MEARFEST MUMBLINGS

MOLLY WITH JOHN LAMBTON AT A BRAIN CANCER CHARITY EVENT.

28/10/2018

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MAY THE FORCE OF MOLLY PROTECT YOU ALL.....

28/10/2018

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MOLLY SHOPPING IN FENWICKS WITH HER FRIENDS

27/10/2018

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Catherine Jane Mylchreest and family out and about Rocking Mearfest !

THANK YOU

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MOLLY ON STAGE WITH WEAPON UK

27/10/2018

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Mearfest photo of the day
Weapon UK live at the Cavern in London at their
'Rising from the Ashes' Vinyl release launch.
An incredible gig and made special
by Both Jeff Summers and Danny Hynes
wearing Molly shirts during the evening.

THANK YOU SO MUCH

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MOLLY AT THE ALAMO, TEXAS, USA

27/10/2018

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THANK YOU
TO OUR DEAR FRIEND
IAN COULT
&
KELLI ASHERMAN
OUR NEW FRIEND

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GRIMM UP NORTH

26/10/2018

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MEARFEST SUPPORTS OUR ROCK FRIENDS UP THERE IN THE COLD DARK GRIM NORTH OF ENGLAND....

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TYSONDOG REVIEW

23/10/2018

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Last but not least our incredible headliners TYSONDOG.
One of the original NWOBHM bands who as a much younger fan in the eighties I have followed very closely. For me it was a lifetime achievement to finally have the full line up, fired up and ready to play for us in their own area of the UK

Now with Bilk Gang from French Metal Kings GanG at the head of the pack, they came out snarling and straining at the leash, his performance was thrilling as always
Kevin Wynn headbanging his thick mop of hair ferociously throughout the entire set
Tysondog sealed our event with such an energetic and powerful performance all round
The crowd replied with equal energy clapping, screaming, fists in the air.
The sound throughout the day was music to our ears and as Tysondog launched into 'Don't let the Bastards grind you down' those of us still standing reached out to shake hands with all the band members

It's a shame we don't have more events like this in the UK to give these bands the platform they so richly deserve. Next year they will be playing the Grimm up North festival, where myself and Claire will do all we can to promote that spectacular day

Tysondog as a band and as individuals were truly, AWESOME!
Arriving at midday, they supported all the other bands playing throughout our event, by cheering them all on, bringing priceless items to raffle, mingling with mearfesters and enjoying the whole day as a solid metal team.
Having them headline, rounded off the whole day beautifully.
A unique day when we remembered our daughter Molly Mear and a day in history that British Heavy Metal can be very proud of

INFINITY/10

AWESOME!

PHOTOS
JIM DONNELLY
JOHN LAMBTON

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ABADDON REVIEW

21/10/2018

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Claire and I have been friends with Antony Bray and his family Rachel Bray and now their new edition, six month old Anja since our first Mearfest at trillians in March 2017. Tony as most of you know was the original and best drummer from the legendary band Venom and has had a long and illustrious career in the music industry.

He was good enough to take one of our 'Molly' shirts with him on the road and document her journey with him across the United States.

When he contacted us to say he would like to play Mearfest North with a new line up of his solo project Abaddon UK, we were delighted.

As master brewer Nick Grimley would say...all you need are three main ingredients for a fine Ale (four if you add hops). All three have to work together in just the right sequence to produce the end result. It was clear to see that all three band members worked together brilliantly. Come the witching hour, Abbadon, Steve Hoggart and David Bucket Turner take to the stage with unbelievable power and fury!

People had travelled from all over Europe and the UK to witness this next chapter in Heavy Metal History.

Far from being a backing band both David and Steve apart from being fantastic musicians have tons of stage presence and personality.

Steve is a fine and great front man, something increasingly rare in the modern formulated and sterile music industry. He owned that stage and roared out the new songs and old school Venom classics.

David is a fantastic guitarist, technical, fast and exciting.

Abaddon as expected was the ultimate showman and drummer, very powerful, precise, and engaging. Not only onstage but off stage too, as he worked the crowds by doing unlimited selfies and signing everything from complete Venom album cover collections to boots to t-shirts and posters.

