Time consuming, but so easy to make anywhere, so you stop becoming aware you are even making them. You zone out, and your hands just keep going<br />
<h2>
You will need:</h2>
Wool - (fairly obvious). It uses quite a lot. I used cheap double knit from my stash (which has obviously grown again, as I bought more in case I ran out)<br />
<br />Latch Hook Canvas - I got this off ebay. The piece I used was 70cm x 100cm<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp820sChzd22LJf_UycW0vtGFYGK0hv_9l7d8yAndzBiS8fKgym-3cpctdi6va_7rZV3-vBanUzChMRordSBCx0pVfZTBsJqyUqxx6MQQqt6IpF5StE1FSLCo0hQwrd2DBMm9v1BZuEit0/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="1374" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp820sChzd22LJf_UycW0vtGFYGK0hv_9l7d8yAndzBiS8fKgym-3cpctdi6va_7rZV3-vBanUzChMRordSBCx0pVfZTBsJqyUqxx6MQQqt6IpF5StE1FSLCo0hQwrd2DBMm9v1BZuEit0/s400/Capture.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />Pom Pom Maker (You can use traditional cardboard rings, but you will probably be 110 years old before you finish)<br /><br />I used the 45mm Small Clover Pom Pom maker. (the yellow one)<br /><br />(Don't bother with ebay chinese copies - they are crap)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNt_c9IV6UT71ZMyRFXs-xFfNE13QglN5g1CZAz6b2wm65PfKg7_0-iN6Ps-aBPpic0isQ_6pBBu7CsoBaIph0_MGq-uKKsUcypw7Op1eYP4NAxj26vQVpuKw2CCk0D52O53jrmXftVcHu/s1600/maker.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="1264" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNt_c9IV6UT71ZMyRFXs-xFfNE13QglN5g1CZAz6b2wm65PfKg7_0-iN6Ps-aBPpic0isQ_6pBBu7CsoBaIph0_MGq-uKKsUcypw7Op1eYP4NAxj26vQVpuKw2CCk0D52O53jrmXftVcHu/s400/maker.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />These aren't massive pom poms, but it would have used even more wool, if I had used my larger ones. It takes roughly 2-3 minutes a pom pom<br /><br />Its faster if you use two strands of wool at a time - you need to wind around the pom pom maker until the centre is level with the arcs - approx 100 times around each side of the maker (50 if using double strands)<br /><br />I found if you wind it in the centre, then push the wool to the side, repeat, then fill the middle, its easier<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGvIKAjWnlT-PkKd4Y-GnzqbKgzN2wAUKcVnWxNb_E8rS4oj2ULU9oYIbCUgbRyTSA4Wtj_VLjzvS0k4h2yydorf2k-WMxfvIMb20JoKeT5pdtIUEjBgokR8oUaMz6V28VQTHMV5hwWCX/s1600/32105108_10155298787267301_6391182344589410304_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBGvIKAjWnlT-PkKd4Y-GnzqbKgzN2wAUKcVnWxNb_E8rS4oj2ULU9oYIbCUgbRyTSA4Wtj_VLjzvS0k4h2yydorf2k-WMxfvIMb20JoKeT5pdtIUEjBgokR8oUaMz6V28VQTHMV5hwWCX/s640/32105108_10155298787267301_6391182344589410304_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reverse of the rug - poms poms tied, and edges finished</td></tr>
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<h2>
The Design</h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">I made small flowers - two coloured poms in the middle, and six plain colours around them.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">When I started to tie these to the rug, I had small gaps. To fill these gaps and the edges, I made a lot of contrasting black and white, and plain black pom poms - these just filled the spaces</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><h2>
How to make</h2>
Start making a good stash of pom poms in different colours - I made about 50, which was the first row of flowers<br /><br />When you tie each pom pom, make sure it is as tight as possible. I double the strands I used to tie them - and leave long tails - you will need these. I do 2 knots on one side of the pom pom, then wrap the wool to the other side of the pom pom maker, and do two knots on this side<br /><br />Now just tie the pom pom to the latch hook canvas, again as tight as possible - Leave a small edge of about 2cm around the edge of the canvas<br /><br />Keep going until you are happy with the amount of pom poms. Fill any spaces that look a bit gappy with a contrasting pom pom<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7uaMemM3W3xatCFzHDIJX-EqgsqLECUJkziwy1-tk9pUcRo5xggTnGFipYcJfgw18qnCFoWEJhPfzapYJuYU6hUoZ8Xbtt0S2k9fuQpXqGecs50unXjRs9tm1CHJCIAad8_1k-X1j0qG/s1600/30724536_10155251969222301_6172439441160798208_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7uaMemM3W3xatCFzHDIJX-EqgsqLECUJkziwy1-tk9pUcRo5xggTnGFipYcJfgw18qnCFoWEJhPfzapYJuYU6hUoZ8Xbtt0S2k9fuQpXqGecs50unXjRs9tm1CHJCIAad8_1k-X1j0qG/s640/30724536_10155251969222301_6172439441160798208_n.jpg" width="480" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><h2>
Finishing</h2>
<br />I turned over each of edges of the canvas and sewed them over to get rid of the raw edges<br /><br />On the outside edge pom poms only, I also sewed from the back of the rug to the front, through the pom pom and back again. This stopped the outer pom poms falling outwards<br /><br />Once I was happy with this, I backed it with Hessian (I used a coffee sack I had), and just oversewed the edges. If any pom poms go astray, I can always replace and sew through both layers to attach them again<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3Ky76wErTSRzadxoZKUwEI2_v6Z6UZBzps9mtq29t6kBJEqnbWZZixwTSiFOQkVtfq0TAVjCa1OUTjttGMBVGwtswAEsaXGS94HrP8LhcNj5axj7TAwDQyH-aXcGplXYRaemy7WRgNAN/s1600/32089745_10155298787157301_1385130092581093376_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3Ky76wErTSRzadxoZKUwEI2_v6Z6UZBzps9mtq29t6kBJEqnbWZZixwTSiFOQkVtfq0TAVjCa1OUTjttGMBVGwtswAEsaXGS94HrP8LhcNj5axj7TAwDQyH-aXcGplXYRaemy7WRgNAN/s640/32089745_10155298787157301_1385130092581093376_n.jpg" width="480" /></a><br /><br /><br /><h2>
All done, and in place!</h2>
<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJnfS1DxSZ8uQ4LC52AZp_mzfCHJshsRW8jy7jWT8TNt8QzkEm9MHiGEpHSBofximiq0rlEK-3jh0fZrSZTPo38d8rn1PHygWV4_uVHuvej5L70L5Wke9gHRW_bA0fva4sKfW6mkLnwmJ/s1600/32072593_10155298786927301_4114013116864397312_n+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJnfS1DxSZ8uQ4LC52AZp_mzfCHJshsRW8jy7jWT8TNt8QzkEm9MHiGEpHSBofximiq0rlEK-3jh0fZrSZTPo38d8rn1PHygWV4_uVHuvej5L70L5Wke9gHRW_bA0fva4sKfW6mkLnwmJ/s640/32072593_10155298786927301_4114013116864397312_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRo461gJP1q06tF2m7GQysz5MJ4YXkx2UqlcNLQLY0AhqX-Kgsz1P1yHE5GajEWYz31WiQZS0aZS6TcxCEcYO7SH7MwdLRKa0JhYsRHzlblUphnoXmGSTa4IGc8s9zHy8z5olSJ5Q-F06/s1600/31961095_10155298786912301_8076776735607095296_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggRo461gJP1q06tF2m7GQysz5MJ4YXkx2UqlcNLQLY0AhqX-Kgsz1P1yHE5GajEWYz31WiQZS0aZS6TcxCEcYO7SH7MwdLRKa0JhYsRHzlblUphnoXmGSTa4IGc8s9zHy8z5olSJ5Q-F06/s640/31961095_10155298786912301_8076776735607095296_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It passed Tarqs stringent testing standards</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_j-mC33lNA_4q_DRJTMTPYeX5u_xkaLk0YPi_nMBYdr8cZMtUNDWOKkx5VsNe2_olM3gak-vLnjEyJP7cJzZdTzRG43yIYMKEBq1j63IJptoTYm12bpPBD2yGl3kplYU7JicTE02wdSND/s1600/32105680_10155298787242301_7072443030514434048_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_j-mC33lNA_4q_DRJTMTPYeX5u_xkaLk0YPi_nMBYdr8cZMtUNDWOKkx5VsNe2_olM3gak-vLnjEyJP7cJzZdTzRG43yIYMKEBq1j63IJptoTYm12bpPBD2yGl3kplYU7JicTE02wdSND/s320/32105680_10155298787242301_7072443030514434048_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br /><br />Bells & Labshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10616794431269069304noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511830915476113380.post-41564193690017276812018-01-16T11:31:00.001+00:002018-01-16T11:45:35.957+00:00A winter camp, lovely weather apart from Hurricane Ophelia...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaaC-ojiQIQjXj2wtaIj1CgO4KkUjWylR1_F_wNjVG-COxJohyftWrQR5sSra26XdcpMGrgSHj8N0l4NqW5sS_bKSd6efmZTfdGtsOm8k6Po-7TUj-Z0rhqYZeStnNkHRuPmpq4CCwDqkU/s1600/IMG_7605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaaC-ojiQIQjXj2wtaIj1CgO4KkUjWylR1_F_wNjVG-COxJohyftWrQR5sSra26XdcpMGrgSHj8N0l4NqW5sS_bKSd6efmZTfdGtsOm8k6Po-7TUj-Z0rhqYZeStnNkHRuPmpq4CCwDqkU/s640/IMG_7605.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Autumn 2017<br /><br /><a href="https://www.pitchup.com/campsites/England/Central/Herefordshire/Ross-on-Wye/haywood-farm-caravan-and-camping-park/" target="_blank">Haywood Farm</a> - Ross on Wye</h3>
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Long overdue on a blog post, so weaning myself back in slowly<br />
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The forecast seemed unusually warm for this time of year so a perfect excuse to escape for a few days. I perhaps should have read the small print that the dregs of Hurricane Ophelia was demolishing Ireland, and just semi demolishing the rest of the UK.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2k28lOzxemx5C_bYK9ODdmyOSOHUHTnlxh8mDep_1k4fe2OUDSW8c8uivwQA2CGKRcQ1qXyMAZ16JsMNzDzKuT-9uejCKWHcZ9ZAAW8TKGPIAFH7KzQud5Zppxhpe2AM4sdbOm5693w7/s1600/22448456_10154840469647301_6853875173112330508_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2k28lOzxemx5C_bYK9ODdmyOSOHUHTnlxh8mDep_1k4fe2OUDSW8c8uivwQA2CGKRcQ1qXyMAZ16JsMNzDzKuT-9uejCKWHcZ9ZAAW8TKGPIAFH7KzQud5Zppxhpe2AM4sdbOm5693w7/s320/22448456_10154840469647301_6853875173112330508_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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The sky turned a lovely shade of orange, from the sahara desert dust evidently (no idea why it didn't send a bit of a heatwave with it, as well) and facebook was predicting Armageddon<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WC679ONQU1Mx6JA60n5kJv-L5Y5qsB_SXi-5MD3h8hnmkRIIJHcu5jEAOrKNKl9wmkQsSv9S5ul7YORQjHJFL84iMNo352BlEP7sROQv50vD2vc3Gy-tbyr_Xokm2VEyyYcu0E8Sl2Ul/s1600/22310582_10154843336037301_4940047813958695313_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_WC679ONQU1Mx6JA60n5kJv-L5Y5qsB_SXi-5MD3h8hnmkRIIJHcu5jEAOrKNKl9wmkQsSv9S5ul7YORQjHJFL84iMNo352BlEP7sROQv50vD2vc3Gy-tbyr_Xokm2VEyyYcu0E8Sl2Ul/s320/22310582_10154843336037301_4940047813958695313_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>So a minimal pack as usual, Tillie (the veedub), a tent, a sofa, three million candles and enough electric to power blackpool tower.<br />
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Despite the warm temperatures forecast, I packed three heaters. Two of them never came out of the bag. I like to play safe though. Admittedly the electric blanket was probably a bit OTT in hindsight as well.<br />
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So after 15 minutes the tent was up and everything was in place for the next few days (it may have been longer than 15 minutes, but I'm not owning up to it)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrSeYMk4fiCx-DrPKzmR5QH5w3BvKLFbPJ2DplOx5HWmyKP44zg03BTpfEfQVoZlL8vE_x9DUHwFZ5HWJhtz9I4PcqdHmnzqvxOQIafS3Yo6bU56SmNagi4hIRytI-QCJuCR_uxY5hS4A/s1600/22528435_10154840820052301_5528945139983540635_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrSeYMk4fiCx-DrPKzmR5QH5w3BvKLFbPJ2DplOx5HWmyKP44zg03BTpfEfQVoZlL8vE_x9DUHwFZ5HWJhtz9I4PcqdHmnzqvxOQIafS3Yo6bU56SmNagi4hIRytI-QCJuCR_uxY5hS4A/s640/22528435_10154840820052301_5528945139983540635_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gruffatent gets an outing</td></tr>
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As I had a few days solo camping, I treated myself to some gin. It cost an arm and a leg, but being a gin connoisseur, it was obviously worth it due to my highly trained and unique palate skills (In truth, I thought the bottle was pretty, so i bought it)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWZZlytaF5MqVa19hXKo4pybcReMNFmRZsH69rGi1858CDnyJLEdY7bAj6mDiqi7PHmT4o0KmWPFgoiqS4H8Zjp8FTjVzbA5IRXNh_7X5quIuX6xmE5_gp1Nh6WYoCoO3bk96P-K76FTC/s1600/IMG_7526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuWZZlytaF5MqVa19hXKo4pybcReMNFmRZsH69rGi1858CDnyJLEdY7bAj6mDiqi7PHmT4o0KmWPFgoiqS4H8Zjp8FTjVzbA5IRXNh_7X5quIuX6xmE5_gp1Nh6WYoCoO3bk96P-K76FTC/s400/IMG_7526.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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So I tried a glass neat first. After picking myself up off the floor, I decided to try it with tonic water. Much better.<br />
So I had a few glasses to ensure I could give a precise and accurate review.<br />
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Verdict was, it was very nice<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbFNkUwuel8NFx9NJ2mU4kAWucsZde5dm0o_tJmZ3_cTN9S3Co9gJ1FhiXIM1ugk6yOOX4wOQdP_W2XTaWuWTbdCCUFrsUi1ESFDSV81shiLeOtmfBxBcAfYdPzc_XNBNbmKq1_mQ2fcj/s1600/IMG_7433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMbFNkUwuel8NFx9NJ2mU4kAWucsZde5dm0o_tJmZ3_cTN9S3Co9gJ1FhiXIM1ugk6yOOX4wOQdP_W2XTaWuWTbdCCUFrsUi1ESFDSV81shiLeOtmfBxBcAfYdPzc_XNBNbmKq1_mQ2fcj/s320/IMG_7433.JPG" width="240" /></a>The next day, we decided to go for a stroll through the woods. The campsite owner gave us the cautious words 'here's a map, its all marked trails, so you wont get lost. Although some people still do'<br />
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Tut. What imbeciles. How hard was it to follow a clear path to the lake and back?. And so, me and my trusty hound, and the compulsory orange squeaky ball set of, looking for the tunnel under the M5.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xZTfpRDygIO3FnfGJ1uCtruiQk9hcP2ar-EwRYNd6AVB-rrmuu9JAMgX_mZQWsXk3_caPGjkaqnYuERmYqcLwL7kViv9MjMeO__OY-YqRGKRwwK7b6-qvmy6tfFkWcXpJIM0py-17rzQ/s1600/IMG_E7499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xZTfpRDygIO3FnfGJ1uCtruiQk9hcP2ar-EwRYNd6AVB-rrmuu9JAMgX_mZQWsXk3_caPGjkaqnYuERmYqcLwL7kViv9MjMeO__OY-YqRGKRwwK7b6-qvmy6tfFkWcXpJIM0py-17rzQ/s400/IMG_E7499.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In awe at the autumn colours, and natures best, it was a lovely and straight forward stroll to the lake</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNZDKxpJ3WFmD8G5vWWQJ07lVRn7ne4ojvVkuS_JmDDdL8qQxtDx-dkbvil5E3JCJLURFgKOwQ7VNIxw8gogOeczjAwluXAPJF1HOCej1gkBuFV2iiV3CdW_sSgwccXQhCIAklWjnj19n/s1600/IMG_7447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNZDKxpJ3WFmD8G5vWWQJ07lVRn7ne4ojvVkuS_JmDDdL8qQxtDx-dkbvil5E3JCJLURFgKOwQ7VNIxw8gogOeczjAwluXAPJF1HOCej1gkBuFV2iiV3CdW_sSgwccXQhCIAklWjnj19n/s400/IMG_7447.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
Tarq divebombed the lake, inhaled his usual quote of killer algae, and we set off back<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0BkTlxlUGTDKtNmaYOe3_qkt0ShRk4sSW2tPRF3ynWMEf1m6DlUvtsncHE2g_PhZgbODX1NXxo2H-tn222zOGZoQ0Mn3jQ8T5pwvQFXwT2BvJWyngMfa9VRfZ3T1UiQlE_r4hyuK6IDF/s1600/22448376_10154838555587301_2476094926132451982_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="628" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0BkTlxlUGTDKtNmaYOe3_qkt0ShRk4sSW2tPRF3ynWMEf1m6DlUvtsncHE2g_PhZgbODX1NXxo2H-tn222zOGZoQ0Mn3jQ8T5pwvQFXwT2BvJWyngMfa9VRfZ3T1UiQlE_r4hyuK6IDF/s640/22448376_10154838555587301_2476094926132451982_n.jpg" width="417" /></a>I decided to take the stroll back around the lake, so that Tarq had a bit of a longer walk. Bloody stupid idea. 2 hours later, i had thrown google maps in the hedge, and still couldn't locate the poxy m5 tunnel. Creeping round the golf course was also a wasted trip, as there was no escape.</div>
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So after our 20 minute stroll turned into 2 hours, we headed back to our haven of cream cakes and coffee</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQz7DLWApEuzKARXfYiOxy7OWrVhWeEpWiBnBKzs9jA4Abt7tERfpw-0xYO1ZDbhTCtzUMRTxTTNNjJB2BxGREN1w_Im0-uV9OUNir1QJvPikwsEB46Npvar1JsRTtBPtvwPlX4PDk3yg/s1600/22406489_10154836910882301_7657516243378146928_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="718" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQz7DLWApEuzKARXfYiOxy7OWrVhWeEpWiBnBKzs9jA4Abt7tERfpw-0xYO1ZDbhTCtzUMRTxTTNNjJB2BxGREN1w_Im0-uV9OUNir1QJvPikwsEB46Npvar1JsRTtBPtvwPlX4PDk3yg/s320/22406489_10154836910882301_7657516243378146928_n.jpg" width="239" /></a>With dreams of being the next shakespearean writer, illustrated with a bit of van gogh, and the philosophy of Socrates (i googled 'greek wisdom people' and this was the best i could come up with), I decided to start a journal...</div>
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It would educate people with the wealth of my knowledge, for years to come, be adopted by schools everywhere for their curriculum, and go down as one of the greatest novels, in the style of Anne Franks<br />
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Sadly the reality turned into a load of random splodges, doodles, and very little useful information whatsoever....</div>
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So we waited for the Sahara desert dust to blow us back to Asia, going out in style with a campfire blazing, food cooking, and more gin<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGxnw7IeO7YlwzXaoyIACbfYJZmPsD0KCh0oTk9bXdiC5y17Ln7ry056WaXJqqK9FN-VAL3qiq5wryRvdRfEiKt0G_0EeAeaKasVcnPGYwII0yuimuE7QeejP0IaNlRDprR_239q6Hx13/s1600/22489953_10154839209192301_5348723388247623786_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGxnw7IeO7YlwzXaoyIACbfYJZmPsD0KCh0oTk9bXdiC5y17Ln7ry056WaXJqqK9FN-VAL3qiq5wryRvdRfEiKt0G_0EeAeaKasVcnPGYwII0yuimuE7QeejP0IaNlRDprR_239q6Hx13/s640/22489953_10154839209192301_5348723388247623786_n.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">And nothing happened...zilch....nada...not even a gust....so we basked in the facebook comments of 'be careful', 'take care', 'just take the tent down if it gets too bad', 'thinking of you' (obviously someone wanted us dead), and lazed around in the unnaturally lovely summery type day.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Next morning was glorious sun and packing up day. Bored doing nothing, Tarq generally tries to drag me into his games....</span><span style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><br /></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You ready yet?</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">So I decided to take a quick walk with my furry child, and we wasted an hour on the climbing frame (out of season camping is invaluable, never anyone around)</span></div>
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Tarq tried to pull the sulky, 'can't we stay here forever' trick as usual...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKIApLxSvt5f4Y1RUMe04ZSGoCM34O6h0g7LWnhmuC2dwuDsEmOaw59rGCd5DqoITT7XJ966nQaR_6t3VkAklEjvKB0kZTV6tZftZeok2zw8OgAM1gemDtOwL_nEDTpIHoJcpHAXe-Lq9/s1600/22490052_10154843336637301_745279588110538182_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKIApLxSvt5f4Y1RUMe04ZSGoCM34O6h0g7LWnhmuC2dwuDsEmOaw59rGCd5DqoITT7XJ966nQaR_6t3VkAklEjvKB0kZTV6tZftZeok2zw8OgAM1gemDtOwL_nEDTpIHoJcpHAXe-Lq9/s400/22490052_10154843336637301_745279588110538182_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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So for the first time this year, we got a dry pack up for heading home :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32xO698TTAZrBrjAWg1HpBKWsZpJXi_0sO227lZIGTUbQtLlFNgqDexC7d18TiSN924tLHm82XD23ZpVUUsEHj12BO1tQo34UxKQRjOA6wKF2g-I0WYfxgEhRGxyuaCZaad5Z1fdFwUjp/s1600/22539749_10154843337402301_6560179389782568294_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32xO698TTAZrBrjAWg1HpBKWsZpJXi_0sO227lZIGTUbQtLlFNgqDexC7d18TiSN924tLHm82XD23ZpVUUsEHj12BO1tQo34UxKQRjOA6wKF2g-I0WYfxgEhRGxyuaCZaad5Z1fdFwUjp/s640/22539749_10154843337402301_6560179389782568294_n.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back in my van</td></tr>
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<br />Bells & Labshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10616794431269069304noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511830915476113380.post-46047446244408398512017-04-20T17:44:00.001+01:002017-04-21T12:52:04.977+01:00REVIEW: 'Camping under the Stars' 5m Bell Tent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://campingunderthestars.com/product/5m-bell-tent/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Camping Under The Stars</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">12 months ago, Tommy approached me and asked if I would like to review one of his bell tents. No problem..</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaGkFETqrkPuFv-yqXFgW2RH3_yFY5vORYhViI3m_bMAux-89r6WIeHqQ3sN4X9XQtk2npnrqU-aOAlBFTlz1mXfuP7bRoaWdWvgy1Xa4-isp63uvFydKA2p6WW77x5Nt3djYmqZSPXyw/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, due to a bit of a manic year the opportunity never came around to just whisk it off somewhere. Several camps using the Lotus, Tipi, camper and awning, but with grandaughters popping out every five minutes, and a hectic year, it got later and later, and still no review.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />I'm sure Tommy thought I had ate the tent, or donated it to Calais.<br /><br />So first camp of the year, I finally got round to testing it. Tommy who had lost the will to message anymore, actually did contact me the day before by pure coincidence. 'YES!!! I am finally taking it camping, honest!!!'<br />Tommy advised that a small upgrade to the guy rope sliders had been made, and he would send some of the new ones through. No worries, if they arrived late, it wasn't the end of the world.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaGkFETqrkPuFv-yqXFgW2RH3_yFY5vORYhViI3m_bMAux-89r6WIeHqQ3sN4X9XQtk2npnrqU-aOAlBFTlz1mXfuP7bRoaWdWvgy1Xa4-isp63uvFydKA2p6WW77x5Nt3djYmqZSPXyw/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaGkFETqrkPuFv-yqXFgW2RH3_yFY5vORYhViI3m_bMAux-89r6WIeHqQ3sN4X9XQtk2npnrqU-aOAlBFTlz1mXfuP7bRoaWdWvgy1Xa4-isp63uvFydKA2p6WW77x5Nt3djYmqZSPXyw/s640/blog.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />And so, feeling brave I took an overloaded Tillie (the campervan) to Somerset, complete with enough camping gear to keep a small gypsy population going for a few years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><br />Arrived to the sun out, and a nice large pitch. Groundsheet down, and humping the canvas onto it, I tweaked and shuffled, turned and primped, until the door faced an exact 287 degrees to the campfire.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pMZhfl8FqfukT1czyI6owD26QXHTfgSqFE4h2J3t3ulgLOnjuii36TLhgu6MjwptDxoCkilWCdHsxRMGXCyOd5qqEl6eoXiN5xPVatGFI8u4ZcSUTU8IgSiYwy_597JuGjPhU9ybLjYf/s1600/IMG_0993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pMZhfl8FqfukT1czyI6owD26QXHTfgSqFE4h2J3t3ulgLOnjuii36TLhgu6MjwptDxoCkilWCdHsxRMGXCyOd5qqEl6eoXiN5xPVatGFI8u4ZcSUTU8IgSiYwy_597JuGjPhU9ybLjYf/s400/IMG_0993.JPG" width="400" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6uZwxzKUaBbyijBYY184-HPTlQlh3ZulOT91KP3ZRdrNOpYyhcYNXUbLpDSBPI2BI5czQnJRLSkiL-RhC-EFWlTwmncvzgN8bCZXf5TGvEAz77hFTt3Eyg8qVfNNnGn_2RI6QD58TRcp/s1600/IMG_0991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo6uZwxzKUaBbyijBYY184-HPTlQlh3ZulOT91KP3ZRdrNOpYyhcYNXUbLpDSBPI2BI5czQnJRLSkiL-RhC-EFWlTwmncvzgN8bCZXf5TGvEAz77hFTt3Eyg8qVfNNnGn_2RI6QD58TRcp/s320/IMG_0991.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I laid out the bags (one for the canvas and one for the poles), pegs, and poles.<br /><br />All looked good - sturdy 32mm centre pole, and standard A frame with a plastic raincap....which flew across the campsite, and I had to find another in my spares box<br /><br />Very impressive galvanised pegs supplied for the guy ropes..<br /><br />which got me thinking...<br /><br />where are the bloody guy ropes...?!!!<br /><br />Flitting between considering a 4 hour drive home, robbing a washing line, or adopting foetal position...I looked closer at the canvas I had laid out. The guy ropes were already attached.....JOY! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Its the first tent I haven't had to tie the bloody things on at the start.