Gospel from The Saints

By Julia Collins, who lives in Saint Nicholas

So, what did you go for first; seeing family and friends –catching up with all your special people at cafes and restaurants? Or had you been looking forward to entertaining at home once more? Did you throw as much caution as is legally allowed to the wind, or are you still careful –reticence being so ingrained that it rules the day? Being allowed to reunite outside (no more than six) was a good entree. Chatting freely with plenty of distance between us and a welcoming, warm breeze caressing our every sentence, we practised being at ease in the company of others again. For so long we have followed the conditioning to basically avoid other people and concentrate on our personal safety. Will you delight in travelling away from home (when we finally can), or have we learned to value our surroundings far more and be satisfied with simpler reunions – less being more when you’ve experienced a year of definitely less?! I wonder how many of our lockdown habits will persist? As life inevitably accelerates, will we shed our appreciation of the small things, the details we considered and recognised as significant contributors to our happiness? As human beings, will we be able to contain our lust for more and, well – I’m afraid to say – more and more thereafter? How overwhelming, or at least noticeable, has the increased traffic and general hustle and bustle been? Did you wrap yourself in the burgeoning cacophony, thinking “I’ve missed this,” or did some part of you think “oh no, too much, both now and in general”? What about the time we have at our disposal? Does a wealth of opportunity engender a sense of ‘time richness’, or has the rate at which this precious commodity slips through our fingers speeded up again? ‘So much to do and catch up on’, now that we are allowed. Many people found a slower pace soothing. It gave time to appreciate, to savour, to live. The belief that more is more remains hugely influential. Doing is important, working, or at least activity, is laudable. This is magnetic and hugely convincing to our psyche. Going slow is unproductive, slothful, less worthy, to be avoided… hmmm! This poses an interesting question; is more, be it anything –acquiring, socialising, exercising, working, general experiencing –all done at a smart pace, superior to less action that is valued, treasured even? We acknowledge that consumption is the addiction hastening our downfall. Yet will we let go – especially now we know that we can? And, finally, as the novelty wears off, will a lack of restriction smear the shine on our desires? Once it’s a case of ‘go ahead, help yourself’, will all that we have longed for sparkle quite so much?

Loving And Giving Through Lockdown

Norfolk journalist, Sandie Shirley, spotlights the inspiring stories of men and women from the region and beyond that have seen them reach for victory. For more stories visit Facebook: Refreshing Waters Christian Media.

Lockdown, personal loss and suffering have not thwarted the spirits of Bertie Emes-Ellis, who simply lives to give. Her smile is wide; her eyes gleam and there is an endless stream of hope and love pouring from her heart. Although Bertie has special needs and resides in supported living accommodation in Norwich, the challenges throughout her 31 years have been borne with inner strength and resource. It has given rise to joy on the outside and a childlike faith within. She has put her life on hold to comfort and encourage young and old, including three close friends who have died during or before the COVID-19 pandemic. Her mother, Sallie Wright, founder of a Norfolk children’s charity, takes up the story: “I have watched as Bertie interacts with people as a willing vessel of love. She laid down her life caring for dying friends, while feeling the full impact of lockdown for five months last year, unable to see family or interact with outside activities — although she still attended online church meetings. “Bertie was born with Down’s Syndrome, and although she has learning difficulties she is receptive, communicative and her spirit is not disabled, and we should not limit those like her because of what we see or think. "Bertie (short for Roberta after her maternal grandmother) is a triplet with five siblings, including a brother who also has special needs. Growing up in a home of love over trial and faith over fear has been an empowering building block for her life. “She now lives in a bungalow in the community alongside the elderly and vulnerable and raises staff morale. She is known to be bright and happy: dancing and twirling; singing loud songs; saying loud prayers and spreading faith. “Her compassion was evident as two housemates lived out their last days. She prayed, cared, and gave. With hope and happiness, she wholeheartedly shared her simple faith with its values and truths and through bible stories and DVDs. Staff and families caring for one of her late friends said Bertie made a difference to their lives during this time and throughout the pandemic lockdown. “Her compassion and love have been there since childhood. Growing up in church she would always display kindness and acceptance; there were no judgments or reservations. When the drug addicts and homeless people came and sat in the back pews, Bertie readily embraced them with huge hugs which had a big impact on them. “I knew there would be difficulties, especially with education needs, but after her birth I read: ‘Angel Unaware.’ The book tells the compelling story of Roy Rogers (known as the ‘Lone Ranger’ in the fifties) and his wife Dale, whose daughter was born with serious health issues as well as Down’s Syndrome. “It is a timeless message of hope and faith for those caring for special children with various special needs and has sold over 500,000 copies since it was first published in 1953. It has provided enlightenment, wisdom and a growing sensitivity to the challenges, dreams and milestones that have been part of Bertie’s path and for those like her.”

