HAPPY NEW YEAR

As the clock ticks away the last few remaining hours, minutes and seconds of the year 2012.

May I take this opportunity to wish you all a healthy and happy 2013 (the Chinese Year of the Snake). I personally know of some of my family and friends who have lost loved one's in the past twelve months, and some who have had serious health scares.

I hope that time proves to be a great healer, may you have fond and good memories of the loved one's that have crossed-across-to-the-other-side.

There are plenty of decent, good people out there but also be aware of the vindictive, manipulative, arrogant and corrupt individuals out there (and in cyberland as well).

Thank you for following my blog, posting comments and clicking onto my ad feeds, links and blog roll etc over the past twelve months.

Take care, stay warm and dry, stay safe and have a Happy New Year's Eve.

Best Wishes

Trevor David Betts BA (Hons.)

HE CAN'T SAY THANK YOU...

A poster displayed in a People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (P.D.S.A) Charity Shop, which is basically saying that animals don't always have a voice but animal charities like the P.D.S.A will speak for them. For more information on this national charity just click on: For the Animals

The P.D.S.A Charity Shop, Holderness Road, Kingston upon Hull, North Humberside, England.

From my 'For the Animals Project' and also for a social documentary module that I successfully completed for a City & Guilds Certificate in Photography, 1989.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

THE OVERGROWN GARDEN No.4

The final monochrome photographic print from this particular series. Taken on a MPP large format camera on Ilford film.

Kingston upon Hull, East Yorkshire, England.

From an assignment that I did for a National Diploma in Photography & Related Studies Course at Hull College, 1995-98.

Copyright of all images displayed on this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

THE OVERGROWN GARDEN No.3

Another monochrome photographic print from this series, taken on Ilford film with a MPP large format camera.

Kingston upon Hull, East Yorkshire, England.

From an assignment that I did for a course that I did at Hull College, 1995-98.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All reserved.

ROBIN

The man himself (well kinda of). An actor playing the part of the most famous resident of Sherwood Forest. During the Sherwood Festival. For more information on this location just click on Forest

Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, England.

From my Tree Stories Project, 2002-.

Copyright of all images displayed on this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

SEASON'S GREETINGS

May I take this opportunity to wish all my Blog Visitors, Followers, Linkers, Commentators and Fellow Bloggers a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year.

Thank you all for your visits, comments and for clicking onto my ad feeds during the past twelve months.

Stay safe, take it easy, take care and keep warm.

Seasons Greetings

From Trevor David Betts BA (Hons.)

WILD FLOWERS

Wild narcissus flowers are featured in this monochrome photographic print.

The Humber Bridge Country Park, Hessle near Kingston upon Hull, North Humberside, England.

From an assignment for a City & Guilds Photography Course, circa 1993.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

THE OVERGROWN GARDEN No.2

The second monochrome photographic print from this series of photographs about decay in a urban garden.

Taken on Ilford 120mm roll film, rated at 100 asa. With a MPP large format camera.

Kingston upon Hull, East Yorkshire, England.

From a series of photographs for an assignment for a National Diploma in Photography & Related Studies course at Hull College, 1998.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

THE OVERGROWN GARDEN No.1

Taken on a Large format MPP camera on Ilford 120mm monochrome film. Then printed up on Ilford matt finish fibre based photographic paper at the 12 x 16 inch size. Working on the theme of decay I took a limited series of large format photographs.

The Alliance Avenue Area of Kingston upon Hull, East Yorkshire, England.

For an assignment for a National Diploma Photography & Related Studies Course that I did at Hull College, 1995-98.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

PATIENT

The little chap in the photograph above was a patient at The Hull Hedgehog Hospital.

The Hull Hedgehog Hospital, Kingston upon Hull, North Humberside, England.

From no specific project as such, circa 1994.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

CAUTION VET AT WORK!

In this monochrome photographic print one of the duty Vet's at this PDSA Animal Treatment Centre operates on a sick dog. Taken on Ilford HP5 400 asa film uprated to 3200 asa and developed in Microphen film developer. Using only available artificial and natural light (no direct on-camera flash). The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) relies on public support, it receives no financial aid or support from the government.