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><br />The zipped on ground sheet was a standard 540gr/m2 in a sand colour. Canvas is 285g. The canvas is slightly darker, and more of a sand colour than some of the bells I have tested. It also seemed a bit denser on the grain, with what I presume is a light coating or finish on it, to assist waterproofing. No big difference, and may just be because some of the older tents have been bashed about in the elements now.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Despite Tarqs best efforts, I finished pitching the tent pretty smoothly.<br /><br />All was up and ready for the final tweaks to get the walls neat and firm.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What you swearing at, Mum?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now this was the moment, I thought 'I should have waited for the wooden sliders Tommy was sending'.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The ropes on the guys are thicker than are usually supplied, but the original guys had fairly small plastic runners. And they were an absolute b*&Stard to tighten up! After red raw fingers, I started to adjust the guys by moving the whole bloody peg away from the tent. Some slid after a bit of resistance, but some were a nightmare. I'm sure they would have eased off after a couple of uses, as the rope would have worn in, but I was throwing my rattle out of the pram by now (in honesty I probably wasted about 5 minutes, but I'm not the most patient)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So here is the nice thick rope and nasty little black plastic runners...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And here are the lovely wooden sliders that greeted me when I got home, after they obviously arrived 5 minutes after I had left the house....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are enough wire pegs to peg down the groundsheet, and galvanised ones to do the </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">guy ropes. However, as with 99% of bell tent suppliers, none are supplied if your preference is to peg the elastics seperately from the groundsheet. Just a niggle of mine, as I always peg this way, to ensure the zip is protected from the elements, and the tent has a nice firm shape to the walls</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The corners of the A Frame have the 'pockets' and clips as standard. An electric lead can be threaded through these when using hook up.<br />I am presuming the small eyelet is to take a peg, to lock the front lip in place if folded down when the wall is up (Not something I've ever seen/noticed before)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The main doorway, has an internal mesh door that can be zipped up independently. This is a fairly standard feature now, and one I would always look out for. Earlier bells didn't have this, but it gives you a 'window' in colder weather, without actually zipping everything up, and also restrains the dog (who thankfully hasn't realised he could actually get his 6 stone bulk through it pretty easily if he tried)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />So the only job left was to glamp and pimp it, with a few cushions throws, and a bloody great sofa. We had our chill out area for the next 5 nights<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfeDdKyqDT3B1hHt3wYSuU7SSUYB2G_gWvJb7B9ps8Om5alhGP_SMBMBZPPa-jD-7as4k5LvQ65k1xswys_ngeKNxzdOFR6Yj9Oms11NAXCoQr_hcZcl_bYj_woM0q4HH9SVaSET7wryZK/s1600/IMG_1586+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfeDdKyqDT3B1hHt3wYSuU7SSUYB2G_gWvJb7B9ps8Om5alhGP_SMBMBZPPa-jD-7as4k5LvQ65k1xswys_ngeKNxzdOFR6Yj9Oms11NAXCoQr_hcZcl_bYj_woM0q4HH9SVaSET7wryZK/s640/IMG_1586+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Weather conditions were pretty good - it was pretty windy whilst pitching, and the tent had no issues with being pulled around a bit. There was a small shower, but in honesty, it probably wasn't enough to totally test the waterproofing and seams. I can't envisage any problems, as its a decent solid tent, and has obviously had the canvas treated.<br /><br />Overall I couldn't fault it (as the little plastic runner demons have been demoted to the bin, and his nice chunky wooden cousins have taken their place)<br /><br />I will put the wooden sliders on, and do a half arsed pitch on the back garden, next time torrential rain is forecast....If I do have any issues or leakage, I will update the review</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At £475, and with free delivery, it is a competitive price option against the bigger named soulpad, and bell tent uk, which offer the same spec tent for a higher price<br /><br />Link to the website is: <a href="https://campingunderthestars.com/product/5m-bell-tent/">https://campingunderthestars.com/product/5m-bell-tent/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The full spec and description is on the website:-</span></div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #993366; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5M Tent Dimensions</span></span></strong></h4>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #993366; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Door Height – 1.6m</span></span></strong></div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #993366; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Centre height – 3m</span></span></strong></div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #993366; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Side Walls – 0.6m</span></span></strong></div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #993366; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Floor Diameter – 5 metre</span></span></strong></div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #993366; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Weight – 31kg approx</span></span></strong></div>
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<strong style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #993366; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bag size 1mx40cmx40cm approx</span></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><br /><u>Customer Service</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Some of the larger bell tent sellers seemed to have lost their personal touch a bit with regards to communications and service. I have never seen a negative word about Tommy, or his tents from anyone who has purchased them, and hopefully he will remain as proactive and helpful in the future<br /><br />PS: The only bit I would disagree on is:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">'<strong style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #595959; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #993366; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Even though the tent comes to you already proofed with mould and water resistance, we recommend that you treat your tent after the first years camping season to keep the canvas in optimum condition. Like anything in life, the more you look after it, the longer it should last.'</span></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span><span style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I wouldn't ever reproof unless the tent shows signs of leakage. Once you start applying fabsil, you are putting a layer of silicon on the tent, and it has to be done regularly. Some of my bells are in their 6th/7th year and still have no leakage</span></span></span><br />
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Bells & Labshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10616794431269069304noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511830915476113380.post-770411877434243842017-02-08T14:13:00.001+00:002018-01-16T10:00:18.550+00:00Tillie gets a makeover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/Tillie/Tillie%20Conversion/A236A3E7-5879-4E50-A599-7E3329306C0B_zpsnsfjk6st.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/Tillie/Tillie%20Conversion/A236A3E7-5879-4E50-A599-7E3329306C0B_zpsnsfjk6st.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have had Tillie for four years now, and have put off changing the interior, as it was all very nice and desirable being the original specification.<br />
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After my last trip out, when the fridge door fell off, and Tarq fell through the middle of the bed into a heap on the floor, I decided to bite the bullet and change her.<br />
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The original cooker barely worked, the fridge was a plastic shelf only, I never used the sink (I do wash tho, honest) and the bed being three quarter size, accommodated the fat labrador fine, but left me no room whatsoever.<br />
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The buddy seat was always empty (I have no buddies)<br />
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And so with gritted teeth, I dived in and started to remove the entire inside. After 3 minutes 20 seconds I hit a problem. The second bolt wouldn't come out. Wanting to go female and turn into howling foetal position, and squealing 'why are my blokes all shit at man stuff'. I put my testicles back on, and drilled the bloody thing out<br />
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Eventually Tillie was bare and exposed. Everything appeared to be fairly solid under her clothing. Apart from 2 rather large holes where the seat belts were fixed. Or not fixed as was the case.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/Tillie/Tillie%20Conversion/5FB4EEB7-2B04-423F-AC01-B45FCF88E0CC_zpsqxc8svnn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/Tillie/Tillie%20Conversion/5FB4EEB7-2B04-423F-AC01-B45FCF88E0CC_zpsqxc8svnn.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ventilation wasn't an issue</td></tr>
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<a href="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/Tillie/Tillie%20Conversion/317D2D24-AAF1-4E37-9547-13CD692DD04A_zpseh8khpzy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/Tillie/Tillie%20Conversion/317D2D24-AAF1-4E37-9547-13CD692DD04A_zpseh8khpzy.png" width="480" /></a><br />
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A trip to the welder and a request to fix the two holes and a small check of the front bumper (as advised by Mr MOT).<br />
It was quite amusing to see the comments on facebook the next day, from the welder.<br />
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Oblivious to the fact I may actually read his facebook page, it appears perhaps the small hole in the bumper wasnt so small....<br />
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And so I had my blank canvas....and no idea what next.<br />
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Having never had a working fridge, and not really keen on sticking portaloos in it to make it a portable toilet, I went with my basic requirements:<br />
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<a href="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/Tillie/Tillie%20Conversion/19_zpstluskr2j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/Tillie/Tillie%20Conversion/19_zpstluskr2j.jpg" width="400" /></a>I needed a full width bed, a decent kitchen, and that was about it. Sleep and food, and I'm happy.<br />
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And so the planning began...bits of paper thrown everywhere, scribbles, doodles, my own brand of shorthand, that is so quick and efficient, but even I cant understand it. Google was my friend, along with facebook groups 'camper conversion', ' self build vans' , 'I'm not right in the head, taking this on', and 'how the fk do i mend my bodge job', I also got round to creating my own pinterest board, <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/valbarley/tillie-the-t2-veedub-camper-conversion/" target="_blank">Tillies conversion</a>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luxurious covers off</td></tr>
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I started with the first power tool I know how to handle...the sewing machine... <br />
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So the old green covers came off (I was a bit heart broken about this, and still had regrets about what I was doing, until i looked at them, battered and sun bleached, and realised they weren't actually made from fabric that was hand dyed, stamped and woven from a gossomer flies testicles)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/Tillie/Tillie%20Conversion/17_zpsjlweijxv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/Tillie/Tillie%20Conversion/17_zpsjlweijxv.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New covers finished</td></tr>
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And so after a bit of a tussle the newly made chenille patchwork covers and curtains were in pride of place. Feeling rather proud, I stuck them on facebook. <br />
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Not so proud when some Aussie commented 'It looks like a clown has exploded' :(<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If ever you are short of a trestle, get a labrador</td></tr>
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So flying along, using my usual method of measurements, I started on fitting the shelves along the sides and making the slat bed...<br />
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....'so that's 30cm, by 2ft, by 1m, by 18 inch, plus just over the length of my hand, then'...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/Tillie/Tillie%20Conversion/76E601C6-8F57-438E-8CA5-EFF546F98943_zpsap9oiowj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/Tillie/Tillie%20Conversion/76E601C6-8F57-438E-8CA5-EFF546F98943_zpsap9oiowj.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before...Help me, Teddy<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/Tillie/Tillie%20Conversion/30_zpschjgfyy9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/Tillie/Tillie%20Conversion/30_zpschjgfyy9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the bed frame is made!</td></tr>
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Next job was repair the panels, and re-carpet everywhere, lay the vinyl flooring<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girly stuff, added</td></tr>
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Onto the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mpunits/" target="_blank">cupboard</a> that I actually ordered after careful measuring, ended up 2cm too long, and I couldn't get to the rear door handle. Resulting in me cutting the whole thing down and screwing it back together again. Using a few bodged carpentry skills, a ton of wax in varying<br />
shades (from a vile yellow orange, to a more stripped back basic finish), my pallet cupboard was taking shape<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect, apart from the extra 2cm</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marking it down for sawing </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arghhhh, its orange now</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the basic core.....</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting to take shape finally! Trimmed, waxed, cooker inserted, and random tiles added</td></tr>
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Electrics were next. Not having a whole shed load of confidence, and not wanting to get fried, I took a whole album of gorgeous pre-wired rcd unit pictures. When dementia kicks in, I will look at these wistfully, and think 'what the hell are these for?'</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sockets & Lights fitted</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testing, testing</td></tr>
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12v was the next task, after 3 years I finally have a radio, usb ports, all mod cons (apart from power steering and brakes)<br />
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<a href="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/Tillie/Tillie%20Conversion/88_zpsyq9obrkw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/Tillie/Tillie%20Conversion/88_zpsyq9obrkw.jpg" width="320" /></a>A bit more carpentry (a circular saw is very similar to a sewing machine, after a few weeks) and the top quality wood (offcuts of shite pallet) were transformed into a bed end<br />
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A few removable hinges, and it was finished<br />
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On the home run now, so finally time to do the girly stuff, adding curtains & cushions<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home sweet home</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/Tillie/Tillie%20Conversion/98_zpsnultssh8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/Tillie/Tillie%20Conversion/98_zpsnultssh8.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally, a full size bed. </td></tr>
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Adding a map for the travels...and to replace the peeling vinyl<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where to, next?</td></tr>
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A few last additions - Making an extension for the table</div>
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And an awning</div>
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
.......Don't Forget meeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!</h2>
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<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
JOB DONE!</h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After<br />
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A couple of last minute additions of wire cages for the lamps (bumpy roads were knocking the bulbs about a bit)<br />
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And a last minute storage holder, so I don't sleep on top of my phone...<br />
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And still not over....you think there's nothing else and then...ooh perhaps a cover for the cooker, to protect it</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaTrDrULhyphenhyphentXnVjzNv7whzh4ZVWwbLNNLAd5aox83sZca8quqta51KHDsnWctrGaoSJmI-jVgrnap9vz3_cfSIp2ZrkEijjAyPi3BEYCBhGqq3CX2LYGyGCCjSKSFGmXkYcJsfP9SCYWW/s1600/17632314_10154315815842301_2913639009830991461_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaTrDrULhyphenhyphentXnVjzNv7whzh4ZVWwbLNNLAd5aox83sZca8quqta51KHDsnWctrGaoSJmI-jVgrnap9vz3_cfSIp2ZrkEijjAyPi3BEYCBhGqq3CX2LYGyGCCjSKSFGmXkYcJsfP9SCYWW/s640/17632314_10154315815842301_2913639009830991461_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAj3THRhTb5IzWJz4dkVPTyOwfIYbE3yoSI7lcNoog9NraIGxLYBpML1GCJjExiUjowUhORqAW6hlKBxJGEbZXYVkh85hyphenhyphenRlxBQRnYI_bc51w-R12zA0yRnpjQ-t_0ihvClHz5ZGCvkl5/s1600/17621981_10154315816937301_1964578093539439630_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAj3THRhTb5IzWJz4dkVPTyOwfIYbE3yoSI7lcNoog9NraIGxLYBpML1GCJjExiUjowUhORqAW6hlKBxJGEbZXYVkh85hyphenhyphenRlxBQRnYI_bc51w-R12zA0yRnpjQ-t_0ihvClHz5ZGCvkl5/s320/17621981_10154315816937301_1964578093539439630_o.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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That must be it...definitely finished...nothing else...oooooh, how about a fly screen curtain...</div>
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So some coffee sacks, random picture cut out of fabric, and a few hours applique!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinA15smj4MFUVcG9Hv13WEg6mmxg-YmadvVdUl1Ma-SeSDcpLAhMN6mdpXIpZD2DG_CgZasaQWCbJ3wJtopXcZ10fh4BllA7C_YjePUE-SDZMGjw-b0f_d0UQqxg8vDDefn6lC0zy_otTV/s1600/20374447_10154660701872301_2593047136012966830_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinA15smj4MFUVcG9Hv13WEg6mmxg-YmadvVdUl1Ma-SeSDcpLAhMN6mdpXIpZD2DG_CgZasaQWCbJ3wJtopXcZ10fh4BllA7C_YjePUE-SDZMGjw-b0f_d0UQqxg8vDDefn6lC0zy_otTV/s640/20374447_10154660701872301_2593047136012966830_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinumQ5513zsZqaS8LE90p9uFmB8Q9B93rwoaTzBrQRn3AF-AuCpFBUeit3UnHThxMpQkK7hO6wLFgRGW6yEJ5PAobGQ1zSWUfSqySqsz2uEWOWMIOxnYAJGbW1FsZuitjg6-2IPtU2zRxe/s1600/20375697_10154660701517301_1609066133554392521_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinumQ5513zsZqaS8LE90p9uFmB8Q9B93rwoaTzBrQRn3AF-AuCpFBUeit3UnHThxMpQkK7hO6wLFgRGW6yEJ5PAobGQ1zSWUfSqySqsz2uEWOWMIOxnYAJGbW1FsZuitjg6-2IPtU2zRxe/s640/20375697_10154660701517301_1609066133554392521_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't look too closely at the owl....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDvNH_WogxWIPlULenIngNjUGt40gbnomUvLC0_FrYESlJnBVCX3Ef_uLyR815UVKChmcHNUW83fF6XR0Zzz7qX9EVtRZKBnU55r1XW1gn31fkXicqp_NL-Fsle4i1KbAFYjRFGtmR-OV/s1600/20431673_10154660702017301_2463067673083241935_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDvNH_WogxWIPlULenIngNjUGt40gbnomUvLC0_FrYESlJnBVCX3Ef_uLyR815UVKChmcHNUW83fF6XR0Zzz7qX9EVtRZKBnU55r1XW1gn31fkXicqp_NL-Fsle4i1KbAFYjRFGtmR-OV/s640/20431673_10154660702017301_2463067673083241935_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the interior, looking out</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8iWuInnTkrNtH7NaNOWcfLyMPklJ1xJBU_ivYTYOLgYWVeMloGRX3CZyF3FZ3o7uhA_P556dVQNEP0Zg363ImDeunIF0yE4OUVv06Jh_GsmGXH0u-pcqzvebsewpuELqW81q96bqgcJF/s1600/20476285_10154660702177301_6441884250330372644_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8iWuInnTkrNtH7NaNOWcfLyMPklJ1xJBU_ivYTYOLgYWVeMloGRX3CZyF3FZ3o7uhA_P556dVQNEP0Zg363ImDeunIF0yE4OUVv06Jh_GsmGXH0u-pcqzvebsewpuELqW81q96bqgcJF/s640/20476285_10154660702177301_6441884250330372644_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mum, this is so boring....</td></tr>
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<br />Summer 2017<br /><br />Still adding bits as usual, and decided the roof looked a bit grim.. So using the leftover spray adhesive from the carpet liner, I cut and glued some fabric. Bit more insulation for her<br /><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oD4ehG2S2xVEYl-Ldnghf4dews_fE0lai7deZ6boMYtz0ubMmyaac-h6JHFqAbJlu2G-atabq1Rq_5-9QsVjfcetov37CEYiMjskA6rpqKL7jH7o4yi_Q_vAEqI-eVH2zespobN8GBA4/s1600/21462402_10154755694382301_2055510475959189204_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6oD4ehG2S2xVEYl-Ldnghf4dews_fE0lai7deZ6boMYtz0ubMmyaac-h6JHFqAbJlu2G-atabq1Rq_5-9QsVjfcetov37CEYiMjskA6rpqKL7jH7o4yi_Q_vAEqI-eVH2zespobN8GBA4/s640/21462402_10154755694382301_2055510475959189204_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxx6Qo1zztTFytsDtY6RmLEEF9bFTbYqRYSvM9HYM4j7OD2hvdFr59GcQY6C_RxxAgl3g0-8xVgxQvebPMXtONskBrNi-pYZnfxpRcwQXM_1ufwKoqZVM9VaJt71RPvMbhCno-_KfhSE-/s1600/23795503_10154931005927301_7014619338719850483_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGeZrzm0tY3OH3bS6xS3-QV9OcXV7fkYEHmexqjmoLD2PWZLSdu1vZI0V2HI62aa6zePWTCEpFr0kKEfXF2KLV1d8O9w_mbwSzw_I-01ewTHdoIppTrpm9PtOLpKXC-JF9MIqzYpF7RAiJ/s1600/23905739_10154931005442301_1558980059219522981_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuiwETZtqD-CKTCvy4jo5fp1BhhL4GLWhteVAiuto6lzigj9-2Sokh7sEK78B5I0Xm7xZY0Hhn2ipr9vzkeaIdsbNncI_JaaiAJiMEdXt24SE3n10xksiHl1mEfD7xXL2G3_Ma7hOIBMe/s1600/21430280_10154755694432301_7910337216083407673_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuiwETZtqD-CKTCvy4jo5fp1BhhL4GLWhteVAiuto6lzigj9-2Sokh7sEK78B5I0Xm7xZY0Hhn2ipr9vzkeaIdsbNncI_JaaiAJiMEdXt24SE3n10xksiHl1mEfD7xXL2G3_Ma7hOIBMe/s640/21430280_10154755694432301_7910337216083407673_n.jpg" width="480" /></a><br /><br /><br />And it never ends....obsessed with making random rubbish, i am now putting stuff up, then changing it 5 minutes later....I think I need another project..<br /><br />We started with crochet bunting...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxx6Qo1zztTFytsDtY6RmLEEF9bFTbYqRYSvM9HYM4j7OD2hvdFr59GcQY6C_RxxAgl3g0-8xVgxQvebPMXtONskBrNi-pYZnfxpRcwQXM_1ufwKoqZVM9VaJt71RPvMbhCno-_KfhSE-/s1600/23795503_10154931005927301_7014619338719850483_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdxx6Qo1zztTFytsDtY6RmLEEF9bFTbYqRYSvM9HYM4j7OD2hvdFr59GcQY6C_RxxAgl3g0-8xVgxQvebPMXtONskBrNi-pYZnfxpRcwQXM_1ufwKoqZVM9VaJt71RPvMbhCno-_KfhSE-/s640/23795503_10154931005927301_7014619338719850483_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then moved onto polar bears.....<br /><br /><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipqBrT7suppiA8HtBCiCh-jixFJF12GiOi_bzh6bF7fBLX8z2faHye2I9_C-cJ-Tjp7cBrHBfSKACNtTl-pH5KlWe5afjzzj5vRBn7XfvdYIhWOAsKeUeVNFZgzYCNNncEt5RzBXS6z0x/s1600/26220174_10155026639457301_392177776022049176_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipqBrT7suppiA8HtBCiCh-jixFJF12GiOi_bzh6bF7fBLX8z2faHye2I9_C-cJ-Tjp7cBrHBfSKACNtTl-pH5KlWe5afjzzj5vRBn7XfvdYIhWOAsKeUeVNFZgzYCNNncEt5RzBXS6z0x/s640/26220174_10155026639457301_392177776022049176_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br /><br />And now are currently rocking an elephants head...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVF2V_f3wufa5lzG082hfIak_cXwj6dEq94fcfaXVPRPqjfAgyuFvWY5K75bOEjX0MRBeR-TFASbBsAFz5W1vAVGgjQfImg8RxVvdIFJpWYo6kZyKcMqtAV9DKrB_m0eK6ZS3W6U1sXOld/s1600/26903707_10155043423147301_8256799352916425511_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVF2V_f3wufa5lzG082hfIak_cXwj6dEq94fcfaXVPRPqjfAgyuFvWY5K75bOEjX0MRBeR-TFASbBsAFz5W1vAVGgjQfImg8RxVvdIFJpWYo6kZyKcMqtAV9DKrB_m0eK6ZS3W6U1sXOld/s640/26903707_10155043423147301_8256799352916425511_n.jpg" width="480" /></a><br /><br />What can I do next....?<br /><br /></div>
