LIVE ON STAGE with THE OLD DANCE SCHOOL! , Posted by Sweep at 21:18 on May 8, 2011
Yes it's absolutely true...last weekend I joined 7 piece band The Old Dance School on stage at BAAFEST 2011 for their encore! Although the crowds loved it I have to say...I didn't. Those drums were too loud and the whole stage was shaking. I jumped off and headed for mum (who was sitting right at the front) but on the way I was blasted with hot air from the big industrial heater....not a great night for me.    

MY FIRST PASSPORT!! , Posted by Sweep at 21:50 on February 21, 2011
Just back from a few days away. Picked up my passport in Hexham on the way to Staffordshire. Didn't think I needed it for the Midlands but anyway...quite relieved to discover I wasn't sleeping in the van as it was a tad on the cool side Friday night. Arrived at friends after a very late gig by 1.15am (thanks to Mrs Sat Nav) and then I met ZIGGY!


He was great fun...about my age and daft as a brush. One thing I did find slightly annoying about him mind was that he would steal every single toy I was playing with. We had one or two hairy moments!

 

My first gig of 2011 , Posted by Sweep at 22:06 on February 13, 2011
It's seems ages since I've been to a gig. Last night was a village hall in Hallbankgate in Cumbria not too far from home. Everyone very happy for me to be there and although I missed the show...it was great playing in the hall afterwards with a fresh piece of gaffa! Apparently mum sang a song about me tonight. Thanks mum!  

DOGGY FRIENDLY DUFTON!  , Posted by Sweep at 17:15 on December 12, 2010
At long last...I've been out of Bellingham! After all that lovely snow (which has been great fun) I've just got back from a nice little trip to Cumbria...the Eden Valley to be more specific...where I met sooooo many other doggies! On arrival we all headed straight out for a walk (4 of us K9's and 4 of them!) We did'nt have time to do the Peneine Way but I enjoyed it all the same. Then I was invited into Hall Croft B&B for an cosy evening by the fire...perfect...no cats...just collies! (doesn't get much better than that). To make the day complete, mum & dad brought the gaffa tape home from the gig so we played until the early hours!!!!   

CAMPING HEAVEN , Posted by Sweep at 21:02 on September 18, 2010
Just got back home from 5 nights on the road. Weather good, so not too much paw drying required this time round! The highlight of the week for me had to be the 5 mile walk in the Cotswolds. The circular walk from Broughton on the Water taking in both the Slaughters was followed by a few hours in the Naughton 'Black Horse'...which was full of very clever dogs...see pic below (don't think I could do that) and then a lovely cosy sleep in the bottom of the tent back at the campsite. To top it all, we had the whole place to ourselves so lots of frisby was played here...UTTER BLISS!
There were lots of great smells in Loughborough but it rained in St Neots (AGAIN!) Oh well...back home now and enjoying my basket which I've really missed. Here's a piccy of one of the pub dogs in the Black Horse...

 

WOODWORKS! , Posted by Sweep at 14:08 on September 5, 2010
Have just returned home after a long trip to Bedfordshire. The new van is comfy and very posh...even has air con to keep me cool at all times! The only snag is I get very thirsty...perhaps that's why there are a couple of drinks holders for me to use in the back! Woodworks Festival was lovely...just like I remember from last year...lots of doggies and other wildlife keep me amused...but I'm not altogether sure about this one....??
 

DOUBLE REJECTION at BELLINGHAM SHOW , Posted by Sweep at 18:22 on August 28, 2010
Well today has been a very disappointing. Firstly I was entered into 5 different Doggy classes at Bellingham Show and didn't get placed in any of them. There were loads of other dogs which was quite interesting but I had to stay on a lead the whole time. I suppose I felt better when I discovered that Moss from next door had a similar run of bad luck...what's going on? 
Then this afternoon, it turns out that mum was taking part in the Show Fell Race...and yes you guessed it...no dogs allowed...hmmm. That would have been my idea of heaven...4 miles cross country on a lovely sunny day, light winds from the west and no sign of rain! Oh well...just have to dream about it.   

