It was a long journey after a full day's work in the office but the 80 odd miles to Tamworth was more than worth it. So easy to reach the Society's meeting place in the Methodist Church has to be the most attractive location to demonstrate in I've yet been to. With a welcome cup of tea as soon as I got there and a chat with early arrivers I was all set to go. 'I suppopse you find the waiting to start the most difficult part don't you?' one kind lady enquired. I admitted I did. At that stage the nerves start to build which I don't mind as it always shows I'm keen to do well but her next comment sent my stress levels through the roof. 'We had Terry Harrison here last month. He was really good' Oh well no pressure there then! I couldn't resist commenting on this in my opening remarks as the last of the forty or so members took their seats. 'Hullo everyone' I said ' It's lovely to see so many of you making the effort to turn out this evening but to prevent any disappointment now or in the future can I just point out that Terry Harrison was actually here last month....' Funnily enough just before I set out to Tamworth I was watching Terry demonstrating how he paints foliage using his range of brushes as this played an important part in my demonstration (The village cricket match - see gallery) and thought I'd see if I could nick any good ideas (don't worry I always attribute any such action to the original artist so I don't take false credit) and whilst I didn't take anything directly from the show I did change my usual routine by showing three or four ways that foliage can be painted using Terry's brushes (yup I do use several of them and his palette - and I always make a point of crediting Terry with these) and I got what I think is the nicest compliment I've ever had. A gentleman came up to me and said 'That's the first time I've seen someone using Terry Harrison brushes and getting the same results that he does' Well I'm sure that's not quite true but I really appreciated the sentiment as I did the lady who asked me if I would be at Patchings this year. I wasn't quite sure if she meant as a visitor or as a demonstrator (I wish) and didn't want my illusions of the latter shattered so played it safe by assuring her I was busy that weekend but would certainly get along if I could. Actually I've never been and really would like to pay a visit if I get the chance. Anyway, I for one had a really enjoyable evening and would like to say a really big thank you to the Tamworth Society of Artists for inviting me and I wish them well for the future