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Bells & Labshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10616794431269069304noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511830915476113380.post-18927132299483433082017-02-08T11:23:00.003+00:002017-02-08T11:23:30.588+00:00REVIEW: Boutique Camping 4m Pro Bell Tent<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Boutique Camping 4m Pro Tent</h2>
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I was offered the option of testing a 285g standard bell, which Boutique have been selling for a while.<br />
However, they had new stocks of the 'Fireproof Pro' -fire resistant heavier weight canvas in, so I opted to test one of these instead.<br />
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Initial reaction was that all seemed good. Thicker guy ropes in purple with personalised sliders.<br />
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Pole thickness was fairly standard on both centre pole and a frame. Nice top opening bag (easier to get the tent back in)<br />
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The canvas was thicker, however it does have a plastic finish feel coated onto it. I prefer the softer treated canvas, but had no issues with condensation, so it wasn't a major problem.<br />
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There is a flue hole already incorporated in the roof, I didn't think was a particularly good placement. Its quite far back into the tent, and renders using an inner useless, unless you could somehow angle the inner right into the door frame at the front. If using a side stove, then you have no option other than to make another flue exit anyway. <br />
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I'm never a fan of pre-fitted flue holes in tents for these reasons 1.) It's invariable positioned badly. 2.) It will be rendered useless dependent on whether you get a roof or side exit stove<br />
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Groundsheet was the heavier weight 540g and was fine. Pegs are fairly standard. Stitching quality was good, with no obvious shortcuts on seams etc. Zips good quality and glided well<br />
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Mesh doors are always a bonus, and it was nice to have these<br />
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So overall it appeared to be a nice little tent. Until it rained.<br />
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No torrential downpour, but some showers, and it resulted in puddles pretty much everywhere. It appeared to come from the lower zips, the a frame and even dripping from the seams and further into the tent as well. <br />
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The tent hadn't been weathered prior to this use, so I thought it would be only fair to retry the tent a second time. So after drying off, I pitched again at home to test the waterproofing.<br />
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It has been outside for about 5 days, and there are no points where it could wick etc (fairly empty tent), but unfortunately the waterproofing was just as bad as before, if not worse. Not just a few drips which is quite acceptable, but over an inch of water pooling around the main A frame, running in the back of the groundsheet, and just drips and puddles everywhere.<br />
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As a new product, perhaps revisions have been made, as the item wasn't for sale at the time of me testing it, or it may have just been a one off rogue tent in the batch<br />
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However, it is hard for me to recommend it with any confidence, as its let down purely on the waterproofing<br />
<br />
Although Boutique do some really nice accessories, and are brave enough to develop a wide range of coloured tents (standard 285g, which generally seem to get better reviews)...<br />
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Manufacturers Website Spec:-<br /><br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Our first fireproof bell tent!</li>
<li>British Safety Standards: BS EN ISO 5912 and BS 7837</li>
<li>Heavy duty 385g per sqm 100% natural cotton canvas</li>
<li>100mm pre-cut flue hole for stoves </li>
<li>Includes integrated canvas flap with velcro, to cover the hole when it's not in use</li>
<li>Available with single door only</li>
<li>Luxury bell tent with heavy duty zipped in ground sheet (540g per sqm)</li>
<li>New secondary mosquito door, with thicker guy ropes and extra strong pegs</li>
<li>Thickness of pegs: 6mm and 8mm</li>
</ul>
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<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; padding: 4px 0px;">
<i>Our exclusive Bell Tents by Boutique Camping aims to provide you with prominent luxury and comfort away from your home. There is a 4 and 5m tent, both with heavy duty zipped in ground sheet, which gives you the option to unzip and roll up the sides whilst you lounge and enjoy the surroundings around you. Available in an array of colours and patterns, our bell tent also come with 4 zipped windows and air vents at the top to allow more airflow.</i></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; padding: 4px 0px;">
<i>The 4m tent is perfect for couples however can sleep 4 adults comfortably, luxuriating in an open-plan bedroom whilst the 5m tent is perfect for larger families and groups.</i></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; padding: 4px 0px;">
<i>All our Bell tents are made from 100% natural breathable cotton canvas that drapes down from the centre pole and is held tight by ropes to create that distinctive vintage shape outside and to compliment the wonderful soft ambience within.</i></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; padding: 4px 0px;">
<i>We are keen to give our customers the best and build upmost comfort combined with luxury; following feedback, we have introduced a secondary mosquito netting door, as well as a thicker 32mm centre pole, thicker guy ropes and durable pegs that will not bed and change shape once they are hammered into the ground.</i></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; padding: 4px 0px;">
<i>With added branded zippers and metal guy ropes, to add that exclusive Boutique Camping touch And finally, all our Bell Tents Canvas’s are treated with mould, rot and water repellent. We recommend that you re-proof the canvas after approximately a year; this of course is dependant on how frequently it is used however we generally recommend reproofing after 52-60 weeks.</i></div>
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<br />Bells & Labshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10616794431269069304noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511830915476113380.post-79104378359973219392016-02-16T23:04:00.000+00:002016-02-17T11:50:21.477+00:00No tents, but an interesting weekend...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Having managed to escape grandaughter duties for 3 years, my eldest daughter Sarah booked a romantic weekend away, and dumped her beloved little angel with me, and the parenting skills of Steve my OH, my younger daughter Christie, and her OH Matt...<br />
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4 adults, 2 labradors, and 1 small kid, what could be difficult about that...<br />
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Well apart from the fact we were clueless, and Emma (the little angel) is a weird creature, we did ok really.<br />
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Christie and Matt brought her home on Friday morning, 'err Mummy hasn't left anything out, so choose what you normally wear...'? Not entirely convinced this was normal attire....<br />
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Friday kicked off relatively stress free. We went shopping. Easy. After a few negotiations I was conned into 'Ben and Hollies' pyjamas. Then the next on the 'I want' list was cupcake mix. We had meltdown over Mickey Mouse cake mix. Negotiations included frozen cupcakes, minion cup cakes, lemon head (m & m's evidently) cup cake mix which daddy doesnt allow (no idea why, but who am I to question).<br />
We tried to fob off with the much more economic hundreds and thousands unbranded cupcake mix, which made twice as many and cost half as much.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIR7-APTxgy0OcnUn_HClL7l1ZnJk8tCPISOYVcnSdrbiQOvQf-jIGYpA8neAJxrUrTUWyxVIPG5lCDKP-McjobYt4ASgN2UGSH03ArbYcTjBBcx6PNrFEOKevhrmqA2U_8KNGyhFt3kdK/s1600/IMG_5363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIR7-APTxgy0OcnUn_HClL7l1ZnJk8tCPISOYVcnSdrbiQOvQf-jIGYpA8neAJxrUrTUWyxVIPG5lCDKP-McjobYt4ASgN2UGSH03ArbYcTjBBcx6PNrFEOKevhrmqA2U_8KNGyhFt3kdK/s400/IMG_5363.jpg" width="300" /></a>We were on full sobbing now...<br />
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So a final last ditch attempt to override the cakemix decision...ok...you can have the pyjamas or the cake mix...<br />
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One packet of cake mix and no pyjamas later, we moved on<br />
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After a traumatic shopping trip, we dumped her with 'granda' (steve). This wasn't a decision taken lightly, as granda is barely capable of looking after himself. But it was either this or mixing emma with Ikea...<br />
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So a phone call home at 7pm...<br />
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'How is everything, you ok with Emma?'<br />
'It's happened, I knew it would'<br />
'What'?<br />
'Toilet.....'<br />
'She's wet herself?!??'<br />
'Noooo, she wanted a NUMBER 2'<br />
'So did you take her ok'?<br />
'Yes....asked if she could wait till everyone got back..?'<br />
'no..i need to go now'<br /> 'so, do i need to balance you on there or anything?'<br />
'no, i'm ok granda..........finished now granda'<br />
'err...do you do the wiping bit yourself'?<br />
'no granda, you have to do that'<br />
so arse in air,she presents arse for him.<br />
Steve very chuffed, managed to use bog roll and do duties.<br />
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Ariived home, and despite a bump on her head, and a face full of biro, he had done brilliantly.<br />
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Christie got night time duties....apart from the 4am 'i want my daddy' comment, it was relatively smooth going.<br />
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She has mastered the inflatable camping bed brilliantly. Obviously it was better to cuddle, than sleep in though.<br />
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Next morning we went to Stratford and visited the Butterfly Farm. Her enthusiasm on the way was overwhelming<br />
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Despite putting a brave face on,she was obviously desperately missing her parents<br />
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A few set backs where she wouldn't look up for 5 minutes, after we showed her the cuddly spider...<br />
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and the childrens 'handling the millipede session', didnt exactly help deter a few weeks of nightmares...<br />
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But at least she had a lovely smile for the family photo....<br />
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Butteryfly farm over, we had a walk over the bridge into Stratford...to the shops. </div>
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Christie disowned her, and delegated ownership to me in the shops. Due to the lack of a straightjacket, or some rope to tie her arms and hands down, we visited two shops. This was more than enough. Her arms are everywhere, she is incapable of walking without twirling</div>
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A quick stop for lunch, where i paid £6 for a cheese sandwich (for the ducks) and she ate 6 crisps... I told her I am never feeding her again.<br />
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Back home and time to bake the mickey mouse cupcakes. The dogs thought it was amazing.<br />
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The most successful revenge I got all weekend on mummy, was teaching her how to unlock the ipad and phone, using mummys secret pin number. Ha ha mummy..!<br />
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...'So, do you want a nice story from your books, or 15 minutes of brain numbing american shit, watching kids opening crap presents?'<br />
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15 minutes of watching some moronic kid pushing a shopping trolley around a supermarket later...<br />
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Sunday was amuse Emma day again....First off the witch dolls house. Not entirely sure if she would find it a bit freaky, I thought I would play it nicely...<br />
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'So, cackle cackle....I shall turn you both into frogs....mwaahhahahaaa'<br />
'yes yes, make the children frogs!!'<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">'oh...'</span><br />
'Now i shall bake you in my oven, mwahaahahaha, but drat, i cant fit you in, you are too big!!'<br />
'push him push him, he will go in'<br />
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2 hours of baking kids and turning them into frogs later, i moved onto scooby doo lego mystery mansion. 8 packets, with a smaller sub packet in each....<br />
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'I'll open all the bags!!!'</div>
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'NOOOOOOO'<br />
It was bad enough trying to build it as it was. </div>
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Chrsite and Matt came back and we trekked off to Coombe Abbey Country Park. Apart from a small mishap where I tried to wash the dogs off, and half drowned Biscuit, it went ok. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sit, stay, beg. Nicely trained now</td></tr>
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Until the end...</div>
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I want an ice creammmmmmm!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZf2lgZBfZSH_uHYgwzks9ssbWv40sBZVNP3xmCpIHC5QoG9HvbnSvrLRh3QU29_E31iccO9rCcC9nVk6qrod85E9v3gRQXtRSRHDRCh0Lqr_3B3UfyQ6P3h5lIxVUrvaOMYvtss6MO0A/s1600/12696134_10156621592840145_1792254254_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZf2lgZBfZSH_uHYgwzks9ssbWv40sBZVNP3xmCpIHC5QoG9HvbnSvrLRh3QU29_E31iccO9rCcC9nVk6qrod85E9v3gRQXtRSRHDRCh0Lqr_3B3UfyQ6P3h5lIxVUrvaOMYvtss6MO0A/s320/12696134_10156621592840145_1792254254_n.jpg" width="240" /></a>Oh. At £3.70 parking per car, and Christies royal streak,where she carries no cash.meant we had a grand total of 42p between us.<br />
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So due to the wailing, i approached Mr Zoomy, with 'Ummm....have you any broken cones or something you can give us for 40p'?<br />
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Half an ice cream later, she is none the wiser.<br />
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Mr Zoomy is tutting in the background...<br />
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Back home again, and final trip of the weekend. The local curry house. We were wise to her ways now,and fully prepared for everything. Within 2 minutes of being there, she had demolished her orange drink. Steve being smart, got her a refil straight away...ha ha we were prepared.<br />
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'Whose is that'?</div>
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'It's yours, we got you another drink' :)</div>
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'I didn't want another one'<br />
'But you finished the other really quickly..?!!'<br />
'Well I don't want any more'<br />
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Look of disgust thrown our way....</div>
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3 year old logic...don't argue</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Removing the bubbles from the drink....</td></tr>
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We did the 'try this you'll like it' stage next....</div>
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'I don't like it'</div>
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'oooh onion bhaji, you'll like this'</div>
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'I don't like it'</div>
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'TRY IT'</div>
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' I like it. give me some more'</div>
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'try the curry?'</div>
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'I don't like it'</div>
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'I still don't like it. take it off my plate. It's touching my poppadom' ...REMOVE REMOVE URGENTLY<br />
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After a quick survey of the debris on the floor, we were home and dry!</div>
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Finally into bed, and mummys back tomorrow....yipppeeeeeeeeeeeeee<br />
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There was the overwhelming greeting for mummy and daddy - 'where's my present'?<br />
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And as a final send off, we asked her if she wanted to go for a chinese meal...<br />
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'Yes please, lets go...goodbye Mummy'<br />
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err...no.....mummys coming too.....our sentence is over...<br />
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ownership handed back<br />
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<br />Bells & Labshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10616794431269069304noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511830915476113380.post-28674972301211732412015-07-26T16:39:00.001+01:002015-07-26T18:28:10.632+01:00CRAFTY: Quilt with pom pommy thingy edging<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So the latest project was one that had been sat around for three years. Based on a pattern for an Amy Butler quilt, but using some cheapo fabrics as well - It worked out too expensive to use all Amy Butler.<br />
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So some Moda, Michael Miller, and tat ebay fabrics were also included.<br />
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I hate using wadding, but do like the depth of quilting, so I cheated, and used a 4.5 tog summer double duvet<br />
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Despite Tarquin's greatest efforts to hamper the project, it was complete over a couple of days. The dog is not an essential part of the tutorial, and in retrospect, I would probably not use his assistance next time<br />
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<h3>
Materials</h3>
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<li>Fabrics of choice (no idea how much, just guess - You can tell I don't do tutorials for a living)</li>
<li>Cotton that matches sort of, out of the jumbled thread box</li>
<li>4.5 tog Double duvet - dimensions 200cmx200cm (standard size - i got mine for £6.99 at B&M - but available anywhere)</li>
<li>1 yard of material to make the bias binding, alternatively buy 8m of bias binding </li>
<li>Material for backing 200cm x 200cm - I used one side of a king quilt cover and cut it down, rather that un-stitch the seam on a double cover. Alternatively a flat sheet would work</li>
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If required - Pom Pom edging:<br />
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<li>2 @ 50g of contrasting wool for crochet edging if required (100g in total, but I use double thickness, so two balls is easier to work with)</li>
<li>5mm crochet hook</li>
<li>a large tapestry needle to sew the wool (it needs to be a sharp point)</li>
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Method</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabric cut into rectangles</td></tr>
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Cut the fabric into even width rectangles/squares. Mine differed on depth, but as it was strips it meant the verticals all lined up ok - therefore I didn't waste fabric trying to make them all the same size. Also, if you vary the widths, it means you don't have the horrid job of lining it up horizontally as well, when you stitch it together :) Just trim each strip so it is the same width top and bottom, before you stitch them all together,<br />
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STEP 1 - REMOVE DOG FROM SEWING TABLE</h4>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patchwork sewn - notice the squares are not perfectly aligned</td></tr>
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Press the seams and stitch all strips together - it needs to have the dimensions of 200cm x 200cm. (obviously for a smaller quilt base it on the dimensions of a single quilt).<br />
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Then working all around the edges sew the patchwork to one side of the duvet and turn over and sew the backing sheet to the back - use as small a seam as you can, as you need to cover the stitching with the bias binding.<br />
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I don't do pinning or tacking, but as there is no movement in the duvet fabric it fits perfectly (unlike wadding, which I despise working with)<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
STEP 2 - REMOVE DOG FROM MATERIAL WHILST SEWING</h4>
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Then sew your quilt line stitches - basically retrace all the patchwork joins, sewing through the entire quilt and backing fabric. I have an old singer seamstress machine which coped easily. Being quite a large throw, the centre rows are a bid fiddly to sew, but the duvet bunches through a standard arm machine ok<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
STEP 3 - REMOVE DOG FROM FINISHED PATCHWORK</h4>
