One of my photography heroes is Henri Cartier-Bresson who was a pioneer of street photography of “catching the moment”, which is what I strive to do. He would sling two Leica 35 mm cameras around his neck one of which had an F1.4 lens. I have always wanted such a lens but the price was ever exorbitant; for a decent one. Then good old Panasonic brings out the LX 15 with a Leica F1.4 lens. I can now pretend to be Bresson! F1.4 means a large aperture and, with the wide angle, almost everything is in focus and it will take good photos in poor light. I tried it first at the fantastic Ziggy’s jazz club:
which is run by Steve Taylor and Josie Frater . Guitarist Nigel Price and singer Tina May , both outstanding performers, were guests. They were backed by the Steve Taylor Trio. The music was just wonderful especially as some Ellington numbers were performed and Steve played a duet with the double bass player. The Big Noise from Winnetka is one of my favourite jazz numbers and the double bass and drums are, perhaps, my two favourite instruments.
It was a great evening especially as I was with Valerie.
The next day we went to Camlet Moat which is on the edge of Trent Park one of Enfield’s many wooded areas. As you can see from the link, some think Camlet Moat is King Arthur’s Camelot. Well, it might be. Camelot means armed camp and I am sure King Arthur had many such around Britain. It is now a wooded, square, moated island though the moat is interrupted by a land bridge and covered in bright green weed.
There used to be votive offerings hanging in the trees but some spoilsport has removed them. To me the ribbons and trinkets were a romantic and sensitive link to the distant path. It is still a special place, the spot where the sacred well was is still there and one of the trees has tremendous energy, I felt it as I approached. Here it is in one corner of the island.
When I touched it and closed my eyes, I could see the trees behind me; it was a very bright, clear image. Not so surprising as trees have their own broadband fibre system, Mycorrhiza, which connects trees together as well as facilitating the absorption of nutriment.
We left the island and crossed the path
to where runners suddenly appear as if they were aliens in strange clothes running from one world to another. We walked into a group of young trees and it was such a lovely sight
Walking back to the car we spotted the Obelisk that is in remembrance of Harold son of the Duchess of Kent.
Looking down from there you can see the house which was home, prisoner of war camp and then university. Middlesex University has left Enfield; a great shame and detriment to the borough.
Finally a picture of me in my favourite chair.
