Yesterday I spent several hours at the second day of the Swindon SN1 Music Festival held at the Swindon Bowl. Despite a poor turnout audience wise I had a really good time as it allowed me to get ‘up close and personal’ even on stage whilst some of the acts were performing, so for me, I really enjoyed it as well as some of the music is what I like, reggae, dub step etc.
The performers in the slideshow below are AJ, Ben Montague, Para & Baila, Rhiannon Elliot and Korim
Well, I had a good day yesterday. Spent several hours with the Bristol NUJ which was very informative and well worth the time. It also means I ama fully fledged card carrying NUJ member 🙂
However this did not leave me much time to spend at the Bristol Street Art Festival. It was really good and absolutely crowded with people. The only down side was that at times I was getting high from all the weed by just standing around, I think there was quite a bit around !!!
Just one image from the half hour I spent there, lots of really good art etc but I just liked this image for what it says …
Well, I went up to get some images of the Martial Arts displays but none of the teams turned up and the weather was not very nice either, so left after a couple of hours.
I needed to choose an image for my on-line advertising with Total guide to Swindon and this is the one I have choosen. I wanted to show something a bit more commercial than just my journalistic style of work.
What do you reckon?
I also wanted to get something up today as off to London to watch track cycling on Sat so wont post for a couple of days.
Small rural villages in Spain, such as Freila in Andalucía, don’t get the same media coverage as the rest of Spain, or indeed the rest of Europe.
Reports in the UK media cover the 100 billion euro bail out of the banks, the miners strikes in the north of the country and the down-grading of the financial institutions. But, what’s happening in the tiny rural villages, what do they think about their future, how much of an impact is the crisis having on the people?
Our friend, Juan Calderon Perez is an economics professor in the institute Pedro Jimenez Montoya in Baza. Two years ago his retirement age was 65, now it’s 67, but does this matter? Pensions are precarious and there is no guarantee that there will be sufficient funds to pay his pension when he retires. He is a civil servant and the government are not freezing salaries, they are cutting them.
PUBLIC SCHOOL IS FOR EVERYONE
Some of his students were born in this tiny village, with an average age of 18, these young people are very worried about their futures.
IF YOU THINK EDUCATION IS EXPENSIVE, TRY IGNORANCE
Do they sit around and wait for the government to help them out? No, these young people are working hard and studying in Baza, Granada and Madrid.
Do they lower their standards and hope for a job in tourism, waiting tables or working in a shop? No, these young people are studying to become Journalists, Economic Teachers and Doctors.
Do they want hand outs and benefits? No, they want to work hard to qualify as professionals.
Do they hope to move to another country when they qualify? No, every one of them wants to stay in Spain and help to build the countries economic future.
Crisis, yes. Negativity, No.
As Juan said “the Spanish keep their worry inside and their happiness outside”
Looking at the smiling faces of Patricia, Fatima, MariCarmen, Maica, Cintia, Ainoa and Juan Antonio I believe this is true, but these young people show a strength and determination which gives me hope for the future of Spain and of Europe.
A tough assignement this afternoon. Taking photos of Pole Dancing in Swindon Town Centre. I suppose somebody had to do it. I didnt have to bribe to many people to get the job 🙂 🙂
This is my favourite shot of the day from yesterdays Swindon Diamond Jubilee Big Lunch. I think it is also my favourite image from the Diamond Jubilee. This chap is the driver for the Mayor of Swindon and a really nice person.
Despite it absolutely pouring with rain at times most people really enjoyed themselves as did I. It was a very enjoyable event.
I particularly liked the Rockabilly Band, they were really good, I think they were called Josie and the Hotrods. I will find out and post some images of them as I am pleased with some of those as well.
Today, is a day for catching up and cleaning cameras as they got a drenching yesterday. Also want to go for a run and bike ride.
I caught this naughty dog eyeing up the cakes whilst nobody was looking at the Swindon Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in Commercial Rd that took place this afternoon.
First dog I have ever seen rubbing his tummy in anticipation. Mind you I dont blame him, they looked rather scrummy.
Yesterday I covered the handing over of the Olympic Torch to Didier Drogba in Swindon Wharf Green, security was very tight and press were only allowed in the ‘Pen’ which I found strange as it was not as tight out on the road. It was only through the persistance of Kirsty to get him to do an interview and walk around and stand for the press that any of us got any shots. Except of course those agencies that have paid thousands to the Olympic organisation to have full access to everything !!!!!
Guess I need to get myself a job with Getty or AP …….
Some images of the audience from last nights screening of La Boheme live from the Royal Opera House Covent Garden. Despite the cold there was quite a large crowd and they all seemed and looked to be enjoying themselves, some more than others. For instance the men in the top right image.
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