Bertie Emes-Ellis

‘Angel Unaware’

by Dale Evans Rogers is available from Amazon.

Poetry Corner

Jacqueline Rolston, from Diss, has drawn inspiration from the past year to create these wonderful poems. Originally from the north west, Jacqueline is also a talented songwriter and has recorded songs in some of the world’s most famous studios.

PIGEON ON A ROOF

I wandered lonely as a pigeon on a roof Wondering where my next meal would come from No shoes upon my feet No clothes upon my back Just some scraggly, ruffled feathers to weather the storms.

ROARING, RAGING

Roaring, raging noises out there Just want some peace and quiet In my quiet chair I can ’t control the noises out there Cutting down trees, screeching through the air Ranting and cussing, every word is a swear Barking dogs, tweeting birds of all kinds I’ m living in the country Thought I’d left all this behind! Just as I sit with my hot cup of tea An electric saw, and it’ s all over my knee! Whizz whizz, whirr whirr, whizz whizz whizz Everyone in their homes getting worked up into a tizz! Shouting workmen, speeding cars It’ s enough to make you want to go live on Mars Lockdown, schmockdown Thought I’d get some peace and quiet The reality is, every day is a bloody riot! 8am, no warning again! Rudely waking me from my dreams Apparently it’ s now legal Can ’t argue it seems Work can start, earth-shattering noises Stopping your heart It’ s all you can do, to stomp out of bed And make that first trip to the loo!

LITTLE TINY BIRDS

I’ m falling in love with little tiny birds They arrive at the feeder In their little herds Yellow, blue, grey, green and red All day long, from dawn till dusk They ’ re so well fed Everyone ’ s doing it, in every road, street and close Buying out all the bird food Who can give them the most! What else is there to do? Not many places we can go Gone are the days When you could take in a show! I’ m becoming a twitcher Now that I would never know! Started using binoculars They ’ re not easy you know! I must be getting old Or so I’ ve been told But it’ s just nature to me And on that I’ m sold!

Are you a poet from Norfolk or Suffolk? If so, we’d love to hear from you! Email a selection of poems and a bit about you to editor@village-people.info for the chance to be featured in a future issue.

Life Through a Lens!

Art writer Kristy Campbell showcases three talented local photographers who are pushing creative boundaries.

Acommon theme of my art column seems to be me encouraging the reader to capture small moments. Over the past year, there has certainly been a rise in attending to the little things and celebrating the anythings! Following on from National Photography Month (May), I am dedicating this column to a hand-picked selection of local experts, who have kindly granted us insight into the development of a professional photographer. This iconic trio have mastered the technical magic of the lens, describing how they go about seizing the moments in between, telling us just why it is so important to continue adding to our archives of notions and motions occurring in and around the every day. Emily Morgan, Sarah Smith, and Erin Patel all completed their master’s degrees at Norwich University of the Arts. While connected by their alma mater and their knowledge of skill, style and photographers alike, they each maintain a novel practice spanning imagery for bold and lively commercial projects, and pausing, securing and appreciating the complex lives of people.

