The Blue Chair Movement

'Blue Chairs around the world'

2009-10-06T16:02:00.004+01:00

The theme for the 2010 calendar is 'Blue Chairs around the world'. Leo Emmett and Nick Lynch-Staunton have returned from their trip with the Blue chairs and they have some stunning photographs which can be yours for ever for just £10! Here the Blue Chairs enjoy the peace of the blue Mosque in Istanbul

Nick and Leo and the blue chairs contemplate the splendour of the Taj Mahal.

A tragedy! If you look carefully a blue chair has fallen down the ravine!

This gallant Frenchman saves the other chair from a similar fate. Will its friend ever return?

Perhaps!! Who is this mysterious old lady carrying a blue chair and where did she get it from?

The Blue chairs in 'Bluoom' at Shrewsbury Flower show.

2009-10-06T15:26:00.004+01:00

Here the chairs add a bit of colour to the Flowers!

Looking good courteousy of some wondrous Jewelry
designed and made by Nikki Guy!

The Blues Band!

The liveliest upholsterer in the land finds there is little to
work on, but he is keen to try! One of my favourites!

The Blue chairs get a little extra shine from the best shoe
shiner in the business!

A Grand Posse! The Wolverhampton Grand Theatre team
have been very supportive of the blue chairs in the past
and here they are being given some support back!

James Martin takes a rest on a blue chair close to the fire

extinguisher just in case it gets a little too hot in the

kitchen! Some of the ladies seem to think it is always hot

in the kitchen when he is there!

Blue Chairs spotted in the Yorkshire Dales and at Aysgarth School.

2009-06-03T20:50:00.002+01:00

The Blue Chairs received a very warm welcome at Aysgarth School. They are pictured here with the Headmaster Anthony Goddard and his wife Caroline having thoroughly enjoyed their visit. They were particularly impressed by the enthusiasm of the pupils for Blue Chair pens!

The Blue chairs enjoy supporting the Cure Leukaemia 10 K run.

2009-06-03T12:44:00.004+01:00

Yes - it was raining! But that did not worry top athletes Will Scott-Moncrieff, Muhammad Khan, Elliot Bevan, Kit Schutzer-Weissman, Giles Bell, Jenny Hughes and Mike Hughes.

"Although I look very worried in this photo I was not at all worried by the rain. I was a little concerned that I might be beaten by Giles Bell as he looks in such good shape at the moment and I was very surprised to finish ahead of him. I expect he stopped to help an injured athlete or something like that." Commented Will Scott-Moncrieff after the race.

The Mayor of Birmingham makes good use of a Blue Chair!

Leo Emmett and Nick Lynch-Staunton take the Blue chairs on holiday

2009-05-15T00:09:00.005+01:00

Nick and Leo are planning on spending three months of their gap year with their friends the Blue chairs. "We found them to be very loyal friends when we were at school" said Nick. "Yes I never fell out with a blue chair" said Leo. "Although I did fall off one!" Let's hope they do not find them too intense in tents!

Horace Hill Welcome the Blue Chairs

2009-05-14T23:56:00.007+01:00

Hugo Morgan spotted the chairs apparently helping the groundsmen marking the pitches or were they just early for the big game? The Blue chairs were then given a wonderful welcome and left the school feeling very happy and not at all blue!

Aled Jones relaxes with the Blue Chairs.

2009-05-14T23:22:00.005+01:00

Aled and team have just been 'singing the praises' of Old Salopian Charles Darwin. They were filming an edition of Songs of Parise which will be shown later in the year when who should they bump into but our favourite chairs - fancy that!

Blue Chairs receive a warm welcome at Moor Park!

2009-02-11T17:18:00.004Z

The blue chairs had a wonderful time at Moor Park School near Ludlow. It was their first visit but they are hoping it will not be their last. They were very impressed by all the questions they received and by the enthusiasm of the audience. They were delighted that at last someone had noticed they were playing golf with Neil Armstrong on the moon!

2009 BLUE CHAIR CALENDER - ON SALE NOW!!!

2008-11-01T00:53:00.005Z

Just below these wise words are two of the stunning pictures that make up the Blue Chair 2009 Calendar. They can be purchased for £10 each (that's less than a £1 a month!), by contacting Giles Bell on 01743 280600 or via email at gjfb@shrewsbury.org.uk. or by post to Giles Bell, The School House Shrewsbury, SY3 7AS (please make cheques payable to Shrewsbury School we will then pass on the donation to Cure Leukaemia and the Shropshire Blood Trust Fund). Or you can donate on line by clicking on the donate buttons at the top of this web page. You can either put £5 on each charity page or just go for one - it is up to you! If you do buy a calendar, the blue chairs will love you with a blue passion that is unlike any love you will recieve from other inanimate objects.

This year we are remarkably lucky that international photographer Steffan Macmillan has donated his time and effort to the Blue Chair cause. This generous act in itself deserves our support, but coupled with the fact that the pictures are just amazing you will have to buy several calendars to give to cool and happening relatives, (or uncool ones that need a bit of 'sharpening up'!). You should also check out some of Steffan's work by going to his website at http://www.steffanmacmillan.com/. He is something of a genius and a total Blue chair Hero.

Birchfield School go Blue!

2008-11-01T00:43:00.002Z

Birchfield Headmaster Richard Merriman and his wife Ruth hand over the hard earned cash to Blue Chair Calender Hero Sam Grainger

A group of Birchfield Leavers, (including Blue Chair hero James Humpish), meet the Blue chairs and Ted the School House dog!

The Blue chairs want to say a huge thank you to Birchfield School for holding a Blue Chair casual clothes day and raising over £220 for the two Blue Chair Charities. They are all official Blue Chair Heroes!! Well done to everyone at Birchfield School and thanks again!

Sumo Chairs!!

2008-11-01T00:37:00.003Z

Recent converts to Sumo wrestling, Mark Tomley and Ben Dennson, 'size' each other up in the company of the two Blue Sumos!

An audience with the Mayor of Shrewsbury!

2008-11-01T00:19:00.003Z

The Blue Chairs ask the Mayor of Shrewsbury, Mrs Anne Chebsey, if she can ensure that all the seats in the town and in the new theatre are blue!

Everest Conqueror Paul Deeham gets to grips with the Blue Chairs!

2008-11-01T00:14:00.003Z

Paul Deeham has been to the summit of Everest and the Blue Chairs were keen to meet him as they enjoy climbing. Careful with that axe Paul!

The Blue Chairs enjoy a visit to Covent Garden and the Eye!

2008-11-01T00:10:00.002Z

It seems the blue chairs have developed a taste for current affairs and politics!

2008-11-01T00:00:00.002Z

The Blue Chairs were interviewed by Kate Adie and then had a lengthy discusion with Roy Hattersley about the state of unemployment among blue chairs. It appears they are concerned by the number of blue chairs to be found in schools and clubs up and down the country stacked against the wall or left outside in the rain. It is rumoured that they blame the government.

John Hegley and some young fans get poetic!

2008-10-31T23:47:00.002Z

The blue chairs enjoy poetry especially if it makes them laugh and think. After they had left this fantastic event, which was part of the Shrewsbury book festival, a poem was found where the chairs had been spotted. I have managed to obtain a copy for you and here it is. " We are blue, we are chairs, sometimes 'sitters' leave their hairs, from their bums or from their heads, put them somewhere else instead!" I think you will agree a classic of its genre!

Blue Chairs meet Charles Tyrwhitt and two of his shirts!

2008-10-31T23:41:00.004Z

The Blue Chairs are not usually known for their fashion sense as they are comfortable with their blueness. So this is a very rare sighting indeed.

Blue Chairs select their company carefully

2008-10-31T23:34:00.002Z

Here are the Blue Chairs enjoying the hospitality of Oswestry cricket club with England selector Ashley Giles and cricket correspondents Derek Pringle and Angus Fraser.

Natalie Blair or is it 'Chairmella'

2007-12-13T00:30:00.000Z

Natalie is appearing as Snow White in the Shrewsbury Pantomime. It is of course lucky for Snow White that the dwarves are such good neighbours! The Blue Chairs are always keen to be helpful to damsons in distress and were only too help Natalie rest for a second after another hectic show.

Dr Doolittle talks to the Blue Chairs!

2007-11-01T17:18:00.000Z

The cast of the fantastically popular and brilliantly staged Dr Doolittle were kind enough to allow the Blue Chairs to meet Tommy Steele and the cast just before they went on stage at the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton.

Watch out! Terri's going to make a splash!

2007-11-01T17:13:00.000Z

Commonwealth silver and bronze medalist, Terri Dunning, is hoping to make waves at next years Olympics. Here she is helping the Blue Chairs to Open the new Shrewsbury School swimming pool!

Chris Harris protects the Blue Chairs from coming to harm

2007-11-01T17:08:00.000Z

Ex New Zealand all rounder Chris Harris seen smiling before the Rugby World cup quarter finals!

Lashings Cricketers Catch the Blue Chairs !

2007-11-01T16:59:00.000Z

Relaxing with the Blue Chairs at a 'Lashings' cricket match in Wellington Shropshire are West Indian cricketing legends Gordon Greenidge, Alvin Kallicharran, Tino Best and Zimbabwe's finest singing cricketer and opponent of the horrendous Mugabe regime Henry Olonga.

Safe hands look after the blue chairs!

2007-11-01T16:31:00.000Z

Manchester United and Dutch International goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar couldn't wait to get his hands on the Blue chairs having heard so much about them! It also got earned him a brief respite from signing autographs at Prestfelde School!

Blue Chair Sculpture and Sculptors!

2007-11-01T15:05:00.000Z

Pictured here are Blue Chair Artists Guy, Roan and Nell Kirkby with their fans Sam Hill and Joe Bell!

HOW 'LEGION' HAPPENED!

2007-07-20T22:03:00.000+01:00

On June 30th 2007 460 students from Shrewsbury School

marched a 'Legion' of chairs down to the market square in

Shrewsbury. As you can tell, it was just another day at school!

Walking up College Hill hoping not to be recognised!

These 'chairmen' have nearly reached their destination yet are

still concentrating hard- the training had worked!

Casper Mackindoe Shropshire's finest conceptual artist, was there

to dictate how the installation was to take shape.

Casper lovingly attends to the troops.

Blue chairs in ranks!

Pat Jones models the world's best blue chair earrings!

If you like Blue Chairs Shrewsbury Market place was the place to be!

The Finished Product! Thanks to all those who made it happen!

It was quite simply a unique moment!

