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One of the Team
It’s better to be small and nimble than large and slow. Which is good, as we’re a small, but refined team here at Millican.
We’re growing at a steady pace and I’m sure it won’t be long before we’re adding more members to our growing team.
Since 2008, we’ve managed to assemble a team of freelance experts – Matt, Magnus, Jon, Roger, Cheryl, Moy, Robin, Neil, Russ, Jack to name a few, who’ve all helped create Millican as we know it today.
We’ve been working with Russ for a few years now, he manages our logistics from the warehouse in Kendal with Neil and the rest of the team. If you’ve ever wondered who packed your bag so beautifully in a recycled cardboard box and wrote you a little note, that’s likely to be Russ.
When Russ is not in the warehouse you’ll most probably find him up a fell. He is a passionate fell runner.
Photo courtesey of Planet Fear
I took the opportunity too catch up with Russ a few weeks back, our questions and answer session gave me a real insight into what fell running means to him.
What is your earliest memory of fell running?
No real early memory as I came to fell running fairly late in life. My first race was from The Scree Hotel in Wasdale. I was sure I would be last so was surprised to come midfield. They also did a great Tatie Pot in the entry fee.
What interests you about fell running?
Being able to move fast and light in the fells and be independent.
If you could run any fell over and over, which would it be?
Not sure but I have been fortunate enough to live at the bottom of Kentmere Valley all my life. I have walked and run those fells for 40 years and I’m not tired of it yet.
What would you say is the most important characteristic to make a good fell runner?
The ability to keep pushing yourself as hard as you can when all you want to do is sit down.
Our namesake, Millican Dalton was quoted ‘Don’t mix words, jump to conclusions’, do you have a motto which you live by?
No real motto but be willing to give things a try. You can always achive more than you think.
It wouldn’t be a real Q &A unless I hit Russ with a few quick fire questions…
Who would play you in the movie of your life?
Kevin Spacey
What were your first pair of fell running shoes?
Walsh PB boots.
What do you do when you’re not fell running?
Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, drink wine and family stuff.
Slate Green or Antique Bronze?
Slate Green.
Favourite Millican product?
Rob the Traveller.
Ben Nevis, just coming off the summit
In case you were wondering, Russ is number 224 in the green vest.
Anyone spot Wally?
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May Update: Teach a Man to Fish
It’s been some time since we’ve caught up with our friends Si and Cat, things have certainly progressed since we were first introduced through our good friend Jack back in November.
You may recall that Si and Cat set out to create a small fishing business from the village of Portscatho on the south coast of Cornwall. Quite simply, Si was going to build a boat, catch some fish and sell it locally.
From their first idea on a scrap of paper, they now have the beginnings of a boat, a beautiful workshop and a unicycle…
Following on from their last update in March, I’ll hand you over to Cat. As ever you can keep up to date on all their experiences via their Blog and Twitter page.
Teach a Man to Fish – May 2012 Update
Workshop beforeIt’s funny how things come full circle.Since last time, we’ve found a workshop, started building our boat, put frames together and sanded them with our fingers reaching an inch of their lives. We’ve fitted our keel, covered joints, seams and frames with epoxy, and last week started the slow but rewarding process of joining one plank to another and building the skin of our boat.
Building the jigWe were offered the use of an old workshop in the village. As we set to work clearing and setting it up we uncovered more than just an ideal spot to build our boat. It’s one of several buildings tucked away on an old slate quarry in our village. They have been many things in their lifetime and everyone has a story of making or mending something there; a bed, a go-kart, several cars and certainly a boat or two. It’s a great little workshop and although over the years some of it has fallen into disuse, the yard has remained a place where old boats and all sorts go to be mended or taken apart.
Assembling the framesWhen we were raiding our garage for tools and bits of timber that might come in useful for the build we came across an old wooden oar that we were given by a friend a few years ago (along with some bits of rigging for a little dinghy we were doing up at the time). It was too big, but still in good condition so was relegated to the back of our garage where it’s been sitting ever since.
Epoxy coatingWe dragged it out a few weeks ago and took it down to the workshop in the hope it would be long enough to use as the sculling oar for our boat. Not only is it the perfect size, but we realised that after all this time it has returned to just two steps away from where it originally came from; the pile of no longer wanted boat bits, right outside our workshop.
The very first plankThis has happened quite a few times now. When we left on our travels we took two bicycles with us. Not the practical, folding compact variety that you might choose to live with on a small boat, but full size slightly rusty bikes that had seen us through university and were now, we felt, ready to embark on the journey of a lifetime. They made it safely in one piece across the Channel, came into their own travelling down the French Canals, and then were taken to pieces and packed away while we made the journey to Greece.
Eight planks on each sideIn the Sporades we put them together again and enjoyed the respite from forty degree heat that cycling, rather than walking, to the supermarket gave. And at the end of the summer, when they had outlived their usefulness and threatened to take up too much space on the boat, we decided to leave them unlocked by the entrance to the harbour, in the hope that somebody might want them. Three days later, we looked up to see a small boy riding Si’s bike delightedly, and somewhat precariously, up and down the quay with his mates running along behind.
Workshop afterFinding things people no longer need and reusing them is surely the best way to recycle. It’s so satisfying to be able to make use of the resources available around you and it’s this kind of sustainability that our project is all about.And now we may be home and bike-less, but we did find Si’s old unicycle while rummaging in the garage, which he decided to put to good use mowing the lawn this weekend! I’m not sure how sustainable a process this is…
Up cycling?All the best,
Cat -
Life of the Gilmore Harry
Sometimes we get emails or letters from our customers, which are simply too good a read not to share, especially at the end of a Monday.
Here’s one of them.
Dear Jorrit,
I write further to the correspondence we’ve had recently, regarding the unfortunate zip issue rendering my Millican Harry out of service.
Firstly, please let me say thanks for your very kind offer to replace the bag and of course I would be delighted to replace my old and weathered version with a sparkling new replacement – I shall once again be talk of the airport, but I am sure you can understand as with any new relationship, it may take time for us to bond.
You mentioned you’re very interested to understand the life of the bag that I am returning and if I am honest, as with any ending relationship, it is painful to tell the story.
Suffice to say, we have enjoyed some great times (gently manoeuvring into a crowded overhead locker in Medellin Colombia in a world where nothing leaves your sight) and some bad times (frantically searching the pockets in Surabaya Indonesia for my passport).
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The bag is “well travelled” and in this part I do not have any idea of the miles covered, but I can tell you that it has, hand on heart, travelled with me always by my side. Apologies for the list (important to point out that this excludes any flight transfers and I have only included countries where we stayed at least one night together!):
Asia:
India ( 3 )
Singapore ( 12 )
Indonesia ( 5 )
Philippines ( 6 )
Korea ( South) (3)
Japan ( 4 )
Malaysia ( 2)
China (2)
Hong Kong (1)
Kazakhstan (1)
Latin America:
Argentina (2)
Colombia (2)
Guatemala (1)
Costa Rica (2)
Dominican Republic (2)
Brazil (3)
Mexico (3)
Panama (2)
Other:
US (2)
Canada (2)
Europe and Middle East:
Lithuania (1)
Netherlands (2)
Finland (3)
Russia (4)
Ukraine (2)
France (1)
Poland (1)
Serbia (1)
Romania (1)
Spain (3)
Portugal (1)
Switzerland (12)
Germany (4)
Czech Republic (2)
Dubai (1)
Denmark (1)
I am writing this from a flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town, which is my first visit to Africa. It would, as you can see, have been also the first for my Harry, unfortunately I have had to use a poor substitute.
You also said that you might be interested in a bit of a review, so here goes:
Things I love- The smell of the bag ( this is an evolving specification but helped by a bar of complimentary hotel L’Occitane soap stashed in the inside end pocket for two years)
- Whilst on the inside – the end pockets are great for travel plugs, in-flight gift bags and travel pharmaceuticals.
- The style is great – mine has been on the beach and in the boardroom; never out of place.
- Under the seat or in the overhead locker – never a problem to stow, even when the last one boarding.
- The bit that is specced as a “water bottle holder” – if you had designed something to drop all loose change into when struggling through an airport, you couldn’t have done it better! Incidentally, I have never used this for a drink holder but do love the feel of the elastic bit…very tactile!
