Happy Birthday Gem!

It was tremendous to be part of Gem Vending’s 50th birthday party celebrations. Photograph courtesy of Dave Fuller Photography.

It was a massive privilege to be part of Gem Vending’s 50th birthday party celebrations at Langley Mill United Cricket Ground. Gem have been providing state-of-the-art drinks and snacks vending machines throughout the Midlands and Yorkshire since the late 1960s, and their team hosted a memorable occasion. For more details, please visit their website at: Gem Vending.

Langley Mill United Cricket Club is a family friendly environment – excellent for all types of event! Photograph courtesy of Dave Fuller Photography.

Langley Mill United Cricket Club was an excellent choice of venue and is in close proximity to Gem’s offices. The club boasts well-stocked bar facilities, function space, and a friendly and diligent events team. Visit their website at: Langley Mill Cricket  Club

Contact the sensational Joey of Party2Party today for top drawer children’s entertainment! Photograph courtesy of Dave Fuller Photography.

It was a real pleasure to work alongside the exceptional Joey of Party2Party who enthralled all the children present with his games, magic and fantastic bouncy castle. Joey provides a superb service and has a fantastic personality. If you are seeking first class children’s entertainment for your next special event, visit his website now at: Party2Party.

A party wouldn’t be a party without delicious catering, and Barlows Butchers were a tremendous hit with all of the guests. This family run business has been providing sumptuous meat products since the 1940s. If you are seeking a caterer for your next special occasion around the Langley Mill area, please visit their website at: Barlows Butchers.

I was delighted to meet DJ Eddy Lush again at the celebrations. I had last worked alongside him at a wedding reception several years ago and he was on fine form providing a great selection of tunes past and present for everyone to enjoy. Eddy also masterfully orchestrated a karaoke contest. The standard was very high indeed and it certainly added something very special to the proceedings. So expect to see the contestants appearing on Britain’s Got Talent very soon! Visit Eddy’s website now for a DJ at your next event: Walk on Entertainments.

Well done to everyone at Gem Vending for organising such a lovely day! Photograph courtesy of Dave Fuller Photography.

Such an important occasion should most certainly be documented for posterity, and the highly talented Dave Fuller was present to capture those magical moments. I am very fortunate that Dave agreed to provide some of his exceptional photographs for this blog article. Professional, personable and meticulous, Dave is perfect for weddings, parties and promotional shoots around the East Midlands and beyond. Hire Dave Fuller for your next event and visit his website at: Dave Fuller Photography.

Congratulations to Gem Vending on your 50th anniversary! Well done to everyone at the company for hosting such a memorable evening. Here’s to the next 50 years…

The author of the article is David Fox, an award winning entertainer and freelance writer based in the UK. Visit David’s website at: David Fox Magic or phone him today on: 07946686258.

Art, Photography and Nostalgia – Nick Elliott’s Extraordinary Journey

‘photography is, was and will always be an art to me’

Acclaimed throughout the world for his iconic rock images, Nick Elliott has established himself as one of the most talented and avant-garde photographers in the business. Persistence, passion and a never say die attitude have driven his continuous quest for ne plus ultra. Yet despite achieving tremendous success – as well as frequently entering the orbits of the illustrious and the influential – Nick remains fiercely proud of his roots.

Happy Family. Left to right: Brother Gary, Mum Coral, Dad Gordon, and Nick. Nick cites his Dad as the major influence in his photography.

Gordon Flanders Elliott (Nick’s father) was the defining influence on his path to becoming a professional lensman. A projectionist at the local cinema, Gordon instilled a deep appreciation of the art of photography in his son. As a child of the pre-digital age, Nick’s earliest memories are of capturing idyllic moments on his Dad’s Brownie camera. These were magical times, when spectral steam trains, romantic rustic vistas, and enchanting English villages would mysteriously materialise within the clandestine chemical-scented confines of Gordon’s darkroom. Halcyon days indeed, Nick savoured family holidays along the alluring Norfolk coastline during the 1960s. Those care-free summer-time sojourns would later inspire his critically celebrated project: Ice Cream & Sun Cream.

Nick began his career capturing stunning rustic vistas around the Cambridgeshire and Norfolk areas.

An inspirational school teacher so often intervenes in the formative years of the outstanding, and Nick cites Tim Raynor as being instrumental in cementing his decision to pursue photography as a career. A visionary, Raynor appreciated and understood the value of offering opportunity to students. His bold decision to provide photography classes at Stanground Comprehensive School (now Stanground Academy) allowed Nick to hone his skills and contribute to the school magazine. Suddenly the immense power of the captured image became apparent, and Mr Elliott would soon progress to the employment of the Peterborough Evening Telegraph and the Peterborough Advertiser.

A maverick by nature. Nick remains true to his roots and celebrates photography as an art.

After courageously embarking on a freelance career, Nick was catapulted into the tumultuous world of motor-sport, serving commissions for prestigious titles such as Auto Car and Car Magazine. It was during this period that the formidable figure of Barry Sheene entered his life and would leave a long-lasting impression.

The legendary Barry Sheene. Nick followed the racing champion throughout his career and documented his most famous victories.

Nick fondly recalls how the racing legend trained close to Peterborough and was a larger-than-life character. Sheene would endure a horrific crash in 1975 at the Daytona 200, but Nick proudly captured his sensational victories at the 500cc Grand Prix in 1976 and 1977. The motorcycle legend’s phenomenal desire to win against overwhelming odds, coupled with his propensity to overcome career-threatening injuries, left an abiding influence.

Halcyon holidays – ‘Ice Cream & Sun Cream’ was shortlisted in the prestigious Vienna Photo Book Awards.

Over a three year period from 2014 to 2016, Nick embarked on a ground-breaking project to recapture the innocence and magic of his formative years. Published in May 2017, and aptly entitled Ice Cream & Sun Cream, it was subsequently shortlisted in the prestigious Vienna Photo Book Festival. It was both an emotional and highly cathartic experience as he sought to recreate his childhood holiday experiences along the Norfolk coastline. Find out more about this seminal production on Nick’s website at: Nick Elliott Press Office.

Like father like son. Gordon with baby Nick on the promenade in Greater Yarmouth. Family seaside holidays remain an integral part of Nick’s heritage and identity.

The author with Nick Elliott

Nick Elliott is available for commercial photo-shoots and special events. His website is: www.nickelliott.photography and phone number: 07881 650883

The author of the article is David Fox, a professional entertainer and freelance writer based in the UK. His website is: www.magician-midlands.co.uk and phone number: 07946 686258.

Nick benefited from an exceptional school teacher. At present, funding for the arts is being cut around the country. Please visit this site to stop school funding cuts: www.change.org