BradfordEye Updates 

 

22nd February 2012 - Take a look at the latest page on BradfordEye,  click on this link Bradford and its People Stephen Goodfellow gives a suprising insight into his life, well worth reading.

 

21st February 2012 - Bradfordeye is in the process of changing the the opening Welcome page this coming week. The new page will feature pictures taken by the various photographers who have contributed to the site this year and last.. Now what I need to fulfil this project is a picture of yourself, equipment used, something about yourself, and 3 of your favourite pictures. Just e-mail Bradfordeye at bradfordeye@yahoo.co.uk Thank you for your cooperation! Martin - BradfordEye

 

17th February 2012 - Every week there's a comment in the local paper (Telegraph and Argus) about Bradford's non existent city centre, plus other negative subjects concerning this great city.

 

 Along with my wife, I decided to pay a trip up to Keelham Farm Queensbury, this establishment has been going for some many years, and I can tell you , that on arriving today, the car park wass absolute rammed (busy). I'm not suprised, it's meat and veg selection is excellent and more than reasonable price wise, putting to shame the big supermarkets idea of how to charge for items, right up there, with how the petrol companies know how to charge for petrol, it's a wonder they don't wear masks at the tills at supermarkets and petrol stations.

 

The view on going to and from to the shop  today, is very  clear, with a strong winter sun accompanying a fierce wind! From the car park (Keelham Farm)You can see right into Leeds, which is quite considerably lower even at Bradford's lowest point, never mind when you're 1200ft above sea level, as you are if visting Queensbury, goodness! what a view! Moorland for miles Leeds city in the distance, even that was a lovely view, and beyond that, Drax and Ferry bridge power stations etc. Wonderful!

 

Why I mention this, is the fact, and it can't be ignored, Bradford city centre is not in a good state, the Westfield Hole in the ground has been documented enough, the council have been pilloried, I suppose from their point of view more than enough, although I'm not to sure about that! But you know, when you get up on the high tops of Bradford and take in  any the  views on offer, from any part of the city, it does bring you down to earth, with the realization of how great this city is, if purely from its geographical location!

 

The city can be rebuilt, and will be, the criminals (the negative aspect of any city) who think they can run roughshod over the city, with their flash cars bought with money from drug dealing etc, well they've had their day in the sun, with a number  attending, with more invited to attend, to Her Majesty's Diamond Jubillee Party this year held at a prison near them, so improvements being made there! Don't believe me, read the Telegraph and Argus, not a week goes by without some young man screwing up his life  family's, by being sent down! Very sad and very stupid!

 

Now the usual photographic item in the form of a picture, well no, not actually, you see I was in a rush to get back, as I was meeting a BradfordEye contributor,at The Boathouse Restaurant and bar in Saltaire (Simon Paul Sugden, chef at the Boathouse) this afternoon to lend him my Canon 430 EX flashgun for a  little project he's kindly doing for me in Keighley this coming next week! But I assure you I will pop up next week and post a picture to this article showing the view from Queensbury. Oh, one point here, has anyone driven down from Clayton Heights heading towards the city at the traffic lights at Arctic Parade, because if you look straight forward, you'll see a huge monstrosity of architecture, no, not the Highpoint (former Yorkshire Building Society HQ on Westgate), I mean, that's bad enough, not it's Bradford University with it's coat of not so many colours, clad in blue mainly, it rises in to your line of site refusing to go away. Not a good look Bradford University, no matter what the modernists, say whilst pushing their own agendas.

 

Yes a little of the good, living in a major English city, and a little of the bad, but you know aren't alot of cities like that around the UK, excepting Bradford has one of the best outlooks of any of them, and we''ll soon have our centre back, so Leeds can bathe in the glory of its centre, but you know, I'll put up with the city centre in Bradford for now, because I wouldn't trade what I saw up at Queensbury today for a brace of Harvey Nicholls in Bradford, I'll leave that to Leeds!

 

 

16th February 2011 - My good friend Chris Hyslop, owner of gently bentley, asked me to give a shout-out to anyone requiring a Wedding car for the forthcoming Wedding Season. He's got a beautiful Silver Bentley Arnage which I can vouch for as being a genuine Bentley. How do I know? I've been in it! Click the blue link above and get in touch. I've known Chris 35 years, and can safely say he's totally reliable.

 

 

 

15th February -2011 - Just a notification to say that a Leica page, will  soon be added to the Photographic Equipment ! Top quality equipment such as  Nikon Used and Canon Used equipment always available, if not in stock, tells us your requirements, and we'll see if we can source it. Part exchange possible on these used items, as well as the possibility of buying for cash, quality unwanted Photographic gear.

 

14th February 2012 - Given that the page Photographic Equipment only hit the BradfordEye website last night, it's certainly shot up the BradfordEye chart, featuring in the first 25 galleries. The page features Nikon Used  Canon Used  and  Lenses with many more pages, featuring a variety of high end photographic equipment to come! Keep watching and click the above links and let your fingers do the walking! Photographic Equipment can be found along with the other links on the lefthandside orf any page on BradfordEye. Give me a call if you're looking for any equipment. All calls are charged at your service provider's rate. Martin.

 

13th February 2012 - The lefthand side of the page has a new link in the, "Photographic Equipment", items for sale at present include used Nikon and Canon equipment, but keep an eye on this page as more will be added over the coming year. Click the link to view! Photographic Equipment

 

12th February 2012 - Here's a little rewind in time, I'm sure people, especially the people wh were around that era, will look back with fond memories (wel I think they will), as the title suggests, the staff at Bradford Camera Exchange North Parade being photographed, never to realize therir images would be bounced around the world to be viewed by 54 countries. Gallery 1 hosts this and can be found under the heading North Parade Staff Pictures, or just click the link below. I know there will be people who worked there, saying why isn't my picture on, well it's probably because I dont have one, or have not got to it, as of yet. However if any ex staff do have pictures they can let me have, please contact me. There are a few of BradfordEye, and no it's not an ego trip! Just simply the pics showing the fashion styles and sometimes how idiotic I could look. So this is a hit for the team as I put the first picture of me, visiting the Market Street branch in the early 80s, and admiring a mint condition Leica 111g they'd take in part exchange. I also want mention the guy in the background who ran the Janet Green Mail Order Department, a one David Guthrie, who sadly passed on a couple of years ago, RIP David! That's another reason I want this picture to be the first, as I think its the only one I've got of David. A nice quiet guy, with a very dry sense of humour, well liked by all!

 

Yours truly (BradfordEye) examining a Leica 111g in the late 70s,

at the Janet Green shop situated then

on Market Street Bradford.

The shop was managed by Des Verity

(Director R.I.P.). In the background, David Guthrie (R.I.P.)

manager of the Mail Order shop Janet Green, a subsidary of

of Bradford Camera Exchange.

 

Click the blue link to view more! North Parade Staff Pictures

 

 

 

 

10th February 2012 - The Bingley gallery, Gallery 3 features an old black and white  picture of Bingley.Take a look at the picture along with the write up of the man who kindly donated it, a certain Mr Michael Neary.

 

 

 

8th February 2012 - More additions to the Kris Gross Gallery 2,  "Bradford City Centre 70s/80s". Kris e-mailed me pictures taken in The Arndale Centre in the 80s. How I remember those times! Thanks once again Kris for unselfishly sharing your pictures with the Bradford public and beyond.

 

I'm still behind with the uploading of pictures, from photographers who contribute to the website, but be assured I will get to them in due course! Martin BradfordEye.

 

Now a sample pic and a link!

 

 

 

 

4th February 2012 - Just a quick update, the left had side of the page has a new link  "Bradford and its People". The first person to be featured is Carl Gresham, complete with picture and a write up! More people to follow as soon as I here back from them!

 

 

3rd February 2012 - I've just finished uploading a few Keighley pictures taken this week by Simon Paul Sugden for the gallery Keighley, Gallery 3. I've still a few to upload, Simon mentioning a park in, I think it was Oakworth, so they will be appearing also. The interesting thing here, is that he found some caves near or in the park. I'm sure we'll add some info to the pictures when uploaded. Thanks Simon, I know you're heading back to add more pics to this project, so we'll see what you produce next week. 

 

 

 

Now back to uploading pics from the BradfordEye gallery. These will include  more wildlife pictures taken by Sean, as always I'm behind, but I'll get there. In the meantime why not click on Sean's Flickr site. You can always find it on the links page, top of the page along with another set of interesting links.

 

 

 

Can I just mention the 3 galleries to have hit the BradfordEye pages over the last two weeks, Gallery 2  "Kris Gross Gallery" is the one to look for (top bar of the page), and Kris Gross being the man responsible, contacting me a few weeks ago via e-mail with  a sample of the pictures he took in the 70s/80s and now 90s. Thanks Kris  for unselfishly sharing them with the Bradford picture viewing public, and the other 54 countries that log on to the BradfordEye site. I informed Kris a few days ago that he had  number 1 and number 3 spots on the  galleries, as most viewed, and do you know what! He's still there! However my snow shots are in number 2 position, nostalgia pics of the Bradford of old are always popular, so lets see how this pans out over the month! Thanks for logging on and I'll be back Updating  my updates tomorrow!

 

 

 

A good way to find recent galleries is to scroll down  this page and click on the links!

 

31st January 2012 - As it's the last update to be posted for January 2012. I thought I'd share a picture and a concidence that came along, on me meeting up with Carl Gresham John Pennington - Dave "Mr Celebrity Gatecrasher" Metcalf and Geoffrey Christie. I was dropped off by my son Alex outside the rear of Wetherspoons, well Odeon side anyway. On getting out of the car, I spotted the sign "Now on Sale Sleeping Beauty" projected from the Alhambra theatre on to the wall of the former (now left to rot Odeon cinema), the Alhambra were advertising their forthcoming show to the theatre "Sleeping Beauty" by projecting a sign on to it, what a sad comedown for such a well established Bradford landmark. Almost as if the Alhambra and  Bradford Council are mocking it, least ways rubbing it in! It was the beauty bit that got me, she once was, and still could be! 

 

I was so suprised to see it, that I used my Sony K800i camera/phone instead of the Canon G9 that I had in my jacket, Stupid or what! Anyway the sign says it for me, and very sad it was to, having had good memories from years gone by in that fine establishment. Poignant, that's the word! Final part of the coincidence, well it was meeting up with John Pennington, inside along with the gang at Wetherspoons, Johns' being publicly vocal  in the fight to save the Odeon, (Gaumont when I was younger, alot!) with the organisation BORG, no not Bjorn Borg, "Bradford Odeon Rescue Group". Funny what happens, when you go out for a beer on a Sunday night!

 

 

 31st January 2012 - Well it's back to work uploading another gallery from Kris Gross. To be honest, this is not work, just a pleasure, to go back in time to a different world and a different Bradford. Memories flood back of my working in the city and my young family. And I'm sure that the many viewing this gallery will feel the same. As for the younger amongs us , well it's a trip back in time isn't it. We used to call it history, when I was in school, of course that went out with the bath water years ago!

 

Kris has worked very hard to restore old slides to give an acceptable image, lest we forget, a number of these date back easily 30 years. I spoke to Kris Sunday, informing him that it's that fastest climbing gallery we've ever had on BradfordEye, that's the power of social media, such as Facebook, like it or not, it can't be ignored, especially if you're wanting to get something out quickly to the masses. I'm hoping that Kris will get back to me with more additions to the galleries. I have to say that I have prioritised the uploading of pictures to his galleries. And I'm aware that I'm behind in loading pictures from the other contributors to BradfordEye. But at the end of the day nostalgia plays a big part in the popularity of these galleries, and I do  have to consider that! Kris's galleries can be found on Gallery 2 Click the link to view! Kris Gross Gallery - Bradford 70s/80s/90s

 

 

 

30th January 2012 - Wetherspoons Sunday night, my regular Sunday night  ale drinking friend was away in the smoke (London), and Carl, (Gresham) had asked if I was free for a repeat performance of BradfordEye attending,  along with the rest of the gang at their regular Sunday night haunt in Bradford, Wetherspoons. Not a problem as far as I was concerned, being a gregarious sort of person, and more than qualified to speak b******* after a couple of English ales.

 

Now along with this motly ne'r do well crewe, there were a couple of additions, one was called Paul, who reminded me of Robert Plant, I believe him to be in business, nice guy but didn't speak to him alot, and the other was a gentleman called Tony Sykes, no wiser yeh! Well Tony Sykes, does not live in Bradford, coming from a place south of here (Yorkshire that is), but I promise you, that if you've been to a wedding, or any kind of function in the Bradford postcode, then it's likely you've listened to the music playing through "Tony Sykes Sound" and if you were at John Pennington's Midland Hotel 0898 club, or Singles night in the 90s, you would have heard the Tony Sykes Sound. Anyway, although not from Bradford, he spends an awful amount of time here and most be well known to a number of the population. So here's a link to his website as I promised and I'm sure we'll be hearing  more from Tony, as soon as Mr J Pennington kicks of with his Octagon club in Riddlesden in the near future. Now Tony, here's that promised link! Blatant advertising I know, but I'm not being paid for it! Tony Sykes Sound Now a few embarrassing pictures, showing a group of old men, well past their bedtime and sell by date, disgracing themselves in Wetherspoon's on a Sunday evening, they should  all  be in bed with a cup of Horlicks. Disgraceful! And one a Councillor, good on you John!

 

 

 

 

BradfordEye (Martin O'Connell), John Pennington, Paul, Geoffrey Christie, Carl Gresham, and Dave "Mr Celebrity Gatecrasher" Metcalf.

Tony Sykes, John Pennington, Paul, Geoffrey Christie, Carl Gresham and Dave "Mr Celebrity Gatecrasher" Metcalf.

John was put out at the group, saying "You Should Have  Gone to Specsavers"! John retorting with, "I didn't get where I am today, by spending good, hard earned brass on such fripperies as specs". John, reprising his role as the Funeral Director  from the made in Bradford film, "Billy It's Neither a Mickling or a Muckling Liar".

 

29th January 2012 - BradfordEye has broke throught the 50 countries site viewing barrier, for the first time today.  A total  of 54 countries, now view the BradfordEye website.

 

Am I pleased, of course I am, and I would like to thank all  who contribute to the various galleries, with such a diverse collection of images. You know who you are, and if anyone reading this doesn't, well here's a name check. David Glass, Sean Gibson, Stephen Goodfellow, Helen Moore, Christine Shears, Sandra Cockayne, Alex O'Connell, Simon Paul Sugden, Martyn Sutcliffe, Andrew Holland, Kris Gross. The usual waiver! Please, if I've forgotten anyone, then I can assure you this is not intentional, just memory cells not regenerating, prohibiting me from remembering. I shall look through the galleries and see  if I can find a name I've not included! Big thanks to you all, Bradford has now a unique website, dedicated to the city and its environs, with Bradford people taking part, as indeed can be see from the various galleries (what I intended, when  first setting out, on this undertaking). Now before I go all Gwyneth Paltrow, can I just remind local Bradford Bands to forward me their Youtube along with something about the band, mames, previous and future gigs,  to  put on the Bradford Bands gallery situated lefthand side of the page! Cheers!

 

29th January 2012 - BradfordEye keeps rolling, with more pictures from Kris Gross. This gallery (Kris Gross Gallery - Bradford 70s 80s City Centre) features a mixed bag of pictures taken around the late 70s and 80s. Pictures taken when Kris is at work, his luchtime, and events held around the city. Well worth a look, and I'm sure will bring back some pleasant memories of Bradford city centre. I always advised customers who came into the  Market street branch of Bradford Camera Exchange, to carry a camera, photography is not just a weekend hobby! Well Kris certainly kept true to that  adage as can be seen from his pictures! More to come. Keep watching!

 

 

 

 Bradford Arndale Centre 1985. Kris Gross.

 

Click the link! Kris Cross Gallery - Bradford 70s/80s City Centre

 

28th January 2012 - Kris Gross hits the BradfordEye updates page for the second day in a row, with a new gallery, Kriss Gross Gallery - Concorde at Leeds Bradford Airport. A profile of Kris will soon be forthcoming but in the meantime here's a picture to wet the appetite. More galleries to come from Kris over the next few days!

 

                  

 

 Click the link to view! Kris Gross Gallery - Concorde at Leeds Bradford Airport                                                       

 

27th January 2012 - Serious hot of the press stuff this is!  What is it,  a new gallery found in Gallery 2 Called Kris Gross - Debenham's Fire 1979. Anyone old enough to remember the store going up will  recall it was on a Wednesday afternoon. I'd gone home on my day half day off, so no pics from me! Fortunately it was well covered by the Telegraph and Argus, but pictures rarely released by them.

 

Click the Link to view! Kris Gross Gallery - Debenhams Fire 1979

 

However, there was one man on the ball that day (if there were more please contact me), who had the presence of mind, not just to view the spectacle but to photograph it. His name, Kris Gross, armed with his Cosina - CSM plus winder, he blasted off a few slides of the event. Over the years, they've not aged all that well, (haven't we all) however he's done a more than competent job in rescuing them and I'm delighted he's entrusted them to the BradfordEye website for all  to see. Thanks Kris! But that's not the end of the story, please watch out for more galleries from this local Bradford photographer, I'm talking 70s and 80s, you see we have something in common, in that we were photographing a similiar era. Our era! Thanks once again Kris for the pictures! 

 

27th January 2011 - Something I've wanted to do for sometime is, I hope coming to fruition! It's no big secret that I'm a keen fan of the local music scene, little of which I know about nowadays, the 90s I suppose was the last this old guy got out to see local bands, at various venues around the city, however that doesn't mean  I've lost interest, but face it, I'd look out of place at the Gasworks or suchlike! Well maybe I can't get out to view the latest bands around the BD postcode, but hell I can get them on to BradfordEye and give them a little of a promotion under one roof, the BradfordEye roof. And that's the idea, Youtubes of local bands from Bradford, appearing  in Bradford and outside Bradford, but nonetheless a Bradford band! Right, for any of you out there wishing to promote your band, this is what you do. Send me a link to your Youtube, give me the name of the band, and band members, plus a little about the band its music and venues you've played and playing in  future. Not hard is it, shouldn't be! e-mail me bradfordeye@yahoo.co.uk by the way, if you click on the e-mail link, for some reason, don't know why, it doesn't always get received, don't know why? Best to send direct using your own e-mail system.

 

The way to access the Bradford Band, page is look to the lefthand side of any page and you'll see a number of links, Facebook, Twitter etc, Bradford Bands is just under those two links, just click and go!