- The pocket in front of the water bottle holder is perfect for passport and wallet ( could do with a bit more security) – this is overcome through carrying the bag with the pocket facing inward.
- Side pockets are great for everything; from newspapers to pens. Great to stuff full of complimentary hand wipes (nothing worse than eating peanuts with “airport” hands) and free sweets, lighters and hotel matches aplenty.
- Moleskine friendly; the two are a perfect match – small into the water bottle holder, larger into the side pocket.
- Love the way the carry handle clips together and often in a long airport queue I can get it back to where it should be -almost like a mind puzzle.
- Customs and bag search people hate it – cue amusing anecdote regarding me and an angry bureaucrat in Chennai International Airport looking for a lighter picked up in the scan.
- So “understated” to the average airport hustler – they are never interested.
- Different – in a world of Tumi luggage and roller cases, I have only ever seen another one (fortunately it was in a different colour). Interestingly, I started to approach the person using it to speak with them about our Harry’s. Luckily, I decided that they would probably think I was mad, so didn’t.
- Un-creased shirts, simply put them in a carrier bag ( the cheaper the better) and top load.
Things I do not love so much (and I have had to be really picky)- Internal cover that clips across – this is a thing that I loved the first time, great design etc. Have used once, but if I’m honest I prefer to stow my smalls in a “borrowed” hotel laundry bag (Shangri la Surabaya have the best ones), protecting my modesty during the bag check.
- Clips for laptop storage – whilst I am sure these are useful for some people. Endless security checks mean mine are redundant.
- Not really lockable, which can be a challenge when left with the hotel left luggage.
- Pen holders are a bit tight.
Wish List- Would be helpful to have a clear toiletries pocket that can be removed for security check.
- Could I have a nice soft bit to put my phone in to prevent the scratched screen.
Well, I am pleased to say that was strangely rewarding, perhaps it is more valuable therapy for me than you! I hope that this is interesting, if not then please do not be scared as I am not in the UK very much!
In short, you have a great product and you have backed this up with really great customer service beyond expectation.
In case you would like me to test any further products to destruction then please do not hesitate to contact me – I can promise them a good life!
Once again thanks very much,
Nick GilmoreIntrepid Traveller
NB – some of the zip teeth on Nick’s Harry broke off after 2 years, which shouldn’t happen on our bags. Our lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects meant that we sent Nick a replacement, since Vera wasn’t able to repair the zip up here in Cumbria. Unfortunately.
So Nick and Harry are safely on their way once again. -
Flat White
I must admit my working day is scheduled around coffee. 10.30am makes the perfect mid-morning reward and 3pm provides that little kick to get me through until the end of the day.
Photo courtesy of London Coffee FestivalThis week marks the return of UK Coffee Week, being held from 23-29 April. It is the nation’s biggest celebration of coffee culture whilst fundraising for clean water projects in coffee producing countries. A perfect combination, and two topics that are very close to our hearts here at Millican.
It just so happens that Millican Dalton was quite the coffee nut, a coffee pot was an essential piece of his kit on every walk or climb. To celebrate another year of being alive he would make his way to the top of Napes Needle (which is a feat in itself), light a fire and brew a fresh pot of coffee.
Climbers on Napes Needle, photo courtesy of Mark Richards Run by the Allegra Foundation the UK Coffee week provides a unique opportunity for coffee chains and independents to come together and celebrate the sucess of the industry, while raising money for Project Waterfall.
Project Waterfall is the central focus for fundraising during Coffee Week, and aims to transform the lives of many by improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation. In 2011 more than £100,000 was raised which is already making life changing differences to many African communities.
It’s really easy to get involved, as there’s a good chance that your local coffee shop is taking part. If they’re not, you can always go somewhere that is (check out participating venues). By simply adding a voluntary 5p to your skinny latte you get the chance to make a difference.
Our good friends at Treeby and Bolton in Keswick have teamed up with Square Mile Coffee Roasters and are holding fund raisers and events this weekend. If you’re in or around Keswick, be sure to pop by.
All this talk of coffee has got me thinking, who drinks the most coffee in the world?
My coffee consumption could easily get out of control, but I don’t think I’m anywhere near your average Fin… Clocking in at a whopping 12kg per person, that’s over 9 cups a day – I would class that as elite level coffee drinking.
If you happen to be in the capital this weekend and are at a loose end, I would highly recommend a visit to The London Coffee Festival. It promises to be a good one, with street food and artisan markets, coffee tastings and demonstrations, plus the UK Barista Championship and live music, what more could you want?Let’s hope the rain holds off…Flat White in Soho has been my favourite coffee shop for quite some time, for me they do the best coffee in London. If you have a favourite coffee shop, please feel free to share by adding your comments below. -
Run Joss, Run
There was certainly a buzz around London at the weekend, with the 32nd annual London Marathon taking place last Sunday. I made the trip out to cheer on the masses of runners and said to myself, as I’m sure many did, ‘next year I’ll do it…’Running at the Home of Millican in the Lake District often moves from the road onto the fells – aptly named, you guessed it, Fell Running. One of the most legendary and inspirational fell runners is Joss Naylor.‘The Lakeland Fells‘ states there are over 244 fells in The Lakes, so it comes as no surprise that fell running is hugely popular in these parts.One of the most popular challenges for any avid fell runner is ‘The Bob Graham Round‘, or BG as it’s known. You may recall one of our previous blog posts about this, back in March last year, The BG is a circuit of 42 fells, which should be completed in under 24 hours.
BG – 65 miles, 42 Mountain Tops, 27,000ft climb, 24 HoursSo onto the man himself, Joss Naylor MBE, born on 10th February 1936 at Wasdale Head.A sheep farmer and a fell runner, a perfect combination. His achievements as a fell runner have led to him being known as ‘King of the Fells’ or simply ‘Iron Man’. He considers his biggest achievement to be his completion of 72 different peaks back in 1975, which involved over 100 miles and about 38,000 feet of ascent in just over 23 hours.
He also managed to complete a staggering 70 peaks at the age of 70 in under 24 hours, covering more than 50 miles and ascending more than 25,000 feet in under 21 hours…some feat indeed! (Pun completely intended)..jpg)
Joss with Tich and Spy on Buckbarrow, photo courtesy of justusuk.com
Joss Naylor has been an inspiration to many, painted by artist Jonathan Trotman of ‘Jonathan the Roll Wash‘ fame and also the subject of a highly acclaimed book by local author and Millican friend, Keith Richardson.JOSS is a fantastic biography of the life and times of Joss Naylor.
JOSSYou may have guessed that Keith the Writer’s Bag is named after this particular Keith. Our homage to travel writing, Keith the Writer’s Bag is shaped like an envelope with two internal compartments, padded laptop sleeve (nice fit for your 15″ mac), and four additional pockets for your notepads and pens.
Even if I manage to stay half as fit as Joss Naylor, I’ll be a very happy man …So, has Joss inspired you to dust off your running shoes and get out there? -
Walking to Work
Living in The Lakes is a real privilege, but I still need my ‘city fix’ – to visit museums, art galleries, eat in small restaurants and soak up the atmosphere of a city on the move. Just the other week I managed to sneak a couple of days away from The Shed (Millican HQ) to see an old friend of mine in Birmingham.
I have many a fond memory of Birmingham, having spent 4 enjoyable years as a student there. On top of visiting old haunts, I spent a few pleasurable hours in the Ikon Gallery, Brindley Place absorbing the latest installation by British artist Hamish Fulton, ‘Walking in Relation to Everything’.
Photo courtesy of Ikon/Turner ContemporaryHamish has been has been described as an ‘artist among walkers, a walker among artists’. For almost 40 years, he’s been walking across all landscapes around the globe, in all weathers.
From urban Soho to the outer realms of Nepal, from his homeland in Kent to Saskatchewan, Canada, he has trekked and hiked around the world, often solo, sometimes in a group. His aim is to bring two very distinct activities together – art and walking.
Hamish’s reason for being is ‘If I don’t walk, I cannot make a work of art’. Summed up with the single intent of ‘no walk, no work’.
