More than two thousand Photographers gathered in Trafalgar Square on Saturday (23rd Jan) in protest of misuse of Section 44 of The Terrorism Act. It was only for an hour. There were no speeches, no chanting, no fireworks; it was all very dignified and good-natured.
There was one person dressed as Guy Fawkes, a very amusing lady, in a Police Uniform of the type worn at a fancy dress, walking about shouting “No Photographs”
Lots of Photographers taking photographs of other photographers taking photographs of other photographers. Is a group of Photographers called a Snap?
It was bitterly cold and overcast, but considering the weather conditions, a good turnout.
It will go some way to changing the attitude of the Police that they cannot use this ill thought out piece of legislation to stop people taking photographs in public places.
Sky News gave good coverage of the event with interviews of the organisers and most of the Sunday papers mentioned it and some carried photographs.
Surprisingly the BBC, did not cover the event, I say surprisingly, as a BBC camera crew were stopped from filming St Paul’s Cathedral in London by an over zealous Policeman. This was one of the well-documented incidents that led to Saturdays rally. I would have thought that the BBC would have covered this event, if only to show support for their film crews.
The BBC is now the media arm of the Labour Party, who introduced Section 44 and I suppose the BBC do not want to be seen to be critical of Labour. Mark Thompson, BBCs Director General, could miss out on his seat in the House of Lords if he allowed criticism of the Labour Party on the impartial BBC.
There was a very small Police presence, no not small Policemen, of 3 Police men, with only one of them in a high vis jacket, the other two just had their uniforms on, which had not come from a fancy dress shop, I checked.
After the event, Paula and I had a walk round the National Gallery, A look at the Turners, nice collection, I am sure they would not miss one. As we had recently been to Venice had to see the Canalettos. The National Gallery was very popular, I mean crowded, and also very hot. It did make me appreciate the Walker Art Gallery even more.
We then popped into the Crypt of St Martins in the Field for a very pleasant and, by London standards, inexpensive hot lunch. I would recommend the Crypt as an excellent place to eat.
After lunch had a walk along Regent Street and Oxford Street. I did think that Oxford Street looked shabby and the shops were in need of a make over. Liverpool One looks more impressive and is far, far cleaner.
A visit to Debenhams only convinced me that our Debenhams is better and not as hot, all the places we visited were SO hot. I can understand it being hot and uncomfortable on the tube, but not walking round Selfridges. Turn the heat down please, you are loosing business, it is not comfortable to shop when it is so hot and clammy
Got the train back and I have to say, yet again, that we are very well served by Virgin Trains, it was quick, just over two hours, and comfortable with very pleasant staff.
We may not have changed the world, but have gone a little way to improving it and the next time I am asked to stop taking photographs I will say with some authority that “I’m a Photographer, not a terrorist”
"It's a Wonderful Life"
(Thu 02/12)
TURN IT DOWN.
(Thu 11/11)
Do we need another Beatles book.
(Mon 11/10)
President or Pope, who is most welcome?
(Mon 16/08)