REJECTION , Posted by Sweep at 21:22 on August 23, 2010

Can't believe it...Moss (the bitch next door) has rejected me. She has been extremely interested over the last week or so and we've had lots of fun in the back garden...there was even talk of puppies at one point! Unfortunately she just growls every time I go near her now...never mind...plenty more where she came from. When are we off touring next mum?   

PS. Moss is a labradoodle.
PPS. Perhaps labracolliedoodles were'nt such a good idea anyway. 

'OFF THE ROAD' FUN & GAMES , Posted by Sweep at 22:47 on August 9, 2010

Had an ace couple of days away in Cumbria and did all things fun...up-hill walkies...down hill walkies, frisbee, footie, camping and AGILITY! Yes going through the tunnels was just fab and I love getting wet! More of the same please. 

I'M NOT FOR SALE! , Posted by Sweep at 19:04 on July 27, 2010
Have just heard that two welsh collies were sold for �6000 EACH today! Hope 'they' don't get any ideas and put me up on Ebay... 

I LIKE SCOTLAND! , Posted by Sweep at 13:16 on June 28, 2010

Pre-gig walkies on the front at Girvan. 

FROLICS UP FRONT! , Posted by Sweep at 22:04 on June 7, 2010
Made friends with the owners dog at the Up-Front Gallery in Unthank, Penrith last week. Can't remember her name but wow did she smell good! I chased her round the puppet theatre after the gig till she'd had enough...! 
I think she looks a bit like a puppet here don't you?

  

SQUIRRELS IN SHERRINGHAM , Posted by Sweep at 13:04 on April 18, 2010
Having a great weekend away in Norfolk. Been running in Sherringham Park the last two mornings before breakfast...wow what a place! I've never seen so many grey squirrels before. Been to beach, played lots of frisbee and lazed in the sun. Bothe venues so far have been very kind and let me roam about.Never been in a theatre before. Kate on lighting was especially nice to me! The church next night had under floor heating...that was quite odd for me, but P & Fi seemed very impressed!! Heading for Norwich now where the pub has a big dog...not quite sure how Ill be received... 

FAME AT LAST....perhaps? , Posted by Sweep at 22:10 on April 12, 2010
Had an exciting morning today! With BAAFEST fast approaching (P & Fi's latest project) the photograpgher from The Journal came to take some shots. Everyone seemed quite keen for me to be in them too...so who knows...I might be in a glossy magazine at the end of the month! Just have to wait and see...

  

LINCOLNSHIRE VEG 4 SAUSAGE 0 , Posted by Sweep at 15:45 on March 21, 2010
Just back home after a couple of days in North Licolnshire. These village hall gigs they're doing at the moment suit me very well as there is nearly always a nice big playing field beside the hall to run around. Everyone's really friendly too and been making a big fuss of me. I particularly enjoyed a big frisbee session at Epworth Thurlow Pavilion with my new friend Ebony. She got the hang of how to throw it in the end!!! So not a bad couple of days away, however the rain on saturday meant we were all in the van for longer than we wanted to be (big sighs all round) and the only other disappointment was that I didn't get any Lincolshire sausage. They bought loads of vegetables instead! 

HAPPY MEMORIES , Posted by Sweep at 22:50 on March 14, 2010
Just lying in the footwell of the van reflecting on the last few days. Had some good walks and fair bit of frisby too. Highlights were meeting Ruby, leftover Lincolnshire sausages and running in Thetford Forest. Thanks also to all those who played with me after the gigs too.  

LOVE SICK IN NORFOLK! , Posted by Sweep at 10:44 on March 13, 2010
Yes It's absolutely true...I met Ruby for the first time after the gig in Diss Corn Hall. She was so cute, great fun and obviously quite taken with me too! We just seemed to hit it off really.  Such a pity we had to leave next morning...would have been quite happy to have stayed all day!
 