'LEGION'

2007-06-20T15:12:00.000+01:00

As part of Shrewsbury's Visual Arts about Town Festival Conceptual artist Casper Macindoe will create an enormous art installation involving over 400 blue chairs from Shrewsbury School. These chairs will be marched down to the Shrewsbury Market Square on the Saturday morning of June 30th by the whole school. The Art week runs from 30th June - 29th July and if you buy one of the specifically designed blue chair pieces of work, 10% will be donated to the two Leukaemia charities we support. So follow the blue chair trail and become an art expert! In anticipation of all this arty activity the chairs have been posing around town and have even been spotted preparing for 'Legion' at the Roman ruins at Wroxeter!

The Blue Chairs feel the presence of Julius Chairsar.

A Blue Chair Cohort get a lift.

Not Hadrian's wall.

Behind Bars.

Entering Bars!

Betting Blue Chairs!

RSC Bluechairs

2007-06-05T17:21:00.000+01:00

The Bluechairs are creatures of a highly cultural nature. They recently enjoyed a trip to Stratford to watch the Seagull. Rumours that they thought the production was about their favourite football team are scurrilous and hurtful to such erudite and well read (well blue) chairs. Despite fine performances from Sir Ian Mckellen and Frances Barber the actor they found to be most mesmerizing was Richard Goulding. They agreed with the review in the Daily Telegraph that he really was brilliant as Konstantin and they sense the start of a most successful thespian career.

Just from looking at Richard's eyes I think he could he be an excellent Dr Who!

Super Matt

2007-04-24T17:12:00.000+01:00

Thanks to all those who supported the Blue Chair Ball. An especially big thank you to Professor Charlie Craddock, Dr Nigel O'Connor and Artem Botcharov for speaking so eloquently and to Emily Bell and her committee for organising everything so brilliantly. When asked how she came to be so good at organising she said "I learnt it from my husband!"We have raised over£16,000 (we think), which should help people like Matt Stannard who left School House last summer and contracted Leukaemia in December 2006. He has bravely put up with four bouts of chemo so far and is hoping he will not have to endure anymore!

Matt likes cars and here he is in front of a particularly fine one or at least the blue chairs like the colour. Matt also likes football and he is hoping to continue his training to be a coach, (a National Express one?!), as soon as he gets the green light. We would like to wish him all the best. Good luck Matt and watch out Jose and Sir Alex!

The Easter Bunnies want you at our Blue chair ball!!

2007-04-05T13:42:00.000+01:00

These Easter bunnies are big supporters of the blue chairs and are looking forward to the Blue Chair Ball at Shrewsbury School on Saturday April 14th at 7:30pm. They have heard that the excellent Rythmn Ambassadors are playing and that there will be a raffle with many top prizes as well as an auction, plus a silent art auction courteousy of the Broad gallery in London. Woh! Apparently there are still a few tickets left so why not ring Giles or Emily Bell on 01743280600 or email us at gjfb@shrewsbury.org.uk and join the party. Tickets are £40 each and all the proceeds will support our two Leukaemia charities.

Lenny Henry meets the blue chairs!

2007-04-05T13:23:00.000+01:00

After performing his new show at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Lenny needed a seat and the blue chairs were only too happy to oblige!

Birthday Boy Artem 27/02!

2007-02-27T16:11:00.000Z

Here is a great sight. Artem looking very well and laughing at one of my jokes!

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday dear Artem

Happy Birthday to you!

Possibly not by Andrew Motion.

Andrew Motion sits motionless with the Blue chairs! (sorry!)

2007-02-27T15:18:00.001Z

WHAT HAVE WE HERE?

Dad got home late, and I never heard the gravel
Or his door-clunk in the drive-through,
Still less his shoeless step
As he crept to perch on my bedside.
‘What have we here?’
'Two blue chairs dad' I replied,
'why don't you get off my bed and sit on one
-you've crushed my teddy!'

The Sky cricket commentary team talk to the blue chairs after Saqlain Mushtaq is caught out at short chair leg!

2007-02-27T14:55:00.001Z

Saqlain is forced into an error at the Shrewsbury School cricket centre.

Paul Allot tries to interview a blue chair with an empty glass. Hmmm how many empty glasses do you need to interview a blue chair? Quite a few!

David Lloyd tries to hide from the Packwood paparazzi behind a yucca plant with no success.

The Blues meet the Reds and the Blues!

2007-02-27T14:46:00.000Z

Our intrepid friends get seats in the wrong stand!

Dixie Dean and friends

Bill Shankly still looks like he is pulling the strings!

Plastic Chairs spotted in Milton Keynes -comoonicating!?

2007-02-27T14:38:00.000Z

The School House 'sky-diving team' spot the chairs enjoying themselves in Milton Keynes.

Blue Chair Watch

2007-02-27T10:38:00.000Z

The fame of the Blue Chairs is spreading. On a desolate part of the Norfolk coast, hardy chair watchers,(chairnithologists), gather as rumours spread that the chairs are enjoying a bit of time away together.

'I'm dreaming of a Blue Christmas'

2006-12-27T19:05:00.000Z

What do you need at Christmas?

How about some angels! Buy their CD now it is fab!

This gentleman is quite important too....

But do not give him too much sherry!

And last but by no means least the crib! This one is from Stiffkey in Norfolk.

