Sikhs Create a Place of Worship in Norwich

It is not everyday in a City like Norwich that the small element of multiculturalism shines through the rather Anglo Saxon biased community. I have always found the lack of obvious diversity to be somewhat strange - you see I lived in Australia for nearly 16 years where the mixture of ethnicity is everywhere to be seen.

When I heard about the opening of the very first Sikh temple in Norfolk I knew I had to record proceedings with my camera. About 200 people held a 2 hour procession through the City streets, transporting the Holy Book from their temporary temple to their new permanent temple in Old Palace Road. It was a glorious Autumn day with blue skies which just added to the colourful costumes and beautifully decorated float. Even I was a splash of colour as I was wearing a traditional orange head scarf over my hair as a mark of respect to this very auspicious occasion. You can see more images at Alan Bennett Photography

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Indian Wedding

I came across this Indian Wedding party leaving a block of flats in London. I am so blown away about the colour and attention to detail. I would love the opportunity to photograph an Indian wedding from start to finish - which I believe can take a couple of days. Anyone know of any coming up then please get in touch!

Ranworth Church - Cathedral of the Broads

Bank holidays and dodgy weather go hand in hand - we all know that much, so when you have guests over for the long weekend and you need something to do that involves a bit of effort and the chance of a great view over the Broads, then Ranworth Church is the place. The church dates back to 1370 and we climbed the 90 odd steps of the tower to the top and luckily managed a spectacular view during a break in the storms. One thing I have realised since coming to Norfolk is that you really don't have to travel very far to experience the splendor of this beautiful county. The Broads are wonderful and I'm sure it won't be too long before we take our visitors for a trip on a boat and witness the waterways from sea level.

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That's No Small Red Ball

You never know what might be around the next corner in the streets of Norwich, and especially true during the Norfolk and Norwich Festival (7 - 22 May). Kurt Perschke's 15 foot inflatable red ball has been popping up in various locations around the City. It really is magnificent in the way it appeals to all ages and brings a smile to the faces of all those that pass by it.
Norwich is currently shortlisted with 3 other Cities to be the UK's first City of Culture in 2013. Events such as the NNF10 , as it's been known by, help a lot towards winning the coveted prize that would bring huge amounts of money and kudos to this fine City.
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Queen's Visit

Hundreds of people lined the streets to see the Queen arrive in Norwich this morning. Flanked by police, her Bentley arrived at Norwich Cathedral at 11am to the sound of bells pealing and applause from the crowd. It was great to photograph the Queen, and I'm not a Royalist by any stretch of the imagination, but somehow it does make you feel proud. Hard to believe that it's been 8 years since her last visit to Norwich - but I blame the poor train services and the A11 for that. No wonder she came by helicopter!                           http://www.mediaimagingsolutions.com/

Morris Men and Hail Storm

I have never really got the whole Morris Dancing thing. All that floral decoration and jingly jangly stuff hanging of legs and arms. May Day long weekend and I popped along to the country food and craft fair at Earsham Hall near Bungay in Suffolk. The weather was bloody freezing - just a typical holiday Monday in the UK. Enthusiasm was not dented though by the crowds visiting this beautiful country estate on the edge of the Suffolk/Norfolk border. We all know that photos can be misleading (or should know by now), and this shot of colourful dancers bathed in glorious sunlight is not what it seems - try about 10 degrees and a howling gale. Don't believe me, well take a look at this next photo taken less than a minute afterwards....

Yes, that is hail stones falling on our merry men. Even though I don't quite understand these chaps and their habits, I have to say that they have guts and determination to carry on through an ice storm. It did bring smiles to a lot of onlookers in the cold, so cheers chaps! http://www.mediaimagingsolutions.com/

The Nick Clegg Circus

Nick Clegg was in Norwich last week the day after his momentous first live debate. It certainly caught the imagination of the public and the media. He pulled into Morrison's car park on his grand double decker - but we had to wait 5 minutes for all the press entourage to dismount before Nick made his theatrical entrance. The hope of many of us snappers there was for a trip and spill as he jumped off the last step. Sometimes this job brings out the worst in you! Off into the supermarket and an election chat with a fish monger where I got a shot of Nick with a pointing sign over his head with the words 'half price'. Maybe a picture the newspapers would be keen on if his election bubble bursts.