Dodworth War Memorial

TO THE GLORIOUS MEMORY OF

ALL THOSE MEN OF DODWORTH

WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES

FOR US IN THE GREAT WAR

1914-1918

The war memorial at Dodworth was first erected to commemorate those who lost their lives in World War I and it was later further developed to honour those who died in World War II. The figure stands atop an inscribed plinth in the Memorial Garden near the main cross roads on the High Street. The details on the figure are not only life like, but also appear to be very accurate. The helmet, rifle, water bottle, ammunition pouch, webbing and even the buttons and puttees all make for a compelling iconic statue. The figure is said to be in sandstone created by Tyas and Guest in 1923. The statue is designated under a Grade II Listing.

British Listed Buildings

http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-334262-first-and-second-world-war-memorial-at-j

War Memorial Clean-Up

https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/news-and-events/news/2010/november/war-memorial-clean-up

Photographs ©2013 PHH Sykes

www.phhsykes.co.uk

phhsykes@googlemail.com

Edinburgh Cityscapes by Night

Whilst engaged in a daunder through the capitol city by night a few sights were coaxing me to push my face into the back of my camera is search of a memorable image, or two. The evening was just setting in cold and the colours in the sky made it appear as if the sun's heat was setting far away with little in the way of a guarantee to return another day. The bright lights and city bustle were a growing counter action to the end of the day and the urban activity suggested that this was a positive beginning of a night full of promising potential.

These pictures were taken with a Canon EOS 550D camera and a Canon 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens. The combination of these two lightweight photographic tools produces some great results. This compact DSLR camera and lens with image stabilisation make for great lowlight shooting. When shooting on the move in town the accessibility of a camera not only makes opportunities through quick access, but through usability. When a camera can be used with speed and ease there is more chance that it will be used and that it will be used more often so generating some better and some different results. Modern cameras make some picture taking more easy and that ease not only helps in the cold in winter in Edinburgh, but it allows for many more images to be created that would otherwise have been overlooked. Sometimes the convenience of digital photography gives us much more scope for picture making and those pictures can show us more of our world and open up new photographic experiences for us to explore.

Pictures on Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/phhsykes/sets/72157632943508109/

The compact size of this unit is a major attraction as are the two USB charging ports. So far I have had no complaints and so need to make a claim on the reassuringly impressive warranty. This unit fits in perfectly and works superbly well. If you need up to, but not more than six 13A sockets and two USB sockets then this might fill your needs as well as it fit mine.

The pictures were taken quickly with two softboxes. The Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro lens is a great small lens that delivers brilliant results. As always light can be the key to get the best results from any lens.

Masterplug SRGD62PB-MP Surge Protected Extension Lead

6 x Surge protected 13A sockets with three channel protection and safety thermal cut-out

Powers and protects your home computers, printers and monitors from damaging spikes and surges

Supplied with 2 metre cable and 13 Amp fused plug to provide 4 convenient power sockets

Convenient space saving design with Power LED indicators

£10,000 Connected Equipment Warranty for peace of mind 

 

 

 

SANDISK 16GB Cruzer Edge USB Memory Stick

Fast and secure, small in size big on memory. I have been using this drive for a couple of months and find that it ticks all the boxes. The retractable design does make for a small size and light weight, it is also a little delicate in build. I have been using this memory stick very successfully with Windows and Ubuntu operating systems. This memory stick has been out for awhile and it can be found as a part of some superb offers.

With SanDisk® SecureAccess™ software you have the option of utilising secure online backup protection as you upload and store your files in another safe location.

These photos were taken using two softboxes for lighting to create a little sharpness for clarity without too much glare. Using a Canon EOS 550D EF with a 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro lens and wireless transmitter made for brilliant light compact shooting. 

Pictures on Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/phhsykes/sets/72157633026702826/

Closes along the Royal Mile with The Edinburgh Digital Photography Meetup Group

The theme was, “Closes along the Royal Mile.”  The rain came to greet the Edinburgh Digital Photography Meetup Group as we wandered in and out of varying lit situations in search of brilliant compositions.  With flash and available light we sought to capture something of the city and to share our interest in photography.

