Our next artist to be spotlighted goes by the name dunstickin but we sure know that he isn't "dunshootin" his camera! His gallery provides us with a view of the UK and it's landscapes and of course, benches! So pull up a bench and take some time to browse Bob's gallery and leave a toast or two in his honor below!
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Wow!..this was totally unexpected! ‘Shocked, dumbfounded, scared, and delighted’! all these emotions went through me when I heard. ’Famous at Last’!!..

I am totally overwhelmed and ‘gobsmacked’ that I have been chosen as ‘Artist of the Month’ and I humbly thank all those who have nominated me, and that my photography has been enjoyable to you all.

I think most of you know me by now and, how much I enjoy myself on here!! When I first discovered Caedes, 3 years and one month ago! (Boy, doesn’t time fly!) I was very excited at the thought of showing my images on a web-site!.. Now the rest, as they say is ‘history.’
I can truthfully say I have enjoyed every moment of my time on here, and have made some very delightful friends in that time! Thank you and bless you all for making me that fortunate!..

I was an only child and was christened Robert - known as Bob all through my life!
I suffered with a few problems in my early life. ie: Double pneumonia, Bronchial pneumonia, Spinal Meningitis, and the usual complaints of early childhood! I spent most of my earlier years in and out of hospitals, even doing my school work in there! Luckily I had a great doctor, and recovered from all that to lead a some what ordinary & at times, exciting life!…

I had several jobs, first as a worker in a steel industry driving over-cranes poring molten metal into containers, then eventually ended up truck driving!

Growing up, and into my late teens, I was involved a lot with Youth Work, in a local club. This was a time in the 60’s when good ol’ Rock n’ Roll was all the rage! I joined a local ‘rock’ band as a drummer, and had some great times doing that!

I met then met Ann in 1966, affectionately known as ‘Wor-Lass’ and married her in 1969, we have had a blissful married life of 38 years! Have two children, a lad & lass! We adopted both of them at a very early age! And are now blessed with a delightful and loving grandson David!


In all my life, I have had an interest in photography, and had an assortment of camera’s beginning with a ‘Kodak Brownie’ graduating onto the usual 35mm stuff, and then to the one’s I use now. My main camera is a Panasonic FZ50 and I always carry a pocket sized Panasonic TZ3 wherever I go! Both are excellent cameras as results show in my posts!

In 1980, when working as a truck driver, I had an accident, which left me with a lot of problems and had to retire from work because of them! Those times were bad for me, and I turned very depressive. But through the love of my wife Ann, family and friends, I made it through those ‘bad times’! A friend suggested a hobby, and that is how I became to make ‘Walking-Sticks’ [some of you on here, have seen my work on those]
Over many years I showed my work at county fairs and various show gatherings. This was a part of my rehabilitation and I accumulated a lot of awards and prizes for this. Finally I became a tutor and a judge in this craft. However, the hard work using the materials for this work, took its toll on my hands! And reluctantly I had to give up on that. I have happy memories of that period!

It was then that I became more embroiled in my photography and turned to buying a computer. I bought a second hand one to learn on, which was just a well. Because within a week, I wanted to either throw the bloody thing out, or maim the ‘wife’! It was her suggestion that I enrol in computer courses, which I did. I have now learned a great deal which enables me to enjoy my new time consuming hobby.

Although my disabilities inhibit me a lot, I find the thrill of going out and taking pictures very enjoyable and stimulating! During my outings of taking my snaps, I sometimes get into a few err! ‘difficulties’ !! Episodes of falling off gates and having to be bedridden for a few weeks! Chased by various domestic animals that had to remind me not to get near them! Tumbling backside first into patches of stinging nettles! And I cannot remember how many times I have had the pleasure of falling into a river or pond! But, despite all these ‘mishaps,’ I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it all, and have felt like a big kid again! I am delighted I can share all my ‘snaps’ with you!

Never a day passes that I am thinking “What can I post today?” Will my friends enjoy this one or that one? As I dig deep into my ‘rubbish bin’…Ah-ha there’s a new bench that I must try out!

I am so very grateful to Caedes for giving me this opportunity to inject a new passion into my life, and will always be thankful for that!

Now, my dear friends, may I raise a glass or two in salute to you all, and say a big Thank You for the enjoyment, pleasure and companionship I have received since joining this site!

Owd B☺B

:o)

Congrats mate ... well deserved.

Your time spent behind the lens and on the site here is well appreciated by so many members. Your artistic and personal presence does not go unnoticed and here you are receiving the just rewards of those efforts.

Here's to many more years of taking 'piccies' ...

