Tatty Love

I picked this novel up from a charity shop yesterday, as a companion to my Saturday Night Sunday Morning which I got some years ago.

Local writer Alan Sillitoe created the story in 1959 and concerns a daughter of a rich scrap metal and textile merchant who falls for this thief and they run riot across Nottingham.

It was made into a film in 1972, and starred Victoria Tennant. Her first film. Sadly this film isn't currently available on DVD, as it features various locations across Nottingham, including Highfields. There are various bits of the film on YouTube, but it would be good to see the whole thing on the TV. One day perhaps...

No Sale

There's been a series of photographs doing the rounds on Facebook that show abandoned places around the world that are slowly crumbling away and disappearing under vegetation. Old fairgrounds, hotels, even the stadium that the winter Olympic Games took place on.

Beeston has its own. Obviously not on the scale of deserted American shopping centres etc, but the area where up to about 18 months ago was still quite popular with shoppers and those looking for a second hand bargain.

But suddenly it closed. No one really knows why.

Glass

Just a quick shot of a rather nice glass candleholder in our sunny garden.

Maybe I should take another one at night, with a candle burning brightly in the darkness.

Serenity

Here's a shot from Bingham's churchyard.  Whenever I go to a  different place, I always like to have a look around their graveyard.

It's not morbid curiosity, but am interested in looking at gravestones; to see the names of the departed, when they died and to look for unusual designs and statues.

Being a former village, Bingham's churchyard is quite small, but there are lots of trees and greenery in it. And as yesterday was really sunny, there's plenty of dappled light coming through.

All Shook Up

So everyone thought that Elvis died in 1977. How wrong they were, as I found out today that he is happily living in Bingham and working as a barber.

I hope he is a good one too, and that the men that go in aren't all shook up with the styles that they end up with, and that Elvis isn't too annoyed if he gets any hair on his blue shade shoes.

I wonder if he owns a hound dog?

High And Dry

It's not everyday that you come across a life saving ring in the middle of the countryside. But this one is  at the farmed at Beauvale Priory.

Maybe it is used for something different other than saving people from drowning. There is a lake on the farm which I think has fish in it. But it's quite a distance away, so hopefully it may never be needed.

The Signs Are Good

Although not described as a tourist attraction, something new has appeared in the grounds of Nottingham University.

In the style of the famous 'HOLLYWOOD' sign; students at the university have created 'NOTTINGHAM' and includes lots of photos in the letters that make up the name.

Each letter is about six foot high, and they have been placed on the top of a hill, so it can be well seen from different parts of the area.

Limo

Another day, another wedding at the Council House.

I'm always interested to see what vehicles turn up as wedding cars. The other week it was an old London bus, this time it is a 1969 Daimler DS420.

These have been standard vehicles for weddings, funerals and ambassadors for years. My dad actually drove one for his job when we lived in London during the 1970s.

You can just about make out the driver of this one relaxing in the back, while his clients are getting spliced.

Neglected

This old gate isn't actually in the middle of the countryside, but in a school playing field just down the road from where I live in Beeston.

The roundhouse isn't actually a house, but it round. It's a large wooden shelter where the children can sit in the fresh air, but stay dry.

When I visited it, some musicians were playing, as the school had opened its doors for the day for a community event that takes place once a year. There are various health & education stalls, food tasting  games to play and workshops, like this Indian drum one.

Fashion Parade

I was meant to be heading to the Old Market Square at lunchtime to see what was going on at the Great Notts Show, but I got sidetracked in the Broad Marsh shopping centre.

Walking through the doors I heard some loud music and a big crowd looking at something.  It was a fashion show of some description. It turned out to be clothing designed by students at a local college who have been doing a foundation course in fashion.

Some of the designs were really strange, and something you certainly wouldn't want to wear when you pop off down the supermarket! Experimental I think they call it.

Phone Home

Besides a new incarnation of the Doctor, his Tardis has gone through a makeover too.
Gone is the old fashioned blue box, and has changed into the more modern red telephone box. Although with the popularity of mobile phones these days, hardly anyone uses the familiar red phone box anymore. Lots have actually been removed from service. Although there are still a few dotted across the city centre.

Making A Racquet

There's a week of tennis matches going on this week at the Nottingham Tennis Centre. As I pass it to and from work, I thought I would pop in and try my hand at a bit of sports photography. Especially as it was free entry and a sunny evening.