 

Here's a link to give you an idea of what it will look like, no words re the bands, but they can be added later.  The  link shows a couple of videos I took last year, one, Punk Night at the Polish Club, the other, the Ginger Fringe 2011, hosted by my old mate Ian "Ginger Fringe" Austin. Click to view! Bradford Bands

 

25th January 2012 - Well it's been some time since we had Stephen Goodfellow visit the Bradford Photographer's gallery, Gallery 3. Stephen's been around an old haunt of his, Undercliffe Cemetery. He e-mail me some pictures  recently,  showing a true Bradford winter morning frost at the cemetery. The pictures jpg's 35, 36,37,38, are the  ones to be looking for, take a look for yourself by clicking on the link, and whilst you're about it, why not visit Stephen's website! Bradford Photographers' Gallery   Stephen Goodfellow's website. www.stephengimages.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Frost - Undercliffe Cemetery Bradford. Stephen Goodfellow

 

 

 

 

25th January 2012 - Sean Gibson is one of the original contributor's to the BradfordEye website. Recently upgrading to better equipment, including a very nice long tele zoom. I know Sean is a keen outdoors man, quite given to going off on his own carrying his bag of gear along with his tripod, and not just around the Bradford BD postcode. many is the time he's shown me pictures of some of the places he's pictured, usually in the North of England, and even I've been tempted to put them on the site. Of course I wont, because as we all know, BradfordEye is a dedicated Bradford BD postcode site. You can take pictures within, and you can take pictures from, but you can't take from out, of The BD postcode. Here endeth the lesson!

 

 

Any road up, he popped down to the Corn Dolly last Sunday, and collared me with a CD of wildlife shots he'd taken. Now I had seen some of his wildlife shots previously, in fact he was with a friend at the Corn Dolly recently, who had also taken  good shots of wildlife, I believe some in the Bradford area, but as I'd done with Sean's, dismissed them out of hand, because how would you be able to differentiate if they're in the BD postcode. Do you know, I can be really stupid sometimes, (of course you do, ask the people who know me), and not see the full picture, and it takes someone like Sean (great guy by the way), to bring me down from my lofty perch. This he's done, simply by the quality of his photography! Thanks Sean, and of course you'll have your BradfordEye gallery, after all there's real wildlife all over the Bradford postcode (actually you see wildlife in the city, usually at the weekend) in fact my wife spotted a huge fox drinking from our pond last night. Wish I'd had my camera!!!,

 

By the way Sean, if you're reading this, mention to your friend, that I'm sorry for dismissing his pictures as not being suitable for the site, of course they are, well they are now, thanks to you Sean! 

 

Where are the pictures, well try Gallery 3, everything seems to be going on there at the moment. I've still got a few  pictures to be  loading to this gallery so keep popping back. In the mean time click on the link to transport you to Gallery 3 and why not have a look at Sean's Flickr site whilst you're about it! Wildlife Around the Bradford Postcode and Sean Gibson's Sean@photostream flickr site.

 

 

24th January 2011 - The second of the videos featuring Dave "Mr Celebrity Gatecrasher" Metcalf, down at  BCB 106.6 FM studios, for an interview with Carl Gresham for his show, "Carl Gresham and Friends". Dave, for anyone who has  left the planet recently and just returned, has had a book published about his days meeting,  and working with the stars.  The book's called "Celebrity Gatecrasher" (the clue's in the title), and tells mostly of his days when he worked  at PENNINGTON'S night club on Manningham Lane, a well known and popular venue with Bradford people, John (Pennington), the owner, being no stranger to anyone that inhabited the Midland Hotel in the 90s, and of course John's club, PENNINGTON'S in the noughties!

 

 

 

Along with Dave, is local Bradford Cabaret singer, Michaela Smith, Michaela can be seen at Bradford's Dubrovnik hotel along with a 16 piece band. She had to leave part way through the show for another appointment, so I didn't get much chance to speak to her and learn a little more, I'm sorry about that Michaela, but I'm sure we'll hook up in the near future, and then I can give you a proper write up!

 

24th January 2012 - A new gallery hits gallery 3 today on the BradfordEye website. Simon Paul Sugden suggested a Keighley gallery and volunteered the undertaking of it. One or two of the pictures feature the centre of Keighley, but I've left a 7 picture gap from jpg 3 to allow Simon to pass on pictures of the more recognisable centre of Keighley. From jpg 8 onwards, Simon has produced pictures of a disused mill, gaining permssion from the owner's. I'm going to let Simon run with this project and make it his own, however if any photographers out there wish to add to this gallery also, it will be much appreciated. Of course it goes without saying, if you can avoid duplicating shots Simon's previously taken, then this will further enhance the Keighley gallery. Information re the pics will  be forthcoming from Simon at a later date. Click the link to view! Keighley gallery

 

23rd January 2012 - Down at the BCB studios last Thursday to video Carl Gresham talking to Dave "Mr Celebrity Gatecrasher" Metcalf. Dave's new book, (see Bradford Talkback, left handside of page) Celebrity Gatecrasher hit the shops online store (Amazon etc) just before Christmas, and he's been receiving good reviews, telling stories of meeting the stars. Fairly well documented on BradfordEye, so trawl through if you need to know more. This update is just to introduce the short video I made. I hope to be putting another video taken with Dave and Bradford Cabaret singer Michaela Smith, also at  the BCB studios , but I have had some technical problems so we'll see! Watch this space!

 

 

22nd January 2012 -  The  paragraph below with the heading BradfordEye Meets up with the "Movers and Shakers of "How Do" magazine is from a meeting  I had with them in December 2011. The magazine is dedicated to the cause that is Bradford, currently seen in pubs, restaurants and any outlet where people meet in great measure The meeting was on the 13th December 2011 at the Beehive pub.

 

22nd January 2012 -  I was in the Polish Club on Thursday (19th) with my friend Kim, and noticed the magazine there, the coming Saturday, I paid along with my wife Elaine, a visit to Shipley Library to see Sandra Cockayne and other fellow photographers exhibition (well documented below), and on deciding what to do re lunch after , we settled on The Park Keighley Rd, just by the Norman Arch entrance, and blow me it was there also. I have to say these guys are getting their distribution act together. The magazine is the second issue and has some excellent art work and articles, one of my favourites is the article on the 1 In 12, a club I know of, but know little about. Well it certainly gave me an insight to the club and its history.

 

The index page of "How Do" was brought to my attention by my wife, in that she'd discovered that they'd put the Bradford Eye Logo on. Thanks guys, it's really was thoughtful, especially as I hadn't asked. So this is my version back and hope to meet up with you soon! Below are pictures of the first two magazines.

Below are the first two issues of Bradford's cultural magazine. How Do
	How Do A cultural magazine for the people of Bradford

 

13th December 2011 - A meeting at the Beehive 6pm had David and I talking to Martin and Haig from Bradford's  latest arts magazine "How Do". Talk of content being added to the mag by BradfordEye was the main topic, which of course I'm happy to be involved with! I do feel that this magazine has something to offer in embracing all sectors of society within the Bradford district, but not ignoring the business side that drives a city, and for this I feel they're are heading in the right direction. An arts magazine cannot self fund itself without some form of grant, this is going to be difficult in the future, so sponsorship in the form of advertising becomes more relevant, and this is where the business sector and the magazine should be working together, after all, we are  trying to achieve the same goal, and that's driving Bradford forward of course"!

 

I was as indeed David was, impressed with the quality of the magazine, its size, paper quality ,art work and content. The enthusiasm and the ability of these two men to drive it forward is in no doubt, but as in everything, timing and luck comes into play also. I will certainly give them my support and hope we can work on future ventures in the new year. The best to you both and all involved in this magazine. BradfordEye.

 

 

21st January 2012 -  What a windy day! Shipley Library is the order of the day as both my wife and I battle down from the Car Park near Asda Shipley. A great Library Shipley has, quite spacious with plenty of room  for exhibitions, for that is where we're heading if you read the previous updates. Sandra Cockayne, along with fellow  photographers were working very hard on Monday when I arrived, with my patient wife Elaine in tow, to take a look, however, they were in the throughs of putting it on. So we had a quick look around spoke Sandra and off we went. This Saturday morning was different, well it was windy for a start, nonetheless there on the dot as previously mentioned 10.30, we arrived, and were treated to a fine example of photography by Sandra, and can I ask Sandra if she's reading this to give me the name of the other two photographers, for they to deserve a mention for their excellent work also. After about 15minutes looking at various pictures, with Elaine verbally highlighting which she liked. Walking around one of the display units, I bumped into a lady whom I sort of recognised, and she me, it couldn't be anyone else but the second of our lady photographers to enter the gravitational field of BradfordEye, Christine Shears! Isn't it funny/strange, when you've someone for the first time but feel you've known them longer, I suppose that's the power of Facbook/Twitter, more so Facebook with me. We talked away, me mentioning the pictures Christine adds to the site (BradfordEye), must not forget that Christine was instrumental in me opening up the Saltaire Gallery on BradfordEye, so a big thanks there Christine! I assumed, why for the love of all that's holy, that Christine knew Sandra, wrong, never met, but here they are meeting, talking about cameras, pictures, like they've known each other for years, agreeing to meet again, women are great at that old social stuff! Christine Shears, Sandra Cockayne, look at their initials and you do the maths. They live amongst us!!! I must admit I had a great time, but this is no forum for good long photo chats, when Miss/Ms /Mrs (never get it right) had work to do in chatting to people who were viewing pictures, so it was with that , that our leave was begged, but not before this guy comes into our group, with Sandra introducing him to me, our latest contributor to BradfordEye, and a man with his own photographic website, I feel a link coming on,  Andrew Holland Photography for that is his name. A few words exchanged and a promise to meet up for a beer, ladies invited to, they can pay! And we departed, having had a really great hour at Shipley Library. Lovely meeting people, instead of just social networking all the time, I think it will catch on!  Wouldn't be an update if not for a picture so here's one for you!

 

 

 

20th January 2012 - Well that 's alot to be viewing below, I don't think I've ever put on so many links! Just to say  the site BradfordEye is not just about pictures I took some 45 years ago, no, it's about people who contribute to the site, who have a talent or aquiring a talent through force of determination, that's the human spirit, not just sitting looking at the box and being a passive voyeur of life, it's taking part, lifting your game getting out and doing something. That's  the site's raison d'etere, to encourage and be used as a vehicle for local Bradford photographic talent! Having said that, and as previously mentioned on this page, I am  a one mand band (no Leo Sayer jokes please) available time plus good health, have to be in synchro when it comes to managing the site. So please forgive me if I'm late putting any pictures or articles on the galleries! I am a shadow of mysef!

 

Now it's on with trying to get this Keighley gallery on (pictures courtesy of Simon Paul Sugden), I hope to have it on by Monday, I'm aware I'm behind, but in the meantime I've a nightmare of a video to edit also. Do you know what, it can all wait for now, because I'm tired and I'm going to have a rest I've done enough today! See you at Sandra's exhibition at Shipley Library all being well tomorrow!

 

20th January 2011 - Newsflash!!! Sandra Cockayne has  contacted me to say that she won- The "Percy Lund Rose Bowl: Best Novice All Rounder" with four images, two of them were of Salts Mill, Saltaire which received 19/20 points. The other two received 18/20. Top score, out of the the members of the Bradford Photographic Society. That is really great new for Sandra and we, me, whoever, all that contribute to the BradfordEye website, must be encouraged by Sandra's magnificent efforts. Well done Sandra. Now how about a look at those pictures. Sandra is hosting an exhibition along with other photographers Shipley Library until the 28th January. I'm popping in tomorrow, and if you've got time tomorrow, I  suggest you do too.

 

 

 

                                          

         Sandra Cockayne                  

 

20th January 2012 - Andrew Holland is the latest photographer to grace the galleries of BradfordEye, in this case the Saltaire Gallery found in Gallery 3. Andrew has recently stepped up a gear in his photography, in the the form of a business here's his site, click the link! Andrew Holland Photography So I expect to see more of his work hitting the galleries along with the other BradfordEye photographers. Shall I name them! Ladies first, Helen Moore, Christine Shears, Sandra Cockayne, now the men David Glass, Stephen Goodfellow, Sean Gibson, Simon Paul Sugden, Martyn Sutcliffe, and new to the fold Andre Holland. If I've forgotten anyone, please contact me and let me put that right! The old memory you know!

 

20th January 2012 - What a day, BCB for 10.30 to prepare for Carl Gresham's interview with "Celebrity Gatecrasher" (title of his book) Dave Mr Celebrity Gatecrasher himself Metcalf. I was there for videoing Carl's show "Carl Gresham and Friends", there's me thinking,  set the camera up, point it at Carl and guest and off to the BCB kitchen for a cuppa! No! How come every man and his dog comes to visit you in the form of  technical problems when you've lined up something after when you think, indeed hope show is in the can. Carl had microphone problems, so much so he had to re-record the intro, it didn't bother my filming as the Canon microphone picks up everything in the studio (except a one way conversation with 60s pop group legend Mike Pender of The Searchers, Carl talking away to Mike on the phone, but not heard at the Bradford end due to feed back on the speakers if switched on, well that was what I was told. Mike wrote the intro for David's book so I thought it was nice of him to call the studio, the day David was being interviewed by Carl. I shall  have to cut that piece, otherwise it will look ridiculous, the Canon only picking up Carl's voice. Carl talking to himself etc. nonetheless, I re-videoed the intro (which I think is better by the way) but because we ran over time, my battery hoisted a white flag  saying dead, along with my SD showing as full on my camera. Along with Dave Metcalf was another guest, Bradford singer Michaela Smith, Michaela's music was played on the show and I briefly spoke to her, suggesting we meet up sometime and chat about her singing career. here's a picture I took on my trusty Sony K800i. I'm sure we'll be seeing more of Michaela on BradfordEye. 

 

On leaving the studio, for my next meeting, I happen to catch the eye of Carole Moss, one of my favourite people down at BCB. Carole presents the show "One to One"  click the link to find out something about the show and Carole.  BCB'S presenter of One to One - Carole Moss Last year I appeared on the show myself, Carole asks about your life, job, interests and plays records of your choice interspersed with the interview. A good format! Carole's show was going out live in studio 1 when I caught her eye, or she caught mine, and she beckoned me to the studio. I was puzzled as I couldn't imagine why she would request that I should go to studio  when her programme was going live. I was soon to find out! Carole was interviewing The writer educator Fabi Hussain and she asked if I could take a few pictures. Of course I could and did! The picture below is taken in  Studio 1, BCB's live studio. Meanwhile, why not click on the link and give Carole's show a listen. BCB 106.6 FM Carole Moss One To One This is the actual show Carole was presenting. All the links on this piece are taken from the Listen Again service on www.bcbradio.co.uk and be aware that they only have a shelf life of 28 days (more than the BBC), which I think is excellent for a local community radio station. Now those picture,  Carole with Fabehh Husein Thursday 19th January 2012 about 12.35. Now, how's that for detail!

 

Going live One To One Carole Moss and Fabehh Husein. Carole Moss BCB 106.6FM presenter of One to One. Carole Moss and Fabehh Husein - Studio 1 BCB 106.6 FM.

Where was my next appointment, well it was my turned to be interviewed, by Kevin Archer. I suggested Feroni's on North Parade, a nice Deli and Coffee bar. A couple of sandwiches later Kevin asked about the BradfordEye website and out of the blue he produces an i phone, and asks if he can record our conversation for his programme . The noise was deafening, busy place! Kevin pressed on, asking about my life, where I was originally from, and where did I see BradfordEye going, producing a curve ball "what track would you like to hear on the programme", I left it to Kevin. I couldn't believe we'd done a 15 minute interview in a busy city cafe, not easily phased Kevin Archer, a true pro!

 

 "Turn Back Time" , you must catch this one, Kevin selects a year and plays music and audio clips from the same year, brilliant! He did 1977 last week the same year my daughter was born. Here's a link to his programme on  BCB's Listen Again BCB'S Kevin Archer's "Turn Back Time" Kevin  also hosts the show "Bradford Voices", another Listen again link for you click on and get a feel for what Kevin does, this programme has Kevin going out and meeting extraordinary people in the Bradford district and recording their views, about their life, work etc. You know, real people having their 15 minutes of fame! Not often done enough on radio nowadays. BCB's "Bradford Voices" Kevin Archer Now if you'd like to know a little more about Kevin click on the next link BCB 106.6FM presenter Kevin Archer

 

 

 

18th January 2012 - Bradford Talkback page (link left handside of page) gets its first submission today in the form of a write up of a night out in Wetherspoons this last Sunday (5th), actually it's written by me along with pics of said evening. Well no one else has sent one in as yet, so I thought, I might as well kick off the page. It's really about the launch of Celebrity Gatecrasher, a book written by local Bradford lad (I say lad) Dave Metcalf. The stars of this production are Dave himself, Carl Gresham, John Pennington and Geoffrey, nice guy, never got his surname, oh yes and I was there! I've rushed this out today, so I'll revisit to make any corrections tomorrow. At the moment I'm having problems seeing! PS. To people waiting ot there waiting for pics to be loaded to various galleries, please be patient, I will get them on. At this time I'm having to prioritise! Click the link to view!

 

15th January 2012 -It was Simon Paul Sugden that brought me to the attention of Martyn Sutcliffe, Simon also bringing Martyn to the attention of the BradfordEye's website. Martyn had sent me pictures that he'd taken in Bradford for his Flickr site "Hidden Bradford", they were watermarked with his name, later kindly sending me the full file minus watermark. I recall on first viewing, at being blown away, as to the subject matter, but more over it was the shear logistics involved, which also added to my admiration of this man. Pictures taken in a city, underground, is certainly no new thing, pictures taken under the streets of Bradford, with no real backup is  totally new, and how certain individuals push the boundary's of their art. Art for that's what it is! What he does (Martyn), creates discomfort (for himself) , perhaps a little danger, maybe more given that we're in a major city's centre, but the results bare out all this effort, isn't that art, effort, pain equals a worthwhile result, to be judged later by others, as to if it's art. Many will say that photography is now for the masses  not for just a select middle class , or at the turn 20th century an elite hobby for wealthy individuals. I can certainly go back to the 60s where  comments like that were still voiced!

 

With all the equipment that's available today, and the ease of use even for the most sophisticated of equipment, one has to remember that photography is a technical subject, I'm sure for most of the pictures the average accomplished amateur, views the subject, fires away, and any problems can be resolved later in Photoshop. I fear however that if the majority of keen amateur's were using film, where bracketing shots are the order of the day, and then to develop and print to achieve the finished article, well how many would be so keen then!

