Through the Lens takes a Look at VOLKSWAGON CAMPER VANS WITH A.W. LEISURE!

I have always had an interest in the growing industry of the Camper Van - the sense of freedom, along with a more established sense of comfort than a tent will give, the ability to access places for rest and recreation with all I may want to take with me, and so on - but a recent conversation with Mr Paul Brown of AW Leisure in Weston super Mare has brought it to a whole new level. For many of us the idea of a Motor-home or Camper Van may conjure images of a spare vehicle, perhaps with a make-shift bed and a gas cooker thrown in the back, parked in the road and annoying the neighbors for months on end. For others it may be the concept of the luxury at a level beyond the average home, all packed into a vehicle which in itself is larger than that average home and costing almost as much. But what about a vehicle that is compact overall, with the room of a van inside, perfectly adaptable to suit not just the occasional recreational needs but also the most stretching daily routine from dropping the kids to school to a full day of work around town or on the motorway?  That is the concept that Paul seemed to be describing to me and so when he casually mentioned that we were talking about a Van which not only drives the same but carries all the comforts of a quality car I knew I had to take a look!

So, with a continually updated list of vehicles for sale already at www.awcamperconversions.co.uk and even more to be found at www.autowholesale.co.uk  this little blog is designed to tell you more about how AW Leisure go about things.  It starts with the selection of the vehicle - with consideration to every requirement a client may have outlined for their intended use:

When a vehicle is brought into the workshops, perhaps "box standard" as the factory will have released it, with the usual wear and tear of any previous owner, complete inspection of every part of the van is the next obvious step.  Then, with incredible detail to the outside, full preparation and a complete paint scheme to bring it to a condition which easily equals that of a brand new van straight from the assembly line. Immediately that I began my little tour with Paul it became clear to me that I would be looking at a conversion which included a full refurbishment as exacting as the original build!

The interior is completely stripped out too, nothing is left hidden, with seats/trims removed to give access for a fully professional conversion.

Every recess is packed with insulation, providing protection from the harsher ends of our climate and also substantial noise reduction. But unlike many conversion businesses where the focus is only on fitting out an interior space for a specific purpose Paul has put together a team of specialists who devote themselves, each within his own field of experience, to every aspect of the vehicle.

Expert attention is given to every area to make sure the vehicle is in first class condition mechanically, Having bought vehicles which are perfectly suited to my use, only to be let down by worn out or even inferior quality replacement mechanical parts, perhaps even fitted by less than appropriately trained and experienced people, I think this was perhaps one of the most impressive parts of my time with Paul and his team.

No hidden surprises for the new owner, every area meticulously checked, every suspect part replaced, ready for the most rigorous use and a long, long future!   The Volkswagon name for quality is very clearly upheld with a passion throughout the processes.

And when you begin to see the workmanship to the interior fittings there can be no doubt that these beauties are built to last; bed frames, specially designed and built for AW Leisure to ensure they meet the same exacting standards, fitted and boarded with the highest quality engineered materials........

.......all finished to a wide range of designs provided for you.............

...........or completed to your own specifications. But having taken the tour of the workshops, listened to the experts and craftsmen, looked through the lens at pure and unsurpassed quality, I have to say I find it a challenging thought to believe that any novice lay-person would be likely to bring a design to the table which would beat those already employed by Paul and his team!  

Imagine for just a moment, understanding your own needs and requirements for a vehicle that drives just like a car, is not so big you cannot take it around town and country lanes (being the owner of one of those I know what it is to own the problems that come with it), desiring a high degree of comfort wherever you go, leaving such a specification in the hands of the experts, and discovering the result is unquestioningly superior to the dream!

All internal components crafted, from scratch, by hands as expert as those that overhaul and maintain the running gear, no expense spared in sourcing and providing the best of materials for your long enjoyment.

And when the vehicle is insulated throughout and fully boarded it all gets overlaid with high quality carpets and floor covering, fully fitted with the same expertise as the rest of the work.

Everything you need for an away from home stay all in one place........

Simply versatile, yet equipped with every technology you might want..........

With or without the pop up roof - which of course provides that extra bit of head room,

 along with advantages like more light, and even an extra overhead bunk if its needed.

A seemingly limitless range of accessories and equally comprehensive attention to detail for the inside,

Which is rivaled only by as diverse a range of accessories for the outside, giving even more flexibility. And all this diversity is carried right through to the passenger seats too, with the option to flip them forward for wider access to the rear...............

........or spin them around to use them as part of the rear!

And then, of course, there is also the fold flat option!

In my first conversation with Paul he mentioned something that engaged my attention in a way that it remained throughout my visit, when he told me that the finished products not only hold their value well but actually increase!  So, and although AW Leisure will source, convert, finish and supply any vehicle you may care to ask for, it remains that these Volkswagons are actually a solid investment, returning more for your money in a few years than their initial cost and conversion!