CALENDAR

2006-11-19T00:23:00.000Z

WHY NOT BUY A BLUE CHAIR CALENDAR? Available from the 2nd December price £10. All enquiries to gjfb@shrewsbury.org.uk

BE THE ENVY OF YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. IT'S UNIQUE AND RAISES MONEY FOR 'CURE LEUKAEMIA' AND 'THE SHROPSHIRE BLOOD TRUST FUND'.

Here's what some satisfied customers said about the calendar.

"It's such a perfect calendar" Lou Reed

" It looks good in the bog" Loo Read.

"I don't understand it." Kant Read.

"Yes! I liked it- now go away." Kurt Read.

'The blue chairs are weally gweat' says David Bellamy

2006-11-19T00:09:00.000Z

Deep in the Amazonian rain forest David Bellamy managed to observe a group of blue chairs feeding on plastic flowers and lino. He brought these two back with him and currently there are no blue chairs left in the rain forest mainly due to loss of habitat. He is hoping to breed from these two chairs and release a small colony back into the jungle in a few years time. He is not optimistic however as blue chairs are notoriously difficult to breed in captivity.

Blue Chairs Selected for England

2006-10-24T12:02:00.000+01:00

England cricket selector David Graveney appears to have selected the blue chairs for the Ashes tour! I suspect he likes the fact that they are difficult to knock over, are not fazed by 'Aussie banter' and are untroubled by movement!

Vikram Solanki and Luke Sutton pick up a few tips from the chairs at Shrewsbury School's new indoor cricket centre. Numerous players have already benefited from the coaching supplied by the blue chairs which is said to be unemotional,undemonstrative and unequivocal.

Pat Gibson (cricket correspondent for the Times) interviews the chairs about their role at Shrewsbury School. He later said he found the chairs unwilling to divulge much information but thanked them for their time.

Arthur's Blue Seats!

2006-10-24T11:42:00.000+01:00

The blue chairs found themselves looking down on Edinburgh during the festival. They had gone there to see the Shrewsbury School production of Frankenstein which was a monster of a hit with everyone!

Here are some of the cast members who helped the chairs to reach what for any chair is something of a life time ambition - to reach Arthur's seat!

Vinoj Srinivisan (India's superman) was largely responsible for the welfare of the chairs in Edinburgh and we felt it only right that he should be pictured on the Movement's website! I am sorry that Ashley Giles creeps in again but he is always hanging around blue chair heroes such as VJ!

George's seat. You should know that this man who looks like he should have been in Braveheart, which is why his picture is here, gained an A and two Bs at A level despite running a 10 km race with a blue chair attached to his back just before the exams.

Chef chairs!

2006-10-24T11:23:00.000+01:00

The chairs had a very tasty time meeting top chef Franco Taruschio at the Greenfield cookery school in Bedfordshire. Franco used to run the fantastic Walnut tree restaurant and is heavily involved in raising money for St. Anne's Hospice in Newport.

They also met another top chef; Trace Buggins who runs the Black Horse Gastro pub in Ireland near Shefford, Bedfordshire. He looks quite scarey despite having the funniest name the blue chairs have come across so far! He is in fact another top Blue Chair hero and we recommend visiting him and trying his food - but you had better like it!!!

The chairs join their friends at Ashley Giles's Benefit ball.

2006-10-24T10:26:00.000+01:00

Professor Charlie Craddock (a world expert on Leukaemia and big cricket fan,)celebrates his purchase of a stump from the final Ashes test signed by all the England team!

Dave Bassett enjoying life away from football - although Leeds........................!!!

BBC Rugby Commentator and ex Scottish International Ian Robertson and Amelia (New Zealand singer) enjoy the comfort of the blue chairs.

England's Matthew Hoggard gives the blue chairs a lift!

Geraint Jones can't relax in his efforts to get his England place back.!

The Blue Chairs enjoy getting on down and urge others to do the same!

Ashley Giles and Graeme Hick enjoy a quick breather courteousy of the chairs. The Blue Chair Movement would like to thank Ashley for supporting Cure Leukaemia during his benefit year.He has done a great job as have the Cure Leukaemia team.

Hounding the Chairs!

2006-10-24T10:20:00.000+01:00

Cute or what?!

Cannes Chairs!

2006-10-23T17:26:00.001+01:00

Over the summer the chairs seem to have lost weight or are these merely models of our favourite twosome? Spotted in Cannes for the Premiere of Garry Otter and the Trunk of Blood (the worst film ever made but available to you if you want a copy through this site!), are they really our chairs?

The Chairs are well-balanced!

2006-10-23T17:14:00.001+01:00

Despite rumours to the contrary the blue chairs and everyone connected with them are entirely well-balanced! You would have to be mad to think otherwise! Robbie Pennoyer (pictured here with the chairs), began balancing acts when he was bored at home. "I began balancing acts at home when I was bored" he said. He can be hired for parties but lives in the USA - contact the bluechairs if you can afford to fly him back here and enjoy this type of stuff! (He can balance other things too!).

Cultural Chairs

2006-10-23T16:40:00.001+01:00

The chairs enjoyed a day out at York Minister. They were impressed by the choir but apparently prefer listening to the 'Blues!'

Then it was down the road to Skipton Castle courtesy of Blue Chair Hero Nick Carling. Yorkshiremen pride themselves on being bluff and tough but actually you are looking at the birthplace of skipping! Legend has it that the early exponents of skipping were being teased for being too girlie and sensitive so they built a castle where they could skip in safety without prying eyes laughing at them when they got the rope tangled over their heads! Actually boxers and fitness fanatics like skipping; so 'respect' to all you skippers out there!

