#composite doors swindon

[eclipsewindowsanddoors]

Find the Best Deals on Windows and Doors in Swindon Today!

If you're looking to upgrade your home’s windows and doors, now is the perfect time to find the best deals in Swindon. Investing in high-quality windows and doors not only improves your home's aesthetic appeal but also enhances energy efficiency, security, and overall comfort. Whether you’re replacing old, drafty windows or adding a sleek set of sliding doors Swindon to your home, the right choice can make a significant difference. Here’s how to find the best deals on windows and doors in Swindon today!

1. Why UPVC Windows Are a Top Choice

When shopping for windows, UPVC Windows Swindon are one of the most popular and reliable options available. UPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) windows offer excellent thermal efficiency, durability, and low maintenance. The material is resistant to rot, rust, and corrosion, which makes it ideal for Swindon’s often unpredictable weather.

UPVC windows are highly energy-efficient, helping to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. By preventing heat loss, these windows can also reduce your energy bills. Additionally, UPVC windows come in a variety of designs and styles to suit any home, making them a versatile choice for both modern and traditional properties. When searching for deals, keep an eye out for packages that include energy-efficient glazing options to maximize your home’s insulation.

2. Upgrade with Sliding Doors for Modern Living

If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance and functionality to your home, sliding doors Swindon are a perfect option. Sliding doors are a stylish and space-saving solution that allows for easy access to your outdoor spaces, such as patios, gardens, or balconies. They let in ample natural light, giving your home a bright, open feel while providing excellent insulation.

Modern sliding doors come with advanced security features, such as multi-point locking systems, which ensure the safety of your home. They also offer excellent weather resistance, keeping out drafts and moisture during Swindon’s colder months. Many suppliers offer competitive prices on sliding doors, especially when purchased as part of a full home upgrade package with windows. Be sure to compare deals to find the perfect set of sliding doors that meet your needs and budget.

3. Finding the Best Deals

When searching for the best deals on windows and doors in Swindon, it’s essential to shop around and compare prices from different suppliers. Many local businesses offer seasonal promotions, discounts on bulk purchases, or special deals for complete home upgrades. Start by browsing online retailers and visiting local showrooms to get an idea of the styles, features, and price ranges available.

Look for suppliers that provide warranties on their products, as this can add significant value and peace of mind to your investment. Many UPVC windows and sliding doors come with extended warranties on both the frames and glazing, ensuring that your purchase is protected for years to come.

4. Maximize Savings with Energy-Efficient Options

When choosing windows and doors, prioritize energy-efficient models. Products with double or triple glazing and insulated frames will help reduce energy consumption and lower your monthly bills. Many companies in Swindon offer energy-rated windows that meet high standards of thermal efficiency, so be sure to ask about these options when comparing prices. The initial investment may be higher, but the long-term savings make energy-efficient windows and doors a smart financial decision.

5. Professional Installation Matters

While finding the best deals on windows and doors is essential, don’t overlook the importance of professional installation. Poorly installed windows and doors can lead to drafts, leaks, and security issues. Ensure that the supplier you choose offers expert installation services or recommends trusted installers in Swindon. Many suppliers offer discounted installation rates when purchasing windows and doors as part of a complete package.

Conclusion

Upgrading your home with UPVC Windows Swindon and sliding doors Swindon is a fantastic way to improve its appearance, energy efficiency, and security. By shopping around for the best deals, comparing different suppliers, and prioritizing energy-efficient options, you can make a smart investment in your home’s future. Don’t forget to look for seasonal promotions and ensure you have your new windows and doors professionally installed to get the best long-term performance. Now is the time to take advantage of great offers and transform your home!

[gardenofedenuk]

Composite Doors, Swindon | Trade Supply | Composite Door Prices

Upgrade your home's security and energy efficiency with our affordable Composite Doors in Swindon, Wales, Northampton, Somerset, Bournemouth, Sussex and nearby areas. Our doors are made of durable materials and are available in a range of styles and colors to suit your preferences. Contact us for a composite door quote

[yesprestige01]

Over 20 years’ experience. Manufactured in Swindon. Double Glazing. uPVC Windows. Composite Doors. Bifold Doors. Get a FREE quote at Prestige Selection in Swindon

[perksofwifi]

We Drive a Nearly $200,000 Honda Civic Type R Race Car

When a Civic Type R (aka CTR) hatchback is nestled in its cozy garage for the night, what do you think it dreams? The 2018 Honda Civic Type R already holds multiple front-wheel-drive production car lap records the world over—and several MotorTrend performance records to boot. Currently, it’s the best hot hatch in history that you could ever want or get. We think the FK8-generation CTR dreams of mixing it up with some real competition, of being a bona fide TCR race car, and of going door handle to door handle with the best from Europe in a proper production car–based (homologated) Touring Cars series.

