How to make a 2014 personalised calendar from your own photographs, easy to follow video tutorial. FREE templates provided.

Looking for a personalised gift this Christmas that will be enjoyed all year, No idea what to get for someone?
Its only four weeks to Christmas day and your wondering what to get, how about creating something unique that nobody else will have? Very little effort is needed and I have supplied the templates for free and a simple to follow video guide too. What you waiting for !

My 2014 Calendar Tutorial Guide.

Four years ago I created a set of calendar templates and a video tutorial on how to use them. My tutorial has proved very popular over the years with over Twenty one thousand people following my guide so far.

Here is an example of what you will be able to create using my free 2014 Calendar templates.
Go on make someones day this Xmas by giving them one of the best and very unique presents that they can enjoy all year.

My photograph of Heage Windmill in one of my free calendar templates :

An example of what you can do with my free templates.

The free 2014 templates have a decorative framed image area into which you can import your own images to produce the nice edge effect below.

Click to view larger. Close up showing the nice edge that your photos will automatically have.

The monthly calendar templates are provided free so you can make a unique gift for someone right now.
All you need is Corel PaintShop Photo Pro (or any photo editing software that supports layers such as Gimp, Photoshop etc), A colour printer, some Matt finish paper and 12 images of your choice.

If you are interested in giving it a go then have a look at my 2014 Calendar Guide page here :
Complete guide on how to make a 2014 personalised calendar from your own photographs. <-- Click me now to start making a great gift for Christmas.

I hope this has inspired you to have a go at producing a truly unique personalised Xmas present that you will be remembered for, for the whole year ahead. Use Matt Paper as I suggest and it will not cost a lot of money to make several of these calendars.

Matt Paper allows printing of high resolution images but has a finish that you can write on which you need for a calendar! Matt paper can be bought for as little as 4 Pence per sheet.




In my written guide I have supplied detailed instructions on how to use my templates with Photoshop and even the free image editing software Gimp.

If you do find my tutorial of use then please leave a comment on either the video or my blog post saying what you created.

Thanks
Andy

The Smyths (THE Smiths tribute band) gig in Derby, Saturday 16th November 2013. "Singles and b-sides"

On Saturday 16th November 2013, The Smyths return to Derby in the Darwin Suite for another gig.
A celebration of the singles and b-sides of The Smiths.
Tickets from Derby Assembly Rooms.

The Smyths
If you are a fan of The Smiths then I can highly recommend you go and see The Smyths, you will not be disappointed. The Smyths are the UK's longest-established tribute to the one of the greatest bands of all time.
The Smiths broke up in 1987 and have never reformed, I did not get into them until it was too late so being given the second chance to see them is great.
I was completely blown away by not only their note-for-note performance, but also Graham Sampson's portrayal of Morrissey, he had got all the little quirks and mannerisms of the original artist so right.

I would go out of my way to go and see The Smyths, I think you should too.

Photograph of Graham Sampson as Morrissey:

Photograph by colour blind bob.






Videos of The Smyths:
Interview with Graham Sampson by Paul Morley at Derby's Flowerpot!


The Smyths perform at Feeling Gloomy (The O2 Academy in Islington, London):


Did you know that The Smiths actually performed at Derby Assembly Rooms back in December 1983?
There are over 30 videos on YouTube of this gig from 28 years ago.

Here is a 37 minute clip of the 83 gig by The Smiths.

Whistle Test on the Road video clip at Derby Assembly Rooms.

The Smiths Room in Salford Lads Club, Manchester.
If your a fan of The Smiths then I'm sure you will have been to the Salford Lads Club in Manchester where there is a dedicated "Smiths room".
Google Streetview of The Salford Lads Club.

We visited there a few times and on the last visit in 2006 a really nice guy called Leslie took the time to show us around the entire club including the Smiths Room. In 2007 Leslie was on Channel 4's Secret Millionaire when Chek Whyte gave some money and help towards restoring the building.
You can still watch this episode on the 4od website. Fast forward to 19mins 32secs (you have to endure 3 short adverts first !)

My Photographs in The Smiths Room, Click to view large versions.


There is more information about The Smiths Room here.

More information :
The Smyths website :
www.thesmyths.net

The Smyths on Facebook.

The re:order website :
www.thieveslikeus.co.uk

Re:Order on Facebook.

If you are a Smiths fan go and see them now, go on what you waiting for!!

Andy

"The Modest" band play Derby tonight in Mackworth.

If you were at the 2013 CAMRA Derby Winter Beer Festival back in Feb this year then you may have seen this great band perform on Thursday 21st February.
The Modest play songs by The small Faces, The Who, The Action, The Kinks, Dexy's, Northern Soul, Motown, Stax etc Really good they are too.

Well tonight Saturday 2nd November at 9pm you will be able to see them play again at "The Woodpecker", 1 Woodford Road, Mackworth, Derby.

Videos of The Modest :




If you can't make this gig then there are two other local gigs in Derby before the end of the year. They often perform at other pubs in Derbyshire and Burton too, Check out their live date page.
Here are their two other Derby gigs this year :

Friday 8th November 9pm
The Horse and Groom, 48 Elms Street, Derby

Friday 22nd November 9pm
Roundhouse pub, London Road, Alvaston, Derby


More information :
The Modest website.

Facebook page :
The Woodpecker, Mackworth, Derby.

Follow me on Twitter :
Andy Savage from Derby.

Thanks
Andy

2013 Derby Bonfire and Fireworks, Markeaton Park, Sunday 3rd November from 5.45pm

This Sunday the 3rd November is when our annual free Bonfire and Fireworks event takes place at Markeaton Park, Derby.

