The White House

I am in London today for a job interview.

A scary thought, and to be honest, I'm not looking forward to it. Self promotion is not one of my strongest points.

Anyway, I'm staying at a hotel in the Bloomsbury area of the city, not far from the office of where I have to go.

The room that I have doesn't have a great view out of the window. It's all the air con units. But looking out of one of the windows along the corridor, I was stunned to see this amazing Art Deco building, painted in traditional white.

So I went outside and took some shots from street level. Converging angles is always a problem, but in this case, I think it adds to the angular shape of the building.

I love the little details, like the stylised waves over the doorway.

Comic Cuts

A builder obviously has a sense of humour and some artistic flair, when he whitewashed the window of this building that is being done up.

He clearly was a fan of the Beano or Dandy comics when he was younger, as the main character he has drawn looks very similar to one of the Bash Street Kids.

Dad's Army

Here's a candid shot of one of the people that like to dress up as World War 2 soldiers, whom I came across last month at Wollaton Park.

He's having a bit of snap before pretending to go into battle again.

In The Driving Seat

Here's the view that the driver of the traction engine sees, whilst operating the giant beast.

All those levers. A bit like driving a steam train only on the road and at about 10mph.

Just keep your eye on the steam pressure gauge!

Let Sleeping Cats Pose For A Photo

Here's Oscar, having a Friday afternoon siesta.

He likes his snoozes does Oscar, and of course loves being comfortable. And what could be more comfy than snuggling up to one's teddy bear?

I heard him snoring too. Not very loudly. Quite a cute little snore, while the end of his tail gently flicked from side to side, like he was conducting an orchestra.

Puffing Billy

Thank you to those that replied to my photo puzzle the other day. Hope you all did some head scratching.

Alas, none of you got the right answer. Onzc and Tom were heading in the right direction; but nothing to do with lock gates or clocks.

They were gears, but from this traction engine that I saw on Wollaton Park the other week at a show there.

The owners had got it going, as you can see the smoke from the boiler disappearing into the sky. It was an impressive looking vehicle, and must have been quite a sight when they used to chug up and down the roads of England before the motor car took precidence.

A Golden Glow

Today is Headbanger Wednesday and Tom has chosen this weeks theme of Sunrise or Sunset.

Stewart is still away on his cruise to the Med. So I bet he will be seeing lots of sunrises and sunsets, as he chugs along on his ocean liner.

I'm showing a sunset, as I'm no early riser. Definitely an owl, rather than a lark.

I took this from our front garden, and I like the way the other houses and trees are all in silhouette. And a vapour trail and jet flying high above me. Possibly the last flight of the day from East Midlands Airport. I wonder where it is bound for?

Please click on the links to see how the rest of the gang (except Stewart) have interpreted the theme this week. Also enjoy this rendition of a classic song from the 1960s.


I've been off work this week and so haven't taken any photos, as I've been busy doing some gardening and pottering around the house. Ideally we should have gone on holiday somewhere as it's been really sunny and hot, but instead we've had a 'staycation' and haven't gone anywhere.

So I've been digging in my archive for pictures. Like this one of Wollaton Hall. Many people will now know this as Wayne Manor, as it was used in the filming last year for the new Batman movie - The Dark Knight Rises.

Painting With Light

I created this piece of art during our visit to Bradford. It is made from a cut out shape of a bottle, with pieces of coloured plastic that I arranged in a collage, and is lit by a lightbox.

I think that it is only really meant for children to learn the idea of colour, light and shapes. But then I am really a big kid myself!

A Guessing Game

According to blogging statistics, Nottingham Daily Photo presently has 574 followers. And a big Robin Hood hello to you all.

So just to prove that you are all paying attention and still visiting, please leave me a message to say what this photograph is of. Nothing too elaborate. One or two words will do.

Yes, they are cogs, but what are they from? Besides a bit of tweaking, the photo hasn't been doctored in any way, and no magnification has taken place. So what exactly do you think they are?

Answer in a day or two.

Pulchra Vallis

Today, I have been playing a monk again today up at Beauvale Priory, which has part of the Eastwood Arts Festival.

I and eleven others have been in costume and giving guided tours of the ruins and telling visitors all about the place, the inhabitants and what happened to them after Henry the Eighth and the Reformation.

This is the second time that I have done this and the fourth time playing Brother Leyghton; one of the monks that lived in the priory until it was closed in 1539.

