Dreaming Of The Past

Sometimes I will see something in a shop window that will make me stop and take a photo.

Today is a good example, as I saw this display of vintage goods in a charity shop window, during my lunchtime amble around the city centre.

Quite a colourful arrangement of things, and looks influenced by the 1950s.

The only thing is that I'm sure they've put those cat styled glasses on upside down.

Vintage, But Not Old

The May Day Bank Holiday weekend, and what a better start than visiting a vintage carnival, that was taking place today at Nottingham's racecourse.

We got there slightly later than expected, and so a few of the exhibitors had left by the time we had got there and there wasn't as many people around as I would have liked. But I suppose one bonus was that it was easier to take photos, without people blocking or walking in front of my camera as I was ready to press the button.

There were a number of those big American cars on show, together with stalls selling clothes, bric a brac and food. Naturally at these events, people had taken the trouble to dress up in the period, which seemed to be mainly the 1950s and the birth of rock n roll.

When we got there a live band was playing period music, and plenty of people were jitterbugging and bopping to those old songs from the post war era and the beginning of the teenage revolution.

I of course was busy with my camera, seeing it I could find interesting people and things to take. Whilst walking around, I noticed that a young lad was giving his girlfriend a piggyback ride. I wondered whether they would be passing my way. So I got ready, just in case they did. And yes, as you can see they did. She was obviously enjoying herself in not having to walk, but by the expression on his face, I think he was finding it a bit of a struggle.

Papering Over The Cracks

A day off work today, as a photographer I know called Theresa was flying over for the day from Dublin to visit Beeston for the first time and a see a friend called Marysia that we both know.

We all met up at L'Oliva's cafe on the High Road, and had a good chat over a drink and some food. A little later we went for a walk down at the marina in the afternoon sunshine. Chatting and taking photos. Marysia had her dog Tag with her, who is a bit of a star on LinkedIn.

At the side of the lock keeper's cottage, there is an old building that has been derelict for a number of years now, but recently some funding has been received so it can be renovated and eventually will be turned into a educational centre, with a cafe and allotment.

Marysia is involved in the project and so she started taking to one of the men that was working on the site. He asked us if we wanted to have a look around, and as it is usually off limits to the general public, we all of course said yes.

And so we spent some time walking around the grounds and taking photos. We also went inside the building, which was a in varying states of rebuild. Upstairs were the bedrooms. One was obviously for a child, as the walls were still covered in Care Bears wallpaper. So obviously it hadn't been touched since the 1980s. Another room had had a lot of wallpaper removed. But a couple of walls still had paper on them. Some stripping had taken place to reveal this Chinese or Japanese design from I would say the 1950s.

Wherever I Lay My Hat, That's My Home

No, this isn't somebody's sitting room or lounge, but the window display of a charity shop situated down in Hockley.

Although the shop describes the stuff that it sells as vintage, rather than second hand or used, it's still at heart a charity shop. But the prices certainly aren't those of a usual charity shop.

It's strange how these sorts of shops have recently rebranded themselves. Something to do with the fascination these days with the 1950s and 60s.

The old is the new, new.

Sharp Shooter

I had a pleasant discovery during my regular visits to one of our local charity shops the other day, when I came across this vintage camera from the 1950s, for the bargain price of £4.99.

I have no idea whether it works or not. There is a film inside, which has been partially used. I just wonder how long it's been in there and whether it's any good. I may try finishing it off and send it for developing. It may be a waste of money, but would exciting as to what might be on there.

The camera is a Zeiss Ikon Nettar, and was made in Stuttgart, West Germany. And came with a leather case. Both are in good condition and the camera is very nice to look at. I just have to work out how to set the dials.

Baby You Can Drive My Car

You never know what you may come across in a junk shop.

Looking in the window of my local one, I saw this old and rather battered model car. Clearly a Mercedes from the logo on the front, but have no idea of what model number it is.

It is probably made by Dinky Toys during the late 1950s. The shop was closed, so I couldn't pop in and see it, and dare to ask how much they wanted for it.

Look What I've Dug Up

Here's a charity shop find that I got for 99p. A Matchbox Weatherill Hydraulic digger that was made by Lesney during the 1950s.

It's obviously seen better days, with some of the paint missing, but in quite good condition for a toy that's nearly 60 years old.

