Allo, Allo

I popped into out local junk shop yesterday. Well, when I popped in, I meant that I had a rummage through the boxes that the owner had placed outside his shop.

Looking through a box of old telephones, I came across this French Bakelite model, which is dated 14 May 1954. So presumably that would be the date of manufacture. It looked in quite good condition and has this extra earpiece, so that someone can listen in without being heard.

I decided to buy it, as I thought it would make a good prop for a possible photoshoot. I can imagine the scene of two men, obviously spies, sitting and listening to some coded message from their leader.

I wonder where the phone came from. Translating some of the words, it may have been a hotel, as there is 'information', 'fire', 'police' and possibly 'disturbances'.

Hangin' On The Telephone

Walking through the Lace Market, I came across this giant sculpture of a telephone handset.

It's part of a street art exhibition that has been created by students at the Confetti Institute of Creative Technicians, and has been done to promote apprenticeships.

There are apparently around a dozen sculptures dotted across the city. So it will be interesting to see what else the students have created.

You Rang M'Lord

Gail and I travelled to Grantham today, to have a look at a big superstore called Downtown.

It sells all sorts of things from furniture to clothes and gardening supplies.

We had a look around and I saw a wooden office chair, similar in style to one you would see on an old sailing ship. So I just had to sit in it, as I like the sea and maritime nick-nacks. Although I dislike being in the water. Which is an odd thing to say, being a Pisces.

It was very comfortable. And so I just sat there, whilst Gail had a look at some sofas and tables.

On the lovely wooden desk was this replica telephone, that probably someone under the age of 30 wouldn't recognise.

Although it looked like it was made of metal, it was actually very light and so only had a metal coating. To look really good, it should have been made out of Bakelite.

Fare's Fair

I went the the very first Great Nottinghamshire Show this afternoon, which is taking place in a local sports field over the weekend.

There were quite a number of stalls there. Mainly food, which was good, as I got to taste some curry and a small bowl of Paella.  I also bought some old English muffins from a local baker. They look a lot different than the round discs that I normally buy. These still round, but look like cakes. I'm looking forward to trying one with some blackberry jam.

There were a few other stalls, including one promoting the Lakeside Arts Centre. I got chatting to the two who were running the stall. I took a photo of them and Tweeted it, as I follow the centre, and many other local organisations on Twitter. It made them happy, as it proved to their boss that they were working.

I also bumped into someone that I used to work with. He Left a couple of years ago, as he wanted to work for himself. So he set himself up with a mobile coffee van. I saw him a few months ago serving some staff from the local BBC studio. He wasn't in a very good mood though, as he hadn't been able to serve anyone, as there wasn't any power available for his van.

For some reason I didn't find find any inspiring photos to take, until I came across this promotional Smart Car for a local taxi service. I love the telephone handset on the roof. If a giant came along, they could pick the car up by its 'handle'.

Hotline To Love

Hey girls, how would you like this pink telephone in your boudoir? With your boyfriend or husband calling to say how much he loves you!

Well he can go and buy you one from the Tokenhouse, a card and gift shop on Bridalsmithgate, who are promoting Valentine's Day a little early.