Cyclemaina

Beeston born fashion designer Paul Smith was in town today at his wondrous store on Low Pavement to sign copies of his new book about cycling, called 'Paul Smith's Cycling Scrapbook'.

A keen cyclist himself, he also collects cycling memorabilia, such as shirts, programmes etc. Apparently he even cycles around his office and studio, which is based in Covent Garden.

The shop was packed with fans all ages, all queuing up to get the £30 book signed by the author himself. Which was available for the first time today. It was so busy, that I didn't want to ask Paul if he could do a quick pose for me, so I just waited patiently to see if I could get a useable shot without too many people in it, and one that showed Paul, well being Paul.

I've only been in the shop twice before. Once to buy some raffle tickets, and once to take a photo of him signing his previous book about his long and very successful career. For some unexplained reason I always get this strange feeling that I don't belong there. It's odd, as I don't get it in other shops. Maybe because the building, called Willoughby House is nearly 300 years old and has seen lots of things happen in its life.

Having Words

I went to a book launch tonight at I think Nottingham's only independent bookshop called Five Leaves.

The tome called "More Raw Material" has been compiled and published by local poet Neil Fulwood and David Sillitoe, son of late Nottingham author Alan Sillitoe. It is an anthology of poetry and writing by some fifty authors including TV writer and producer Henry Normal, who helped to write The Royale Family, Gavin & Stacey and Alan Partridge.

Five Leaves is quite a small shop, but it was packed with people who had come to hear some of the writers read some of their work. David himself read a couple of his dad's poems.

I bought a copy of the book, which also includes some of David's photos and got it signed. Something to thumb through on these cold winter nights. It might also inspire me to take up the pen and do a bit myself.