If it was mint and boxed, then it would be worth £40 or more, but in it's present condition, it may only be worth a fiver. Still it's a nice model to have in my collection, which incidentally isn't that big.

Travelling In Style

Don't these Theme Days come around quickly. This month's topic is Style.

I saw lots of stylish vehicles yesterday at Wollaton Park. From the beginning of motoring to a sports car of today.

So which one to choose. Well it just had to be this Jaguar from the 1940s. Even the leaping mascot has style.

Rock n Roll

The Navigation last night was buzzing with music.  These are the Outriders, a 1950s rock band, who were really very good. Eddie, on the right sounded an exceptional guitarist and really twanged those notes.

I can't say that I am particularly fond of 50s songs, but found my feet and hands tapping along to the tunes, some of which were familiar, but many were not. I found the film show of photos of 1950s Americana interesting, and sometimes amusing to see what appeared while the musicians played.

Gail and I went ostensibly to support Dave a neighbour of ours, who was playing with a mate, and had decided to call themselves The Tank Tops, after the same style jumper that they were both wearing.

They played a short set of well known covers by the likes of the Everley Brothers, Buddy Holly etc. After a couple of false starts, which Dave made a joke of, the duo got into their stride and entertained the audience for half an hour or so with their tunes.

Minor Miracle

The was a wedding in Beeston this morning at the main church. I popped along to see what wedding car they would be using. If I was a female photographer, then I would probably be more interested in the wedding dress and the clothes of the guests, than the vehicles.

It was a surprise to see an old Morris Minor, or Moggy Minor from the 1950s as they are affectionally known.  And a cabriolet version too. Although it was a little cold to have the top down.

Due to all the roadworks etc that are going on in the area, it was difficult to try and get a good shot without poles, fencing, traffic cones etc getting in the way.

You Little Minx

It's classic car time again, and this time it comes in the form of a Hillman Minx from the 1950s.

It was quite fortunate that I came across it whilst cycling into Beeston, as I went a route that I don't normally go. But I was heading towards the local church, as they were holding a summer fair, and I was hoping to get a bargain or two.

I was also glad that there weren't any modern cars parked close to it, or anything remotely 21st century, as I've tried to make the photo look like it was taken during the 1960s.

Incidentally I did find a real bargain, in the form of a Tony Hancock DVD set of all his surviving episodes for a mere £2. Brand new too. Eight DVDs of vintage comedy, including the classic Blood Donor episode. "A pint. That's very nearly an armful".

So a good day for being retro.

Where's That Fire?

Princess Anne came to town today to unveil a new memorial for the firefighters that had lost their lives battling the flames to keep us safe.

The memorial has been placed in the grounds of St Mary's Church in the Lace Market. As it was happening at lunchtime, I popped along to see what was happening.

I was surprised that there was so few people milling around to see the royal. I must admit, I wasn't too bothered about seeing her. I was more interested in seeing the crowd and the surroundings.

How delighted I was when I saw four fire engines parked up, and looking great along the Victorian road.

This one dates from 1953. I like the aerodynamic shape and the silver sides, rather than being fully red.

The Ghost Bus

This photography lark does make you get out and about in search of a picture or two. Today has been no exception.Firstly I popped in the former Barton's bus depot in Chilwell to check out this years art exhibition, which goes under the name of the Carnival of Monsters. Then Gail and I went on a walk with a load of photographers, which was part of Scott Kelby's fifth worldwide annual photo walk. Then we went back to Barton's for their open evening and a chance to meet the artists.

I went last year, and they had some good stuff on show. This year has been the same. The highlight for me, and perhaps many others has been the siting of this old Barton's bus from the 1950s. I just love the way the paint has peeled away, the rust and its overall state of decay.

There is an interesting story behind this bus. It was one of 10 that Barton's bought in 1956. This particular one has been standing in a farmers field in Norfolk for the past 20 years. Hence it's unique appearance. The exhibit is also acting as a mini cinema, as a film has surfaced showing one of these buses taking tourists around different cities in Italy during 1959.

An unusual holiday too, as you are flown out to an Italian airport, where you are then picked up by coach, and then spend two weeks trundling to Venice, Florence, Rome etc. All for the grand price of £79, Which in today's money would probably be around £600.

The movie itself is going to be uploaded to Bartons' website, so everyone can enjoy it. Here's a LINK to their website, so you can see the film for yourself.