Somnambulism

After a restless night, the feisty and accomplished compact awoke with, “I want MOAR power, a sequential transmission with paddle shifters, a gutted interior, a rollcage, a loud exhaust, even bigger boxed fenders, a giant adjustable wing, a splitter, and racing slicks. I wanna race!” The Type R’s current engineering is Honda’s; its engine is manufactured in Honda’s plant in Anna, Ohio, then shipped off to be assembled into a whole car in the factory in Swindon, England. It’s a bit of a mutt in that way. For the race version you see here, developed by Honda Performance Development (HPD), there’s yet another step in that process: The English body-in-white (minus doors) and U.S.-assembled engine block, crank, pistons, and cylinder head are shipped to Milan, Italy.

So Be It

Once there, J.A.S. Motorsports seam-welds the unibody and installs the composite body panels, splitter, side skits, wing, rollcage, plastic dashboard, racing seat, pedal box, wiring harnesses, digital racing instrumentation, and data logger. A 26.4-gallon quick-fill fuel cell replaces the 12.4-gallon stock tank. The Civic Type R’s stock 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine is only modified with free-flowing intake and stainless exhaust, a high-flow catalytic converter, and MoTec M146 engine mapping. J.A.S. modifications route approximately 340 peak horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque (a modest gain of 34 hp and 15 lb-ft) through a twin-disc sintered-metallic clutch into an Xtrac sequential six-speed transmission. There’s also a trick differential between the front wheels. As is the case with race cars, highly customizable settings for the limited-slip differential—including various homologated differential ramps and preload—are apparently the key in this car’s proper race setup. Cast aluminum 10.0-by-18-inch OZ racing wheels and Michelin slicks replace the 8.5-by-20-inch wheels and tires. The stock suspension is exchanged, again, with highly adjustable race-ready hardware with unique springs, anti-roll bars, and Ohlins dampers. J.A.S. installs 15.0-inch vented and slotted floating discs and six-piston monoblock calipers up front (versus 13.8-inch vented/drilled discs), but the solid discs in the rear are smaller than stock (10.2 versus 12.0 inches). There’s no traction control, and ABS is available with an optional Bosch M5 ABS kit with a cabin-mounted 12-position dial.

Get in and GO!

Well, not so fast. First we had a mandatory “chalk talk,” during which we went over the rules of the track and for a refresher course on what the flags mean. Next, we had to show our driving cred in stock 2019 Honda Civic Type Rs on the 1.5-mile track at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan. I said to myself, “I got this,” as I daily-drive a 2018 CTR as part of our MotorTrend’s long-term fleet. Other than the obvious benefits of Michigan’s 93-octane fuel over California-mandated 91 (and wow, we’re really missing out), the only difference I detected was that the new head unit now includes an actual volume knob and fan buttons rather than touchscreen facsimiles thereof. I wonder if it can be retrofitted.

Track at Last

The track was easy to learn; there’s only one blind corner, so it’s just a matter of getting the rhythm right and learning the braking points. The CTR’s front seats are built for lateral support so a driver can concentrate on the corners. The snickity shifter never missed a beat and cut down on shift times; the trustworthy brakes built confidence and didn’t seem to mind track use one bit. The CTR loved that track, yet when fitted with the OEM Continental SportContact 6 tires, it began to understeer in increasing amounts as the laps piled on. They do that. If you’re going to track your CTR, invest in some new tires.

TCR > CTR

Although all of the race car’s doors open, climbing into the Atlanta Speedwerks Honda Civic TCR was a challenge in itself. Over one bar, under another, I lowered myself into the fixed-back racing seat and attached the steering wheel. Because the car must accommodate two drivers in a race, its seat is adjustable fore and aft, as is the steering wheel. Once I found my spot, the team went over the fire-suppression system and how to remove the two driver’s side restraining nets in case of emergency. Next, how to find neutral (press the white button on the steering wheel, pull the left shift paddle) and how to fire it up (main power on, press starter button). First gear in the sequential manual transmission is very tall, so it’s easy to stall while adding just the right amount of throttle and clutch to get going. Luckily, there’s no need to clutch at all while lapping: just pull paddles at wide-open throttle. Five-point belts cinched down tight, I was ready.