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Next bit is the bias binding edging. I has a search around and found a few tutorials for continuous bias binding. This shows the method better than most of the links, which can be a bit confusing:-<br />
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<a href="http://so-sew-easy.com/making-continuous-bias-binding-tape/">http://so-sew-easy.com/making-continuous-bias-binding-tape/</a><br />
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If its any consolation none of my two inch strips actually lined up, once i sewed the tube together...<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
STEP 4 - REMOVE DOG FROM LAP</h4>
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Using a 1 metre square, it gave me enough binding to go round the edges. Sew this onto the reverse first, then the front - it avoids tram lines on the front. I obviously did it the other way round. Bit of a boring task, but you could always buy ready made bias.<br />
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STEP 5 - STOP DOG FROM DRAGGING SHORTS OFF<br /><br /><a href="http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss2/valpritchard/Crafty/Quilted%20Patchwork%20Throw/1AF83475-4E3D-4B74-BFF0-83ECBF8039B3_zps2nnjwscg.jpg~original" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss2/valpritchard/Crafty/Quilted%20Patchwork%20Throw/1AF83475-4E3D-4B74-BFF0-83ECBF8039B3_zps2nnjwscg.jpg~original" height="400" width="300" /></a></h4>
This is the basic quilt finished, and its optional if you want to start adding the crochet pom pom edging<br />
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Pom Pom Edging</h4>
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You can leave with just the bias binding edging, but I decided to over complicate it by adding a crochet pom pom border..<br />
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First step is making a way to actually crochet onto the fabric. There are pointed head sharp crochet hooks available, but only up to about 2mm, so of no use to me, as I always use double knit minimum. <br />
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So the easiest way I could find to do it was to do a 'blanket' stitch all around the edge. By a stroke of cunning I realised I only had to do three edges, as the top didn't need the pom poms. So I started off sewing along the first side. Which happened to be the top :(. I was gutted as I realised I had just finished the side I didn't need to do. The stitches are evenly placed about 1cm apart<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;">The reverse of the blanket has no stitching showing</span></td></tr>
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<i>For the blanket stitch and the crochet pom pom edging, I use double thickness double crochet (i.e. 2 balls at a time on the pom poms, or sewing it doubled on the blanket stitch)</i><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">STEP 4 - REMOVE DOG WHILST STITCHING BLANKET STITCH</span></h4>
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<a href="http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss2/valpritchard/Crafty/Quilted%20Patchwork%20Throw/4B8F53C3-84D0-420D-B7B1-90443CF410DC_zpsyika38be.jpg~original" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i556.photobucket.com/albums/ss2/valpritchard/Crafty/Quilted%20Patchwork%20Throw/4B8F53C3-84D0-420D-B7B1-90443CF410DC_zpsyika38be.jpg~original" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Once the blanket stitch is in place I simply added the crochet pom poms using this tutorial:-<br />
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<a href="http://onceuponapinkmoon.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/pom-pom-edge.html">http://onceuponapinkmoon.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/pom-pom-edge.html</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I spaced the pom poms by skipping every three blanket stitches (about 3cm) </span></td></tr>
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STEP 5 - REMOVE DOG WHILST CROCHETING POMPOMS</h4>
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(I crochet pom pom edges onto all sorts now, is my favourite stitch :) ) And I managed to do the three sides successfully, so I don't wake up with a pom pom in my mouth<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;">Lastly,pitching the tent in the garden, to make sure it looked ok :)</span></td></tr>
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FINAL STEP - REMOVE DOG TO GET IN BED</h4>
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<br />Bells & Labshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10616794431269069304noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511830915476113380.post-24170932479942982522015-07-22T10:25:00.000+01:002015-07-22T10:25:34.639+01:00New tent made of bricks and mortar....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: start;">Well I may as well add our latest 'tent'...</span></h2>
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After a few years of camping at Nantcol Waterfalls in Llanbedr, and doing the usual, 'scour the estate agents for a plot of land, chalet etc etc'. I came across a converted chapel apartment in Barmouth<br />
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And fell in love<br />
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After an in depth adult conversation with the OH ..<br />
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'Do you want to go halves on buying a converted chapel flat in Barmouth?'<br />
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'Yes, ok'<br />
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Job done<br />
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So 5 months later we randomally own a mortgage...<br />
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Not ideal for dogs, as there is no garden, but Tarq is more than happy staying there. It does mean I started off with 6am & 11pm walks on the beach for 'wee' time, but now I have resolved the situation by ignoring him and tying elastic bands around his knob<br />
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It's located in the High Street, so easy access to everything - beach, shops, pubs. But stands back from the road, so you can curtain twitch at the passerbys, but its very quiet in the flat.<br />
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I must admit getting the mortgage money out of Steve was slightly easier than getting him to cough up to furnish it, but we got there eventually<br />
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So all a very much new venture for us, but will see how it goes. And of course it does mean I get to stay there when its not booked out :)<br />
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Booking Link: <a href="http://www.lounge-holidays.co.uk/accommodation/85/ebenezer-chapel-apartment.htm">http://www.lounge-holidays.co.uk/accommodation/85/ebenezer-chapel-apartment.htm</a></div>
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Facebook Page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ebenezerchapelbarmouth">https://www.facebook.com/ebenezerchapelbarmouth</a><br />
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And some more random Pics of it...<br />
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We need to add a full staircase, as the ladder wasn't the greatest health & safety idea for a rental. So this is on hold until after the summer season, but hopefully we will get this done before xmas. It then opens up the huge third mezzanine bedroom :)<br />
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So all a very new venture....<br />
<br />I have placed a permanent link to this page on the right hand side of the blog :)</div>
Bells & Labshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10616794431269069304noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511830915476113380.post-22363466126004853392015-07-21T12:17:00.001+01:002015-07-26T18:02:25.468+01:00CRAFTY: Hanging Tea Light Lanterns<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Some quick instructions on how to make some hanging tea light holders</b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KChMjiT7ddhFlxetYPhe5OCL3kERU_mIbhJMoD9t-n1W91hjAIlOzSJzZ_leXG-3T3V6l25JmkFyTRQ2Aqea-De0xeK1d9upVY9q8ZdpbWZCNh8y6R1QmRiFhzi8IMuNE2Cr3pDZiLX_/s1600/11666186_10152879932172301_8387000999038676487_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KChMjiT7ddhFlxetYPhe5OCL3kERU_mIbhJMoD9t-n1W91hjAIlOzSJzZ_leXG-3T3V6l25JmkFyTRQ2Aqea-De0xeK1d9upVY9q8ZdpbWZCNh8y6R1QmRiFhzi8IMuNE2Cr3pDZiLX_/s640/11666186_10152879932172301_8387000999038676487_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Materials needed:</h3>
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Small Jars (Jam, kilner, anything will do that you can fit a tea light through the neck)<br />
Twine<br />
Sharpies in your preferred colours<br />
Elastic Bands<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkoyDBrlle9YVOGKcwmcZI-uqQIrc2uVjNHeOxnPaOlEhdqJ0LVBPl0kchmBp7ohOrfrXAJPtznQ2vwsbH4hDCH_1gflK9YW-UjtWPATHWIGUGs5N2EtC9E1FrNoOhDrHxiDUyl1kC6sk/s1600/11207300_10152879932422301_568574472567611039_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkoyDBrlle9YVOGKcwmcZI-uqQIrc2uVjNHeOxnPaOlEhdqJ0LVBPl0kchmBp7ohOrfrXAJPtznQ2vwsbH4hDCH_1gflK9YW-UjtWPATHWIGUGs5N2EtC9E1FrNoOhDrHxiDUyl1kC6sk/s320/11207300_10152879932422301_568574472567611039_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Method</h3>
Simply draw any design onto the glass jar. The sharpies are permanent and dry instantly, so no smudging etc. If you use a black and more bold design it will reflect through the glass onto the wall.<br />
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Mine are just random 5 minute dabblings of nothing much in particular, but they look ok from a distance...!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CWr8-ZBxi9zm6p88ZSmKTeSRc3QgLCGwvay93jTJ6Iecj2Xw0NJ6wHa7AdNh41oiILzXeipTQm-8mTwkZs8KYIyxoY3tVkIJwG763_UklnJuSrIP9wWe-qRZB5VJOn1PkKW2TFJHcrph/s1600/10985864_10152879932447301_2168458669810196889_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CWr8-ZBxi9zm6p88ZSmKTeSRc3QgLCGwvay93jTJ6Iecj2Xw0NJ6wHa7AdNh41oiILzXeipTQm-8mTwkZs8KYIyxoY3tVkIJwG763_UklnJuSrIP9wWe-qRZB5VJOn1PkKW2TFJHcrph/s640/10985864_10152879932447301_2168458669810196889_n.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
The twine holder is easy, and just involves 4 strands of twine, cut then knotted evenly around the jar. There are more intricate macrame holders on you tube etc, but I was quite happy with basics, and used the instructions in this link:<br />
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<a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/900270/knotted-hanging-lanterns" target="_blank">How to make the twine hanging holder</a><br />
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It was made in the same way as we created a gill net at the Wilderness Gathering. I have yet to utilise this skill for catching sticklebacks though<br />
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<i>The only other comment I would make is don't be alarmed when you light them - the twine sparks and instantly goes out, but frightens the life out of you (I thought it was the quickest making and destruction of a DIY project yet). Pull the twine away when you light the candle!</i><br />
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<i><br /></i>Bells & Labshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10616794431269069304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511830915476113380.post-41113503598874233582015-07-19T00:46:00.000+01:002015-07-19T15:43:55.210+01:00REVIEW: Lotus Belle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YtZooiUPAtJ-UrbbMMqllv92y3eV6Szj6B8QixOn1EeV3KYXBDWKYLVm1kPlIT9_dxyAC_2iOX0SbryGVG3wTFDU5UOwkRvhF86mnN5lQwIf3sV0xxpU-trDw-teXUEhaiylpa_Xy-X9/s1600/P1080655+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YtZooiUPAtJ-UrbbMMqllv92y3eV6Szj6B8QixOn1EeV3KYXBDWKYLVm1kPlIT9_dxyAC_2iOX0SbryGVG3wTFDU5UOwkRvhF86mnN5lQwIf3sV0xxpU-trDw-teXUEhaiylpa_Xy-X9/s640/P1080655+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Following on from a comment on this blog, that I found the Lotus Belle Tents, 'a bit ugly', it started some correspondence with Hari from Lotus Belles.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lotusbelle.co.uk/">http://lotusbelle.co.uk/</a></h3>
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After a few emails back and forth, Hari offered to lend a Lotus Belle so I could try it 'in the flesh'. So a quick dash to Bristol, I had visions of meeting Hari, with the exotic name, and an image of a Somalian Eastern exotic women sitting in zen gardens and meditating.<br />
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I rolled up to Hari's (which I later found out was short for Harriet), amidst total chaos, as 10 lotus belles had just been returned and dumped on her, after being hired out at Glastonbury. An hour of locating all the bits (and the dog, the phone charger, the phone, the handbag..) and we almost had a full set....<br />
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So a quick detour home via Hari's warehouse and I had a 5m Lotus Belle. I think. So the tape measure came out, and in my neuroticness, I measured every part, rather than pitch up with a jumble of maybe matches. It was all fine, see I knew Hari knew what she was doing really... (Hari is lovely, I want to adopt her)<br />
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As this was a rental tent, the poles were already threaded into the wall panels, and the guys were already tied. The wall section was stored in a separate banana bag, so it didn't have to be threaded together each time you used it. In the other bag I had the groundsheet, 3m wooden pole, 30 marquee type heavy duty pegs, the cream canvas roof. Plus an octopus. And a toadstool head.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_OIUBwmtEqLmQMAgY8hNzeiU-w9yo7d3e1XqJDBCiqw6O4O0VtDGpDUk_jvx8GtJ99t41CfnVhjyeWliB2KExsdaexzSDqk7tuhcclqVZzqYjMjUScnZlrU5gx3096a44XzBnKl7NNOU/s1600/P1080592+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_OIUBwmtEqLmQMAgY8hNzeiU-w9yo7d3e1XqJDBCiqw6O4O0VtDGpDUk_jvx8GtJ99t41CfnVhjyeWliB2KExsdaexzSDqk7tuhcclqVZzqYjMjUScnZlrU5gx3096a44XzBnKl7NNOU/s640/P1080592+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banana Bag for the wall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had 10 days at <a href="http://www.nantcolwaterfalls.co.uk/" target="_blank">Nantcol Waterfalls</a> booked, so I packed the trailer, along with the lotus belle, a dragon, a tree, and some christmas goblins, and set off.<br />
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Arrived at the campsite with some pretty strong winds, so was fairly dubious having never pitched the lotus before. Thankfully, it's pretty sturdy even during pitching, so it holds itself in shape as you go along. It's also remarkably easier than it appears, to both put up and take down. An absolute must for me is that it can be done by a solo person as well.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4Js8wC4aHGpmyfMEXWyl_LpxRTGFr5ueMqekgvgpz837qDC9KeMyfq964IfvCUmE2V1Dx8T3r5v1FlMuT9vWOpYV8YrEx6J1p38U5_CkvyU9qUYSb0bO2o0VF3-g0JsbmnX8g3e9CBnw/s1600/P1080595+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4Js8wC4aHGpmyfMEXWyl_LpxRTGFr5ueMqekgvgpz837qDC9KeMyfq964IfvCUmE2V1Dx8T3r5v1FlMuT9vWOpYV8YrEx6J1p38U5_CkvyU9qUYSb0bO2o0VF3-g0JsbmnX8g3e9CBnw/s400/P1080595+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spacing the pegs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Firstly pegging out the groundsheet. Once done, you them measure out the placement of the pegs for the roof and wall. After watching a video, I put the furthest peg about 1m out - this wasn't enough, and I had to redo the outer ones (the video was based on a 4m pitch) as I went along. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ65yx-DTmedO6vvx6ZFeDJ1EwSFA_Adc5VdBFDJKYpNvOEw_BI-JNw81SzZtQuAN-18mV4VpJ9ybf_SSttexsqXdswKsnkVp-3HKqAwzUVLT4hvq4gYsDRXR6Ln_XF-JsgKFc-rti_58P/s1600/P1080600+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ65yx-DTmedO6vvx6ZFeDJ1EwSFA_Adc5VdBFDJKYpNvOEw_BI-JNw81SzZtQuAN-18mV4VpJ9ybf_SSttexsqXdswKsnkVp-3HKqAwzUVLT4hvq4gYsDRXR6Ln_XF-JsgKFc-rti_58P/s400/P1080600+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" width="300" /></a>Once pegged, you simply go round each section of the wall and clip the 10 poles to the groundsheet - the guys then hold each section as you go along.<br />
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At this stage the tent is remarkably sturdy, and held up well despite the winds. Next you locate the 'Lotus Belle' Logo on the roof 'tenatacles', guy out the first two by the door, then just move around the tent and guy the rest of his 'legs'. There is a velcro strip that then joins the roof panels to the top of the wall. A layer of mesh either side of the velcro gives the tent flexibility in the wind<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to add the centre pole</td></tr>
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Once the roof is sitting happily, it was a good time to go in and lay the carpet down (the carpet was mine, but hopefully Hari will get something on the market in the future). Final part is to just slide in the 3m pole, placing it in the centre on the wooden cup. This part is actually a lot easier than a standard bell, as you don't have the huge canvas resistance pushing it up.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNC51l2cIPnrgR0XZp0Mf5J3jrNh1DDaoecQz8FKp9MMIk4KY0L4VG9JRisn-KjkoSYPxsMw88JuMcD8WFzxfIkqhzVGA-DvsTAH9jKkZsxBxPe8tPrTteEJ8PgEcMEGwFQEPXb4icDhCw/s1600/P1080610+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNC51l2cIPnrgR0XZp0Mf5J3jrNh1DDaoecQz8FKp9MMIk4KY0L4VG9JRisn-KjkoSYPxsMw88JuMcD8WFzxfIkqhzVGA-DvsTAH9jKkZsxBxPe8tPrTteEJ8PgEcMEGwFQEPXb4icDhCw/s400/P1080610+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carpet laid</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEPjmZeeZQ5jorjYQNPvRgzH_hAn2sV2S2GvpHAqHfbG9VP6Ego3zqrQYGcYZgOs8LzYqzqfeQFxrg1sDbNI2-CdPu_cjCyI9nrxhjkcRDJoE7GBDm3PDI1Ke7ZTYLTjwsb4sfgPjjZJF/s1600/P1080619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEPjmZeeZQ5jorjYQNPvRgzH_hAn2sV2S2GvpHAqHfbG9VP6Ego3zqrQYGcYZgOs8LzYqzqfeQFxrg1sDbNI2-CdPu_cjCyI9nrxhjkcRDJoE7GBDm3PDI1Ke7ZTYLTjwsb4sfgPjjZJF/s640/P1080619.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Centre pole in</td></tr>
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Total pitching was about 45-60 mins as this was the first time I had ever attempted it - It also involved me moving the pegs out as I had misjudged them, and re-tying quite a few of the guy ropes. I'm pretty confident I could cut this down to 30 minutes solo, in future. <br />
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With solo camping the hardest bit is lugging the bags around - but everything can be split down, even the wall (but i would prefer to keep this intact with the poles). Total weight on the 5m is around 66kg, the 4m is about 55kg<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xd75YZN_ppqIC5ww0h-cs_IF2wB9dmfsjqvfmynasqk6k2czQrJIRaZ1yFzjHHf7bPpETDlkjHrFlm7HVFBjhT6aC-XNlebP1pBxg9dQcu1mUDQjC5Ukpw97BXzVaWzncRqnWqttulFz/s1600/P1080614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xd75YZN_ppqIC5ww0h-cs_IF2wB9dmfsjqvfmynasqk6k2czQrJIRaZ1yFzjHHf7bPpETDlkjHrFlm7HVFBjhT6aC-XNlebP1pBxg9dQcu1mUDQjC5Ukpw97BXzVaWzncRqnWqttulFz/s640/P1080614.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pitched!</td></tr>
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The only remaining job was to 'pimp' up the inside. So armed with my dragon, a tree, and a few flowers, I got to work creating my temporary home for 10 days.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGU-kwLpfC-pgSaWqcyaE20gKTrIlWrcUmn20RqQNivUEHS7dAqEK46eG1oLlGHq16G8D5YY3z4BxW9H-RxgWGPzOf0zdZIFjgvZDpPlP_zXEbyWzN-beolmN-jmsDCxog2ZChdlz2_S79/s1600/P1080621+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGU-kwLpfC-pgSaWqcyaE20gKTrIlWrcUmn20RqQNivUEHS7dAqEK46eG1oLlGHq16G8D5YY3z4BxW9H-RxgWGPzOf0zdZIFjgvZDpPlP_zXEbyWzN-beolmN-jmsDCxog2ZChdlz2_S79/s640/P1080621+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to move in</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBz2yW-xHlxWUdJf5kN-8SvF_BJZFdfE82BAO1ySGi8GDkPpKqG60LQfkoCPwO3hv-EZjz6FdQBJoncpROsx5rv0fEIuGKYsFQgZv8UNzIiF5jvkG6EFV5wlhLSW-wPqDlDDjaMSgMuaq/s1600/P1080624+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOBz2yW-xHlxWUdJf5kN-8SvF_BJZFdfE82BAO1ySGi8GDkPpKqG60LQfkoCPwO3hv-EZjz6FdQBJoncpROsx5rv0fEIuGKYsFQgZv8UNzIiF5jvkG6EFV5wlhLSW-wPqDlDDjaMSgMuaq/s400/P1080624+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGeB_O8jzfWoh8ez2qM2IBe66i5qgdKma1Dig6iMqPVAG8Z5fGId25wiDA-lOwrbnSNGaRxF6ebWsjQwPti8O3TKEE2joyPNooVLmxipF4iAG-bu4kvkxdakqFDuJOarYXVa3iNY7CCloG/s1600/P1080633+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGeB_O8jzfWoh8ez2qM2IBe66i5qgdKma1Dig6iMqPVAG8Z5fGId25wiDA-lOwrbnSNGaRxF6ebWsjQwPti8O3TKEE2joyPNooVLmxipF4iAG-bu4kvkxdakqFDuJOarYXVa3iNY7CCloG/s400/P1080633+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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By day 3 there was heavy rain forecast, so it seemed an ideal time to try out the 'octopus'. This was a poly hat that sits on top of the canvas roof. Exactly the same shape, you simply drop the centre pole, throw his suckery legs over the top and peg it on the existing pegs. The bonus of the poly top is that there is no leakage at all, and it also keeps the canvas dry - invaluable on a wet take down. The green octopus also gives a nice pattern to the ceiling<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQ0Ha8ZOQjNuyF2qF5pJtabWFT06-1lCw_4ByzkiKqIrCm45gdiuy8xrv720ldIeps76mRe6xoQfVr85niw6VdEi6dVEDKBiT9oFMkE53YHWceCOsAcO3HbYu_e3a6ekB6dm1J4btuayz/s1600/IMG_0431+%255B1600x1200%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQ0Ha8ZOQjNuyF2qF5pJtabWFT06-1lCw_4ByzkiKqIrCm45gdiuy8xrv720ldIeps76mRe6xoQfVr85niw6VdEi6dVEDKBiT9oFMkE53YHWceCOsAcO3HbYu_e3a6ekB6dm1J4btuayz/s320/IMG_0431+%255B1600x1200%255D.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pack size of the poly hat is small. Shown here alongside Sid the Squid<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix52RYPlE8zH-SEuWFed8e-YA5URDTb-ApeiTbkYU2k0Z9k5i5F5BSRY3qg_1pw7CsC8LzMJ6zTzwUg9rQOe5mFAX2wmFazD9BjB1kLUoBRrswMvKS9NNq1qUz-y1HttE4seTbN9RgXuKE/s1600/IMG_0433+%255B1600x1200%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix52RYPlE8zH-SEuWFed8e-YA5URDTb-ApeiTbkYU2k0Z9k5i5F5BSRY3qg_1pw7CsC8LzMJ6zTzwUg9rQOe5mFAX2wmFazD9BjB1kLUoBRrswMvKS9NNq1qUz-y1HttE4seTbN9RgXuKE/s640/IMG_0433+%255B1600x1200%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Octopus</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpy17HPrMLSuy0naNp9K4N1H_5sAEt_BIaCpFrqc11wYBLTd_qNYtSNOinM38gVhhukDxxrhDPjsteZNDi9FT0XEz29jEJ6TqMnAoyYEKNmus8kZj2h3PiadJyd_o-wyRBmPFPdNnBiQV/s1600/P1080656+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpy17HPrMLSuy0naNp9K4N1H_5sAEt_BIaCpFrqc11wYBLTd_qNYtSNOinM38gVhhukDxxrhDPjsteZNDi9FT0XEz29jEJ6TqMnAoyYEKNmus8kZj2h3PiadJyd_o-wyRBmPFPdNnBiQV/s640/P1080656+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pattern is diffused through the canvas roof</td></tr>
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The tent had no issues at all with waterfastness (the upright walls prevent any leakage through the sides). And although the groundsheet is a PIG (peg in) it is bath tub shaped at the bottom, so there is a 2 inch curve upwards, so no water puddled in. Hari did mention that the tents had been professionally cleaned, but wasn't 100% happy about whether the waterproofing had been affected, so it made sense to try the poly cover (obviously a new tent will have no issues, regardless of whether you use an additional poly cover).<br />
