Alan Lodge's Blog

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I introduce you to a variety of events. I am interested in festivals, music, community and multi-cultural events. In this set I show something of the Asian Mela, Chinese New Year, Sikh Vaisakhi, St Patricks’ Day, St. Georges’ Day, Mexican Day of the Dead and a Malaysian Festival in Nottingham. All in colourful national dress. Light-night in Nottingham shows a variety of lighting installations, music, theatre and stages.

Assorted aspects of Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham. A while ago, I completed the BA(hons) course in Photography at NTU. [and some other courses besides]. In later life, I returned to NTU to do an MA in photography. So much technically had changed. Attitudes, explanations and representation had all progressed and I though I’d have an update to ‘keep my pencil sharp’. Here showing some of the course work and degree shows, I have exhibited at ‘large scale’ in the Bonington Atrium and Gallery there. I have also exhibited in the vitrines there giving an opportunity to show original transparencies. To the modern student eyes, they are almost considered to be an ‘historical process’ and caused much discussion and amazement at the depth of saturated colours that could be achieved.  I use this material in slide projections at events and can present at large scale in public space

There are a number of campuses across the city and more widely in the county of Nottinghamshire, offering splendid facilities and a wide variety of architecture and space.

Trade Unions held well attended rallies in support of wage claims, better working conditions and pension rights. Pictured here are a couple of the anti-austerity events in London, called by the Trade Union Congress TUC. Protests, demonstrations and pickets.  Further, disputes against the cutting of staff and council public services, the fire service, teachers, university lecturers, junior doctors, NHS privatisation etc. etc …….

As a member of the National Union of Journalist, I have represented Nottingham Branch at the ‘Delegate Meeting’ of the union’ written reports and photographed the speakers. In addition to trade union activities, I have always thought of the NUJ as my ‘professional organisation’ representing good practice, ethics and standards.

Briefing by Sir David Attenborough, English broadcaster and natural historian, on the Maintenance of international peace and security: Climate and Security, during the Security Council Open VTC.

Armed Forces Day aims to show the public, various aspects of military life.

Invited to cover the Army Presentation Team on their visit to Nottingham University

The 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment arrived back home following a six-month operational tour of Afghanistan. They paraded through Nottingham and received the Freedom of the City. A cause for some celebration and relief, but also some sadness on behalf of those who were killed or injured.

Every year, I attend the Remembrance Day Parades. On a lighter note, I have photographed various re-enactments including The Sealed Knot Civil War Society, The Napoleonic Association, Medieval, Norman and Saxons. Oh …. and some Vikings once!

A selection from the Derbyshire Peak District, Mid and North Wales, Snowdonia.

Following the Enclosure Acts of the 18th and 19th centuries, many of the highest and wildest areas of moorland and mountains – previously common land open to all – ramblers without a permit were often forcibly evicted. Engaging in a spot of direct action up on Kinder Scout in 1932, 400 walkers from Sheffield and Manchester met a line of some 30 keepers and scuffles resulted. Six were arrested and charged with public order offences. At trial, Benny Rothman said: “We ramblers, after a hard week’s work in smoky towns and cities, go out rambling for relaxation, a breath of fresh air, a little sunshine. But we find when we go out that the finest rambling country is closed to us, just because certain individuals wish to shoot for about ten days a year.”
A century-old campaign for the cherished “freedom to roam” across mountain and moorland was reached with the long awaited passing of the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act in December 2000. Important to me, since I can now walk in the landscape by right, rather than permission. More than twenty years since the act was past, but can still only access 8% of England.

The free festivals were being attacked by the Tory government with the introduction of the Public Order Act 1986. Section 39 states that ‘if two or more persons have entered land as trespassers and are present there with the common purpose of residing there’ it becomes and offence. So, if section 39 says that we may not ‘reside there’. What if we don’t reside there, but stay up all night and ‘make a racket’ ?? 🙂
…. thus, the beginnings of the free party scene that began to emerge around the country resulting in an injection of new blood and economy to the festival scene. ‘Rave’ parties are similar to free festivals in that they are unlicensed events in locations kept secret until the last possible moment. Such events offered similar opportunities for adventure and began attracting huge numbers of people from the cities. This scene grew dramatically with the Castlemorton Common event attracting 25-30,000 over 6 days. The free festival scene began to merge with the rave and free party scene producing a hybrid with new dynamism.
[This set from late 80’s to early 90’s, shot on transparency film, all before digitals].

With greater acceptance by society, gay pride events have been gaining in popularity. Shown here, events from Manchester, London, Leicester, Derby and Nottingham. Greater Manchester Police and the Gay Police Association asked for this group picture before they joined the parade. It is also encouraging to see chief police officers joining with other groups from public service, such as the military etc.

Many commercial outfits have arrived and taking places at these events. Some of the more cynical perhaps feel that they are simply trying to cash in on the ‘pink pound’ and not give a screw about the civil rights held up here. At Manchester Pride, some youths held up signs “too poor to be gay” and pride not profit”. They were hustled to the side by security who then started harassing me. Citing commercial sensitivity!! ’twas ever thus!

Nottingham City Council ceremonies with counsellors and assorted officials. Events covered here include the unveiling of the Brian Clough Statue and the dedication of Speakers Corner. Opening of the Goose Fair. A plaque and memorial stone to honour George Africanus was dedicated by religious leaders including the Bishop of Kingston (Jamaica). A notable resident, he was a West African former slave who became a successful entrepreneur in Nottingham. Also, commemorated, the Annual Act of Remembrance.

Frequent appearances of the Sheriff of Nottingham and Robin Hood. [they don’t seem as antagonistic with each other now as was once the case].

As a photo-journalist, I have covered a wide variety of emergency situations. I have some training in risk assessment at incidents. Major fires, road accidents, building site collapses and public order all present unique challenges. The fire service are also seen here, in water rescue and the use of the air ambulance. After incidents involving crime, a team of forensic evidence gatherers are frequently to be present at scene. Having previously worked as a paramedic with the London Ambulance Service, I have photographed accident scenes, not just as news coverage for submissions to the media, but also as ‘how to’s’. Pictures have been used by services in their training for personnel in accident procedures.

As a member of the National Union of Journalists and a representative of the Nottingham Branch, I have successfully negotiated a set of guidelines on police / press relations. These have been nationally adopted under the auspices of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC).