Artist paints Mike Peters while watching his funeral
Years later, Tanja crossed paths with Mike Peters again - this time through the Love Hope Strength Foundation, the cancer charity he co-founded after his own health battles. Tanja joined Snowdon Rocks 2 to raise money for the charity and also in memory of her mother, a keen walker who died of leukaemia in 2005, nine years after her diagnosis.
Tanja painting a tribute to Mike during the livestream of his funeral (Image: Tanja Durrant) Tanja, who has a 14-year-old son, said: "I remember it being a wet and windy midsummers day but that didn't dampen our spirits. I remember Mike singing before the walk, halfway up and on the summit. He was such a friendly, down to earth and humble man and took time to chat to us all. I took some photographs at the time from the summit, which was shrouded in low cloud and thought at the time, what a good painting it would make. I never did do that painting but over the years, I have focussed on drawing and painting at live gigs and performances and am now building my business as a full time freelance live event painter [Gigsketch Art].
"On learning of the open funeral at Dyserth for Mike, I wanted to attend but I live in Cornwall and couldn't make the journey so I decided to watch the livestream. I wanted to pay tribute to Mike and my memories of him so I did a painting of him whilst watching the funeral.
Tanja painted the art from memory and by using photo references (Image: Tanja Durrant) "I hope to raise funds for Love Hope Strength by doing a limited edition print run of the painting, donating a percentage of the profits to the charity."
Tanja, who usually paints live - at gigs, festivals and weddings and uses mainly acrylic paint for her art, painted the art from memory, photo and video reference.
She said she felt "very connected" to Mike whilst doing the painting.
The painting includes the bird that perched on Mike's guitar; The bird, identified as a Dipper - a short-tailed, stout bird, made its appearance when James Chippendale, co-founder of the Love Hope Strength Foundation, was paying tribute to his friend during the funeral service.
Tanja said: "Just watching the funeral and remembering Mike in The Alarm and when they supported U2 made me feel very connected to Mike when I was painting.
Mike Peters with Tania; Tania met Mike at Snowdon Rocks 2 (Image: Tanja Durrant) "It was memories too from Snowdon Rocks 2. Mike was playing the guitar and we were singing along, It was a very special moment."
Tanja, who has painted three murals at Glan Clwyd Hospital in Bodelwyddan, first got into sketching bands through a personal connection to Jools Holland; she knew one of his band members from a previous job with a touring cabaret theatre troupe.
She said: "Having not seen my friend for a few years, I made some calls and blagged my way into a Jools Holland gig in Cardiff in 1999. I got to know them all and ended up travelling and sketching on the road with them after asking if I could sketch from the wings at a Llandudno outdoor gig the following year.
"I ended up moving to London to caretake Jools's recording studio for a spell, meeting other Welsh greats such as Stereophonics and Tom Jones, and I was lucky enough to sketch at some of the later shows."
Thousands of fans descended on Dyserth on Thursday, May 29 for Mike's funeral which was held at Parish Church of St Bridget and St Cwyfan. A large screen was set up outside the church. The funeral, broadcast on The Alarm's YouTube, has been watched by more than 100,000 people.
Mike died aged 66 on April 29 from blood cancer. The musician was first diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) at the age of 36.
Anyone interested in purchasing a print of the painting can contact info@gigsketch.co.uk
Readers can also search Gigsketch Art on Facebook and Instagram @gigsketch_art
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business News Wales
5 hours ago
- Business News Wales
Welsh Chef Goes Global with TV Series Sales to Australia and Georgia
A BBC Wales series featuring a Welsh chef has been sold to broadcasters in Australia and Georgia. BAFTA Cymru winner Chris Roberts' series, Chris Cooks Cymru, was shown earlier this year. The six-part series sees Chris travel across the country, tasting what each region has to offer and cooking up meals in different locations using a variety of cookery methods but specialising in the use of charcoal. Chris said: 'It's amazing the reaction we've had to the series in which I've travelled to places in Wales I've never visited before and finding out about local traditions and foods and meeting some fantastic people. 'It's really next level stuff and the series being sold to SBS in Australia and the Georgian channel is the icing on the cake.' Made by Caernarfon-based production company Cwmni Da, a second series of Chris Cooks Cymru has already been commissioned. Planning is underway for the filming over the summer with the series due to be aired on BBC Wales early next year. 'I'm preparing for the second series which we'll film in the summer after a trip to Japan for a series that will be shown on S4C in the run-up to Christmas,' said Chris. Japan, added Chris, has been one of his 'bucket-list' destinations for a long time. 'I've never been there before but I've been wanting to visit for as long as I can remember. The food there is fantastic and they're well known for their fish cookery but they're just as well-known for their cooking with fire and the Wagyu beef is out of this world. 'I'm looking forward to visiting, finding out more about their country and their traditions, eating sushi and yakitori and other regional speciality dishes. It's going to be an epic trip.' Cwmni Da producer Aneurin Thomas, who has worked with Chris for several years, said: 'We started off quite simply making short films for the Hansh strand on S4C, featuring everything from cooking stunning steaks over fire to showcasing incredible local seafood. 'Hansh is a platform for young people in Wales to express themselves, and even back then, Chris' energy and talent were unmistakable. 'Since then, we've travelled together filming in Wales, New York, Scandinavia and Spain. 'It's a real pleasure working with him – he's not only a brilliant chef, but a great friend. What you see on screen is exactly what you get: a down to earth guy with a genuine passion for food and people.' Chris said: 'I just love what I'm doing but it's more than just me. I'm celebrating the butchers, fishmongers, growers, producers, and farmers of Wales — they're my superheroes. I want to shine a light on the incredible work they do behind our phenomenal produce.' The first Chris Cooks Cymru series can be streamed on BBC iPlayer until the autumn of 2025. Siwrna Scandi Chris and Chris' programmes about his visit to Spain last year can be streamed on S4C/Clic.
North Wales Live
10 hours ago
- North Wales Live
Wales' best hotel opens new pub where you can stay overnight and have your food cooked by an expert chef'
A new addition to the swish Palé estate, The Bryntirion Inn recently opened its doors at the gates of the five-star Palé Hall Hotel in Bala after a £1 million glow-up to inject a fresh feel while retaining its historic decor and vibe. Once a rustic village pub dating back to 1695, The Bryntirion promises a cosy stay where 'motoring heritage meets modern Welsh hospitality.' Owners Anthony and Donna Cooper-Barney have revamped the historic inn, creating a modern gastropub with rooms on the doorstep of the Eryri National Park. The pair also manage Palé Hall, which we recently ranked as top in our list of the best hotels in Wales. Our travel writer, Portia commends the Hall for "substance beneath the flair" and how the rooms "exuded understated elegance, perfectly complementing the panoramic views of the Dee Valley and its theatrically scenic surroundings." Plans are underway to add a spa and a second restaurant and potentially expand the historic hotel's number of bedrooms. They have also invested £200,000 to create exquisite Welsh art galleries. It shouldn't be a surprise, then, if The Bryntirion takes a leaf out of its sister venue's book. This latest village pub project is close to Anthony's heart. "We are thrilled to introduce The Bryntirion Inn as the latest part of the Palé Hall Estate." He adds that the new venture is "the perfect place to share my classic car collection, while creating a true village pub where locals can feel at home. The Bryntirion is about genuine hospitality, great food, and celebrating everything that makes this part of Wales so special." Forget five-star fuss. This is a proper village-style pub with sixty-cover dining room, good-looking bedrooms, and enough classic car memorabilia to keep the petrolheads happy. Decor-wise, despite the expensive revamp, there's still plenty of charm, with original stone walls, low timber beams, a roaring fireplace, and a bar stocked with real Welsh ales on tap and local spirits. While the bar remains a familiar spot for Bala regulars, the dining room has a more polished but still inviting feel and a creative menu shaped by the bountiful landscape around it. At the helm in the kitchen is Head Chef Tristan Fitt. His impressive CV includes heavyweights like Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, The Westbury in Mayfair and Wheeler's Oyster Bar in Whitstable. In these historic surroundings, Chef Tristan is crafting a solid menu rooted in local produce. Vegetables come from Ty Uchaf Farm just down the road, and eggs are collected from Caepant Eggs in nearby Llandderfel. Respected Bala butcher TJ Roberts supplies the pub's meat, including 28-day-aged Black Angus ribeye and pork chops destined for the grill. The result is a collection of elevated pub classics that feel honest and generous, with no unnecessary frills. The à la carte menu is seasonal and expressive. One dish pairs a delicate chicken liver parfait with plum gel, lemongrass and Japanese Umeboshi plums. There's a proper chicken pie made with baby vegetables, pomme purée infused with garlic and herbs, and a rich tarragon sauce that's hard to leave unfinished. Desserts include an elegant tiramisu in Opera cake form, complete with espresso ice cream and a Tia Maria gel. For something nostalgic, the Bryn Strawberry Trifle layers vanilla custard with sponge and sherry-soaked fruit and is beautifully plated. Sunday lunch here is already drawing a loyal following, and it's easy to see why. Plates arrive piled with crisp roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese, Yorkshire puddings and seasonal vegetables. You can choose crispy pork belly served with apple, sage, and a pig in blanket or roast sirloin of Welsh beef with horseradish. For plant-based diners, there's also a nut roast pie that stands up to the meaty mains. The drinks list is worth lingering over. All of the beers, ciders and house spirits come from Welsh producers, handpicked with help from Stori, Bala's brilliant independent bottle shop and tap room. There's a thoughtful selection of low and no-alcohol options too. Overseeing the wine list is Palé Hall's Head Sommelier Garry Clark, who's balanced, reliable favourites with lesser-known pours, including some Welsh wines chosen to complement the food. Word is spreading fast, with early diners already singing its praises online. One TripAdvisor review wrote, "We were not expecting to find such amazing food in a little country pub ten minutes from our holiday cottage." Another posted, "Fantastic service, the tastes are sensational, and they welcome dogs as well as humans." Roasts are also a big hit, with one reviewer claiming, "His was the best Sunday lunch I've ever eaten." Staying the night? Upstairs, The Bryntirion has