Finally it was on to Elland road where Leeds United generously gave more goals and points away to a group of visitors! Looks like a nice Stadium for a Coca Cola Division 1 club!

Corny Chairs!

2006-08-03T12:10:00.000+01:00

A number of people seem to think the captions under the pictures of the blue chairs are a bit 'corny.' I can't see it myself!

The Sugar Babes are big hits with the blue chairs!

2006-08-03T11:42:00.000+01:00

Stunning girl band 'The Sugar Babes' arrived in the heaving metropolis of Shrewsbury anxious to perform a high quality concert for all their fans, and that included our redoubtable duo, who have been big fans of the group since hearing their tunes emanating from the maths faculty office!

'Nicest security guard in the world' Mark welcomes the chairs to the show.

The chairs mingle with the crowd before the music starts.

Above and below the chairs enjoy a spot of crowd surfing!

After the concert the chairs are left to dream about what it might be like to have a sugar babe sitting on them. Surely better than Paul Mckenna!

Or may be not when they have looked into his eyes!

Nasty Doctor Adam leaves the chairs feeling blue!

2006-08-03T11:33:00.000+01:00

The chairs recently bumped into 'dodgey doctor Nick' (otherwise known as talented actor and singer Richard Shelton) in Shrewsbury. He seemed all sweetness and light but where had his friend gone?

A staggering sight at Port Regis School.

2006-06-28T00:42:00.000+01:00

The blue chairs mistook this beautifully crafted stag for the real thing when they found themselves at Port Regis School recently. Possibly looking for a quick getaway they jumped on for a speedy ride home but found it not as fast as they had thought it might be. Oh deer!

Blue chairs are worshipped at Sandroyd School

2006-06-28T00:31:00.000+01:00

Worrying news is reaching us (confirmed by this photograph) that impressionable youngsters have begun to believe that the blue chairs have hidden powers. This temple in the beautiful grounds of Sandroyd School may be one of several cultic centres which is fostering what is believed to be the fastest growing religion involving the worship of blue chairs in the world. The Pope has yet to comment on these worrying developments as have other leading religious figures.

Blue Chairs Behind the Bowler's Arm

2006-06-28T00:17:00.000+01:00

The blue chairs turned up at Lockers Park School and created a delay in a cricket match by situating themselves behind the bowler's arm. They had to be forcibly removed but ended up winning over their captors with their good natured charm and knowledge of the game.

The Blue Chairs stubbornly refuse to budge despite even the headmaster asking them to 'move along'!

Force is required.

Finally the game can begin again and the chairs say they are sorry! Everyone is happy.

Garry Otter and the Trunk of Blood

2006-05-23T16:03:00.000+01:00

This appalling piece of celuloid rubbish was rightly panned by all critics at the Cannes film festival. However it was applauded as a work of 'genius' at the 'Little Smelling Farts and Craft Fair' earlier this year. Indeed local film critic Jonathan Dross described it as 'the best film he had seen all day.' Harry Borman (a retired film fanatic) called it 'The Best thing to come out of the School House film studio ever.' Helen Mirren, Julia Roberts, Clint Eastwood, Tom Cruise, River Cruise and Tom Hanks would all probably like to have been in it but were not deemed suitable for the parts.

Ned Ellison said "It is without doubt a seminal work and I am delighted that my first film was this good, my career in films can only go upwards from here", Oliver Carson and Charlie Smelt said something very similar.

If you would like to be given a free copy of this film please feel free to leave a message in our guest book to that effect (please leave your real email address!). NB This film seems to be very popular with the young minded!

Any donations over £7 will entitle you to a free copy of Garry Otter and the Trunk of Blood, just let us know you want a copy. For a view of the trailers go to Google and type in Garry Otter, or click here.

'Fun' Run report on Bluechair Heroes.

2006-05-21T18:33:00.000+01:00

I have never been convinced by the the idea of a 'fun' run and still need convincing! The Blue Chairs managed to hitch a ride in the 10k run organised by CureLeukaemia in Sutton Park. Their hosts George Lynch-Staunton and Henry Ebelis thought they would get even more sponsorship dressed in women's clothing - let's skirt round this issue and mention how delighted Iwan Thomas was to meet the Blue Chairs. I think it made his day!

The Chairs approach the finish line courteousy of Henry and George.

There were also a number of other Blue Chair Heroes raising money for Cure Leukaemia and having 'fun' running in the rain. Here are some pictures that illustrate the 'fun' they all had! This is a survivors photo and notice how happy they are to have stopped running.

But maybe they're just relieved after escaping from a dalek!

And first of the Shrewsbury School gang to survive was Tom Crosby who finished in 5th place overall with a time of 36 minutes. Wow! He must have been forced to watch Dr. Who when he was little!

Well done to you all and thanks for raising loads of dosh for a great cause!Over £1000 so far!

If you want to see a video clip of the race and find out where the Bluechair heroes came go to the CureLeukaemia website and then go to their fun run page, or click here.

You should also know that Duncan Grisedale came 19th. Well done Duncan! (Despite how it looks he did survive!).

An Evolving Athlete!