Photo courtesy of Ikon/Turner Contemporary
Hamish Fulton is not the only walking inspired artist – Andy Goldsworthy is known for his natural arrangements of pebbles and leaves, Richard Long exhibits stone circles and is renowned for his mudworks. Fulton on the other hand leaves nothing behind him in the landscape. He produces photography, sketches and text from his experience of walking.Hamish has an amazing way of condensing his walking experiences, sometimes his work consists of just a few words. ‘Brain Heart Lungs’ presents his experience of climbing Cho Oyu (the world’s sixth highest mountain) without oxygen.
Photo courtesy of Ikon/Turner ContemporaryOther times, Hamish uses typography to convey his walking experience, choosing a bright and flowing sans serif for WATER and italic for PATHS with letter themselves leading you forward (thought the designers among you will appreciate that).
Photo courtesy of Ikon/Turner ContemporaryHe has even walked backwards for 10 kilometres while wearing a blindfold, ‘you need another person to help you so you don’t fall into a hole, but it’s fantastic’ he says. ‘I like to introduce the notion of ideas into walking, expanding the idea of walking instead of walking simply as a recreational pursuit’.And he’s made a film of the people of Margate walking around the famous boating pools on the beach. The effect is really powerful as the people as walk slowly and silently round the edge.
Photo courtesy of Ikon/Turner ContemporaryThe exhibition runs in Birmingham until the 29th of April and will continue at the Turner Contemporary, Margate until the 5th of May, so you still have time to visit if you’re in the area.You won’t be disappointed.This sums it up perfectly.
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The World of Dave
Today we are entering into the world of Dave the Rucksack, an insight into the features of this understated, multi –functional pack.
Inspirations have been drawn from the traditional A-frame Bergen packs, and the packs used by Millican Dalton himself. Made from hard-wearing weatherproofed organic cotton, Dave has been made with functionality in mind.So, what are the ingredients that go into making Dave?
Well for starters, the outer fabric is constructed from 100% organic cotton canvas. It seems some time ago now, but after months of research and testing, we found what we were looking for with a company specialising in organic and recycled cotton, as well as hemp material: high quality, IMO certified, 100% organic cotton fibres, spun into the organic yarns for our 20oz outer fabric.
We’ve used 100% recycled polyester for the inner lining. The beauty with this bag is its functionality and multiple features, making it perfect for a days hike and just as good for the city commute – the pack features a large internal back pocket, with enough room for a 17″ laptop.Coming in with a 28ltr capacity, Dave has been with us from the start and is our most technical pack, commanding respect within the Millican collection.Until recently Dave has only been available in Slate Green – due to popular demand, we’ve recently introduced Dave in Antique Bronze. A natural addition.
If it’s comfort you’re looking for, you’ll be pleased to know that Dave features a mesh back panel that will sit comfortably against your back, whatever the pack weight. Also, with all the zipped pockets and compartments, Dave is very good at keeping your belongings organised, so even if you’re slightly dis-organised (like me), this bag will help keep all your belongings in order.It’s worth stating that this pack comes with a 100% recycled polyester pull-out rain cover, which obviously comes in handy when you consider the unpredictable weather we live with.You may know that all our products are named after some of our local friends. We’ve introduced you to Dave the Rucksack, so we thought it’s only fair to introduce you to the man himself:
Born a farmer, always a farmerAs part of the upcoming Keswick Mountain Festival (16-20th May), we’re running a competition to win your very own Dave the Rucksack. Why not give it a go, you never know.If you already have one of our Dave’s, we’d love to hear what you like best about the bag, detailing the features you find most useful as a comment below.Enjoy your time with Dave, wherever you are … -
The Art of Summit Sitting
I walk every day.
That’s the beauty of having two eager labradors – Archie and George. Rain, shine, sleet or snow, they’ll be up like a shot when I reach for my boots.
You don’t need much to set off for a walk, and yet you receive so much in return.
Nicky often mentions there’s no better way to clear your head than to “get up high”, walk up a fell, breath deeply and admire the view. It puts life back into perspective.
I’ve come to really appreciate getting out there – through the simple act of walking, I can:
Breath
Connect
Appreciate
Explore
Exercise
Reflect
Just be, rather than doI’d still love more time to get out there. To walk, but also just to sit.
Maybe there’s a real art to Summit Sitting?
Finding a place just to sit and daydream. To think. To forget about missed calls, or emails or whether you fed the cat. A place worth celebrating. Either on my own or with my mates.
So if you could create more time, where would you head to?
And where’s your best place for a spot of Summit Sitting?
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Every Weekend is a Long Weekend
It’s finally arrived, the first bank holiday of the year is fast approaching. The beauty of the first is that it follows Good Friday making it a bumper 4 day weekend.
Perhaps it might be worth thinking about adding Monday onto the weekend every week, now there’s a thought – the three day weekend. (Ricardo Semler had something to say about that I think.)
We all enjoy walking here at Millican. That’s why the back door is always open, it’s always nice to know that we can pop out for a wander at any time. Many a weekend in the Lakes is accompanied with an afternoon’s walk and although the weather has been a little ‘off the wall’ in the last week or so, I’m certain Easter Sunday will feature a stroll.
With so many spectacular walks in the Lakes we realise we’re spoilt for choice, it’s a tough job pinning down a favourite. There are contrasting opinions amongst the Millican team, however I have my favourites…
Borger Dalr Geology Walk, Borrowdale
You might have guessed that the home of Millican Dalton would be at the top of the list. Boger Dalr was described by the famed fell walker and writer Alfred Wainwright as the ‘finest square mile in Lakeland’.
Who am I to argue.
Jorrit and Nicky at Millican Dalton’s Cave Buttermere to Rannerdale
The trees at the southern tip of Buttermere, known as the The Sentinels are spectacular and said to be the most photographed in the UK.
Photo courtesy of David NortonCrummock Water has a beautiful pebbly beach at the northern point making the ideal spot for a picnic and a dip in the warmer months.
Corpse Road, LoweswaterNot as morbid as it sounds, Loweswater is a stunning little lake and the woodlands which surround it are home to a number of red squirrels. The high point of the walk has to be the waterfall at Holme Force Falls, it’s a particularly spectacular sight after rain (that’s fortunate), when Holme Beck is in full flow.
Friar’s Crag, Keswick
And for a sunset stroll, you can’t go far wrong with Friar’s Crag in Keswick. A view described by John Ruskin as one of the three most beautiful scenes in Europe. The others being ..?
Photo courtesy of Greg ArtisIf you have a favourite walk in the Lake District, or anywhere for that matter, we’d love to know. Share your recommendations by adding a comment below.
Because ‘Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time’ (quote from Steven Wright).
Couldn’t agree more Steven, if you could create more time, where would you go?
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The Weather Report
Many of us have been blessed with warm weather this past week and it’s showing no signs of letting up. Yet.
Being in the Lakes the water proofs are always close at hand. However, these last few days the shorts have been out – you’ll be pleased to hear they were of a decent length and there was no sock-and-sandal action.We’ve even had our first BBQ…
The wave of heat and sunshine, like many I’m sure, has caught us a little unaware.Being a farmer, Dave of ‘Dave the Rucksack‘ fame, is heavily dependent on the weather to ensure his livelihood. Today, he has the benefit of highly sophisticated weather reports to inform him of the coming weather conditions.I’m sure Millican Dalton would have been a big fan of Michael Fish … but in Millican’s day he would have used very different techniques to predict the weather.Check those cloudsThey can tell us if it’s going to be warmer on a particular night by simply being there. You can expect warmer weather as the cloud cover prevents heat radiation from escaping.Big Hair and Pine ConesIf you spot a fair few people walking around with big crazy hair, it may be an indication of the humidity. Another option is to look at the leaves of certain trees. Pine cone and maple leaves tend to curl in high humidity, just like my hair.
