Tyne & Wear – fragglefilm

Film Friday ~ The Angel

February 17, 2023February 16, 2023Posted in Cinestill 400D, Contax Aria, Film, Gateshead, Photography, Tyne & Wear, UncategorizedTagged Angel of the North, Antony Gormley, Cinestill 400, Contax Aria, film, fraggle, photography33 Comments

This week was the 25th Birthday of the Angel of the North, the giant statue by Antony Gormley, located in Gateshead 10 minutes drive away from where I live. Completed in 1998, it is believed to be the largest sculpture of an angel in the world and is viewed by an estimated 33 million people every year due to its proximity to the A1 and A167 roads and the East Coast Main Line. The steel sculpture is 208 tonnes, 20 metres (66 ft) tall, with wings measuring 54 metres (177 ft) across and its wingspan is often compared to that of a Boeing 757 jet, which is actually smaller.

I pop up there now and again when I want a quick photgraphy fix, so a few weeks ago I went up on a blue sky day and took the Contax Aria with me. The film I had in was a Cinestill 400D. For any film photographers reading this….

“CineStill Film celebrated its 5th birthday in 2017, having quickly developed a fantastic reputation world-wide for their innovative approach to fulfilling analogue needs. They are specialists in converting rolls of cinema film – designed for movies and hence the name CineStill Film – into batches of 35mm and medium format film that can be used in thousands of cameras, and developed in any minilab in the world. Their passion is for everyday photographers who buy CineStill film to have the same access to high-quality emulsions as Steven Spielberg, Wes Anderson, Martin Scorsese, and The Coen Brothers!”
from Analogue Wonderland.

There are some hedges and bushes or trees at the bottom of the hill that the Angel stands on, and people leave messages to their dead relatives and loved ones on the branches.

I took some shots there in 2016 not long after people had started doing that, and the only thing I could find that was there now is this Teddy Bear

How sad is that?

That’s it this week, but

📷 🎞️ 😊

Friday Film ~ Christmas Market Day Dec 2022

December 30, 2022December 27, 2022Posted in adventures, Cinestil 800, Contax Aria, Film, North Shields, Photography, South SHields28 Comments

My Sunday post on the Universe Blog coincided with Christmas day, and so my post was about the Christmas Markets in North and South Shields, all taken with my iPhone, not thinking I’d have my film shots back from development. The wonderful people at Analogue Wonderland exceeded my expectations though, and I got them back on Christmas Eve.

These then are the accompanying photographs, all taken on a Contax Aria loaded with Cinestil 800D.

Outside a pub next to the market in North Shields a group of people singing carols and playing what I assume are ukeleles, were doing a cracking job.

The North Shields Ukelele Consortium ~ Santa division.

The first appearance of roasted chestnuts is a mystery, though they were thought to signify chastity for Christians. Some believe they had already made an appearance during the 16th century as a street snack in Rome.

🎶Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. 🎵 Or at least in a mini oven.

I saw this lady, and asked to take her photo

and then I saw this man, and did the same

I have no idea what this stall had to do with Christmas

Over to South Shields and their Christmas Market was even worse, this is the only shot I took.

but I took a couple of pictures on the way back to the car

The Oysten Street Gas holder has been a feature of the South Shields’ skyline since 1886. Built by G & W Walker Ltd., the design includes 16 vertical cast iron columns. It did have two huge tanks that lifted telescopically as they filled with gas, to a total height of 90ft, but it was discontinued 10 years ago. Northern Gas Networks was expected to begin demolition and removal of the redundant gas holding station from October 22 to April 23, but no sign of it happening so far.

And finally, we saw the sun set over the river Tyne.

That’s all folks! 📷 🎞️ 😊

Film Friday ~ South Shields beach front ~ Oct 2022

December 2, 2022December 1, 2022Posted in adventures, Contax Aria, Film, kodak portra 400, Photography, South SHields, Tyne & Wear, UncategorizedTagged Adventure, Contax Aria, film, fraggle, kodak portra 400, photography, South SHields23 Comments

After I’d walked around the empty funfair (here) I sallied forth beyond it to the beach front. Very few people around, but I spotted this chap with his camera photographing some little birds that were hopping about. I asked him what they were and Snow Buntings was the answer. They are a sparrow-sized bird that breeds in the Arctic (from Scandinavia to Canada), and winters in the UK, mainly around the coast. Too small for the lens I have on the Contax, but the photographer wasn’t. When Phil saw this he said the guy looks like he’s about to launch an RPG!