So whether your need is a Camper, a daily runaround, for personal or business use, and whether you are looking for a single vehicle or a fleet for a growing and demanding business,

AW Leisure has an unrivaled ability to match the vehicles to your needs.  After a day with the team there is no doubt the history and growth of AW Leisure itself is impressive, and I have no doubt the future will be even more so. With an unending array of designs and an unequaled service it is hard to believe anyone could have a requirement that cannot be fulfilled!

As an enthusiast for classic cars I have seen some very impressive restorations over the years, but I am convinced I have never seen a more professional service, a more dedicated team, or more impressive results!  And after the visit, as I thought through all that I had been shown, I was left with the sense of something that is so indescribably finished, from the brand new wheels, to the full paint system, through the manufacture of furniture from raw material to fitting of electrics. 

 So after my many questions put to Paul Brown on the day, now the question for the writer; I personally own a larger than usual van, in the region of 22 feet long, 7 feet wide, and around 11 feet high which I use for camping and various other things.  I own a four wheel drive for daily use which is not the most economical (although a very comfortable) option. I also have a 1976 British two seat Triumph for restoration (just for fun and something to turn heads). The serious option is to trade the lot for one of these beauties and solve the problem of three sets of Road Tax, MOT tests, to say nothing of insurance, parking, maintenance costs and so on!

And now the questions for the many readers with their many motoring arrangements; for a vehicle with all the versatility you could wish for, capable of being matched to far more than one single need, with the highest and most respected name for reliability, and all at a price which can be returned to you (with interest) at the time when you may choose to sell it on - all linked to AW Leisure's professional service that will literally know every inch of your vehicle, inside and out - where else can you go?

You can even hire one from their own very well maintained fleet - primarily for those who want to hire for holiday but don't need to own one but nevertheless an excellent way of testing out the concept! It's well worth taking a look at their website www.autowholesale.co.uk  for full details of their hire arrangements. There is more information about services there along with a list of vehicles available for sale and you can find more at www.awcamperconversions.co.uk

It is a natural development that my thoughts turn to the idea of hiring one myself for a week to try it out.  I am certain the in depth report on how it performs will be equally favorable!

Through the Lens takes a look at WOMEN V CANCER

Over the last couple of weeks, as people have heard that Through the Lens is going to be giving some time to the action group Women V Cancer, I have found myself being asked "Why?"  On just about every occasion the question has been asked I have also found myself dispensing with good, school taught English, to answer it with another question; "Why not?"

Still, it seems to be thought of as odd that we might give support to a charity which champions the fight against three types of cancer that afflict specifically women, as opposed to supporting more generalised research.  But cancer is cancer - and if breakthrough is secured against one type it becomes breakthrough against all types!

In one year alone in the UK more than 17,000 people died from those three cancer types. That equates to around 47 per day! So when I was introduced, via Facebook, to the work of two sisters, Jess & Mel Vearncombe, the concept of using the shutter button to raise awareness of their work was a natural step.  And their work promises to bring results!  It is a programme of personal commitment and stamina.  Stamina which will be extensively tested in September 2014 when Jess and Mel take part in a 450 kilometre cycle ride in China.  If my maths is correct that is around 280 miles on two wheels, pushed all the way by nothing but sheer tenacity, fuelled by their passion to beat the thing that threatens so many people within our society.  And that passion originally fired by a personal loss of their own loved ones, which leads me to my next question.  How many of us have not lost, or at least do not know someone who has been devastated by the loss of loved ones through cancer?

The first event took place on Saturday 14th December, at The Fox & Goose, East Brent, in the form of a Ladies Sale Day.When I arrived there were various tables being set up with products aimed towards healthy living, cosmetics, jewellery and so on.  And the overall atmosphere was one of people with purpose, committed, working for a common cause.

The enterprise of these small businesses is impressive in itself - and the point is that these are, in the majority of cases, businesses upon which people to some extent depend.  And we so often see cases of people who will offer perhaps 10, or 15, and sometimes even 20 percent of their profit at events for charitable causes. But these ladies pledged a massive 50 percent of their profit over cost to the charity!

And the pleasure with which they so generously gave of their time, efforts, and money was clear to see on their faces.  For the men reading who wonder how they can effectively support a charity so devotedly and sensitively supported by the ladies, how about this suggestion; when your lady, friend, colleague, mother, sister, commits time, energy, or 50 per cent of business profits, why not volunteer to work for the day and commit 50 percent of the wage?

There was actually plenty to find pleasure in during the afternoon; refreshments on hand.........

Even the Hotel staff took a personal interest in the events of the day, involved in so many ways, making the event a smooth experience for contributors and visitors alike, and taking a well earned break from the many duties.