Wood also tends to swell in high humidity, so if you can’t get in your front door, you know why. Either that or you’ve forgotten your keys.Where are the birds?Birds only fly in the sky when they expect fair whether ahead. On the other hand, if the power lines are covered with birds hanging around, it means the air pressure is dropping rapidly.Cows, cats and antsResting cows and steep ant hills. Cows tend to lie down when it’s about to rain and ants tend to build their hills with steep sides just before the rain comes.Cats like to clean their ears before the rain and turtles will seek high ground before the storm hits.What’s West?Only in the west. If you see a Rainbow in the west, it means a major storm front is coming. A red sky at night (again from the west) means that there is a high pressure system with dry air.Just smellIf it smells like a compost heap, expect some rain soon.Feel the grassif it’s wet and dewy, that means it probably won’t rain. On the other hand if it’s dry, better break out the umbrellas.
Finger in the airIf you can tell which way the wind is blowing, you can tell if a storm is approaching.Easterly winds say that a storm is coming. Westerly winds say the opposite. Strong winds will tell you that high pressure is on its way.Make a camp fire - if the smoke goes straight up, clear skies ahead. If it curls, then you can expect a rain soaked evening.So there you go – you’ll never need to watch the weather report again.There’s something nice about tuning into your surroundings and learning from changes in you’re environment to predict weather patterns. After all, many communities around the world have perfected such techniques over many generations.Any further tips on weather predictions are very welcome. -
World Water Day
You don’t miss your water till the well runs dry.
We take water for granted a little here in The Lake District. The home of Millican in Borrowdale Valley is the wettest part of England.
What a claim to fame.
Where We Live – Via PinterestHowever, we all depend on water to survive. Did you know that 72.8% of the person you love is water?
Neither did I.
There’s a whole lot of water on Earth, something like 326 million trillion gallons. That’s a lot of 0′s, 18 to be precise. It’s no wonder that we sometimes refer to Earth as the Blue Planet.
98% of the water on the planet is in our oceans, and therefore unusable for drinking water due to the high salt level. About 2% of the planet’s water is fresh, but 1.6% of the planet’s fresh water is locked up in polar ice caps and glaciers. Another 0.36% is found underground in aquifers and wells. Only 0.036 % of the planet’s total water supply is found in our lakes and rivers.
Where We Live – Via PinterestSee where I’m going with this? Oh, and if you were wondering where the stats came from, click here.
In 1992, the United Nations established World Water Day to be held annually on 22nd March. Its aim is to focus the world’s attention on the importance of freshwater and advocate the sustainable management of our freshwater resources.
Most of the water we consume on a daily basis is not the amount we drink, nor the amount we use to stay clean. The majority of our daily water consumption is embedded in the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the products we buy. Did you know that 1 kilo of beef consumes 15,000 litres of water, 1 kilo Cheese drinks up 5,000 litres while 25 baths of water are needed to produce one standard cotton T-shirt.
Tomato Soup courtesy of World Water Day via FlikrAs a user of textiles we are very aware of the vast amount of water used in our industry.
In the first month of launching Millican, we joined RITE (Reducing the Impact of Textiles on the Environment) to help us make better decisions. Good job really, because there’s a bewildering array of materials and certifications to consider when it comes to fabric choices and supply chains.
The more we learn about the impact of our own choices as a business, the more we realise we don’t know enough yet. So we’re always looking to learn and adapt.
The great news is, World Water Day has made a few suggestions related to the small changes we can all make to encourage the sustainability of the earth’s freshwater.
- follow a healthier, sustainable diet (less meat, more vegetable and grains)
- consume less water-intensive products
- reduce the amount of food wastage (bubble and squeak is back on the menu)
- produce more food, of better quality, with less waterGot you interested? Pop over to World Water Day and join their campaign ‘Water and Food Security’ to find out more.
Photo courtesy of Pump AidAnd that’s not the end of the great news; in celebration of World Water Day, we’re running a special offer for all of our faithful newsletter readers, to benefit our readers and water charity, Pump Aid.
If you’re not already signed up, you can do so here, pop in your details and you can expect to hear from us later this afternoon.
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My Farmhouse in Japan
A dream of mine is to one day create my own house. Whether that be a renovation or new build is not necessarily all that important. One day I hope to achieve that dream.
John Roderick (1914-2008) was an American journalist and foreign correspondent for the Associated Press. He was best known for covering the story of Mao Zedong and other Chinese Communists, while living with them in a cave, in the mid 1940′s. Having joined the Tokyo bureau in 1959, he befriended a Japanese Family, the Takishitas.
Photo courtesy of Birdling FilmsJust as I dream to build my own house, John had similar feelings to own a house in Japan. Unbeknown to John, the Takishita family set out to grant his wish. They found a 250 year old minka, a hand built farmhouse with a thatched roof, held together entirely by wooden pegs and joinery. It was about to be washed away by flooding and was on sale for only 14 dollars.
John graciously bought the house, but was dismayed at the prospect of living in this enormous relic which lacked heating, bathing, plumbing, and proper kitchen facilities. So the minka was dismantled and stored, where it stayed for several years.
John’s affection for natural materials and his appreciation of traditional Japanese Shinto craftsmanship eventually got the better of him. He took the minka out of storage and before long a team of experienced carpenters were hoisting massive beams, laying wide wooden floors, and attaching the split-bamboo ceiling. In just 40 days the minka was rebuilt on a hill overlooking Kamakura, the ancient capital city of Japan.
Photo courtesy of the Japan SocietyMinka: My Farmhouse in Japan is John Roderick’s architectural memoir, detailing the story of how one man fell in love with the people, the culture, and the ancient building traditions of Japan.
It is a reminder of the importance of craftsmanship and the meaning of place and home in the process.
I’m fresh into the read, but I’m hooked already.
This short film, inspired by the book, documents the story through John’s adopted son. If you have the time, I’d really recommend watching the film, it’s truly inspirational.
What I’d do for a Minka.
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Beauty in Imperfection
A regular favourite in my Google Reader is Matt Grandin’s Bag Blog.
The blog is exactly what you’d expect; information about carrying habits, bag types and preferences. For a self confessed bag geek, what more could you want?
A couple of days ago Matt posted an image of a vintage leather fishing bag.
Vintage Bag courtesy of Bag BlogBeautiful, isn’t it.It got me thinking (a dangerous thing many would say), what makes the bag so appealing?There’s a beauty to imperfection.The weathered, worn aesthetic gives the bag character. Just think of all the journeys the bag has been on. If it could talk, I’m sure it would have a few stories to tell.Finding beauty in imperfection is the essence of the Japanese principle of Wabi-Sabi. Accepting the natural cycle of growth, decay, and death, It’s simple, slow, and uncluttered and it reveres authenticity above all else. It celebrates cracks and crevices and all the other marks that time, weather, and loving use leave behind.Through Wabi-Sabi, we can learn to embrace for example laughter lines, rust or frayed edges and the march of time they represent.Author Leonard Koren, best known for his book ‘Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers‘ writes ‘things Wabi-Sabi have no need for reassurance or status or the validation of market culture’. He advises, ’Pare down to the essence, but don’t remove the poetry. Keep things clean and unencumbered, but don’t sterilize’.
Shiro Kuramata Chair featured in Leonard Koren’s BookEarly on, before the first Millican bag hit the market, we made a conscious decision not to distress the exterior organic cotton canvas. As much as we like scuffs and scratches, we designed our products to last a lifetime of adventures. We like the idea of the user wearing in their bag, making it personal to their own experiences.
Jackson in Seattle with Mark the Field Bag, USAMany, such as american Millicanite Jackson are sharing their experiences with us. Check them out at our Facebook album ‘Millican Out and About’ (PS – feel free to add your own…).So rather than berating the passage of time, perhaps we should try to embrace a little bit of Wabi-Sabi in our everyday lives?Time is often kind to things. -
Guest Post: Teach a Man to Fish
Time for our third instalment from our friends Si and Cat.
Si and Cat have posed a question that only they can answer:
Is possible to make a living from fishing? Sustainably and under sail.
For us, possibly not. Although we’re not short of lakes in this beautiful part of the country, I doubt they’d provide enough fish to get by… Plus I have a tendency to get a little sea sick. So I’ll leave fishing to the experts and enthusiasts and stick to making bags.
That said, Si and Cat are certainly making progress down on the South Coast. Following on from our last update in January I’ll hand you over to Cat.
Teach a Man to Fish – March 2012 Update
Our paper boat!
Time’s been flying down in Cornwall, and if each week sees our finished boat get closer, it also sees the list of things to do get longer! Having made our half model, Si came up with a kit for building our boat out of card. There are instructions and a PDF of the kit on our blog here.