I liked the clean lines of the locked up Lifeguard building,

and I liked the additional rainbow that landed on it a moment later as the rain started up.

The rainbow got cut off at the edge of the clouds, but it hung about as I walked up to the skateboard park behind the funfair.

The skateboard park was, unusually, bereft of lads with their derring do, and a lone Seagull sentinel stood aloft awaiting the action.

I realise I’ve grown too old to understand the graffiti alphabet or language of today, I think there’s an M in this. But I liked the mouse. Or maybe the rat?

It was quite cold this day, and I thought she could do with a coat on, or a blanket, but I guess pirates are mean.

If only, a beach bar in Havana, warm sunshine, a Cuban Rumba on the music system, a handsome waiter pouring me a cocktail, sitting by the outside bar and gazing out to sea, ah, if only!

I left Havana, without a cocktail, and wandered up towards the beach at Trow Rocks, where a herd of people, (well 4 anyway) were walking their dogs.

And that’s the end of this roll of Kodak Portra, which I think suits the subject quite well. It was a strange afternoon, I’ve rarely seen the place so unpopulated, even though it was cold (ish), but it was also cool, to be able to focus on what there is, and not what everyone is doing. Peace and tranquility, unexpectedly. I think I’ll go back next summer when it’s all on the go, and do some contrasting photographs.

So thanks for visiting, and stay tooned for whatever comes next!

📷 🎞️ 😊

Film Friday ~ South Shields Funfare ~ Oct 2022

November 25, 2022November 24, 2022Posted in adventures, Contax Aria, Film, kodak gold 400, Photography, Tyne & Wear, UncategorizedTagged Adventure, Contax Aria, film, fraggle, kodak gold 400, photography, South SHields25 Comments

We’re going back to the funfair this week, not with the Ektar diptych maker, but my beloved Contax Aria.

A tiny History Bit

The Funfair is officially known as Ocean Beach Pleasure Park, which sounds very Victorian, which is no surprise as she was Queenie in 1899 when the fair became a permanent fixture. Mostly it’s known as The Fair, as there isn’t another one in our county unless you call Diggerland in Durham a fair, which I don’t.

Prior to 1899, travelling fairs would come along in summer, park up by the market and only be allowed legally to start up once the ordinary market stalls had finished for the day. Eventually they had their own space and could run rides any time. One of the first permanent rides was the Aerial Flight, built in the 1910’s-20’s and cost 1d (old pence) (which would be 0.23 cents in $) for a ride, and advertised that it is suitable and “approved” for all ages. (But not any of my ages, ever.)

STH0000818 Copyright South Tyneside Images 1920’s Ariel Flight Ride.

All gone now, and things are a bit more modern. Well a little bit at least.

Bird poop on his face but surrounded by laydeez, a happy chap.

There were a few Marvellous rides (this is the little bit of modern)

Black Widow being chased by an X-person I think

This chap is doing well for a 94 year old.

Would have had a go on this next one if it had been an option!

These next ones are to do with Peter Pan. Firstly a galleon which swings up high at the front, then wangs itself backwards and swings high at the back. You have a bar to hold onto, which you need when it goes back as your bum leaves it’s seat. I know as I’ve been on one prior to being in my dotage, had to hold my lad from falling out. Very scary biscuits.

This a faceless Captain Hook I believe, he was at the bottom of the steps up to the galleon.

“Death is the only adventure I have left, Smee.” (*Hook 1991*)

you can have

and have lots of

and for your little bambinos

Finally, some surprised elephants. I did wonder if it was a Disney Dumbo thing, but the ears are not long enough and there isn’t a feather in their trunks, so they’re just your average surprised elephants.