A women's doubles match was on when I arrived.  There weren't that many people in the audience, so I had a fair amour of seats to choose from. I tried to find a good seat where I would get some decent shots.

I don't generally really have that much interest in sport, and have not shot any tennis matches before, so I not sure whether they are any good or not. At least they are in focus and show a little bit of action.

Just The Ticket

I took this up at the Open Farm Sunday event at Beauvale Priory on of course Sunday.  He was one of three musicians that were playing some instrumental folk music in the small pub room, which I think was an old stone shed.

I actually took this through a window, as there wasn't enough space for me to take him head on.

I though the little sign on his hat was very apt for today, being the 10th of June. It of course is similar to the one that the Mad Hatter wears in Alice in Wonderland.

Boyhood Reminiscences

When I was younger, I used to collect model cars, just like any other boy. My favourite was Matchbox, as they came in a small yellow and blue card box, that actually looked like a matchbox.  Others brands were Corgi & Dinky.

There was generally 75 models in the series, which were updated every so often with different colours or new vehicles.

I never had this crane in my collection, as it was made before I was born. I picked it up from a stall at Wollaton Park's car show for 50p. If it was mint and boxed, then it would be worth about £50.  Still its nice to have, even though the jib is broken and the paint is a bit chipped. But it's not bad for something that is about 52 years old.

You Can Call Me Al

It was Open Farm Sunday around the country today and so I popped up to Beauvale Priory Farm near Eastwood.

I've been there many times, both as a visitor and as an actor, where I dressed up as a monk and we told the story of the people that lived in the priory during the 14th century and how the monastery was closed by Henry the Eighth in about 1537.

Besides the usual chickens that really are free range, as they have the run of the farm, and are often seen hassling the visitors who sit outside the cafe, they have now taken delivery of a couple of alpacas.

Related to llamas, but a bit smaller and a lot more cuter. Just look at this fellow, isn't he adorable?

Beeston Castle

Well, the weather certainly has been a bit topsy-turvy today. This morning it was coldish, wet and generally a bit miserable.

There were reports of possible hailstones and even tornadoes, but thankfully all we got was rain. But by three o'clock it had stopped and the sun came out and warmed & dried everything.

Walking along the High Road, I noticed how lovely the clouds looked. Mainly wispy, and certainly a lot different from the ones earlier. Or should that be one, as the whole sky was a solid grey colour.

So here's a shot of the tower from Beeston's main church, as sadly Beeston doesn't have a castle. But if it did, I'd like it to look a bit like this.

Lest We Forget

Today marks the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in France, which helped end the war in Europe. Although that didn't take place until May 1945.

There have been many events around the country, including the main one in France, which the Queen attended.

Here's my contribution. A single red poppy that I found growing in the front garden. We have many yellow ones, but this red one is the only one amongst them.

Sadly, just after I took this photo, there was a big gust of wind and all the petals dropped off.

Marmalade

As most people know, besides eating, cats like to sleep. And Marmalade sure does love his naps.

He changes his favourite place to sleep every so often, whether it in his basket, on a chair or in this case, his new spot near the top of the stairs.

I took the first photo, as he looked so content, although he was aware that I was taking his photo. A little later I went back, and he had changed position and was well away, even though his feet and tail were hanging over the edge of the stair.

Interested

This young lad looks very interested in this Subaru sports car that was on display during the car show at Wollaton Park on Sunday.

I bet he can't wait until his seventeenth birthday, so he can start driving lessons and pretend that he is behind the wheel of a car like this.

Fishing For Compliments

This giant angel fish sculpture has been made out of rubbish from an arts event that took place in Highfields over the past two weeks.

It was called Wheee14 and was designed to keep the children amused during their latest holiday from school. The Exxopilis has also been part of the event, and has been very popular.

A Pirate's Treasure

I think you'll agree that everyone loves ice cream. And I bet this little boy whom I saw at Attenborough Nature Reserve is enjoying his ice lolly, especially as it's been so warm and sunny today.

I hope he finished it quickly, as his T shirt is far too nice to get dirty.

Lavender's Blue Dilly Dilly

Went off to the motor show at Wollaton Park this afternoon in the sunshine, and of course the clouds made an appearance, but thankfully no rain.

There were lots of cars, buses and other vehicles there, but I was particularly taken with this lovely lavender E-type Jag.

