The Monet Pond

Not at Giverny, but at Patchings Art Centre just north of Nottingham. When the Art Centre took over the land, it was just farmland. All the trees and this pond have appeared in the intervening 30 years. British Coal (now defunct) loaned the use of the equipment and men to 'sculpt' the landscape of the pond which is modelled on Monet's Garden at Giverny. 

Patchings is very active in promoting amateur art and runs courses throughout the year, holding a big festival with displays of art and photography in mid-July. Some well known names come to give talks.

Throughout the year, there are various exhibitions of art. Pete Bridgewood, who lives in Nottinghamshire, has his own fine art photography gallery there. A photo of Southwell Minster was on display, which I'd seen originally in a show at Southwell two years ago. It just didn't look the same.

I spent one and a half hours just at the pond and did spot the orchids.

A pot of tea and a plate of delicious sandwiches concluded my visit.