Have a go and send us photos; the more colourful and creative the better!
The card model kit for our boat
We’ve also had a fifth scale model cut to the same pattern we will use for the full size boat, and we’re now ready to go! So with luck our next update will see us some way down the line in our boat build with frames cut and assembled. Fingers crossed….
Fifth scale model of our boat’s frames and jig
With boat building and superstition in mind, it struck me that 2012 is a leap year. This proved advantageous; as not only do we need all the extra days we can get, but also 29th February was the day our boat started out her life in the shape of several pieces of cut plywood. Not only will this make her a ‘leapling’, but unless you are from Greece or Scotland, it will make her lucky. Being neither Greek nor Scottish (well, not much), this should be a good day to begin.
Crab pot withies cut and ready to use
Luck is vital in the life of a fishing boat, and no more so than when you come to name her. Traditionally fishing boats carry names relating to an auspicious attribute that bodes well for the boat’s welfare and success (Fruitful Harvest, Lively Hope, Happy Dawn). They might be named after family members, or else have biblical or historical connections (Our Daughters, Grace Darling, Kindly Light). Regardless of name, boats are always female. It is thought this may be due to the original (female) gender assigned to the word ‘boat’ in Old English. Other theories claim it is because boats in ancient civilizations were always named after goddesses, and the ubiquitous nautical tea towels will have you believe that it is because both women and boats take a lot of paint to keep them looking good and without a man at the helm are completely uncontrollable. The irony of course being that the prodigies who designed these have probably never dried a dish in their lives…
Si weaving the neck of our pot
On our travels we used to amuse ourselves finding the worst humorous boat names (Business of Course and Never Too Late 2 being favourites). High on our list is the need to be able spell the name in the phonetic alphabet over the radio with reasonable ease and self-respect, so I think we’ll avoid that area of things. We wondered about naming her after old Portscatho fishing boats, or finding her a Cornish name. We’ve already started a bit of a Holman boat naming tradition by calling our boat Planet’s tender Satellite, and the rubber dinghy we keep stashed in a locker for emergencies is Uranus… Any suggestions welcomed!
Si getting the jig out of our pot
We’re keen to implement traditional skills and local resources where possible and practical in our project and so were delighted to have the chance recently to learn how to make crab pots out of willow. We spent last Thursday cutting withies, and weaving them to make a pot that by evening was almost finished. We still need to make a base, the sides need extra ribs and it’s somewhat large for purpose, but for a first attempt we’re really pleased. I hope that by this time next year we’ll have several neater, more accomplished willow pots to our name, as well as a few lobsters!
All the best,
Cat
We’re so pleased things are going well for Si and Cat and look forward to their next instalment, in the meantime you can keep updated on all things fishing and boat building via their blog and Twitter page. -
Getting Lighter
Yeah, for sure it’s starting to get lighter.We love the first signs of the changing seasons. They’re gentle reminders to tune into our natural surroundings. Whether the leaves are falling or the trees begin to blossom, whatever the season. We like it.One thing that never fails to go unnoticed is the lighter nights. There is no better feeling than finishing work and knowing there’s still more day to enjoy. A lovely reminder that the next season is on its way.So maybe it’s time to dust off the camping gear and prepare for the first trip of 2012?It’s quite amusing to think of Millican Dalton all those year ago making his way up to the Lakes from Epping Forest for his first camp at High Lodore. Especially impressive as he cycled the whole way, as Jorrit will in June this year – a packed bike, camping gear and all.
Professor of AdventureTalking of camping gear, some good friends of Nicky and Jorrit have just embarked on a new adventure which involves camping gear on a slightly larger scale.Introducing Fjelll Event Tipis of Keswick, a new business hiring elegant event tipis for weddings, parties, festivals, and corporate events.
Photo courtesy of Fjell Event TipisFounded by husband and wife team, Pete and Sharon Garner, the idea was initially sparked by chance, coming across event tipis several years earlier.Inspired by the katas and tipis of the nomadic Sami Lapland and 1st Nation peoples of North America, these time-tested structures have been enhanced by thoughtful Swedish design to create a stunning base for any event.
Photo courtesy of Fjell Event TipisThe Tipi framework is constructed from sustainable, slow maturing Scandinavian spruce that has been partially debarked. This natural charm however belies very real, practical benefits. With a short growing season, Scandinavian spruce is a dense, strong, light timber with considerable load bearing strength.Inside, there are still more delights in store, for uniquely open fires can be lit within the tipis. Now that’s something I’m sure the old man himself, Millican Dalton would have welcomed in his tents on those chilly lakeland nights (maybe another reason he moved across the valley to The Cave on Castle Crag).With the open fire roaring, this is when the Tipis really come to life as the shadows cast by real log fires dance against the canvas sides as they have for millennia. Add some friends, some refreshments and some long tales and a great night will be had by all.Pete himself, is somewhat of a tent connoisseur. Having had a long-standing interest in tents, camping and the outdoors, he has spent many happy hours ‘under canvas’.Our sort of guy.We wish them all the best in their new venture. -
Full circle
16,000 miles, 29 months, countless punctures and a wedding engagement to boot.
A one line summary of an epic adventure for Liz and Chris, the Bikeabout Duo, who left Cumbria, flew to New Zealand and then cycled back to UK, returning to Cumbria just yesterday.That’s one full circle.
Image courtesy of Liz and Chris at Bikeabout You could even say two circles intertwined as Chris and Liz originally met in New Zealand, way back in 2005, Chris on his 2nd gap year and Liz on holiday. Chris dreamed of one day cycling back to the UK. Liz thought he was joking. Turns out he wasn’t.
We’ve written a few blogs over the last few years, tracking the progress of the guys and highlighting the reason for their trip. Check out “Made in Thailand” and “Gobi Coolers” for more en-route action and their Flickr page if you fancy a visual diary of the last 902 days.
Chris on the summit of QueEr pass, Sichuan, China
Yesterday, with the weak February sun shining through, Liz, Chris and some hardy followers completed the final leg of a truly epic journey, arriving back in Ambleside.
We were there to welcome them home, raise our glasses (any excuse) to their amazing achievements (including their wedding engagement) and join in the auction and raffle to raise much needed funds for their chosen charity “Child’s Dream“.
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Chris and Liz back in Ambleside with their trusty steeds .JPG)
Chris’s bike with his battered Drinks Coolers – Derek’s been with him all the way from China As well as a long distance cycle being up there in Chris’s top ten dreams, the couple also dream of raising enough funds to build a new school for underprivileged children in the “Mekong Sub-Region”. And with the motto that took them half way round the world “Anything is possible”, we have every faith Chris and Liz will make this dream come true too.
But they still need your help. They’ve raised funds throughout their journey and at two fundraising events, in London and Ambleside since their return to Blighty, but there’s still a way to go to reach their £20k target.
If you’re able to donate, please visit here and pledge whatever you can manage, every little helps. If you’re interested in hearing more from Chris, he’d be a great motivational speaker for your business, group or interested crew, with all proceeds going to Child’s Dream. Simply email him at hello@bikeabout.co.uk and take it from there.
Class at Tomato Village, near Mae Hong Son, Thailand. It has been a real privilege being involved in a very small way with Liz and Chris’s incredible journey. They’re both such committed, determined, positive people with a real desire to make a difference to other people’s lives.And with itchy feet too… though they both need a very well deserved rest just now, we’re sure there’ll be another grand plan around the corner.Watch this space. -
Scissors
Making something, is really something.
Today’s post is a nice progression from the last, which featured Nick Hand’s epic journey cycling round the coast of the British Isles portraying craftsmen and women.
I have always found pleasure and a sense of fulfilment from making things. But let’s not get carried away, I’m certainly no master craftsman. The key is how much enjoyment I feel from creating something from scratch.
There has certainly been a renaissance towards craftsmanship and quality in recent years. The consumer is becoming more educated and long may it continue. Seeing a true artisan at work, who has dedicated a lifetime to mastering a skill, is often a very inspiring experience.
As no surprise, Japan appears to be full of great individuals producing fantastic work in ceramics, furniture and metal work.