Track Time

The team pushed me off, I eased the clutch out, and off I went. My first thought was how long the throttle pedal and how short the brake pedal were. I really had to floor it to get a sense of full power. Although the output is marginally greater than the production car’s, the weight difference (about 500 pounds) was noticeable. Doing the math shows the TCR race car and driver move 8.1 pounds with each horsepower; the production moves the same with 10.7 pounds per horsepower. That’s a big difference. The staccato exhaust note was much more subdued inside the car than outside, but it was still proper race car stuff. Although the production car has little turbo lag as is, the race car has even less. In the first major braking zone, I was warned that the car can “back itself into corners,” and on cold tires, and that’s precisely what I found. A quick sampling of the slicks’ grip under braking showed I needed to put heat in these tires before I could really suss out what this car was capable of doing.

Lap Two

While the racing brake pads were still screeching due to lack of heat, the tire temps were coming online, and the back end—perhaps the reason for so little brake swept area at the rear—was staying in line. This lap, I was testing the car’s ability to take curbing (easy peasy), its behavior under full throttle (gloriously linear), and whether I’d have to sort out throttle-on torque steer. Like the production car, clever front suspension geometry (despite the obvious positive camber on the race car) reduces this powerful front-wheel-drive tendency to a minimum.

Lap Three

Now things were really humming. I now knew the track. I knew the car. It was happy. I was happy. I knew I wanted to go faster. Full beans ahead! Despite all the changes to the race car and all of the adjustability to its setup, my most outstanding impression was how neutral it was at something close to race pace (I’m guessing that’s because the car was set up properly the day before). Just like the production car, it was did everything reassuringly: accelerating in a straight line, braking in a straight line (or trail-braking for a bit of rotation into a corner). The car’s grip and stability in the corners and its ability to whack the throttle on the exits remained intact. It’s the same car, only built to go to 15.

Lap Four

It was on lap four that I realized I could drive this race car until its fuel cell was empty. I later learned from the car’s trusting owner/driver, Todd Lamb, that would be about an hour and a half at race pace. All alone on a track is one thing. Battling for position and trying to win a race, one 1.5-hour stint at a time, was a different proposition. Endurance race car drivers have an ability to focus that goes beyond mere mortals. Brains are like muscles in this way. By the end of my fourth lap, I was trying different lines but making slight mistakes. Mistakes that a more focused competitor would surely see and use against me.

Lap Five

As a designated cool-down lap at something like 50 percent of the car’s pace, lap four caused me to consider the whole experience of driving the Civic TCR. It really struck me how similarly the race car behaved compared to the street car. All the things I love about “my” CTR were faithfully translated to yet elevated in the Civic TCR. “Same but different” was my reaction when asked how my session felt. “Sure, it’s a Civic Type R. It behaves the same way, but this is what a Civic Type R dreams of when it sleeps at night.” Minus the stock car’s not-quite-off stability control system and the noticeable weight loss—but plus the added grip and power-to-weight—this was an awesome demonstration of what the Civic Type R has proven elsewhere. It’s no wonder the Civic TCR won the title in its 2018 inaugural year. With the balance of performance (BOP) penalties it received as a result of that winning debut, we will see how well it does.

Thanks

Special thanks to Justin Chiodo, senior engineer, trackside race support at Honda Performance Development for his insight and follow-up emails; and Todd Lamb: driver/owner, AtlSpeedwerks for entrusting this auto scribe with his incredible machine. Good luck, all.