 

So it's good to see an individual who's using the latest digital equipment, pushing at the gate, the Bradford gate in this case, by finding a subject that let's face it, not many people are queuing up to picture, this is what Martyn does and does well, overcoming the technical problems with constant experimentation to achieve the right result. The pictures show Bradford under and above ground, and really comes at the urban subject with  a real edge! So take a look at Martyn Sutcliffe's pictures found in Gallery 3 or his Flickr site, click the link! Martyn Sutcliffe's Hidden Bradford   Martyn Sutcliffe's Flickr photostream

 

14th January 2012 - Regular contributor Christine Shears gets the honour of having the first pictures on a new gallery. The Gallery is  Saltaire and is under the heading Gallery 3. follow the   blue link!  The pictures are winter scenes, taken in and around the environs of that World Heritage Site, that's Saltaire and I believe were taken  winter 2011 season. Christine is a keen photographer and as I've mentioned before, never much happier than being out in all weathers providing she has a camera with her. Speaking of cameras, this set of 4 pictures were taken with a Fuji Finepix camera, but I do know she's recently aquired a Nikon 3000 DSLR, so I expect some serious heavy duty photography from Chistine this year! During the 60s/70s/80s, I have to say alot of my picture taking revolved around winter, and as I worked shop hours and little free time, especially with a young family, I found taking pictures going and coming from work very satisfying, sometimes taking time out during the day to take some city shots,  as I was very  keen on urban photography, many a time taking pictures of people dealing with the harsh winter conditions.as they went to and from their work whilst working in the city!. So watch out for more of Christine's images, I shall always post if any new images or new galleries are to be added to the site, via at first the Updates here and later to BradfordEye's Facebook page, of course that goes also to Twitter and lately to Bradford Bloggers Club. Alot of work but I feel it's worth it, especially when you're attracting local photographic talent, and images that are a little bit more out of the box.  Now Christine Shears pictures and I'll post her openbuds photostream' Flickr site also. Saltaire  Christine's openbuds'photostream Flickr site

 

13th January 2012 - BradfordEye's invited to appear on  BCB 106.6 FM's Round Table, hosted by Bethan Davis, along with co guests Rachel Deadman who works for Bradford  YMCA , retired teacher and now BCB presenter Kevin Archer, presenter of BCB's "Turn Back Time" and "Bradford Voices". The programme took the latest stories from this week's Telegraph and Argus on the following subjects, Child Poverty, "How can We Make Children Happy"  "Cuts in Spending in Bradford"  "Third of Schools Above Capacity"  "City's Car Insurance Hike is Highest in UK" and a feelgood story to follow that little lot of contemporary misery, in the form of a Mr & Mrs Patel defeating Tesco in their bid to open a shop in Idle (district of Bradford), fair play to them, Tesco wont be happy till they're ruining I mean running the world. Not much in the way of photography speak today except that Bethan did say that she's recently aquired a Canon 500D SLR, and is on the starting blocks ready to use! Best of  luck , let's see some of your pictures on BradfordEye Bethan!

 

I have to say, for someone such as myself, who's regarded by many as quite gregarious, radio holds a personal challenge (fear more like) for me, mainly that I don't have a voice for radio, I can never get the pitch right. Anyway, I was asked along and opinions were proffered and a nice atmosphere prevailed, with no verbal fisticuffs! My co presenters were very knowledgeable, and as most of the subjects had something to do with children and their welfare, I did feel a little out in the cold, but I did put forward my take on the various subjects nonetheless.

 

So that was my Friday the 13th! Now because I've been asked to join Bradford Bloggers Club, I feel  I should make some effort with regard to output. Because this part of the site is usually about what goes on re pics been uploaded and  new galleries  added etc,  I've never really involved myself with trivia about myself personally, and that will still be the case. The site is a photo site, with bits of stuff about the media (mainly BCB) and the many contributors to the galleries. So today I don't feel to bad, in that whilst there is not much in the way of content, re photography, I did mention the presenter of Round Table (I hope she appreciates these two mentions) Bethan getting a new camera, That's one for all you pedants out there! Finally can I just give a mention to BCB presenter Kaf Cannoville, of "Drive Time" and "Global Meltdown" notoriety, it is, was, depending when you're  reading this, Kaf's Birthday (yes I know Friday 13th) , many happy returns Kaf and hope you had a lovely day!  Kaf invited me to appear on the show, so all correspondence  disagreeing with that move, please forward to Kaf @BCB 106.6 FM.  Now click the link and be transported to Bradford Bloggers Club

 

12th January 2011 - My wife and I have just returned from a lovely new Italian restaurant on Harrogate Rd, where it crosses from New Line Greengates, still no wiser Sainsbury's just over the road. Used to be a pub, but now a very smart restaurant. The name is Pippo's, and when I say the food was excellent then I truly mean it. Anyone that reads these updates, knows that it's usually photography related, well I didn't have a camera with me, so I suppose that fits a criteria of sorts! Anyway it's a brave new venture for these people, especially opening during a recession, but can I tell you, it was busy. Well, what the heck do I know about the restaurant business, except to say that the people who put  such enormous effort in making eating out a joyous experience, certainly succeeded this evening in making it an event also! All the best from BradfordEye! No payment of any kind was made by persons known or unknown to BradfordEye for this missive. But if anyone out there would like too, please get in touch! Yes of course I'm joking!

 

 

12th January 2011 - "Bradford Photographer's", Gallery 3 getting all the attention this week. It must be months since I added pictures to this gallery. Take a look at what's on offer today. Now I think my poor hands need a rest from all this typing! Click the link to view! Jpegs 30/31/32/34, they're the latest, but cast your eyes over the rest of the talent that hits this gallery. Not "Any Old Rubbish" as Kenneth Williams would say! "Bradford Photographer's" Gallery 3

 

11th January 2011 - Certainly  getting the ladies on the galleries now, we started off with Helen Moore "In and Around the Bradford Postcode Gallery 3, Christine Shears, soon to be kicking off the first pictures on the gallery Saltaire, as soon as I can catch breath. Christine also has a number of pics on "Bradford Photographer's" Gallery 3, give Christine's  Flickr site a visit Christine Shears openbuds' photostream This week however it's the turn of our third lady, Sandra Cockayne, Sandra a most accomplished photographer, has the Facebook page Sandra Cockayne Photography  , give it a look! The picture that makes it to "Bradford Photographers" Gallery 3 for Sandra , is a night shot taken from the top of LLoyds Bank on Hustlergate (don't ask), how I remember that area well, should do worked there, socialized there and shopped there. Never seen it from this position before though. View Sandra's picture and profile Sandra Cockayne's Bradford Photographer's Gallery 3 - BradfordEye I don't think I've ever put so many links on! I'm linked out!

 

10th January 2012 - I met up with Simon Paul Sugden at the The Victoria pub Saltaire last night. Simon is  very enthusiastic but new to the hobby photography. He contacted me recently asking if I could meet up with him, as he was keen  to take any advice re his new found interest. This is something I try to stear away from, as I  feel you have to make your own way, yes by all means read up on some of the photographers that have gone before you, but do be sure to plough your own furrow. Two pictures he's taken recently have entered the "Bradford Photographer's Gallery" Gallery 3. One of Saltaire and another taken inside a derelict mill, jpg's 30/ 31. Both pictures offer something different yet are similiar subjects. Good work Simon. Speaking of which, I've mentioned before in these updates that I'm opening a Saltaire Gallery and have a number of pictures to  upload to. Christine Shears will be the first to get her pictures on (Christine gave me the idea) but if there are any other photographers out there that would like to see their  work on the gallery, then please contact me. I can't promise that I'll upload them, but will look at them and if I feel that there not duplicate of what's already on, then of course they will see the light of day on BradfordEye. Click the link to view! Bradford Photographer's Gallery

 

8th January 2012 - Sean Gibson has been on his travels in and around the Bradford area. A little nearer to home in the form of pictures taken in Bingley (Haworth pics to follow), the pictures show the locks of course, Bingley Parish church features and general area. Sean gave me a CD with pics on and it's just a question of ploughing through them to see what is suitable. I know it's just record photography, but nonetheless it does have its place in the form of historical record, Gallery 3 is where to find them under the heading "Bingley". Sean has produced some really top pictures lately, some I recall up on Teeside, Industrial, one of my favourite photo subjects, and some top notch pics taken in Whitby last year. I'm talking calendar stuff here. Alas the unfortunate thing is, neither are in the BD postcode, I will look into doing something about this later this year. How about as an idea for a gallery "Bradfordian with Camera", I could get it under the wire with that maybe. Who knows?

 

It seems BradfordEye has attracted more photographers interested in putting their work on the site. Lately Christine Shears, whose Flickr site I am currently looking at with a view to using pics from, and  latest addition Simon Paul Sugden (I believe he's the chef at the Boathouse Saltaire). I'm meeting him tomorrow at the pub opposite Fanny's about 7.30, so that should be interesting! Anyway, good to meet up, and have a chat re a mutual interest, and hope that we can see more pics on the site from Simon.

 

Christine Shears was knocking out pictures around Saltaire (I'll add next week Christine, I promise) over the Christmas holiday and she gave me the idea of putting on  a Gallery dedicated to Saltaire. Well, it's going to happen and as a thank you gesture to Christine, she'll have the honour of having the first pictures on.

 

I've lots to do next week re the site, pics to add, writing to be done, pushing the business side (Profile Your Business), however I would like you to view the Welcome page and scroll down to see view the history of Bradford's oldest Photographic retailer and multi award winning, and that's throughout the country - ProAm IMAGING, found at the rear of Bradford Camera Exchange 19 North Parade. Take a look in, mention BradfordEye, John Greenwood, Managing Director, and still very hands on, is always available to give any advice. John's worked on North Parade since 1964, so drop in and give this unique company your support. I'm sure if there's anything you require John will do his best to accomodate you. As many of you will know, I worked there for many years and still have an affection for the company. Plus, can I tell you that he agreed to sponsor BradfordEye's printing for any talks I may be giving in the future. Hopefully in the Saltaire area in the not so distant future. Now for Sean's pics - Bingley

 

2nd January 2012 - A collaboration between BradfordEye and  David Glass has resulted in  two new galleries for for Gallery 3. The pictures were taken from the top of the former Provident Financial Group (PFG), former Head Office situated on Sunbridge Rd. Provident afforded us the unique opportunity to take pictures from the top of the building, which both myself and David seized with both hands, knowing that if and when the building is sold that opportunity may never come again. So it's a big thank you to Richard Saul (Head of Facilities) and Karen Sutcliffe (Building Migration Manager), thanks for the superb cooperation you gave us, it was much appreciated and allowed us to get on and concentrate on the job in hand.  Being a Bradford dedicated website, it's especially gratifying when a big company looks favourably on a small website concern and gives it support.

 

Provident originates from Bradford, and I'm sure there were many people who were concerned when they announced the Head Office move, and that move would be a move away from  Bradford. Provident dispelled any possibility of that however, in the early days of the announcement. With all of Bradford's problems  these past few years, it was certainly good news of their staying, and ranked right up there with Marks and Spencer's new build warehouse situated at the start of the M606. Thanks once again Provident, for allowing both David and I to see this project through!  Click the link to learn a little of  the history, of this Bradford company! Provident History

 

November the 17th and 18th were the two days David and I  allocated, for this task. The equipment we'd be using is as follows. Nikon D80 with lenses as follows - Nikkor 18mm  200mm VED  f3.5-5.6 zoom - Sigma 10 20mm f4.5-5.6 zoom - Tamron BBAR 200mm 500mm f6.9 zoom - Russian 1000mm f10.5 mirror lens (6 kilograms) and a Manfrotto 55 tripod with a 329 head. I can tell you, that lot took some lugging up to the top floor, fortunately we new what to expect as Karen had given us a walk around  the building the previous week. Once aloft, both David and I marvelled at the view, and whilst there was a breeze, it in no way bothered us, although we were concerned about the lenses, especially the long ones moving in that breeze, but we carried on regardless, both of us realizing that we had to take enough shots,  hoping we'd manage to achieve a good level of sharpness. This proved more difficult with the Russian mirror lens, with an f10.5 aperture,  finding ourselves struggling for focus in the shadows, in fact, the shadows made it impossible sometimes, and that was the reason we returned the next day, the weather being more overcast but even light wise, and not as on the 17th, very sunny with increased shadow. Anyway we got the job done, and whilst there are some good views, I do feel that some of the more interesting shots will have been taken with the longer lenses.  Why? One can view a building from ground level and that's ok and good, you see what you see, but when you stick a "Long Tom" (long lens), you can see things atop of the buildings that just can't be seen at street level, such as dates on the stonework,  damage etc. And it's this that shows up in these pictures. I shall be uploading more images to the Provident Sunbridge Rd Views gallery throughout the first week of 2012, so keep looking! A big thanks to David in helping to see this project through, and hopefully we'll get a chance to take pictures on top of the new PFG Head Office on Thornton Rd. Click the links to view and keep returning as I'll be loading more images!

 

31st December - 2011 Just when I thought my work was over re the website, pictures taken by my good friend land in my inbox. To good to miss the opportunity of finding an angle in which to use them. They're of the Urban Garden, starting from jpeg 53 to 63, and I have to say the pictures do not lack impact. As usual David, one of BradfordEye's regular photographer's has stepped up to the crease and produced a set of pictures to hopefully relight the debate on where this city is going re the new shopping centre! I've added a few words as usual. There is one further thing I'd like to add, the BradfordEye website is not a political sledgehammer to be brought down on the people who make decisions for the city, after all the majority are Bradford people themselves, with jobs , families to consider and all the other things that go to make up a person's life. But nonetheless, even they have to admit that Bradford people have been more than patient, and now it's time to have some going forward re this issue. I hope they can find it in them, to allow all parties to consider Bradford's future welfare and put politics aside for now! Well that's me done for the year, and all I have to say is Happy New Year to all BradfordEye viewers. click the link to view In and Around the Bradford Postcode

 

31st December 2011 - Another venture from the ideas team (my wife) of BradfordEye. We were having a discussion about the site, and I don't know how it came about, but words like interact were bandied around, Elaine (my wife) suggesting that BradfordEye should allow its viewers to post on a dedicated page. I put forward that we had Facebook and Twitter for that, but Elaine persuaded me that Bradford people would be more inclined to put something on a Bradford dedicated site, therefore topics posted, not getting lost in the ether such as Facebook and Twitter. We'll see! So here it is, a brand spanking new dedicated page for the people of Bradford to air their views on just about any topic, but please make it about Bradford and the BD postcode if you can! To find Bradford Talkback, just look to the left handside of any page and click the link! The usual disclaimer is at the top of the page Click the link! Bradford Talkback

 

30th December 2011 - So it's off I went with David(Glass ) to the Midland Hotel to picture Carl Gresham with NBC's Royal and Entertainment Broadcaster  Neil  Sean.   We  were    told at the front desk that filming was taking place in the Forster Suite first floor Mezzanine, heading down the corridor, I saw no Carl, in fact nobody that could be associated with any form of filming. The Forster suite however does have peephole, and not being a person to shy away from doing the obvious, I spied a look  to see the NBC broadcaster, and whom I thought to be Carl, which I was to be proved later as being wrong.  Carl rolled up at 2pm (on time) to be met by myself David and a lady just coming through the Forster suite door, who I was to find out later to be Ann Mortini, Neil's mother. Miss Mortini used to live on Norman Lane, and told me that that she had a number of pictures of Bradford from her time spent here, and indeed went on to say that she had once worked for Bradford's local  radio station BCB. A lovely lady, and excellent fun! I did learn that she was involved with the SKY Arts  Channel. Anyway I gave  Miss Mortini my card and asked her to contact me, that I may look at her pictures of Bradford with a view to opening a gallery on BradfordEye, Miss Mortini  being given the usual BradfordEye credit of course. As  for it all coming about, well that's in the hands of the Gods!

 

Time to go in and take  a few pictures of Carl and Neil, pictures to be taken, left in the hands of David as I talked to all and sundry. I new Neil was on a tight schedule, and know what it's like to get  footage done and in the can etc. He really was on  the clock, with other interviews to do, and a deadline train to London for him to be involved in another project on Saturday, coming back North to Wakefield over the New Year weekend. Busy guy!

 

The pictures out of the way, David and I decided to head to a pub on Bradford Rd called The Park, it's become a favourite of ours, as we usually have a few pints of coke (and yes I mean coke) and a few games of Pool. So it's off down the beautiful staircase at Bradford's Midland Hotel and to to the Forster Square shoppers car park (more on that later), well we didn't get far, because coming up the stairs was this gentleman of let's say mature years, he was previously in the Forster Suite and of course recognising him, I let out a greeting, which he acknowledged and conversation flowed, I was to find out that this was Neil's (are you keeping up) father, a man by the name of Alan Scott of BBC radio. Alan does  "An Audience with Alan Scott" ,take  a look at the flyer below, to much for me to start typing. What I can tell you about this lovely man, well  he's certainly a man with the gift of making you laugh, with an endless stream of anecdotes rolling from his tongue, as he recounts his showbiz career and the stories of the celebrities that came his way. We must have been on the stairs of The Midland  at least half an hour, and I could see our pool game going west, but you know, David and I didn't care, because the warmth of this man captivated you! Later we decided to picture Alan by the Christmas tree, David got his Nikon D80 out and zoom lens and fired off a few pictures (see below), and you know what he was saying when David was taking these pictures, the words "Thank You", every shot, he said  "Thank You" .  Nice guy, class act! You know sometimes the unexpected is the best! 

 

We  left the Midland Hotel in the pouring rain to enter what is in mine and David's opinion probably  the worst Car Park in the UK, I refer to of course, every Bradford citizen's own personal nightmare, Forster Square Retail car park. Why oh why do we allow these developers into this city to design a one entrance in with the same entrance out car park, 25minutes waiting to get out, now I know it's Christmas and it's busy, but  Bradford Council along with the developers also know that this is a busy time of the year, dammit they should do, it comes every year! Now for a solution, how about building a traffic light controlled slip road on to Hamme Strasse, at least find a more suitable alternative! Please do something about this before something really nasty happens!