2006-05-15T21:50:00.000+01:00

This man can run faster than a stationary blue chair. Impressed? Well sponsor him and the School House, Staff, and School teams involved in the Cure Leukaemia 10k run this Sunday (May 21). They have to leave Shrewsbury on a Sunday morning at 8:00am. They have to miss chapel and they will probably not have time for breakfast. They are all Blue Chair Heroes. They have trained for months on a special diet of cake and beer, they are nearly ready. Prepare to be amazed by the BlueCyberchairmen. Click on donate and leave them a heart warming and inspirational message. (You may like to know that the blue chairs will be carried round the course as both are injured at the moment).

Blue Chair Ups and Downs

2006-05-07T13:53:00.000+01:00

Here we are 'up the downs' in Good old Sussex by the Sea.

Icons!

2006-05-07T11:10:00.000+01:00

Thanks to the Botcharov's for bringing 'a window into heaven' to Shrewsbury School Chapel. We love art and find this helps focus the mind wonderfully when we are at prayer. (Take notice anyone doing RS GCSE)!

Tree Chairs!

2006-05-07T11:03:00.000+01:00

Although this looks like we are in a 'sticky situation' do not fear we are just 'branching out'! I am stumped for words so let's leaf it there shall we!

Coursework

2006-05-06T23:59:00.000+01:00

Whilst on interview at St.Andrew's University in sunny Scotland, Albert Tang was surprised to see our intrepid friends enjoying a spot of coursework. He was concerned that the chairs looked 'a little under par' and was worried there was 'a hole in one.' Luckily there wasn't, although there were signs of a little birdie!

Eggstatic Chairs

2006-05-06T22:49:00.000+01:00

Generosity is a trait of blue chairs. They like to buy chocolate that is of the highest quality and give it to their friends or teachers! I sense they enjoyed their visit to Audrey's in Hove. I suspect you might too!

Donate Update!

2006-04-24T12:06:00.000+01:00

It is now possible to donate to both our charities on line. To donate to Cure Leukaemia go to the donate title at the top of this page and for the Shropshire Blood Trust Fund click on this website http://www.justgiving.com/bluechairs2.

Now you need to read the story of the bluechairs and then sponsor our marathon man by donating on either or both charity links! Go on - be bold blue and beautiful!

BLUE CHAIR NEWS

2006-04-24T11:53:00.000+01:00

There is a new Blue Chair Hero! Sponsor him today, just go to our Donate link- nothing can be easier!

Marvellous Madras Muncher Marathon Man Marcus Maguire has run the London Marathon on behalf of the Blue Chairs, as despite being blessed with four legs, they seem to find it difficult to move at a competitive pace! He can still be sponsored by going to our Donate page and just donating, but please mention Marcus so that he knows you have been inspired by his athleticism.

He is pictured below after a particularly strenuous carbohydrate loading session. His nutritionist and coach Izzy Gowing-Daly (who has worked with numerous top athletes in the world of darts and Sumo), is expecting Marcus to be a surprise package in the men's race. "We watched Paula Radcliffe adopt a similar diet before last year's race and she won easily despite a quick 'pitt' stop! A good curry can induce twofold benefits; firstly it affects the breathing of those competitors immediately to the rear of the athlete and secondly it can give a turbo thrust to the competitor and jet them to a supersonic time." So get behind Marcus (or perhaps not!)

Above: Marcus choosing which 'fuel' to use next! Below: Training is tough!

5 things you may not know about Marcus Maguire

1) He is a Social Worker in London.
2) He supports Middlesbrough.
3) His favourite song is 'Ring of fire' by Johnny Cash.
4) He has just run the London Marathon in a time of 3 hours 55minutes and 18 seconds
5) He loves the outdoors and keeping fit.

Bear chairs

2006-04-12T23:03:00.000+01:00

Thanks to everyone in the Telford Bear Factory for letting us have a picnic! It was a very clean shop probably because there was no Pooh anywhere -imagine the mess he must make with his honey. (The editor would like to apologize for the poor sense of humour that blue chairs sometimes seem to have).

Choccy chairs

2006-04-12T22:53:00.000+01:00

We enjoyed making Easter nests with top chef Joe Bell. Just as well we wore our aprons as Joe seemed intend on splattering us with chocolate (at least the chocolate he didn't eat himself!).

Shoe Chairs

2006-04-12T22:42:00.000+01:00

Shopping in Shoe Zone in Telford was a very friendly experience. Four feet are difficult to shoe but the helpful Wendy and her friends did us proud as you can see. Thanks Wendy and goodluck with your Karen Keating appeal.

King's chairs apparent

2006-04-09T15:47:00.000+01:00

Is there any truth in the rumour that there are two new 'chairs' at Cambridge University, one of the world's finest seats of learning?

The blue chairs certainly seem to think they own the place - daring to flout the grass rules at King's College Cambridge. Incidentally the blue chairs would like to publicly state how friendly the Head Porter at Clare College is. They would also like to say hard luck to Cambridge in the Boat race. They think the blueness of the Oxford cox's language is perhaps what won it for the other blue boat. The bluer the better! (The editor of this website would like to point out that he is merely passing on the views of two 'spirited' blue chairs, he himself was as shocked as any other television viewer by this particular outburst of ribaldry and does not think it big or clever to swear).

The Devil's Chairs!

2006-04-09T15:42:00.000+01:00

Riding high on the 'Devil's chair' in Shropshire. This wild beauty spot seemed to have a strange attraction for our blue friends. Are they more sinister than at first we thought? Hasn't the Devil already got his chair and surely it would be 'hot and red' not 'cool and blue'? Any thoughts on what type of chair a devil uses? Add them to our guest book!