2019 Honda Civic Type R TCR 2018 Honda Civic Type R BASE PRICE/AS TESTED $172,238/$191,014 (est) $35,595/$35,595 LAYOUT Front engine, FWD, 1-pass, 4-door hatch Front-engine, FWD, 4-pass, 4-door hatch ENGINE 2.0L/340-hp/310-lb-ft turbocharged DOHC 16-valve I-4 2.0L/306-hp/295-lb-ft turbocharg DOHC 16-valve I-4 TRANSMISSION 6-speed sequential manual w/ paddle shift 6-speed manual RACE WEIGHT 2,770 lb (minimum, including driver) 3,104 lb WHEELBASE 106.3 in 106.3 in L x W x H 183.9 x 76.8 x 55.1 in 179.4 x 73.9 X 56.5 in 0-60 MPH 4.0 sec (MT est) 5.4 sec EPA CITY/HWY/COMB ECON Not rated 22/28/25 mpg ON SALE Currently Currently

The post We Drive a Nearly $200,000 Honda Civic Type R Race Car appeared first on MotorTrend.

https://www.motortrend.com/cars/honda/civic/2019/2019-honda-civic-type-r-tcr-race-car-review/ visto antes em https://www.motortrend.com

[someshbhatt-blog]

Get The Conservatories Of Different Styles Installed At Your Property

Conservatories are the best way to enhance the beauty of your property in Swindonand it also adds value to it. You gain the privacy along with enjoying the view of nature outside. With the advancement in technology, new conservatories help to retain the heat within the property when it’s cold outside. It means you can use them regardless of any temperature at any time. The best installation services for conservatories in Swindoncan install them in different shapes and sizes according to your requirement. Visit this page to know more about us.

The different types of Conservatories are

Gable Conservatories

They are gable-fronted and are built on a square or rectangular base.Their front portion is quite impressive and adds a grand look to your house. The roofs are uplifted which gives you an amazing feel.

Wooden conservatories

They are easy to install and add a natural beauty to your house. Some of them cost more but some of them are even cheaper than you can even think of. They can be polished and are long lasting.

uPVCConservatories

Many people go for the choice of modern and stylish conservatories but they cost more. If you are looking for a simple and cheap option but want some extra space then you can go for the choice of these conservatories. They are white in color which is a calming natural color and compliments any house exterior.

Conservatories essentials

Before you install a conservatory to your property, you should keep some essentials in your mind. You will need blends to keep the temperature of roomcool in summer and warm in winter. You should buy furniture which matchesthe existing decor.  

[torentialtribute]

League Two round-up: Port Vale end seven-game home losing run at Mansfield

League Two round-up: Ricky Miller-brace ends seven-game home losing-run for Port Vale at Mansfield while Paul Scholes & # 39; Oldham makes the five games without victory

Port Vale produced a bewildering upset to beat Mansfield and lose the end of his homeward

Bottom two Mansfield and Notts County both lose from composite degradation fear now five games without victory after signs with Cambridge

Door

Press Association Sport Staff

Published: 00:37 GMT, 10 March 2019 | Updated: 00:37 GMT, 10 March 2019

Port Vale avoided setting up an unwanted club record with a stunning region of promotion chase Mansfield.

Defeat would have made it seven in a row in Valley Park but two goals in three minutes early in the second half of Ricky Miller earned a 2-1 victory.

Nicky Ajose caused the nerves of the nerves to get confused by pulling back with another half an hour, but Vale held on.

The Silkmen of Sol Campbell took a shock-led lead against high-flying MK Dons by Nathan Cameron in the 19th minute, but David Wheeler equalized and Callum Brittain brought the visitors ahead eight minutes after the interval.

It was one.

William Boyle's 29th minute opener was added to seven minutes later when Luke Varney converted a penalty. Billy Waters settled the third 10 minutes of Cheltenham in the second half.

Kane Hemmings pulled one back from the spot, but Tyrone Barnett had the last word with the fourth minute of the Robins fourth minute of the time.

Bury left it very late against Stevenage, with Nicky Maynard scoring the only goal of the game in the fifth minute of injury time to bring the Shakers back to within two points of leaders Lincoln, who defeated Yeovil on Friday.

Northampton made it three victories in a row with a 2-1 victory against the promotion of Exeter.

Defender Aaron Pierre scored the opener in the 32nd minute and Andy Williams doubled the advantage 11 minutes after the break. Aaron Martin halved the deficit five minutes later, but Exeter could not find an equalizer.

Colchester climbed into the play-off places with an extended 3-0 victory over Newport in Essex.

Carlisle also went to the top seven with a 2-1 victory over Swindon. The opener of Hallam Hope was canceled by Kyle Bennett, but Callum O & # 39; Hare scored the winner 11 minutes from time.

In a match with both ends Morecambe moved eight points from the relegation zone and dented Forest Green's play-off

Rhys Oates put the hosts in front in just six minutes and further goals of Aaron Collins and Alex Kenyon

A first-half support from Ollie Palmer helped Crawley to a 2-1 victory over Grimsby, who had taken the lead by Wes Thomas.

