Week 36 - The Legends Festival 2021, Stoke Park, Guildford
We spent two cloudy chilly Bank Holiday days at the Legends Festival in Stoke Park, Guildford. And had a great time. I sang and talked so much over the two days I lost my voice and it is still sounding squeaky a week later.
There was an appealing and impressive line-up of tribute bands mirroring many of my past music loves. The Beatles - I was madly in love with John Lennon from about the age of 12!! And for me the Upbeat Beatles were the highlight of the weekend. Madness – Just the most fun you can have on the dance floor! And I think Badness came a very close second to the Upbeat Beatles.
David Bowie – So cool! Absolute Bowie has the look and sound. Tina Turner – So much energy. What a strong lady. Elton John – A firm favourite of mine for many years and a large part of my music collection.
George Michael – Gone too soon. Wayne Dilks really sold George Michael in both look and sound. Queen – Never got to see Freddie live. BIG REGRET. Gone way too soon!
Abba – not one of my favourites but my daughter loves them so I have had plenty of exposure to their music over the years. (She knows every single word of every single song!!!)
Week 37 - Wedding at Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking
This is the wedding of Greg and Tanya.
Like so many other couples, they had their big day planned for 2020 but had to postpone for a whole year.
And again, like so many other couples, their plans kept changing to incorporate the evolving situation.
But there was one major change to their original plans – their guest of honour!
Dexter is their delightful, four month old son who I had photographed a couple of weeks earlier when we had a baby/family photoshoot.
The wedding venue, Denbies Wine Estate, is a lovely backdrop to their photos and Greg and Tania and their families had gone the extra mile regarding decoration and attention to detail to make it a beautiful day.
So I got the traditional shots of Bride, Groom, Ceremony, Guests, Details, Venue etc.
But it’s the candid’s of the kids that I love best.
The big eyes.
The hilarious pasta?
The Flower Girl who was so much happier with her shoes off (actually at a wedding, who isn’t?) and her skirt worn as a hat!
And the “I’m bored, get me out of here” look – PRICELESS!
Week 38 - The Funfair
This week the funfair came to the park near where I live presenting a good photo opportunity.
When I was younger I loved the funfair. The loud music and bright colours, flashing lights and fast rides, I found them all so exciting and irresistible. I loved the thrill of speed, of being thrown about and disorientated and unlike a lot of my friends, I never felt queasy.
This is a stage in life which you grow out of and for a lot of years I became the spectator, the coat/bag holder, while others took the rides. But earlier this year I was in Cornwall visiting the grandchildren and the fair was in town.
They wanted to go and their excitement was infectious. So when one of them said “We’re going on The Rotor Nanny, are you coming on?” I found myself handing over tokens, fastening my safety belt and thinking “What are you doing, you stupid woman!!” Then rushing with them to the next ride, and the next. It was great!!
Week 39 - Godalming Pride
For some time I have wanted to have the opportunity to photograph at a Pride event as the characters, the costumes and the colours are so photogenic.
I know Pride marches or parades are held annually in London, Manchester, Brighton and probably several other cities and large towns in the UK but until this week I was unaware that such an event was happening near me.
This week on Saturday morning Pride came to Godalming town and it didn’t disappoint. There were lots of people there with a message and lots more who just wanted to dress up and parade.
And the High Street was lined with people who came to watch, to support and to enjoy the party atmosphere.