*joins Bob and raises a glass*


p.s. And I have you to thank for learnin' how to speak Geordie. :oP

It's been an honor and a privilege (not to mention... a $h*t-load of laughs) to know you,and share the site with you. I've enjoyed, and will continue to enjoy, the work you post here.

Kudos!

*Opens up the the 18 year old Single Malt* ;-)

Such a well-deserved tribute to your contributions, my friend. Thank you for letting us into your life and for sharing your history..it endears you more to those of us who love you and look forward every day to your wonderfully creative posts and ribald comments....

Happy to know you and hope it continues for many years to come.

:)PJ

EDIT: One of my all-time favorites of your is Winter Warmer

Congrats Bob!

And a note to anyone wha has criticised Mimi for not posting on the front page or for multiple threads, please note that she was unable to post on the news thread for reasons beyond her control, and the multiple threads were necessary to alert people as there are those who do not go through all the forums regularly and some do not read certain forums at all... I would have though that was obvious, but it seems there are still people around who think they know how things should be done...

You may recall that I posted a public invitation to anyone who wanted to volunteer to run the artist spotlight, and Mimi was the ONLY member who showed any interest whatsoever... and she is doing the best job anyone could have. I am disgusted to hear that there would actually be people who would chastise her when she has put in all this work, and they have done none!

Anyway... enough of that unpleasantness and I apologise to Bob for having to bring it up... now let us dedicate the rest of the thread to sending him the congratulations he deserves!

*raises a glass*

Hey Owd Bob! Congrats on an honor well deserved, Couldn't have happened to a nicer person! And thanks for sharing the story of your life with us. I so enjoy the visual journey through your homeland by way of the wonderful images you post here... England is after all one of my ancestral countries. And... when I'm out taking photos and I run across a bench overlooking some scenic view - and there are lots of them on Cape Cod - I always think of you!

mary ;-)))

One of my preferred into your large gallery is Pendragon castle
I would like to visit that castle one day!
Thanks Bob for your presence on the site!
Congratulations :-)

Congrats Bob , a well deserved honor and a fine gallery .

Kristof .

Well me owd mate this is a wonderful honour for a grand lad.. ;) Your pics are fantastic and as you know you take me for a walk down memory lane with every single one of them (especially the manor at Cambo which I used to play in when I was a kid)also for the photo shoot you and Brian went out for me in search of the angels on the ceiling that I truly appreciate and the photos were fantastic.. Your pics of your walking sticks shows just how talented you are.. Not only your fine work but your support and humour is something I always look forward to.. CONGRATS (((HUGS))) I'll celebrate with a fine malt with you when I head up North next year ;)

*Ann.. you'll have to widen the doors and get a bigger hat for him, he's not gonna let you forget he got this award.. lol..

An Ode to Owd Bob

Bob, they say you is Owd, 'tis undoubtably true
Bliss, for many, is missed, 'cept by lil' ol' you
Desire is quenched with a bench, your wench, and skies blue
If any deserve the spotlight more, I haven't a clue

You say you've taken some tumbles, but you are still tickin'
You tell us the day you met Ann, you wuz done pickin'
I've heard that you came to us, when you wuz done stickin'
The day that we rue, you take up needlepoint, and the name: Dunclickin

Dear Owd Bob - Congratulations!! Such a well deserved honour. You have become a marra to many with your humour and kindness.
Your photography skills are an inspiration and your pictures looked forward to and enjoyed with delight, allowing us a view of your world through your eyes. Take a bench dear friend, with Wor Lass beside you and sit back and enjoy the spotlight because you deserve it :)

I have the lid off the Laphroaig :) A toast to you !

Many congratulations Bob!
You really deserve it :)

You've certainly had more tumbles than even me lol.. we shall have to find you some more benches ;)
I enjoy looking for your posts each day and your comments of course.

Congratulations Bob. I can’t thank of anyone more deserving of this accolade than you. Your enthusiasm and sense of humour have brightened my day many times and your gallery is full of colourful surprises. I hope you enjoy your time in the limelight.

well my 'owd friend Bob! No-one deserves this more than you - you owd stalwart! Every day I know you will post some photos with an amusing narrative and every day I know you will find time to comment on my photos! We all know you are a big softie inside, although you pretend not to be! We all luv ya!! ...and can't wait to meet you on our UK get together! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! and I raise the glass to you tooo or maybe I will raise two or three glasses to you! lol! CHEERS!!!

Well-Done Mate!If anyone deserves this accolade,it's has to be you.I have really enjoy,our travels,I bet your heads starting to swell.I,will never here the last of it

I was thrilled when I saw that you won this well deserved honor. Thank you for all of your wonderful photos and hillarious captions and comments. Your photos are fantastic and I enjoy viewing them. It has been a pleasure to have known you in my life. A toast to you my good friend Owd Bob, sit on your bench and enjoy the spotlight.