It was great to have a sunny day at last, as we were all dreading more rain and wet costumes. Especially as we wouldn't be able to change at at all during the day.

We had quite a lot of visitors during the day and did three tours in all; which I think everyone enjoyed and learnt something about the events of nearly 500 years ago.

Tower Hamlet

The multi-storey car park in Beeston has now been demolished, and is now nothing more then a dusty pile of concrete and steel. The skyline has been changed forever.

But the deconstruction is set to continue, with the removal of the fire station. Here is a shot of the tower that they used to use for training purposes.

Before, you couldn't see it that clearly with the car park behind, but now there's a good view of it. I think it was actually higher than the car park, so you'd get an excellent unrestricted view of the town centre from up there now.

Love And Marriage

I put up a photo the other day of a newly married couple posing in an open topped car which was parked outside the Council House.

Well, here's a similar shot. Only this time it is of a horse and carriage. Alas it was raining when I took the photo, so you can't see the newlyweds, as they were tucked up inside the coach. Everyone else has to get wet.

A Is For Apple

Besides all the great things on offer at Bradford's National Media Museum, there's a special exhibition on at the moment all about consumer electronics since the 1970s.

It was very interesting, seeing how things have changed over the last forty years. And nothing has changed so much as computers; especially those in the home.

One of the most famous names in computing is of course Apple. In fact I am presently writing this blog on an iMac. Gail too is an 'Appleite', with an iMac, iPad and iPhone. It's a shame in a way that they don't make digital cameras, as it would be great to have an iSnap!

Here's a photo of the Apple II from 1978. How different it looks from the swish, sexy machines of today. Plus of course the processing power has improved dramatically. Even though it appears to be a powerful machine in its time, I doubt it would be able to manage a blog, like my 27" iMac can.

Will The Real Robin Hood Please Stand Up

My choice for the Headbanger Challenge this week, as I've swopped with Stewart. This is due to him and Julie floating about somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean, as they head towards the Canary Islands on a liner.

So my theme is 'fashion'. I've picked it as Gail and I seemed to have photographed quite a few models lately; either in the studio, or on location. But I'm not going to show you one of those, instead I've gone for a shop display of mannequins all wearing T shirts that tie in with the recent Jubilee celebrations and the upcoming olympics.

I think it's quite a colourful display, especially with the Union Jack backdrop. Do please pop over to the other members' sites to see how they have depicted the topic, and enjoy this suitable piece of music.

There was a bit of excitement around the statue of Robin Hood at lunchtime, in that a publicity stunt took place, to help promote the fact that the statue is 60 years old later this month.

A message had gone out on Facebook, and Gail had heard it on the radio asking for people to congregate around the statue at 1pm and strike the famous pose whilst being photographed. So as I work just minutes away from the statue, I strolled down and got involved. Obviously I'm not able to put a photo of me up, instead here are Nottingham's official Robin Hoods, who make guest appearances in either the city centre, or at Sherwood Forest.

Horseplay

On the way to Saltaire we passed a field of horses. So I stopped the car and we went to say hello to them.

An elderly chap was already there, but as there were quite a few horses around, we left him alone. We had parked on a grass verge, so we started picking some of the long blades of grass and started feeding those that got to the wall first. They seemed to enjoy their impromptu meal, even though they were in a very large field of grass. Gail was a bit wary of getting her hand too close to their mouths, in case it got bitten. But they were quite gentle towards us.

We then started taking some photos. Here's a rather unusual shot of one of them. I'm not sure if he was posing, or laughing at me! Whichever way, he does look a little bit comical and something of a dentist's nightmare.

Salt, But No Vinegar

Yesterday we decided to take a trip to Saltaire, a small town that was created for the workers of the nearby wool factory by Victorian industrialist Sir Titus Salt.

The town had it's own church, hospital. Almost everything that is, except a pub. There is some debate as to why. But he certainly knew how to look after his employees better than the other factory owners at the time. Similar in a way to that of Cadbury's, who built the village of Bourneville near Birmingham.

Nottingham's own Jesse Boot, or Lord Trent did something similar and provided land for the new university.

Wouldn't it be good if today's industrialists were more philanthropic and did the same sort of thing for their employees, or for the towns that their companies are in, instead of wasting it on sports cars, yachts and other personal indulgences.

Exterminate!

Grrr, somehow I forgot to set up a post for Saturday. And I really hate missing a day, as I like to blog everyday, and so try to generate a page, even if I am not able to blog at the time.