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Day 7, the octopus was set free, and the red toadstool roof had a play<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUVvdckm4WFC2a2ovGFhksr1YaWVCT45G14l4Epd6bKenLwDHAtUpr_3etmiz3hZxbH1jOTDHAgQ2OUVVysJ7G6OUsKe4MLFQX9hxl3wHy7AbaQ0EpjLswYJDkozRUlOfBn-8ab-IklsV/s1600/P1080765+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUVvdckm4WFC2a2ovGFhksr1YaWVCT45G14l4Epd6bKenLwDHAtUpr_3etmiz3hZxbH1jOTDHAgQ2OUVVysJ7G6OUsKe4MLFQX9hxl3wHy7AbaQ0EpjLswYJDkozRUlOfBn-8ab-IklsV/s640/P1080765+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The red hat gives off more of a warm orange tint</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMUdFZD6uz9QM_RkX4E4BvOVxKqt9jBcxZmdK1ouv0MWWz5azVIY3zprbUNgO_jd6IEdSiLVEndruHbovBDGoilka-a-k-lB_ECOZqRb5eSEuGagKZtAGd-3EIMEbibZP-KhegGI4sod_/s1600/P1080764+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMUdFZD6uz9QM_RkX4E4BvOVxKqt9jBcxZmdK1ouv0MWWz5azVIY3zprbUNgO_jd6IEdSiLVEndruHbovBDGoilka-a-k-lB_ECOZqRb5eSEuGagKZtAGd-3EIMEbibZP-KhegGI4sod_/s640/P1080764+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It is a crowd stopper - After having bell tents for over 5 years now, I no longer have queues of people waiting for a guided tour, as they are on every campsite you visit. So it was quite nice to have something a bit more unique, that had the visitors peering around the doors again.<br />
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It seems to have converted a lot of 'on the fence' people, who initially weren't sure about the tent (including me). It also impressed the campsite owner, who is contemplating getting a couple to set up permanently onsite.<br />
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<h2>
In summary</h2>
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Overall there isn't much I can say about any faults. The weather threw everything at us, torrential rain, 40mph gusts, and blazing sun - the belle flicked it all off as nonentities. It was rock solid, with no billowing of the canvas in winds, and secure and watertight throughout.<br />
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I was planning to say the groundsheet is a PIG so would put some people off, but now there is a velcro version....and mesh doors would be useful.....but there is this option...so just to find something picky, and not give it 11/10 I will say its heavy....(but no more so than my 6m canvas and cast bell....)<br />
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Also there is now a porch available for the entrance, which would enhance the space even more<br />
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Obviously the costs are a lot higher than a standard bell, but the quality and extras do justify it. It is a one off purchase, and will last for years. My Canvas and Cast 6m bell cost just short of £1k - this is from the same manufacturer, so quality is excellent, on both fittings and canvas. It is very much you get what you pay for.<br />
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So, having had the trial, will I purchase a Lotus Belle?.....I think I need to have some serious talks with Hari.... :)<br />
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Features:-</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOkbx7PWlUTc60UYV6wr6EaWmfeT3izL5rLeBnPOv3uzQnX_RH2EKWB0dLRgX7p-rYtUxCAWo54TkO_i2oInL12w85RobMSHBU_O5pIwO8shsYXtiu_sEKGVBOEyd-0lgpuY484mPZ9_I/s1600/P1080593+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOkbx7PWlUTc60UYV6wr6EaWmfeT3izL5rLeBnPOv3uzQnX_RH2EKWB0dLRgX7p-rYtUxCAWo54TkO_i2oInL12w85RobMSHBU_O5pIwO8shsYXtiu_sEKGVBOEyd-0lgpuY484mPZ9_I/s400/P1080593+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" width="400" /></a>Thick guy ropes and wooden sliders<br />
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Marquee heavy duty pegs<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7FtlCaBVSDTqBEkg4Z-WCB-KPBXsjhddXjac88Tqvl6CWWejLfla3KJzt4TXArNF2NCAnxX5SRJAPriwuiXxzfZkZWzPqfZzdiurVLj_dF-0doPMMh8Q9_sqHq_H8kJApiFB6J5A1Ekk/s1600/P1080591+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7FtlCaBVSDTqBEkg4Z-WCB-KPBXsjhddXjac88Tqvl6CWWejLfla3KJzt4TXArNF2NCAnxX5SRJAPriwuiXxzfZkZWzPqfZzdiurVLj_dF-0doPMMh8Q9_sqHq_H8kJApiFB6J5A1Ekk/s320/P1080591+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thick breathable canvas (the suppliers are the same manufacturers as Canvas and Cast tents)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmPzXLSJoa8GXoWzv4iNcnYjTwQQjKPjiP-cvESZbGiob4fky6Ok7KDuiGjNw0pOUzikV5hMgzAg93C29q5ToWTfPnWHaoIPQV1wCaVtq0vwkDfQw1yA3O7Dd2Zy-bejC_4QHmFpFyZX2/s1600/P1080618+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmPzXLSJoa8GXoWzv4iNcnYjTwQQjKPjiP-cvESZbGiob4fky6Ok7KDuiGjNw0pOUzikV5hMgzAg93C29q5ToWTfPnWHaoIPQV1wCaVtq0vwkDfQw1yA3O7Dd2Zy-bejC_4QHmFpFyZX2/s320/P1080618+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a>There are two large windows which puts the tent ahead of a standard bell. These windows also have the option of the clear plastic, or unzip to allow the breeze to go through<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4S-iiCqa_v-pS8xcMJLSLpsBfrPW879Kn19XSFpSxvlI1vp0LOfWLqcUJh1_lRy6ylDs3HhFDsJuQHiQBCzX1KenNRp3VVDWuPCXKsP51gFsruErTvaU69twfzTFY2vQ9NluILtGSZBp2/s1600/P1080617+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4S-iiCqa_v-pS8xcMJLSLpsBfrPW879Kn19XSFpSxvlI1vp0LOfWLqcUJh1_lRy6ylDs3HhFDsJuQHiQBCzX1KenNRp3VVDWuPCXKsP51gFsruErTvaU69twfzTFY2vQ9NluILtGSZBp2/s320/P1080617+%255B1600x1200%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Half moon window, with access to a pre-fitted flue hole. Nicely positioned, and suitable for a side wall entry wood stove<br />
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<h2>
Lotus Belle Specification/Blurb</h2>
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<div style="background-color: #fffbf5; box-sizing: border-box; color: #585858; font-family: 'PT Serif', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px;">
The larger Lotus Belle tent. This 5 metre version is 56% larger than the 4 metre version and can be used in a wide range of scenarios.</div>
<div style="background-color: #fffbf5; box-sizing: border-box; color: #585858; font-family: 'PT Serif', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px;">
Original model tents are perfect for the UK climate, with 2 easy-clean, fully openable PVC windows, they offer the perfect balance of being able to look outside and keep dry on wet summer days, and open up to create a through draft when it gets a little warmer.</div>
<ul style="background-color: #fffbf5; box-sizing: border-box; color: #585858; font-family: 'PT Serif', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; list-style-position: outside; margin: 0px 0px 1em 20px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.4em;">360gsm Cream canvas</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.4em;">5 metre diameter at the base</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.4em;">5.5 metres diameter at waist height</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.4em;">3.2 metre centre pole</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.4em;">8m pitching area</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.4em;">5'8" high at the edge of the tent, meaning the whole floor space is usable standing height for most people.</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.4em;">2 x fully openable clear PVC windows</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.4em;">540gsm Bath-tub groundsheet keeps out all water</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.4em;">If you require mesh over the door and windows take a look at the <a href="http://lotusbelle.co.uk/products/5-metre-lotus-belle-outback-tent" style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #937850; text-decoration: none;">5 metre Outback version</a>.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PmH0tDIhBD7lzCodzMhRHsRnCF2WwwDZbeShTJGc6zaqjCKInLHy6314adCWQ1jdv9QGxPxHeDslkxVe7NAlooas8yJLgvy3SJVjA0qWTXOgPxnD_vfxN8gTAR-euH-VUsIofQSsLr3j/s1600/IMG_0298+%255B1600x1200%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PmH0tDIhBD7lzCodzMhRHsRnCF2WwwDZbeShTJGc6zaqjCKInLHy6314adCWQ1jdv9QGxPxHeDslkxVe7NAlooas8yJLgvy3SJVjA0qWTXOgPxnD_vfxN8gTAR-euH-VUsIofQSsLr3j/s640/IMG_0298+%255B1600x1200%255D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h2>
Deluxe version: </h2>
There is now one available with a velcro groundsheet, and an additional rear door (handy to access a kitchen tent) and mesh doors & windows<br />
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<h2>
Lotus Belle Pitching Video:-</h2>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0MnA4R-xwMY" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<br />Bells & Labshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10616794431269069304noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511830915476113380.post-81986455676556777192015-06-23T11:57:00.000+01:002017-03-09T21:59:15.342+00:00REVIEW - Camping & Canvas 5m Bell Tent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>*******Camping and canvas are now in liquidation, but I will leave the review here, as second hand tents still circulate, and I was more than happy with the actual tent*****</b></h2>
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Elliot at Camping and Canvas very kindly sent me a 5m ZIG (Zip in groundsheet) bell to trial, so here it is...<br />
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I took it to <a href="http://www.brookmeadow.co.uk/CampingCaravanning/CampingCaravanning.php" target="_blank">Brook Meadow</a> in Northants for a few days over the bank holiday, bagged the best pitch I could by the lake, and had a nice leisurely pitch in the sun.<br />
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Laid out the groundsheet (standard 540gsm) so nice and thick (same spec as the belltentuk, soulpad etc)<br />
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The usual pole & peg bags, and 285g canvas<br />
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(groundsheet in the pic is one I use as a footprint, not part of the C & C package. Just stops the bell groundsheet getting filthy, especially as there are copious amounts of goose shite at this campsite)<br />
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The first nice extra, that a lot of the other tent suppliers don't do, is the wooden sliders and rope guys<br />
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Standard pegs, plastic rain caps etc<br />
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There has been some feedback about the rope sliders slipping after rain, but I never had any problems with them at all. If it was an issue, I would probably replace the rope with a thicker polyhemp rope from <a href="http://www.ropesandtwines.com/proddetail.asp?prod=6mm_hempex_polyhemp_rope_per_metre" target="_blank">Timko</a>, as there is a bit of play in the size of the holes of the sliders in relation to the rope<br />
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Mr Duck was particularly impressed and brought the whole family over for a viewing</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">So after tying all the guy ropes on (i have done this job so many times....) the bell was up and pitched within 15 minutes<br /><br />Another nice touch is the mesh mosi door - this zips on all sides, and works as a nice restraint for labradors and small children as well. Especially when duck a l'orange walks past</span></div>
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There are the standard positioned pegging points for an inner (most suppliers are interchangeable), half moon windows, and option to unzip to raise the walls<br />
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There is no pre-cut flue hole on this version, but its not something I would particularly want in a tent anyway, as I find these limit where you want to install your stove, and also whether you want to purchase a wall or roof entry wood stove.<br />
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The stitching and quality of the canvas was excellent throughout, no pin holes, random unstitched seams, or loose zips.<br />
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Zip quality was good, and seemed robust enough in all places<br />
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<a href="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/Camping%20and%20Canvas%20Bell/IMGP5058_zps4wt9kftc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/Camping%20and%20Canvas%20Bell/IMGP5058_zps4wt9kftc.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a>The centre pole is very thick -a nice touch, and a necessity. <br />
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The centre pole and a-frame are always the weakest parts of the bell, so supplying a nice heavy duty one as standard is a definite benefit<br />
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The a-frame is a fairly standard angled one, that fits into pockets on the groundsheet, and does up with a couple of canvas ties (I rarely tie them tbh)<br />
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There wasn't any particularly heavy rainfall, but we did get a couple of showers, so the tent got some waterproof testing. No sign of leakage anywhere.<br />
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I will give it a more thorough testing in the peak of summer (when the rain never stops), but so far I have no complaints at all.<br />
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The rain beads up on the canvas as expected<br />
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In summary, for a standard 285g canvas 5m bell, with a 540 ZIG I have no complaints at all. I will further test the guys and water fast qualities of the tent in a more torrential downpour, but I can't fault it at the moment.<br />
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In addition, you get small extras such as the mesh door , a thicker centre pole and wooden sliders, that aren't supplied as standard with some of the other more expensive suppliers<br />
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I would give it 9/10 (I cant give it 10), which it could redeem with a slightly thicker rope on the guys, and also supplying enough tent pegs to enable you to peg the ZIG and then the elastics at the base of the tent separately. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5X-m6dUkCGeHDmr1Dyr9gPl0TGFVHFofFmeEUvqyYZaKMH38r4cGWhVpCH1u9OllT5B46Izl7D2vO2BhO6b2B7JmIqWYuMWsmyipe7uUbxKXj67jDETFpE9OYw5nS3C-x9Q8GKXbSItD6/s1600/10734072_10152684367317301_1839663646224312348_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5X-m6dUkCGeHDmr1Dyr9gPl0TGFVHFofFmeEUvqyYZaKMH38r4cGWhVpCH1u9OllT5B46Izl7D2vO2BhO6b2B7JmIqWYuMWsmyipe7uUbxKXj67jDETFpE9OYw5nS3C-x9Q8GKXbSItD6/s640/10734072_10152684367317301_1839663646224312348_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">I never understand why the suppliers only supply one set of pegs to cover both of these pegging points? It just means the second peg can pull the canvas away from the zip, so its totally covered</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">I have been more than happy to recommend, and I know quite a lot of people have purchased these tents over the last few months, and I haven't seen any bad reports from any of them, with regards to quality or customer service</span></h3>
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Camping & Canvas: <a href="http://www.campingandcanvas.co.uk/">http://www.campingandcanvas.co.uk/</a></h3>
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The Camping & Canvas website spec is here:-<br />
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #6b6b6b; font-family: Tahoma, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-top: 9px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Our </span><strong style="font-size: small;">5m ZIG Canvas Bell Tent</strong><span style="font-size: x-small;"> gives you the best of both worlds by combining the detachable and sewn in groundsheet. How do we do this? It’s simple, all of our tents are made with our ZIG design (Zipped In Groundsheet). It really is the best of both, on scorching hot summer days you can simply unzip and roll-up the sides to create a refreshing breeze throughout the tent. For those "not so nice" days, the ZIG groundsheet provides you with a waterproof shield against the weather and creepy crawlies!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The heavyweight 540gsm² groundsheet is not only fully waterproof but also helps iron out any lumps and bumps on your chosen pitch. To put it in perspective, our groundsheets are 3 - 4x thicker than standard tent groundsheets.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">At 285gsm², the 100% cotton fabric is protected & sealed by a water proof coating to ensure the inside of the tent is waterproof during wet weather & storms. No treatment is needed prior to first use.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">It’s the small things that count –</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Over the years, we have continually developed our bell tents until we have found, what we think, is the perfect bell tent experience. Below are a few of the features we’ve added –</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong> - Heavy Duty Zips</strong> (a must for our ZIG (Zipped In Groundsheet) design bell tents!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong> - Heavy Duty Pegs</strong> (these are no obstacle to hard ground and allow you to virtually pitch your tent anywhere!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong> - Heavy Duty Spring Loaded Poles</strong> (this holds the weight of the entire canvas & speeds up pitching with spring loaded poles)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong> - Mosquito Netting Door Entrance & Windows</strong> (enjoy the view without being eaten alive!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong> - Groundsheet Entrance Flap</strong> (our groundsheets are bucket shaped to prevent the wet from entering the tent, on hot days however, the main entrance groundsheet can be flattened to make tripping less of an issue)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong> - Chunky Wooden Guy Rope Sliders </strong>(these not only look great but they maintain the tension when your bell tent is pitched)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong> - Inner Tent Fittings</strong> (our bell tents come with Inner Tent fittings as standard, loops and hoops provide quick and easy installation)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong> - Power Cord Access </strong>(a nifty feature which allows those of you who require a power cord to be used with an external power hookup)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong> - 540gs</strong><strong>m² Groundsheet </strong>(heavy duty zipped groundsheet, 3-4x thicker than standard tent groundsheets!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong> - 285gsm² Canvas </strong>(100% natural unbleached cotton canvas)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong> - Double Stitching </strong>(all seams are double stitched and key stress points are reinforced)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong> - 2 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty </strong>(all our products come with a 2 year warranty as standard)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Weight & Dimensions</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Diameter - 500cm (16'4")</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Internal Height at Centre - 280cm (9'2")</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A-Frame Entrance Height - 170cm (5'7")</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Side Wall Height - 60cm (2')</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Total Weight - 30kg</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Central Pole Diameter - 32mm</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">What’s included?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Here’s what’s included with each bell tent order –</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #6b6b6b; font-family: Tahoma, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-top: 9px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> - Canvas Bell tent with Waterproof Groundsheet Connected by a Heavy Duty Zips.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #6b6b6b; font-family: Tahoma, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-top: 9px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> - Integrated Secondary Mesh Entrance Door.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> - Attachments to Install an Inner Tent.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #6b6b6b; font-family: Tahoma, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-top: 9px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> - Spring Loaded Metal Tent Poles.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #6b6b6b; font-family: Tahoma, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-top: 9px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> - Guy Ropes & Wooden Sliders.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> - All the pegs - Steel Angle Pegs & Pin Pegs.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #6b6b6b; font-family: Tahoma, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 9px; margin-top: 9px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> - Matching Canvas Storage Bag.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> - Pitching Guide & Instructions.</span></div>
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<br />Bells & Labshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10616794431269069304noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511830915476113380.post-92149680274142522702015-04-09T19:59:00.000+01:002015-07-24T12:53:34.664+01:00A few more crafty bitsWe started a group on facebook (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1019774181372840" target="_blank">here</a>) for making crafty bits for the tents, so this spurred the latest fad of trying to crochet...<br />
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So far this has resulted in the circular blanket for the round air bed, which I blogged about previously<br />
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And a few random things...<br />