 

Carl Gresham interviewed by NBC's Neil Sean at the Midland Hotel Bradford 30th December 2011 Left  to right, Carl with NBC's Royal and Entertainment broadcaster Neil Sean (you may recognise Neil from SKY), the middle picture is that lovely gentleman both David and I met on the Midland Hotel stairs Alan Scott. Now seeing that Carl and Neil are having all this attentioned foisted on them I thought we'd give Neil's dad a plug,  because in spite of this man's years, he really  is  terribly busy, throwing himself around the UK,  giving talks of his showbiz years and if our meeting at the Midland was anything to go by, telling funniest anecdotes I've heard for sometime. As they  say in showbiz "You Can Never Have to Much Publicity" This one's for you Alan, nice coming across your path!  Click the link to know a little more about  NBC's Neil Sean

 

30th December 2011 -  At the Midland Hotel to take pictures of Carl Gresham being interviewed by NBC - Royal/Entertainment reporter Neil Sean. The interview, from what I gather, is about the celebrity Jane Mansfield who came to Yorkshire (Batley Variety Club) in the 60s, Carl took Miss Mansfield around the area (Carl was Batley Variety Press Officer at the time), with one of the places she requested to visit was Harry Ramsden's Fish shop in Guiseley, currently in the news due to possible closure. Sad, as I remember going there in the 60s as a young man when people queued around the building to get in to sample,  what  was then the finest Fish and Chips in Yorkshire, if not the UK!. Anyway, it should be abit of  fun! Click on the link if you need to know more about Neil Sean.    Neil Sean

 

29th December 2011 - A new picture added today to Bradford Photographer's, jpg 30 Gallery 3. I spotted it on Facebook and fired of a request to Mr Simon Paul Sugden for permission to display it. I don't know anything of the author, but hopefully will be rectifying that next week, when, or if I can get chance to have a chat with Mr Sugden. In the mean time enjoy the picture, and in your head, add the music of Elgar's Nimrod, for that is what I am listening to now as I upload it. Happy forthcoming New Year to all the people of Bradford and beyond! Martin.

 

24th December 2011 - Gallery 2 featuring pictures I took in the 80s of the department store Rackhams (formerly Brown Muff), I'm sure many of the older end Bradfordians will recall this most memorable of stores, situated on Market Street, just up the road from the shop I then managed, Bradford Camera Exchange, featured on the Welcome page of BradfordEye this month and next. I recall many a time going there for coffee, meeting up with friends and then walking down the various floors.

 

A sad loss to Bradford this store, and many feel that the closure stopped people from coming to the city from the outskirts of Bradford, no doubt it impacted on the foot fall at the time, in the city centre. There is a Rackhams in Skipton, but it's not the same! Still missed that store! It's the last gallery to be loaded on BradfordEye this year, I hope it brings pleasure to the people who remember this fine store, to view a shot I took around Christmas in the 80s, go to the Welcome page and scroll down. Happy Christmas - Martin. Click the link to view! Rackhams mid 80s

 

Anyway back to the pictures, they're just record shots really, I had know idea at the time that it would close. I took them on an Olympus XA, incidentally, I feel it was the finest compact film camera ever made, with a superb Zuiko 35MM f2.8 lens, shutter speeds from 10 seconds to 1/500th and the great addition of a coupled rangefinder,  Ideal for a few of the grab shots that feasture here, you have to recall, people weren't used to being photographed, so a camera that could fit in the palm of a hand was a big plus at the time. I still have one and wouldn't part with it

 

20th December 2011 - Regular viewers will have noticed the new Welcome page dedicated for the next few weeks to Bradford's oldest Photographic Retailer, Bradford Camera Exchange, in fact I'm not so sure if it's up there contending for Bradford's oldest retailer, period! 

 

This coming January starts a whole new era for BradfordEye in the form of attracting advertising to the site in the form of a Directory. Anybody out there of any age may recall the Webster's directory, a directory dedicated only to Bradford Business's. Well this will be similiar except of course it will include all business's that fall within the BD postcode. I've been approached by a couple of companies wishing to add adverts to the site, I suppose with its emphasis by way of the site's photographic leanings, yes it does have future potential! However my answer was in the negative for a number of reasons, mainly I would have lost control of the site, by that I mean, adverts would be placed without reference to me, and some of these adverts with their permanent flashing banners would be a distraction to the viewer observing a picture, video or text. My other reason, which I think is more relevant, is, when I started the site, I wanted it to be dedicated to Bradford and the BD postcode, and that included all the negativity that goes with that,  I refer to the mess that's the city centre of course, and I'm sure many others out there could add to that list. However, I live in Bradford my family are all born and bred here, this city has given me a home and work for more years then I now care to remember! So yes, I owe Bradford something back, and if that means digging out old pictures, placing them on the site, encouraging photographer's to submit their work to BradfordEye and writing about them, well that's alright! 

 

So with no outside influence re advertising to concern myself about, I can now concentrate on bringing traffic to the site from Bradford and its far flung reaches within the BD postcode. I will be concentrating on medium to small business's, offering them an excellent way of profiling their business text, pictures and in the not so distant future, video, at a price that will be well  within reach for most businesse's. We have to believe that things will improve in this country, and I feel that the site will be well placed when the economy show signs of recovery, especially within the Bradford Metropolitan district. January 1st is when it all kicks off!

 

Click on the link to get some idea of what can be achieved in the way of profiling your business.Bradford Business Directory

 

18th December 2011 - A couple of months ago I discussed with my daughter Lucy, the possibility of taking pictures from the roof of the new Provident Financial Head Office building (PFG) situated at the city end of Thornton Rd. As with alot of these things, time marches on,  later to  reingnite one's enthusiasm, especially on receiving a positive response courtesy of Richard Saul, (I presume to be head of facilities at Provident) via Karen Sutcliffe also situtated in that department (title later), Great news! Now for a little distraction. In 2001/2002 I worked as a temp at Provident, and in fact new Karen, so it was like old friends meeting as both David Glass and I called in at the new office to be given a walk around of the new building by Karen. The one thing I know about this company, is whatever they do, they do it right, courtesy was extended as we were shown all over the new building (Karen walking the legs off me) to finally arrive at our intended destination atop of  PFG Head Office.

 

Now let's be honest about the the state of Bradford city centre, where work is going on as I even type this long winded missive, well it isn't going to win any cultural awards at the moment, after all it was a building site when both David and I looked down from our birds eye view, but it wont always be like that, come 2012, there'll be a  City Garden Park with a 36m water fountain. Pictures soon I hope in the new year, will be posted on BradfordEye. Get back on that one!

 

I later dropped in t o see old colleagues,Rita, Margaret, Elaine, Linda and Diane, gosh if I've left anyone out then I'm a dead man, sorry if that's the case, get back to me please! A great time had as we swapped stories of my days working there! Quite sad really, as I enjoyed working there, but the life of a temp as I was then was move on to the next job, the next job would be Abbey National, so I didn't move to far, just across the city from the old building situated on Sunbridge Rd, where Provident had been there since 1964.

 

Now that brings me to what I've been loading on to the new gallery today, found on Gallery 3 by the title Provident Financial Head Office (former) Sunbridge Rd. You see, not only were Provident very gracious in letting both David and I take pictures from the new building, but it had come down from above (do I assume that to be Richard Saul?) that we were to be asked (Karen) if we would be interested in taking pictures from the former head office on Sunbridge Rd. Bet your sweet life we were! in fact it was only a week later that we met Karen at my former place of work in the early 2000's, weighed down with two tripods, a Russian 1000 F10.5 mirror lens, Tamron 200mm 500mm f6.9 zoom, Nikon D80 slr body, Nikkor 18mm zoom  Sigma 10mm 20mm f4.5 ultra wide zoom, finishing off with a Canon G9 and a Voigtlander Bessa L with a 15mm f4.5 Aspherical lens fitted.  Many pictures were taken, the first of course taken from ground level, the pictures taken from the roof  will be added as the week goes on, and I can assure you, that pictures such as these will not be easily found on any other site I'm aware of, so please keep lookin out for the latest updates on BradfordEye, Facebook and Twitter. Now here's that gallery! Just click the blue link! Provident Financial Head Office (Former) Sunbridge Rd.

 

16th December 2011 - If you know of HAIGY'S pub on Lumb Lane Bradford then you may have read in the local paper,  Telegraph and Argus, that the landlord of that fine pub passed away on the 3rd of December of this year. David, licensee owner along with his wife Yvonne, has been running the pub since 1989, and his funeral  was held at Nab Wood Crematorium yesterday. Not a church service, but if a man's life  can be measured by the people who attended his funeral, then all I can say Mr Haig, is that you must have made a good impression whilst on this earth for all of your 64 years. I can say that the only funeral in the Bradford area that I have attended which had as many people there, was  that of Rob Heaton (drummer in New Model Army), held  also at Nab Wood in November 2004. It goes without saying that David will be missed by his wife Yvonne, and all of his family, and that a fine and well respected Bradford man will have left a void for for the  many who knew him. I only knew David a short while, although remember him in the 90s when I used to go in to Haigy's occasionally. Recently, I'd been dropping in more regularly, and mention to him, that I would like to showcase the pub with text and pictures, both inside and out, for the BradfordEye website. David and Yvonne were very helpful, David even sending me an e-mail giving the history of, and their association with, Haigy's.

 

For the last 5 weeks, Haigy's has been on the Welcoming page of BradfordEye. I left it on longer than I would for other local companies as a matter of respect to David, Yvonne and family. However I feel the time is now right to change this, and another local Bradford company of many years' standing will feature in its place this coming weekend.  As a permanent memorial to David's association with Haigy's, I intend to move Haigy's profile to the Bradford Business Directory.  To view Haigy's profile please click on the link! Haigy's Real Ale Pub -  Bradford Business Directory

 

13th December 2011 - A meeting at the Beehive 6pm had  David and I talking to Martin and Haig from Bradford's  latest arts magazine "How Do". Talk of content being added to the mag by BradfordEye was the main topic, which of course I'm happy to be involved with! I do feel that this magazine has something to offer in embracing all sectors of society within the Bradford district, but not ignoring the business side that drives a city, and for this I feel they're are heading in the right direction. An arts magazine cannot self fund itself without some form of grant, this is going to be difficult in the future, so sponsorship in the form of advertising becomes more relevant, and this is where the business sector and the magazine should be working together, after all, we are  trying to achieve the same goal, and that's driving  Bradford forward of course!

 

I was as indeed David was, impressed with the quality of the magazine, its size, paper quality ,art work and content. The enthusiasm and the ability of these two men to drive it forward is in no doubt, but as in everything, timing and luck comes into play also. I will certainly give them my support and hope we can work on future ventures in the new year. The best to you both and all involved in this magazine. BradfordEye.

 

11th December 2011 - A new gallery for Gallery 3, "Bingley", a district within the Bradford BD postcode, gets the BradfordEye treatment thanks to that up and coming Bradford photographer Sean Gibson. Sean sent me these pictures at least a month ago, but I've been so busy,  this is the first time I''ve hade to time do anything with them. Sorry Sean! More to come from him, including this gallery, so keep watching! I intend to post something as to the history of this village, which I believe is much older than Bradford, not sure but I think it's in the "Doomsday Book" . Click on the link to view the first Bingley batch of pictures from Sean! Bingley And also view Sean's Flickr site! Sean Gibson's Flickr site

10th December 2011 - Pictures showing the entrance from North Parade's Bradford Camera Exchange, and  new and secondhand photographic equipment windows. To view, go to  Bradford Business Directory (top of the page) or click the link! Bradford Camera Exchange

 

9th December 2011 - Pictures added to Thursday's updates (8th) showing the BradfordEye interview at BCB 106.6 FM.

 

8th December - 2011 I don't normally update the Update page unless I've put something on the site either in the way of a new Gallery, link etc. But today is a little bit of an exception, a kindly message from BCB presenter Joe Ogden requesting an interview with me (about Bradfordeye) for his show "ACT" www..bcbradio.co.uk Alongside fellow presenter Chris Hyland, questions where fielded to me as to how the site came about, its content, were its going, with an interesting question from Chris Hyland "is it "commercial", I replied that this should be the case new year, and gave  details as to how this will come about.

 

It's amazing how time flies when you're being interviewed on radio, no matter how many times I'm invited onto a programme, I always come off thinking, "should not have waffled". I'm not a radio star that's certain, so I'll leave it to the professionals. Nonetheless, it's  a real honour to be invited to talk about something you love doing. So thanks Joe and Chris! 

 

David Glass,  regular BradfordEYE contributor and friend (big style) was also in the studio, and took pictures for the record, so  I look forward to seeing them soon, and expect to get them on the Bradford Community Broadcasting gallery, Gallery 3 and add to this piece also. Below are just a few of the pictures taken by David. I've . I've also posted them on Facebook along with some comment!                                                                                                                         

Pictures taken at BCB 106.6 FM showing BradfordEye being interviewed for the programme ACT hosted by Joe Ogden and Chris Hyland.

Pictures by David Glass

                                                                       

 

6th December 2011 - For some time now I've been thinking of opening a page dedicated to stories about Bradford and its people. This can include most topics, eg past times , working in shops, the mills, engineering,  the city, even contemporary subjects. It might be an opportunity for say, someone who's retired and would like to put down on record, their time living and working in the Bradford district, or maybe a younger person with something to say about the city they live in now. Naturally, I would  have editorial control, but I'm sure that people who follow the site will have an idea as to its content, thus giving them a template to work from. Early new year is when I'm hoping to get it on the site. If interested then please contact me, contact details on the Welcome page!

 

6th December 2011 -  Gallery 3,  just finished adding words to the " Bradford Camera Exchange Market Street 80s gallery" This gallery features a few of the faces of the time, and me looking back to my days at Dixon's on Cheapside. Click the link to view!

 

4th December - 2011 It's with great sadness that I've learnt of the sad passing of David Haig (RIP), of Haigy's Real Ale House Lumb Lane, and would like to offer my condolences to his wife Yvonne, and family.

 

I'd only known David a short while, dropping into the pub with various friends now and then, always commenting to anyone in ear shot what a well  turned out pub it was, with fine ales and food on offer etc. It was with that, I thought of giving the pub some publicity by taking pictures both inside and out and putting the finished result on the front page of the site. David, after me asking, kindly sent an e-mail giving me an outline of his career in the licenced trade and the various other positions he'd held. I know from talking to David that he was pleased with the finished result. David was a true Bradfordian and well known and respected by many who came across him, this I know from people,  both in and outside the licenced trade. A truly sad loss for one of Bradford's Own, and will be surely missed. RIP- David Haig.

 

4th December 2011 - The Mechanics Institute Library Social (3rd December 2011) has myself, wife Elaine and friends Margaret and David Glass attending this pre-Christmas event. I have to say I was impressed by the turn out and, of course, as usual this most well-managed event. The food  (buffet) was excellent and I managed along, with Margaret, to win a prize in the raffle draw, I seem to be lucky at that particular raffle, don't know why.

 

So thanks to the ladies who helped with the organisation, food etc, Alan Verity (Chairman) and Anthony, and more names I'm sure, but in truth I don't know them all.

 

This leads me to the previous Mechanics' previous Social held at Easter where I met a lovely lady called Ann. We spent some time talking and I was interested  to hear that she she was originally from  from County Kerry, not suprised however, as she had a look of an Irishwoman, tall and with fair hair, and a proud bearing, a sure sign of a lady from that part of the world. Well of course we had lots to talk about re the old country and I spent a pleasant hour talking to this most fascinating lady . So here I am sitting by the buffet table this Saturday, and along comes Ann. We exchanged pleasantries and I noticed that she was carrying a small booklet. Actually I really picked up on the name at the back of the booklet, the name was Errick's. To anyone in the know of Photographic Retailers within Bradford city, this was a well established company just over the road in Northgate from the company I worked at, namely Bradford Camera Exchange. But what was in this booklet?

 

Ann and I spoke for some time and I introduced her to my wife, mentioning that Elaine was an old Grange Grammar school girl. By coincidence, it happens that Ann was also, teaching French there in the 60s. Memories of  Ann's colleagues' names were thrown into the arena, as both ladies cast their minds back to a different era.    I then bumped into another lady I previously knew through work, Jackie, who turned out also to be a former pupil of Grange. With Margaret coming over to have a chat, also an old Grange girl, the Mechanics' Social was starting to take on the look of a Grange Girls' Grammar School reunion!

 

Now what was in the aforementioned book? Well go to Gallery 2 scroll down to the bottom and take a look under the heading Photography Today 1972-73. Or rather, just click on the blue link, it will be quicker.  Oh, and thanks Ann, not only for passing this Photographic nostalgic treasure on to me, but for remembering to think of me when you came across it. You really are a class lady! Now here's that link! Photography Today 1972-3

 

2nd December 2011 - BradfordEye goes commercial in the new year with a dedicated Bradford Business Directory. I'm not going to go on here explaining all  the ins and outs, just to suggest that you click on the link Profile your Buisness and read up as to what it's all about.

 

2nd December 2011 - The Mechanics Library Westgate (see previous updates) is having a Social tomorrow (December 3rd) morning from 10.30 till 12.30, this is to attract new members, so

if you have nothing better to do, then come along, I know I'll be there! Now here's that link! Profile your Business

 

27th November 2011 - Gallery 3 "Bradford Camera Exchange Market street Shop 80s" gets a few pictures added to the gallery courtesy of Selwyn Green (RIP), there's just 3 and they feature yours truly and member of staff (still is) Michael K.

Interestingly I've found more pictures to add to Selwyn's Black & White Gallery and shall be adding them in the next few days. Click on this link to view the latest additions to the Bradford Camera Exchange Market St 80s gallery, Gallery 2.

 

Along with David Glass, I've just finished photographing from the top of a building that first saw the light of day in the mid 60s. Leave you guessing on that one! The pictures are now being photoshopped (weather was flat dull) and should reach the site in the next week or two, where we have been kindly given permission to go atop the replacement brand new building, again leave you guessing etc etc. Finally, can I thank all the people who have signed up on Twitter to follow Bradfordeye, quite taken aback really. I believe I owe this to Thom Thomas R2BD2, Thanks Tom!

 

25th November 2011 - Wednesday has me driving on Northside Rd by what will be eventuallY be a wasteland, I am referring of course to Grattan. A buiding I worked in for a few years, and guess what, they were pulling it down, and do you want to know which floor the Grabber was grabbing, yes, my floor, 4th floor  Contact Centre. Fate  who knows why I drove on there, probably to instigate a memory,  just pleased I did, even if it was emotional as I saw the building being torn  down, remembering the wonderful hardworking Bradford people who were cast aside, in favour of the  Sheffield Contact Centre. Apologies for the lack of quality, wrong camera with me. Old fool that I am!