One of the two pieces of paper in the window record the history of the vehicle, while the other is a sales receipt for the car and show how much it costs in total; £4000 in 1973.

Buying a secondhand one today may cost you anywhere between £39,000 and £1/2 million.

That Uniform Look

Couldn't help taking a photo or two of these lovely ladies that were waiting at Nottingham Railway Station.

The fact that they were dressed almost the same caught my attention, and the fact that they were standing with identical poses.

Act Of War

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the start of World War One and those terible four years of battle with soldiers stuck fighting in trenches around France.

This horror of this time was brought to life tonight with the Nottingham Playhouse Youth Theatre's production of 'All Quiet on the Western Front' at the rather unusual, but very atmospheric old Barton's bus garage in Chilwell, and is part of the NEAT14 festival.

The play is based on the 1929 book of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque and has been adapted by Robin Kingsland. He was actually in the audience to see how the first night went and the audience's reaction to the unfolding tale.

He didn't have to worry at all, as the young cast did an excellent job of portraying people of the same age who had to face death, injury and destruction on a daily basis. To show that these soldiers were still  basically of school age, they carried large T squares and rulers instead of guns.

What makes the story really poignant, is it is told through the eyes of the German side. How they were just ordinary schoolboys like the English 'Tommys', and who had been encouraged to enlist and fight for their fatherland, but they didn't really know what they were fighting for.

The final scene is quite profound, and there was an almost stunned silence when the lights finally went out, and before the applause started.

The play runs until Sunday and is well worth seeing. But if you do, take your own cushion, as the old wooden seats available are very hard.

Trippin

I' paid a visit to The Exxopolis when it first came to Highfields two years ago. It came last year as well, but I couldn't go as they had closed it due to bad weather. It was really windy if I remember rightly.

It has not been brilliant today with raining all the time, but happily it was up and open, and even better, tonight was for adults only.

For those that have not seen it before, The Exxopolis is a massive inflatable structure which is made from a thin coloured rubberlike material which is naturally lit. New age music constantly plays as you walk through the different coloured sections. You can sit or lay down and relax. Some people may even drift off to sleep as they imagine to be inside their own coccoon.

The installation has been created by the Architects of Air and has travelled across the world. It has recently been to Sydney where it was sited by the Opera House.

It is only here until Sunday, as it's one of the shows that is part of the neat14 festival. So get down to Highfields before then to enjoy this unique experience.

Who's A Pretty Boy Then?

Such a horrible wet and cold day to have off work, but Gail and I made the most of it by visiting some botanic gardens.

Although we didn't spend much time outside, we did enjoy walking around the big greenhouses with all the various plants, bushes and trees. I do love that special smell that you only get in greenhouses. The mixture of heat and damp soil.

Instead of showing you one of the many coloured plants. I've used one for my new header, I thought I'd  post this carving of a parrot or macaw that was on display amongst the flora.

Scooby Doo, Where Are You

I caught the debut of new local folk/blues band the Wildwood Flowers at the Navigation on Sunday night.  And very good they were too.

As Scooby Doo has a smile on his face, I think he liked their kind of music too. Even Batman is singing along, But I don't think Robin knows the words!

The Guitar Gently Rides

How's this for a fancy guitar? I don't know what it sounds like when played, but it certainly is a showstopper.

It's probably the most colourful acoustic guitar that I have ever seen. I wonder why the designer decided on a cowboy theme. Maybe he's watched too many Clint Eastwood films.

Waiting

Nottingham hosted the Milk Race again this year, and so of course I just had to pop down for a photography session.

There was a bit of excitement this year as during the start of the men's race, there was a crash at one of the corners. Fortunately no one was seriously hurt, but the organisers stopped the race and wanted to restart it, once everything was made safe.

So all the cyclists, less those that had got hurt had to line up again. There was a fair amour of hanging around, and you can tell by the expressions on these cyclists how frustrated they must have felt after psyching themselves up for the original race.

Beware The Yellow Line

Well we have had rain on and off for most of the day today. So I wonder if summer is over for another year.

Fortunately it stopped in the afternoon long enough and a bit of sun came out for me to do a spot of photography.

I decided to have a walk along some of the route that the new tramline is taking. They've now taken a big chunk of land from the side and front of Beeston Parish Church. Safety fencing is everywhere.