SPRING HAS SPUNG! , Posted by Sweep at 22:30 on March 10, 2010
Been out in the garden for most of the day today with all those lovely Spring flowers...sooooo sunny and bright...quite warm in sheltered parts too! I could get used to this...nice and relaxing. Trouble is I think we're heading back down the A1 again tomorrow. Norfolk and Suffolk doesn't sound too bad though. Think we're staying on a farm....even better! 

A quick run around the country! , Posted by Sweep at 16:40 on March 8, 2010
In the last 3 days I've been to London, Southampton, Cardiff and home. A well travelled pooch I hear you say....well yes I am, but it certainly wasn't what I call a RUN! They may well be happy with all their CD sales but I did'nt see another dog all weekend and only got to play with the gaffa tape twice...hope next weeks trip to East Anglia is better!   

here we go, here we go, here we go! , Posted by Sweep at 19:04 on March 4, 2010
Apparently we're off on tour tomorrow. It's been a while...definitely out of practise...me that is...not them! They'll be fine!Better make the most of my home comforts tonight! 

THE WHITE STUFF  , Posted by Sweep at 16:41 on January 7, 2010
Well isn't this just fantastic...all this white stuff! I'm having loads of fun in the fields around and about. It does get pretty tiring in the deep bits mind...must be well over a foot! 
After several days off, Fi has obviously decided to resume her daily run BUT NOW WELLIES...hmmm...jogging in wellies...now there's a thing (could become the latest craze...especially if this weather continues!) She seems happy enough anyway! 

Suppose if I had to moan about the white stuff (like lots of folk are) it would be those nasty balls I get between my toes...oh and I havn't seen so many of my friends recently either (particularly the smaller ones!)

  

FESTIVE TREATS! , Posted by Sweep at 19:48 on January 2, 2010
Been a bit off my food recently. The festive human treats have been so excellent (smoked ham fat and turkey bits mmm!) that it's made my normal bowl of Bakers (with chicken) pretty tasteless. Havn't been running for a while either due to the sheer volume of snow in the fields. This morning was not only deep snow, but icy on the surface, which made it quite uncomfortable for me...I must have looked really silly as I lifted each leg particularly high off the ground!

 

 

HOME COMFORTS! , Posted by Sweep at 21:18 on November 17, 2009
Been home quite a bit recently. Must be the dark nights or something but I havn't been to a gig with them for ages?? They've been getting in pretty late afterwards...still we always manage a game of catch in the lounge, before bed. Have also been running up Hareshaw Linn a few times lately...so can't complain really!   

Home sweet home! , Posted by Sweep at 12:22 on November 1, 2009

After a wonderful week away touring with P and Fi, I'm very glad to report that we are all home safe and sound. We are all feeling extremely tired but pleased that the weather held out for us. Had some great beach walks and met some really nice folk along the way. Only problem seems to be with the van...thinks it's going to the doctors tomorrow.
Now then where was I.....zzzzzzzzzzzzz

 

CONFUSED FROM KENT , Posted by Sweep at 15:50 on October 28, 2009
Still not sure if Broadstairs has a beach...arrived in the dark! 5 oclock and DARK...just don't get it? There were plenty of pubs though and The Barnaby Rudge were more than happy for me to be around. Enjoyed the gig but drifted off towards the end of the 2nd set. Sooo relaxing after that long journey today!  

FROM SOUTH TO EAST COAST , Posted by Sweep at 10:17 on October 26, 2009
Just recovering from an exhilarating early mornning run along Bournemouth beach with Fi! Bright sun and really mild for October. Hope its as good at Broadstairs...think there's a beach there too but never been before. Will report back soon... 

Off we go again! , Posted by Sweep at 10:18 on October 19, 2009
I think we're heading off again soon....heard mention of 'tour', 'south coast' and 'sleep in the van'. Reckon that means I'm going with them! They NEVER sleep in the van. Probably need  lots of towels...October can be very muddy for paws!
Be in touch when I know a bit more. 