The funfair opens at 2pm, with the Capital FM road show starting at 4.45pm. Capital FM stage show starts at 4.45pm. Hosted by Capital FM's breakfast show presenters Dino & Pete. With music from Furthest from the Sea. Fffts are the Midlands based grass roots collective committed to a hands on approach to Music, Comedy & Arts. Based in Derbyshire and swelled by an army of passionate volunteers, their aim  is to bring the performance of a lifetime to their community.
The Bonfire will be lit at 5.45pm and a fantastic fireworks display, set to music will begin at 6pm.

Video of last years Fireworks at Markeaton Park:







Getting to Markeaton Bonfire and Fireworks via Bus:

Map for Markeaton Park Bonfire and Fireworks:

View 2013 Markeaton Park Bonfire and fireworks Display in a larger map

Access to Markeaton Park for the Bonfire and Fireworks is restricted for safety reasons.
The main entrance to the park, off the A38, will be open for pedestrians. There will be no pedestrian access through the Mundy Play Centre, or across any of the three bridges into the park.

The main entrance to the Mundy Play Centre will also be closed, and the Mundy Play Centre car park will close at 2.30pm. Anyone who parks in this car park to use the park during the day should ensure that their vehicle is moved by 2.30pm. Markeaton Lane is closed to all vehicles between 3pm and 9pm, to allow safe access for pedestrians. The Police will control the road closure.

Pedestrians coming from The University of Derby car park will be directed across the pedestrian crossing on Kedleston Road and will access the park from Queensway next to the footbridge over the A38. Pedestrians coming along Kedleston Road from the city centre will also be directed via Queensway. Pedestrians from the Quarndon/Allestree areas will be directed down Markeaton Lane into the rear entrance to the park.

Thanks
Andy

Video of Adele's "Someone Like You" perfomed by the Loxley silver band, Sheffield, October 2013

I took this video on a recent visit to Sheffield to their beer and cider festival.
Sit back and enjoy the beautiful warm sounds of Loxley silver band performing Adele's "Someone Like You". This brass band were formed in 1889 !


The band performed on Saturday 26th October 2013. This was one of many songs they played at the beer festival. Hope you enjoy their version of this popular song.
Best viewed at 1080p/720p if you can.

For more information on this Brass Band see their website :
www.loxleysilverband.org.uk

Thanks
Andy
Follow me : https://twitter.com/AndySavage1969

Crossing England in a Punt: River of Dreams - River Trent.

Crossing England in a Punt: River of Dreams - River Trent.
On BBC 4 last night was a very interesting programme in which Tom Fort followed the entire course of the River Trent from its source to its journey to the sea. Along the route he stopped at Burton, Willington, Swarkestone, Shardlow etc.


From the Staffordshire hills to the Humber estuary, spirited explorer Tom Fort embarks on a 170-mile journey down Britain's third longest river, the Trent. Beginning on foot, he soon transfers to his own custom-built punt, the Trent Otter, and rows many miles downstream. Along the way he encounters the power stations that generate much of the nation's electricity, veterans of the catastrophic floods of 1947, the 19th-century brewers of Burton and a Bronze Age boatman who once made a life along the river.

Ferry Bridge, Burton on Trent.

Claymills Pumping station

Trent Bridge by Andrew Handyside of Derby.

Willington Power station

Shardlow Marina

If you missed this programme, don't worry as its on your on demand section if you are on Cable TV.
Or you have 6 days left to watch it on the iPlayer here.

Watch this programme now on BBC iPlayer :
http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/p00y6r6q/

Thanks
Andy

Sheffield Beer festival 2013. The 39th Steel City Beer and Cider Festival, 23rd Oct to 26th Oct. 2013

updated 24th Oct.
The beers are in the centre of the hall in a cross shape.
The ciders are in the corner.

The 39th annual Steel City Beer and Cider Festival will take place from Wednesday October 23rd to Saturday October 26th at Ponds Forge in Sheffield city centre.

The 2013 Cider List.
The 2013 Beer List.

Here is a panoramic photograph of the beer festival last year.

Panorama of the beer festival.

Around 150 real ales showcasing local breweries plus interesting beers from rest of the UK and a good range of real ciders and perry. Food available at all sessions, also features stalls and games.
Live music most evening sessions. Quiz Saturday afternoon.

Sheffield Beer and Cider Festival 2013.

At the Sheffield beer and cider festival they use Beer tokens as payment. You swap your cash for £1 or 10p tokens at the cash desk on entry you can then pay for everything with these tokens. You get your change in 10p tokens. This makes it better for the staff as there is no money to deal with. Additional tokens can be bought from a desk in the hall if you run out.

This beer festival uses beer tokens like this :

Sheffield Beer festival Tokens.

Admission charges :
Entry: - Pay on door, advance tickets not necessary
Wed 5pm-11pm £2.50 (members £1);
Thu12pm-6pm £2 (membs £1); 6pm-11pm £3 (members £1);
Fri 12pm-6pm £3 (members £1); 6pm-11pm £5 (members £2);
Sat 12pm-7pm £5 (members £1); 7pm-11pm: £3 (members £1).

Glass rental is £2.50

Live Entertainment :
Thursday - Alberts Skiffle Band and The Outfit
Friday - Jonny and the Moondogs followed by Roaming Son
Saturday - Loxley Silver Prize Band and Soulface.


Last year there was Free Wi-Fi available throughout this venue, just connect your device to the open connection "Sports Hall". Its not very fast but its free!

Beer festival location :
Ponds Forge International Sports Centre
Sheaf Street
Sheffield City Centre
S1 2PZ

Map location for the Sheffield Beer Festival :


View Sheffield CAMRA Beer and Cider festival Map in a larger map



Google Streetview of the venue.

45 degree Birds eye view on bingmaps.


By the way there is an excellent free shuttle bus service in Sheffield city centre. Its called the FreeBee and yes it really is free every few minutes around the city.
Leaflet for the Sheffield FreeBee.