One of the most striking insights was the amount of creative and artistic ability which was present on the day. So much work went into nails, cakes, making jewellery......................

And when the nails were complete the only correct context in which to show them was at the equally artistically presented cake stall!

Incidentally, the cake table was seemingly one of the most popular - and certainly the most tempting!

Surrounded by so many enticing things, submerged for a while in such clear and pleasant social interaction, any unknowing visitor would be forgiven for missing the motive behind the event.  But here are one or two more facts behind the motivation for Jess and Mel and their supporters:

• There are now more than 200 different known types of cancer
• In the 2010 year (the most recent year from which full data was collated) around 325,000 people were diagnosed with cancer in the UK - that's a staggering 890 per day
• Currently one in every four deaths in the UK is from cancer.

Do the maths on that last figure and we are left with a frighteningly personal statistic; if you are a member of a family consisting of two parents and two children there is a high possibility that one of you will lose your life to cancer. 

And as for cancer types around 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in this country - yes, that is true.  Apparently, the small amount of breast tissue we carry is just as susceptible.

It all puts me in mind of the well known story of David and Goliath many of us would have learned in Sunday School.  David, as a sheep tender, visiting his brothers on the front line, asks questions about the giant of a man who daily taunts the armies of Israel.  Nobody has the faith to fight him but David shows an interest. Rebuked by his brother, his motive questioned, his answer is "Is there not a cause?" 1 Samuel chapter 17, verse 29.  So to those who ask "Why support this work?"  my answer remains "Why not, is there not a cause?" We are presented with a giant which stops the progress of so many peoples lives. That giant does not stop just because people sit in their trenches believing it to be somebody else's problem.  

This is designed to be a Photo Blog but on this occasion I do not apologise for so many words.  Instead I promise many more pictures from these ladies future events.  Pictures of Blues Brothers tribute bands, music nights, balls, and portraits of people enjoying themselves as they war against a common enemy. And if anyone wants to take up the challenge and commit 50 percent of their wage for the day of a future event feel free to let me know - we will gladly inform you of the diary.  If you can encourage a colleague or two to join in Through the Lens will take a look at you in your work place!

With a full programme of events for the year ahead there will be updates here and at  www.facebook.com/DigitalRawImage 

Through the Lens - COMMUNITY GARDEN HARVEST CELEBRATION

It may have been a couple of weeks since the last blog entry but that doesn't mean there has been nothing to see Through the Lens of Simplido Photography.  In fact, and quite to the contrary, many of the things previously blogged have been developing nicely:

• The Great Rhyne Garden has seen plenty of activity, so have the local Nature Reserves.  
• The For All Community Event Family Fun Day - I know, it's a mouthful but there we go, which Derek covered in July and featured here in August, has become the motivation for a regular Photography Group on Weston super Mares Bournville Estate! 
• To say nothing of following the Dragonflies and other little creatures on a day to day basis................  

And when two churches combined a weekend away some lovely results were produced by participants in a Saturday Workshop.

So now, as we consider how to write it all up, the question is "Do we blog each project separately or combine?"  We thought of asking the interested parties - and found we didn't need to!  The mere thought of asking raised an awareness that we would, in a sense, be asking "Shall we do the job properly, or give each a second rate service?" And because the interest here is to display pictures - and the passion which motivates the capture of those pictures - in support of community and the world which surrounds us the decision is made.

This first one (with more to follow over the next few days) starts appropriately with a celebration - of Harvest, and of Community!

A short while ago, back in August, a trip to the Great Rhyne Garden proved educational.  Not only is it a place for individuals and families to grow their own produce, it is also a venue for the forging of community.  A substantial area is worked by a partnership of social groups to a common end.  And the results could clearly be seen on Monday 30th September when Derek went along for the afternoon.

A warm, welcoming group, with a fresh cup of coffee at the ready gave the immediate impression of a good afternoon ahead - the volunteers all taking a part in preparing for the advertised barbecue.

After early morning rain it was just a little mucky, and it was clearly a place of work, but as people came, ate, and enjoyed each others company not a single complaint was heard by anyone in attendance!

And the exciting thing was seeing the passion within people as they engaged in conversation, sharing news, tips, experiences, of their hobby.  More than one volunteer contributes to the project alongside finding time for their own plot:

It's not just about food either.  The display of flowers speak of individuality.

And of personal dedication, as well as hard work!

The diversity and richness of colour, fragility, and beauty,  reminds of nothing less than that which we find in the lives of the people who surround us.





And it really is worth a closer look!

It is a project which, whilst involving so much effort for things that often live so short a life - sown, grown, harvested, and gone in just one short season - has another much more enduring side. One with a value of much greater longevity to those involved.  And so with interest I noted from conversation with the grower of these flowers that through this project she is engaged with an RHS course in Horticulture, providing a good grounding in a subject she is so obviously passionate about.