The Tajika family has been producing hand-crafted scissors and shears in Japan for over four generations. After many decades of honing and passing on metalworking skills, it’s fair to say they know a thing or two about how to make scissors.
Photo courtesy of MjolkThe father and son team make everything by hand using traditional methods. These copper multi-purpose scissors are real items of beauty.
Like the organic canvas of our bags and the oak-bark tanned leather of our Moleskine notebook covers, the metal scissors will wear in with use, aging over time and generating its own individual character. Each product telling its own story.
I have grabbed much of the beautiful imagery from OEN. Where else.
Fancy a pair?
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Why We Need to Celebrate Craftsman
What’s one of the best things about travelling?
A block of time with nothing to do but read.
A couple of weeks ago when we were in Germany, Jorrit recommended a book to me named ‘Conversations on the Coast‘ by Nick Hand.
Photo courtesy of Cycle StuffDuring a cycling holiday in Cornwall, graphic designer Nick Hand wondered how long it would take him to cycle right around the British coast and back to the same point. A year later he did just that.
Through a fascination and appreciation of craftsmen and women, Nick tells the story of the folk he meets along the way, from stick makers to tea tasters.
Intrigued by how much he could do on a bike, Nick set himself a target of
5000 miles
50 films
100 days
50 blogs
500 tweetsAs you can see he likes round numbers.
Photo courtesy of BrooksThe book is as much about the amazing people he meets along the way as it is about the journey itself. Much of the soundslides Nick has recorded on his journey can be viewed through his website. Whether it’s a basket weaver or hat maker, the short clips give a real insight into the passion and deep seated love these craft workers have for their art.
Nick believes there’s a real relationship between cycling and craftsmanship. Both can be viewed as a slower and more considered approach towards their counterparts. I like that.
It certainly gets the juices flowing for the Epping Cycle Ride in May.
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Machines for Storytelling
We can all tell stories.
In fact, it’s one of the most natural ways to communicate.
Photo courtesy of the fantastic WitchmountainThe 28th of January marked the beginning of National Story Telling Week There will be festivals and celebrations in your local area every day up until and including the 4th February.
Story Telling Week brings together tellers and listeners, professionals and enthusiasts, to celebrate the power of the spoken story, as a modern form of entertainment and as a powerful educational and therapeutic tool.
Photo courtesy of the fantastic WitchmountainIf I had to pick one skill to master, I think storytelling would be a close contender for the top spot. Stories are how we organise our experiences in the world and how we make sense of events that have happened to us.
The oral tradition of storytelling is one of the oldest and most powerful teaching and learning methods we have. It is a way that human beings have communicated information since before written language. I’m sure if Millican Dalton were with us today, he’d have a few stories to tell.
Don’t know about you, but I’m far more likely to remember facts if they’re wrapped around an interesting story.
Everyone needs oral stories. Why else would we tell each other jokes and anecdotes so compulsively? Stand-up comedy is really a version of storytelling.
Storytelling is theatre in miniature. It requires eye contact, gesture and imaginative use of the voice.
‘You could look at human beings as machines for storytelling. From body language to syntax, from inflection to timing, we’re the perfect shape and form for utilising this amazing art form.’ Julian Barnes - courtesy of the Do Lectures.
Photo courtesy of the fantastic WitchmountainI’ll be making my way over to the Queensbury Deli this Saturday evening for the Story Meal with Queen of the New Wave of storytellers, Rachel Rose Reid. Maybe I’ll get the chance to share the Millican story…
Happy storytelling this week.
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Gute Zeiten in Berlin
Our blog posts have been a little thin on the ground so far in 2012. However, don’t let our recent lack of activity fool you into thinking that we’ve not been up to much. In fact, quite the opposite.
2012 has started faster than ever. Just three weeks into the new year and we’re already preparing for our second trade show.
The eagled eyed amongst you will have noticed the German title. We spent last week having a whale of a time in Berlin at Bread and Butter, Europe’s largest fashion trade show for selected brands. After the success of our visit back in July, we were thrilled to be invited back to the L.O.C.K. (Labels of Common Kin) Hall.
L.O.C.K. Hall, Bread and ButterIn Berlin we launched our very first collaboration – Universal Works x Millican. You also may have picked up on one or two snippets on twitter recently…
Around six months ago we were approached by David Keyte, founder of British clothing label Universal Works. He’d been using a Mark the Field Bag for a while and loved it.
To be honest, we were a little taken aback at first. Universal Works is a brand we have admired since its inception back in 2008. Drawing inspiration from British workwear clothes and outdoor clothing, they use honest, natural fabrics and yarns, often using end of lines that would otherwise be wasted.
You can see why we liked them.
The collaboration with Universal Works has resulted in some healthy additions to the Millican family. Introducing, Jan the Daypack, David the Shopper, Martin the Courier Bag and Jamie the Holdall. More pics to follow soon…
We will launch the range in a limited run, which will hit the shop floors in August, however if you would like to reserve a style in advance drop us an email at uw@homeofmillican.com.
The Bread and Butter crowd were also able to catch a glimpse of our brand new colour for later this year (Grey Blue) as well as our two latest styles – James the Duffle Bag and Rob the Traveller (Large). I did say we’d been busy…
James is our Millican take on the traditional Duffel Bag, the ultimate utilitarian shape perfect for a weekend getaway. We loved the shape of Rob the Traveller so much, we thought we might as well make a bigger one. If only our product development was usually that simple. The larger Rob allows you to comfortably fit in a 15″ laptop, documents, notebook with extra pockets for pens and iPhone. Adding an extra level of efficiency and style to the daily commute.
All sounds great, but where are the pictures? This time around we thought we’d try and film our road trip adventure through the eyes of a Flip camera and get our friend Magnus to edit it.
We were lucky enough to work with local musician Annemarie Quinn, a singer songwriter from our very own Keswick. Her music has a real sense of the lakes, mountains and countryside that we have on our door step. Pop over to itunes to hear more.
Enjoy.
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Guest Post: Teach a Man to Fish
We’ve been lucky enough to bump into some highly inspiring and interesting individuals on our travels – all with stories to tell and experiences to share. So we’ve decided to open the floor this year, with the introduction of guest posts and stories to the Millican blog.
Good stories, like good ideas need spreading, so what better way to make use of our blog…
As always we plan to keep the content diverse and interesting. The only common thread will be ‘we like what they’re about’. Simple.
You may remember I introduced you to Si and Cat. Two fishermen, building a boat, making a living from catching fish under sail and oar and selling it locally from the village of Portscatho, Cornwall.
You can see why we like it.
Cat kindly agreed to keep us updated on their progress, so over to Cat…..
Teach a Man to Fish – January 2012 Update
The past few weeks have been a blur of conversations, emails, early mornings, shopping lists and mince pies. We’ve cooked turkey for the first time in our house; taken our boat ‘Planet‘ out for a Christmas Eve sail and spent New Year’s Eve in blonde wigs and masks.
Christmas Day Walk on the BeachSo we started 2012 buoyed up from time with friends and family and looking forward to the year ahead and I didn’t think it could get much happier than that. And then today Simon came back from the profile cutting workshop with this:
Simon with our half modelI never thought a piece of MDF could look so attractive. This is our half model; a fifteenth scale longitudinal section of the hull of our boat and an exact three dimensional replica of Simon’s digital design. It is the penultimate step in the design process before we start ordering materials and making the real thing and the first tangible piece of boat we own. Proud.
Our half model being cut out by the three axis router at FibrefusionIt strikes me that our boat – to some degree like every boat built – will be so much more than the sum of her parts. Already there are so many things built into the fabric of her design and the first stages of her build and I can only imagine there will be many more to come. Here are some of the things we’ve used so far:- Endless quantities of paper filled with boat design sketches and addresses for Christmas cards that we later forgot to deliver.- Every fishing book we can get our hands on, including Fishing News, an addictive little weekly number that we had never heard of three months ago.- A reliable computer for Simon to finalise his boat design on; spending hours tweaking lines, rendering surfaces and fairing hulls. For writing blog posts. For being unreliable. For breaking, mourning and eventually mending and replacing via a hard drive transplant and panicked tweets to Toshiba. For Twitter.- A mild Internet addiction to researching, emailing, blogging and procrastinating. And Twitter.- A loud alarm clock to wake us up at 4am to go Newlyn Fish Market and learn how to be fishmongers. For getting us out of bed to put the turkey in the oven.- A love of chatting to people who catch fish, cook fish, buy fish and sell fish, and their patience and readiness to share ideas and resources.- And finally, a couple of sore heads filled with fishing vocabulary, techniques and confusing legislation. And, on Boxing Day, slightly too much mulled wine.