Detailed route map for the Sheffield FreeBee shuttle bus.

If you would like to visit Sheffield Beer and Cider Festival from Derby then its worth getting a Derbyshire wayfarer.

Hope you found this of interest.

Thanks
Andy

Fire in Derby at the former GNR Engine House on Great Northern Road - October 8th 2013.

Today Tuesday 8th October 2013 there was a large fire at the former Great Northern Railway Engine House on Great Northern Road, Derby. This is a real shame as this is a Grade II listed building dating back to 1877
The engine house was built to provide power for the hydraulic cranes, capstans and hoists in the Bonded warehouse nearby as well as the goods lift in Friar Gate station.

As far as I know this building and the GNR warehouse are still awaiting development and are owned by Clowes Developments.

We really need to get Friar Gate Bridge, The Bonded warehouse and this engine house looked after as soon as possible otherwise we are going to loose these fine structures. Please sign my Friar Gate Bridge Petition today.

Here is a photograph of the tower of the GNR engine house during the fire this afternoon :
This is the "accumulator tower" part of the building.

Former GNR Engine house during the fire. The accumulator tower on fire.

Here is a short video someone took of the building on fire.





Here is a Google Streetview of the as seen in October 2012 :


View Larger Map



Here is a nice photograph showing the entire engine house in 2011 :


There was some terrible reporting on this fire, reports of the fire being on "Great Northern Way" and the fire was in a "derelict factory". Friargate Pine Company left that building over 11 years ago so to call it a derelict factory is a bit misleading when its a Grade II listed former engine pump house, Most Cities would be proud of such heritage but in Derby we don't seem to care about it.

The Engine House was designed by Kirk & Randall of Sleaford who also did the goods warehouse.
It formed part of the Friargate Railway Station and Goods Yard.
Great Northern Road was called Dog Kennal Lane up until the 1880s

If you would like to know more about the former Friargate Railway Line then view my complete map :
Friargate Railway Line route map.


Thanks
Andy

The MOSI Real Ale Festival 2013, Power Hall, Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester.

This was the 3rd MOSI Real Ale & Cider Festival, it took place on 26th - 28th September 2013 and was organisded by Trafford & Hulme CAMRA.

The venue was the Power Hall at The Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI).
As you can see this is a really great venue for a beer festival, they had all the steam engines running.



hope you enjoyed my little video of this beer festival.
Were you there?

Trafford & Hulme CAMRA website :
http://www.thcamra.org.uk/cms/

MOSI website :
http://www.mosi.org.uk/

If you have never been to MOSI then its well worth a visite, by far the best museum I've ever been too and its free.

Follow me on Twitter : https://twitter.com/AndySavage1969

Derbyshire Day 2013. A celebration of everything Derbyshire. Kedleston Hall near Derby.

"Derbyshire Day" is a day to celebrate arts, crafts, music, dancing and food and drink from the county of Derbyshire. This annual event takes place in late September and runs from 11am -- 5pm.
Its located on the grounds of Kedleston Hall which is about 3 miles from Derby.

This is the first time attending this event.

Did you attend Derbyshire Day 2013? Leave a comment about what you enjoyed the most this year. Can you name any companies that Ive not listed ?

BBC Radio Derby Presenters James Watt, Sally Pepper and Andy Potter were broadcasting live from the event.

Things you can see in my video :
Kedleston Hall.
James Watt from BBC Radio Derby interviewing Higgledy Piggledy Jazz

Hope you enjoyed the videos.

My videos of Derbyshire Day at Kedleston Hall :

Derbyshire Day, Kedleston Hall near Derby. Sunday 22nd September 2013. A tour of the event.




Derbyshire Day - Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Chip Pan and water demonstration.




The Naughty Dalek on Security at Derbyshire Day 2013. "Exterminate, not on a Sunday":)





Useful links to companies that were at this event : 
National Trust - Kedleston Hall : http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kedleston-hall/

Higgledy Piggledy Jazz : https://en-gb.facebook.com/higgledypiggledyjazz
Derby Pyclet Company : http://www.derbypycletcompany.co.uk/
Spondon Bakery : https://www.facebook.com/SpondonBakery
The Pudding Room : http://www.thepuddingroomderbyshire.co.uk/
Yew can't cedar wood fir the trees : http://www.woodworkprojects.co.uk/Steve.htm

Tutbury Band : http://www.tutburyband.co.uk/

Derby RSPB : http://www.rspb.org.uk/groups/derby
BBC Derby : http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/england/derbyshire/

Follow me on Twitter : https://twitter.com/AndySavage1969

Thanks
Andy

Video - Derby streets by car in HD. New Zealand area from Mercian Way. September 2013.

Here is a recent driving video in my Derby Streets by car series. In this video we start on Mercian Way (Derby inner ring road) and travel via Great Northern Road, Uttoxeter Old Road and through to the New Zealand Area of Derby.

Enjoy the drive :



Points of interest
00:00 We start on Mercian Way which is a newish road in Derby, it was the final section of the inner ring road.
00:11 on the right ahead is a newly built building for Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Association at 99 Curzon Street.
0:14 Dead ahead is the former Bonded Goods Depot. This is a grade II listed building built by Kirk and Ranndell of Sleaford in 1877-1878 for Friar Gate station goods yard. Currently awaiting redevelopment.
00:32 Merican Way roundabout (inner ring road)
00:37 Left onto Uttoxeter New Road
00:43 Right onto Great Northern Road
00:50 Up on the right side is the former Electricity Board
01:52 ahead is Parcel Terrace
01:53 right onto Uttoxeter Old Road
02:07 Up and over the former Friar Gate railway line.
02:27 On the right is a high wall which surrounds Vernon Gate (former Greyhound stadium/county gaol Prison)
02:30 Left up Stepping Lane
03:10 on left is the Lonny Wilsoncroft Community Centre
03:19 Left onto Campion Street
03:20 on left is New Zealand Charity shop
03:23 Right onto Stanley Street
03:37 on right is Langley Street (at the bottom of which is the New Zealand Arms pub)
04:01 Morley Street
04:06 on left is a Sainsbury's Local shop
04:22 left onto Napier Street
04:32 Left onto Mackenzie Street
04:43 Right onto Lyttelton Street
05:15 if you go right here it takes you onto the A38 Kingsway southbound.
05:17 left Lyttelton Street continues
05:27 Ahead is the A38 flyover bridge
05:30 Mackworth Estate is ahead.
End