For more information on the PDSA (and how you can help). Just click on: For The Animals

The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, Animal Treatment Centre, Kingston upon Hull, North Humberside, England.

From my For The Animals Project and City & Guilds 9231 Certificate in Photography for the Social Documentary module, 1989.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

THORNTON FORCE

One of the waterfalls in this monochrome photographic print which is located on the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail. This one is called 'Thornton Force.'

Ingleton, North Yorkshire, England.

From no specific project as such, circa 1994.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

BUNNY

A wild rabbit. This monochrome photographic print was taken with a 70-210 mm telephoto lens with a 2 x converter fitted, thus in effect doubling the focal range of the lens.

I had been visiting this particular location for research into a City & Guilds Natural History module that I was undertaking. I did not hand in my completed portfolio.

Hessle near Kingston upon Hull, North Humberside, England.

From a personal project, circa 1993.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

ROOTS...

The roots of this tree can be clearly seen due to the soil erosion in this old former chalk quarry (known locally as Little Switzerland). To find out more about this location just click on: Country Park

The Humber Bridge Country Park, Hessle near Kingston upon Hull, North Humberside, England.

From no specific project as such, circa 1993.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

LOOKING TO PICK UP A BARGAIN

A lady sifting through the goods for sale at this PDSA Charity Shop. A monochrome photographic print taken on Ilford HP5 400 asa film, uprated to 3200 asa. No on-camera flash just available artificial and natural light. The film was then developed in Ilford Microphen developer.

The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) Charity, Holderness Road, Kingston upon Hull, North Humberside, England. For more information about Ilford photographic products just click on: Ilford

From my For The Animals Project, 1989.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

IVY

A monochrome photographic print of some ivy.

The Humber Bridge Country Park, North Humberside, England.

From no specific project as such, circa 1994.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

IN THE TREATMENT ROOM

The duty vet, assisted by a veterinary nurse helps to treat an injured dog. In one of the Treatment Room's at this PDSA Animal Treatment Centre.

The film used was Ilford HP5 400 asa uprated to 3200 asa. Developed in Microphen. No on-camera flash was used (for obvious reasons), only the available natural light (coming in through the windows) and the artificial overhead lighting. That's the beauty of using monochrome film under these conditions - you do not get a green/yellow colour cast (which you would if you were using colour film).

Just click on: PDSA to find out more on this UK based charity.

The People's Dispensary for Sick Animal's Animal Treatment Centre, Kingston upon Hull, North Humberside, England.

From my For The Animals Project and Social Documentary City & Guilds module, 1989.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

SHADOWS IN THE WAITING ROOM

Strong contrasts between the dark shadows and the highlights in this monochrome photographic print of a mature person with her dog, waiting to see the duty vet at this PDSA Animal Treatment Centre.

It was taken on Ilford HP5 film 400 asa, and taken with no direct on-camera flash just the available light. The film was uprated to 3200 asa then developed in Microphen film developer.

To learn more about the incredible work that this charity does please just click on PDSA

The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, Animal Treatment Centre, Kingston upon Hull, North Humberside, England.

From my selected project for a City &Guilds 9231 Certificate, 'Social Documentary' module. Which I took and successful completed in 1989. This was also entitled 'For The Animals.' It was on exhibition at The PDSA Animal Treatment Centre, Hull, Artlink Exchange, Hull and Stephenson's Car Showroom, Brigg, South Humberside and on Hull Community Artworks web site, please see the relevant project post on here.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive copyright of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

MEMORIAL

This statue and the surroundings are located in the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. It was featured in the opening and closing sequences of the film "Saving Private Ryan, by Stephen Spielberg. Where Private Ryan's character visits the grave of Captain John T. Miller of the 2nd Ranger Battalion. In actual fact no-one of that name is actually buried here. But two of the Nilland brothers are, which the story of the film is based upon. For more information on this location please just click onto: Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial

Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France.

From my The Normandy Veterans - Lest We Forget Project, 1998-2002.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

CRAIG H.

I took this studio portrait in 1991 (at least I think it was then). When this young man was only aged about 3 or 4 years old. He is now in his early twenties and the father of two children himself.