Editing drawings for our boatNext time, we hope to update you on our progress from the final checks on the model to the first few planks being fastened on our boat.Cheers,Cat -
A Resolution or Two
It’s amazing how 1 day can make such a difference.
On 31 December, you’re looking back at the year behind you, still recovering from the Christmas festivities.
One day later, you feel lighter already (despite the possible hangover), looking ahead at the 366 days still to be filled – dreaming about all the options ahead, with a healthy dose of enthusiasm. Well, at least we do.
How optimistic are you about 2012?
If you believe the world’s media, the current outlook seems less encouraging, with many leading economists predicting further recession in 2012.
We often remind ourselves we started Millican in a recession and we’ve been lucky enough to do very well despite the recession. Microsoft launched in a recession too apparently, so there’s clearly hope!
And hope leads to dreams and resolutions.
Our main resolution for 2012 is to get out there more often. “Out there” is on our doorstep after all, literally. And being a tad busy can’t be an excuse, can it …? Cycling, hiking and BBQ’s by the lake (when the weather clears) need to become the order of the day this year.
Another one is to get organised for the Epping Ride in May, from Epping Forest back to Millican Dalton’s cave in Borrowdale. That’ll be a ride an a half to look forward to – keep your eyes peeled on our Facebook page for this one.
And then there are the many product resolutions for 2012.
Dave the Rucksack will make his debut in Antique Bronze this Spring, a new Grey Blue colour will be introduced in Matthew, Mark, Rob, Harry and Joe this Summer, followed by an exciting new collection of felt wool protective covers for phones, iPads, laptops and cameras.
The Epping Ride will also be used as a test-bed for another brand-new collection for 2013 – if we’d tell you more now, we’d have to shoot you unfortunately, so we’ll come back to that later in the year!
In the summer, we’re launching our first collaboration, with British menswear label Universal Works. Four new canvas bags to fit alongside the Universal Works clothing collection for Winter 2012, and equally at home alongside our regular Millican bags. More on this to follow soon.
Other collaborations are in the pipeline for later this year and 2013, whilst the sampling team is busy with our first wheeled luggage, some new shoulder bags and another overnight bag.
That’ll keep us busy …
So what are your resolutions for the new year? If any involve cycling, check out the London Cycle Blog for some inspiration.
Here’s to a healthy, active and vibrant 2012 …
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It’s Nearly Here
4 days to go.
So when did the countdown begin for you?
It’s been a little busy here of late at Millican HQ (the shed at the bottom of the garden). It seems like I’m not the only one who likes to leave Christmas shopping to the last minute.
We had a bumper weekend of sales – our record best. Great to see the sales come flying in. However, I did feel for Russ in the warehouse who had to pack them all by hand. If anyone can do it…
Unfortunately we can no longer guarantee pre-Christmas delivery. However, we’ll try and ship all UK Mainland orders placed before noon on Thursday the 22nd of December, for delivery the following day.
Still time then to take advantage of the festive bundle – it makes the ideal gift for someone special. For the more thrifty amongst us, it makes the ideal gift for two special people.
The view from the office window sees snow resting on the top of Skiddaw. As busy as we have been over the last couple of weeks, actually the last couple of years, it can sometimes result in a lack of appreciation for the surroundings.
View from the office windowNothing like family, food, mulled wine and snow to bring you back in touch with what really matters.
What a year it’s been for Millican.
The 2 and half (I’m doing Sandra an injustice referring to her as a half) team has now mushroomed to 3 and a half. We received our five minutes of fame on the ITV show The Lakes. We mixed it with the likes of Barbour, Levis Vintage, and Nigel Cabourn at Bread and Butter in Berlin. We’ve met some great people who are keen to help spread the Millican philosophy and we’ve attended counselling for our addiction to Twitter and Facebook.
Those of you who are signed up to the newsletter will have noticed that we’ve been competition crazy of late. Congratulations to our latest winner, Robert who is now the proud owner of a Finisterre Sasturga insulated jacket. To stay up to date with all our latest promotions and competitions, sign up to the newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
George making the most of the snowWe look forward to continuing the journey with you in 2012, for now a big thank you for all your support over the last couple of years.
We hope you enjoy your bags as much as we enjoy our jobs. From all at Millican, we wish you a peaceful and joyful Christmas Break.
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Berties Country Store
We are very proud to announce our latest stockist, Berties Country Store.
Opening their doors yesterday to the people of Dorset, Berties is situated in the beautiful town of Wimborne, making a perfect location for Millican on the south coast.
It was a few months ago when we received an email from David explaining he and his wife Anna, were planning to open a boutique country store. We were particularly inspired to hear that the idea for the store originated from a Millican bag.
They often say great business ideas begin with a hunch…
Whilst chatting away one night after seeing Millican featured in a magazine, they realised that there was nowhere close to them to see Millican bags, let alone buy them. Their thirst for interesting things didn’t stop at Millican, they kept spotting goods they’d love to own but had nowhere near to go and buy.
They didn’t always want to visit London to pick up what they’d seen in magazines etc. and Regents Park didn’t sit too well with Bertie, their Border Terrier.
Bertie the Border TerrierSo hence ‘Berties’ was born.
Just a few months after our initial encounter, you’re now be able to see, touch, feel and buy Dave, Matthew, Stewart, Mark, Stephen, Rob, Harry, Jonathan, Peter, Ian, Andy, Derek, and Les all from the beautiful Berties Country Store.
The Millican corner
We’re all wishing David and Anna every success.Berties opened its doors for the first time yesterday at 10am and need I tell you what the first sale of the day was…Berties Country, 28a West Street, Wimbourne, Dorset, BH211JS. -
Christmas Tree Weekend
Here at Millican we like everything to have a second use.
Admittedly, it isn’t always possible.
Packaging is a big deal for us. It becomes even more apparent as we find ourselves surrounded by boxes and packaging as the Christmas orders flood in.
The whole process of buying a Christmas tree and decorating it has always been a really important event in my family. A true festive occasion.
I certainly sway towards the more traditional approach, an artificial tree just doesn’t really do it for me. That said, I’m not usually the one doing the hoovering and finding dead needles months after December…
So how about this? Last weekend I popped over to the London Design Museum to see designer Giles Miller’s, latest commission. He has designed a set of bespoke Christmas trees to be sold exclusively through the Museum’s shop during the festive season.
O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, how lovely are your corrugated branches!Photo courtesy of Arts ThreadThe cardboard trees come in a range of sizes with the largest standing at roughly 20 feet high and is said to be the tallest of its kind. The tree comprises of no fewer than 3,600 individually cut, handmade cardboard pieces.
Photo courtesy of Design MuseumFor those of you who have a 20 foot + ceiling, you’ll be sorry to hear that this is a one off for the London Design Museum. However, the smallest of the range is 16.5 inches tall and costs £25, if you’re in the market for something a little larger you can purchase one for £50 which measures in at 31.5 inches tall.
I think you’ll agree – a little less maintenance than your traditional Nordic pine.
I can only imagine that these trees will sell out pretty fast so if you want to get your hands on one then head over to the London Design Museum before they’ve all gone.
The exhibition is available to view from the 2nd of December – 5th of January 2012 at London Design Museum, Shad Thames, London, SE1 2YD
So have I convinced you on an alternative to the traditional, or does the lack of tinsel not do it for you?
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Rain Rain Go Away
Come again another day.
We should know a thing or two about rain, living up here in The Lakes. Borrowdale Valley, home to MD’s cave and of course Millican HQ, is the wettest in England. What a claim to fame.
Rain is often referred to as miserable, accompanied with a level of negativity.
Well, not any more. Things are looking brighter with the advent of intelligent clothing from innovative companies such as Raincatch.