Complete driving route map :
http://goo.gl/maps/I9rRY

Music Credits :
Kazmo - Glazia [NG Edit]
http://www.newgrounds.com/audio/listen/248206

Andy's Driving videos around Derby, Derbyshire, UK :
Are you an ex-pat of Derby, feeling homesick? Or perhaps you just want a clear way of giving someone directions to a location in Derby or just want to show people your Derby Street. Well in this video and the many others I have made, you will be able to take a virtual drive around the city of Derby's streets as though you were in the driving seat. I use a dash-mounted camera, Traffic lights and heavy traffic have been edited out.

Best watched at 720p/1080p fullscreen (if your system/net connection is up to it).

Why not start with the original video and watch them all one by one...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIMdVNMVc4U


Follow me on Twitter : https://twitter.com/AndySavage1969

Thanks
Andy

Video - Shelton Lock, Derby to Moira car boot via Ashby De La Zouch. August 2013

Here is my latest driving video. This is the longest one I've uploaded, nearly 30 minutes long!
This one starts in Derby at Shelton Lock and ends at Moira Car Boot Sale. We travel through Shelton Lock, Chellaston, Swarkstone, Stanton by Bridge, Melbourne, Lount, Ashby De La Zouch, Shellbrook, Norris Hill and Moira.

Moira Car Boot Sale

 I know there are probably quicker routes to get from Derby to Moira, but on this journey you will take in all sorts of places. Should be something of interest to everyone :
Here is the complete driving route map for this video - Route Map.

Enjoy the drive :



Points of interest:
00:00 This drive starts on Chellaston Road (A514) at the junction of Boulton Lane and Merrill Way heading South.
00:07 Shelton Lock (a suburb of Derby)
00:35 on left is the Golden Pheasant pub
00:49 on right is the New Bridge Inn pub
00:52 on left is a turning area for the old tram system
00:57 Going over the former Derby Canal.
00:58 The road becomes Derby Road.
02:23 on right is The Corner Pin pub
02:26 road becomes Swarkestone Road
02:28 on right is The Rose and Crown pub
03:33 A50 island
03:45 If you go left here it takes you to Nottingham and East Midlands Airport
04:04 Left onto Swarkestone Road A514
04:32 Going over the Trent and Mersey Canal
04:54 Swarkestone village, Derbyshire
05:18 Crewe and Harpur pub on right
05:30 Over the River Trent
05:37 Swarkestone Bridge (the longest stone bridge in England)
07:00 Stanton by Bridge, Derbyshire
07:35 Road becomes the B587
07:48 Idiot overtaking cyclists in my lane!
08:41 right around onto Derby Road
08:57 Melbourne, Derbyshire
09:11 Right around onto Cockshut Lane
10:36 left down Robinson's Hill
11:25 right onto Ashby Road
11:34 on right is entrance to Staunton Harold reservoir
16:33 right onto Nottingham Road (B587)
19:34 A5111 roundabout
19:46 Ashby De La Zouch, Leicestershire
21:08 Road becomes Wood Street
21:31 Road becomes Market Street
21:37 Ashby De La Zouch town centre
21:40 on right is The Queens Head Pub
21:42 on left is the White Hart pub
21:49 on left is The Lamb pub
22:14 Kilwardby Street
22:18 on right is The Fallen Knight Hotel
22:41 Road becomes Moira Road
22:43 on left is an old water tower. Once an active water tower servicing Ashby-de-la-Zouch, the tower stands approximately 15.6m (50ft) tall. Grade II listed, awaiting conversion to a dwelling!
25:28 Moira, Leicestershire
25:34 Road becomes Ashby Road
27:43 the Woodman Pub
27:48 Shortheath Road
28:16 on left is Moira Furnace (nineteenth-century iron-making blast furnace built in 1804)
28:20 Follow road around to right onto Bath Lane
28:46 Left into the car boot entrance at Moira Miners sports ground.
29:01 As you can see car parking for buyers is on the left here. The car boot area is on the right side of this road.

Moira Car Boot Sale :
www.moiracarboot.com

Sunday car boot, Moira Miners sports ground, Bath Lane, Moira, Overseal, DE12 6BP

Andy's Driving videos around Derby, Derbyshire, UK :
Are you an ex-pat of Derby, feeling homesick? Or perhaps you just want a clear way of giving someone directions to a location in Derby or just want to show people your Derby Street. Well in this video and the many others I have made, you will be able to take a virtual drive around the city of Derby's streets as though you were in the driving seat. I use a dash-mounted camera, Traffic lights and heavy traffic have been edited out.

Best watched at 720p/1080p fullscreen (if your system/net connection is up to it).