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[eclipsewindowsanddoors]

The Top Trends in Windows and Doors: Stay Ahead of the Curve

In the ever-evolving world of home design, windows and doors play a pivotal role in defining the aesthetics, energy efficiency, and security of a home. With the growing emphasis on sustainability, smart technology, and sleek designs, the latest trends in windows and doors are setting new standards. If you're planning a renovation or building a new home, staying ahead of these trends can ensure your home is not only stylish but also future-proof. Let's explore the top trends in windows and doors that are currently shaping the market.

1. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

One of the most significant trends in the windows and doors industry is the focus on energy efficiency. As homeowners become more conscious of their environmental footprint, the demand for energy-efficient solutions is on the rise. Double glazing has become a standard for many homes, offering superior insulation and reducing energy costs. In Swindon, where temperatures can fluctuate, investing in double glazing can make a substantial difference. Companies offering Double Glazing in Swindon are now incorporating advanced materials like low-E glass and gas-filled panes to enhance thermal performance.

2. Large, Expansive Windows

Open, airy spaces with plenty of natural light are a hallmark of modern home design. This trend has led to a growing popularity of large, expansive windows that blur the line between indoor and outdoor living. Floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding glass doors, and panoramic views are all in vogue, allowing homeowners to maximize natural light and create a seamless connection with the outdoors. These designs not only enhance the visual appeal of a home but also contribute to well-being by increasing exposure to natural light.

3. Smart Windows and Doors

The integration of smart technology into windows and doors is another trend gaining traction. Homeowners are increasingly looking for products that offer convenience, security, and energy efficiency through automation. Smart windows and doors can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps, allowing you to adjust blinds, lock doors, or even monitor energy consumption. Additionally, smart glass technology is becoming more accessible, enabling windows to switch from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button for added privacy and energy control.

4. Bold Frames and Colors

Gone are the days when windows and doors were merely functional elements of a home. Today, they are key design features that can make a bold statement. One of the emerging trends is the use of dark frames and bold colors to create contrast and highlight the architectural details of a home. Black, deep grey, and even navy frames are becoming increasingly popular, adding a modern, industrial edge to both traditional and contemporary homes. These frames can be paired with natural wood accents or sleek metal finishes to create a unique look.

5. Sustainable Materials

Sustainability continues to be a driving force in the construction industry, and this is reflected in the choice of materials for windows and doors. Homeowners and builders are gravitating towards eco-friendly options like recycled aluminum, sustainably sourced timber, and energy-efficient UPVC. These materials not only reduce environmental impact but also offer durability and low maintenance. For residents in Swindon, companies specializing in windows and doors Swindon are increasingly offering sustainable options that do not compromise on quality or style.

6. Security Enhancements

With increasing concerns about home security, advanced security features are becoming a standard in modern windows and doors. Multi-point locking systems, reinforced glass, and integrated security cameras are just a few of the innovations that provide peace of mind for homeowners. These features are being seamlessly integrated into the design, ensuring that security does not come at the expense of style.

Conclusion

Staying ahead of the curve in window and door trends can significantly enhance the functionality, aesthetic appeal, and value of your home. Whether you're drawn to the sleek lines of large windows, the convenience of smart technology, or the sustainability of eco-friendly materials, there are options to suit every taste and need. For those in Swindon, embracing these trends, especially with Double Glazing Swindon, ensures your home is not only modern and stylish but also energy-efficient and secure. As these trends continue to evolve, your home can remain a reflection of cutting-edge design and technology.

[sachaferrier]

THE GREAT MANGO ROBBERY

As a small boy the trip to Gateway food store with mum was a lifeless chore of dolour, Cavendish Square Swindon 1976 wasn’t the greatest of shopping experiences, but unfortunately, back before caring, it was all we had. Amongst its sparse but rich selection was Dewhurst, spilling the sweet sickly stench of death, permeated into the sawdust footprints of its patrons. Devon Savouries, where in summertime I would stand mesmerised, watching the freightage of industrious ants, transferring sugary debris back and fourth from the lavish display and of course a cycle repair shop, where gleaming wrought iron grifters sat ready to be purchased. There were the usual splattering of newsagents, hair salons and public houses around its many alcoves, one in particular the Cock Robin pub, where kids would have their heads ruthlessly shaved for the price of a pint, as their fathers watched on whilst enjoying a pale ale…or two.