He is my eldest nieces second oldest child and a great young man. I think that I used just one studio light for this shot, with two reflectors to bounce some light back into his face. A light fixed with a large white diffuser. I have perhaps printed it slightly too dark to bring out the tonal range (especially in the skin tones).

It was printed up on Ilford fibre based glossy photographic paper (no toning).

Hull Community Artworks, Kingston upon Hull, North Humberside, England.

From no specific project as such, circa 1991.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

THE HULL HEDGEHOG HOSPITAL

This monochrome photographic print features a little patient from The Hull Hedgehog Hospital. When I took this photograph (circa 1994) Mr and Mrs Bone were looking after the welfare of these little creatures then.

Like a lot of native wildlife species hedgehogs are facing an uncertain future with their numbers dropping on an annual basis. Hedgehogs have long been regarded as the Gardener's friend because they eat slugs and other insects that cause damage in the garden.

If you have these little visitors to your garden then please remember to keep your dog or cat away from them. If you want to leave food or drink out for them a small bowl of water is fine (never milk) along with a small amount of tinned cat food.

The Hull Hedgehog Hospital is now based in Anlaby near Hull, and it is one of the departments of the local animal charity - Hull Animal Welfare. For further information about this wonderful organisation and hedgehogs please click onto: Hedgehogs

Bricknell Avenue, Kingston upon Hull, North Humberside, England.

From no specific project as such, circa 1994.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

LEONARDO DA VINCI

TEN DRAWINGS BY LEONARDO DA VINCI

I do not normally post articles on here about art exhibitions (mainly photographic exhibitions only) But this one is an exception. Ten drawings by Leonardo Da Vinci, from the Royal Collection. A Diamond Jubilee Celebration. 10 November - 20 January 2013. Ferens Art Gallery, Queen Victoria Square, Hull HU1 3RA.

Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm. Sundays 1.30pm - 4.30pm. Tel: 01482 613902. www.hullcc.gov.uk/ferens

REFLECTED LIGHT

This monochrome photographic print looks it might have been taken at night. But it was photographed during the day. A sunny summer day in fact. Sunlight bouncing of a building's window opposite has highlighted the tree and reflected it's shadow onto this brick wall. For more information about trees and how you can help them, please just click on: Trees

English Street, Kingston upon Hull, East Yorkshire, England.

From my Tree Stories Project, 2002-.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

GET FELL IN...

Normandy and D-Day Veterans getting ready to attend a service of remembrance during one of their annual pilgrimages to Normandy. To find out how you can help all British Veterans just click onto: British Legion.

Bayeux, Normandy, France.

From my The Normandy Veterans - Lest We Forget Project, 1998-2002.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

SEALS

Grey seal's ashore and in amongst the sand dunes and mariam grass at this RAF Bombing Range and Nature Reserve. During late autumn, and early winter up to 3,000 seals can be seen here during the breeding season. To find out how you can get involved with and/or help the wildlife trust that covers this area just click onto: Seals

Donna Nook, Lincolnshire, England.

From no specific project, 2004.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

11-11-11

I have uploaded this monochrome photographic print from perhaps my most important project to-date. It is of the late Maxwell Vernon Hearst. I had the honour and privilege of knowing Max. He had a great sense of humour. I once spent a very warm summer's evening in a public house with him and several of his Normandy Veterans comrades sharing a few ice cold pints of beer in the process. I asked a couple of young American ladies if they would pose with Max (as you can see they agreed).

Max was called up in WWII and spent his service in the East Yorkshire Regiment has an infantry soldier. Seeing action in Dunkirk, North Africa and Normandy and Eastern Europe.

Today of all days I thought it proper and right that I uploaded this image in memory of not just Max but all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our present day freedom.  Old soldiers don't die they fade away.  Sadly Max faded away in 2002 (he was in his 80s). Rest in peace Max and all the others who I have known, who are no longer with us.

Suffolk Arms Public House, London, England.

From my The Normandy Veterans - Lest We Forget Project, 1998-2002.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

AT THE GOING DOWN OF THE SUN...

