Home Thoughts From Abroad

There is a lot of activity in the Old Market Square at the moment, with workmen erecting all sorts of stages, tunnels and booths for an exhibition that takes place later this week.

Hopefully there should be plenty to photograph and things to learn about the 'Great War' that began a century ago.

Protest For Peace

A big demonstration took place this evening which called for peace in Palestine.

The demo began outside the local BBC studios, as many see the broadcaster as being pro Israeli, rather than being balanced and independent.

The people then made their way in an orderly fashion to the Old Market Square, where a number of speakers related the feelings of people that the war must end, as so many innocent people, including children are dying pointlessly, as they are trapped in a place with no way out.

I do hope there is a ceasefire very soon and that peaceful solution can be found. One where Palestine is given its land and freedom back.

Wiggles

It is absolutely throwing it down with rain as I am composing this blogpost. The noise on the roof of our conservatory is quite deafening, even with the door almost shut. We leave it ajar so that Oscar & Marmalade can have access, as sometimes they like to have a nap in there.

My photo today has a watery theme as well. One I took yesterday on my way to the BBC studios. It's of the Premier Inn hotel reflected in the canal basin that is just outside.

Snow White At Christmas

It's not everyday that you come face to face with a genuine movie star. But today I did, as I knew he was waiting in the reception area of the BBC building on London Road.

He wasn't particularly waiting for me. In fact he was there to welcome anyone that had come along to the studios to say hello.

He seemed genuinely pleased to see me, and gave a smile and a wave of his arm, while I took his portrait.

If you fancy seeing Nottingham's newest film star in action in his special Christmas film, here's  a WEBLINK to the BBC Nottingham page. The film also features a friend of mine called Tim, who is Nottingham's official Robin Hood and appears in full costume.

That Hitchcock Moment

Here's the moment that I was telling you about yesterday, when I walked past the BBC interviewing Stephanie live on local television at the Nottingham Playhouse.

That's me carrying my camera and looking for the next shot and not sadly the dapper looking gentleman in the DJ.

Fortunately I found the interview on iPlayer, so I was able to grab a quick shot off my computer.

From The Sublime To The Ridiculous

This evening turned out to be quite eventful for two reasons, firstly I went along to Paul Smith's store on Middle Pavement, as I'd found out that he was going to be there signing copies of his new book about the history of his fashion empire.

I have always wanted to meet him, as he is also a Beeston lad. I did know his parents, who alas aren't around anymore, as his father Harold was a keen photographer in Beeston's camera club.

Afterwards I met up with Gail at Nottingham Playhouse, as it was their 50th birthday and they were having a gala evening. I had won some tickets a couple of hours earlier for this year's panto, Jack and the Beanstalk, so I said that I would meet her outside the theatre just before curtain up.

So I had a wander up to see what was happening, and the place was absolutely heaving with fans of the theatre. The local BBC team were there interviewing Stephanie Sirr, who is one of the executives of the Playhouse over the landmark. I just happened to wander by whilst the interview was taking place, and so appeared on TV for a couple of seconds, as it was going out live!

We then settled down to watch the panto. The stage design and costumes were very colourful. This year also marks the 30th and last show starring Kenneth Allen Taylor as the leading lady. Everyone knows the story and the jokes were as corny as ever. There was a bit of ad-libbing, as one of the actors appeared to have forgotten his lines, and Kenneth did a cod Frankie Howerd impression. I wasn't sure if it was genuine ad-libbing, or rehearsed. But it was very amusing all the same.

Who Goes There?

1963 was a momentous year for several reasons; firstly I was born, Kennedy was assassinated and the longest running science fiction series in the world began; the one and only (or 12) Doctor Who.

Today marks his 50th birthday, as it was way back on November 23rd, that the UK tuned in to the BBC and the famous theme tune and swirly intro began for the first time.
A simple story of two nosy teachers who followed one of their pupils called Susan back to her home, as she seemed to know too much about things for the average teenager. And what was home, but a blue Police box standing inside a junk yard.

After meeting Susan's rather grumpy grandfather, they stumble inside this Police box, which for some reason appears to be bigger on the inside than the outside. And so begins the legend of the Tardis, and the Doctor flying around the universe, past, present and future, fighting Daleks, Cybermen, Ice Warriors, the Master and al kinds of madmen intent on world domination.

My introduction to the world of the Doctor began in about 1972, with Jon Pertwee. And I have been a fan ever since. I wonder if you can guess who is my favourite incarnation of the Timelord from my photo clues?

Yes of course it's Tom Baker. Doctor number 4 1974-1981.

Children In Need

Today the UK goes charity crazy with the yearly extravaganza called Children in Need.

Its broadcast by the BBC and events are shown that are happening around the country, as well as special programmes.

The Nottingham Tennis Centre was chosen to be the base for local broadcasts, and of course I just had to pop along to see what was happening.

The lady with the microphone is Anne Davies and she co-presents East Midlands Today; a half hour local news programme that is shown every weekday evening, plus shorter versions late at night and at weekends.

The group with the photograph are members of the Photographers Hub, a local charity that helps disadvantaged youngsters through photography, that has received some funding from the Children in Need charity.

The Pink Bubblegum Car

This vehicle belongs to our local BBC radio station, called naturally enough BBC Radio Nottingham. The station has recently started a marketing campaign to help promote the city, by giving out car stickers with the N01ttingham branding on it.

Lights, Camera, Action

Yesterday I told you about the BBC being in the Market Square. Well I popped along at lunchtime & took some photos. It was interesting to watch, but was a bit disappointed to find out that it was mainly aimed at schools and not the licence paying public. I would have liked to have seen some history about the channel and perhaps have a tape running with some highlights over the last 80 years of broadcasting.

Broadcast News

For the past few days, engineers from the BBC have been setting up a mobile television studio in the Market Square. The aim is to demonstrate how the news & weather are put together, ready for transmitting to the nation.

It's open to the public today. So I'll be going along at lunchtime, to see what is on offer, and of course take some photos. Come back tomorrow for the results.