Alan – Met in Mereway, Northampton

Alan is outstanding. He also has a striking look. Once seen, never forgotten.

My enquiry about his different colour facial hair was met with an air of polite and calm resignation – I’d correctly assumed that others had also noticed it and commented on it.

Alan explained that he had inherited his particular look through his genes – his grandparents had it, then it skipped a generation and he was gifted with it. It’s called vitiligo  - a condition that results in the loss of pigmentation - and his occurs only on one side of his face. Apparently Michael Jackson had the same condition.

I told him I thought his look was a fashion statement before I spoke to him, he smiled at my suggestion that he dyed his hair on one side of his face. When I asked if I could take his photograph he willingly obliged and remarked that someone else had recently asked him the same question because they knew someone with the same condition.

Fortunately the other man and I were part of a group of sensitive enquirers. Alan remarked that he’s had some negative comments from people because unfortunately we live in a country with lots of sensitive people. All his observations of these other people were kind and courteous.

An outstanding man, in more ways than one, especially in charity to others who have been less than thoughtful to him.

Ieva – Met in Kingsthorpe, Northampton

Style, panache, presence – all these elements and more are evident in Ieva. She stood out against the brick buildings as she was casually and professionally doing kick-ups in the street.

I asked if she was practising for a particular event, Ieva responded, “No, I just like to do it.” She was very good.

After explaining why I was taking photographs Ieva agreed to let me share a touch of her style and skill.

Leyion - Met in Northampton

He stepped out of a building in front of me and I immediately noticed his strong calf muscles. Thinking about the upcoming Olympics I admired his easy, yet determined walk. After passing him I hesitated and went back.

Leyion had just finished working out in the gym something he plans to continue for the next eight years at least – until he’s 60. Yes, that’s right, this young looking man is over 50 (in fact, he’s the same age as me).

Leyion was raised in Northampton but left after gaining his qualifications to find work in the West Country and on the south coast. He is using his return to the county well, he hailed and talked to many people as we ambled along the road together. His strong, yet easy, manner extends to his character as well as his physique.

I think Leyion will be working out for a good few more years to come, at this rate he’ll be doing gym sessions until he’s at least 90.

Tom - met in Northampton

I interrupted Tom as he was minding his own business walking through town. His eye caught my eye.

“Excuse me." I said, "That’s an interesting tattoo.”

“Thank you.”

“Can I take a picture of it, of you as well?”

“Mmm, yes. What’s it for?”

Tom took out his earphones when I’d approached him and after explaining why I was bothering him he willingly let me take a few photographs.

I asked if he had more tattoos than the ones visible.

“Are they all over your body?” I asked.

“I’m getting there,” he responded shyly.

“Don’t worry,” I said, “I’m not going to ask you to look at them all.”

We smiled together at the thought. 

Dave Cox - from Northampton

Did you know you can miss out on the best quality conversations because of preconceived ideas? “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” So the saying goes. It’s true.

Dave was a boxer. You can tell that from his rugged face. What you can’t tell is the warmth of his personality and the extent of his community interest.

There was a time when Dave was the busiest boxer in Britain, now he pursues more gentle occupations like window cleaning and walking his dogs.

Like his Rottweiler and Husky you don’t really know what’s beneath the surface until you approach him (both dogs are also very pleasant).

Dave says he’s not political but he wants to see a change in the political landscape where things are more equal for the everyday workers of the country. With a passionate speech (that sounded very much like an election speech) he pointed out the evident errors in many systems from social care to the deteriorating health system. Dave is a man who has his finger on the pulse and his eye firmly fixed on the shifting landscape.

Looking to the future Dave wants to see more changes that will not rob the children of their rights. He could be right.

As he says, with a cheeky version of his ever-present smile, “Dave Cox for Prime Minister!”

Helen - from Northampton

Helen is a bubble of fun and a fount of knowledge. When she’s not busy educating young people in the pleasures of literature and the English language, she can be found on the winning team in many a pub quiz, experiencing the pleasures of tepee or yurt living or dressing as your favourite juggling bumblebee!

No social setting is complete without a little touch of Helen. She adds sparkle and laughter to all situations. Easily put at ease in her company you may unwittingly become a student at her feet.

  

Although Helen is in her second decade of teaching in the leafy green hamlets of Northamptonshire when she is not in the classroom she does venture far and wide around the country and world visiting new locations, familiar family comforts of Ireland,  national theatres and book shows, seeking adventure in random fields and reading a book or two ... hundred.

