A Touch Of The Trent

Here's a shot of a section of the River Trent that crosses Nottingham close to West Bridgford. From the foreground you can see the Lady Bay Bridge, Nottingham Forest's stadium, Trent Bridge and the Victoria Embankment park in the background, where they stage such events as the Riverside Festival. This was about the only familiar view we got, before we drifted off into unknown territory.

Up, Up And Away

Gail and I went for another balloon ride this evening. This is the second one that we have been on, as we went on our first a couple of years ago. A special deal came on Groupon recently, and as we both enjoyed the original experience, we decided to book another.
Although we took off near the city centre, the racecourse to be exact, the wind took us in the opposite direction. Gail and I were a tad disappointed at this, as we were both looking forward to flying over the Old Market Square, the Theatre Royal etc. It would have been quite exciting to see these landmarks from the air. Still, you can never predict the way that the wind will be blowing.

Moving Pictures

Sandy has thought up this week's Headbanger Challenge and has gone for 'moving pictures'. My little brain mulled this over for a while and came up with four possible solutions:

1, a photo of someone literally carrying one or more pictures
2, a photo of something connected with the cinema
3, a photo of something or someone being on the move
4, a photo of something that moves ones heart

I was planning on going for the first option, but unfortunately I have not managed to spot anyone carrying a framed print around the streets of Nottingham, so I went for option 3, a vintage car at Wollaton Park given a bit of speed by panning the camera whilst pressing the shutter.

My blog post today follows option 4, this cute little doggie called Molly, that belonged to one of the performers at Beauvale Priory. There's an extra 'Ahh' factor, as the poor little mite was recovering from a broken leg.

For further pictures which contain movement, please pop along to the gang's blogs though the tabs above and enjoy this piece of moving music

Going Mobile

A change in style today with a little bit of street photography. It's something I keep trying to do with varying success. I wish I was better, stronger and not keep failing to raise the camera when I see an interesting person. I have two friends who are very good at it, and seem to attract interesting people. I on the other hand, seem to find it very difficult. But I'll keep on trying.

I quite like this shot of two people, possibly man and wife comparing phones or numbers. The woman walking past carrying her iPhone, was purely serendipitous, but certainly adds to the scene.

Tools Of The Trade

Here's a still life shot of the weapons, armour and protection that a knight needs to defend his king, his land or his lady.

It's certainly an unusual hobby and one that the group obviously like doing and get a lot of pleasure from.

For further details of Team Falchion, the group that put on the show can be found on their quite informative website

Knights In Silver Steel

There has been a medieval re-enactment this weekend at Beauvale Priory near Eastwood. I popped over this morning for a couple of hours. It was strange going there again and not dressing up as a monk, as I have done previously. Instead I was going to watch other people dressed up and pretending to be people from a lost age. It was good fun watching them fighting each other with real swords and wearing real armour. Colourful too, with the different coats of arms, banners and costumes. One of the knights fighting here in red is Nicholas de Cantlupe, who actually existed and gave the monks some land at Greasley in 1343, where they could build the priory for a dozen monks and an abbot.

Moody

Several guest musicians appeared with MuHa at the concert last night. There was a Oriental lady that played some strange shaped stringed instrument similar to a violin, but played on the lap rather than under one's chin. Some Indian dancers and this French clarinettist, who unfortunately I've forgotten the name of.

A Little Night Music

I went to see the band MuHa tonight as they were playing again at the Contemporary. This is about the fourth time that I have seen them. I had to use my old G1, as my D90 is still at the repairers. I've had a note through the post today to say that it is being looked at, but no date given for its return, or how much it is going to cost. Although I am hoping they will do it under the terms of the guarantee, even though it is slightly out of date by a few days. Just my luck!

Anyway I took quite a number of photos, but most didn't come out well due to the lens I had. I would have used my 50mm F1.8 on my d90, which would have been good in low light. So I've worked a bit of iPhoto magic on this photo of Iyrana.

Raising The Spirits

I was considering using this photo for my header this week as the Union Jack makes for an excellent backdrop to this RAF pilot who is entertaining his fellow airmen with a few rousing songs to help them prepare for their next sortie.

Flagtastic

'Flags' is this week's Headbanger Challenge theme and comes way across the pond, from Tom. Now flags have nearly always been colourful to look at and the history of them can be quite interesting. Take the Jolly Roger for instance. The traditional flag of pirates. Who was Roger and why was he jolly? Obviously not so jolly for the ships crew that have been murdered and robbed by the likes of Bluebeard etc. Nowadays the 'skull and crossbones' is used to warn people of poisons and dangerous chemicals.

New flags have to be created when new countries begin, such as all those former states of the USSR. Nottingham itself now has its own flag, as seen on my title header background. This began earlier this year with a discussion on a local radio programme. Many buildings across the county now fly it from their poles.

