2 Cathedrals, 2 Days, 1 Birthday

Our little trip to Kent has been interesting.

DAY ONE:

Arrived Rochester - well actually Strood. Had to cross the Medway on foot over one of the three bridges that span the water all very close together. Then we were in historic Rochester.

Many fine and frankly ancient buildings along the medieval High Street. Unique shops, very few chains, weirdly named alleys, cobbled streets and most buildings had a plaque or memorial stone to some event or some one. Over the years, clearly it has all happened in Rochester.

The connection, however tenuous, with Charles Dickens, is squeezed out at every available way. And why not I say.

 

The castle and cathedral are almost side by side - so they were both photographed. We had slight confusion of where to have lunch. Our desire to find pubs put of the good pub guide has more recently had disastrous results. (only disastrous for our tummies) and once again we found a pub that didn't serve food. The Coopers Arms (no relation) did however serve a lovely ale which we consumed with glee.

Rochester Castle

Rochester Cathedral has had many changes and additions over the centuries. Its facade is built of gorgeous honey coloured stone with delightful carvings. Clearly there has been some restoration but it does look lovely. The war memorial mosaics in the nave were very interesting. The interior is full of the different styles connected with cathedrals Norman arches, Gothic windows, Victorian screens, Pugin tiles. The over riding memory of the place is that, like Rochester itself, every available spot is dedicated to, or in memory of, someone.

Visited the 'largest second-hand book shop in England'. Obviously lots of books. Time and money spent in joy.

The Crypt at Rochester - wonderful space

Headed to Whitstable, the home of Peter Cushing. We sang the Peter Cushing song. (See here). We had tea in the Peter Cushing Weatherspoons. A sumptuous former art deco cinema - what a lovely place lovingly refurbished. Then onto the beach to try some long exposures of the seascape at twilight. We saw fireworks off in the distance and wondered if they were to celebrate Boris's win as Lord Mayor of London? But a little unsure of the geography so didn't really know.

Whitstable Beach

Back to hotel which is in a place called 'Bobbing' much mirth and merriment was to be had with the sat nav - childish I know but we are on holiday and it is nearly my birthday. Downloaded all images captured today. There are some with potential. I particularly like mine of the huge crypt. Whilst we were downloading we watched a documentary on BBC Four about Fleetwood Mac. Music and Photography. Brilliant.

DAY TWO:

Set off the Canterbury Cathedral. Wow what a space. We paid £9.50 to get in - quite steep but I say again wow. Spent all day in the Cathedral with a quick walk around the city centre to find lunch. Beautiful city with tremendously old buildings. I'll let the images do the talking:

Oh yes it was my birthday too - I got a splendid present - Oblique Strategies, Brian Eno and Peter Schmidt. This will be so helpful when I get stuck with a project or a business idea. Cant wait to show them off.

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Hi Ho, Hi Ho it's off to Kent we go ...

Not a county I am familiar with - usually a county I travel through to get to somewhere more interesting. Or get stuck on Euro Star in! That's a long story of fun and disappointment, another time perhaps.

Having a 'Cathedrals' trip with my tog group and to celebrate my birthday. I fancy pushing the envelope a little and seeing if we can't get over to the new Tate at Ramsgate - or is it Margate? I have always wanted to go to Dungeness too - sounds like it should be in Scotland but no - it sits there quietly down on the south coast.

But before I go off and enjoy myself I need to go and give my 10 min presentation with the reward of a full English breakfast.

Hi Ho

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Clever Car

Look at what my car did the other day...

from this ...

to this ...

... nearly half way to the moon.

The camera on my phone really is appalling.

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10 minute presentation

As part of networking - those of you that network know this to be the case - you occasionally have to give a 10 minute presentation about yourself or your work. Something that will help your audience better understand your work, your offer, or the type of customers you are seeking.

Today at WIBN meeting it is my 10 minutes. I have made a power point presentation showing everyone what they should look for when they are thinking of using a photographer, a little about photoshop, things people say to photographers and a bit of fun at the end a competition to see if my audience has been listening.

It also seems that I might be giving this presentation at my Friday morning network meeting (NLB) as this weeks chap cannot be there.

I will be talking about the number of different skills you need in order to be successful as a photographer and liken myself to someone who has schizophrenia as I need more than one head and more than one discipline.

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Piano Restoration time-lapse movie

Successful capture of the piano being serviced and then the keys replaced and put back together. Had something like 2000 images to handle for this movie and the result is a 2 min movie showing just how much hard work Doug puts into looking after these keyboards for his clients.

Yesterday I go the chance to show it to people who would give me constructive criticism. I have taken on board their suggestions and ideas and I will give the movie a final polish before I post it on here - I might also add some originally composed music as well.

In the meantime here is a still from the movie and I need to get back to the software and do those final tweaks - watch this space.

www.klassickeysgb.com
Doug playing to the camera - hmmmmm

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