 

 

 

22nd November 2011 - A new gallery added today to Gallery 2, well I should say it's just another version of Selwyn Green's Gallery (RIP), a Black & White version, the first few pictures show the Toller Lane area of Bradford  winter 1983. When I found these negatives (kindly given to me by his widow Sylvia) I remembered the first job I had working at Hazlehursts Chemist, on the Toller Lane roundabout from 1967/69. So you can imagine my enthusiasm being somewhat raised on first seeing these, albeit some 14 years later, when I first worked in that area. There are more black&white pictures to add to this gallery, and I'll be adding them over the next few weeks. Click on this link to view Selwyn's Black & White gallery.

 

19th November 2011 - My daughter Lucy came around this evening to say that she'd been with her husband and daughter to Centenary Square, for the switching on of the Christmas lights, so one of her pictures has made the front page of Bradfordeye, I'm working on the basis that this is the first Christmas 2011 picture to be had on any Bradford website. This was my favourite Lucy! Click on this link and scroll down to see my daughter Lucy's picture!

 

Phil Wood, my daughter Lucy's husband took some pictures a while ago of the construction of the new fountain in Centenary Square, interestingly, Lucy said this switched it on this evening, anyway back to Phil, earlier this year he took some picture of the construction of said fountain, (winter snow stuff) so it would be worthwhile taking a look. Go to Gallery 3 scroll down to In and "Around the Bradford Postcode" and go to jpegs 51, 52, 53, that ok! Tell you what, why not just click on this link!

 

15th November 2011 - For the last month I've being putting together Bradford Camera Exchanges' Gallery showing a little history of the the company. However, besides the  North Parade branch there was the Market Street branch, situated in the centre of the city in The Wool Exchange Building. This was opened in the 70s and originally managed by one of the Directors of the company, Des Verity, sadly passed on some years ago. I managed it laterly, and here I've put together a few pictures of ex staff. I know I have some more negatives and slides to go through, and I would like to write up each picture later when uploaded, but for now here are a few to be going on with.

 

If the're any ex staff or indeed customers who have pictures taken around that period then I would really appreciate you e-mailing them to bradfordeye@yahoo.co.uk  Of course I will credit you with a mention. Thank you for your patience while I sort out this gallery. Bradford Camera Exchange Market Street 1980s Gallery 3. Click on this link! 

 

15th November 2011- A link to Bradford City Centre Snow Pictures on the Welcome page today. Take a look, not trying to depress you for this coming winter, just looking back!  I myself take delight in remembering the model of cars.

 

13th November 2011 -  Bradford Photographer's Gallery found in Gallery 3 is worth a visit for a new contributor Christine Shears. Pictures she's taken at Bradford Industrial Museum, show a good eye for design and texture. I've only known of Christine this last month or so and frequently vist her site openbuds on Flickr. Click on the links to view!  openbuds.  Bradford Photographer's Gallery.

 

10th November 2011 -  I have to say I think my brain has been fried, why! 2/3 days working on Bradford Camera Exchanges' profile found on Bradford Business Directory. Click the link to view.  Bradford Camera Exchange  I'll be getting back to it it in a day or two, and be contacting John Greenwood to troubleshoot for errors. Meantime it's time for a break!  

 

8th November 2011 - BCB's 106.6  FM Nick Fusco gets the front cover treatment in the form of a video from Bradfordeye, by way of a thank you for mentioning me on this morning's show. Thanks Nick!  

 

7th November 2011 - Well yet another Gallery gets added to Bradfordeye, Gallery 3 "Bradford Camera Exchanges' 50th Anniversary Show 1984". Now while I normally put a  gallery all in one go, I'm going to do this one over the next day or so, mainly because I have to a little work on the pictures due to them being scanned. How did thes pictures come about well, John at Bradford Camera found them somewhere in the bowels of the shop on North Parade. I'd popped in last week to discuss some printing for the talk I gave last week, and asked if he had some more pictures, he the produced the best part of 200 pictures, so I've alot of work to do, although they wont all go on due to repeats etc. So this week viewers will  see the pictures in order of them taken, with the final pictures taken in and around the show. The first pictures show the judging of the photographic competition that was held at the show, in the pictures Are Mrs Mabel Bruce (Bradford Camera Exchange Director, sadly passed), Dennnis Flat (Retired Telegraph and Argus photographer, and previous Nikon Photographer of the year), Richard Farrar (Fuji representative, sadly passed) and John Greenwood - Bradford Camera Exchange Managing Director. 

 

The show was held at what was The Norfolk Garden Hotel, remamed some time ago The Hilton, still based on Hall Ings. The show was opened by Daily Express and Amateur Photographer columnist Victor Blackman,sadly passed on.

 

So keep an eye out for this gallery, now click on the blue link to view! Bradford Camera Exchange link  

 

7th November 2011 - Down the side of each gallery is a short video taken whilst talking giving a talk to the  Mother's Union at St James Bolton Bradford. The first talk for some 25 years I'd say. Previously I used to give talks to the Camera Clubs and companies in and around the Bradford district. Well I'm back in the saddle doing it again, and whilst a little rusty, I know I can give a good talk not just about how the site came about and the managing of it but also a good insight to the pictures taken by me and about my time spent in the photographic retail trade. So if there are any societies etc, who would like to contact me and discuss availabilty, rates etc then please contact me either via e-mail or telephone me, details on the Welcome page, just scroll down.

 

5th November 2011 - I've added a short video I took in June of this year of the the horse Darcy (I think it's Darcy, sure you'll let me know) being harnessed in preparation for taking visitors around Bradford Industrial Museum grounds. Gallery 3 is where this is all happening and by the way there are two galleries relating to Bradford Industrial Museum 1-2. The video is on the header, you can't miss it just click to view!

 

4th November 2011 - June of this year my wife and I visited Bradford Industrial Museum. On spotting it was quiet (early morning) I decided to walk through the Museum and take pictures in order, these are the results, and whilst not ideal from a record point of view (light to strong) and being followed by people, so gave me little time, it might give you a feel of the place and its excellent work in displaying  the history of  this fine city of wool, Bradford. Gallery 3, and there's two galleries to be looking at!

 

2nd November 2011 - David Glass has added more pictures to his gallery Gallery 1, by the way I've had to retitle it to, now wait for it, although long I think the serious photographers and equipment guys will approve. David's Gallery Through a  1975 Russian MTO f10.5 Mirror lens and a 1976 BBAR Tamron 200mm 500mm f6.9 Zoom lens. Long I know but what the hey, Look at the pictures and see Bradford through a different perspective

 

1st November 2011 - I've just returned from St james Bolton church. after given my first Bradfordeye talk to the Mother's Union. This consisted of me handing out pictures (18x12) mounted on foamboard which were  handing out to the 30 plus ladies who attended. The talk lasted 45mns with the ladies handing a picture to me and I gave an explanantion as to the people, places, and anecdotes I recalled from the time I took them. I'd just like the to thank the ladies of St James Mother's Union for the kind welcome and hospitality they afforded Bradfordeye. The event was filmed and stills taken, by David Glass, he of David's Gallery, Gallery 1, and a small clip to be  uploaded shortly to the site, showing  me making a chump of myself at St James's Bolton Mother's Union. Anyway I think think the fine Ladies of St James Mother's Union enjoyed it!

 

Bradford Camera Exchange very kindly printed the pictures through there Developing & Printing division ProAm IMAGING situated at the rear of the Bradford Camera Exchange shop on North Parade. Again thanks! Click on the link www.proamimaging.com for their full range of services.

 

30th October 2011 - Well that's the front Welcome  page changed from Bradfordeye photographer Sean Gibson, and just a thank you to Sean for supporting the site, he puts alot of effort into getting his shots  in and around the Bradford area, I know I appreciate it and I'm sure many of you around the world do so also! I have quite a number of really good night shots Sean took recently, so they'll be uploads as soon as I've caught my breath, Why! Well from changing the front page yesterday to Haigy's, a Bradford real Ale pub situated on Lumb Lane. A number of photographs showing the pub the area, its history and the people who run this fine gem, David & Yvonne Haig are the owner operators of this (now that's rare nowadays) well appointed Real Ale pub situated not far from Bradford city centre.  So if you're a visitor or resident of Bradford, please take time out for a visit!

 

27th October 2011 - Very busy this week, Bradford Camera Exchange still a work in progress, latest thing to be done  is a selection of North Parade pictures taken in Winter 79' , I've put them together to make a video, not the best I've done and I'll probably revisit it soon for some adjustments, but I'm sure it's still worth a look! I've uploaded it to Youtube and the finished result can be seen on " Bradford Business Directory" on the top bar, click on Bradford Camera Exchange when you get there and scroll down.

 

I've also embeded the Youtube link featuring Bradfords' best kept secret, although I'm sure Glyn doesn't like that, yes Glyn Watkins, he of Pie & Priestley and Rudyard Kipling fame. Just scroll down and give Glyn a look, a very talented man who deserves real success in his field.

 

Finally it's nearly come to the end of our Mr Sean Gibson's stay on the the site's Welcome page, whos' next, well it's going to be a little of a theme up to Christmas. Tell you what, tell you later, keep looking!

 

21st October 2011 - I'm currently working on "The Bradford Business Directory" Bradford Camera Exchange section, I say currently, I've being battling with this site for about a year, now, and I'm sure John Greenwood , managing Director of the company must be thinking it will never come to an end. Well if it doesn't, well that's my sanity out the window! The other day I altered some HTML code and ended up placing the pictures and text left, why didn't I leave well enough alone. So I've got to get that back, hopefuly with some help from Andrew, otherwise it's back to the code book and alot of copying and pasting.

 

As some of you who have kept up with the updates re the site, my last years in the Photgraphic Retail Trade were spent at Bradford Camera Exchange, and approximately a year ago I asked John for any photos documents that I could put on a a link dedicated to the company, Bradford's oldest retail Photographic company, and I might say still in private hands. This he was forthcoming with in some numbers and these are what I'm putting on at the moment.

 

Anyway I popped into the shop Thursday of this week to get some prints made for a talk I'm doing at St James's Bolton Rd (prints I might say kindly donated to Bradfordeye by Bradford Camera Exchange and printed by their processing arm www.proamimaging.com , right that's the advert out of the way, but seriously thanks John for your support and sponsorship and I hope I do justice to the company with the finished article.

 

John has also given me pictures of Bradford Camera's 50 years anniverary held at the Norfolk Gardens (what was then The Norfolk Gradens, now The Hilton), I remember it well as I was charged with running stock between the shop and the Hotel in a hired Fiat Ducato van.  These pictures and there are quite some in number, should see daylight on the site by next week. Pictures of some faces still around and some who have sadly departed. One of the people who is not with us,  Daily Express photographer and Amateur Photographer columnist Victor Blackman, what was he doing there, well he opened it. anyway lets get them on and you can see for yourself, Bradford Camera Exchanges' 50 Years Anniversary 1984. I'll let you know as soon as they've been uploaded!

 

Finally, if there is anyone out ther who can provide me with any information re the company or pictures then pleas get in touch with me by either phone or e-mail, Details of which are on the Welcome page.

 

17th October 2011 -  In and around the Bradford Postcode Gallery 3, has 3 additions today jpegs 48 49 and 50. David Glass took pictures of the City Park, the whilst attending The Bradford Heritage Days this September, (documented earlier on this page) David used his Nikon D80 with a Sigma 10mm  20mm f4 zoom from one of the side windows in City Hall, an angle I've not seen in previous pictures of this building site.  This evening's Telegraph and Argus headlines "City Park now on the brink of being open" fit very well with the pictures uploaded today, and it will be interesting to see future pictures with interesting angles of this long awaited scheme.

 

16th October 2011 - An unusual angled picture of Lister's Mill added today, (jpeg 47) "In and Around the Bradford Postcode" Gallery 3. The picture was taken by Stephen Goodfellow. Stephen has a number of pictures on the BradfordEye site "Bradford Photographers Galley 3 and "In and around the Bradford Postcode" Gallery 3, also running his own  website www.stephengimages.co.uk showing pictures around the UK and overseas. Click on the link to view!

 

16th  October 2011 - Regular contributor to BradfordEye Sean Gibson grace's the front cover of BradfordEye this week. Sean regularly supplies pictures for the site, and whilst they don't all get used, they do get archived for later, in the event something comes up where I feel they're relevant to a future project/subject.

 

Now, what has BradfordEye been up to this week! Well as you may recall, regular readers, I've been boring you to death about this Voigtlander Bessa L with a  Heliar 15mm f4.5 Aspherical ultra wide angle lens. Well this week I had occasion to use it on Wednesday  this week. The subject chosen was Haigy's Pub on Lumb Lane, I'll be promoting this establishment via the front cover along with a few other real ale houses, within Bradford city centre in the coming weeks. Suffice to say, it seemed strange not seeing the image come up on a display at the rear of the camera, but once through that I was transported back in time to the days of winding on the film, manually finding the exposure etc. Great fun!

This incredible lens with a 110 degree field of view, really blows you away, as you capture the image via its excellent viewfinder. I'm hoping toi get some use out of this lens and have agreed to lend the camera to Stephen Goodfellow, another regular contributor to BradfordEye. I think this will pay dividends, as Stephen gets all over the Bradford postcode, and certainly has a good eye for his subject. Now whilst I remember, I'm trying out the colour blue as a way of defining the text as a link, in other words just click and go. My wife Elaine says it's a very bright blue. Well it should stand out!

 

 Stephen has his own website, featuring pictures of Bradford and also places further afield take a look!  www.stephengimages.co.uk

 

 11th October 2011 - Bradfordeye pics on display in the Urban Garden! How did this come about? Well, an e-mail from Charlie Meacham, the man who heads up the  Bradford Grid project. Charlie invited me to Bradford University to discuss pictures that were to be used by Kate Mellor in the Bradford Urban Garden as part of "Ways of Looking" project 1- 30 October 2011. The pictures taken in the 60s show young men just playing to the camera.  I most admit at showing surprise as to their inclusion as I've never thought anymore of them as little more than snapshots. However I was brought around by Charlie, telling me that Kate wanted to use them alongside pictures she'd taken, showing what she defined as Brutalism Architecture in Bradford city centre, and felt that these pictures (found in gallery 1 Bradford 60s/70s) taken in Forster Square fitted with what she required. Anyway it was nice to be asked to submit pictures and whilst I can't say that I fully understand  the concept, I have to say the finished product is visually good!

 

 

 

 

11th October 2011 - Railways within the Bradford BD Postcode has a number of additions kindly put forward by Sean Gibson. The pictures, taken in Haworth show the railway, station, and engine stock. Sean is a prolific contributor to Bradfordeye, taking pictures in and around the Bradford area, and it's for this reason he will soon be gracing the opening page on the site along with some of the pictures he's taken over the past year.

 

5th October 2011 - David Glass called to say there was a fire in Bradford city centre and from his vantage point in the suburb of Wibsey he could make out smoke and flames. So no problem for David, Nikon D80 at the ready with a 55mm 200mm zoom bolted on, and down to the end of the garden to get what in my opinion is a more than acceptable shot given as to to how dark it was getting. The fire it turns out, was an old Mill between Thornton Rd and Sunbridge Rd. It lead to evacuation of Jury's Hotel, as I write this Bradford Fire Brigade are currently damping it down, the fire having burnt all night.

 

Sharing the building with Jury's is the Provident Financial Group, and early this morning I received from one of its workers (Phil Wood) a number of pictures showing the blaze taken on a  Monday when the blaze was at its height. Thanks to Both David and Phil for letting me have these pics so quickly.

 

 

 

18th September 2011 - A new gallery for Gallery 3  "Bradford City Hall Heritage Open Day" Pictures taken by David Glass on the 10th September showing the inside of City Hall.

 

 

 

 Glyn Watkin he of the Pie and Priestley and Curry and Kipling evenings, was appearing there to give the audience an insight to the writings of J B Priestley, and what a night it was too, Glyn being on top form , getting into character for one of Priestley's most famous of plays, the 1938 play "When We are Married". A one man show and tour de force acted with great enthusiasm and certainly no small talent!

 

Priestley's take on the returning men from the First World War, and them having to fit into a society, that wanted them to be as before they left, I have to admit left me quite humble, and of a mind to read some of his works, for I've never read a single book by this author, I've seen a film yes, but have not read his actual words, this is what Glyn's about, Prestley's words and Glyn's characterizations And yet there was comedy, as previously mentioned "When We are Married", left me in tears of laughter, as Glyn sailed through both male and female parts, with the abandon of a man who knows his subject, and no fear of being questioned on that subject!

 

A windy night in Bradford with the city receiving a battering from the tailend of Hurricane Katrina, so the audience was not as it should have been numbers wise, however, this paid no matter to Glyn, for he might have been at "The Albert Hall" with the amount of vigour he applied  to one of his most favourite of subjects, alongside one of Bradford's most windy of Tuesday's. One could even hear the rain hammering down on the stage roof! No mind onwards and upwards did Glyn soar!

 

Glyn deserves alot more recognition then he achieves in the city of Bradford, especially when one considers,  the man  from Croydon, for that is where he's from, does more to lift and keep the the name of Priestley in the Bradford conscious than any Society or Organisation I may have heard of.

 

 A statue of the great man stands outside the Media Museum, passed by many, ignored by the majority, acknowledged by the few, Mr Watkin, however, brings Priestley to life with words spoken from a bygone era, yet still wihin the memory of many still living  in Bradford today.  A lovely evening Glyn and thank you for transporting me to that bygone era, for whilst like you, was not born in the city, I have come to appreciate more, the talent of this Bradford son, and in future not pass over lightly anything I may read about him in the future. That's thanks to you Glyn! I suggest any Society/Organisation wanting an evening of Entertainment, Culture, and History rolled into a couple of hours should book Glyn for this coming Autumn Winter season, you wont regret it, and if you want a little taster of what's to come, then why not watch the Youtube below, for an insight to this most talented Bradford performer. 

 

                                                                         

 

Glyn Watkin

 

 

8th September 2011 - A new gallery for Gallery 1. "Bradford St Georges Day" Parade,held  at Valley Parade,  where Bradford Scouts Cubs and Guide's and numerous other organisations celebrate  England's patron Saint's Day. I think these pictures came about, because of me taking my brother, who was a Cub Scout, to the event. I suppose I took it as a photo opportunity! The pictures I believe are around the years 1967/68. Anyway, I hope you enjoy looking at them, and should anybody has anything to offer in the way of information concerning this event, I will be most grateful as I would like to add some words to the header on the gallery.

