Kelston Roundhill and Roundhill Barn

The prototype wind vane installation on Kelston Roundhill is performing well in present weather, although they’re still not yet connected to the farm irrigation system and the Old Barn. We’re still in B&NES’ pre-planning advice process about the renewables installation.

Many thanks to those who have responded so far to the consultation about this. This will remain open for two more weeks until Wed 13 Nov. So if you haven’t yet responded and would still like to please do.

We’ve had useful feedback from the process already. The designers have in particular taken on board feedback about sun reflection from certain angles on sunny evenings. They have agreed to paint the blades with a matt finish, in a neutral grey colour, to address the issue. The plan is for the turbines to remain static until this work is completed.

Work has meanwhile started on construction of a stone storage shed which could house electrical equipment such as battery.

This painting Early Evening Above Richens Orchard by Peter Brown, with Kelston Roundhill top right, is one of several being auctioned for the benefit of the local hospital – more info here. 

http://bathartistsstudios.co.uk/project/fundraising-auction/

Photo by Jon Hamp, via Instagram

Late June summer meadow: Roundhill field photo by Doc Searls (via Flickr)

On 5 July Kelston Roundhill hosted the first ever concert for aural diversity.

Conceived and presented by the composer Andrew Hugill (who himself suffers hearing loss and tinnitus) the concert was performed by musicians themselves in various stages and types of hearing loss.

The audience that came to hear the groundbreaking event were as aurally diverse as the performance. All present were profoundly moved; one man reported this was the first music that had ever stimulated his inner ear.

The needs of a hearing impaired audience were met in a variety of ways including sign language interpretation, haptic feedback through vibrating floors (shown above) and silent disco headphones and silent applause and cutlery. The event was supported by ReSound Audio, makers of specialist hearing aids which have proven particularly helpful to musicians suffering hearing loss.

Hard-working Craig who puts on the Kelston Records events takes a rare moment of relaxation during the set.

“Hello Kelston!” Geert sets up Focus for a set of sizzling prog.

In case any bemused walkers were wondering about the classic sounds coming up from the Old Barn last Saturday yes it was indeed the legendary Dutch prog rockers Focus, helping us celebrate some milestones. They were in superb form.

Here’s part of their sound check (HT Harry).

At the end of a superb 90-minute set Thijs van Leer told the guests “We feel very at home here.”

Focus on Kelston Roundhill: Menno Gootjes (guitar), Thijs van Leer (keys, flute, vocals), Pierre van der Linden (drums), Udo Pannekeet (bass). Photo: Dorothee Jung Giedroyc.

Photos by David Goode, June 2019

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The Oak king and his circus folk
They brought a marching band.
And felt this barn, below these trees was the fairest place to stand.

And Holly, the preacher who led them,
As the summer light held sway.
Removed his hat and stopped the crowd,
Then he turned to them to say,

‘May the winter never gather
Or those deep dark birds amass,
May these thoughts that might defeat you
Dissipate and pass’

Now there’s only bare earth
Where the elephants stood
And waited by the door.
Just yesterday their city stood here,
And the winds smelt of canvas and straw,

And miles ahead there was rain in sheets
That washed their coloured tents 
And the clowns playing cards in the corner 
Could’ve told you what this meant.

Kelston Laureate Jon Hamp reads his new poem at the Bard of Bath’s Solstice celebration inside Kelston Clump

Thanks to Conor Whelan, the Bard of Bath, to Jon, Graham Tic and all the other poets, to Craig, Marick and the band and everyone who came.