VILLAGE HALLS ARE GREAT! , Posted by Sweep at 22:33 on October 11, 2009
Just a brief note to say that I'm really enjoying doing the Rural Touring Scheme! So far I've been to 4 different Village Halls around the North East and Cumbria....mostly beautiful locations and not too long sitting in the van either. The longest stretch was 2 hours yesterday when we went to Soulby (near Kirkby Stephen) in Cumbria. I was allowed to wander freely around the grounds AND meet the organisers too. All so relaxed! Best of all... a great game with the gaffa tape at the end of the night!!!
Apparently we've got 6 more Village Halls to come....can't wait!

 

SECRET HAVEN JUST OFF M25  , Posted by Sweep at 20:53 on September 22, 2009
Had a fab run around the grounds of the De Vere Hotel this morning. No one else about. Love it! Then we're back on the road towards Dartford, but stop off on route to 'kill a bit of time'. P an Fi always manage to find great places that are tucked away. This one was a real gem. Just a stones throw from the M25 but totally secluded and not a soul about! What a find! Couldn't tell you where it was mind!    

ACCOMMODATION IN HAMPSHIRE , Posted by Sweep at 14:12 on September 21, 2009
P and Fi get to stay in some really great kennels whilst touring but THIS one tops the lot!
 
What's more, I got to meet While and Matthews tonight. They insisted I was in the group photo! 

PLAYTIME! , Posted by Sweep at 14:12 on September 20, 2009
At last some friends to play with! Mouse and Daisy are both chocolate labs. They have a huge garden to play in and seemed happy for me to join in.Went to Aldeburgh on the Suffolk coast but gig cancelled. Something about a music licence or NOT as the case may be.
 

MY FIRST WEDDING , Posted by Sweep at 14:12 on September 19, 2009
Experienced my first wedding today. Quite enjoyed it actually! Seems I was the only dog to be invited...what an honour! Everyone looked very smart. Didn't recognise P with a suit on. I'm sure I should had worn a different collar! Congratulations Alice and Anthony! 

AUTUMN AT HOME - SUMMER IN CAMBRIDGE , Posted by Sweep at 14:12 on September 18, 2009
Today has been quite odd. It started out cold and very autumnal. Went running with Fi and chased birds for ever! We then drove 200 miles south and WOW its still summer down here in Cambridge! Everyone's in shorts and T-shirts. Its really hot. Glad the curtains were up in the van. Too hot for me. Heard P+Fi talking to some woman on the local radio. Think I got a mention at one point! Then they sang a song about a Working Man. Sounded good!   

WOODWORKS! , Posted by Sweep at 09:41 on September 12, 2009
Today is Woodworks Festival! A celebration of all things woody plus some great live music to go with it! Location - The Forest of Marston Vale, near Bedford. Weather - HOT! Its a big day for P as his DIPSTIX (bundles of recycled fire lighters) go on sale for the first time. Wonder how popular they will be? There are only 4 live acts during the afternoon, Jack Mc Neill & Charlie Hayes, Barron Brady, Landermason and Colvin Quarmby (who I've heard before). They are great fun! Had a walk around the festival site with one of P's friends. Apart from lots of woody things, there was a Bird of Prey display. Mmmm never seen so many owls...and that falcon was something else! Think I caused a bit of a stir with one of the owls when I walked round the corner...love it! 

Hambledon to Kent , Posted by Sweep at 09:41 on September 10, 2009
It seems we are having an Indian Summer. Before the journey over to Kent we make for the playing field again. There's even enough space for me to do circles here! We arrive in Kent by 3pm. No gig tonight so lots of fun in the garden with a small football which I discovered in the undergrowth! Quite fancy one of these myself. After this, I rest in the shade...they BBQ.

Up early next morning for a run with Fi. Quite built up area to start with...loads of noisy cars and masses of school kids assembling. We head up the hill to Copstone Park...much better! Nice and quiet here. Spent the rest of the day in the garden again. P was busy making bundles of 'dipstix' (ready for Woodworks Festival tomorrow) and Fi was updating the new website. Everyone seemed very content except for 'Snowy' the resident cat who's not been seen since our arrival....woops! 