Most of Saturday was spent at the National Media Museum. What a fantastic place. Eight floors of film, television and photographic memories. It was almost like all my boyhood memories had come to life for everyone to see. From Rainbow's Zippy and George, to Captain Scarlet and Thunderbird 2 via a bit of Rhubarb and Custard.

There was of course one character that is part of most people's childhood, and that is of a Dalek. Whether you hid behind the sofa, or sat glued to the action, as the good Doctor, whether it was Hartnell, Troughton, Pertwee (my first) or Baker (the best) fought them with cunning and ingenuity and saved the day. Only you knew, just knew that they would return to have another go next year.

A Roaring Success

Phew, what a day we have been having. There's been that much rain, that people have started building boats. In fact it has been reported on the local news that one guy is even in the process of constructing an ark!

I paid another visit to the Food and Drink Festival, as I wanted to try some double cooked chips (fries) that I saw one stall selling yesterday. But alas, they were all shut, and some of the stallholders were taking shelter under one of the marquees.

It's amazing the change in weather in only 24 hours. Here's another photo I took yesterday of some girls enjoying their ice creams in the sunshine. I bet today they will be needing some soup.

Gone Up North

Another little jaunt away for the weekend. This time to Bradford in Yorkshire; famous for textiles, a thriving Asian community and the National Media Museum, which moved from London a few years ago.

We arrived late in the afternoon, and found our hotel fairly easily. A small boutique style opposite a lovely big park. Nothing really to write home about though. But adequate for our needs.

After dinner, we went for a stroll around the area. We came across two very large buildings that was a former textile mills. One had been converted into fancy apartments, while sadly the other one called Manningham Mill has fallen into disrepair. But plans are afoot to turn it into a fancy apartment block.

For further details on the history of the building and plans for its future can be found on this Wikipedia page

Here is a bit of an arty shot of a cobbled street that runs at the side of the said building. Something a bit different.

Sweet Sixteen

As well as Oona, last night we had the delightful company of Nikki. She is also a model, but was there as a photographer. We had met before, as she did a shoot with Alan our teacher a few weeks ago, where she dressed up as a rather fetching WW2 WRAF.

I caught her here coming out of Alan's small studio. When Nikki saw my camera, she stopped and stood smiling, so I could take a photo or two.

She's a lovely person and will make a great natural model when her modelling career develops.

Memories

Headbanger Wednesday today, and Stewart has called the shots this week, before he sets sail on yet another cruise. He and Julie seem to have more holidays than anyone I know. And what a tricky one he's set; health, wealth or happiness within a flower. Thanks for that Stew!

Anyway, here's my shot of a pansy that I took soaking up the sun's rays in Woodhall Spa. I really like the colour, as it reminds me of strawberries and cream. A pudding that makes me happy. All those tasty, sweet strawberries surrounded by a dollop of thick double cream. Wealthy in a way, as I can afford to treat myself, and healthy, with the nutritional benefits of the summer fruit. As long as you don't pour too much cream on that is!

Do pop over and have a look at Stewart and the rest of the teams' blogs, to see how they have interpreted the challenge. And do enjoy this classic song from the 1960s


Gail and I attended another lesson in studio lighting tonight, although being a sunny (and dry) evening, we spent a lot of it outdoors.

Our model for the session was called Oona. She is a experienced model, so she found going into poses very easy. Looking for something different, I got her to sit down and stare distantly into a tea cup, as though she was remembering a happy or sad event in her past.

It was an enjoyable evening. Sadly for us the last one. But we are on the lookout for another photo course that will hopefully be as valuable.

Deep Water

Here's a shot from Highfields. With all the rain that we have had lately, it's no wonder that the lake has overflowed and flooded this area that is usually used as a seating area, or somewhere to stand and feed the ducks and swans.

But no one will be doing that for a week or so while there is a constant black cloud hanging over the country.

A Flash Of Red

Nothing new to show you today, as not really very much happened. I managed not to get wet cycling to and from work. But the rain is certainly making up for it now. As it is pelting down now. The noise on the roof is almost deafening.

So here is a shot from Woodhall Spa. it is of a Porsche from the 1960s. Whilst we were looking around the grounds of the Petwood Hotel, we saw all these Porsche's lined up in the car park. Apparently they had been a road race of some kind, and they were using the car park as the finishing line.

I was lucky to snap this car when I did, as moments later, another, more modern porsche pulled up alongside and it would have ruined my shot.