Well done Bob! You really really deserve it for all your fantastic contribution to the Caedes community =D

*gets a good ol' Emglish breakfast ready as a hangover remedy for all the Scotch going round*

Owd Bob, you are the "Benchmark" we all should use to reach our potential and even then we would fall short of your achievements. I'm a baby (2 months) on the Caedes site, and so many have welcomed me and made me feel so much at ease, but none anymore than you. You've shared your knowledge and done so out of kindness not wanting any payment other than a smile or a decent post. Your wit with both words and the camera are second to none. It's been a pleasure getting to know you. I'm looking forward to the following months and years and learning even more from you. This award is highly deserved. Contratulations Owd Timer.

Tick

Maybe this community has given you much support Bob, but the situation is definitely reciprocal. You have never hesitated to help or respond when I have PM'd you for any reason. I have learned much about composition and perspective from viewing your beautiful posts which I anticipate to arrive around 3-4 a.m. if I am still awake and that is often times the case.
You are a good natured and friendly soul and always eager to help and communicate. You are the kind of person that makes spending too much time on Caedes an edifying experience. I congratulate you on your accomplishments and your skill as a photographer and am happy to add my name to this list of fellow admirers. Carry on, mate!

What an eandearing person you are, sweet Bob. I loved reading your bio. I love your presence here at Caedes, your fantastic wit, and of course, your beautiful work! Well deserved laddie! Enjoy it. :)

Congratulations my Friend. So you've made the big time here at Caedes ... WELL DESERVED !!

Frankly it comes as no surprise to me. I was sure in my mind it was just a matter of time. I've been privileged to view your photography on a daily basis for a year and a half now and it's something I look forward to each day. Having never been to the other side of the "Big Drink", and not expecting to get there any time soon, your wonderful photographs have brought parts of the UK to me that made me aware of what I've missed. After viewing one or two posts by "Dunstickin" I made sure to mark you as a friend so as not to miss a one. The fact that you have a marvelous and sometimes outrageous sense of humor which has given me more smiles and outright guffaws than I'm able to count, was an added bonus.

Take care Mate ... of yourself and those cameras, and ... do express to 'Wor-lass' my sincere admiration for putting up with you. :)

At the looooooooong last !!! I will certainly greatly enjoy a drink or two or fiteen to your new career as our guru - in all means guru - showing us how to take beautiful photographs, sharing the charms of your wonderful country, showing how to be the best friend for all seasons, enjoable however at times difficult partner to Wor-Lass, and last not least sharing your cutest British =English sense of humour which I love !!!!
BTW the toasting will take place after 2.00 am as I never walk the dog in any slightest intoxicated condition - he does not approve much ... LOL
Will be back later to join your party, dearest owd Bowb -we will celebrate with our American, Canadian and other friends living on the Halloween side of the world [in Poland no halloween practically].

Way to go me owd mucker!! A fine award for a fine fella!!

~pops open a bottle of the bubbley~

To my dear...dear friend Bob.....

For this honor attributed to you by Caedes' membership...I salute you with pride..and with my friendship.... and am delighted that you were chosen to be the 'next star' that shines down upon us..... your beloved friends....friends at Caedes...your home away from home....and for the very best of reasons...and in a countless number of ways......;o)

I will begin with the marvelous laughter you have entertained us with...the 'down to earth' 'flavor' of humor..the encouragement and help you have given to me and to others...and of course...for the wonderful presentations of your beloved England...offered to us.... from 'your' very personal view.... as seen through the lens of Bob's camera.... England at her best.....;o) And I really mean that...the quality of your photography is exemplary!! All your many hrs. of study and practice....have made it so....

You have made people in general...feel welcomed and enjoyed...brought pleasure to those who needed a laugh...encouragement to those who just needed your listening ear...and always found the time!! Even through some health issues...'which are common knowledge'...such as your painful arthritic hands....you managed to allow for the time to do what was needed...and I...along with many others...thank you for these blessings.....and as I always say in my letters to you...'sending my love in tons'.....well...today is no exception!!

To your lovely wife Ann...whom I named 'Queen Ann' long ago...for the job of having to live with... and attend to you....she earned the name I gave her....we still laugh about it...even today....LOL!! She has really paid a price for your love....but found it to be priceless... as she adores you....just a few little secrets I love to share....;o)

Congratulations again Bob...you are a deserving candidate......indeed.... of this honor bestowed upon you.....;o)

P.S. Bob I was so in a hurry to get my salutations off to you....I wrote my appreciation rather quickly.....actually.... during the 'trick or treaters' visiting my door....sorry Bob!