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No idea if this will ever get finished, but a crochet pole cover seemed like a good idea... (relegated to bottom of wicker basket at the moment)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTKLSErBcApLdRvWq8U-eb_TlysTTpOESQRF282xv4aPRKKohmWgsWGcs802I-HwEiJq0qtyRH4zNx5s8cqCm2jnQIZOsZyThxGHwpL5TVf6vFSdwQfAtXT-9xD3S-n92rrCJtDzuKc22/s1600/IMG_7072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTKLSErBcApLdRvWq8U-eb_TlysTTpOESQRF282xv4aPRKKohmWgsWGcs802I-HwEiJq0qtyRH4zNx5s8cqCm2jnQIZOsZyThxGHwpL5TVf6vFSdwQfAtXT-9xD3S-n92rrCJtDzuKc22/s1600/IMG_7072.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then there was some garland, based on this <a href="http://illuminatecrochet.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/crochet-morning-glory-garland.html" target="_blank">pattern</a>, which turned out ok....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCmN-fO5-c5or131NoXMOpf6fkCePmtRyl6KMbYU6TTfz3Bc2xHXKGSb-DnVG2I3I39ynvwbHdygmZHR76Jqo9vnSYJfORol9J9u3JMRQk9ZNvyabT9g2uZcGaqzjQVSCmHQE1VY2pZR6/s1600/IMG_6688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCmN-fO5-c5or131NoXMOpf6fkCePmtRyl6KMbYU6TTfz3Bc2xHXKGSb-DnVG2I3I39ynvwbHdygmZHR76Jqo9vnSYJfORol9J9u3JMRQk9ZNvyabT9g2uZcGaqzjQVSCmHQE1VY2pZR6/s1600/IMG_6688.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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and did actually make it into the tent :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_2sjgbSQaGzM2y8fb9jOrTtBGk-zLpQPsC2UoGKqYYv3n1m7sBJNLzOakFaBcwx77CUkbKRWzU2mRYfl5bljM4TOhKFp5jt4wTN07jLBF4dcGd8d9JwG2kanhO1W5O8hSW2DeSndcM3Z/s1600/IMG_7084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_2sjgbSQaGzM2y8fb9jOrTtBGk-zLpQPsC2UoGKqYYv3n1m7sBJNLzOakFaBcwx77CUkbKRWzU2mRYfl5bljM4TOhKFp5jt4wTN07jLBF4dcGd8d9JwG2kanhO1W5O8hSW2DeSndcM3Z/s1600/IMG_7084.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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A few discarded starter projects...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3sxgTgL_9BJpWFppB9FlouOcC3o1DsNitAIiXNtkYW6pSCgWWIvUQEJibMGG4dkCtvRlo3fy7-CPSwk6emAbrCkGwRDiL8XosTFWNX7xBYv8Au8HlNjZjCEWOgcypVCjxQKyGuwQVOr8/s1600/IMG_7032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3sxgTgL_9BJpWFppB9FlouOcC3o1DsNitAIiXNtkYW6pSCgWWIvUQEJibMGG4dkCtvRlo3fy7-CPSwk6emAbrCkGwRDiL8XosTFWNX7xBYv8Au8HlNjZjCEWOgcypVCjxQKyGuwQVOr8/s1600/IMG_7032.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4KhYjQ5bl4M7AsBjMS9EbwbpWBKBDxjL8VeSY_OTvFvJ3-hwJq7X9GQBwgQFrjgJBjyk9hpAot3u_Iael7WqAD27q3ZGB0gV-4IxFL_u7aJAkV0dxLFrfN7UpdTWX4cLdXu9xWYR38m7/s1600/IMG_6981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4KhYjQ5bl4M7AsBjMS9EbwbpWBKBDxjL8VeSY_OTvFvJ3-hwJq7X9GQBwgQFrjgJBjyk9hpAot3u_Iael7WqAD27q3ZGB0gV-4IxFL_u7aJAkV0dxLFrfN7UpdTWX4cLdXu9xWYR38m7/s1600/IMG_6981.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmp_h2CfRDYjYxXKKPdeQfTLVRoL5n1JVD2Jd3h8R3GLBjVmg8le-uZKCT_V9UH_dXh7ypm4O47ZZpi89OUP4ECRdb-IVQkXJUfNVcurdbXHZCvYxnHFqsJdMhXUjw-cXrty56um3Lf3kk/s1600/IMG_7209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>Next was the cover for the cupboard, the usual bright colours that don't show every mucky pawprint</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccz3y78ur02C4vnz88Q9Qjf6Pl6rkCFxQhsZvIQHIEVUTz8V34vdCiwzih7zrSJEgf8T3pVWPoRf6TYoth8FWxU-7RGsqwfmo30UUVO4jkhw9nPLKcEDcmJ6IDst5pu8qa0gxK7H6W0sz/s1600/IMG_7059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccz3y78ur02C4vnz88Q9Qjf6Pl6rkCFxQhsZvIQHIEVUTz8V34vdCiwzih7zrSJEgf8T3pVWPoRf6TYoth8FWxU-7RGsqwfmo30UUVO4jkhw9nPLKcEDcmJ6IDst5pu8qa0gxK7H6W0sz/s1600/IMG_7059.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinO0KUFSbBYENTsSbbgcV7zyUx66QVToNB71YnYx4ohzTsTe6guBS8v7zuzAL9RhtO1fCW9_smJFi7ior8IuYJ2glhorhyoAs6vI1xgiL7sRxovTKqt9EeUBw74Sl2EVedOvfMF69ROL9Z/s1600/IMG_7056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinO0KUFSbBYENTsSbbgcV7zyUx66QVToNB71YnYx4ohzTsTe6guBS8v7zuzAL9RhtO1fCW9_smJFi7ior8IuYJ2glhorhyoAs6vI1xgiL7sRxovTKqt9EeUBw74Sl2EVedOvfMF69ROL9Z/s1600/IMG_7056.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then the sun came out, so crafty duties had to be relevant to spending time in the garden...<br />
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A project had been waiting in the shed for a few months, the table re-furb<br />
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Some cheap £2 enamel paints from B & Q, and a background colour from a tester pot of emulsion<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHSxfE7lvZHafB96zchk8RaVNQqNRl5gF5GJH5JUEJbh98X6dsi66B1oSQb1hASPyYapoVEkwTLMo2CCF6pJytdk6v0M4pZYkqjM84suXjSplwq_gjbsK_CwtTiLGu3G6XwUYCUCXVDWv/s1600/IMG_7213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmHSxfE7lvZHafB96zchk8RaVNQqNRl5gF5GJH5JUEJbh98X6dsi66B1oSQb1hASPyYapoVEkwTLMo2CCF6pJytdk6v0M4pZYkqjM84suXjSplwq_gjbsK_CwtTiLGu3G6XwUYCUCXVDWv/s1600/IMG_7213.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then a fuzzy layer of more paint rubbed randomally on it</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKr5VC3h8-cE7JkhRRBTxWGfwcS6bUAEBsf43dLik5GEY8SBJy55M3UoCn-AbC5u70QOMMvzeRZGEfB4D805dTDPkA7TwTb3TTOTRfUi7Hu4YwyE7CLHh4vtVsbH9EjBZDfUEmG9t5E8bB/s1600/IMG_7217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKr5VC3h8-cE7JkhRRBTxWGfwcS6bUAEBsf43dLik5GEY8SBJy55M3UoCn-AbC5u70QOMMvzeRZGEfB4D805dTDPkA7TwTb3TTOTRfUi7Hu4YwyE7CLHh4vtVsbH9EjBZDfUEmG9t5E8bB/s1600/IMG_7217.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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A couple of hours later...Voila! and its transformed!!!<br />
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Not sure for the better tbh, but its different... :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOjQZSjAxOyg6tvjGGNGvPJ5bCkRhRXNtoE0vhv22C6FdrVn9ei2d3D68fyYW34AdIy0YP7OD9Qj7zmPFt5sU1yRmurBomFpPOTi19cho5Ns9nIsMHH1BxMY2mEsGw1CzO2hHoo8sFF3M/s1600/IMG_7233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOjQZSjAxOyg6tvjGGNGvPJ5bCkRhRXNtoE0vhv22C6FdrVn9ei2d3D68fyYW34AdIy0YP7OD9Qj7zmPFt5sU1yRmurBomFpPOTi19cho5Ns9nIsMHH1BxMY2mEsGw1CzO2hHoo8sFF3M/s1600/IMG_7233.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpK8m7zQY0GIONpUZJdNDSZqesseSH_ORsqRWuaTzN456w21fBWoV_gWTZR9AP4v4tepT9lxVbyUU5uZNeDTV9m-3XeAVRwpUYwfetPnGT2RnER3yBzsAiTX3eak0SdglnEn9aUlItOW-8/s1600/IMG_7236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpK8m7zQY0GIONpUZJdNDSZqesseSH_ORsqRWuaTzN456w21fBWoV_gWTZR9AP4v4tepT9lxVbyUU5uZNeDTV9m-3XeAVRwpUYwfetPnGT2RnER3yBzsAiTX3eak0SdglnEn9aUlItOW-8/s1600/IMG_7236.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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And I did actually manage to get away camping last week :) So hopefully will blog that when Tarq leaves me alone for 5 minutes to do itBells & Labshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10616794431269069304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511830915476113380.post-57614745554124900092015-02-28T16:22:00.000+00:002015-07-19T13:13:04.269+01:00REVIEW - Intex Ultra Day Bed Lounge, or purple round inflatable bed thingy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/misc/Crafty/Round%20Crochet%20Bed%20Cover/IMG_6415_zpshcfphhbh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/misc/Crafty/Round%20Crochet%20Bed%20Cover/IMG_6415_zpshcfphhbh.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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So another thing came my way to entice me and I succumbed<br />
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<a href="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/misc/Crafty/Round%20Crochet%20Bed%20Cover/IMG_6369_zps5lk79mxr.jpg?1425138993010" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/misc/Crafty/Round%20Crochet%20Bed%20Cover/IMG_6369_zps5lk79mxr.jpg?1425138993010" height="320" width="240" /></a>The latest was the Intex round purple bed thingymajig. <br />
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Evidently it can be used on water (didn't know this, I just googled it 10 seconds ago and found a youtube video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yL17bnAVxJw" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yL17bnAVxJw</a> )<br />
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I purchased it about 4 weeks ago, and that gave me the excuse to make a circular crochet blanket to go on it. Not being someone who crochets it was an interesting experience, but it came out alright in the end, apart from the few puckery bits<br />
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I ordered mine from Germany and it cost about £34.<br />
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Ebay and amazon sell it as well:-<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Intex-68881NP-Ultra-Daybed-Lounge/dp/B00GH7DJN0" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.co.uk/Intex-68881NP-Ultra-Daybed-Lounge/dp/B00GH7DJN0</a><br />
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Must admit I'm not really a fan of inflatables, but throw in a bit of quirkyness and I will give anything a try<br />
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<b>Basic spec information:-</b><br />
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #363636; font-family: Arial, sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
FEATURES:</div>
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #363636; font-family: Arial, sans-serif, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.6000003814697px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 25px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="line-height: 20px;">Quality tested 26.4 gauge (0.66mm) waterproof flocked top with 15 gauge (0.38mm) vinyl sides, and 20 gauge (0.50mm) bottom.</li>
<li style="line-height: 20px;">Detachable backrest for with quick coupling buckles for extra comfort and versatility.</li>
<li style="line-height: 20px;">Extra strong laminated bottom for better durability</li>
<li style="line-height: 20px;">Suitable for both indoors and outdoors.</li>
</ul>
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Weight: 7.7kg</div>
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Size: 75 inch x 21 inch (that is including the back rest, the actual bottom bit is about 10 inch high) For more modern people in 'cm', that equals a lot of 'cm's<br />
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After waiting 2 weeks for a pump with a mains plug, as the only pump I have works from a cigarette lighter in the car, I finally got round to inflating it.<br />
It took about 5 minutes, and the back rest is inflated separately<br />
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The main airbed has a decent sized valve opening (about 3/4 inch round) and also has the option to unscrew this with a plug, so deflating is easy. (apologies picture is crap, but the subject wasn't very riveting)<br />
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<a href="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/misc/Crafty/Round%20Crochet%20Bed%20Cover/IMG_6475_zpsovkdzf3j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/misc/Crafty/Round%20Crochet%20Bed%20Cover/IMG_6475_zpsovkdzf3j.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Just to make it awkward, the back rest has the usual stick your tongue in it to open it up enough to get any air in. So it took a few minutes on top to inflate this as well.<br />
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The back rest unclips so it can be used without this - however, I like the option with it on so you have some support for reading<br />
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<a href="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/misc/Crafty/Round%20Crochet%20Bed%20Cover/IMG_6403_zps4msustxl.jpg?1425138993010" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/misc/Crafty/Round%20Crochet%20Bed%20Cover/IMG_6403_zps4msustxl.jpg?1425138993010" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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Fully inflated<br />
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Strangely the rim of the airbed is slightly higher 'dimples', but you dont notice it when you lie down.</div>
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And without the back rest</div>
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<a href="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/misc/Crafty/Round%20Crochet%20Bed%20Cover/IMG_6402_zps6ijbr68i.jpg?1425138993010" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/misc/Crafty/Round%20Crochet%20Bed%20Cover/IMG_6402_zps6ijbr68i.jpg?1425138993010" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The bottom of it is a re-inforced material, not something I have seen on an Intex before<br />
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<a href="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/misc/Crafty/Round%20Crochet%20Bed%20Cover/IMG_6476_zps2r7oyqxm.jpg?1425138990670&1425138993010" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/misc/Crafty/Round%20Crochet%20Bed%20Cover/IMG_6476_zps2r7oyqxm.jpg?1425138990670&1425138993010" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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So nothing more to do than glamp it up...</div>
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Firstly a decent sized sheet - round sheets are a ridiculous price. I used a basic rectangular standard superking flat sheet as I wanted to cover the back rest as well. A king would easily be big enough if the back rest isn't used</div>
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<a href="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/misc/Crafty/Round%20Crochet%20Bed%20Cover/IMG_6405_zpss0gf4v6z.jpg?1425138993010" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/misc/Crafty/Round%20Crochet%20Bed%20Cover/IMG_6405_zpss0gf4v6z.jpg?1425138993010" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Voila!</div>
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<b>And then the ultimate test..Tarquin....</b></div>
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A model reclining position...</div>
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A la Bone</div>
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<a href="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/misc/Crafty/Round%20Crochet%20Bed%20Cover/IMG_6422_zpsryhdskld.jpg?1425138993010" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/misc/Crafty/Round%20Crochet%20Bed%20Cover/IMG_6422_zpsryhdskld.jpg?1425138993010" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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What are you doing....?!!!!</div>
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'I'm just puffying smooching up the corner a bit'...<br />
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But it looks a blummin mess now!<br />
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<a href="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/misc/Crafty/Round%20Crochet%20Bed%20Cover/IMG_6447_zpsudr3meqx.jpg?1425138990670&1425138993010" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/misc/Crafty/Round%20Crochet%20Bed%20Cover/IMG_6447_zpsudr3meqx.jpg?1425138990670&1425138993010" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Is a nice pillow, see</div>
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<a href="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/misc/Crafty/Round%20Crochet%20Bed%20Cover/IMG_6448_zpskka2jxk4.jpg?1425138990670&1425138993010" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/misc/Crafty/Round%20Crochet%20Bed%20Cover/IMG_6448_zpskka2jxk4.jpg?1425138990670&1425138993010" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Quit messing, I need to deflate it...</div>
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<a href="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/misc/Crafty/Round%20Crochet%20Bed%20Cover/IMG_6451_zps8jsxpcid.jpg?1425138990670&1425138993010" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/misc/Crafty/Round%20Crochet%20Bed%20Cover/IMG_6451_zps8jsxpcid.jpg?1425138990670&1425138993010" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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So in summary, a definite hit with a labrador....</div>
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The size is fine and could be slept on with or without the back cushion clipped on. I bought mine more as a day bed/sofa for lounging about on.</div>
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Overall it seems a better quality than normal with the reinforced bottom.<br />
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Comfort is much the same as any inflatable air bed (you dont notice the dimpled surface)</div>
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It comes with a small repair patch as standard (tbh I dont think I have ever actually used one of these patches, as the problem is usually locating the hole anyway)</div>
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deflation was quick and easy - rolling up no problem (after thousands of bell tent rolling, a round bed isnt going to be an issue)<br />
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So pretty pleased with it - the test will be how long it lasts.....<br />
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<a href="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/misc/Crafty/Round%20Crochet%20Bed%20Cover/IMG_6455_zpsndq0svee.jpg?1425138990670&1425138993010" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/misc/Crafty/Round%20Crochet%20Bed%20Cover/IMG_6455_zpsndq0svee.jpg?1425138990670&1425138993010" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEC_LTY_7jY-YowaAC3DaZqXz4dNMdq1PmpW21EQTHF1emIIFqm0_3Z5U-I4mphReO3_8Dks3SkwsSzqJNFHx-tvFm-HWoTn-FXmX64UIbhs-MENx1I0bk6F1TBLZRdSkutYfJkg40_Q8a/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEC_LTY_7jY-YowaAC3DaZqXz4dNMdq1PmpW21EQTHF1emIIFqm0_3Z5U-I4mphReO3_8Dks3SkwsSzqJNFHx-tvFm-HWoTn-FXmX64UIbhs-MENx1I0bk6F1TBLZRdSkutYfJkg40_Q8a/s400/3.jpg" width="312" /></a>It finally went camping, and I used it on a non ehu site. The battery pump I had was a bit useless with it (a cheap gelert one), so I ended up purchasing a coleman 4d pump (about £12) which worked perfectly.<br />
The bed however was surprisingly comfy, and the back rest worked well. After the dog started hogging it, the back rest did get detached at night to give me more room<br />
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<br />Bells & Labshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10616794431269069304noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511830915476113380.post-32589845623443909532014-12-04T19:45:00.000+00:002015-02-12T10:18:56.171+00:00Playing catch up on the blogging...I have managed to miss reporting on the majority of trips this year, so will endeavour to try a bit harder next year...<br />
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But here is a quick summary of a few trips this year (I'm pretty sure I've missed loads), which included....<br />
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Nantcol 2014, where the 6m was given the French makeover, and Tarquin was trusted with not eating it for 10 days<br />
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The bell tent facebook group at Britchcombe in Oxfordshire, where Tarq made a new friend<br />
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Stratford Overland Show - not a tent to be seen - Just me, Tillie, Tarq and fox shit</div>
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A trip to Hayles Fruit Farm again. Tarq was impressed with help yourself fruit. The Toerag got its first use with the inner<br />
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A dogless few days at the Wilderness Gathering, near Stonehenge. This time in the 5m Nordisk Tipi. Where men are men (in skirts) and women are ...well a bit weird. Made a lot of useless, sorry invaluable crafty things. Rush mats, gill nets, twine.... and ate...and drank....<br />
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(convinced this was Hugh Dennis in disguise)<br />
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Home made bread. Tasted a bit vile with her special gluten flour. Was ok with Homepride<br />
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Spoon whittling...been 3 years in the making so far..one day..it will be finished...<br />
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an invaluable gill net. should I find myself lost, by a river, in need of a stickleback fry up<br />
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A weekend doggy sitting at Kingsbury water park...Just me, Tarq and Biscuit..no shoes...no sleep...no peace.... (5m Nordisk Tipi's first trip)<br />
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And yet another 3 trips back to Nantcol..!<br />
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Finally a foggy trip to Brook Meadow in Northants in November....<br />
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and ok...a week in the caravan at Bude :) Where Tarq got hives and turned into bubblewrap, within half hour of getting there<br />
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stopover in plymouth on the way..<br />
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vet bill of £150 for Mr bubblewrap</div>
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looking for bell tent goodies<br />
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recovered</div>
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Roll on 2015....</div>
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<br />Bells & Labshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10616794431269069304noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511830915476113380.post-65101876973421372432014-07-17T17:57:00.000+01:002015-07-24T12:53:58.237+01:00Another re-vamp jobbyYes another project....<br />
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I saw a steamer trunk on ebay that was refurbed - basically canvas ripped off, sanded and sealed...and I wanted it<br />
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So safe in the knowledge I would win hands down, i left a reserve of £70 on the shill bidder, and waited for the notification I had won<br />
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Well, was a bit bloody ambitious as it actually sold for £235. So back to the drawing board<br />
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For the pricely sum of £30 i got a trunk that would be the shape etc i needed, plus a lift out tray (dunno why, but this was on my list of NEED)<br />
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No idea if it had wood underneath it even, but was prepared to give it a go<br />
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So threw it in the shed for 2 weeks, before i was brave enough to take it out and tackle it<br />
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Nice hey?</div>
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Inside is a bit manky, and still need to do this</div>
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Scraping a bit to see if there is any wood underneath...<br />
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Oh, stuff it, just go for it...Gulp<br />
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Stripped, but loads of crappy bits stuck under all the banding. Horrible job. Fingers hurt :(<br />
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Sides look a bit rough :(</div>
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Bit of sanding and starting to look better :)</div>
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Stripped!!!<br />
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There is brass under the black catches<br />
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A coat of wax..<br />
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Just drying off now<br />
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And I'm pretty pleased with it! Still need to glue one of the side handles, and line the inner. Will update when its done (if ever)<br />
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Had it's first outing on an overnighter to Kingsbury Water Park<br />
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Just need to do the interior still....<br />
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Bells & Labshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10616794431269069304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511830915476113380.post-58989429334206432352014-07-08T21:14:00.000+01:002014-07-08T21:14:47.859+01:00Tarquin does Nantcol...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well it would have filled a whole blog if i tried to fit him in, so he gets his own entry here.....<br />
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A whole new adventure, sea, sand, rivers, his nephew Biscuit, guy ropes and tents for 10 days. Doggy bliss<br />
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<b>Rocks!!! Rocks!! WOW!</b></h3>
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OK...So we start the day with coffee</h3>
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So this will definitely keep the midges away? honest?</h3>
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Splish splosh, paddling time</h3>