My favourite is the Zombie enclosure at the top of the post, might have to go in there when it all opens up again. That’s it for this week, but stay tooned, there’s a few more to come from outside the fair.

📷 🎞️ 😊

Film Friday ~ Contax Aria

May 13, 2022May 13, 2022Posted in adventures, Contax Aria, Film, kodak ultramax 400, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Photography, Tyne & Wear, UncategorizedTagged Byker, Contax Aria, film, fraggle, kodak ultramax 400, Newcastle Upon Tyne, photography16 Comments

Finishing up with the last pictures from a roll of Kodak Ultramax 400, as I’ve just sent off 2 rolls of Kodak Gold for developing.

Firstly three from a trip to Newcastle

Phil wanted to go to a vinyl fair which was being held in Byker, and I took a few shots on our walk from the metro station.

House of Holland…and Istanbul.. and New York…and….

Finally, my old man 🙂

all pictures embiggenable with a click 🙂

Film Friday ~ Contax Aria (3)

March 18, 2022Posted in Contax Aria, Film, kodak ultramax 400, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Photography, Tyne & WearTagged Contax Aria, film, fraggle, kodak ultramax 40, Newcastle Upon Tyne, photography20 Comments

More shots taken in Newcastle this time with Kodak Ultra Max 400.

Next door to the long closed Gaiety Theatre in Nelson Street was the Café Royale, and it’s thespian pillars are fab. Sadly the café closed in 2020 and it’s owner converting it into offices. Or would have done if not for the plague.

Literally. For now.

📷 😊

Friday Film ~ Minolta Riva Mini (2)

January 21, 2022January 20, 2022Posted in Film, Minolta riva mini, Photography, Tyne & Wear, Uncategorized, Vintage photographsTagged film, fraggle, Minolta riva mini, photography, Tynemouth Market29 Comments

I quite often visit Tynemouth Market, either with Sophie on our photographic adventures, or with Phil on his quest for bargain vinyl.

Replacing the original station which opened in 1847 to link Newcastle to Berwick by rail, the station we have now opened on 7th July 1872. It was designed by William Bell for the North Eastern Railway Company and in 1980 it was switched over to serve the Tyne & Wear Metro. (Like the Tube if you’re in the South of England, or the Subway if you’re in the USA. Not sure about anywhere else!) The station had had a long period of neglect so underwent a major restoration and was subsequently was reopened by Princess Anne on 2nd July 2012.

Newcastle Library has a few photos of it back around 1890 – 1910

On Saturdays and Sundays the market appears. There are over over 150 stalls where you can find local produce and homemade, artisan treats from independent traders, rummage for treasures on the eclectic bric-a-brac stalls or riffle through tables of second-hand books and records. There are vintage clothing stalls, vintage jewellery and accessories, where you can also pick up unique antique items, retro fashion, vintage homeware and furniture. Local artists and designers also have stalls of artiisan crafts, unique artwork, prints and photography. Food stalls with Indian, Greek, Chinese et al street food for lunch and the smells are so enticing when you walk past.

I think it lends itself wonderfully to photography, especially on film, so I took the Riva with me when I went with Phil a few weeks back and Christmas was on the horizon.

I can’t even think who would buy one of these stuffed animal heads on a plaque. Bonkers. Maybe if you own a castle? Or a movie-prop company?

I think it’s time for another visit when the weather is a bit warmer!

Film Friday

February 21, 2020February 18, 2020Posted in Film, Photography, Rolleiflex SL35, Silberra 400, Tyne & WearTagged B&W, fraggle, Gateshead, Rolleiflex SL35, Silberra 40019 Comments

Last week I posted my B&W shots in Newcastle, so this week I’m going back over the bridge to Gateshead. Same roll of film, and more wierd bits.

This next one I took in an underpass, but I have no idea what happened to it. I quite like it, looks like aliens are about to land 🙂

I took a few on my walk home after getting off the metro.

overexposed the flower, and dunno about the white fog.

and then the next shots were OK, go figure.

That’s it for this week, next time we’re off to the coast at South Shields.