Helen has passion about learning English and her input has also been included in curriculum guidelines by the Greek government. Her position within her current establishment as the Learning Leader for English is a good start to knowing more about this soft spoken and truly amazing woman.

Merlin Shah - Met in The Headlands, Northampton

Although from Trinidad Merlin has the magical character that goes with her name from  English medieval legends. Merlin is in the UK using her renown skills as a gardener.

In previous years she has was asked to teach children both basic and advanced life and gardening skills: they seem to go hand-in-hand.

Merlin is currently working in gardens and allotments in the town and she’s evidently having a lot of fun. She said, with a huge grin, “I like myself for what I do.”

How wonderful to be able to live your life and say that each day.

Jim – Met in Weston Favell, Northampton

This is a story.

It’s a story about a man and a dog. And it’s a story about me.

My bit first: the more people I talk to, the more I find out about myself. This is a multi-faceted adventure of meeting and recording the images of people of Northamptonshire. I recommend it to everyone. Try it, you’ll like it ... maybe even love it.

Now Jim’s bit: if you saw Jim on the street you’d stop to talk with him as well, I know you would.

Jim dared me to guess his age. I was wrong (on purpose, but farther away from his real age that I’d have thought.) What do you think his age is? (*It’s at the bottom of this entry.) Maybe his story will give you a clue.

Jim has been in England for over 40 years. Before he moved here from his home in Kilkenny, in the south of Ireland, he had worked on a farm for 14 years. Jim put his long life down to a life of contentment with what he has. He said he’s happy to read, listen to the wireless and sing along to songs. Jim asserted, in a super soft tone, that he’s as healthy as he can be. He walks two miles every day with his dog, Missy, he does his own cooking, washing and other household tasks and he doesn’t take any form of medication.

He spoke with a quiet sense of contentment, enhanced – to my ears – by the sweet, soft Irish lilt to his voice. It was like knowing that uncut diamonds were dropping onto a purple velvet cloth. I was sorry to leave him but I said, “I hope to see you again sometime.” At this Jim smiled and said, “With the help of God and 900 policemen.” We both laughed.

As we parted, Jim looked back at me and raised his voice to an average speaking level, “If not,” he said, “I’ll see you in heaven. You’ll be there, won’t you? With the Big Man ...” His eyes shone with joy and he continued on his way at peace with himself and the world.

As I stood there reflecting I could just hear his quiet calls of “Morning,” as they were echoed by the duplicated word from all passersby as he walked down the nearby jitty.

(*Jim is 85 years young with twinkling eyes and a superb sense of style – I ‘guessed’ early 60s.) 

Alan Gabriel – Met in Kingsley Park, Northampton

This man has a light about him; an air of smart order. This was what I thought even before I knew his name was Gabriel. He told me his name in a Bond like manner, “Gabriel. Alan Gabriel.” His calm assurance in look and poise were matched in his smooth flow of words.

Waiting for his son by a bus stop in Kingsley Park Mr. Gabriel was happy for me to take this photograph. I was initially hesitant to approach but as I dithered our eyes met and I knew immediately that it was OK to speak with him.

A brief but lasting interaction.

I said, “Thank you, sir,” as I returned to my car. It seemed the only fitting way to refer to him.

Marc from Northampton - met in Market Square

The celebrations of the Olympic torch relay were in full swing a few hundred metres away from this man, who was sheltering from another summer’s downpour.

He was with someone I’d met recently, Martin, and after we’d chatted a while I introduced myself to Marc.

Marc has been in Northampton for 8 years and he’s known Martin all that time, “He’s a fantastic bloke,” Marc says amiably.

Marc then told me about himself. He said, “I had two legs up until last year, but I lost one,” he stops and pulls on his cigarette. “DVT,” he continues in a matter-of-fact tone, “from the smoking.” Looking at the cigarette in his ungloved left hand he says, almost wistfully, “I should give it up ... but I don’t.” He then puts it to his lips again and inhales deeply while looking out to somewhere far beyond the raindrops falling in the Market Square.

He tells me where he lives and where he normally is to be found when he is in town. Like with Martin, I know I’ll speak with him again. When you really see people, they always remain visible.

Removing his glove from his right hand Marc shakes my hand, smiles and bids me farewell. He repeat his name again, “Marc, that’s Marc with a C.” “It’s important to get your name right,” I reply. “Thank you.”

When I eventually walk away he sits there with Martin standing at his side. The downpour is relentless.