Between entering into, loitering about and slinking away from the narrow hidden retreats of Edinburgh Closes there was time to capture a picture or two on The Royal Mile.  With a short pause to catch breath and enjoy a cold drink in a warm pub this outing had a little something of everything.  In total I have loaded 40 pictures in 3 sets from this meetup to flickr.  This is the sort of day that reminds how photography can keep you warm even in the rain and asking for more throughout the downpour.

These pictures were taken on Thursday 11 October 2012 in Edinburgh on an excursion with The Edinburgh Digital Photography Meetup Group for further details of the group please see the links below.

The Edinburgh Digital Photography Meetup Group

www.meetup.com/The-Edinburgh-Digital-Photography-Meetup-Group

Facebook - The Edinburgh Digital Photography Meetup Group

www.facebook.com/groups/EDPMG

Twitter

https://twitter.com/EDPMG

Gladstone's Land with Gledstone’s Hawk and Mouse on the Royal Mile Edinburgh

In 1934 this building was condemned and scheduled for demolition.  Now thanks to the National Trust for Scotland it is rare jewel that receives the appreciation it deserves.  Both inside and outside this building shows superb 17^th Century features.  The name Gladstone's Land comes from Thomas Gledstanes who once owned the building.  Thomas Gledstanes is recorded as a merchant and he is known to have lived in this 6 storey building whilst also renting sections out to another merchant, a minister, a knight, and a guild officer.  The arcade frontage still protects shoppers from inclement conditions.

The hawk catching a mouse is a relatively new addition.  It holds a symbolic link to Thomas Gledstanes as, "Gled," is the Scots word for a hawk.  The sculpture is fashioned from gilt-copper.  The building was once designed to capture attention and to hold on to customers.  The beauty of the restored features and the bright gold of the hawk and mouse are still catching eyes and stopping feet as tourist pause to enjoy this beautiful building that was so nearly demolished in 1934 and is now so greatly appreciated.

These pictures were taken on Thursday 11 October 2012 in Edinburgh on an excursion with The Edinburgh Digital Photography Meetup Group for further details of the group please see the links below.

The Edinburgh Digital Photography Meetup Group

www.meetup.com/The-Edinburgh-Digital-Photography-Meetup-Group

Facebook - The Edinburgh Digital Photography Meetup Group

www.facebook.com/groups/EDPMG

Twitter

https://twitter.com/EDPMG

A Pentagram Rite at Temple of the Occult York 21 Oct 2012

The film presentation A Pentagram Rite at Temple of the Occult York is not a standard Pentagram Rite don’t watch the alternative actions, or follow the unusual phraseology and all will be fine.  Setting up an open gallery space as a temple of the occult is very rare.  The emphasis was on exhibiting art but the effect was to create an active sacred space.  The Temple of the Occult art exhibition at Norman Rea Gallery at York University is open 15 - 27 October 2012.

YouTube film presentation

A Pentagram Rite at Temple of the Occult York 21 Oct 2012

http://youtu.be/w_U9IM0yOVg

Temple of the Occult York - a photographic record

There are 77 pictures loaded here

www.flickr.com/photos/phhsykes/sets/72157631843230470

7 is regarded by many as a lucky number.  Reflections of 7 are considered by some to signify fortuitous possibilities.  Certain systems of magic identify the number 11 as holding the greatest magical potential.  When you add the lucky number 7 to itself 11 times you have 77.  77 can be seen to hold both luck and magic.  There are 77 pictures here echo to the many thoughts that have been uttered within the mind of man in order to better understand the worlds and all that lies within them.

These pictures were taken at Temple of the Occult in the Norman Rea Gallery at York University. The exhibits are well worth a viewing. The gallery space provides a great showcase for these hard to find item so rarely collected together as an art show.  Robin Spalding has brought an eclectic mix of artworks and magical traditions in this exhibition which has formed a vibrant temple art.  This show opens your mind above your eyes and gives you access to a window on the elements of eternity that have inspired magicians and artists to create beauty in our world.

My photographs on Flickr

www.flickr.com/photos/phhsykes/sets/72157631843230470

Temple of the Occult 15 - 27 October
www.thenormanreagallery.co.uk

www.facebook.com/events/150344655112090

Robin Spalding

www.robinspalding.co.uk