...We Will Remember Them. Seeing has it is near to the 11th hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month. I have decided to post these triptych. The first sepia toned monochrome photographic print is a still-life study of a 1939 issue 'gas rattle.' The middle print features a row of WWII medals that belonged to a RAMC Medical Orderly and Ambulance Driver who landed at Sword Beach on D-Day, he was also one of the first Allied soldiers to enter and liberate Belsen concentration camp.

The final print features two postcards of The East Yorkshire Regiment marching near Beverley. This is from the First World War. All monochrome photographic prints were then sepia and selenium toned on matt fibred based photographic paper.

IN MEMORY OF

Major A. French
Private A. Anderson
Private M. Bertram
Private C. Davies.

All late of 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment. All killed on tours of duty in Northern Ireland (1982 and 1986).

Maxwell Hearst, East Yorkshire Regiment
Tom Lyons, Royal Army Medical Corps
Alf Mellor, Royal Navy
Bob Thompson, Royal Military Police
Len Pounder, Pioneer Corps
John Smith, Royal Navy.

All late World War Two D-Day Veterans. RIP lads.

24296655 Cpl T.D. Betts 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment (1979 to 1988) and
7th (V) Battalion of The Royal Anglian Regiment (1972 - 1979).

Hull Community Artworks Studio, Kingston upon Hull, East Yorkshire, England.

From my The Remembrance Series Project, 1999-2000.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

BARRIERS No.10

This monochrome photographic print is from my Barriers Project. It is of Wilmington Bridge, a old turntable type swing bridge over the River Hull. Close to here used to be Wilmington Station part of the Hull and Barnsley Railway Company which back in the early 1960s used to have numerous stations located throughout Hull. Then Doctor Beeching came along.

Wincolmee, Kingston upon Hull, North Humberside, England.

From my Barriers Project, 1997-98.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

TISSUE

An experiment in the darkroom at the printing stage. I was looking at different ways in which to print and alter the overall appearance of a monochrome photographic print at this stage of the wet-process method of printing.

I used just a plain piece of tissue which was placed directly over the photographic paper, then exposed in the usual way.

Don't think I will be using this method in the future, because it does not really add anything to the creative process. But if you don't experiment now and again you will never know will you?

Wincolmlee, Kingston upon Hull, East Yorkshire, England.

From my Barriers Project, circa 1998.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

FOR SALE

In this photographic monochrome print a former riverside warehouse that is now a block of flats/apartments is featured. Close to Drypool Bridge, on the west side of the River Hull.

By the banks of the River Hull, Kingston upon Hull, North Humberside.

From a 9231 City & Guilds 'Photographing Buildings' module, circa 1989.

Copyright  of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts.
All rights reserved.

19 A

A row of white stone head stones mark the final resting place for many British and Commonwealth servicemen who fell during WWII.

Bayeux British Military Cemetery, Bayeux, Normandy, France.

From my The Normandy Veterans - Lest We Forget Project, 1998-2002.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!

It's that time of year again! Meaning it's "Hull Fair" time. For seven days, every October a massive fair descends onto the Walton Street area of West Hull for the annual Hull Fair. The traditions and history of this fair go back 700 hundred years.

The featured monochrome photographic prints are just a small selection from some that I took a few years ago.

Hull Fair, Kingston upon Hull, East Yorkshire, England.

From no specific project as such, circa 2007.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

AIRBORNE AVENUE

In this monochrome photographic print, this French Street is named in honour of the British 6th Airborne Division who landed by parachute and glider to take the bridges (including Pegasus Bridge) over the Orne and Caen Canals nearby in the early hours of D-Day. This is in the village of Ranville. There is a British Military Cemetery located here.

Ranville, Normandy, France.

From my The Normandy Veterans - Lest We Forget Project, 1998-2002.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

HUMBER STREET

Waiting for redevelopment the once busy Humber Street Fruit Market looks deserted in this monochrome photographic print.

The Humber Street Area, Kingston upon Hull, East Yorkshire, England.

From a personal project, 2007-.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

CROMER PIER

The tide ebbs and flows, comes and goes. At this popular East Anglian coastal town.

Cromer, Suffolk, England.

From my Traces from along the Edge Project, 2003-.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

SHOW ROOM

Another monochrome photographic print from a course assignment that I did in a local Mercedes Car Show Room a few years ago.