Natural for me to conclude with your Briticism...

Ta..ta...for now...

Love, Marilyn

Finally Bob, the title you certainly deserve! I read you had many problems in your life, but still you are a happy person that loves to share his happy moments with others! Every photo I see of you is really great, even the more snappy ones, but the give something restful! Hope to be your friend for a very long time!

Nick

BTW: I did not knew you were a drummer in these old times ;) If you have some spare time, would you like to give a drumsolo together with me for the rest of the caedes communtiy ;)

*raises a glass to Owd Bob* Congratulations. 8•)

Well, well, well. It’s about time. No, it’s PAST TIME! As I read down through the accolades, certain words jumped out at me. They are:

GENEROUS: There isn’t anyone more generous than owd Bob. How many “goodies” have you sent to help me further my photography? If I ever learn a fraction of that stuff, I’ll be a whiz-like you.

HELPFUL: Anytime I have a question about how to do something, I go to you. You are the “Wikipedia” of Caedes. If you don’t know the answer, nobody knows the answer.

MENTOR: You are a mentor to more people than just I. Just about every “newbie” on the sight gets welcomed by you and receives a warm virtual hug. That helps the site grow and prosper.

OVERCOMER: Oh yeah. I thought I knew all you had been through with your truck accident etc but in reading your bio I see there is even more. My gosh, you are an example in survival if ever there was one.

ENCOURAGER: Oh yes, that and then some. Whenever I get down, I can crawl to owd Bob and get picked back up.

GURU: Definitely that. Your technical expertise is bar none. Nine times out of ten folks, he knows the answer. If he doesn’t, he’ll find it.

HUMOR: Like everyone else, every time I see a bench, who do I think of? Every time somebody falls, who do I think of? Every time someone is a little tipsy, who do I…ooops thorry!

BENCHMARK: I would say you are a benchmark for Caedes; the standard by which everyone should behave on the sight and operate.

ENTHUSIASM: Always. Instead of being critical, you have nothing but nice things to say about the site and the people on it.

ENGLAND/UK AMBASSADOR: Before I saw your images of your country, I had a very dreary view of the UK. For me, it was not a place of beauty but a place of dark and never ending dreary days. How you have changed that perspective. Now, I even envy your living there. It is a country of never ending beauty.

QUEEN ANN: And last but not least, behind every good man is a top-notch lady. I have never met her but I hope to someday. The two of you are an example of what a marriage should be-stay together come hell or high water.

Summary: If I drank (which I don’t) I would raise my glass to you, dear friend. I think the folks who run and manage this sight would do well to better utilize your talents than just via posting. You deserve this award and more.
CONGRATULATIONS!

Bob, you are the best. And, you are tying up a lot of my hard drive with your photography. Please keep that up! I really enjoy seeing your posts and look forward to them each day. Congrats on getting this award, but, surely, you give it honor by your presence to it.

Woot!Wooooooooooooooot! CONGRATULATIONS BOB!!!!!!!!! WELL DESERVED!

When I first joined Caedes your pictures were some of the first that really stood out to me and I was so happy I could figure out how to use that friends button so I could see more! You always bring beauty into my day and lots of laughter, too. It's great to learn more about you here. I'm thrilled for you to have this high honor. Congratulations to you! Now be careful and don't get into any more scrapes with your camera!

Congratulations Bob! I have red all that´s been said here and there is nothing I don´t agree with, my friend. If anyone deserves this it is you! I thank you for all the wonderful posts and for all the laughter :-). I raise my glass and salute You!

Many congratulations Bob..! I'm delighted you've been picked for the Spotlight Award…There is no doubt your wonderful landscapes are an inspiration to the majority of the viewers on this wonderful site…You are a talented photographer and have a very keen eye which is very evident on the wonderful pictures you post for us viewers to view….By the way matey, you have another talent and that is the wonderful comments you post on viewers pictures…I must admit I love to read them as they make me laugh and that is not a bad thing….MANY CONGRATULATIONS my friend….Take care matey….All the best….Mick

You truely deserve this award and I'm so happy for you :) I enjoyed your above info on your interesting life. Many cheers to my special friend, owd Bob :)

Just so everyones aware - the spotlight article is now on the front page.

Congratulations, Bob. Wonderful to hear you've been picked for the Spotlight. Well deserved.

awesome! you're the perfect person. not only is your photography so good.....your kindness to all is splendid.

congrats Bob you really deserve it to be in the spotlights, not only for the photography but also as a person... always makes me laugh with your comments....congrats again

Twinkel

Why did they hide this? Way to go me mate...about time...now you can retire. Plenty of benches around. Sure glad to see you get this mucker...goodo!