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Wahhhahh I am the sand monster</h3>
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Wahhh, is ruining my hair. I shall tuck up my ears, like so</h3>
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Woo hoooo...hold on...who's that coming?</h3>
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Blummin great!!! Biscuit!!! Over here!!!</h3>
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Brilliant these tent wing things, we can play under them </h3>
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and on them....</h3>
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Lay still, I missed a bit of suncream...just here...</h3>
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Give me a big kiss to say thank you...<br />...'yuk'</h3>
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And i know they think it's just like a holiday romance...what....you're a boy as well?!</h3>
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I know, I know, lets play dentists!!! err yes Mr Biscuit, it seems to be one of your back molars...</h3>
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I'll soon sort that out for you....sqshhhhhh......waahhahahaa...pmsl</h3>
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ok ok it was just a joke....you can share my toy</h3>
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Nope mum, not tired at all. cmon cmon</h3>
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wahhh not towel drying time</h3>
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can we play in the river now, please please</h3>
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mums drowning, we have to save her</h3>
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Geroffff! Its my turn to be Lassie</h3>
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Saved :)</h3>
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Biscuit over here, I need help</h3>
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Are you getting tireds yet? Shall we give in</h3>
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Am knackereds....</h3>
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The End</h3>
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<br />Bells & Labshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10616794431269069304noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511830915476113380.post-46769102287292151172014-05-21T17:05:00.000+01:002014-05-21T17:08:31.320+01:00Sad news, and new beginningsHaven't felt much like posting lately on here, as I lost Homer when we returned from our holiday in Northumberland in April. left a very large hole which i am trying to fill at the moment. It pretty much rips your heart out losing your best mate, whatever the age or consequences are.<br />
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The best mate ever..<br />
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As we were aware that Homers demise was imminent, I took the plunge and got my name down for a pup. Probably sounds a bit heartless, but we needed to fill the void he left<br />
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I had one 'dogless' camp, well Barley came, but tbh she spends more time in everyone elses kitchen tents than she does by my side. So a visit to Thistledown over the easter bank holiday, saw many of us campers reunited for the first camp of the year<br />
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Lazy days at Thistledown<br />
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Anyway the new pup, 'Tarquin' (apologies, but he was never going to be called Fido or Marley) is now duly collected and parcelled and settled in my home at the grand old age of 10 weeks. With great delight I can report that he seems to be a perfect example of an unruly badly behaved pig ignorant labrador. There are many deja vu moments, which we have put down to the 'voices' he is hearing (I'm sure Homer hasn't bowed out of our lives that silently). Day 1 saw a natural progression to diving into the coffee cup, a distinct lack of interest in dog food, and an overly keen interest in fondant fancies. Tarquin is finding the tomato 'knob' ends a bit unusual, but is prepared to widen his culinary tastes as much as possible. I will try the walnut test, if he walks away from them, I know the voices are well and truly influencing his poor naive head<br />
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Our new addition<br />
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Testing Tillie for size<br />
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And yes, first camp is booked in. At the grand age of 11 weeks I am taking 'pissquick' away to Yorkshire next weekend. Will try and update a bit more frequently... if I ever get round to it. <br />
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<br />Bells & Labshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10616794431269069304noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511830915476113380.post-29345425340821736202014-01-25T19:24:00.002+00:002014-02-01T20:00:34.269+00:00Remember me...I'm still around...Haven't done any blogging for a while, and totally behind on last years excursions, so have given up and forgotten all about them<br />
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It's been a vile 3 months, as Homer was diagnosed with terminal cancer in October. I'm neurotic he is going to keel over every second, but at the moment he is fine and as much of a nightmare as he ever was. Massive tumour, removed, but spread to his lymph nodes, so outlook is bleak<br />
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But my little bald dog is sat on my foot as I write this, so for that I am grateful, and I will enjoy his company for as long as he decides to stay with me<br />
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The small 3m bell tent came out at New Year and was camped on a delectable site in Plymouth (the daughters back garden). 4 days of storms and heavy rain, it threw off the weather admirably, and was nice to snuggle with my little mutt again<br />
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Looking to 2014, I have a few camps booked, one to Thistledown in Gloucs (where i went this year, but pretty certain I didnt blog it, so you can have all the glorious details this year), and another back to Nantcol for this years big meet. After last years Fairy themed Sunday, we are going with Monsters and Aliens this year. Not your average girly type hen party fancy dress, but then we're not your average group of women<br />
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So back to today, on the crafty tenty side I decided I wanted to shabby chic/french stencil/ruin a piece of furniture<br />
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Unfortunately everyone is doing the same thing, so after searching on ebay for that elusive piece of gorgeous furniture to makeover, and finding that the only things in my price range were 3 legged tables, chairs with stuffing hanging out, broken lamps and ikea laminated desks, i gave up.<br />
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Grudgingly visited my mum yesterday (i know, i know, ungrateful child, but its hard work visiting the oldies in my action packed life) and robbed her. Walked away with a small table she had no use for - it's ok she has another 10 small tables that she has no use for, so it wasn't totally barbaric<br />
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Did a bit of googling and found the 'recipe' for chalk paint (as opposed to buying Annie Sloane Ranger chalk paint which was as cost effective as Nectar). So first mission was to find plaster of paris - initial thoughts were I have to break my arm, and and ask nicely for some surplus stock while in A & E. Turns out hobbycraft sell it (£2 per kilo - loads more than needed)<br />
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Then went to B & Q to fetch paint to mix in with it. Left B&Q empty handed, went home and checked which paint I needed (gloss, silk emulsion, satin emulsion, enamel, clueless?) Evidently I needed 'latex' paint only available from the local DIY hardware chains located in California and the Western coast of America.<br />
Went back to B & Q and just bought a tester pot of emulsion (Dulux Bitter Chocolate Shade 3, £3, used less than half the tester pot). Also bought a small tester pot of poo brown for the stencilling.<br />
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I forgot to mention the stencil. I ordered a stencil last week and it was delivered. I have a stencil now (Must google what it translates as, as not entirely sure what 'Moulins of the Provence' are)<br />
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First job, saw the legs down, hope it doesnt fall to bits, but it's too high for the bell tent (not saying that the bell tent is less than 18 inch high)<br />
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Also for some reason there are 3 connecting 'facia' bits (sure they have a technical name but not being a carpenter havent a clue), and one end hasn't got any - either at the top of bottom. So once legs were sawn off, i robbed the bottom piece and 'hard as nailed' it to the top, so it looks the same from all angles. <br />
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I have no idea why they sell tables with 3 sides finished, other than to humour my mothers requirements. It will have been bought from one of those 'Old and infirm, we want your money' leaflets they seem to send to my mum and no one else. I narrowly escaped a 'nice silk shawl with butterflies on it, like I always wear' for xmas...<br />
1. I dont ever wear silky shawls, never mind ones with butterflies. <br />
2. I am so glad there are other mothers out there who bought the entire stock for their daughters<br />
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Anyway, next step throw a layer of chalky plaster of paris paint mix onto my table (quite apt i was putting plaster of paris on its broken legs really)<br />
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Wait half hour. Get bored. Throw second coat on. Smudge first coat. Wait an hour and repeat process<br />
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Wait an hour. Get stencil out of packet. Throw on table. Splodge through open bits with brown tester<br />
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Wait again.... (im useless at this waiting stuff, have no patience)<br />
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1 hour later, got the sandpaper and rubbed off in appropriate 'where it would wear off' places. Table now resembles exactly the same as it did after the first coat of paint (neednt have bothered with subsequent layers really)<br />
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When it was nicely dried overnight (2 hours later), I found some Ronseal liming wax in the shed, so splodged a load of this on to protect it. <br />
Although it is highly unlikely to get broken in the future armed with his plaster of paris armour.<br />
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And there you have it. Mums old 3 sided table lovingly made over for the bell tent (translated as more crap I have to force into the camping trailer)<br />
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And another picture with props, because google images demand props see. Although not sure middle of kitchen will be its natural habitat<br />
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(blobby paint bits are because its still wet...hopefully)</div>
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The End<br />
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PS: Happy to report after being left alone overnight, all splodges have dried nicely<br />
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PPS: Moulins de Provence translates to 'Mills Provence'<br />
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PPPS: No idea what Mills Provence is either. Have googled it again and it comes up with '<span class="st">A bakery, cafe, meeting place offering fresh baked goods, sandwiches, soups'. No doubt my table will be a meeting place for all that fodder as well....</span></div>
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<h2>
Still on the stencilling....</h2>
Plain Jute rug (b & q) + stencils off ebay sat in cupboard for last 2 years....+ black dylon fabric paint<br />
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Before..<br />
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After...<br />
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(and i know what this translates to :) )<br />
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what will hopefully be a table runner from a scrap of cheapo calico...<br />
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And finally...the camping cupboard got a makeover too....<br />
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Mr Bump is still hidden underneath it though...<br />
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Bells & Labshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10616794431269069304noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511830915476113380.post-67179805898285868982013-07-30T18:56:00.000+01:002013-07-30T21:02:47.871+01:00Treasure and flip flops in Rome<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Day 1 </h2>
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No camping involved, but a 3 day getaway to Rome. Purchased on Groupon from a dodgy Travel Company for the OH's birthday, it was no hardship going along with him (well it was sometimes tbh)<br />
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After checking with the airline and hotel that they actually had our bookings, we flew to Rome early Sunday morning<br />
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Customs were interesting. 15 minutes while my bag was packed, repacked, pulled apart. It was a teensy cabin bag, so wasn't really expecting this. It turns out my 'flick knife' was causing concern. Once the whole of Birmingham Airport had seen my entire baggage contents, and luckily just before the anal searches started, they found the 'flick knife'<br />
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<em>I am just composing my letter to boots about their travel toothbrush design</em><br />
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<em></em><br />
<br />
Dropped the bags off quick at the hotel and planned to go straight out, but I couldn't work out why the wet wipes I used kept changing purple. It was only when the OH said you are purple all over that I had to investigate further. On taking off my practical new purple t-shirt, it seems that 99% of the dye was now adhered to my body. It took 3 showers to actually remove all trace of the bloody dye. Now i know I am gruffalo obsessive, but I have no intention of walking round with purple prickles all over my blummin back<br />
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<em>A quick rinse....</em><br />
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The plan was to do a few geocaches around Rome so that we could take in the sites, but find some of the more offbeat places on the way. As a large amount of walking was planned, we both brought out heavy walking boots. At 34 degrees, these were perhaps a bit impractical, so first call was kitting Steve (the other half) out in flip flops. Easy task you would think, but obviously no. To most people wearing flip flops is a simple process. But it transpires Steve has flipflopphobia. So 3 hours of whinging, moaning and ranting followed. He would not put his toes in the shoe as he got blisters. Then he moaned they were too small and his feet were hanging over (which they were because he wouldn't put his bloody toes in them)<br />
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<em>Getting the hang of them now...</em><br />
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Didn't get an awful lot done the first day apart from a few geocaches mainly around the colloseum, but at least Gruffs is a bit of an expert now (he was more pleasant company than Steve and his bloody flip flops by now)<br />
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It was getting late so we finished off with a meal and a few cocktails. Shame the youngsters can't keep up<br />
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We obviously drank more than the average tourist as they started serving us every bit of left over food in the building<br />
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Then it was back to the tube for the trip home. I'm not sure what speed these actually travel at, but I think they actually warp from station to station faster than the speed of light....<br />
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Had the usual game of spot the 'looky likey' on the tube<br />
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Amazingly, after ridiculous amounts of alcohol this actually was Jeff Goldblum, and was referred to as 'The Fly' all the way home<br />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Day 2</h2>
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Up bright and early to do the tourist bits, visiting the sistine chapel, vatican etc. <br />
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We were stopped on the way in as we had to cover our shoulders and knees. Had to buy a couple of scarves so we could go in. Unfortunately a bit got lost in translation, so Steve thought he had to cover his knees as well (being 4ft 2" there wasn't a lot showing anyway) . On re-entry the security pulled him aside and asked him to remove the scarf as it wasn't a 'carnival'...oops....<br />
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<em>David Beckham eat your heart out...</em><br />
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Brief walk up the basilica (551 steps in 34 degrees was interesting)<br />
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<em>Just have to walk down again now..</em></div>
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More steps...</div>
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Inside St Peters</div>
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Think I would have been bodily removed if I took pics of Gruffs lighting a candle, so I didn't attempt it<br />
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No photo's allowed in the sistine chapel, so here is a photo in the sistine chapel from behind a newspaper...<br />
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loads of corridors like this, so took stupid amounts of pics and have to post them now<br />
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woohoo the pope has a veedub!!<br />
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i dont think he actually wanted it, it was a present. Makes a change from bibles and rosary beads i suppose<br />
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Gruff sized carriages<br />
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Brief stop for a ice cream complete with pope wafer...<br />
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A scared looking Gruff being accosted by some strange beggar woman. (he had no money on him, didn't want to buy an umbrella/scarf/hat so dunno why she robbed him)</div>
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In the afternoon we went mooching again, combined a couple of geocaches with the sights.<br />
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The Spanish Steps were hard work for Gruffs little legs<br />
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Then next stop was the Trevi fountain</div>
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Cmon Gruffs make a wish...<br />
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well...it seems to have worked...</div>
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Stop for ice creams was longer than expected as we sat rattling to some brits for about 2 hours</div>
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Then back to the colosseum for more alcohol and a meal before another early start tomorrow</div>
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Day 3</h2>
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Yet more geocaching around Circus Maximus and the Forum</div>
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Spartacus race track....(actually is just a grassy bit now - you need a good imagination for Rome)</div>
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Then a walk up through the parks to out of the centre as I wanted to visit a keyhole....</div>
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So up to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_del_Priorato_di_Malta" target="_blank">Villa Malta</a> until we found a few people hanging around a door</div>
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Steve first....</div>
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Then gruffs of course...</div>
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Then trying to poke the camera through to get a picture...</div>
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And off we went!</div>
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A visit to the mouth of truth next</div>
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Had to queue</div>
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Gruffs escaped unscathed, but that little crappy mouse would have been eaten for being a nasty liar</div>
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Finally back to the colosseum to actually get in when it was open..</div>
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Went to check the colosseum geocache, but they obviously take this geocaching very seriously in Rome. It had it's own security parked by it </div>
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Did finally log it, and got 2 trackables, one from canada and 1 from Austria which was exciting. The unfortunate people who left them there will now find I have removed them and took them to craphole in the Midlands</div>
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Bloody hot at the colosseum</div>
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Another meal in 'gay street'. We were treated to an outdoor disco tonight</div>
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And thats about it!</div>
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Quick tear arse across rome in the morning (we were late) and back to Birmingham for 1pm</div>
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An emotional reunion...</div>
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Bells & Labshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10616794431269069304noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511830915476113380.post-2448130815852651632013-06-30T18:12:00.000+01:002013-07-02T23:07:53.405+01:00Another Poly Jobby - Tepee Meadow tent<h2>
EUROHIKE</h2>
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Tepee Meadow Floral Tent</h1>
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<a href="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/Flowery%205m%20Poly/P1030149_zps5a2cc3c7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n129/valbarley/Flowery%205m%20Poly/P1030149_zps5a2cc3c7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Milletts have a sale on, so it would have been rude not to get one of their <a href="http://www.blacks.co.uk/equipment/112670-eh-tepee-meadow-flor-multi-0.html&cm_mmc=googleshop-_-shopping-_-feed-_-all?gclid=CISZ0dubjLgCFUfKtAodPCIAug" target="_blank">poly tepees</a>. Reduced from £300 (not worth that) to £120 (ok) I can stick it in the tent warehouse as another 'if I have to lend a tent they can use this one'. </div>