Tony and Rachel gave Mearfest that special sparkle, meeting and greeting fans, alongside his daughter Anja who completely stole the show, with her balloon watching, table dancing and overall cuteness.

For a fan of Venom, since the very beginning of the band, to witness this spectacular display was unbelievable, even my wife who makes no qualms about the fact that she is no rock fan at all, loved their performance and energy.

The overall combination of three very different musicians, mixed together to form a very heady brew.

They were dark, strong, packing a powerful punch above all else they were intoxicating !
Specific Gravity
1000/10

Probably the best band in the World!

PHOTOS
JIM DONNELLY
JOHN LAMBTON

TONY BRAY THE KIND HEARTED BAD MAN OF ROCK

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MANDORA REVIEW

21/10/2018

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MANDORA ! With a full hour set
It couldn't really be a Mearfest North gig in South Shields without this legendary band
They are a dynamic and very energetic act with 80s style heavy metal with a sprinkling of Punk and even Glam
Paul Binyon takes to the stage in his trademark red and black military coat.

When this band reformed their live shows had more PYRO than Kiss on firework night
They didn't need it here at the Queen Vic though. Paul, Sean Wilkinson, Duncan Binnie and Darren lite up the night with their own sparkling personalities. They fizzed and roared in front of their own youthful crowd. Think Sex Pistols, mutated with the New York Dolls and Judas Priest and you might be getting close, explosive, exciting, colourful

Glow sticks were waving, hands reached forward and connected from stage to floor, as he was about to sing Take my hand, in tribute to Molly Mear, whose hand stretched proud and strong from our now famous backdrop behind. Paul said some beautiful words to Claire and myself in honour of our Molly, which brought Claire to tears, in a good way. Thank you Paul.

Plug this band in, light the blue touch paper and Stand well back!

BOOOOMMM !
Once again MANDORA are REBORN !
EXPLOSIVE 101/10

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MOLLY POST HAWKWIND GATESHEAD

21/10/2018

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THANK YOU STEPHEN GREENER

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MOLLY IN THE STUDIO WITH A SPARTAN WARRIOR

21/10/2018

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THANK YOU NEIL WILKINSON
FROM SPARTAN WARRIOR

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SOUTH SHIELDS: £2,768.75 : GRAND TOTAL £5,634.75

20/10/2018

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On behalf of Mearfest and Down Syndrome North East we wish to THANK
everyone who contributed to
BOTH MEARFEST NORTH EVENTS

Money raised on the day with entry, raffles, t-shirts, donations
Money raised online from 17th July 2018, thanks to donated rock items sold, paintings handmade and sold, kind hearted donations from individuals
& gift aid claimed.
Better raise the target again for next years events.

TOTAL RAISED = £2,768.75

GRAND TOTAL = £5,634.75
(IN 19 MONTHS)

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THANK YOU TO SOUTH SHIELDS & THE WORLD

20/10/2018

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Thank you everyone for enabling us to remember our daughter Molly Mear
Once again at Mearfest North 13th October 2018

We are both extremely grateful for everyone's help and support

We started raising money for the Down Syndrome North East Charity 2017, when we first held our first Mearfest North. They are an excellent charity that not only informs us of every penny they spend, they participate in our Northern events. This year they kindly invited us to their 'look at me' conference on Sunday 14th of October.

We live 300 miles away, I posted out for help when Duncan Binnie from Mandora stepped up to the plate despite being a busy man himself with family and work commitments
He secured the Queen Vic in South Shields. He went on to produced two great promo videos for us and worked tirelessly before during and after the gig. So a massive thank you to him.

Thank you for all ten bands for donating your time, talent, equipment love and support all free of charge. Culloden, Jack Mylchreest band, Snatch back, Stuckfish, Satan's Empire, Troyen, Millennium, Mandora, Abaddon and of course Tysondog.

Thank you to Tony Bray for allowing us to host his debut band Abaddon, for all the selfies and album signings during hours of meet and greet he did with all his devoted fans. No one was left dissapointed as he fulfilled many dreams, we hope his new exciting band fulfil their new dreams too. And thank you to his wife Rachel Bray who kindly spoke to his fans, and to first time Mearfester Anja Bray who made everyone go all gooey as she is so gorgeous.