 

7th September 2011 - Bradford Heritage 3 day event kicks off this week from Thursday 8th till Saturday 10th. The event gives Bradford people and people outside of the district the opportunity to visit some of Bradford's famous Heritage in the form of it's buildings, public, and others not generally opened to the general public. "The Mechanics Institute Library" is where I'm coming, from re this event, I've been a member for some years and have held a few exhibitions there. Pictures being exhibited willl include many I've taken myself over the years, but I'm delighted to say that this year there will be a number taken by some of the photographers that  display their pictures on BradfordEye's " Bradford Photographer's Gallery" (Gallery 3), names such as David Glass, Stephen Goodfellow, and Sean Gibson. So please take the opportunity to visit the various buildings, especially "The Mechanics Institute Library", speaking of which, another exhibition you will see, is Graham Hall's superb collection of postcards featuring Bradford's history, along also with a display of of World War 1 history and ephemera, an absolute must see on these days, Thursday/Friday/Saturday morning and afternoon. Hours as follows, Thursday Friday hours 10am 3.30pm Saturday 10am 3.00pm. I must stress that whilst the Heritage event is on till Sunday. The Mechanics Institute Library's final day however, will be Saturday. For any further details give "The Mechanics Institute Library" a call on 01274 722857.

 

 

                        

 

3rd September 2011 - It's all Stephen Goodfellow this week! I'd just like to welcome him back from the Emerald Isle (my birth place), and to to advise all our viewers of Stephen's website www.stephengimages.co.uk of which I've included on the links page along with a little write up, this can be found on the top bar.

 

2nd September 2011 - Local  amateur photographer Stephen Goodfellow gets the BradfordEye treatment today with not only the BradfordEye opening Welcome shot for the site, but also  a number of shots taken around the Bradford area by Stephen, entering "The Bradford Photographer's Gallery". Stephen has been a regular contributor to BradfordEye for sometime now, and goes to great pains to achieve  quality, sometimes off the wall shots in around the Bradford district, also having had some recognition for his efforts for his pictures of Undercliffe Cemetery, by way of  a communique from Emily Kecic for the use of his pictures for the conference  "Bettachultcha",  a night of presentations held around the West Yorkshire area during 2011. It's good to see one of the BradfordEye photographers receive some recognition for all the effort they go to in bringing fresh images to the people of Bradford via the site, I appreciate it, and I'm certain viewers all over the world do also! Martin BradfordEye.

 

25th August 2011 - Well it's taken sometime coming, but I've finally got around to writing up the header for "Edmund Campion Youth" club gallery (found in Gallery 1), it's take a little remembering that era of my life, telling of the Youth Club and its activities and the dances that were held at the school,  and the day the the band that were to become Bradford's most successfull band "Smokie", had their power switched off by a young backstage idiot (me) that got a little caught up in the moment. I'm sure I'll be revisiting this piece for rewites so give it a look if you have any interest in that era.

 

18th August 2011 - A great opportunity has come my way , in that I've been loaned a camera (with the possibility of buying), the camera being a Voigtlander Bessa L 35mm film camera fitted with a Heliar 15mm f4.5 ultra wide angle lens fitted. I must admit,this camera appeals, in that its quite small, even with the lens fitted, I always find SLR cameras fitted with ultra wides, very big cumbersome, and of no reall use as a street camera , grabbing shots where and when you can! Set to infinity for focusing, with an aperture of f8, this little beauty achieves focus (and I mean sharp focus) all the way from 2.5 ft to infinity, so a true grab shot camera, that will leave any AF camera for dead in the water for speed. Brilliant, can't wait to use it in an urban environment,  I'll get back with the results, probably show  them  " In and Around the Bradford Postcode" gallery, so look out for them in the coming weeks.

 

13th August  2011 - Pictures added today consist of images in around the city in the early 80s. Taken by Selwyn Green, you'll find them in Gallery 2, just scroll down to "Selwyn Green".

 

10th August 2011 - A very pleasant phone call from the widow of  an old Bradford Camera customer and friend, Selwyn Green, Sylvia, for that is her name, rang to say that she had quite a large amount of slides and negatives taken by her late husband, and was sure that there were a number of pictures taken in and about the Bradford area, would I be interestd,well of course I was! To read more about this, go to Gallery 2 and scroll down to the "Selwyn Green" gallery. 

 

4th August 2011 - Early at 9am down at BCB to film BCB presenter Nic Fusco, he of the show "MUSIC ON DEMAND", a request show playing Euro music, playing requests via e-mail from all over the UK and Europe. I have to say that I have a vested interest in this show, as Saturday mornings, 9am, it was required listening as I bounced around the shower prior to me legging it up to Morrisons to do the weekly shop. Some time ago Nic and I had a chat down at BCB, with me suggesting a video, just to get him out there on the internet. I now see that another video could be on the way, having discussed one or two themes that we could introduce and indeed improve with a little slickness. Great, clever guy, whose truly a joy to be around, and one cannot fail to be carried along with his enthusiasm. So am I looking forward to making another video with Mr Fusco, yeh you're there, of course I am!

 

After my BCB escapade with Nic at BCB, I phoned Chris Hyslop of Gently Bentley fame, I thought he'd be around Bradford centre and was not wrong. A quick look in on Bradford Camera Exchange to chat with my old colleague from many years ago now, Mike Conway and later to be joined by John Greenwood, John had put me right about the name of the Processing Lab he opened behind the shop, mentioning that it was not Autopoint but Photopoint, adding a few other pointers about dates to correct on the Bradford Camera Exchange gallery found under Bradford Business Directory. Anyway we'll meet up soon away from the shop and put that gallery to bed someday, meanwhile its still a work in progress. don't know where my head is sometime, might as well called it Kwik Fit. It seemd funny as we all stood there chatting about times past and thought to myself, we can all go back 35 years with our knowledge of each other. Doesn't often happen that you keep in touch with colleagues that long, Chris has known us all this time to, and he's a customer, still to this day even.  Must be getting soppy and old, Lovely day!

 

3rd August - 2011 A new gallery added today, "Bradford Camera Exchange Winter 1979" found on Gallery 1 , some of these pictures can be found on the Bradford Snow gallery, but I decided to dedicate a specific gallery to Bradford Camera Exchange, hence the title. All the pictures were taken on North Parade, and I must admit bring back fond memories of my time there!

 

John Greenwood Proprietor and Managing Director of the company, has agreed his sponsoring the printing of pictures that will be used to give a couple of talks about the site and its pictures. These will be printed by the photographic arm of Bradford Camera Exchange ProAm IMAGING situated at the rear of Bradford Camera Exchange on Northgate.  So the least I could do was to dedicate a gallery to Bradford's oldest independent Photographic Retailer, (a shop has been in the city since 1936), so its a big thank you to John from me.

 

31st July 2011 - Invited  down to take a few pictures and video a little of The Ginger Fringe, a local Rock Festival set up by my friend of many years Mr Ginger Fringe himself Ian Austin. Going now  15 years the Fringe was set up by Ian to raise money for Cancer treatment. I've been going on and off for many years, seeing the same old faces, but this year was different in that new faces appeared with a number of them young , or is it that Ian and I are getting old, least  that's what he said. A great atmosphere and I've been told that legendary "Bradford Band Somebody's Brother" will be headlining Sunday. Doubt if I'll make that one, but always next year.

 

Having done as Ian requested I thought of heading home, talking to one of the guys I know, telling me that The Polish Club were having a Punk night. Well two birds with one stone for BradfordEye was my thinking, and with that duly headed off to a club I've been a member for years indeed I used to go there in the sixties. You could here the music as I turned the car on to Edmund Street, no doubting Punk music, it really stands out on its own, like it or loath it you can't ignore it. Straight in with the camera as I new I didn't have long. Its funny, that if you were to put on a punk CD, most men of my age would go straight to the off button on hearing one track. But when you're in that atmosphere  surounded by some really good people, it gives you a lift. I really enjoyed it and would love to have the opportunity to lash together a decent video. So sorry guys this was the best I could do in the time alloted.

 

27th July 2011 - I've just finished uploading pictures to the galleries found on Gallery 2 Shakespear's "Measure for Measure", the play was over 3 days from 21st July  23rd, I saw it on the 22nd. My friend Alan Kay heads up this troup of actors and indeed over the years I've been priveledged to see a number of their productions. The last time I saw them, Bradford Cathedral in "She Stoops to Conquer", I only had my Sony Ericsson K800i camera phone, not ideal, nonetheless, it recorded the event! This time however, I decided to take along the Canon G9, an SLR Is out of the question at this type of production, due to mirror noise. I new the camera would be up to the job however, and proceeded to take my seat along with friends Margaret and David, third row from the front, I wished I'd spoken to Alan prior to the production, that he may reserve front row seats, as this would have made it easier, but pleased that I didn't, because it may have put the actors off. The next two hours were a joy, I always think that amateur actors bring something to the theatre that is lost in the full blown professional productions that one sees in  mainstream theatres, it's that sense of true commitment, and nervousness in the actors that you see fade as the production moves along, and you're in your seat willing them on, as if you're part of the production also. Alan had been telling me that they had rehearsed for 7 weeks, and I have to admit it really showed, they didn't stumble over any of the dialogue, and if there were errors, I'm sure the audience didn't pick up on them. Gettiing back to the pictures, of course the real work didn't start till I loaded the pictures to the computer, and decide as to the atmosphere  was going to be  added to the images, not hard really!  just using the burn tool to darken the proceedings  adjusting the levels, plus a soft glow to give them some punch. So alot of work but well worth it, and yes I know I will have to revisit a number of pictures, with regard to improving them but that's another day. Martin.

 

14th July 22011 - Go to the Video section to see the last 5 videos (from the top) added. Carl Gresham Talking to Look North about his extensive record collection, filmed some years ago featuring a younger Carl and Harry Grayshon. Dave Metcalfe filmed in his 60s theme room. Dave has a book coming out this September  "Celebrity Gatecrasher", the book features pictures and stories of the celebrities he's come across over the years, some by fair some by foul. BCB presenter Dan Carroll along with co presenter Steve Newsham, demonstrate their sitting and standing up dancing skills whilst holding a Breakfast radio show together, a class act these two! Joe Ogden and Keith Wilcock have appeared a number of times on the video section, but not whilst being interviewed by the "Gresh", see how they get along when they appeared on his show "Carl Gresham and Friends".

4th July 2011 - Most of last week and this weekend I've been working on the "Local Business Gallery". Only one on at the moment but others will follow I'm sure. "Bradford Camera Exchange" North Parade is the business in question, Bradford's oldest photographic retailer and probably one of the oldest retailers in the city. As one or two of you may know, I worked there from 1975 to 1989. The gallery has picturesof the original founders along with up to date pics showing the shop  and ProAm  IMAGING the processing arm of Bradford Camera Exchange. I will finish it off by uploading more pics showing its history and a write up giving details as to what they specialize on today etc. Watch this space!

3rd July 2011 - This last Thursday (30th) had me down at the BCB studios filming Carl Gresham with fellow presenters (this time as guests on Carl's show ), Joe Ogden and Keith Wilcock. Joe and Keith expressed a wish to meet up with Carl and if possible be on his show. No sooner said than done click on the link to view one of the clips.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXXCxCc0v4s

25th June 2011 - I forgot to mention that I also photographed the wasteland site that was AIS on Northside Road. This site was well known to Bradfordians, many of my school friends worked there in the school summer holidays during the 60s. The buildings a housed a giant laundry where industrial clothing was cleaned and mended. Rumour has it that one of the big Supermarkets will snap up the site, quite big, 11 acres of it, so we'll see how that development goes. I have to say that if a Supermarket does aquire it, it is going to cause some real congestion on the Ingleby Rd and Cemetery Rd side of Bradford. Speaking of cemeteries, I visited Scholemoor along with my wife, and whilst there I took some pictures to. They should end up on the in and "Around the Bradford Postcode".

Interestingly enough the derelict AIS (became Rentokill) site is next door to Grattan (see Gallery 1) where I worked for some few years. It will be interesting to see what happens to that 60s built site also. Watch this space!

25th June 2011 - Saturday morning and it's a "what do we do today kind of morning". Some weeks ago I heard of an exhibition to be held at one of my favourite Museum's in the Bradford BD area postcode "Bradford Industrial Museum". The exhibition "England at Work" English Heritage, featured pictures and artifacts used at the turn of the 20th century and before. Well worth a visit, in fact so much so we decided (my wife and I)  to continue and tour the rest of the galleries, where exhibits include everything from Steam engines,  Car and Bus transport, Woollen Mill machinery alongside the engines that drove them. A great 3 hours spent! But that was not the end of it, I was fortunate in that I was ahead of a number of visitors, and thought this would be an ideal opportunity for BradfordEye to capture the galleries with a view to putting on the site under the heading "Bradford Industrial Museum". Well they always say the Irish have all the luck (I don't know about that as a given) but this Irishman had all the luck that Saturday morning, as I managed to photograph a large number of exhibits without  visitors included in the pictures, just concentrating on the exhibits only. Great, well Pleased! Sad footnote though, whilst there I discovered they're letting the horses go, cuts I suppose! It's a shame really, especially as you can see the pleasure they give to people whilst on their visit. The horses show another part of the industrial heritage prior and during the age of steam, I remember them during the 80s when they used to go on to Market Street along with their handlers watering the hanging baskets along with a pump they pulled. I will be sad to see them go, they've got a petition up, but the good that does will have to be seen.

21st June 2011 -  On going work re the restoration of Blog.  Regular viewers will know the site had to move to a new server recently resulting in the loss of the Blog, this has proved to be an inconvenience and for that apologies are forthcoming. At the moment the Updates section seemed to have morphed into the Blog, not an ideal situation but better than nothing. I would like to get back the old Blog so will make efforts this week. Lots of e-mails coming in concerning the galleries etc, I'll be replying as soon as possible. If you need to speak re the site go to the Contacts or Welcome page for mobile number, remember calls just charged at your service provider rate. BradfordEye.

21st June 2011 - Gallery 2 Bradford Community Broadcasting - Gallery 2, pictures added today featuring the appearance of Miss Jackie Trent at the BCB 106.6 FM studios to appear  on, "Carl Gresham and Friends"the show was aired live  the  13th June 2011 1pm, unusual for "The Gresh" as normally they're recorded, but a special dispensation was allowed for Miss Trent, after all they are old friends!  lick on the link to  and watch one of 3 clips from the show http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lerd2EN6OOM

19th June 2011 - Saturday 18th June has me going to Radio Royal's  studio at the Bradford Royal Infirmary to help promote their hospital radio station via the medium of Youtube. Carl Gresham agreed to be interviewed by station Director George Sumner and the event is well documented on the description page. Click on  the link and go! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln2OYFv1cyw

16th June 2011 - The Youtubes of the Jackie Trent recording are well up and running now click on the link which goes to Clip 2  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lerd2EN6OOM  . A good fun Youtube to video, and unusual for Carl's show in that a fan from Hull had rung BCB 106.6 FM, passing on a message that  was brought in by fellow presenter Kaf Canoville. This particular clip shows this.

12th June 2011 - Just finished writing words to accompany the gallery  "Leeds Rd 80s". The piece is  about the area then, now, and a little on the time,when I lived there in the late 50s. Well that's all out of the way now. Now on to pastures new. You may recall some time ago we had International Concert Pianist John Briggs down at the BCB studios to be filmed and interviewed by Carl Gresham for his show Carl Gresham and Friends, well since then John and I have met up a couple of times, most notably at "The Gresh Birthday Bash,  (click on Youtube link) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJHyChmhRBE also at the BCB studios  when he was interviewed by Carol Moss for the programme One to One. Well you may say where is this all leading to. To my new gallery, the one with no pictures found on Gallery 3 "Bradford and its People". Not for much longer. Oh no! John has kindly consented to be one of the first to grace the gallery and a picture with words relating to his life and career will be on in a couple of weeks. Watch this space!

12th June 2011 - Down at the BCB studios Monday tomorrow filming singer/songwriter Jackie Trent. Miss Trent agreed to come on Carl's show "Carl Gresham and Friends" after speaking to Carl some weeks ago saying that she was in the Yorkshire area in June. There's no need to go into detail re Miss Trents' career as it is  well  documented on the internet. However from my perspective Miss Trent came into my life because of the song "Where Are You Now my Love". This was one of my favourite songs of the time. In fact I'm fairly certain it was used in the early episodes of "The Avengers", not however starring Patrick McNee, but that  other fine British actor Ian Hendry,  you may remember him in the film "Get Carter". Well unless my memory has become somewhat skewed.  No suprise there if that's the case!

10th June 2011 - Have a look at the  BradfordEye video section! Last Monday 6th June 2011 Mike d'Abo dropped into BCB to be interviewed on Carl Greshams' show "Carl Gresham and Friends".  The show was recorded to be aired 27th June, however   Youtube viewers have the opportunity to view all 3 clips now. Mike had just finished a 5 night tour with "The Manfreds", travelling down from the North East to meet up just outside Bradford with his Manager/Agent Debra Franks of DFO International Music Agency www.dfo.org.uk to be taken to the BCB studios by Debra to do the show. Mike did not have on his Manfreds' hat this day however, he was here to talk of his life and promote his first CD in over 25 years "Passion Driven", a CD with all the songs penned by Mike with of course his most famous "Handbags and Gladrags" on also. LIsten to Mike over the 3 clips (Youtube for the other 2) talking of his early days in the 60s and the people he met. Visit his website www.mikedabo.comand of course don't forget this iconic 60s band and still one of the hardest touring around, "The Manfreds" website www.themanfreds.comYes you guessed right, I'm a big fan! Now buy Mike d'Abos' CD, its superb, how do I know , well he signed mine! Martin

10th June 2011 - Currently working on a new gallery "Bradford and its People" Gallery 3. If you go to the gallery you wont at this time spot any pictures, but instead an explanation  as to what the gallery is about. I've got one famous Bradford person who's agreed to be photographed and interogated by BradfordEye, so hopefully he/she should be hitting the gallery by next week sometime. No I'm not going to tell you who she/he is!

1Oth June 2011 -  I recently signed up to Twitter and whilst not inundated with followers at this time I would like to thank to those who are following and giving the site their support. This morning I received a Tweet to say that Bradford Chamber are following the site, so it's a big thank you to "Bradford Chamber" this Friday morning from BradfordEye.

1Oth June 2011 - Gallery 3 is the one to  look at today, "Bradford by Night" has been ignored by me for sometime, not that I've no pictures to upload, just other galleries taking my time. If you click on you will probably think it is devoted to Public Houses, that however is not the case, just coincidence! The pictures  however, include pubs on Lumb Lane, Bolton Road, and Preston Street.

