Leigh984, The creative portfolio of Leigh Spencer

  I was given the chance to take a look inside a red brick water tower in Countesthorpe, Leicestershire. The tower, built in 1884 by the Leicester Poor Law Union, was part of the Countesthorpe Cottage Homes complex, which was an attempt by the Poor Law Union to place impoverished and orphaned children into model "cottage homes" rather than large central workhouses and foster a family-style environment. The tower housed the main water supply tank for the complex, and the adjoining building, the site’s central boiler house and coal store, provided heating and hot water to the cottages. The tower’s design was created by prominent local architect Isaac Barradale, using red brick with stone corbels and brick machicolations around the upper gallery and a steep pyramid-shaped roof. The building is currently Grade II listed (as of 1981). The building was converted into a private residence after the cottage homes closed in 1972. My visit was part of a fundraising event for St Andr...

I took a visit to Norton Juxta Blooms directly opposite @TwycrossZoo in Leicestershire to see their spectacular Sunflower field, we made the visit at Sunset so as the sun slid below the horizon the field started to glow deep yellow and oranges. We also had an unexpected flypast by some Para motors which took off from an adjacent field flying low over the Sunflowers adding to the special atmosphere. In this film i explore the field finding a bright blue tractor contrasting against the Yellow flowers and exploring the maze of paths throughout, as the sun sinks lower the Sunflowers seem to be soaking up the last few rays and bow their heads till sunrise tomorrow. please see the Norton Juxta Blooms website for opening times and a special thanks to the team there for allowing us to film after hours.  

  The Dinosaurs have come back to life and are walking the streets of Leicester !. No it's not the plot of the latest instalment in the Jurassic Park franchise it's Dino Fest bought to Leicester by ‪@bidleicester‬ and starring Dinosaurs from ‪@rentadinosaur1303‬ the prehistoric fun sees the old town transformed into a Dinosaur playground with people of all ages gathering in front of ‪@LeicesterCathedral‬ to witness the show. The enthusiastic Dino Wranglers show the audience the beasts of an earlier time, with a little help from some of the younger members the Dinosaurs are bought under control and the fun, educational show concludes. Next we go for a wander around the old town area of Leicester with Ruby the Red Dinosaur , this area of the city is home to many independent shops etc like Patina , Which Ruby takes a look inside maybe to see if she can grab on of their exclusive T-Shirt prints !. Ruby continues to explore with a visit to St Martins Square well known for its...

  The Cosby Yarnbomb returns after a one year break bigger and better than ever before, in 2026 were going on a trip around the world in 80 displays !. Like Willy Fogg we`ll be exactly right on time as our Journey takes us under the sea and across African plains for a walk on the wild side, yes that is a life sized giraffe in Cosby !. We also go interstellar as we fly through the solar system on a planet parade (can you spot any Aliens ?). a Chinese dragon , the terra-crochet army , Tulips from Amsterdam and a windmill, add to our globetrottingy trip. This film does not include all 80 displays (that would be a very long film) so a visit to the Yarnbomb itself is highly recommended Cosby Yarnbomb and Community Togetherness Day 2026 have been supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England ,Who along with Sponsors fund the costs of putting on the event, including performances, workshops and activities.