Things are memorable in different ways , for different reasons. I knew the films of Orson Wells, but nothing about his lifelong passion for drawing and painting. Cousin's beautiful film inspired me to do more with my sketchbooks - they are not just for scribbling to do lists! I don't think I will forget yesterday. Like a scene from a film, a reminder of how Belfast must have been in the Blitz, or the Troubles, smoke billowed from the old Bank Buildings in the city centre. Today, this 233 year old building is just a burnt out shell. It has served the city as a bank, a department store and for a long time was the site of public executions. For as long as I can remember it has housed Primark retail. I had my purse stolen there whilst Christmas shopping some years ago - I won't forget that - but the memory does not diminish my love for the building. I hope it is restored. 

Another great research trip to Berlin and - new for me - Leipzig. From the crumbling remains of Anhalter station to the vast expanse of Gatow airfield there is always a sense of history in Berlin. I took a few days out to go to Leipzig to see the 91 metre tall monument to the Battle of the Nations or Volkerschlachdenkmal for those who like a spelling challenge! The monument was complete in 1913 - one hundred years after the defeat of Napoleon. Well worth the climb to the top for panoramic views of Leipzig and worth remembering that despite its re-purposing by the Third Reich, it is now a monument for peace.