My header photo this week commemorates those American soldiers from the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment who were based at Wollaton Park during WW2 and lost their lives during the D Day landings. In a way it could also symbolise the friendly 'battle' that we have each Wednesday between the three of us headbangers here in the Midlands and Lanny, Sandy and Tom in the States.

Today's photo is another from the archives, as I am off work this week and haven't really had the opportunity of taking any new shots. I took this last year also in Wollaton Park, where they held some battle re-enactments. Here you can see two cavalry officers holding the English flag and the Union Jack.

Finally don't forget to have a look at the team's interpretations of the theme and enjoy this great song by Pink Floyd and which features some pretty big flags and lots of symbolism.

Say Cheese

I was going through my shots of the car show at the Barton's garage today which I wanted to upload to Flickr. Whilst doing so I came across this photo of an old camera that I had forgotten I had taken. I've just had a look on Wikipedia for some information about this Lady Carefree camera. Which incidentally is a very strange name for a camera. I think it's more suited to some personal feminine hygiene product than for a piece of photographic equipment.
Anyway the camera dates from 1967, was made by a company called Argus, constructed of plastic and uses 126 film. I don't know what sort of photograph this toy camera produced, but I bet it was something similar to what Lomo cameras take; strange colours, light leaks and out of focus subjects.

Put A Tiger In Your Tank

I know it is the advertising slogan for another petroleum company (Esso) so perhaps I should have entitled today's blog 'Keep Going Shell', but I don't think it is so catchy. For some reason I hardly ever see photos of petrol tankers in the blogging universe, so I thought I would equalise things a little bit with this shot of a Shell tanker parked at a local petrol station. It was built on the site of a former Co-op supermarket that I used to go to with my mum when I was a child. Remember sweet cigarettes and the divi? And a bookies that was owned by my best mate from school, Kenneth Bailey.

Cave Dwellers

I went on a small Flickr meet tonight in town. We started off down near the river, but there wasn't really anything worth taking, so we drove up the the Park Estate and had a wander around. Two of the guys did not know anything about the tunnel that exists there. We stayed quite a while and various shots were taken at different angles and shutter speeds. I didn't take that many, as I have passed through there many times, but took one or two, as I have no night shots of it. I've turned it to monochrome to make it appear a bit more eerie than it actually is.

And They Came Two By Two

Here's a rare shot of Marmalade and Oscar sitting together. Oscar looks more interested in being photographed, as he isn't so used to it as Marmalade is. They have little scraps every so often, but I think Marmalade is getting used to seeing Oscar hanging around and waiting to be fed.
I'm not sure whether Marmalade will ever accept Oscar as being part of our family, but we'll give it a go.

100 Days And Counting...

I heard something alarming on the radio the other day; today marks the 100 day point until Christmas Day. Yes I know, scary isn't it. Only two more pay days to buy those presents with. Although the shops have had cards, decorations and chocolates in for quite some time now. Personally I don't think that there should be any mention of the 'C' word until the First of December. But since the festival is so commercialised these days, I may as well get on the bandwagon and show this clockwork Santa which I bought today from a local charity shop for 10 pence.

Black Knight

We return to the vintage car display today and a rather dusty, rusty and worn out Ford. I'm not too sure of the model, but hopefully it will receive a proper restoration one day.

Meal Deal

Lanny's turn this week to pick the subject for the Headbanger Challenge. And she's gone for 'delicious'. Delicious to me obviously means food. I've had a trawl through the archives to find something suitable, as I've not really come across any delicious food this week. Gail and I had a pizza each last night, but they are not very photogenic. So I've gone for this shot of these young ladies polishing of their plates of Irish stew that I took at the St Patrick's Day celebrations in the Old Market Square.

Don't forget to visit the rest of the team to see what delicious shots they have taken this week and enjoy the theme inspired music. Although I'm not sure whether you'd want to eat green onions on their own!

Today's shot is also theme inspired. A 1950's Dodge, all set up to watch a drive-in movie with burger and fries.

Old Crock

Here's a very, very old car. An American Stanley steam car from 1910. Amazing to see it at a little vintage car show in Beeston. It was getting quite an audience, as some people couldn't believe that cars used to have motors like railway engines. Only the car ran on kerosene, rather than coal.
This old boy is taking a keen interest in the vehicle. Perhaps he can remember seeing something similar when he was a lad.

Funny Running

As promised yesterday, here's a montage of some of the marathon runners from yesterday. There were a few that had dressed up for the occasion. Some were difficult to take with all the runners around. But here's four of the best, who were unfortunately some of the slower ones.

MaraFun

The Robin Hood Marathon took place this morning. I've never bothered taking photos of it before as I have no interest in sport at all. But today I thought I would go and see what was happening. especially as it wasn't raining and they were running close to where I live. Thousands of people were taking part. I was hoping to see some in fancy dress, or doing something peculiar, like they do in the London marathon. There were a few people dressed up and I will probably show you one or two tomorrow. But here's a general shot giving you some idea of the amount taking part.