Central to this Utopia of consumer habits, stood, proud as brass, the Gateway supermarket. Nothing in comparison to the labyrinth style supermarkets of today, the Gateway boasted three isles, two checkouts and half a dozen trolleys. The entrance was grand, well it was to me, huge double glass doors, one pane boarded up, due to the previous evenings drunken debauchery. Above these aluminium framed doors proudly hung the sign, a motif, a symbol of power and safety, a sturdy green image of two towers, a portcullis and the words Gateway in bold Helvetica. The first time I walked beneath this daunting symbol my aspirations of what lay in wait were somewhat shattered, no knights in shining armour, jousting or jesters, what greeted every customer was a rusty trolley dragged from the brook, and a frumpy looking employee, cigarette in mouth named ‘Iris’, carefully stacking tins of a certain product, claiming to contain no lumps of fat or gristle……GUARANTEED!! 

Shopping for food when I was a kid seemed a painful exercise with no rewards, the shelves a palate of dull pastel colours, all shouting false claims of exotic luxury and adventure. I’d watch as mum piled in the smash, dried vesta curry for dad and of course the 3 lit container of vegetable oil, an essential ingredient needed to top up the aways warm chip pan. The oil selection of today with its Pantone of glorious golds and greens, virgin press and blends, are a far cry from the wall of ‘crisp n dry’ we had back then. The chilled section, with its tantalising ‘Ski’ yoghurt range, which was in fact a special treat and of course ‘Spam’ and ‘Brains’ faggots, which, alternated their way into most mealtimes. I didn’t know any better, the food on offer for my social demographic, was to me, all there was, and on the rare occasions when a ‘Fray Bentos’ was served, I literally had died and gone to heaven. Unfortunately my taste buds and interest in food had all but dried up or to be true never really started, following years of over salted and dull miserable looking concoctions, all served on translucent pyrex plates, but all this was about to change

At fifteen I took a position at the Wiltshire Hotel Swindon as banqueting waiter, hours and pay of no concern, in fact I never turned down a shift or questioned my earnings. Once a week I joined the queue along with the rest of the waiters, chefs, doormen, housekeepers, outside the accounts office, in order to receive my small brown envelope, stuffed with a few greens a blue and some coppers, this weekly task had become my new ‘Fray Bentos’. Following the end of a function, it was my responsibility to carefully salvage any gateaux’s, trifle and butter, reassemble pieces and portions, in order to form a whole new serving ready for the next day. I would often sneak a spoonful of the thick birds custard and dessert topping, but this came at a risk, as being caught by the chef, would result, not only in public humiliation but a thump or two, so the indulgence was very rare. However it was the fridge which changed my knowledge of food, experience and appreciation.

One evening when placing the newly rejuvenated desserts back into the walk-in fridge, I noticed a strange looking box. It wasn’t like the other fruit crates of slatted wood, but an artistic version, brightly coloured, alluring and more importantly closed. This pandora’s box had limited wording on the side “Mangoes” and a country of origin, of where, the location I couldn’t even begin to imagine was. Each time I returned to the fridge my bravery took me closer and closer to peer inside. I’d heard of mangoes, in fact seen them, but never actually tried one. As my shift ended I through caution to the wind, and with the stealth of a ninja opened the box to reveal the plump orangery green fruits lying inside, like strange jewels.  At this point I heard the chef calling, followed by the sound of his wooden clogs. In panic, I grabbed a fruit, tucked it into my jacket and ran for the door, bidding farewell to my comrades.

The walk home was a few miles, dark and often wet. I dreaded this passage, as its path took me through some unsavoury areas, however on this occasion, I had lost all fear, for within my grasp safety stowed away was the stolen mango. I walked with added spring that night, eager to leave behind the hotel so as to find somewhere quiet and alone in order to inspect my wares. I don’t for one minute condone this behaviour, as I had stolen, for which I felt terrible, but at the same time I couldn’t wait to sample this exotic treasure. Once I considered my position to be one of safety, I reached in and pulled out the plump fruit, which was now not only stolen, but like my brow, dripping with condensation, having been so abruptly transferred from fridge to pocket in this daring robbery. Lifting to my nose Idrew in the aroma, it was unlike any other scent I had experienced, even better than a cherry ski. I had no training or previous knowledge into how this fruit should be approached, and so with confidence and excitement, bit straight into it’s flesh skin and all. Juice flooded my mouth, the sweet juicy perfumed flesh tasted delicious, although I felt the skin maybe not as easy to digest. Working around the skin, discovering the odd shaped stone inside, my journey home had become an adventure, I was a young boy experiencing something new, exploring the world through a fruit, stolen from a fridge in Swindon, Gateway was now a distant memory.