No Parking Allowed

For the last week or so, Beeston's multi-storey car park is in the process of being demolished. It has proudly stood on it's concrete legs for around 40 years. But no more. The bulldozers and wrecking ball have moved in and are knocking it down. Piece by piece. Floor by floor.

It's sad in a way, as it is almost like a landmark in the area. It's also useful for getting aerial views of the surrounding area. But it is having to go, as the whole area is being re-developed. The next to go is the old fire station. It was abandoned a few years ago, when they built the new one near the Boots factory. But fortunately is is of little architectural interest; being just a brick box.

The car park in the sky was built next to the bus station, and it too is having a makeover. At the moment they have cordoned off some of the bays and moved the stops to another adjacent road.

It's going to be chaos in the town for the next couple of years, whilst the changes are taking place. I just hope it is going to be worth all the effort and great expense.

The Horse Whisperer

Alas, I haven't found anything worth photographing today, although the sun has shined for a while. I even managed to cut the rather soggy hedge without electrocuting myself!

So here's a rather colourful portrait of a member of the Sealed Knot, who were demonstrating their battle skills at Wollaton Park last Sunday.

He looks very smart in his yellow and black jacket, with little red and yellow hat. I am amazed at how much effort that these groups put into creating their uniforms, as I doubt that they are originals. So they must do a great deal of research into the material used, colours etc. Maybe they have looked at and had access to similar garments in museums.

However they got the information; well done to creating such an authentic looking costume.

Smile And The Whole World Smiles With You

This rather extraordinary piece of art was on show last week at the castle whilst the Olympic torch visited the city.

It had been designed by architectural students from the university and appeared to be made from brand new pallets.

I took various shots of it from different angles, but this happy looking man with his smiling T shirt, just adds to the fun of the piece.

Cheers!

I paid my first visit today to the food and drink festival that's presently on in the Old Market Square until Sunday.

It was sunny and warm for a change, and you could see the difference in people. They looked happier, especially with not having to wear anoraks and carrying umbrellas.

There are quite a number of stalls selling different foods. Some of which I might try tomorrow.

My eye was drawn to this guy and his comic T shirt. Especially as I managed to show the beer tent in the background!

It's A Small World

Headbanger Wednesday again and Kathy's choice this week. Boy does it come round quickly.

Kathy's has chosen "It's a Small World", which is another of those themes that can go off in any direction.

For my choice, I've gone for these cygnets, snoozing with their mum. Dad was standing guard. Their world is really very small. Just that small stretch of river and the love and protection of their parents.

It was taken at Horncastle in Lincolnshire the other week, when were were holidaying with Stewart and Julie. In fact Stewart wanted to post his version of the same scene as his header, but alas for him, I got there first!

Do pop over to the rest of the gang's pages and enjoy this size related song.

Wedding Day

I snapped another wedding the other day. Not as the official photographer, but as a bystander.

Walking through the Old Market Square I noticed a open topped vintage styled car with the bride and groom in the back being arranged and posed by the official photographer. So I just had to join in with the action.

Here is a close up of the newly married couple, enjoying a rare bit of summer sunshine.

What A Grey Day

There has recently been a big hoo-har about a novel that's been out for a short while now. The tale is called "Fifty Shades of Grey" by E.L James.

It appears to be a romance, with a liberal sprinkling of eroticism, and from all accounts is very popular with the ladies.

Gail has heard some of the nurses she works with talk about it. Apparently once you pick it up, you can't put it down until it's finished. It appears to have sold more copies than even the Harry Potter novels.

My local Waterstone's obviously feel they are on to a good thing by advertising the fact that they have had a new delivery of some more copies. One at a time please. No need to rush!

We'll Meet Again

I paid a visit to Wollaton Park today as it was hosting the Veteran's Weekend. A yearly event to remember all those fallen souls who fought for peace and freedom.

There were a lot of things going off, battle re-enactments, military vehicle displays, a parachute drop and music. Among the musical offerings were a couple dressed up as wartime entertainers, singing songs of the period.

Johnny Victory and Frances Belle were quite entertaining with their renditions of songs from the 1940s. Their RAF uniforms look quite authentic with their ENSA (Entertainments National Service Association) badges. Some well known people were members of ENSA. They included Joyce Grenfell, Wilfrid Brambell and George Formby.

Here's a shot of Frances singing along to another well known wartime hit. Should you want to learn more about the group that she is in, here's their website link.