Bellingham to Hampshire , Posted by Sweep at 21:35 on September 9, 2009
Off we go again to the south of England. Don't think I've slept in the same place for 2 consecutive nights for over 2 weeks! Getting kind of used to it now...in fact I'm sure I get more treats on the road. After a short stop off in Surrey at a relations,we reach Hambledon in Hampshire. I like it here. A playing field right beside the venue-perfect! Loads of frisbee and a doggy friendly organiser. I'm even allowed in the Village Hall. Hurray! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! , Posted by Sweep at 00:00 on September 6, 2009
Today it's my birthday and guess what I got? The most fantastic new dog bowl! It was made for me specially by Jackie my friend in Suffolk. Not only has it got my name on but there's a painting of me inside! Thanks Jackie. Will probably not take it touring... much too good and they might leave it somewhere anyway! Talking of which, P and Fi have been really good so far on this Tour. They've not left anything behind anywhere... I wonder if I'll ever get my old brown bowl back from Deal in Kent? That's a few years ago now.

 

DAY 11 HOME! , Posted by Sweep at 00:00 on September 5, 2009
At last - we're heading home! I can smell the northern air. Can't wait for a drink of tonight. A nice pint of Kielder Water! Had a walk in the field when we got home... spotted Moss (the labradoodle from next door) from a distance and ran to greet her. (never thought I'd miss her so much!) 

DAY 10 Wivenhoe to Sudbury , Posted by Sweep at 00:00 on September 4, 2009
Had a great morning today. A walk with Poppy the resident  dog... a very lively girl indeed but not sure exactly what breed. Next a top frisbee session in the park at Bures in Suffolk, now I remember this place! This was followed by freedom in the garden at some friends and FRESH HAM. Now that's what I call good hosts! Enough about me... back to work they go.  It's a big gig tonight as they launch the new CD at The Quay Theatre in Sudbury. Bound to be some people there I know! Could get lots of cuddles if I'm lucky.  Quick snooze first - want to look good for them all. 

DAY 9 Spalding to Wivenhoe , Posted by Sweep at 00:00 on September 3, 2009
After a night with our hosts in Cowbit (pronounced Kerbit) I was glad of a walk to the river Welland with Paul following a night in the van.  Off to Essex - more play time on the way! Doing well today. Arrived in Wivenhoe nice and early to check out the venue. It's always a good sign when the pub is named after a K9 and 'The Greyhound' was happy to accommodate me both indoors and out! Got to play with a ball of gaffa tape before and after the gig - It's my favourite game ever... everyone was very amused!

  

DAY 8 Holkham to Spalding , Posted by Sweep at 00:00 on September 2, 2009
Great sleep in the tent and as I anticipated my legs ache! Kept well out of the way whilst the tent was being packed away. Back on the road. Stopped off on route to Spalding for another walk. (Gedney Drove End) This is Fenland. Fields that run as far as the eye can see and tractors everywhere! Was quite enjoying things until the RAF decided to join us. Right that's it... back to the van. I'm not going any further. If they want me to go beyond here they'll just have to carry me. RESULT! Straight back to the van with Fi. P goes it alone! Re united later.

After this it got a bit a bit towny so nothing much to report. 

DAY 7 Norwich to Holkham , Posted by Sweep at 00:00 on September 1, 2009
Think we might be heading for the beach again!...I'm sure that's what they said. First stop B&Q (what?) Seems P needs some superglue for his nails... that's weird! 2nd stop Fakenham, for fresh fruit and other bits and bobs including some treats for me. Beef schmacko's are my favourite at the moment... soooo tasty.

Now where?... the beach perhaps? YES - well after a picnic by the van, complete with glass of wine (them not me I hasten to add!) and a very long walk along a hot grassy path first. Not that I'm complaining though...met my very first Irish Water Spaniel. Very nice looking! She seemed to like me too. We head off through the trees then... WOW that's the biggest beach I've ever seen.... where's the the sea gone?