My exploration didn’t end there, each shift became a new experience, I had become a professional thief, stealing to feed my first for new tastes. The Kiwi was next, which again taught me that sometimes skins are best removed, the papaya with its black bitter seeds, different oranges, olives, asparagus stems, which are actually quite good raw and fresh cooked beetroot, of which to date I had only tasted pickled, sat upon a pile of hot steaming smash. Before I had exhausted the fridge, the final fruit to fall into my possession was the avocado with its rich glossy emerald jacket. I had delayed my theft of this item due to it’s boringness. I had tried pears many a time and wasn’t a great fan. My youth only ever saw one type, bruised over ripe and at times sour. The flesh was grainy and once down to the core never held its shape, unlike an apple which leaves you with the perfect cartoon core. What could be any different from the pears I knew and the avocado I didn’t? That night the same stealth ridden theft took place, I then headed for home. Had I learned nothing??? Taking my bite through the skin I waited for the sweet grainy pear flesh but instead was greeted with an almost tasteless milky paste finished and a slice of what seemed like a conker, I thought I’d been duped, was this real, was it off, was it ripe?? I didn’t have a clue. The remains of the avocado and the mouthful I’d taken ended up over someones garden wall, I had tried this stolen fruit, offered it a fair hearing, but in the end decided and for many years after that the humble Persea Americana was not for me.

My adventures with food were short lived, slowly as time passed the excitement in taste tapered to a point where it became very rare to find a fruit or flavour of which I hadn’t already experienced. Now at 47 I feel I have exhausted all but a few items, and of those which are left, serve no real interest. Don’t misunderstand, there are cooked dishes of which I enjoy discovering, but it’s the fascination of those raw ingredients which are missed, the child like exploration and excitement of awakening taste buds for the first time, have given way to bitter black caffeine and the thick smog of Philip Morris.

As a father my voyage of discovery is now shared, albeit as more of a spectator. I envy my son, I once had his wide eyes and impatient fixity to explore further than he can reach. I delight in watching his senses mature, revel as he discovers that chocolate, is not the only nectar(Although hard to beat), those fruits I stole at risk of being beaten are now staple ingredients, readily available. They may have lost their shine to most, but introducing these fruits at a steady pace without fear of reprimand to a yet untarnished palette is as exciting now as it was back then.

It wasn’t until I took up photography that something did reignite my own guileless interest towards these basic and often overlooked ingredients. When looking through a camera what you see is yours to frame, to determine the angle and at what point the composition is aesthetically pleasing to your own eye. The German Philosopher Walter Benjamin wrote about the optical unconscious, stating that the camera and cinema have the ability to record aspects of reality that do not fit into the natural optics, namely because they are too quick, small or disperse. We see these details but do not perceive them as information. When taking photographs of what I considered as fairly mundane vegetables and fruits, brought this notion of the unseen to life. The more you stare through the lens at subjects the more you see, the apple with its blemishes, beautifully shaded exterior and perfectly formed stalk reaching from its core to the sky, the fissures naturally occurring between each cabbage leaf, made even more alluring by the rippled fleshy leaves. As I stare I often recall the great mango theft, the fervour now of my experiences are explored through the lens, not dissimilar from the stolen tastings all those years ago, the only difference, it is now the eyes that are rewarded. All of a sudden the normality of food has once again taken centre stage, I see so much more, appreciate the absolute genius in that something so simple, has grown from nothing. 

With the supermarkets offering so much choice I feel we have become numb and oblivious to what not so long ago was classed as exotic, it drives me insane to see vest clad men rummaging through the sprouts at Christmas, tossing to one side rejects which have failed to make their grade… Sometimes we should all stop, hold the object in our hands and explore, examine its form, admire its colour and imperfections. I have realised with the help of a lens, that there is still so much more to see and explore, objects all to familiar do in fact have so much more to offer, hidden beyond our initial perception, further than what we first see, a return to childhood, a chance to regain an inquisitive nature…If only we look harder.

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