Why not start with the original video and watch them all one by one...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIMdVNMVc4U

Music Credits :
Warriors by ArcaneSoul
http://www.newgrounds.com/audio/listen/504746

Slider-TN-remix by TerraNation
http://www.newgrounds.com/audio/listen/515915

Down To Earth by Fierra
http://www.newgrounds.com/audio/listen/201750

Epilogue-TN-Remix by TerraNation
http://www.newgrounds.com/audio/listen/490485


Follow me on Twitter : https://twitter.com/AndySavage1969

Moira Car Boot Sale

Thanks
Andy

Video - Derby streets by car in HD. Stockbrook area. September 2013

Here is my latest video in my Derby streets by car series. This one takes you around the Stockbrook area of Derby including Stockbrook street, Peet Street, Lynton Street, Parliment Street, Abbey street etc



This is a realtime car journey.
Points of interest :

00:00 we start at the traffic lights on Ford Street where it meets Friar Gate
00:08 Stafford Street (inner ring road)
00:17 On the left here is where the inner ring road used to be before it was completed with the new Mercian Way and Lara Croft Way roads
00:24 As we approach the new Mercian Way roundabout (Uttoxeter New Road) you can see St Lukes church in the centre
00:31 We are going right here onto Uttoxeter New Road so I am in the middle lane.
00:34 dead ahead is a big pile of rubble. Here once stood Trent bus depot and Capital Self Storage in more recent years. These old buildings were demolished in August 2013
and are currently being cleared away. You can see the yellow digger on the land.
00:37 If you go straight on here then it takes you up Mercian Way, across Abbey Street and upto Lara Croft Way.
00:42 Onto Uttoxeter New Road
00:49 on the left is the entrance to the former Trent bus depot.
01:18 Left onto Peet Street
02:09 Left down Parliment Street
02:25 three point turn and back up Parliment Street
02:33 You can see St Lukes church on the left
02:45 On the left is Churchside Walk
03:39 Left onto Peet Street
03:51 Right onto Lynton Street
03:53 on the right is Derby academy of dance in the old mill studio.
03:57 on right is Lynton Porcelain Company.
04:28 Left onto Bakewell Road
04:32 The Dunkirk Tavern
04:58 Left onto Drewry Lane
05:26 Left onto Peet Street
05:38 Right onto Franchise Street
06:11 Left onto Upper Boundary Road
06:29 On right is IC Discounts and Firs Youth Centre
06:34 On the right used to be the Roebuck Inn (corner of Amy Street and Stockbrook Road) this pub was demolished in 2008. Its been replaced with three storey apartments with a shop on the ground floor.
The First World War memorial plaque that was on this pub was fitted into the wall of the new building and rededicated on November 11th 2011 by Father Graham Sillis from St Luke's Church.
06:36 on right you can clearly see the new buildings where the Roebuck inn once stood.
06:40 Left down Stockbrook Street
06:42 Do you remember the ICe Cream van that used to be parked up about here at night?
07:02 on right is Stockbrook Community Centre
07:53 on left is Becket Children's Centre (Sure Start)
08:15 Right onto Woods Lane
08:58 Around the bend onto Farm Street
09:03 On left is Sainsbury's Local, Dead ahead is the pub garden of the George Cross Pub
09:12 Left onto Boyer Street
09:13 The George Cross Pub
09:38 Left onto Abbey Street
09:42 on right is Tatler the Printers (J. M. Tatler)
10:18 This new junction is for the Inner ring road
10:21 Left onto Mercian Way
10:34 Dead ahead is the former Bonded Goods Depot. This is a grade II listed building was built by Kirk and Ranndell of Sleaford in 1877-1878 for Friar Gate station goods yard. Currently awaiting redevelopement.
10:35 End of drive, see you in the next one !

Andy's Driving videos around Derby, Derbyshire, UK :
Are you an ex-pat of Derby, feeling homesick? Or perhaps you just want a clear way of giving someone directions to a location in Derby or just want to show people your Derby Street. Well in this video and the many others I have made, you will be able to take a virtual drive around the city of Derby's streets as though you were in the driving seat. I use a dash-mounted camera, Traffic lights and heavy traffic have been edited out.

Best watched at 720p/1080p fullscreen (if your system/net connection is up to it).


Why not start with the original video and watch them all one by one...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIMdVNMVc4U


Follow me on Twitter : https://twitter.com/AndySavage1969

Thanks
Andy

What on earth is making this noise? Odd sound from something in a tree recorded in Derby, August 2013

These is something in a tree near where I live that makes this very odd sound every night.
Please help identify what is making this odd noise by leaving comments on Youtube.
This is in Derby, Derbyshire, U.K.

It started making the noise a week or so ago and it starts making the noise just as the Sun is going and it keeps making it for a few hours.
It does the noise for 15-50 seconds then stops for a few seconds then starts again.
If you walk up to the base of the tree then it stops making the sound.

Anyone have any idea what it could be?
Its too dark to see and it does not make the noise in daylight.

When I first heard the sound in late August I thought it was a faulty alarm but its definitely in the tree you can see at the start of my video.

What on earth is making this noise.......


Any ideas what it could be?


Please help !

Twitter :
https://twitter.com/AndySavage1969

Video - Derby Streets by car in HD. Osmaston Road to Chellaston Road, August 2013.

Here is the latest in my Derby streets by car in HD series of videos done over the years.
This is a real-time car journey from Osmaston Road to Chellaston Road via Allenton, Derby.

The drive starts on Osmaston Road near Lara Croft Way. August 11th 2013.
Best watched at 720p/1080p fullscreen (if your system/net connection is up to it).


Andy's Driving videos around Derby, Derbyshire, UK :
Are you an ex-pat of Derby, feeling homesick? Or perhaps you just want a clear way of giving someone directions to a location in Derby or just want to show people your Derby Street. Well in this video and the many others I have made, you will be able to take a virtual drive around the city of Derby's streets as though you were in the driving seat. I use a dash-mounted camera, Traffic lights and heavy traffic have been edited out.

Why not start with the original video and watch them all one by one...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIMdVNMVc4U

Follow me on Twitter : https://twitter.com/AndySavage1969


Thanks
Andy

Darley Park Concert 2013, the UK's biggest free outdoor classical concert. Sunday 1st September 2013

My complete guide to this years free Darley Park Concert. As you may remember last year this event took place in July to coincide with the Olympic torch relay. Now in 2013 its back in its usual late summer slot.