There was a great big puddle, and after a few minutes of looking for the best angle, I managed to find one that shows a great reflection of the top of the church's bell tower, only marred by the fencing.

Best Of British

Two Iconic British vehicles were in the Old Market Square today; a Rolls Royce Phantom V and the good old London Routemaster Bus.

They were being used for a wedding that was taking place at the Council House. There were plenty of people stopping to admire the vehicles and to take pictures. Just like me!

Neat On The Street

The Neat14 arts festival starts on Friday, and to get everyone in the mood, one of the bands that's performing during the next ten days gave a taste of their music to shoppers outside the tourist office near the Old Market Square.

The Balkan Express are playing at Cast Bar next Monday, and quite a few pedestrians had stopped to listen to their tunes. Of course there is always someone out to spoil things, and so one of the many Community Protection officers that patrol the city centre appeared and asked them to stop.  Fortunately on of the Neat14 promotion guys was on hand to explain what was happening.

Uncovering The Past

Some workmen over the past few days have sadly been cutting down a number of mature trees along part of the Castle Boulevard stretch of the canal.

I have no idea why they have done this, as the tress weren't dead, just maybe a little overgrown.

So down they came, and once all the wood had been cleared away, this small brick built building appeared.

It would be interesting to know what it was used for. Maybe something to do with the waterway. Who knows?

In The Red

Walking through the Broad Marsh shopping centre at lunchtime, I saw a load of people standing around in a sort of semi-circle. Hello I thought, what's going on here then.

So I headed towards the throng, and was surprised to see Ed Milliband, the leader of the Labour Party standing there, chatting to shoppers.

I think he was in town today because the country goes to the polls on Thursday to vote in the European elections and Ed was here to drum up some business for the Labour candidate.

Some political commentators have nicknamed him Ed Moribund, as he's not the mot dynamic of men. I'm not sure how many people he managed to convince, but it bought a bit of excitement to the city centre.

Centenary Bus

There's a specially decorated bus travelling around the city centre at the moment. It has been painted in the colours of the old West Bridgford Urban District Transport bus company to commemorate 100 years of service.

I rather like the colour scheme, as it looks welcomming and much better than the assortment we have at the moment. Green for one route, orange for another. This colour coding might be easier for people to get on the right bus, but it does make for a uncoordinated fleet.

Let Them Eat Cake

How's this for a wedding cake?  Well I don't think it was the official wedding cake, although they didn't have one. But it does look delicious.

Gail and I attended a friends wedding the other day, and this chocolate wonder was one of the cakes on offer. There was also the other one behind it and a whole load of cupcakes.

A great and very tasty selection of goodies, and definitely not one for those who are watching their weight!

Towards The Light

Some poppies in our front garden, enjoying the sunshine, on what has become the warmest day of the year so far.

Lets hope tomorrow turns out the same.

Up Town, Top Rankin

Gail and I have had a very busy day today, but not doing our usual jobs.

Firstly some friends of ours asked us to shoot their wedding. This took place at the Council House, in one of the rooms that the councillors use for meetings. It went well, then it was off to a local pub for some refreshments.

We then had to break off to drive to St Anns where we were hopefully going to meet the famous celebrity photographer Rankin. He was there to take photos of gardeners at this big allotment site that is the oldest in England, if not Europe, as part of the Museums at Night festival.

Some months ago people were asked to vote in a competition for which place Rankin should visit. Fortunately Nottingham won. And so him, a team of helpers and a TV crew all descended on this quiet oasis in the middle of a busy city and about twenty gardeners were photographed, and the shots were then printed and displayed in an awning for everyone to see.

All the visitors had timed slots, and ours was at 7.30. There was still lots of people milling around. I noticed that there was a queue, and there he was, signing autographs and having his photo taken. We joined the queue and took each others photos posing with him and had a little chat.  We then went to have a look around the vast green space, with all the different sized sheds and high hedging. As St Anns is on a hill, we got a good view of the surrounding area as well. We then went back to the wedding celebrations and I took some more photos, while Gail looked after our pop up photo booth.

Hope

This is the statue called Hope, and is a memorial to all those that died in the Boer War.

It used to be sited at the other end of Beeston, before being relocated to Broadgate Park. It was resited in the park a few years ago when it was redesigned and the council wanted to open up the main entrance from the High Road.