Thanks to Warren Richard Ridley and all the excellent staff at the Queen Vic Warren obtained fantastic gifts from Bernie Torme and Brian Downey (Thin Lizzy) and provided the bands with water cooked hot food and ran both bars upstairs and down for each of the two stages

Thanks to Ian Coult for meeting us when we first arrived and ensuring me, Claire and Amelie were warm and fed and comfortable, then worked tirelessly on the door during the day, providing photography, support and strength for our entire stay. It's gone beyond friendship we are family Ian thank you

Andrew Ormston, thank you for your great friendship, your brilliant raffle/ prizes and the wonderful and colourful Molly balloons, which was such a surprise to see on the day, he provided a ton of sweets, evenings for 2 dinner gift at the races, I mean the list goes on! You set the scene for a complete party vibe for Molly. You are a star and a legend.

Thank you to our sound engineers Graham Laddie and Nigel downstairs provided brilliant sound and organisation on the two stages

Satan's Empire for providing equipment stage management and drum kit and set up
Derek Lyon, Paul Lewis, Sandy McRitchie, Wayne Hudson, Garry Bowler and Alison Metcalfe. Thanks to Rose and Brandon for your fantastic energy and support

Jase Fox, Paul and Keith Dixon from the Rebel Legion for the excellent Star Wars presence throughout the day providing laughter and great photo opportunities

Photography by the incredible Jim Donnelly, who went that extra mile for us by setting up a small studio space to take incredible portraits of our bands, and us! Which turned out fantastic.
To John Lambton who religiously kept snapping his camera, capturing every moment, and to all the individual mearfesters who took great shots of the day.

Thank you for our merchandise staff Glennis Irish and Paul Cooper, who took this responsibility on with great pride, honesty, and endurance, it was a long day, which left Claire able to concentrate on the other 999,999 things going on that day.

Thanks once again for our world famous Molly shirts created by Martin Walkyier-Maia, who without hesitation created the forest green and orange shirts with just a days notice, as the black and reds were selling out online.

THANK YOU to all who bought our Molly shirts, wearing them all over the world and sending in your photos.

Thank you to NWOBHM legend Patrick from Belgium for the boxes of chocolates, which we gave out to all our volunteers, and Beers (!)

Thanks to Paul Finlay and Alan from Stuckfish for the additional lighting
Paul Finlay again for filming 'Molly the movie'
Thanks, to actual movie maker Warren Speed from Media Excentrique for filming

Thanks to Down Syndrome North East for attending with your families, great to rock with you again Stephen Hall, who is now a Mearfest legend himself.

Thanks to all the donations from the bands present and Quartz, Paul Battle of Britton, Spartan Warrior, Blackmayne and many others, Dave Bonney you made many rock fans very happy with their prize wins.

Thank you ladies to Paula Evans & Vikki Rutherford who worked really hard drinking many local beers and selling a zillion raffle tickets

THANK YOU to our Patrons Dibs Hawkwinder and Sam Kirwan for being there for us once again, supplying us with warmth, generosity and laughter

Huge thanks to the creator of our beautiful cake Beverley Johnstone, it was an absolute masterpiece, which was cut up into a hundred slices, laid upon the finest unicorn napkins then devoured in an hour by everyone still standing!

A massive thank you to Angela Holland for coming all that way from down south to look after our life, our beautiful angel of dreams Amélie Mear who was getting very tired and restless by mid afternoon, sorry if you missed her on the day.

A HUMONGOUS THANK YOU to Verina Charlesworth for inviting us into your home to meet her amazing family, working the door, and generally running around doing odd jobs for us, and for becoming our life long friend, adding love and light to our time in South Shields.

THANK YOU TO:

Andrew Tout for his very generous online donation
Andrew Halliday for pre gig drinks
Nick Grimley for Grimley brewery products Abaddon Ale, taking funny photos, smiles and laughter
Lyndsey Hopkinson for her beautiful and fantastic artwork
Sister Rose for additional amps
Kevin Wynn for endless tireless help assistance and for the trousers of course
Thank you to the Revd Carl Flynn Edwards for our spiritual support and your beautiful blessings on our event

Most importantly I thank my talented wife Claire Mear, who is the anchor in my life, the reason my life's worth living and who means the world to me. She works unbelievably hard with everything mearfest, keeping the website up to date, as I haven't got a clue about anything techno, organising the t-shirt production and sales, and for being the over all creative director and quality controller in any thing we do, all while looking after Amélie full time, she is very much appreciated.

