Last post of the year probably, but some major news on a personal front to finish off with; I’m retiring! From the day job that is. This year’s been a tough one on the mind and heart strings more than anything else, too many people departing this life, both family and friends, one very close to home and many of them not that many years older than myself. It really sets you thinking “how long do I have?”.
So after a few months with my head in a spreadsheet of pension figures, tax allowances and expenses, I decided to take my chances. I’m not of pensionable age according to the government, that set of moving goalposts is a few years away, so its possible I might need to pick up a little job beforehand, but we shall see.
Post Christmas, I’ll have time to do things I’ve not managed to do at home, unwind a bit (if only I could do a brain defrag…), maybe find a couple of new project to start, but mainly, I’ll have more opportunity to venture out with a camera(s), which will be nice, or I will do when the weather is kind. No more sat at my desk, staring through the window at blue skies even on a chilly day, and thinking about all that wasted light. No doubt the dog will also appreciate it as well!
I’ve also discovered some extra material for Vol.2 to shoot and fill in a bit of a blank for the Folland Gnat in the process, so that’s a day out at the Midland Air Museum near Coventry early next year.
If you’ve looked at the gig photos I posted the other week, “Dare” crop up on a number of occasions. Aside from loving their music, their end of year show is brilliant and is at the Holmfirth Picturedrome, which is only a short trip up the road from me. It’s a small, wonderful, if slightly quirky venue, but with decent acoustics and being largely standing only, arrive early and you can get close enough to take decent photos with your phone. It’s also got a lot of family feel to it, mostly Dare fan club members many who know one another, even if only from gigs, or last night, went to school with the Darren Wharton who’s band it is and gets a shout out mid gig!
Meanwhile, this was also the first chance to use my new iPhone 17 ProMax and at one point I got a tap on my shoulder from a woman who turned out to be Darren’s schoolmate’s daughter with “what is that?”, I think she was impressed. She must have been, as later on a pair of hands appeared over my head and decided to help take more photos! A quick chat after the gig led to a promise to send them copies of the photos. It’s nice when you meet lovely people.
Happy Christmas everyone and have a healthy and prosperous 2026.