I have to say that the Blog is still a work in progress in restoring to the site, I'm hopeful that I can retrieve the last years' Blog but if not, pleased that I used the updates as a record. Contact me either by e-mail bradfordeye@yahoo.co.uk  or Phone (calls are charged by the rate specified by your service provider, no other charges are added. UK 07521376693 - Non UK +447521376693 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              +447521376693      end_of_the_skype_highlighting) if you have any questions/queries relating to the BradfordEye site.

9th June 2011 - Phone call from David Glass (he of David's Gallery) stating my blog was not displaying, note to self, "more input required by Bradfordeye to the blog, people do read it! " That's a lesson learned! UK2 informed and currently working on it, hope I don't lose to much content from it but if I do well, there's worse things happening in the world, than me losing a few words on a website!

3rd June 2011 - Apologies for the absence of the site these last few days, apparently a new server was required to show stats. Anyway we're up now so thanks to the guys at UK2 who solved the problem. New pictures of Undercliffe Cemetery taken by Stephen Goodfellow added to "Bradford Photographer's Gallery", Gallery 3. I'll write some text alongside the pictures over the weekend, did it before but on losing the site I lost Stephen's pictures' text.

27th May 2011 - I spoke to Sean Gibson at the Corn Dolly pub Sunday the 22nd, commenting as to the pictures he'd submitted for the Gallery "In and Around the Bradford Postcode", but mentioning that if he was ever over Haworth way (home of The Bronte's) then a few pictures taken around there would be a welcome addition to the gallery also. No sooner said than done from Sean, an obvious man of action, with true Yorkshire grit and determination he's soon legging it over to Bradford's main tourist delight. Sean produced a set of pictures to give any tourist a feel for the village. However the story is not over, no! Because Haworth is not just a pretty little Yorkshire village where it's always sunny and everything is rosy, ask the people who live there! It can rain just out of spite, add to that, the moors surrounding Haworth would not look out of place in a scene from "The Hound of the Baskervilles". So, with that knowledge, I feel that I or Sean or both should show the other side of the picture and photograph it on a God awful day and get away from the picture postcard look. I'll leave that to the lovely Cotswolds, Somerset and Devon postcard producers, after all we're Northerners and used to misery, bad weather and pestilence. We'll leave the pretty scenes to the Southerners. To view go to Gallery 3, via drop down menu to "In and Around the Bradford Postcode".

24th May 2011 - Not totally nailed on, but the possibilty of an appearance down at the BCB studios of Manfreds singer Mike D d'Abo appearing on "Carl Gresham and Friends". Now that would be great to YouTube also. Get back with details if confirmed or otherwise. What a great little radio station BCB is. At least something works here because certainly the Bradford planners don't! Sorry, political I know but even BradfordEye can get angry with the way this city is treated. Note to self, "try to keep away from local politics".

24th May 2011 - I've just been informed by Carl Gresham that confirmation has come through as to Jackie Trent coming to the BCB studios Monday June 13 to appear on his show "Carl Gresham and Friends". The show will be going out live (I'll get back with the time, but probably midday) and will be recorded for Youtube by BradfordEye. For anyone not familiar with Miss Trent, she came to prominence in the sixties with the single "Where are You now My love" which I've got locked in my head as a song used in the early Avengers starring then, the late Ian Hendry (great British actor), I could be wrong!  A rare chance to hear/see a lady who was such a force within the British Music Industry when it was at its best. Information as to the the availability of the Youtube for viewing will be forthcoming as soon as its completed.

23rd May 2011 - BradfordEye acquires a contact telephone number today UK 07521376693 (non UK +447521376693 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              +447521376693      end_of_the_skype_highlighting). These details can be found on the Welcome page, and on the Contact page. Calls are charged by the rate specified by your service provider. No further charges are added.

21st May 2011 - Bradford Photographer's Gallery gets the Alex O'Connell treatment today with two pictures taken in Bingley St Ives this winter. St Ives is a country park situated between Bingley and Harden and is owned by Bradford Council.

21st May 2011 - Gallery 3 "In and around the Bradford Postcode" has some rather unusual pictures added this week, taken by Sean Gibson they show an invasion of Ermine Moth Lavae at the Shipley Fields Park. An event that hit the local paper Telegraph & Argus and BBC look North. Not for the squeamish!!!

21st May 2011 -  In the mid 80s I was invited to attend a private viewing of the Peter Black Vintage Car Museum Based in Keighley. Although a town in its own right it does however come under the Bradford Metropolitan District Council, thus qualifying it as BD postcode for the purpose of the site. Aproximately a year ago I found the negatives of the pictures I'd taken at the Museum and duly loaded them on to the site, all well and good, however as regular BradfordEye viewers will know, I usually put a few words to the picture on display, but of course if you know nothing about vintage cars, well, what have you to say, not much really! So is there anyone out there who can help me by forwarding an e-mail, either giviving me some background to the museum or at the very least put some names to the cars. As usual with BradfordEye, a credit will be given to the author as indeed I do to the people who kindly submit pictures to the site.
18th May 2011 - Bradford Camera Exchange Market St  80s. Found on Gallery 2, the gallery shows pictures of the staff and customers caught by my camera then. The difference is I've written the pictures up with a brief description with names etc. Now I know I may have got one or two, maybe more things wrong, but come on it's nearly 30 years ago so give me a break!!!

17th May 2011 - I had forgotten that I'd taken these. In fact I wasn't going to put them on, but the top end of Leeds Rd has changed so much that it came as a bit of a shock as to how much! To find them go to Gallery 1 and look for Leeds Rd 80s.

16th May 2011 -  Blog updated today.

16th May 2011 - Pictures showing Bradford City Centre taken by my good friend Helen Moore added to the "In and Around the Bradford Postcode", to be found in Gallery 3.

15th May 2011 - Pictures taken by regular BradfordEye contributor Sean Gibson have been added today. Sean is very keen on walking the Bradford area and I feel that his pictures will fit well into "In and around the Bradford Postcode" found on Gallery 3.

13th May2011 - At last I've managed to put on the Billy Pearce videos recorded down at  BCB, studio 1 Bradford 27th March 2011 on the "Carl Gresham and Friends" show. Here Billy talks about his early showbiz life and gives us a taster of his forthcoming Pantomine "Robin Hood" this coming November.

12th May 2011 - Today I've changed the heading of the photographer's gallery to Gallery 3. Why! Well I've had e-mails from people saying it's confusing, as they assume that when they click on that heading it takes them to the photographer's gallery, which by the way you'd think so, no it doesn't because there is a drop down menu, which is now where the Photographer's gallery is except it's under the heading of Gallery 3. Phew! That took some explaining. Also under the heading is a new gallery called "In and Around The Bradford Postcode" and guess what's the first picture, well it's "Bradford Telegraph & Argus Picture of the Week" taken by my good friend David Glass, he of the David's Gallery Bradford and Beyond through a Mirror Lens" it's in Gallery 3 under the heading "In and Around the Bradford Postcode" Take a look its been well documented. I think I'll have a sit down after writing this!!!

29 April 2011 - Yes it's been a while since I put anything new on the site and for that apologies but life does get in the way doesn't it. Anyway more pictures taken down at the BCB studios, featuring staff presenters and guests. Give them a look and I'll get round to writing them up this month. Meantime it's back to uploading pictures to one of my favourite galleries the "The Bradford Photographer's Gallery" next few days I hope. Oh yes you'll find the BCB gallery in Gallery 2 under Bradford Community Broadcasting.

 9th Mar 2011 - As previously mentioned, there will be times where you'll see "No Content" when sometimes you try to access a gallery, don't be concerned! it means I'm trying to publish either pictures or text to the site, sometimes I have to do this a number of times. I live with although it can be somewhat frustrating. I mentioned in my previous post of Bradfordeye videoing Bradford Community Broadcasting's programme's, well here's one to watch or should I say 3 clips. I've written about these two presenters of  ("Sunday AM and Movie Music" The Famous or Infamous Joe Ogden and Keith Wilcock) below is the video  link. Give them a look http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ll6zOz1uh0g

 9th Mar 2011 As some of you will know I've spent the last 8 months videoing  down at Bradford Community Broadcasting. These have been put on YouTube and can be found by searching "Bradford Community Broadcasting" Whilst I have (as you will see) filmed mostly the show "Carl Gresham and Friends" (incidently local big time pantomine star "Billy Pearce" is to get the Bradfordeye treatment in a few weeks, 20th March I think on Carl's show) I have and intend to fulfill my promise of filming other contributors to this fine radio/media station and to promote www.bcbradio.co.ukthrough Bradfordeye. Have a look at the Bradford Community Broadcasting gallery found in Gallery showing some of the guests and presenters. 

 9th Mar 2011 - Another contribution to the "The Bradford Photographer's Gallery added today, Sean Gibson makes another appearance with a picture of "Goit Side Falls" in a place just on the outskirts of Bradford called Harden, look for jpeg 10.  If anyone out there has a picture that's worth a punt for this gallery (Gallery 2) the why not e-mail bradfordeye@yahoo.co.uk . The picture has to have been taken in the Bradford BD area of course.

 27th Feb 2011 - Pictures added today taken by local amateur photographer Stephen Goodfellow  to the  " Bradford Photographer's Gallery " I've been a little behind with uploading pictures to this gallery due to life getting in the way of what I'd like to do. Another local Bradford beginner in this popular Hobby, Visual Art or whatever you wish to call it, (hobby when I was in the photo trade in the sixties, still does for me that description) is local amateur Sean Gibson. Sean has sent me a few pictures to look at recently , and he is not concerned with finding good locations and lugging a tripod around the district of Bradford to get the unusual shots that I want for this gallery. He's taken an unusual shot of the airport from Baildon which along with some others I hope to upload in the next day or two. It will be interesting to see how he develops. I'm still looking for photos for this gallery so please get in touch if you have any pictures to fit the criteria for this gallery. There will be shots that don't fit what I'm looking for and if that's the case please don't take it personally, just get out there and raise your game and come back to me. Best of Luck and talent. Martin

 26nd Feb 2011 - Updated the Blog about my visit to the BCB studios for my One to One with Carole Moss.

 22nd Feb 2011 - Down at the BCB studio appearing on Carole Moss's programme One To One. The show is about about Bradford people talking about themselves and their lives. I myself was not born in Bradford but have lived here 50 years originally being from the " Emerald Isle" Ireland. It can be found on 106. 6 FM or via the internet www.bcbradio.co.ukBradford Community has a new facility "Listen Again" so if you miss it then you've  the chance to pick it up later up to 28 days. Best behaviour is required so I'll try to be sensible for a change but doubt if I can make that last an hour. By the way I've been remiss in not keeping this page updated, the blog also! I 've been very busy putting pictures on to the sites dealing with e-mails and of course videoing down at BCB for YouTube the local community radio station. So apologies! Feel free to e-mail me on bradfordeye@yahoo.co.ukif you have any questions ideas, mad or otherwise. All the best to the many people over 37 countries that access the site, it never fails to blow me away when i look at the statistics for the month. Very humbling! Thanks! Martin 

FM 4th Feb 2011 - One or two e-mails saying that when accessing galleries  there are no pictures. Now the reason! Whilst uploading pictures changing text etc I have to what  is known as "publish to the site". All very well and good but over the last few months I've noticed that some of the galleries for whatever reason don't load, I don't know why and it seems that the webspace provider doesn't know either. So be assured I do check the galleries but like any human being I am flawed, resulting in me missing the odd one. That be the case please let me know by contacting me on bradfordeye@yahoo.co.uk and I will act as soon as possible to rectify the situation. So no problems with the site, I'm not shutting it down, it's just a technical hitch that can be solved with me re-publishing till my fingers drop off.

 28th Jan 2011 - More pictures to be added to the Leeds United v Bradford City gallery so keep looking! The first lot of pictures need cleaning up (scratches drop outs etc) but I'll rectify that asap.

 28th Jan  2011 - Just thought I'd let the football fans out there know that pictures added today consist of Leeds United Playing Bradford City. Gallery 2 is where to look. Not much on football but even I recognise Vinnie Jones and Lee Chapman.

20th Jan  2011 -  Blog updated today.

20th Jan - 2011 - Pictures taken in the late 80s of Bradford City AFC playing Hull AFC, look in gallery 2 for those. Lots on at the moment, more pictures of Bradford City this time playing Leeds to load up, taken in the late 80s with Vinnie Jones featuring. Last night David (David's gallery, Gallery 1) invited me up to his house in the Wibsey area to watch him taking pictures of the full moon using the Russian MTO F10.5 Mirror lens on his Nikon D80, believe it or not he stuck a 2x Komura converter on it , giving it a effective focal length of approximate 3200mm. It was a lovely night and the pictures are looking good. I'll put them through photoshop to give them a lift and load them up as soon as possible. Did you know that Bradfordeye is on Facebook, well it's on Twitter now.

15th Jan 2011 - Down  at the BCB studios tomorrow filming Sinead Brennan for the  "Carl Gresham and Friends" show. Sinead will be singing live and will be accompanied by guitarist Michael Roughton introducing Michael's son Joe who co wrote some of the songs for this new album release. So if you live in the Bradford area tune in local to 106.6 fm or via www.bcbradio.co.ukclicking on to LIsten Live. The show kicks off at 11am and is preceded by Nigel Lambert's show "Melody Sunday", the most eclectic sounds heard on any radio station anywhere, starting at 9am finishing at 11am. Carl straight after!

8th Jan 2011 - Bradford City v Sunderland 2nd Jan 1989 pictures added to the Bradford AFC gallery found on Gallery 2.

7th Jan 2011 - Another new gallery added today Bradford Northern (Bulls), this gallery can be found in Gallery 2. The pictures are of Bradford Northern (as was then) in the John Player Semi Final against Wigan 17th December 1988. As with the Bradford City pictures I will do a write up later.

6th Jan 2011 -  Yet more Bradford City pictures added today (Chelsea), pictures to follow with teams Sunderland Bournemouth West Bromwich Albion and Southampton, alot of work but worth it. Text as to the background of these pictures will be added in the near future. For people who have logged on recently to the site BradfordEye is also on Facebook for latest updates etc.

5th Jan 2011 - More pictures uploaded to Gallery 2 Bradford City AFC gallery. The pictures feature Bradford playing Chelsea on the 19th November 1988 at home. More pictures to be added as the week goes on.

4th Jan 2011 - I've just upload 6 pictures of Bradford City v Chelsea taken in 1988. I've not added any text to this gallery as yet, my main aim is to clean up the negatives resize and upload. Alot more to follow, keep looking!

4th Jan 2011 -  More pictures added today to the Bradford Winter 2010/2011 gallery, Gallery 2. I was going to put this on the Blog, I've come across some excellent football pictures taken at Bradford City in the early to mid 80s featuring such games as City against Chelsea, WBA, Southampton. I will be opening a Bradford City gallery but as I don't know much about football I wonder if there is anyone out there who knows a little Bradford City history would like contact me via e-mail and we could discuss some sort of narration for each picture eg names of players dates etc.

31st Dec 2010 - First I'd like to wish all who view the site (and it seems a large number of you from around the world do) a Happy New Year. Right what's next, well I've been asked to appear BRADFORD COMMUNITY BROADCASTING'S Carl Gresham and Friends Show this coming Sunday at 11am, with the possibility of appearing on Nigel Lambert's very popular Sunday show (prior to Carl's) Nigel Lambert's Melody Sunday" 9am 11m. Why am I on the show? Well Carl wanted to do a light sort of review of the year whilst mentioning some of the things we've done in collaboration together. He wanted this addition to be YouTubed and asked me to bring along some pictures to be viewed giving me an opportunity to promote the site, which incidently I do appreciate.

 Both Carl and Nigel have always given me support and encouragement regarding Bradfordeye  and for that  I'm most grateful, thanks of course going to BCB with a mention of worst story/joke teller in the world Mr John Pell. Try to tune in (Bradford local area 106.6 FM) or www.bcbradio.co.ukThe YouTube clips should be uploaded by Monday evening and to find them go to the Youtube site, type in to search Bradford Community Broadcasting Carl Gresham and BradfordEye Review the Year. Well lets see how that one rolls out!

24th Dec 2010 - A new gallery added today "Bradford Photographer's Gallery" The purpose of this gallery is to allow new and imaginative pictures taken in and around the Bradford district to be displayed. Photographers will be given the opportunity to show their work with the full knowledge that they will retain copyright. Before sending work, please realize that the picture will have to fit the BradfordEye criteria, in that the picture will have to have to have being taken within the Bradford BD area, be of a good photographic standard but more important be different, unusual, and cutting edge. The pictures will be viewed by a panel to see if there fit for inclusion and will be put on display for a minimum of a month. I'm hoping to start this in the new year and will put the file size on this updates section of the site as soon as possible. E- Mail me please if you think you have something suitable before sending any files.

20th Dec 2010 - Have a look at the video section on the website. Video's featuring Carl Gresham, Nigel Lambert, Old Ronnie, Frazer Hines, Sammy King and Stuart Ellis. All taken down at the Bradford Community Broadcasting studios this year. The videos are clips all featured onYoutube. To view them all, type Bradford Community Broadcasting.

18th Dec 2010 - Blog updated today.

18th Dec 2010 - I'm pleased to say that the video page, believe it or not, has a couple of videos. Hurrah I hear you say "it's been long enough coming". Any road up they're here and I'll be adding more videos taken from my Bradford Community Broadcasting Video Library. I've been told by Mr Carl Gresham that there are a number of celebrities appearing on his 2011 Carl Gresham and Friends shows, one of the first is Con Cluskey of the Bachelors (a fellow Leinster man) so I'm looking forward to filming him certainly. Kicking off the New Year is me interviewing Carl, reviewing the past year and looking ahead to future shows and celebrities. Oh yes, before I forget, there's a new links page. Always worth a look as I will be adding various site links over the next year, the first one one is Carl's, click on and see what you find!

9th Dec 2010 - I'm very proud to say that the BradfordEye site has been chosen by "The Oldie" magazine for listing in its website directory. Thanks Oldie!

8th Dec 2010 - Another new gallery added today. To be found in Gallery 2, Bradford by Night, kicking off with a couple of pub shots "Corn Dolly" (which I will improve upon) and "The Fighting Cock". The gallery is not going to be solely pubs but pictures taken around the district with the majority taken in and near the city.

7th Dec 2010 - More pictures added to the Bradford Winter 2010/2011 gallery today.

