I had the added benefit of two extra sets of eyes and ears who were able to funnel any juicy titbits my way when I was too busy jotting things down or distracted by something else happening in the other direction. There’s nothing quite like wandering around a sports domain in the rain, surrounded by locals in their terrain-appropriate gumboots, the scents of freshly cut grass, deep fried hotdogs and sugary sweet churros wafting by as your ears are sporadically assaulted by bursts of the bagpipes.Īrmed with my phone’s notes app, I soaked up all the things I just could not make up while sitting at the comfort and isolation of my desk. But considering how many notes I made, I know I’ll be making some big changes during the edits of my book. We had a quick bakery stop for pastries and takeaway coffees then headed out of town.īy this point, I had already written the first draft of the scenes featuring my own sculpture competition in my fictional Milverton Square. On the advertised Saturday morning earlier this month, I joined my friends Rachel and Jill for a day out at the Kimbolton Sculpture Festival in Manawatū, New Zealand. So when I heard there was an upcoming sculpture competition in a small rural community not too far away, I knew I had to go. We spent around 40 minutes here, as stopped at the monument for a mini picnic with a view before walking back down the hill to the car.My next murder mystery, Poison at Penshaw Hall, features a sculpture competition.

There was plenty of carparking on the small street just off the roundabout, right at the start of the uphill climb to the monument - you enter via a gate from the street. It is considered to be Wearside's most beloved landmark, even appearing on the badge of Sunderland Football Club.' 'Better known as the Penshaw Monument, this 70 foot high monument is a replica of the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens and can be seen for miles around. We were surprised that there wasn't any information boards up at the monument, but I had read a little on the English Heritage website before our trip. Just a shame all the red construction tape is everywhere at the moment as does take away from the view of the monument!

I'm 8 months pregnant and managed it fine, with a couple of stops to catch my breath. It is only a short 10 minute walk up the hill, it is very steep but there are steps. We visited on a cloudy friday and were surprised by how many people were out for a stroll around the monument.

Poison at Penshaw Hall by G.B. Ralph