Thank you to everyone who attended or contributed by sending messages of love from around the world

Unless you were with us on the day, there is no way to can explain the heightened atmosphere

You all came and gave of yourselves and once again gave us the opportunity to raise money for DOWN SYNDROME NORTH EAST who we received huge hugs from parents and kids at the convention the next day, and saw for ourselves where that money goes and what good it is doing. They are all very appreciative of every penny raised and on their behalf we THANK YOU.

Most importantly thank you for allowing us all to remember our Beautiful Molly Mear with the respect she deserves.

And Molly Smiled on........

YOU CAN STILL DONATE, IT IS NEVER TOO LATE, PRESS DONATE BUTTON BELOW

DONATE

Art work by Angela Yousif Holland
Words By Steve Ellis

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JACK MYLCHREEST REVIEW

20/10/2018

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Second on, we had the very talented Jack Mylchreest band.
They came highly recommended and they exceeded all my already high expectations

With Jack himself on vocals and lead guitar
Graeme ash on Bass & vocals with Andrew Robertshaw on drums they took to the stage with real confidence and amazing stage presence.

They played well known rock classics from over many decades and it was refreshing and exciting to see such a young band playing with such style and charisma

I absolutely loved every note!

This is the first time ever I have really been able to relax at a Mearfest show
With all the help given to us both on the day, I really had time to catch every band
What I witnessed here was a spectacular bunch of musicians with a very long and exciting future ahead of them, the lighting we had in place brought about a super stage presence

I have had no qualms asking them back for Mearfest North next October.
They bought, power, presence and wonderful musicianship and honoured us all by being there.

10/10

MAGNIFICENT

PHOTOS:
JIM DONNELLY
JOHN LAMBTON
SAM KIRWAN

PUSHING THE LIMIT SINGLE BUY ME

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SNATCH BACK REVIEW

20/10/2018

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We had a downstairs stage, which opened with a band that I have been wanting to see live for a very long time.

SNATCH BACK have a long and interesting history
Formed in the mid seventies they became a part of the NWOBHM movement and like so many others retired only to get back in the game in recent years

From Dr Helens they had a reasonable distance to travel and most of the band met us in the Curry house on the Friday night.

Come the day the lads were united with there singer and they were bloody brilliant.
I love this type of music, a classic NWOBHM sound with a hint of seventies rock.
I couldn't tell you what songs were played or in what order all I can say was they went down like those pints of ice cold Cobras the night before.

They were hotter than Satan's Vindaloo, spicy has hell and so hot on their feet the guitarist had to take his shoes off !

Ian Wood you and your wonderful band please take a bow.

You bought friendship, warmth, excitement and musical brilliance.
Above all you bought ENTERTAINMENT.
and we love you for it.

Once again 10/10
GLORIOUS

PHOTOS:
JIM DONNELLY
JOHN LAMBTON

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CULLODEN REVIEW

20/10/2018

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Culloden opened Mearfest North on the main stage upstairs
With a recent council sound restriction, a faulty external door clad with what resembled a king size mattress. I placed myself by the door in my brand new role as 'fire warden'

With Alex Connor perched in the heavens on the tallest drum riser in the western world, we could see him gulping on the O2 provided for high altitude briefly until the cloud cover totally engulfed him.

With Ryan Thompson and Andrew Halliday poised for action. Karl Moore appeared stage left in his now trademarked leather 'Turkish bath of death' jacket.
Losing more pounds than the Brexit negotiation team as they stormed into there set
It was an incredible display of technical high speed heavy metal

When Andrew started singing his whole body shook with passion and pent up fury
His vocals are unbelievable. I've suggested their first shirts should say 'I've survived the shrieks of Satan' on the back, it was either a mind blowing or head numbing experience.

The crowd cowering in submission rose to their feet to applaud them when the onslaught abated briefly.

