The Garden Quarter Remembers Festival Chester - 5.7.2014

I had been looking forward to this event as I wasn't quite sure what to expect, It was a great Idea to commemorate the 100 year anniversary since World War I. I have taken a mixture of colour and sepia images, by using sepia I wanted to try and create a nostalgic look and feel. 

This piece of graffiti can be viewed in the main street

This is what greeted me when I first arrived in the area. Hours of work must have gone into making this.

The above image is a close up of the needle work that is on the solider 

The Lord Mayor of Chester, Councillor Bob Rudd, leads the Parade 

The image above was the first of many that I took of people dressed in costume

The Jigsaw Theatre Company Performing 'The Emperor's New Clothes' at the Theatre in the Quarter

I enjoyed this production it was nice to see all the children's hard work shine; there were many witty moments.

I liked the expression on this girls face as she performed 

A brave solo performance by the boy above

This area was where, on four different occasions, street theatre could be seen

The lady above was involved in one of the acts

This act was not for the faint-hearted!

I had missed the chap above's performance, but managed to get some images of him at rest and play.

More people dressed in costume were spotted

I couldnt resist this shot, I dont think he saw me taking this one!

Children in the audience enjoying the event in the sun

I was lucky enough to spot this couple posing for their photo to be taken by someone else

Great music from this band 

Dee Sign

I particularly like to watch these two as I liked the emotion they were showing in their faces when they signed to the lyrics of the song.

Link below for more information about Dee Sign Choir

http://www.deesignchoir.co.uk/page2.html

This little fellow was so cute, but wasn't entered in the show

The local Community Support Officers came and made a appearance to show their support to the community

There was a certain point where it all got a little too much for this little girl

This little girl was looking very summery 

I had gone back down to the event for a short time and found kids - both young and old - having fun it was nice to see the community spirit and both generations enjoying themselves together!

I also spotted these chalk drawings on the road and pavement, that had been created by the children. I also took some in monochrome to bring out the detail. 

The Mayor enjoying the event

I couldn't resist taking photos of the Mayor's car - it was a Bentley. I was also trying to take advantage of the beautiful day and to photograph the reflections of the sky. 

This last image was taken in one of the streets close by, it is visually like going back in time with the style of the houses. The lamp in the image above remainded me of photos I had seen of olden times of lamp lighters.

Other performances were given by 

Blue coat school 

Charlotte Jones choir

Cambrian Queen 

Handbag of Harmonies

Oswestry my Exhibition at the Visitor and Exhibition Centre - 3.6.2014

This was my second solo exhibition in Oswestry. The building and atmosphere of the place has a homely feeling, and an added bonus is that I often eat here. I always enjoy the food, how it is prepared and presented.  

Having met Sue Miller last year I was delighted that she wanted me to exhibit my photography as I had viewed many other artists work here when I have visited the Exhibition Centre.

My exhibition was arranged to include architecture, montages (which is also known as joiners) and church window laminates. Sue had suggested the idea of displaying the church window image on laminates. I was excited about this prospect as I haven't seen my work produced in many other formats. 

I find exhibiting my photography exciting, as previously my work would be stored to my external hard drive and wouldn't be seen by many people. Through exhibitions my work has an audience, where they can have an insight into what interests me in our surroundings, and maybe perceive it in a different way.    

Thank you to all mentioned below, for their help and support with this exhibition

Sue Miller

Anthea Landon and her husband

Phil - Eton Framers

Carolyn Argyle 

Basia 

Anthea Landon also exhibited her work

I met Anthea whilst photographing the Wrexham area Helfa Gelf in 2012, as a member of The North Wales Film and Photography Collective.We have remained good friends ever since and continue to help each other within our chosen medias. 

Anthea's display was wire work wall pieces and chinacolle work featured below.

We are both again in Helfa Gelf this year 2014,where more of our work will be on display and available to buy.   

Gresford Library reopening - 21.5.2014

I was invited to attend the Grand Opening of the Gresford and District Community Library, on Saturday 17th May 2014, to photograph the event.

The official opening ceremony was performed at 11am by local author Judy Turner, who writes under the names of Katie Flynn and Judith Saxton. 

The event was also attended by Wrexham MP Ian Lucas and Lesley Griffiths, the Welsh Labour Assembly Member for Wrexham.

Gresford Library closed on Monday 31st March 2014, following a decision by Wrexham County Borough Council. Gresford and District Library Company Ltd, a Social Enterprise Group whose directors are all local residents and will be supported by volunteers, was set up to take over the running and development of library after it closed.

The library have had letters of support from many local businesses, the local MP and AM and Lord Thomas and his wife, who live in Gresford, and the local free magazine, Essentials. The library has a Facebook page under the title “Gresford and District Community Library” and can also be contacted by email at: Gresfordlibrary@hotmail.com 

Library opening hours will initially be Tuesday 2pm to 5pm, Friday 10am to 7pm and Saturday 10am to 1pm. The library are actively looking for more volunteers for various tasks to keep the library running in all sorts of ways and are looking for people with a variety of skills.