Annie Tempest drawn to chairs!

2006-04-09T15:34:00.000+01:00

Country Life and generally amazingly talented cartoonist Annie Tempest was 'Tottering By Gently' when she was snapped up to draw a cartoon of the Blue Chairs. She said afterwards that they 'sat very well' for her! No surprise as they are artists in their own right!

Ricky De Marco and Fringe Chairs

2006-02-15T16:29:00.000Z

Ricky De Marco is the man behind the Edinburgh Festival. He is one of the most optimistic and positive people we have ever met and he has inspired us to take our own show on tour! (Schools in particular contact us if you want us to visit you!).

Straight from the horses' mouth!

2006-02-15T16:09:00.000Z

You may not have known that blue chairs are 'horse whisperers'. We have a tip for the Grand National from one in the know. He says it is going to be Clan Royal! Let's hope he is not a faller at 'the Chair'. (Of course the chairs are assuming everyone goes 'eachway' on a race where luck is also involved!).

A Blue Chair Valentine!

2006-02-12T23:50:00.000Z

If you need a Valentine just remember.....

Roses are red, violets are blue.
We are blue chairs and we love you!

Jonathan Livingston Seagulls!

2006-02-10T00:52:00.000Z

We are Brighton fans at heart which means we are close to understanding the true meaning of suffering, (at least in terms of football)! But at least when we win it really makes a difference to life; its not just another three points -it's three points! Yet it is only football, there is no need to jump off the pier; not until the fat bloke in the middle blows the final whistle on the final day of the season. So if you are in a battle keep going, you never know when you might win!

The Chair Necessities

2006-02-10T00:48:00.000Z

Forget about your worries and your strife!

Cafe Bleu!

2006-02-10T00:45:00.000Z

We always stand out in a crowd. Dare to be different!

Blue Chairs on Horseback.

2006-02-10T00:39:00.000Z

Sometimes its nice to sit on rather than be sat on!

Lucky we can read!

2006-02-09T17:11:00.000Z

Having finally been allowed to tread the boards of Brighton pier we indulged in a spot of bravado. We know how dangerous it is to jump into the sea. Some of our 'evolutionary relatives' are on display in various museums having hurled themselves off the Titanic and other such 'holey ships' (as batman would say). Not that chairs are stupid -its just that there wasn't enough room in the lifeboats and chairs are by nature less grabbing than humans, (and we can survive longer in the water).

King Size Bite!

2006-02-09T15:31:00.000Z

Whilst I had my back to King Kong it looked like he was contemplating a blue chair snack or some other form of serious monkey business! I hope none of you find this photo too distressing, you can tell those close to the action were a bit concerned for my safety! My friend was buying some varnish at the time and had not been eaten as was rumoured at the time.

BLUE CHAIRS TALK THEIR WAY OUT OF TROUBLE

2006-02-09T14:37:00.000Z

You might think we were in trouble here but actually traffic wardens are very nice people and just frequently misunderstood. We have heard they are going to be replaced by cameras and other inanimate beings in the future with whom there will be no argument. So our advice is enjoy your chance to plead and take out your frustrations on them while you still can!

We Travel in Style!

2006-02-09T12:33:00.000Z

It is not all 5* luxury on the road but at least its a lift. We have found that many motorists are very unsympathetic to hitching blue chairs and need blue chair empathy lessons. How would you like to be left out in the cold? No wonder we're blue!

'The Long and Winding Road'

2006-02-09T12:24:00.000Z

The road comes to an end just over the brow of this hill.....or does it lead to your door? Watch out there are blue chairs about!

Blue Chairs like Shopping.

2006-02-09T11:13:00.000Z

Blue Chairs enjoy shopping and are very generous to each other especially at Christmas.

Blue Chairs with Ian Bell and a mystery guest!

2006-02-07T18:59:00.000Z

Ian Bell (cultured England batsman) with Giles Bell (agricultured Shropshire Gentlemen batsman) and us again. You can probably tell from our expressions that we were getting pretty fed up with all these cricketers wanting their photos taken with us at one of our many social functions.

Blue Chairs at YARLET SCHOOL

2006-02-07T15:08:00.000Z

We had a great day with the Shrewsbury Under 14C team at Yarlet school. A big thank you to the team as no other school team would allow us to be part of their squad! We played pretty well and made a big difference to the result, (it was 1-1 when the coach made a double substitution and we ended up losing 5-1)! That left us feeling a bit blue!

Blue Chairs at ASHDOWN HOUSE SCHOOL

2006-02-07T14:36:00.000Z

Our friends at Ashdown House were just great! Gina and her friends showed us round their lovely school and we are definitely going to return after our adventures come to an end. Their dorm was a lot more fun than our maths classroom ever was or will be!

Blue Chairs with PACKWOOD and PRESTFELDE SCHOOLS 1st XI

2006-02-07T14:31:00.000Z

Both teams were honoured to be photographed with us and put on an excellent display of footballing genius purely for our enjoyment. Thanks guys!

Blue Chairs with JOHN CHALLIS and BILLY PEARCE

2006-02-02T20:53:00.000Z

Having met John Challis and Billy Pearce we are determined to enter the world of 'Panto' next year. We would like theatre impressarios to contact us if they are after a more attractive portrayal of the ugly sisters in Cinderella, we would guarantee bums on seats, we always do!