Songs came thick and fast and the dialogue during the intro to 'Witchpricker' was awesome. Some electrotrickery ensued as newly joined guitarist Stefan Rosic plugged in but as soon as we had power we had glory !

Wow what a debut

With a healthy crowd, fantastic support, brilliant stage and lighting and the culmination of untold hours of practice and passion.
You don't watch a Culloden gig you survive it!
Culloden totally stormed it 10/10
Brilliant.

PHOTOS:

JIM DONNELLY
JOHN LAMBTON
BRIAN MEAR (JUST THE 1)

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TROYEN REVIEW

20/10/2018

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We welcomed back Troyen after two years with open arms
This classic NWOBHM band have always had a unique style and their performance at the Borderline show in 2016 really stood out
This time with a new guitarist and a new modern logo they treated us again to a stunning performance. They put on an incredible display and I thought they had developed their stagecraft and overall sound considerably

To be able to host bands of this quality with such a long history and legacy is a real honour for me
When the classic Syrian lady was ringing out I was in seventh heaven!
Where have those years gone ?
This band formed in 1980 when as photographs will inform the younger Mearfest crowd the world was black and white.
But today Troyen were a riot of musical colour and light.
Their palate of Rock is broad, rich and beautiful
The result was audible masterpiece.
A brilliant display from masters of their art
10/10

PHOTOS:
JIM DONNELLY
JOHN LAMBTON

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SATAN'S EMPIRE REVIEW

20/10/2018

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Satan's Empire headlined the upstairs stage and it was a truly stunning set
It was a lovely moment and when the band started several members of the group donned Satan Empire shirts and were seen down the front really enjoying themselves
This is what Mearfest is about and the band gave a performance of their lives

A great set commenced with a brilliant light show and excellent sound
A very lively audience participated and all the classics were played much for my and everyone else's delight. The whole day was an exercise in giving and this band have given Mearfest everything they possibly could.

They drove a 550 mile round trip, donated the backline and drum kit for upstairs
Set everything up including full drum kit
Garry Bowler helped with everyone's drum set ups between bands
Paul Lewis and Sandy McRitchie helped with guitar setups and loaning out amp heads
Alison Metcalfe was brilliant as always with her firm but professional stage management
Derek Lyon is always the life and soul of our event but it's fair to say I value his presence and friendship very much, so does Amélie our 17 month old daughter who has to have her photo taken with him at every event.
They refused to accept a penny for all their expenses which was very humbling
Satan's Empire to me are the perfect NWOBHM band the set was perfect but the generosity, warmth, invaluable assistance and love we all receive from this band is out of this world

We love you.
Scores are in : a perfect 100/10
INCREDIBLE
ALL HAIL THE EMPIRE

THE STORY OF AMÉLIE & DEREK

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STUCKFISH REVIEW

20/10/2018

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The fourth band of the day were Stuckfish
A Progressive Rock Band like no other
When Philip Stuckey sent me their album 'Calling' sometime ago it totally blew my mind
The complexity, the depth, the magnitude of the music engulfs you.

When Philip said he was going to try and produce the music in a live setting I was very excited.
The fact that we have such musical brilliance at all our shows makes me incredibly proud of how far we have come over the last few years.
For forty minutes Stuckfish owned that stage
I could see so many people, all sat at big round tables within the huge dance hall sized room, open mouthed at this magical performance

They played my two favourite tracks from the album 'Calling' and 'Something to believe in'
Both these and the remainder of the set were pure Musical perfection not only in delivery but in the sound quality (thank you Graham Laddie!) the lighting,(Paul Finlay) and the movements and choreography on stage.

This was purely and simply a beautiful performance.
We are honoured to have close links with this band .
They have been kind enough to allow us to have their music grace
our MOLLY SHIRT PROMOTIONAL VIDEO by Duncan Binnie (Mandora)

We will be announcing a very special event shortly.
An evening in London in the New year where you will be able to witness this phenomenal band in all their Glory .
Stuckfish...
Something to believe in .
PERFECTION... 11.5/10

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MILLENNIUM REVIEW

20/10/2018

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Millennium were to many, the band of the day
I think every band gave an incredible display but I can see why so many people said this
Mark Duffy and the Band were MASSIVE

A constant unstoppable force of classic metal brilliance
For 40 minutes the outside world ceased to exist for me, as for that period of time I was engulfed within the force and majesty that this band creates
I was 18 again, filled with heavy metal thunder I banged my head, raised my arms to heavens and shouted out until my tonsils were in tatters. I absolutely adore this band

They gave everything they had and more
When I consider the quality of all ten bands on the day and all people had to pay out was a pound for each band, what a bargain.