This weekend on Sunday 1st September 2013 is the Annual FREE outdoor classical concert and fireworks display at Darley Park, Derby.
This event normally attracts crowds of around 30,000 This years show will be hosted by Classic FM weekday drivetime presenter John Brunning.

X-Factor finalist Marcus Collins and EastEnders' Cheryl Fergison - who you may seen flexing her vocal chords recently on ITV'sYour Face Sounds Familiar - will perform towards the end of the evening, just before the fireworks finale. Cheryl will perform Rock Around the Clock, with Marcus singing Don’t Stop Me Now. 

It ends with a spectacular firework finale.

The photograph here is one I took during the amazing firework finale at the 2004 concert.
Some more of my photographs in 2002.

If you are traveling in to Derby from afar then its best to get here early as this event is always very popular.
If you are unfamiliar with the layout of Darley Park then then have a good look around using my virtual tour

The Darley Park Virtual Tour Map.
Click the map image below to access the draggable interactive map. This has marker icons on it.
Simple click on an icon and click the link in the pop up that appears to view the 360 degree panorama from that location. Some panoramas have "jump links" within them allowing you to jump to the next panorama.



Or click - Darley Park 360 degree Virtual Reality Tour.




Map
Here is a detailed map showing the exact location of the Darley Park Concert and where you can park.
Click the link below the map to get a larger version you can print out.

View Darley Park Concert, Derby. in a larger map

Smartphone mapping pins.
If you have a smartphone (iPhone, HTC etc) then you can use my push pins below to get accurate GPS locations to this venue. Just view this blog on your phone and tap the link below to launch your mapping app, a push pin will appear on it and you can use this to get walking/driving directions from your current position.

The audience sitting area. <---- Tap this link to locate the area where you will sit and watch the concert.

Entrance to concert car parking. <--- Tap this link to located the entrance to the concert car parking.

There are several entrances into Darley Park. Choose the best one for you. Here are the entrances to the park with Google Streetviews. These are all "by foot" !
1) Bottom of Mile Ash Lane.
2) End of Darley Street.
3) Down Darley Park Drive.
4) Off Duffield Road (A6).
5) Bottom of South Drive.
6) End of North Parade.
7) Over Handyside bridge from City Road.

The Darley Park Concert is sponsored by Rolls Royce and in partnership with Classic FM.
Remember to take a torch as some of the paths into Darley Park are unlit and covered with trees so its helps if you have a torch to see where you are walking.

Here is the lineup for Sunday's concert.

6pm
Entertainment from The Big Sing

7pm
R Strauss: Also Sprach Zarathustra
Grieg: Morning from Peer Gynt Suite                 
Glazunov: Spring
Porter: I Love Paris
Gershwin: Summertime
Adams/Vallance: Summer of '69
Work: Grandfather's Clock
Suppe: Morning, Noon and Night in Vienna
Ponchielli: Dance of the Hours
Anderson: Syncopated Clock
Williams: The Old Clockmaker
J Strauss: Tik Tak Polka
Interval - entertainment from The Big Sing
Rossini: Gallop from William Tell Overture
Dukes: Autumn in New York
Weill: September Song
Hupfeld: As Time Goes By
Orth: In a Clock Store
Vivaldi: Winter from The Four Seasons
Mendelssohn: Nocturne
Lennon/McCartney: Hard Day's Night
Freedman/Myers: Rock Around the Clock
Wagner: Ride of the Valkyries*

This year the grand firework finale will be set to Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries from Die Walküre.

Parking: £5 at St Benedicts College and Derby Rugby Club

Here is a great video someone took at the 2011 concert:

Video by ditcher41a2

Thanks

Andy

Product review - Super thin Kingston 32GB USB Flash memory stick (SE9 DTSE9H32GB), Bargain price of £14.45. 45p per Gigabyte!

I recently bought three of these new super skinny USB memory sticks by Kingston.
They are 32GB capacity, Which is a massive amount of storage space, that's only 45p per Gigabyte !



The best thing about this model is the case is only as wide as the USB connector its self so if you don't have a lot of space around your USB sockets on your PC or laptop then this is the perfect solution.
Also there is no cap or loose bits that can be lost or snapped off in use or transit.
It has a large hole at the other end so you can put it on your keyring.
The case is made from a single extruded bit of robust aluminum not plastic like most USB sticks.

Here is a photograph of it so you can see how nice and compact this 32GB stick is compared with my previous USB stick (a 16GB Kingston model) . As you can see the 32GB one is super thin and no cap to loose or bits to break off.

Here is the new 32GB Kingston USB memory Stick and my old 16GB above it for size comparison.

4GB file limit - How to solve this common issue.
I suggest formatting it in NTFS so you can put large files on it. If you format it at FAT32 then remember you can't copy large files onto it. If you copy a file which is over 4GB it will show the rather misleading message "There is not enough free space on the drive". If you get this warning even though you have lots of free space then this is the reason. Reformat it as NTFS to solve the problem.

Product Description
Kingston’s DataTraveler SE9 USB Flash drive has a stylish metal casing with a large ring so it will attach easily. The small form factor makes it a great accessory for notebooks like Intel’s new Ultrabook as well as tablets that offer USB ports. Its durable casing lets users securely carry this drive everywhere they go with their new devices.
DataTraveler SE9 is covered by a five-year warranty, free technical support and legendary Kingston reliability.



Product Description
Kingston 32GB USB 20 DataTraveler SE9 DTSE9H32GB Storage Flash USB Memory

Worth getting one at this bargain price.