Blue Chairs with NICK HANCOCK

2006-02-02T20:49:00.001Z

Nick got quite cuddly but then he is! He is a very well educated and charming gentlemen or at least he was when he left Shrewsbury!

Blue Chairs with FREDDIE FLINTOFF and MARCUS TRESCOTHICK

2006-02-02T20:49:00.000Z

Blue Chairs love cricket and we were delighted to find out that we have so much in common with some of the England cricketers. We look good in blue, stand still when facing the bowler, can't catch and despite having four legs Shane Warne can still bowl us round them!

Blue Chairs with 'MAGIC' MATT LIM

2006-02-02T20:48:00.000Z

Magic Matt is an up and coming magician and can be booked for parties if you contact us and invite us and our friends too!. He has raised over £200 for our two charities and is planning another 'chairity' show soon. We love Matt he is a true blue friend!

Blue chairs with ASHLEY GILES and DOUGIE BROWN

2006-01-27T21:44:00.000Z

Thanks to Cure Leukaemia, Ashley Giles and Dougie Brown for the first of the 'celebrity chairs' pictures!

After loads of great photos af the Blue Chairs in loads of wierd and wonderful places (some of which you can see below) we've decided to see if we can get some celebreties to join 'The Blue Chair Movement'!

Blue Chairs on BBC Radio Shropshire!

2006-01-27T21:34:00.000Z

Radio is not really our best medium but we thought our interview went really well despite a few awkward silences!

See us in the 'Daily Express' ...

2006-01-27T19:13:00.000Z

JOBSWORTH WHO BANNED CHILDREN TAKING PHOTOS by Tom Price

A GROUP of excited schoolchildren gathered at the foot of Nelson's Column to take some special photgraphs in aid of chairty.

But they hadn't reckoned on falling foul of a snappy security warden.

No, she said, marching them firmly away from the famous monument in London's Trafalgar Square. They couldn't take their photographs there - only from a distant spot where her authority ended.

To get the shot they wanted, they would have to get official permission.

Youngsters from Shrewsbury School in Shropshire are taking pictures of blue chairs in memorable locations to raise money for a local hospital which is treating a fellow pupil for leukemia.

Teacher Giles Bell, whose pupils took the seats with them on their London trip, explained that the fund-raising exercise began as a joke when a colleague noticed that two blue chairs had gone missing from his classroom.

Other teachers and pupils then started taking pictures of "sightings" of the chairs outside pubs and in people's gardens.

Mr Bell described the Trafalgar Square ban as "rediculous and absurd".

He added: "I was amazed by the lack of co-operation and stupidity of it - it was quite obvious we were not going to damage anything." Tory MP Mark Field, whose constituency includes the Square, said the decision to move the children along was "incredible".

He added: "This is one of this country's biggest landmarks. The idea that a few snaps could be a problem is absurd."

There are no specific rules about taking pictures in Traflagar Square. But professional photographers and film cres have to ask permission before they start shooting.

There is no ban on tourists of members of the public taking pictures.

A Greater London Authority spokesman said: "Every effor is made to facilitate charities' activities and it regrettably did not happen on this occasion.

"The GLA would be happy to welcome the Shrewsbury School when they are next able to visit the capital."

In the beginning...

2006-01-25T22:45:00.000Z

Teaching is a stressful job especially when two of your classroom chairs are missing and the typically keen and academically hungry students of Shrewsbury School are denied the chance to learn in comfort.

Master of Maths Marcus Johnson was concerned for the welfare of his students and for the missing blue chairs. He determined to retrieve the 'blue wanderers' and restore equilibrium to his classroom.

So he sent out a distress email to all staff in the hope that his colleagues might have spotted the errant seats of learning. Eagle-eyed School House Housemaster Giles Bell saw them 'frolicking' with the benches in his garden but they had disappeared into town before he could get to them.

He was concerned alcohol may have been involved.

Since then they have been spotted enjoying their new found freedom in many places but at present they remain at large. Giles Bell has become sadly obsessed with their whereabouts and has managed to photograph them in many places without actually retrieving them as he is very unfit! However his obsession has born fruit.....

He has captured some very rare pictures of blue chairs in the wild and is making the first known study of blue chair behaviour. A book is to be launched in the near future in which the behaviour patterns of these generally shy creatures are chronicled. All proceeds from the sale of these books will go to Cure Leukaemia and the Shropshire Blood Trust Fund. But if you can't wait for the book to come out and want to donate now then hit the Donate button at the top of the website.

____________________

From Russia With Love- The Tale of a Blue Chair Hero who is now 18 years old!

Artem Botcharov came to Shrewsbury from Moscow in September 2000. He is a keen guitarist and enjoys serious heavy metal by bands such as Slayer. He was diagnosed with acute myloid leukaemia in the early summer of 2005. Artem has had to undergo two bone marrow transplants and the great news is that despite the first one not working the second has and he is on the long road back to full health. He is the one and only official BLUE CHAIR HERO! He has recently celebrated his 18th birthday and is learning to drive.

His bravery and resoluteness has inspired the whole blue chair movement and is the reason for this website. We want to help leukaemia sufferers like Artem and to do that we need money. We hope everyone in the world will buy a copy of the blue chair book so that Cure Leukaemia and The Shropshire Blood Trust Fund can be better equiped to cure and care for their patients!

Artem hates sympathy but if you want to leave him a message why not sign in to our guest book.