Welcome to my blog, Whats this about then?

This is a place where I will be posting all sorts of things not just things relating to Derby and Derbyshire. On here you will find details of any videos I’ve made of things in Derby and also Time-lapse, stop motion animation, Tutorials etc. If I find some useful software for PC or iPhone then I will feature it here.I’m sure that there will be something of interest to someone on my many posts.Please leave comments on any posts if you like them.
Don’t forget if you are new to my blog and would like to read through the previous posts then see the Blog Archive section on the left side of this page.
Also there is a Search box at the top left of the page if you are looking for something but cant remember where it was. I am a trustee member of "Friends of Friar Gate bridge", aiming to get this bridge restored.

Wednesday 27 November 2013

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

Wednesday 13 November 2013

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:
The Smyths
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.
Salford lads club, ManchesterThe Smiths Room at Salford lads club, ManchesterThe Smiths Room at Salford lads club, ManchesterThe Smiths Room at Salford lads club, Manchester

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

Saturday 2 November 2013

"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