Thanks
Andy

Video - Burton Road (Derby City centre) to Sinfin. Derby streets by car in HD. July 2013

Here is my latest "Derby Streets by car" video. This is a real-time car journey from Burton Road (Derby city centre) to Sinfin, Derby.

The drive starts on Burton Road near its junction with Lara Croft Way. The first road we pass on the left is Mount Street.


Andy's Driving videos around Derby, Derbyshire, UK :
Are you an ex-pat of Derby, feeling homesick? Or perhaps you just want a clear way of giving someone directions to a location in Derby or just want to show people your Derby Street. Well in this video and the many others I have made, you will be able to take a virtual drive around the city of Derby's streets as though you were in the driving seat. I use a dash-mounted camera, Traffic lights and heavy traffic have been edited out.

Best watched at 720p/1080p fullscreen (if your system/net connection is up to it).


Why not start with the original video and watch them all one by one...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIMdVNMVc4U

Follow me on Twitter : https://twitter.com/AndySavage1969

Thanks
Andy

Book - The Illustrated History of Derby by Maxwell Craven. I provided the cover photograph for this book!

Back in 2007 I was asked by Breedon Books if I would supply a photograph suitable for the front cover of a new Derby book that had been written by local historian Maxwell Craven. I was so chuffed that they asked me to do this. Even today I still see my photograph adorning this book in local stores and it makes me smile.



Here is a photograph I took of the window display at Waterstones bookshop on St Peters Street, Derby when it had lots of these books on display.

My photograph on the cover of books in Waterstones bookshop, St Peters Street, Derby.

The Illustrated History of Derby is availalable from Amazon and also local shops.



The image you can see on the cover is one I took on 7th July 2004 of the Cathedral reflected in the Derwent very early one morning. I would like to thank Breedon Books.


Thanks
Andy

The Flower Pot Pub, Derby "Pot fest" Beer and Cider Festival. August 22nd to 25th. 40 Real Ales and ciders. London Calling

There is a Beer and Cider festival this weekend (The August Bank Holiday weekend) at The Flower Pot pub in Derby. It runs from Thursday 22nd to Sunday 25th August 2013. Having been to this beer festival a few times I can recommend it for the live entertainment alone!

There will be Live music and 40 Real Ales and Ciders from the London area to try and lots of live music and entertainment  :

Thursday 22nd :
9pm - The Heron Brothers. More Details here

Friday 23rd :
9pm - Mojosa (Paul Miro and Paul Evans) featuring L’ll Jim. More details here

Saturday 24th :
Morris Men
4pm - Black Pig Border. More details here
9pm - Crazy Heart (Johnny cash with a blues twist)

Sunday 25th :
4pm - Swamptrash. More details here
9pm - Radio Clash. More details here


BBQ Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Here is a flyer for The Flower Pot Beer Festival 2013 :

Potfest 2013 at the Flower Pot Pub in Derby.

If you are coming into Derby to try this Beer Festival then why not stop at the Jurys Inn Hotel as its just across the road from the Flower Pot pub.

The Flower Pot is located on King Street (A6) very near the Jurys Inn Hotel.
You can see The flower pot in this Google Streetview.

If you have a smartphone then you can use my drop pin below to find your way to the pub using the mapping application.
Smartphone mapping drop pin. <-- Tap this link on your smartphone to get accurate directions.

Hope you found this of interest.
Andy

How to swap Left and Right audio channels on your PC if they are swapped with each other. My simple solution to this problem.

Last year I made a video to help you diagnose faults with your wiring, speakers or headphones.
My video "Speaker Test Video (Left and Right Audio), Ensure that your left and right speakers are connected correctly." is very popular with nearly 154,000 views so far.

A problem that is often asked is "how can I swap the Left and Right audio channels"
Some older soundcards used to have a tick box which said "Swap LR" but not seen that for a long time.

I have the easy solution to your problem here, you need to buy the two following leads from Amazon.
These leads are adapters, The one on the left converts a 3.5mm Jack Plug into left and right audio on RCA sockets where as the lead on the right converts 3.5mm Jack Socket into left and right RCA plugs.
By connecting these two leads together you have the ability to SWAP the audio channels.

Buy these two separate items :



Once you have taken delivery of these two leads do the following :
1) Unplug your existing headphones/Speakers from your PC (thats the 3.5mm jack plug that goes into the GREEN socket on your soundcard).
2) Plug in the 3.5mm jack plug from the left lead above into that GREEN socket on your PC.
3) Now get the other lead which has the red and black RCA plugs on it and insert the RED RCA plug into the BLACK RCA socket of the other lead and insert the BLACK RCA plug into the RED RCA socket of the other lead.
4) Now plug in your headphones/Speakers plug into the 3.5mm jack socket on the adapter lead.
5) Problem solved. Left channel is now going to be routed through to the Right ear and Right channel to the left.

Hope someone finds my solution to this problem of use. if so please leave a comment or promote my solution.

My Left/Right Speaker Test video

The idea of this video is simple, it allows you to confirm that you have wired up your audio system the right way round. You may not think its important but imagine playing a fighting game and you hear the enemy to your right so you turn right to fire only to get shot because they were actually on your left side !
I discovered that my L & R cables were mixed up at the back of my computer desk and have been for months.

My speaker test video :

It may help if you play this video in Full screen mode.

When Left shows on screen there should be a voice in the LEFT speaker ONLY.
If you can hear "Left channel" in the right speaker only then this means your L & R cables are swapped over.
If you can hear "Left channel" in BOTH speakers then this means you have a short circuit OR you are using a MONO sound system.

If your system IS correct then no point in watching all 4 minutes of the video.

It will then play a voice in the left and right speakers alternating every 2 seconds from left to right, this will play for 4 minutes giving you plenty of time to fiddle around with cables etc.


The time-lapse clouds I have used as a background were filmed using my modified Canon Ixus 430 camera.