Film Friday

February 14, 2020February 13, 2020Posted in adventures, B&W, Film, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Photography, Rolleiflex SL35, Silberra 400, Tyne & Wear, UncategorizedTagged B&W, film, fraggle, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Rolleiflex SL35, Silberra 400, Tyne & Wear32 Comments

I’ve got a couple of rolls developed now, so a few Fridays taken care of! Haven’t been out shooting though as the weather has been abysmal here. A couple of weeks ago I took the Rollei SL35 out to Newcastle and discovered that although the film seemed to be winding on, the counter wasn’t moving so I wasn’t sure what was happening. Well I got 36 frames back and a couple of them are unusable, and a few have wierd goings on on them, but the rest are OK. The film I used was a Russian film called Silberra 400, and it has a nice old world feel to it.

Akenside Traders, Craft Beer & Ale pub, on Dean Street, flying the flag for Brexit.

The Quayside, with what looks like a light leak on the right.

The Millenium Bridge and more dodgy bits.

I have no idea how that last shot got like that, the wierd white lights in the sky on the left and all the dusty bits. I think I might have travelled back in time when I pressed the shutter. 🙂

Film Friday

January 31, 2020January 30, 2020Posted in adventures, Film, kodak portra 400, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Olympus XA, Photography, Tyne & Wear, UncategorizedTagged film, fraggle, kodak portra 400, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Olympus XA18 Comments

I now have 2 rolls of kodak portra 400 developed. One was in my Minolta Riva Mini, and the other in my Olympus XA. The roll in the XA had been in it for over a year whilst I was busy with my 2019 385, though now and again I took it with me on outings with Sophie, so we’ll start with the shots I took with it before I decided to do a film year.

Firstly Newcastle, Christmas 2018!

Fenwicks annual Xmas window display, that year was based on The Snowman, and they were playing
‘Walking in the Air’ ad nauseum through a loudspeaker.

Pret A Manger with Grainger Street right, and Grey Street left.

I am not sure how it happens but some of the shots from the XA have come out with a red round haze in the middle of them, so I converted this one to B&W to get rid of it.

I thought this was funny, Phil not so much 🥴

I also took it with me to Dunstan Staiths, which was a Fraggle Report on the Universe blog HERE if you want to know its history.

Vintage Bossa Cafe where Sophie and I had lunch that day.

A couple of miscellaneous shots to finish..

Rotterdam ferry port quite surprised this one came out, it wasn’t on a tripod. You can see the red haze in the middle but it kinda blends in with the sunset.

I still haven’t been out with Sophie this year as the weather has been crap most weekends, and she’s been visiting her chap in Spain on the weekends it was dry! Hopefully we can get started soon and I’ll get the Rollei on the go for some better quality shots.

Back next Friday, so stay tooned! 🙂

Newcastle Upon Tyne Sept 2019

November 27, 2019Posted in adventures, Film, Photography, Tyne & Wear, UncategorizedTagged film, fraggle, kodak portra 400, Minolta riva mini, Newcastle Upon Tyne12 Comments

The Minolta Riva Mini has fast become my go-to film camera, especially when I’m out with the Fuji as my main tool of the day. The little Riva fits in my pocket, has no settings to apply, just point and shoot and hope for the best. Loading and winding the film is automatic, so on the whole a lazy-girl camera! Here are a few I took on a visit to Newcastle on a sunny day back in September.

The Quayside, with St.Stephens Church steeple just behind.

St Mary’s church, viewed from the far end of the Tyne Bridge

and a few of the Millenium bridge and rooftops as we walked back across the bridge

Tynemouth,South Shields & Seaburn, 1995

November 18, 2016February 11, 2017Posted in adventures, Film, Photography, Tyne & Wear, UncategorizedTagged 1995, Adventure, beach, film, fraggle, holiday, memories, photography, sea, South SHields, travel, Tyne & Wear, Tynemouth13 Comments

Before living up here in Tyne & Wear was even a blip on my radar, I brought Ben up for a cheapo holiday. We stayed in a lovely little B&B in Seaburn, and played on the mostly deserted beaches.