Raincatch, is a multi-purpose poncho that funnels precipitation through its collar, filters it through a charcoal and chemical purifying system, and then stores the water near the hips where it’s least obtrusive and most figure flattering.
They’re obviously not familiar with the saying ‘a moment on the lips, a month on the hips’….
Raincatch – Photo courtesy of Crunch wearDesigned by two students from the Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design, the poncho’s transparent tubing displays the process, while the water reserve remains hidden. With clean water concerns at an all time high, has the poncho arrived at just the right time?
The Raincatch would be perfect for polluted areas of the world where drinking water may not always be the best life choice. The design is still very much in the primitive stages, so you may struggle if you want one in time for Christmas.
Continuing on the raincoat theme, I introduce to you the Spud Raincoat. Or preferably, Spud the Raincoat.Wear it. Plant it. Then eat it.Yes it’s true, when you have finished with the spud coat, plant it and it will grow into tomatoes or cucumbers.
Spud Raincoat – Photo courtesy of SpudcoatAs we are becoming increasingly aware of our plastic consumption, alternative materials such as Equilicua’s Spud Raincoat, aka ‘The Fantastic Plastic’ are welcomed. This productive garment is made from a potato starch laced with the seeds of various flora. The embedded seeds will upgrade even the most barren ground with a pastoral assortment of shrubs and small plants.Last but by by no means least is the Tyvek Raincoat from Wrk-Shp. It could well be described as green fashion at its purist, well that’s how I see it. Clothing embedded with actual living plants. You can often spot Nicky at the garden centre with Mark the Field Bag, does this count?
The wheat grass-speckled coat, made from highly breathable Tyvek, grows with every drizzle it absorbs. I’m not sure how it would be received on Keswick High Street, but never the less you have to admire the innovation.Thanks to Trendcentral for bringing the above to my attention. -
Competition Time
You may remember that a few weeks ago I posted a few in store photos from our latest stockist Murdock Barbers, London.
Murdock London, Monmouth StreetIn typical Murdock style the dapper London gents have put together a cheeky little competition give away over on their website accompanied with a great blog post about their five favourite British adventurers. We are extremely proud to announce that MD made the short list. Of course we wouldn’t expect anything less…
The man himself (Millican Dalton in case you were wondering)All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning a Jonathan the Roll Wash is send your answer to the following question with your name and address to moustaches@murdocklondon.com by midnight on Sunday the 27th of November:
Q. The lake District lies within which county?
The geographers amongst you will no doubt be rubbing your hands together on this one.
Remember, you gotta be in it to win it!
Good luck.
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Teach a Man to Fish
Is it possible to make a living from fishing?Simply. Sustainably. Under sail.Well Si and Cat are in the process of finding out.Our friend Jack dropped me an email this morning telling me all about his pal, Simon. He has recently returned from sailing around Europe with his wife, Cat, in their beautiful yacht. I think that should read, in their yacht with his beautiful wife.
Photo courtesy of Teach a Man to FishIn September 2009 Simon and Cat set sail from Percuil on their boat the Heard 28 Planet.Before they left, Simon was working at Falmouth Marine School as a CAD and boat building lecturer. Cat was studying for an MA in creative writing and working as a Spanish tutor.They both left with mixed feelings about coming back to the same jobs and lifestyles. They realised that any plans about their future would be made whilst they were on their journey.The result is that they have decided to build a boat and become fishermen.
Photo courtesy of Teach a Man to FishTheir aim is to set up a small business running from the village of Portscatho on the south coast of Cornwall – catching fish under sail and oar and selling it locally.Over the next few weeks and months Simon and Cat will be designing and building their boat while trying to find out and learn as much as possible about fish and fishing.They’re on a mission to untangle the legislation surrounding un-powered (i.e. propelled by sail and/or oar only) commercial fishing and research sustainable and responsible fishing methods that really work.They’re documenting the whole process through their blog ’Teach a Man to Fish’. Be sure to pop over for the full story.Their story reminded me of something I came across a while back. Si and Cat, I think you will like this one.‘A businessman was at the pier of the small Cornish harbour when a boat with a fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were fish. The businessman complimented the Cornish man on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. The fisherman replied: ‘Only a little while’.The businessman then asked why he didn’t stay out longer and catch more fish? The Cornish man said he had enough to support his family’s immediate needs. The businessman then asked, ‘but what do you do with the rest of your time?’ The Cornish fisherman said, ‘I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take a nap with my wife, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitars with my friends; I have a full and busy life.’
Portcatho: Photo courtesy of Paul WarringtonThe businessman scoffed, “I am a London Business School MBA and I could help you. You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds buy a bigger boat. With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats; eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. You could sell directly to the processor and eventually open your own cannery. You would need to leave this small fishing village and move to Vigo, Spain where you would run your expanding enterprise.’The Cornish fisherman asked, ‘But how long will this all take?’ To which the businessman replied, ’15 to 20 years.’ ‘But what then, sir?’ The businessman laughed and said, ‘That’s the best part! When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and make millions, flying around on your own corporate jet!’ ‘Millions, sir? Then what?’ The businessman said, ‘Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing island where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take a nap with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your friends.’The fisherman, still smiling, looked up and said, ‘Isn’t that what I’m doing right now?’(Story adapted from Hearblack).We’ll keep you updated on the progress of Si and Cat’s adventure.
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Murdock Barbers
Yesterday evening I made a trip down to our latest stockist Murdock, London. A traditional men’s barber situated in Covent Garden on Monmouth Street.
Whether it’s a haircut, a beard trim, or a traditional wet shave, you can’t go far wrong here. As well as being home to premium male grooming products, you can purchase designer accessories and apparel to complement your new cut.
Matthew, Stephen, Jonathan and Joe are fittingly situated in the travel inspired waiting area at the the rear of the shop where you can browse a range of vintage books, magazines and curios, all selected to enhance the Murdock experience.
I resisted the offer of a handle bar moustache, however I did manage to take a few snaps.
If you are in the area, or are in need of some inspiration for Christmas gifts, pop over to the website to see all that Murdock have to offer.
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Going to the Cycle-In
I gazed up at the massive open air screen of a drive in movie in South Africa aged 6. Ever since, I’ve been captivated by the silver screen – outdoors if at all possible.
As a kid from Manchester (not known as the Rainy City for nothing), I never had much chance to relive the experience. Not until Jorrit and I were travelling in the Australian outback in the early 90s – as odd as that may sound.
After a long and dusty day on the road, we came into a small one road town on the North West coast of Oz. After settling in at the local hostel, we opted for a night at the movies, entered the small stone front of the building delighted to find an open courtyard, with rows of chairs and an enticing screen on the wall.
I’m just hooked on outdoor movies, the combination of audience involvement and being able to look up at the stars. My favourite movie is even Cinema Paradiso, where an entire italian hilltop village is entranced by the movies projected on the town hall wall.
So of course I was more than intrigued when I heard about Barbara Patkova – founder of The Magnificent Revolution – a not for profit education project compromising artists, designers, ecologists and engineers.
The collective organises cycle-powered cinema nights up and down the country, so folk can enjoy a good movie and understand more about energy use and it’s impact on the environment.
How cool is that?
So it works like this, the audience cycle in on their own bikes and are hooked up to a modified training stand. The stands have a scooter motor at the back, which has a roller in it that spins like a generator and then feeds back into a power pack.
Simple but inspiring stuff.The more people there are the better, 2 bikes will produce a fairly intimate viewing while 50 bikes could generate enough energy to project onto the side of building.Barbara and the team have used the same concept to teach school children how much energy is needed to run an X Box, or to make a toastie ( 8 kids pedalling for 15 minutes if you’re interested).There’s another reason she calls this cycle power. Now using the same concept at live music events, the audience use their cycling to power the sounds and lights for the band. “It’s a natural feedback mechanism” stated Barbara ” if no one likes the music then there’s no power”Now that would keep any up and coming bands on their toes…
If you’d like to experience the next cycle-powered cinema event, a selection of short films is on November 12th at the Rich Mix Arts Centre in East London as part of the Snapshots Festival.Don’t forget your bike and Simon the waterbottle – it could be thirsty work (and send us some shots if you make it there).All photos courtesy of Magnificent Revolution.
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