Superdrug - save the NHS

On Saturday there was a little demonstration on clumber street (about 10 people chanting 'save the NHS')

For none UK viewers the NHS is the National Health Service - providing free healthcare for all citizens.

Anyway back on topic, the demonstration was worth a quick street photograph and was converted to B/W to give it a bit more effect.

I don't know what the image is saying, but I like the hand made placard contrasting against the shop sign for 'superdrug'.

I got an image which was 'zoomed in more' and isolated the three guys protesting , but the one I've posted seems to work better as it shows shoppers passing by ignoring the chants and sentiments of the demonstrators. What does that say? Shopping is more important than demonstrating?

Anyway, I think I have waffled on far too much on this street photo.

[Matthew Shepherdson]

Love street shots. I saw a similar demonstration. Similar, too, in that most just sauntered by going about their business.

[ShadowDancer]

Interesting street shot. Hope they'll succeed. Our health system is also about to crash.

[Anita]

Nice street shot, Phil. The B&W gives it a very journalistic feel I think.
Whats freaking me out though is how clean Clumber St looks! hahah!

[Joi Tjeerdsma]

I agree with Anita, the BW gives it a journalistic feel. I love how the one protester holding the sign is also on the phone.

[Kerri]

Awesome in black and white

[andy c]

glad you left it like this.. works well with the passer bys... good shot

[Pat Knowles]

You're right nobody seems to care a jot whether we keep the health service public or not... are we getting too acclimatised to demos !! Great street scene , I love people watching ! Is that a phone it looks like one of those old fashioned bricks !

[Frances Chaloner]

Brilliant shot! It is an interesting commentary.
The Tories never wanted an NHS but the people did by an huge percentage (I think over 90% pre registered for the scheme) and Bevan had the considerable political and pragmatic ability to make it happen. I will be gutted to see them dismantle the most cost effective health system in the world for a less efficient and unfair one. It is only free at the point of delivery, we all pay for it through our national insurance. Bevan had to yield to the consultants and private patients - "I stuffed their mouths with gold". We will have to see what happens but it sounds like the girl guides and Old Uncle Tom Cobbly and all will be running all our vital services - now that really inspires my confidence. If you let a bunch of millionaires run the country who don't need any to use any public services, I guess this is what you will get....

[Allison Williams]

I can't be sure, but is the fellow in the front on his cell phone? That is as much a commentary as the passers-by ignoring them!

[Sue Wilde]

This is terrific Phil...love the B&W

[Jennifer C]

great candid photo Phil. I must admot when I traveled in the UK ten years ago my daughter was sick and I was astounded by the free treatment and medications she received, it must cost the government a fortune!

[Phil Howcroft]

@whippeteer Frances, when I posted this image I wondered if it would strike a chord with you.

I try my hardest not to be controversial in my images or commentary , but sometimes an image provokes a bit of thought and discussion.

I suppose I only need to say 'southern cross' to show solidarity with your comments !

[Juliette Packham]

great shot Phil - you've caught so many expressions here - I'm loving that frustrated mum with the exasperated"just get out of my way" look on her face! such a lot going on - full of interest - and the tones are FAB!

[Catherine]

Great shot, Phil! So much to take in!

[Phil Howcroft]

@cath thanks Catherine, I am pleased how this street scene turned out

[Phil Howcroft]

@sparkle Juliette good 'spot' ...I didn't realise she was a Mum ...but you are right ...her daughter is tagging along behind :)

[Phil Howcroft]

@jenrobcarr thanks Jeniffer, glad you appreciate the pic and the NHS :)

[Phil Howcroft]

@swilde cheers Sue, B/W is a fave for me

[Phil Howcroft]

@allie912 thank you Allison , yes the guy is on a mobile, thanks for your support

[Phil Howcroft]

@happypat thank you Pat , people watching is always good :), yes it is a brick !!!!

[Phil Howcroft]

@mshepherdson cheers Matthew , B/W always seems to work well

[Phil Howcroft]

@shadowdancer many thanks for your support Shadow

[Phil Howcroft]

@anron oooh Anita 'juornalistic', that's a nice compliment, ...lol about a clean clumber street :)

[Phil Howcroft]

@joi many thanks Joi and thanks for your nice observations

[Phil Howcroft]

@kerristephens aww kerri...an awesome :) super comment

[Phil Howcroft]

@andycoleborn cheers Andy , glad it meets with your approval

[Tashy]

Great shot Phil, I love it. Sadly youve hit the nail on the head with shopping is more important than demonstrating. Small demonstrations deserve the same respect as big ones. If there were a few riot coppers hanging around then Im sure the shoppers might have given them some more thought!