six rooms for overnight guests. Each is named after a Welsh mountain and features dramatic landscape photography of its namesake. The ambience is warm and simple, with wooden furniture, neutral tones, and thick, comfortable beds. Every room has a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee-making kit, and Penhaligon toiletries. Breakfast is served as a continental-style hamper delivered to your door, and there's a spacious family room available. Dogs are welcome, too, not just in the bedrooms but also in the bar and restaurant, making it a great choice for walkers, road trippers, and families travelling with their beloved pet. What's nearby Prominently positioned on the edge of Eryri National Park, the Bryntirion offers a relaxed base for walking, hiking, climbing, cycling, fishing, and water sports on Bala Lake. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Just four miles away lies Bala, a historic market town that brims with charm and opportunities for adventure. Bala Lake, or Llyn Tegid, is the largest natural lake in Wales and a stunning spot to visit, especially in winter. Crisp, frosty air and snow-dusted landscapes create a serene atmosphere, ideal for scenic walks or moments of quiet reflection by the water. For the more adventurous, cold-water swimming in the lake has become increasingly popular. It offers a bracing way to connect with the natural world and get your wellness boost for the weekend. The Bala Lake Railway is a must-visit for history lovers and train nerds (enthusiasts). This delightful narrow-gauge railway line runs along the southern shores of Llyn Tegid, offering an enchanting hour-long journey from Llanuwchllyn to Bala on a retro choo-choo. Blimming marvellous. Local enthusiasts lovingly restored the line after the original Ruabon-Barmouth railway closed in the 1960s. It uses vintage locomotives that once transported slate from the region's quarries, adding a touch of historical delight to your rail adventure. If you like hiking, Bala is a gateway to some of Wales' most epic landscapes. To the west, the towering peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia) offer rugged and dramatic trails, while the quieter Berwyn Mountains to the east provide a sense of wild, untouched beauty. The Bryntirion Inn is now open for stays and dining from Wednesday to Sunday. Book here.
Daily Mirror
11 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Escape to the Country host stunned by couple's unexpected move in 'show first'
Escape to the Country host Ginny Buckley was on hand to help a couple look for their dream home in Wales during Tuesday's episode of the BBC show Escape to the Country host Ginny Buckley recently highlighted a first-time moment in her decade-long run on the BBC series. In Tuesday's episode (July 22), Ginny was tasked with assisting a couple in their significant relocation from Somerset to South West Wales. Outdoor enthusiasts Paul and Michelle had a maximum budget of £400,000 for a traditional detached property with high ceilings, requiring at least three bedrooms and two bathrooms. A substantial space for Paul to convert into a workshop for restoring his vintage bike was also on their wish list. The property also needed to have a generous outdoor area as they intended to start a glamping business or a forest school, reports Wales Online. Ginny arranged several property viewings that ticked all the boxes for the couple; however, it was evident that the mystery property left them astounded. The property in question, located in Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, was slightly under their budget, listed at £395,000. The 1930s bungalow boasted three bedrooms, a kitchen diner, and 2 acres of land with a stunning view. Just before viewing the mystery property, Paul and Michelle did something Ginny had never witnessed in her ten years on Escape to the Country. Clearly enamoured by the view and the garden space, they chose to explore the outdoors first before venturing inside. Ginny was caught off guard by a unique request during her decade-long tenure on Escape to the Country, confessing: "This is the very first time, in 10 years of working on Escape to the Country, that I've had someone wanting to explore the garden first." She noted the couple's affinity for the Welsh outdoors, saying: "It shows how much the outdoors here in Wales really appeals to these two. I hope the inside of the house matches up too." Michelle was visibly impressed with the property, stating: "Completely astonished by it and it's everything we are looking for. The house does need some work done to it but it's doable and lots of it we can do ourselves." However, despite their initial enthusiasm, the couple ultimately decided against making an offer, indicating they are still on the hunt for their perfect home. Escape to the Country airs weekdays from 3pm on BBC One and iPlayer