On becoming a photographer

Photography has proven to be a valuable resource, or outlet, for enriching understandings and for communicating explorations of matter that cannot be expressed otherwise. Through her crossover of creative paths from Graphic Design to Photography, Smith demonstrates how her immersion in visual information throughout her career spurred her on to develop and fabricate inspired documentary material of her own design, reflecting: “Photography is my creative medium for processing and distilling information; it helps me to make sense of the issues that concern and intrigue me. It’s a way of forcing me to explore and intellectualise life’s challenges and communicate my conclusions.” Morgan took hold of the camera in a venture towards selfdiscovery during a time of personal limits and boundaries. From here she found a portal through portraiture, a territory where she could nurture herself mentally and physically. Patel’s interest in photography stemmed from curiosity; he began learning about and adapting to technological advancements inspired by his creatively ambitious social circle, from which he drew closer to realising the possibilities available via the lens. He tells us about his interest in ‘the usual’: “I try to focus my work on subjects with whom I have some form of genuine connection…with whom I am somehow authentically engaged, sharing an experience.”

On collaboration

Patel describes the importance of collaboration, recounting how it can “open your eyes to areas of culture and creativity that you may not have immediate access to,” and therefore “forces me to rethink my work in a way I could not do on my own.” This demonstrates the possibility of expanding the awareness or knowledge

Under the Dog Star Sarah Smith

beyond one’s limits. While the pandemic has put limitations on collaborations, our trio have managed to stay inspired by looking to the works of other designers and makers. They have shared a short list of people who inspire them: Andreas Gurksy, Andrej Krementschouk, Nadav Kandar, Ori Gersht, Masahisa Fukase, and Martin Parr.

The technical

Visibility! While it may seem that everything is viewed from a screen in this age of technology, try not to limit yourself to social media outlets. As mentioned above, collaboration is a great way of making your work more tangible, helping to foster a presence within networks of like-minded creatives. Keeping a portfolio both in print and online will prepare you for a host of situations and may encourage collaboration with others outside your surroundings. Make yourself discoverable online through a website and a spread of works across different social platforms for a range of audiences. When it comes to taking photos, our photographers have tried and tested a vast collection of equipment, from iPhones and disposable cameras, to full-blown Nikon kits. There is, of course, a process to finishing a series or shot, and Smith has hinted at Lightroom, Photoshop and InDesign as her go-to programmes for fine-tuned edits. However, the process will differ greatly between photographers. Patel tells us how he has become quite sentimental about his cameras, building an attachment to the production process, reliving the feel of the “manual, twisty, clunky control dials” in his interview.

Northern Ireland 2019 - Erin Patel

Projects

Morgan is currently involved with a host of exciting projects, including a recent commission with The Conscious Candy Company. She recalls having the freedom to be playful with the products and explore possibilities for the brand’s visual strategy. I fully support her love for the vegan fried egg sweets! Smith discusses a forthcoming conceptual work of hers, touching on the current environmental crisis. “All Fall Down is the study of a landscape that straddles both comprehension and disbelief. What appears terra firma today has already begun its decline towards ‘nowhere’ tomorrow. The land is literally disappearing before our eyes, creating a tangible sense of both physical and psychological disturbance.” On show: Cley Contemporary, 2021. Patel has an ongoing collaboration with pop artist Matt Robinson, in which Robinson modifies Patel’s works and prints through his painting practice, forging a literal abstract fastening of media, further expanding the possible access points of the work.

Advice

Photography acts as a mediator for these remarkable individuals’ thoughts, the camera provides a vessel in which they can compose ideas and begin a process of realisation. “Ask yourself lots of questions / Reflect.” (Emily) “Do it because you love it.” (Sarah) From Martin Parr: “Get Closer.” (Erin)

Contacts

www.erinpatel.com @erinpatelphoto @sarahsmith8a @morganemilyjane www.emilyjanemorgan.com Kristy Campbell – writer @kristycamp