Days 4-5
Had a fabulous time, with my university buddies, Athene, and Hilary, along with Hilary’s husband Jeff – looking for Gromits, Wallaces and Feathers McGraws in Bristol. New for me this time around was using the phone app, which was mostly a good experience. It was not great for determining when things were upstairs in Cribbs causeway shopping centre- but as long as there were no multiple floors involved it was easier than the printed map. Then there was also the ingenuity of decorated sculptures, this time some with moving parts – including my favourite Gromitronic – who had a 3D printed waggy tail (not shown above!)
I am honestly not sure what it is about looking at painted sculpture trails that makes me love doing them so much. Over the last five years, I have looked for Gromits, Shauns, Snow dogs, Sun bears and Owls in London, Birmingham, Brighton, and Bristol. Each time I have embarked on this kind of day – it has brought great joy. Some of it is the artistic interpretation and creativity, some of it is in the walking and searching, and some in the imagination and wonder. It’s a fine activity done alone, but even better with friends. I was in particularly good company this time around – with my pals from York University, who I first met in 1980!
The underlying reality is we are made in the image of a creative God, and our creativity brings him glory. It says in Isaiah 43:6b -7 (one of my favourite Biblical chapters) “Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth –everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made” * – This kind activity revels in all this creativity, may that’s why I find it such a joy!
Gromit hunting in Bristol is available until 2nd September… Comes highly recommended!
*New International Version – UK (NIVUK) — Holy Bible, New International Version® Anglicized, NIV® Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The Adventures of Alison 