Then every single one of those pounds went straight to Down Syndrome North East.
If any one anywhere has any negative preconceived perceptions of Heavy Metal fans then this was the day when they should be thrown to the four winds
Millennium were IMMENSE
100/10

PHOTOS
JIM DONNELLY
JOHN LAMBTON

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TATTOO INK, SAND, COFFEE & RIBENA

19/10/2018

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The fine and intricate work of Lyndsey Hopkinson

The story behind this incredible piece of art, is quite a simple logic
Based purely on the 'Loss into legacy' concept
The colours at the bottom are dark, the use of sand represents time, so the bottom of the painting is the time Molly had in utero and the subsequent sadness and rawness of her loss

Molly is now above the dark part of the painting in the heavens, up with the lighter, brighter tones of the base colours because she is of course still with us, albeit not physically
There is still sand up at the top with Molly's hand, just to show that the time somebody has with us doesn't have to end because they themselves are no longer here
Tattoo ink is something Lyndsey always uses, it is permanent, so that is why she thought it suitable
Coffee had been added for texture and there is Ribena splashed in, definitely accidental but worked out quite well.

Lindsey apologised if her explanation gave the painting a darker meaning, but she strongly believes that stillbirth is a subject which needs to be talked about more, so she wanted the painting to be kind of an enabler for that, which I think she has created beautifully.

Of course we had to keep this precious piece of Molly.

THANK YOU Lyndsey

HER STUDIO IS ANGEL FACE JEWELLERY

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AH ME LADS BY BRIAN MEAR

18/10/2018

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We went past Blaydon Races
Twas the thirteenth of October
Some of us were drunk as lords
And some of us were sober
Our car was full up to the brim
With a thousand of Amelie's cases
Away we went up Collingwood road
By passing the Blaydon Races
We turned up at The Old Queen Vic
Passing sand dancers in various places
Warren rubbed his hands with glee
To see so many dry mouthed faces
All too soon Duncan said BOOM !
With drink awash and smiling faces
Up at the Vic on Victoria Road
No where near Blaydon Races
Culloden plugged in some of their amps
And Stefan had no airs and graces
Karl sweated cobs all leather clad
As they put us through their paces
Next up on stage was Jack the lad
With Lizzy tunes and Hendrix aces
Another beer off David Culyer
And I didn't care about Blaydon Races
And now the Snatch Back Crew
Ian Wood pulled some mighty faces
With some vodka drunk to steady the ship
They took us back to distant places
Stuckfish struck up and lights went down
Philip Stuckey CALLING the Aces
We all had something to believe in
And it sure wasn't the Blaydon Races
The Empire next from far, far away
With Storm troopers we were rising
I'd hit the beer and felt quite queer
That's not bloody surprisin
With Troyen's Jeff keeping the beat
Syrian ladies about the places
Another round in, Warren stroked his chin
He thought he'd won the Blaydon Races
Millennium next and what a sight
Mark Duffy putting them through their paces
Grimley's smile was half a mile
Could be seen by a thousand faces
Mandora on and Born Again
Glow sticks lighting up tiny faces
Paul Binyon with THOSE trousers on!
Ten miles from Blaydon Races
And then it was the witching hour
The metal hoards went crazy
Bucket and Hogg and Abaddon
My mind went kinda hazy
When nominee he sat on us
I ached in a thousand places
I said leave me hell, I don't mind the smell
It's far better than Blaydon Races
When the Tysondog's were unleashed
With guitars and teeth a snarling
With Kevin Wynn and his cheeky grin
Calling my wife his "darling"
The bastards didn't grind us down
By the look on all our faces
There was not a soul for a mile around
That would've rather be at Blaydon Races

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