Have You Seen My Chopper?

It's time for the annual Heritage Weekend again. The time when various places across the country open their doors to the public for free. Although I've been before, I popped down to the former Barton bus depot in Chilwell. I was pleasantly surprised to see a number of classic cars on show. Although many of them I have seen before at Wollaton Park. But what was new is that a former kitchen design shop next door has been turned into a motor and bicycle museum, featuring Ford cars and Raleigh (what else) bikes.
Today's photo features a Chopper bike from the early 1970s. Like every other boy or girl at that time, I wanted one. But my mum and dad refused to buy me one, as they didn't think it was safe for two reasons: 1, the back wheel being bigger than the front one, and 2, the unfortunate position of the gearstick. They therefore bought me a Raleigh Shopper in lime green instead!

On Guard

Of course now I've shown you Oscar, I just have to put up a photo of little Marmalade. Here she is sitting on top of the neighbours wall and watching the world go by, which she can do now that Gail and I have pruned back the bush that was there.

Paws For Thought

We appear to be in the process of being adopted as parents by another cat that has started visiting us. Oscar, as I have christened him has been hanging around for a few weeks now. Quite a timid cat, he will run away to hide when we put some food out, and slowly creep to the bowl when we are not looking. We've been doing it secretly so Marmalade doesn't get jealous. They have little shouting matches every so often, but Marmalade appears to be tolerant of Oscar's visits and still knows where home is.

Keeping Warm

The Headbanger Challenge is with us once again, and this week's theme has been dreamt up by Tom the fisherman. He's gone for 'big bird'. Now I've resisted the temptation of putting up a photo of a very large woman, you'll be pleased to know, as I'm not that naughty. Even though there's no shortage of them in Nottingham!

Instead I've though outside the box a bit and gone for a shot of a cafe that sells ostrich burgers and sausages. The ostrich being the biggest bird on the planet. Even though it can't fly, but can run at speeds approaching 45mph. The meat has become very popular these days, as it is leaner in fat and very tasty. Do pop along and see the rest of the gang's interpretation of the theme and enjoy this lovely song from Christine McVie from the great Fleetwood Mac, rather than their classic Albatross.

Today's photo is of a juggler who I saw performing on Bridalsmithgate. He was very daring juggling with fire on such a windy day and with so many people walking about. I watched him for a little while and could smell the paraffin he was using. I don't think too many people were interested in watching the stunt. I think they were more bothered about getting their shopping done.

Exterminate!

I'm not entirely sure why this Dalek is part of a shop window display, but it makes you look in the window, which is the point I suppose. It is quite harmless too, as its 'sink plunger' and 'whisk' have been removed and its blind too, with its eye stalk missing.

Yellow Peril

This is another piece of graffiti in the city centre. This one recently appeared at the bottom of Hockley. It has replaced a rather plain 'Stop Wars' logo that had been there for a few years and in the style of the Star Wars logo. This one looks more dramatic and eye catching, even in the dark.

Pictures From The Gallery

Besides models, fashion and cupcakes, music also played a part in last nights fundraiser. This is Jack Peachey, aka Gallery 47, who is a singer songwriter, as well as studying English at the university. He was very good, although appeared a little nervous at playing in front of everyone. He needn't have been, as the audience seemed to enjoy his music. He has his own My Space page, so pop along and have a listen.

Fashionistas

Gail and I went to a charity fashion show called Pins and Needles tonight at the Broadway Arts Centre. A group of people had got together to help raise money for a local homeless charity called Framework. I heard about it from a Nottingham based blog that I follow, together with further info on Facebook. I took quite a few photos, but disappointingly very few of them have come out successfully for one reason or another. This one is one of the more useable images of an outfit created by Boo Boo Kitty Couture, a Nottingham based designer who loves the vintage image. There was also some wonderful cupcakes on offer, which were delicious and too good to eat.

Stamp of Approval

Sarah Davenport's Shop of Originality is as the name suggests a shop which sells original pieces of art work from local artists. The shop has been open nearly a year now in the Flying Horse Walk, but is moving to the place down near the railway station where we held our Flickr exhibition last year. They often put on shows, music, book signings and fashion shows. Unfortunately always on a Saturday, so I miss them. I popped in the other day to say hello and have a look round, as Sarah has recently become a friend on Facebook. So I thought I would give her a bit of free publicity.

A Bird Named Harris

A real bird today, rather than a silver one that I talked about yesterday as part of the Headbanger Challenge. This is a Harris hawk and was on show at Tutbury Castle. I took some photos of when it was sitting on its perch, and being shown off to the public. But passing the same spot later, it was all alone and happily tucking into a chunk of meat. So I held my camera close to the ground and tried to get a close up action shot. Ideally I should have had my Panasonic G1 with me as it has a tilting screen, but I think this shot isn't too bad from my Nikon D90.