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OK I admit I had a couple of ciders and pressed the buy it button in a stupor</div>
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Now the actual spec on the Milletts site doesnt give dimensions, so it was a bit of a shot in the dark, but was ok for a small poly quick pitch. Arrived within 24 hours and I got round to taking it into the garden today</div>
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Laid it out and it soon became apparent the mini tent wasnt so mini, and a trip to the park was required</div>
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So dragging it out the car and past the local Albanian community, playing crap music at stupid levels in the car park, from a non insured, non MOT'ed heap of junk car, I had a lovely summer afternoon (well half hour) pitching it</div>
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It was pretty windy which made it more interesting</div>
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Same principle as the bells - peg all around the base, insert the pole and guy</div>
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It was soon up and pitched </div>
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Decent adjusters on the base</div>
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Adjustable centre pole - choice of 3 options to screw into</div>
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Windows closed in this pic</div>
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Windows open and looking up at the separate poly hat at the top (not a problem pitching, unlike the indian lake one which was a right b&!*ard....)</div>
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Mesh interior door<br />
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Rear view<br />
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No instructions whatsoever supplied for the tarp. As i had already pitched the main tent, it was lucky the centre pole drops down - as you actually velcro strap it to the top, just under the hat<br />
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There are then 2 clips on the side, 3 guy ropes and a centre pole (there is no centre/entrance pole in the main tent)<br />
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Mesh panels under the 3 windows<br />
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Close up of the fabric<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="color: orange;">Good Points</span></strong></div>
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<div property="v:itemreviewed">
<ul>
<li>quick pitch</li>
<li>Spacious</li>
<li>Tarp included</li>
<li>Plenty of windows</li>
<li>Plenty of ventilation</li>
<li>pretty!</li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<strong><span style="color: orange;">Bad Points</span></strong><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Poor pitching instructions</li>
<li>A lot of ventilation may be draughty with all the mesh in colder weather - strictly a summer tent</li>
<li>usual crap pegs, throw them in the bin</li>
<li>thin material</li>
<li>Although a 5m footprint, there is no more room than the 4m bell tent due to the tepee shape</li>
<li>Centre pole isn't very substantial, I would take a spare section of pole, and cable tie it to the original, to reinforce if its windy</li>
</ul>
Overall, you pretty much get what you pay for. Fun for the summer, quick enough pitch. In honesty I prefer the mucky brown <a href="http://bellsandlabs.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/plastic%20bell%20tent" target="_blank">teabag poly bell</a>. Purely as its simpler to pitch and has less to go wrong. It won't stand much adverse weather as the strength isn't there <br />
<br />
<br />
<div property="v:itemreviewed">
</div>
<div property="v:itemreviewed">
Specifications on website are as follows:-</div>
<div property="v:itemreviewed">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="template_table" summary="Features table">
<tbody>
<tr><th><label class="details_feature_label">Hydrostatic Head:</label></th><td>3000mm</td></tr>
<tr><th><label class="details_feature_label">Material Feature:</label></th><td>185T Polyester</td></tr>
<tr><th><label class="details_feature_label">Pack Dimensions:</label></th><td>87 x 25cm</td></tr>
<tr><th><label class="details_feature_label">Pitching Time:</label></th><td>10 mins</td></tr>
<tr><th><label class="details_feature_label">Repair Kit Included:</label></th><td>No</td></tr>
<tr><th><label class="details_feature_label">Rucksack Frame Material:</label></th><td>Steel</td></tr>
<tr><th><label class="details_feature_label">Standing room:</label></th><td>Yes</td></tr>
<tr><th><label class="details_feature_label">Weight Kilos:</label></th><td>10.5kg</td></tr>
<tr><th><label class="details_feature_label">Additional Notes:</label></th><td>Large, spacious Teepee. Front large tarp for extra space or sun canopy</td></tr>
<tr><th><label class="details_feature_label">Aesthetics and Special Features:</label></th><td>Quick and easy to pitch. Large PVC windows for excellent views</td></tr>
<tr><th><label class="details_feature_label">Berth:</label></th><td>10</td></tr>
<tr><th><label class="details_feature_label">Brand:</label></th><td>EUROHIKE</td></tr>
<tr><th><label class="details_feature_label">Colour:</label></th><td>Multi</td></tr>
<tr><th><label class="details_feature_label">Colour Coded Poles:</label></th><td>No</td></tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<div property="v:itemreviewed">
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Bells & Labshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10616794431269069304noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511830915476113380.post-87675390350895143262013-06-05T20:39:00.000+01:002013-06-05T20:39:49.287+01:00Out and about...Nantcol..again...last but one part...<br />
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After dragging my eldest daughter and Rocket Banger up the hill in the morning in their pj's, we decided to visit the local beach at Harlech, and Harlech castle<br />
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<em>Rocket Banger got her first visit to the beach</em></div>
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<em>Homer decided to do a spot of fishing - I'm not sure he has the right techniques though...'here fishy fishy'</em></div>
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<em>The beaches were stunning...Barley particularly liked them</em></div>
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<em>even had a family photo shoot...</em></div>
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Moving on, we drove up to Harlech Castle via a route very similar to the Snowdon one. The car would have benefitted from crampons getting up the hill.</div>
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<em>The sign at the entrance was very welcoming for any would be suicidal maniacs</em></div>
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<em>Fully in fairy mode I wanted to be a druid and proceeded to haunt my way round the castle</em></div>
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I set a challenge to the others that they had to get a picture of the painting that an artist on the steps was doing....Christie being as weird as me had already taken exactly the same picture so it wasnt much of a challenge<br />
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<em>I'm not sure it will be for sale in the gift shops any time soon...</em></div>
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<em>Harlech Castle</em></div>
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<em>again...</em></div>
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So after climbing every one of the turrets, inestigating every nook cranny and hole in the walls, we were finished<br />
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As a reward for not only exercising but doing something educational, we drove to Knickerbockers in Barmouth. Big decision time choosing which combination of ice cream to have :)<br />
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<em>I'll have a scoop of bubblegum, rice pudding and branston pickle flavour please...</em></div>
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<em>A random bear minding his own business on the sea front</em></div>
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<em>Barmouth lifeboat, but no major disasters happening at the time, so it was a bit disappointing</em></div>
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Back to the campsite and waved goodbye to eldest daughter and rocket banger...</div>
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(don't worry it's nearly over now...)</div>
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<em>Another dysfunctional family photo</em></div>
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Bells & Labshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10616794431269069304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511830915476113380.post-35591031261207435062013-06-03T22:26:00.000+01:002013-06-03T22:26:15.815+01:00More mountains castles and stuff ...Part 2As usual there was quite a lot of alcohol drunk over the week at Nantcol, but I am very happy to report that everyone kept their decorum very well (cough splutter)<br />
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Round the campfire on the first night everyone was just unwinding and in a nice drunken haze when Rach appeared. It's amazing how stone cold sober everyone suddenly became once Rach crawled amongst us over the tripod with a bottle of red wine in her hand. Lack of chairs wasn't a problem as Rach snuggled up on everyones laps/backs/floor<br />
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<em>Hiya Rach!</em></div>
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Within 5 minutes she had asked us all if anyone would like to see her tits? (the women all said no, the men were suitably quiet with their fingers crossed hoping she might do it anyway). We managed to persuade her they were much safer in her nice woolly cardy, but she didnt give up lightly. She agreed to keep them in as long as she could have a full body paint the next day. So we all agreed, although after 3 days of Rach on a bender it would make more sense if she had been body painted as a bottle of red wine from the start<br />
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Being relatively sober I offered to walk Rach back to her tent (not a lot of choice really as Rach was convinced her tent was in the opposite direction). Walking back I came across another group of our lot snuggled round the campfire. I had 2 options...<br />
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1. Do the honourable thing and introduce Rach quickly and walk her back<br />
2. Introduce Rach quickly and run in the opposite direction, so passing on 'Rach duties' to the next group<br />
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I chose option 2. Well I tried to. Until Margo caught me up and pleaded with me not to leave the rach time bomb there. Hmmphhh... So with some new recruits we walked Rach back and dumped her quick<br />
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In fairness she wasn't the only one to crawl round the campsite. Cathys partner Alan was a very quiet character and only actually joined us round the campfire after a few days had passed. I think he found the whole prospect a bit daunting and had a few beers in the day to relax him. By the time he got to the campfire he was so 'relaxed' he fell off his chair after 10 minutes and just crawled off down the field in a blur<br />
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<em>We even had musical accompaniment on one night</em></div>
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In the days we were all pretty sober though and did actually manage to get up and out<br />
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Me, my daughter Christie and her BF Matt decided we were going to go up Snowdon. So up nice and early we drove the 30 mile to the bottom off the mountain with our newly purchased walking boots, a packet of blister plasters and enough food to feed a Everest expedition<br />
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<em>and we're off..</em></div>
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The problem we had was although i have done the route a few times, it was very misty. After the lakes you hit a bit where you have to climb the boulders, and on looking down I did suggest we take a sort of compass reading to make sure we came back down the same way...But we all agreed we just needed to get our bearings from the lake and would be fine<br />
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A quick rest on the way up at the 'bus stop'. We managed to catch up with the man with the prosthetic leg here, who had overtaken us a while before<br />
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<em>The moment when we realise the summit is just over to the left - the views obviously made it all worthwhile...</em></div>
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<em>At the top...hooray!! </em></div>
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Once at the top I invested in some new gloves and a sweatshirt. Bliss! warm and toasty coming down. Which was just as well, as we got lost again. <br />
The lake where we were supposed to take our bearings wasn't there anymore. There was mist. Everywhere.<br />
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So we tore down at a very impressive pace, even though we hadn't actually got a clue where the path had disappeared to. We managed to regain a trace of a path and after 10 mins I realised we were on the pyg path, as opposed to the miner one we had come up on. I dont like the pyg path :(. So sort of having my bearings went for a bit of a mooch to see if there was a way to traverse down to the miners...<br />
As I went lower, yayyy, the mist cleared and I could see the path below that we wanted, it was just a matter of getting down (and convincing Matt and Christie we weren't going to die. Although we had the conversation several times on the way up of who we would eat first once the jelly babies ran out, so we all knew where we were in the pecking order)<br />
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<em>The mist clears, and we are supposed to be down there</em>...</div>
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<em>Christie was easy to convince that it was a doddle just getting down to the other path (bear in mind she has inherited my warped genes...)</em></div>
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<em>A pic taken when I walked up snowdon in the summer, showing the route we went and the route we should have taken....</em></div>
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Safely at the bottom, we drove back with a short detour to Beddgelert to see Gelerts grave (is more of a annual pilgrimage, I have visited this dogs grave more than my dads i think)<br />
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<em>Bggry Snowdon when the mist cleared</em></div>
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My other daughter arrived with Rocket Banger that evening, so we had their company for the next couple of days...<br />
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Bells & Labshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10616794431269069304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511830915476113380.post-47611639122375811042013-05-29T22:37:00.000+01:002013-05-30T00:09:19.798+01:00Fairies and waterfalls in the mountains...Part 1...(it's bound to drag on)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So it finally arrived, the big '50' Nantcol meet. What started as a random comment by Cathy 'I want to dress as a fairy'....quickly developed into a camping meet where a load of solo campers, middle aged women and their reluctant OH's all agreed it would be fun to dress as fairies and elves or anything quite magical (no unicorns were in attendance).<br />
Now the men weren't as forthcoming with the enthusiasm, so we were a bit thin on the ground for nights in shining armour, but you can't keep a good piss head down and the women were all game for it<br />
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I arrived late Thursday before the droves arrived, Anne and Steve were firmly established on their pitch and gave me much appreciated fairy food (beef curry and rice) to keep me going <br />
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<i>Cmon hurry up and pitch our house....</i></div>
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All pitched Friday evening and completed Saturday morning - not used to this kitchen tent set up now, really should have dragged Tillie there :( <br />
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<i>Not a bad sized solo pitch</i></div>
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Barley decided it would be a good time to develop chronic lameness, and Homer was walking around with his zimmer frame, so I dragged my 2 labrador crocks up the hill just for the sadistic pleasure of it.<br />
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<i>you do realise we have got to walk all the way back down now ??</i></div>
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I popped out Friday morning and got some provisions then took a shortcut back. A crap shortcut. I was within 3 miles of 'home' and managed to take 45 mins to get there. However I am now an incredibly talented gate opener and shutter. To make the detour even more excruciating Homer howled every time i got out the car to open the 20 gates that lined the road around cwm nantcol (cwm contrary to popular belief doesn't mean 'valley', it means 'massive detour around stupid skinny road where sheep stare at you and locks the gates quick before you come round the corner')<br />
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<i>crap shortcut scenic route with 300 gates and not much road</i></div>
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Overlooking the campsite (was a lovely view and well worth the 45 mins excursion. I am lying) I could see everyone setting up. So I hid for 20 mins till it looked like no one needed any help<br />
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Drove down and parked up as I had to 'bagsy' a pitch for my daughter Christie who was arriving Saturday - and would chew my ear off if I didnt save her a pretty patch of grass, within reach of my cooking and kitchen facilities so that she didn't need to bring much<br />
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Everyone arrived stress-free and no diasters to report... (well apart from Rach's camper blowing up and getting a hire car, Intents shedding her trailor all over the A road, Margo's lights not working with the trailor, which meant ditching it and buying a roof box, Ali's exhaust dropping off and requiring welding en route...everything seemed to go to plan nicely) <br />
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Sensibly Margo arrived in plenty of time to get pitched and settled...about 10pm....they started to pitch the bell...<br />
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Daughter (Christie) and her OH arrived the next morning and promptly did their 20 minute Mr Men pitch and were settled<br />
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Ali had deserted her husband and brought along the little un, Tom. Using the invaluable childcare manual, 'The Oldham guide to parenting', she soon had little Tom settled with his can of Koppaberg whilst she pitched up<br />
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In fairness Ali thought the can was empty (which it was cos he had drank it all) and may have been slightly my fault for leaving it nice and handy while we helped Ali pitch.<br />
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And so with the arrival of Gilly & Chris, Flogs & Liz, Christie & Matt, Gulliver, Anne & Steve, Intents and half the valleys kids (some of them she does actually own), Margo & Jerry, Andcow and Paul, Cathy & Alan, Jon & his lad, Rach & Dan, Tim the Giant, Ali & Tom, and a few more kids thrown in belonging to them all. My OH, Steve arrived after everyone else to ensure he had no involvement in pitching or setting up the tent (by my request)<br />
The names have not been changed for reasons of anonymity, I don't know their real names. I think Steve is called Steve though<br />
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The forecast for the Sunday which was to be the 'Fairy Day' was abysmal 6 months prior to us going, but amazingly we woke up to blue skys and an evasive round hot object, which is believed to be known as the 'sun' south of Europe.<br />
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So with a greasy spoon breakfast down our necks, the frivolity began. First up to the Anne face painting salon was Gilly (we all hid behind bushes to see what she came out looking like first)<br />
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Once Gilly was finished with a nicely painted new persona we all started fighting to be next in line<br />
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It was one thing having painted faces but then we were all a bit shy about getting changed. Except Gilly. Yup first up in full fairy attire came our sado masochistic whipping fairy<br />
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So we all went for it and changed into our 'outfits'. So ready to party, my 50th demure party dress was yanked onto me by steve (too bloody tight so I couldn't breathe for the first few hours)<br />
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<i>sitting on cock rock </i></div>
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<i>Time to hit the river... </i></div>
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<i>I have no idea what I am doing either...</i></div>
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<i>Homer obviously wasn't that impressed </i></div>
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<i> A sad but kind of glowy moment, where we all stopped to remember Glynnis who we 'lost' last year. I'm sure she was wearing a tutu looking down on us</i></div>
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After the 'photoshoot' we all caned the booze, a game of musical chairs (where my cruel daughter tried to push me out - no decency in letting birthday girl win at all) At least Barley looks horrified (see I brought one of them up correctly)<br />
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And the bestest ever birthday cake made by Rach!<br />
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<i>My very own edible Tillie!</i></div>
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<i>We were all a bit shy about the dancing..but guess who got up and danced first?? Pure class Gilly's version of Gangam style fuelled by a few glasses of vodka....</i><br />
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<i>Unfortunately I never got the video of Gilly head banging to 'I am the music man', but I'm sure it will appear one day on youtube... </i></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/xGiiuSLhKI4" width="459"></iframe>
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I could go on forever loading pics, so I stuffed them all into a video
(10 minutes of it....) if you haven't got bored of us all yet!<br />
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Was a brilliant day, thank you everyone!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/fnT9nlXLU3U" width="459"></iframe><br />Bells & Labshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10616794431269069304noreply@blogger.com2