On Saturday, my wife, daughters and myself, went into Nottingham for some lunch. Our first "post lockdown" visit to a restaurant.
It probably wasn't the best choice of date as there was a demonstration by the "extreme right", who were going to "bring Nottingham to a standstill". There were also some counter demonstrations planned by groups outraged by the views of the extreme right.
The city centre was full of police and the police helicopter was circling the city monitoring the situation.
I told my wife and daughters I would go and try and find a couple of strangers before we had lunch. They were a little worried and told me to be careful, I assured them I would be "street wise".
I did actually get a couple of strangers after lunch but before lunch I took the opportunity to photograph a van load of Police Officers, who were blocking access to speakers corner (the Brian Clough Statue) and were on standby for any trouble.
I asked them for a photo, I told them I wasn't a political activist, just an amateur "street photographer"
I think the photo tells a good story.... strangers to follow soon. You will be pleased to know that my strangers are not from the far right.
Braver & braver Phil....love this one & you were brave to ask them....glad you didn’t get a flea in your ear...I like all the different faces varying from smiles to serious! Fave.
Fav for a brilliant shot. Only one police officer appears to be ‘not amused’. It was quite funny reading your narrative about extreme right and counter demonstrations!
The chap on the far right looks a little unamused (maybe he was feeling tired and stressed, who can blame him?) but the others seem happy to be photographed.
I think the police are doing sterling work in extraordinarily difficult circumstances. Trying to keep order in view of the myriad, complex and ambiguously worded restrictions must be an absolute nightmare. The number of people who don't even seem to be trying to adhere to the most basic rules and think they've a right to pick and choose is causing them no end of trouble. I wouldn't do their job for all the tea in China.
I think the police are doing sterling work in extraordinarily difficult circumstances. Trying to keep order in view of the myriad, complex and ambiguously worded restrictions must be an absolute nightmare. The number of people who don't even seem to be trying to adhere to the most basic rules and think they've a right to pick and choose is causing them no end of trouble. I wouldn't do their job for all the tea in China.