Right I'm off....

 

DAY 6 Lincolnshire to Norwich , Posted by Sweep at 00:00 on August 31, 2009
Early morning walk - YES! and they both came too... double the fun. After breakfast I was allowed to roam freely in the garden... not the greatest of places to stretch my legs but tremendous to explore, with lots of windy paths leading to different mini gardens. Could spend all day here... hey what's this? don't think I should be here...BANTUMS! Time for the off - oh well... hope to be back!

After a slow drive down to Norwich (Bank holiday traffic) we arrive at The Brickmakers. It's red hot...perfect for the event! A one day music festival raising funds for the local primary school. Seems that P & Fi are one of 35 acts taking part! That's a lot... wonder how many bring their dogs too? Excellent news... they are performing in the garden so I can sit and watch! Quite a contrast to the garden I mentioned earlier mind - bantums have now been replaced with beer glasses and crowds of people. Sadly no other dogs to play with... well no friendly ones anyway. 

   

DAY 5 Weymouth to Lincolnshire , Posted by Sweep at 00:00 on August 30, 2009
Left the campsite before most people were even up therefore didn't get my usual walk. (between you and me, I wasn't all that bothered - still not fully recovered from yesterday!)

Arrived in Alford after a fab country stop off for picnic and frisbee session. Definately one of the better laybys. (Hope they have logged that one for future visits). The music venue, an outdoor craft market was incredibly colourful and everyone very friendly indeed. Don't remember getting so many pats! The only downside P and Fi seemed busy for much longer than normal, so I didn't get my usual interval treats. I'm sure I heard my name mentioned at one point.  

DAY 3 & 4 beach fun! , Posted by Sweep at 00:00 on August 28, 2009
Why are we sitting outside a Post Office on a horribly busy road? Want to get to that beach I heard mentioned... oh no not Tescos as well!

Eventually the wait is over... Heaven on earth....Eweleaze Campsite. I'm off for a swim! 

DAY 2 Tetbury to Weymouth  , Posted by Sweep at 00:00 on August 27, 2009
A better day today! an early morning walk along the old railway line then a quick scoot up to Tetbury for some milk. Lots of activity here and some terrific smells! (Nothing like the ones back home). P and Fi had a VERY lazy breakfast... more like lunch in fact, obviously not in a big hurry today!  After fond farewells, it's back on the road. Next stop... the south coast. Apparently I've been here before. (Last summer at Evolve Festival but I can't remember it). Spent the evening at a village hall in Broadmayne (Dorchester) where there was much excitement over a new CD or something!

  

DAY 1 Bellingham to Cardiff , Posted by Sweep at 15:52 on August 26, 2009
Boring, boring, boring. Ball play difficult, frisbee impossible...8 hours in the van with only 2 stops. Worse still it rained all the way. On arrival in Cardiff P and Fi unloaded instrunents and I got some attention at last. Not a Welsh collie in sight mind! Back in the van for another snooze but without the engine going...so much nicer zzzz.... Looks like we are off to Tetbury for an overnight stay... introducing Dottie. Quite cute but a bit old for me!
 

Off on tour with mum and dad , Posted by Sweep at 09:12 on August 26, 2009
Off on tour with mum and dad today. I think I heard them say for 12 days which means lots of new people and smells for me!
I heard them mention Cardiff in Wales so maybe I can meet a Welsh collie or two!!! 

Welcome from Sweep , Posted by Sweep at 19:30 on August 24, 2009
Hi. My name is sweep and I am a a border collie.

My mum and dad, Fiona and Paul are the brilliant band Landermason and I have the fun of travelling around the country with them as they perform their gigs. Some think this must be really boring for me spending all that time on the road but nothing could be more wrong. I get a new adventure every day with exciting new places, smells and people.

I do miss my best friend Moss who lives nextdoor. She is a Labradoodle and is both drop deal gorgeous and brilliant fun to be with.

This blog will tell the world what an amazing life I have on the road with Landermason