So, for those volunteers, workers, and others representative of the Healthy Living Company, Weston Foyer (Sanctuary Housing), The Bournville Estate Team, and Avon Wildlife Trust, shown or not shown in this collection of pictures........

.........enjoying the conversation on the day.  And for all those taking the opportunity to enjoy the more relaxed moments...............

For the guests of all ages, types, and interests.....................

As well as those who put the work in to make the day and the whole project a success.................

Perhaps it really is summed up best of all in the chalkboard motto found right at the entrance to the garden.

The evidence of industry, education, companionship, relentless interest, displays a harvest of more than just flowers and vegetables.  It proves a simple but strong (and hopefully enduring) accolade of success; Community and Horticulture really are Growing together here!

Through the Lens - LITTLE CREATURES!

The Somerset Levels are famous among other things for the lattice work of Rhynes that are so important for drainage throughout the area.  And it not new news that these drainage ditches of varying depths and widths are also so very important for their contribution to the sustainability of wildlife indigenous to the county.  But perhaps most popular and commonly thought about are the Moorhens, Coot, Ducks, sometimes even Swans that we catch a fleeting glimpse of as we pass by in our cars.

But the benefits as a sanctuary for wildlife goes far beyond these more obvious and visible residents and a gentle, quiet stroll reveals a whole world of interesting and beautiful creatures of a much smaller size:

These beautiful Hawker Dragonflies have perhaps been a little more prolific in the area this year, often seen it trios or even larger groups, darting about just a little distance above the waterline.

Even seen with surprising regularity in gardens this year, far from any large source of water, a delightful sight as they feed in and around plants such as Lobelis and Fuschias.

And, as many people have observed, this has been a good summer for other migrant and resident species of smaller size:

The Small Copper Butterfly although a common sight through most of the British Isles has had times of extreme scarcity in North Somerset but this summer, with a long spell of good temperatures following a damper start, has proved extremely good for numbers.  I found this beautiful little creature amongst a small colony on the Rhyne bank yesterday afternoon.

And this Gatekeeper (or Hedge Brown) is also one of many found in the area.  So, without venturing too far, and with a little bit of patience and open eyes, the rivers and verges can be a rich source for photographers and wildlife lovers alike.  Of course it should be said that extreme care needs to be taken not to disturb or venture closer than is comfortable for our delicate, fragile neighbors!

Through the Lens - THE LOCAL NATURE RESERVE

I thought it may be a nice idea to create one or two little posts showing some of the daily takes from when I am out and about.  The new gear is starting to show the desired results so here are some samples:

I found this delightful little Kestrel preening on a ledge, extremely high up on the rock face today.

She preened, and she basked in the sun for a while, with the breeze gently moving through her feathers.  Then as the wind picked up a little she seemed deep in thought for a while before........

concluding that the air was just right for her use!

And then she really posed for the camera!

More to follow later.

Through the Lens at the GREAT RHYNE GARDEN

As a busy & thriving allotment this land supported the practical and hobby needs for many families of the three estates on the South side of Weston super Mare.   During the late 1980's vandalism and other anti social acts made it increasingly difficult for all but the most dedicated to continue so the area gradually became derelict and overgrown. 

A recent venture from the local Allotments Association puts it back on the map as a place of interest not only for gardeners but also for conservationists and all those with an interest in the little creatures!  And it really can be fun!  So, at the request of one or two allotment holders, Simplido Photography took the camera along for a couple of visits to see what goes on:

On the first occasion I met Nigel who made one or two introductions, showed me where the barbecue was happening (evidently there can be food and beer at these places as well as work), and later showed me around.

Through the Cornflowers - these guys clearly know how to enjoy the work.

Interestingly, there seemed to be just as many flowers being grown for pleasure as fruit & veg for food.

In addition to the individual allotments there is a large area which is being cultivated as a community garden. And it is not all about pleasure; education, community interaction, and provision for the local Healthy Living Centre all play a part.  

Overall it is an initiative which has been assisted by established organisations and is now becoming established in its own right.

At my most recent visit Matt from Avon Wildlife Trust was on hand to help volunteers with the work of finishing the greenhouse.

This walls of this marvelous little greenhouse are built entirely from plastic bottles, cut and drilled to fit together, making such an ingenious work of recycling.

There are plenty of delightful little cornflowers being grown, providing not only colour to the garden but interest for bees, butterflies, and various other insects.  These were also used in the bouquet presented at the Mayors visit at the FACE Fun Day (see earlier post).

The native vegetation is supported around the edges and the rhyne itself is an asset, providing habitat for our natural creatures too.