MEDLOCK MILL, 2.41AM Once June has begun, first light is early enough to still be part of the previous day. And, by that, I mean that people are still on nights out that began on a different date. Time becomes muddled, and yesterday and today have no real value, they are simply markers to help us understand when we set out, and when we return. As I set up my tripod in the dark moments before dawn, men and women […]
The dawn sky above Manchester was divided. Above the city centre was a velvety cloudscape, the colour of burnished gold and tobacco, whilst the poorer suburbs of the east and north were sleeping under deep, plain blue. Bats dived over the grass of Improbable Hill, pinching midgets from the air. The local songbirds, hidden in a thick clot of trees, seemed reluctant to begin their chorus of shrill messages. The streets were still and peaceful. I too was quiet in […]
THE CLIFF, SALFORD 8.30PM -10.30PM The next dusk photowalk will take place on Saturday 25th of April, and this time I’ve decided we could explore the area in Broughton, Salford, known as The Cliff. It’s a strange, magical district perched above the rest of the city, and the large old houses are fascinating. Also, some of the street lights are still the old sodium lamps, which cast a lovely orange glow. We’ll meet in the Star Inn, a community run […]
MIDDLEWOOD LOCKS, WASTELAND 5.26AM I’m content to confess that I’ve spent much of the last decade, maybe longer, hoping to find a portal to pass through. In my head, the city is full of them, and I simply need to turn around the correct corner and I will be gone, into another dimension, an alternative version of Manchester and Salford, of shadow lives and other outcomes. Given the unlikely nature of this happening, I’ve accepted a compromise, where I travel […]
HYDRA CLOSE, 5.18am There is an estate in Lower Broughton of social housing, with streets named after constellations. Auriga, Cygnus, Lacerata, names to transport you deep into other worlds. But when I looked up on this morning the stars were covered with drifting cloud, and the world below felt encased in darkness, separated from the distant universe above. I was on Hydra Close, a short cul-de-sac. A single blackbird began to sing loudly from the upper branches of a tall […]
SATURDAY MAY 9TH 2PM Join Not Quite Light for the 3rd in the ‘Out of the Shadows’ series of conversations. This time, for the third in the series of conversations at the wonderful Campfield Market, I’ll be talking with dynamic young creative Liam Heeley, who not only is a great photographer, but he’s also proving to be something of a major force in the city with his Heads Creative agency as he tries to ensure creatives get the opportuities they […]
CAMPFIELD MARKET PHOTOWALK SAT APRIL 25TH 10.30AM Join Not Quite Light on one of his popular gentle photowalks, setting out from Campfield Market. We’ll explore the local area around the venue, giving oursleves permission to slow down and notice the details of the city, enriching our day with observation. Suitable for all levels and you can bring any recording device you feel comfortabel with, or even none at all if you simply want to enjoy the walk. I’ll be on […]
This month spells the end of an era, with a slight hiatus as Reform Radio undergoes some changes, meaning this will be the last NQL show until Spring time. Join me as I wander back through the sounds, stories and music from the past 64 shows… Wow… 64 shows… Music features tracks by Tomasz Bednarczyk, Zoe Keating and Randy Crawford. LISTEN HERE PLAYLIST
This month I tell you a little more about Not Quite Light, what inspires me, and take you out into the dawn and night with some readings. The music features tracks by Joan Shelley, William Basinski and Sofie Birch LISTEN HERE PLAYLIST
This month on my Not Quite Light show, I take you out at dawn into the Cambridge Industrial Estate in Salford, an area in the early stages of regeneration. Join me as I photograph the early morning streets. With delicious music and soundscapes to add to the stories of my encounters. This month the playlist features tracks by Ruby Tingle, Gruff Rhys and Chopin. LISTEN NOW PLAYLIST