And talk about precious things.

A couple of weeks ago we had family visiting and took the opportunity of going to see The Heart of the Great Alone exhibition at the Queen's Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. And a fine exhibition of photographs from the Scott / Shackleton Antarctic expeditions of the 1910s they were. Both collections of photographs were presented to King George V and form part of the Royal Photograph Collection.

The £5.50 admission included an informative audio guide. On the VFM side - the Gallery is offering an opportunity to get access to the Gallery for a whole year if you get your ticket stamped. Next week sees the new exhibition of Dutch Landscapes opening - and will take the opportunity to see this on a freemans.

(http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/microsites/dutchlandscapes/MicroSection.asp?themeid=663).

The fact that the Queen's Gallery charges admission offers up the opportunity to think about the cost of attending events where the venue is funded through some form of public subscription - either taxation or the National Lottery. As part of the Royal Photograph Collection, can it be suggested that this doesn't fall into either category?

It is positive that many of the major galleries and museums are now free to enter - but the prices of "special exhibitions" is too high.

Flash mobbing by the pork pies

Getting the yellow stickered reductions in the supermarket is being more of a science than an art. I agree with one of my colleagues who suggested that like comedy, it's all about timing. I reckon there are at least four different techniques - and will go into this some time soon. But I came across a new one in the last couple of weeks.

The approach could be best described as flash mob scranning.

Walked past the usual spot for the reductions and despite there being nothing available, there was a small group of folk hanging round the adjacent pork products. They were relaxed, chatting away - but it was obvious they were waiting for something. Went and did the shopping and just as we went by the end of the aisle - a young chap arrived with a box of yellow stickered meat products which he dumped unceremoniously into the chiller. The mob descended - hoovering up everything except the packet of mixed seasonal root vegetables and the lamb joint I managed to snatch at the last second. £4 down to 44p.

Then they left - leaving the chiller emptily desolate. Waiting to see this happen again

Grand gestures on a budget

My mum is one of those folks who want cards to say exactly who they are to and from - To my loving Brother and Sister in Law etc. She also used to see the size of the card as a direct reflection on how much people cared for her. I remember the looks when the cards weren't of an appropriate size and didn't say To Mum on them. But she'd love this place - on Great Junction Street in Leith - definitely cards for every occasion.

This wouldn't normally be the sort of shop I'd enter but I'm so glad I did - because at the back beyond the Hearts Greatest Fan cards lies a section of amazing cards from the V&A, Tate RIBA etc - all at 39p each or 3 for a pound.

I was in there with a friend on Friday - it was her initiation into the delights of The Card Shop. It started off with just three cards - she had already organised the cards for this year - so really didn't need any. Finally she took away a dozen and excitedly reminded me as we trolled past Tesco's that they had only cost her four quid. I walked on with a satisfied and knowing smile.

Though maybe I shouldn't have mentioned that was where we got her birthday card from!!!

Welcome to my world

I have been given a number of pseudonyms at work and by friends - one of which is Captain Value. This is based primarily on my interest in all things Value for Money. The aim of this blog is to share some of these things with the wider world. It won't just be stuff like three packets of crisps for 10p at Spar - but hopefully stories, reflections etc on what appears now to be a mainstream activity - getting value for money.