On my system the "line output" from the back of the PC soundcard was connected via a switchbox (A/B Input Source Switch Box TC-12 (Part #: 50-6220) that allows me to either send the sound to my Creative Labs speakers OR to my Hi-Fi.
The Red RCA female was connecting through to the white RCA Male that was on the end of this switch box in other words Right and Left audio were being swapped !

Hope this test video is of use to someone out there.

Thanks
Andy
www.derbyphotos.co.uk

Sunrise Evolver video - time-lapse sunrise over Derby.

Best enjoyed over ice at 720/1080p in full screen mode in order to appreciate those glorious pastels !

 This glorious sunrise was filmed at Half Five on an August morning out of my bedroom window looking over Derby, Derbyshire, UK.
 The time-lapse sequence is made from 1491 photographs taken on my modified Canon Ixus 430.

My video "Sunrise Evolver"

Thanks
Andy

The Golden Eagle Pub, Agard Street, Derby. Owned by Titan Brewery, Opens 9th August 2013.

The Golden Eagle Pub on Agard Street, Derby opens its doors on Friday 9th August 2013.

The Golden Eagle pub, Agard Street, Derby. August 2013

Here is a little video I made showing where the Golden Eagle pub is located and also some close ups of the amazing Derby-themed mural that covers this pub which show a series of artworks, illustrating famous people, events and scenes from the city's lifetime.

The mural was painted by Urban Canvas Ltd.

My little car journey starts on Friar Gate near its junction with Ford Street. We then drive under Friar Gate bridge, right at Bridge Street and then follow the road around into Agard Street. I park up next to the Golden Eagle Pub and then show you some of the Derby Murals on this pub.



The Golden Eagle Pub, Agard Street, Derby. is owned by Titan Brewery Ltd.

History of this pub :
This pub dates back to before 1853 when it was originally called The Golden Eagle.
In 1980 it was sold by Bass and renamed Pizza and Pasta. In 1983 it was renamed Knight Fall, then in 1994 renamed Golden Eagle again until 1997 when it changed to Captain Blake. In August 2003 the pub changed its name again to Union Blue. Then The Graduate and now back to the Golden Eagle in August 2013.

360 Degree Photographs
Have a look at my full-screen 360 degree virtual reality photographs here.



Simply click a link, wait for it to load in then use your mouse to drag the view around (like you do with Google Street view). I took these on July 4th 2013 :

As seen from Searl Street :
http://www.absolutelyandy.com/derbyphotoscouk/360panoramas/the_golden_eagle/1685-1691.htm

As seen from Searl Street (closer view) :
http://www.absolutelyandy.com/derbyphotoscouk/360panoramas/the_golden_eagle/1692-1698.htm

As seen from the other side of Agard Street :
http://www.absolutelyandy.com/derbyphotoscouk/360panoramas/the_golden_eagle/1699-1705.htm

The footbridge at the end of Searl Street, the Golden Eagle pub is at the far end :
http://www.absolutelyandy.com/derbyphotoscouk/360panoramas/the_golden_eagle/1708-1714.htm

-----------------------

This pub can be found at 55 Agard Street, Derby, Derbyshire, DE1 1DZ
Their Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Titan-Brewery-Ltd/205076326310054

Thanks
Andy
My Twitter : https://twitter.com/AndySavage1969
My Derby website : http://www.derbyphotos.co.uk

Videos of songs performed at "Three Cats Cider Social" Sunday 21st July 2013.

Here are five videos of these guys playing some great tracks at the "Three Cats Cider Social" on Sunday 21st July 2013 in Morley, Derbyshire. Sing along !



These were recorded on my old iPhone 3GS so not HD.

At this private social event there were 6 ciders for people to try : Three Cats Dry, Three Cats Sweet, Dunkertons Medium sweet, Naish Dry, Painted Lady Medium, Hecks Blakeney Red Medium Sweet.

Thanks to Chris and Sue Rogers for putting on such  a great party.

Andy
Follow me on Twitter : https://twitter.com/AndySavage1969

Thunder storm in Derby right now. View a real-time lightning strike map.

After weeks of very dry very hot sunny weather we have finally been greeted by thunderstorms first thing in the morning. Also lots of very heavy rain which is causing lots of localised flooding.
Did you know that you can view a real-time lightning strike map of the UK so you can see where the thunderstorm is and how severe it is?

Here is a screen grab showing the last 60 minutes of lightning strikes for the UK.
The next image below this one is a current map of lightning strikes for the UK for comparison. Scroll down a bit to see the live map data.

Lightning strike map for UK on 23rd July 2013 @ 5am

Personally I enjoy watching a good thunderstorm and trying to predict if the storm is getting closer or further away by counting in seconds between the flash and the thunder.
There are lots of books on the subject.


Next time there is a thunderstorm in the Derby area you may be able to see it comming by looking at the local webcams - Derby and Derbyshire webcams.

Live real-time lightning strike map for UK
If you would like to see real-time lightning strike map for the UK right this second then here it is below.
If there are no coloured markers on it then thats because there are no thunderstorms at the moment!
The map below shows all of the lightning strikes that have occurred in the last 60 minutes. Also what charge they were and if they connected between clouds or to the ground.

Here is the key
+CG Positive cloud to ground strike
-CG Negative cloud to ground strike
+IC  Positive in cloud or intracloud strike
-IC   Negative in cloud or intracloud strike

Photographing lightning is very difficult and offers a great challenge

Here is some intracloud lightning in Derby, NOT the Derby in Derbyshire but the Derby in Kansas, USA !



Hope you found this of interest.

Thanks
Andy

Video of Derby Caribbean Carnival 2013, Saturday 20th July. See every dance troupe here in HD.

Here is my video of Derby Caribbean Carnival 2013 which took place on Saturday 20th July.
See every dance troupe here in HD



Thanks
Andy