6th Dec 2010 - Pictures taken for the Bradford Winter gallery 2010/2011 today.  Taken from an elevation up Leeds Rd looking across the city, there available to view in Gallery 2. BradfordEye is also available on Facebook.

25th Nov 2010 - It's been a while since I launched a new gallery so it's with that, I can reveal that Bradford Winter 2010/2011 will soon be appearing on Gallery 2 with pictures taken over this winter season. I've already got a few pictures to add and there will  be quite a variety to view including as previously promised night shots taken over the Bradford district. Watch this space! Also have a look at Bradfordeye on Facebook.

24th Nov 2010 As per my last update, the pictures taken on Sunday's Nigel Lambert's show and Carl Gresham's show Sunday 21st November down at the Bradford Community Broadcasting studios have now being loaded up to the gallery of the same name. Text has being added to give you a little outline of the day.

23rd Nov 2010 - Last of the filming this year down at BCB. Sunday was hectic but worth it at as I  managed to film some of Nigel's show "Melody Sunday" with Nigel talking to Carl Gresham and Carl's Guest the Penny Arcade King himself Sammy King, Sammy penned the song and it was sung by Roy Orbison THE BIG O. Along with them was Stuart Ellis, Stuart is a regular listener of Nigel's. At 11 am Carl opened up his show with his theme tune Trambone (Chet Atkins) informing his listeners that his guest this week is Sammy King.
 Have a look at the blog to see how the morning went!

19th Nov 2010 - A little bit of self interest here. This coming Sunday (21st November 2010) Carl is interviewing Sammy King and his wife Linda on his show "Carl Gresham and Friends" , So some of you are wondering who is Sammy King? Well you've heard of Roy Orbison and you may have come across a song  called "Penny Arcade" sung by by THE BIG O. Well Sammy wrote it!  Tune into BRADFORD COMMUNITY BROADCASTING Sunday 11am Monday 1pm and Tuesday 9am (local Bradford area 106.6FM) or via the internet www.bcbradio.co.uk  Now the self interest bit, well it's going to be videoed for YouTube by me and believe me I'm looking forward to it. As usual Carl pulls in the guests and so he should,  he's being around the business long enough to know most of the big hitters from the showbiz world.  Hopefully I should have all the clips uploaded sometime Monday.
Don't forget to tune into Nigel Lambert's show "Melody Sunday" 9am till 11am this Sunday on the frequency and internet link given above. A truly great show with the most varied selection of music on any radio station anywhere. Easy listening, Pop, Rock and Roll, Soul, Country, Comedy even the odd Classic. Nigel even gives details of the artistes. Who does that on main stream radio nowadays. Well, no one!

18th Nov 2010 - Blog updated today - What's BradfordEye doing on Thornton Road during the rush hour.

18th Nov  2010 - David' Gallery , BRADFORD AND BEYOND THROUGH A MIRROR LENS is proving to be the most popular gallery this month that I thought a few pictures of David and I (Martin-BradfordEye) would be an interesting aside to show where we were photographing from etc. Take a look or just bypass all together.

15th Nov 2010 - Pictures and comments have now been added to the Bradford Community Broadcasting Gallery. These are when Carl met and talked to BradfordEye (me again) on the 7th of November look at previous updates and blogs for all you latecomers. Anyway take a look!
 A little bit of self interest here. This coming Sunday (21st November 2010) Carl is interviewing Sammy King and his wife Linda on his show "Carl Gresham and Friends" , So some of you are wondering who is Sammy King? Well you've heard of Roy Orbison and you may have come across a song  called "Penny Arcade" sung by by THE BIG O. Well Sammy wrote it!  Tune into BRADFORD COMMUNITY BROADCASTING Sunday 11am Monday 1pm and Tuesday 9am (local Bradford area 106.6FM) or via the internet www.bcbradio.co.uk  Now the self interest bit, well it's going to be videoed for YouTube by me and believe me I'm looking forward to it. As usual Carl pulls in the guests and so he should,  he's being around the business long enough to know most of the big hitters from the showbiz world.  Hopefully I should have all the clips uploaded sometime Monday.
Dont forget to tune into Nigel Lambert's show "Melody Sunday" 9am till 11am this Sunday on the frequency and internet link given above. A truly great show with the most varied selection of music on any radio station anywhere. Easy listening, Pop, Rock and Roll, Soul, Country, Comedy even the odd Classic. Nigel even gives details of the artistes. Who does that on main stream radio nowadays. Well, no one!
 

 13th Nov 2010 - Garth Cawood is the interviewee on the Carl Gresham show,  Carl Gresham and Friends this Sunday at 11am on 106.6FM (local Bradford area) or www.bcbradio.co.uk.Garth is from Bradford and is listed in Derek A J Lister's book (Bradford's Own) as being a Showbusiness "Entrepeneur and Theatrical Agent". Have a listen to two old friends sharing memories tomorrow on live radio. However 2 hours before (9am), why not tune into "Nigel Lambert's Melody Sunday" and listen to the most varied kind of music on any radio station anywhere, same FM internet frequency and web address as above.

12th Nov 2010 Pictures uploaded to the Bradford Community Broadcasting radio station gallery, of Carl Gresham interviewing me last Sunday (7th) on his Carl Gresham and Friends show.

12th Nov  2010 - Try not to miss Carl's show on Sunday 14th November "SPOTLIGHT ON MATT MONRO" presented by his daughter Michele Monro on the Gresh programme "CARL GRESHAM AND FRIENDS 11 am Sunday 28th repeated Monday 29th 1pm and Tuesday 30th 9am, from BCB radio (Bradford Community Broadcasting  106.6 local Bradford area) or worldwide via the internet www.bcbradio.co.uk . Also coming up is Matt Monro's Christmas Box" presented by his daughter Michele Monro, again on The Gresh Show December 26th 11am  27th 1pm 28th 9pm. Pictures of Last week's interview with Carl and BradfordEye (me) on his show CARL GRESHAM AND FRIENDS will be uploaded soon to the Bradford Community Broadcasting Gallery. Take a look!

11th Nov  2010 - Pictures of Ferrybridge and Drax power stations added to David's gallery today. Please look at the blog and updates for details re these pictures. I must admit I've somewhat rushed them on to the site to keep the interest up, as we only took them at the weekend (6th) but it has being worth it, especially given the amount of hits David's gallery has had. However I will consider taking them off to rework them in Photoshop,  as i feel there is alot more I can do to improve the quality. Don't forget these pictures were taken  with a Russian MTO 1000mm F10.5 Mirror lens fitted to a Nikon D80, from Queensbury in Bradford. A long way!

10th Nov - 2010  Pictures added today on "David's Gallery, Bradford and Beyond Through a Mirror Lens. Have a look, I've also updated the blog about them.

09th Nov  2010 - The first of the pictures taken with the Russian 1000mm F10.5 Mirror lens on Saturday 6th Nov uploaded today, see "David's Gallery Bradford and Beyond Through a Mirror Lens".  Some of these pictures are taken just to show a different perspective on the city, visually I mean!  I'll try to get the rest uploaded this week and will endeavour to  give each picture a description as to where it is. That will be difficult! While you're about it, why not give the blog a look , Saturday's excursion to the far reaches of Bradford has been documented. I have to admit that beast of a lens nearly saw me off that day.

08th Nov  2010 -  All 5 clips of Carl Gresham talks to BradfordEye plus an additional clip showing Nigel Lambert talking to both Carl and I on his show Nigel Lambert's Melody Sunday 9am 11 am prior to Carl's show Carl Gresham and Friends Sunday 11am repeated Monday 1pm and Tuesday 9am, can be found on todays blog. Just click on the link.

08th Nov 2010 - Well that's the Gresh meets BradfordEye interview all over with. The show is being repeated  today at 1pm and Tuesday at 9am just click on any of the links below and listen live. The show was also Youtube, type into search Bradford Community Broadcasting - Carl Gresham Talks to BradfordEye. I have to admit that I have a face for radio and not  TV. Anyway i stumbled through the programme and on reviewing the clips thought it went better than I thought it would, given that I'm normally behind the camera, which is where I prefer to be. . The Gresh was his usual professional self and made me appreciate the craft of the presenter in keeping a programme going. If you live in the Bradford area tune into 106. 6 FM or via the internet www.bcbradio.co.ukOh yes and I'm not a genius, but thanks anyway Carl, and for giving me the opportunity to promote my site through your fine programme. Martin

08th Nov 2010 - Being interviewed on the Carl Gresham show about the site www.bcbradio.co.ukat 11am, you can listen via the internet (click on the link), or if you live in the local Bradford area tune  into 106.6 FM.  Martin.

05th Nov - 2010 I've finally put some text (still subjected to further editing), to The Bradford Monk pictures found in Gallery 2 under "Bradford Mixed Bag"

05th Nov 2010 - Yesterday I dropped a disc with 10 pictures from the Bradford Snow gallery  that I may show them on Carl Gresham Show on Sunday the 7th Nov www.bcbradio.co.uk (local Bradford area 106.6 FM) as I've previously mentioned the programme is also being filmed for YouTube and it was Carl's suggestion if I could let the viewers see me with them. So watch if you can, especially the people from the other 31 countries that visit the site, by the way I would like to thank you for your continued support for the site and hopefully for Bradford. It doesn't always get the best deal from the Southern press in the UK.

Finally, I would like to thank all at Pro Am who rushed the pictures throught the system for me on Thursday 4th Nov, the pictures were dropped off at 8.30am and ready for collection at  11.30am, special thanks goes to my Polish friend Stephan for pulling out the stops for me. Great service as always.

02nd Nov 2010 - Blog updated today!

31 Oct 2010 - Well I had to say something on the last day of October (Haloween and all that), as I mentioned a few weeks ago I was due to be on BCB'S Carl Gresham and Friends show Sunday morning at 11am but I was replaced by Frazer Hines so that I may film his interview. The show was uploaded to Youtube, so give it a view by typing in Carl Gresham and it should come up there somewhere. So back on track, next week on www.bcbradio.co.uk to be interviewed by Carl for an hour of about the website. Should be a laugh and I would say that Carl has viewed it with great enthusiasm, so all good genuine stuff! The interview will be filmed for Youtube by my good friend David so tune in via the internet www.bcbradio.co.ukor if you live in the Bradford area tune your wireless to 106.6 Fm.

27th Oct 2010 - Sunday the 24th October, I happen to see (known locally as),  the Bradford Monk walking down King's Rd. I saw him as I was driving up King's Rd to drop off one of the BCB volunteers. I took the decision to drive back down  to ask if I could take a picture. He very kindly agreed but was not going to engage in any conversation, just asking me to take the picture. I took 4 pictures and a little video and with that he was on his way. He seemed a lovely man and I was sad he had gone so quickly. I remember like a number of people, seeing him in the 60s and he just seemed to be part of the Bradford scene and a memory of my early my life,growing up in the city. Worth the effort!
The pictures can be found in the Bradford Mixed Bag Gallery

25th Oct 2010 - Take a look at the new pictures added to the Bradford Community Broadcasting gallery. Pictures of Carl Gresham with Frazer Hines and friends, Ronnie Thompson (Old Ronnie) BCB presenter and Liaquat Hussain also a BCB presenter.

25th Oct 2010 - Please go to my blog as it's a little long winded to put on Updates. Referring to videoing at BCB on Sunday and other topics.

23 Oct 2010 - Maybe problems with my e-mail again, so anyone out there thinking that I've been rude by not replying well that's not the case. If you want to avoid using the boxes on the contacts page then e-mail me on your own e mail provider by entering bradfordeye@yahoo.co.ukI would be grateful if one or two of you would try the contacts page and use the box plus your own e-mail to confirm if the site e-mail is working or not.

22nd Oct 2010 -  As previously stated, filming of Carl Gresham and Friends (this week's guest Frazer Hines), will follow Nigel Lambert's Melody Sunday. Nigel has been presenting his show for 15 years and  plays music to suit  a wide range of tastes, covering the last six decades. Locally the show can be found on 106.6 FM on Sunday mornings from 9am 11am or via the internet www.bcbradio.co.uk Martin.

20th Oct 2010 - I was supposed to be on this week's Carl Gresham and Friend's Show being interviewed about the site, but I've been replaced by Frazer Hines (Emmerdale Farm's Joe Sugden),talking to Carl about his book and forthcoming show. I thought I was going to have a break from filming this week but have decided to film this week's Carl Gresham show in its entirety (again), given the success of the editing of last week's Youtube upload. The show can be found in the local Bradford area on 106.6 FM on Sunday 11am - 12pm , Monday 1pm - 2pm and Tuesday 9am - 10am. For listeners outside the Bradford area the show can  be found on the internet by typing www.bcbradio.co.uk  Martin.

20th Oct 2010 - Sunday's filming down at BCB studios uploaded to Youtube under the title Bradford Community Broadcasting - Carl Gresham's Alma Cogan Tribute. The programme was filmed in its entirety (nerve racking), and divided into 6 clips.

15th Oct 2010 - Down at the Bradford Community Broadcasting studios filming the live show from 11am this coming Sunday on BCB 106.60 FM (local Bradford area) or via the internet www.bcbradio.co.uk Carl Gresham and Friends. Carl will be interviewing Carol Foster and Eddie Gee for a show dedicated to the late great Alma Cogan. Carol is the widow of Stan Foster who was the Musical Director for most of Alma's recordings and Eddie Gee runs the Alma Cogan International Fan Club, you can find the website by typing in www.almacogan.com  The film will be loaded up to Youtube, to find it type in Bradford Community Broadcasting - Carl Gresham. All being well it should be ready for viewing Tuesday 19th October. He said, he hoped!

15th Oct 2010 - Just tidied up the Library view gallery today give them a look.

14th Oct 2010 - Anyone out there like the idea of a Forum. If so please e-mail me.

13th Oct 2010 - A new Gallery showing some of the presenters and backroom people from Bradford Community Broadcasting. The new gallery can be found in Gallery 2.

12th Oct 2010 - Gallery 2 will soon have the as promised  "Peter Black Car Museum Mid 80s", collection of pictures taken in the mid 80s at the Museum in Keighley. I've cleaned up the pics, giving them a little more punch so they should be ok. I've placed a request on the Bradfordeye Facebook page requesting information so I can add some text to the pictures at a later date. The reason the pictures exist is due to a customer who's church group applied to view the museum and received an invitation and I was asked if I'd like to come along, which I did. I found out later that the museum was only open a few times a year and was by invitation only. Wasn't I honoured! Believe me after looking around I new that to be so. It was excellent!
10th Oct 2010 - Down at the Bradford Community Broadcasting studios recording Youtube footage of Carl Gresham's Sunday 11am til 12 programme "Carl Gresham and Friends". This week he interviews Willie Hirst. To view the footage go to Youtube, type in Bradford Community Broadcasting - Carl Gresham Talks to Wille Hirst. Willie is a clarinettist who has played with many of the top bands and singers. Some of the footage shows Willie playing the clarinet in the studio.

8th Oct  2010 - I've just started scanning negatives (colour) of a collection of pictures taken in Keighley in the mid 80s of the now closed Peter Black Car Museum. The pictures are of good quality taken on a Nikon F3 with a 20mm Nikkor wide angle lens. Still drop outs and scratches will have to be removed and a little punch via Photoshop to give them a  lift. Should be on next week so keep looking. Please e-mail me if you have any information re the galleries at bradfordeye@yahoo.co.uk Martin.

7th Oct 2010 - Well that's the "Bradford Camera Exchange Market St 80s" gallery put to bed for the time being. I know I have a few more photos kicking about the house so there'll be more added with others deleted and others re-cleaned up again. It's always a work in progress! Later on I hope to find photos showing the North Parade shop although I don't expect as many as Market St. Finally, I am aware from the e-mails I receive, that one of the reasons people like looking at the galleries is the commentary that runs along with the picture. This I can assure you will be no different, as I intend to run text alongside most of the pictures in the galleries. It just takes time  and a good memory, two of which are not always  to hand when the mood takes me.  Martin

6th Oct 2010 - Latest gallery to go on hopefully by the weekend is "Bradford Camera Exchange Market St 80s". I've just today finished cleaning up the pictures taken in and around the Market St shop. I have to say it's being a bigger job than I thought and I'm not convinced it's all over. Hopefully I should have the first batch on by the weekend, so we'll see how we go from there.

4th Oct 2010 - Have spent the last few days improving the images on the popular "Spinks Bar in Colour". I've added text to the pictures, trying to remember names events etc and that's not being easy. However rescue was at hand when Richard (ex Market St member of staff) very kindly sent me an e-mail to fill in a few gaps. Much appreciated!

1st Oct 2010 - Try tuning in to Nigel Lamberts Melody Sunday from 9am till 11am on 106.6 fm Bradford local or www.bcbradio.co.uk via the internet. I've put a number of videos of Nigel presenting his show. They can be found on Youtube under the heading Bradford Community Broadcasting - Nigel Lambert. Give a listen to music not heard on mainstream radio nowadays. eg 50s,60s 70s, 80s, 90s, and sometimes the noughties. Comedy tracks sometimes feature. Have a look on Nigel's Gallery! Straight after there's Carl Gresham and Friends featuring "Born in Bradford" author Derek A J Lister". Echoes of Ireland features the music of my home country from 12 till 1pm just after Carl's show.

1st Oct 2010-E-Mail bradfordeye@yahoo.co.uk with your Queries Questions or Info.

30th Sept  2010-Text added  to David's Gallery Bradford And Beyond Through A Mirror Lens, pictures taken by my good friend David. This was not an easy one as having not taken the pictures I felt I was lacking a certain amount of detail. Anyway a good picture etc. Still a work in progress. Better contact him though! Look at the blog for more info concerning this gallery.

29th Sept 2010-Text  added to "Bradford Snow 70s 80s" and the "Spinks Colour Gallery.

29th Sept 2010-I've started adding text to pictures in the "Spinks Black&White Gallery" today, as promised in my blog yesterday. I intend to do this for all of the galleries but not necessarily every picture.    If anyone out there  can impart some information re names places etc I would be grateful as the old memory has gone on holiday for a while.

21st Sept 2010-visit the "Gresh Site" www.carlgresham.co.ukto find out more about this Agent to the stars. A true Retro experience!

 21st Sept 2010-Just finished adding to my YOUTUBE clips " Bradford Community Broadcasting-Carl Gresham's Showbiz Anecdotes". There are 5 clips of Carl  talking about his days as a showbiz agent to the stars of the day. Visit www.carlgresham.co.uk to see them all and more.

21st Sept 2010- A new Gallery added today "Drake St Car Park 80s. Can be found in Gallery 2.