Anlaby Road, Kingston upon Hull, East Yorkshire, England.

From an assignment I did for a National Diploma in Photography & Related Studies,1997.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

TAKE THE WEIGHT OFF THOSE FEET

A wooden bench in tribute to a former British WWII Paratrooper from the 6th Airborne Division close to where he and his comrades landed in the early hours of 6th June 1944.

The Merville Battery, near Caen, Normandy, France.

From my The Normandy Veterans - Lest We Forget Project, 1998-2002.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

PLACE DU CANADA

A plaque on the exterior wall of this former German WWII Gun Bunker informs you that this place has a special significance. It's close to "JUNO" Beach, the landing area for Canadian Forces on the morning of 6th June 1944 - D Day.

Near St.Aubin-ser-mer, Normandy, France.

From my The Normandy Veterans - Lest We Forget Project, 1998-2002.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

CAEN HARBOUR

A boat moored up in the Harbour. This is off the Orne Canal near the city centre.

Caen, Normandy, France.

From my The Normandy Veterans - Lest We Forget Project, 1998-2002.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

CINEMA DOORS

Sections of the sea front are reflected in the doors of this cinema. In this monochrome photographic print.

Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England.

From my Traces from along the Edge Project, 2002-.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

NO DIVING

A sign on the white painted fencing of the pier is prominent in this monochrome photographic print. This coastal town's street lights sparkle, like little diamonds in the distance as the sun set's on this fine summer evening.

Cromer, Norfolk, England.

From my Traces from along the Edge Project, 2002-.

Copyright of all images displayed on this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

FROM THE BOW

A different view and perspective on the RNLI Humber Lifeboat. Here a crew member is cleaning down the deck on the bow of the boat. This type of work is carried out every six months in dry dock. The boat is given a thorough clean and wash down with the hull and keel given particular attention via a high power jet water spray to rid the hull and keel of any debris such has barnacles etc. Then the whole hull and keel is repainted with a special fast drying maritime paint.

In Dry-dock at Alexandra Dock, Grimsby, South Humberside, England.

From my In the Wake of the Bow Project, 1994-95.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

PERSPECTIVE

This monochrome photographic print gives a very good perspective from along this pier into the distance. One of the few remaining Victorian Piers on the English Coast.

Saltburn-by-the-sea, Cleveland, England.

From my Traces from along the Edge Project, 2003-.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

CAPITAL LIGHT TRAILS

The Millennium Bridge with the dome of St. Paul's in the distance. If you have ever visited this landmark you will know that it is a real pain to take a timed exposure shot on the Bridge itself due to the movement of the suspension on this structure. It's like being on a trampoline. I should have spent more time in getting rid of some of the dust marks in this print though, however this is one problem that you face when producing darkroom originated monochrome prints. The light trails in question are someone riding a bicycle across the bridge.

The Millennium Bridge, London, England.

From no specific project as such.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

UNDERNEATH THE PIER

The Pier in question is "Cromer Pier." With the summer evening tide coming in.

Cromer, Norfolk, England.

From my Traces from along the Edge Project, 2003-.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

WRITING ON THE WALL

I guess you could call this "Seaside Vandalism." Writing on the wall of a shelter close to the sea front in this monochrome darkroom produced photographic print.

Near the Spa, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England.

From my Traces from along the Edge Project, 2003-.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.

REMEMBRANCE SERIES TRIPTYCH II

Three monochrome sepia toned photographic prints from my The Remembrance Series Project. The first (top) one features an original letter of commendation to a British Soldier serving in the Second World war, from none other than Field Marshall Montgomery. The second (middle) print features an original rear wheel from a Spitfire. The bottom and final print features an original 1939 issue Gas Rattle.

For more information on this project then please look elsewhere on this blog spot. Just type in "The Remembrance Series," in the search box, just scroll down the page until you come across it.

Hull Community Artworks Studio, Kingston upon Hull, East Yorkshire, England.

From my The Remembrance Series Project, 1999-2001.

Copyright of all images displayed upon this blog spot are the exclusive property of Trevor David Betts. All rights reserved.