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Northampton Film Festival 2022 is now open for your short film entries 

Nene Quirer
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Northampton Film Festival 2022 is now open for your short film entries 

Northampton Film Festival 2022 is now open for film submissions to the Schools Competition and Main Short Film Competition.

After 2021’s virtual festival, Screen Northants is excited to be launching the short film competitions for Northampton Film Festival 2022 ready for events around Northampton town centre in May.

Northampton Film Festival 2022: Know Your Place will bring people together in Northampton town centre to watch locally-connected short and feature length films, and take part in Q&As and masterclasses with film industry professionals.

Becky Adams, Producer at social enterprise film company Screen Northants said: “The theme in 2019 was Coming of Age followed by Kind of a Big Deal for our virtual 2020/2021 festival, and now in 2022 we think you should Know Your Place…. That means knowing there’s a place for you in the film industry if you want it and knowing there’s plenty to celebrate in Northampton.”

Northamptonshire filmmakers can now submit their short films for free to a number of different categories – Schools Competition with a prize of £2000 worth of filming equipment sponsored by Northampton Town Centre BID – Main Short Film Competition for films made by Northamptonshire writers, producers or directors, or filmed in Northants, with both drama and documentaries subcategories – and the new Sketchy Link to Northants short film category so NFF can celebrate work from those with a connection to the county even if the link is a little tenuous or outdated, such as having studied here some years ago.

Paul Mills, Producer at Screen Northants, said: “Screen Northants have worked with so many talented young people in Northamptonshire over the last 5 years that we thought there should be a platform to show their work and to celebrate their talent. And as we’re Northampton Film Festival, if you are a Northampton school, we are offering free workshops to inspire and equip students to make their own film. We’d urge local schools to get in touch, if they haven’t already, and take advantage of these opportunities kindly supported by Northamptonshire Community Foundation and Northampton Borough Council.”

More information on the film competitions can be found on the festival’s website www.northamptonfilmfestival.co.uk

In December Screen Northants is hosting events at their premises in the Grosvenor Centre Northampton where the public can watch previous festival films, meet other local film fans and makers, and learn about NFF. Plus they start their free-to-enter 48hr Film Challenge series. Details are on the festival website.

The Northampton Film Festival has been made possible with support from Film Hub Midlands through funds from the National Lottery. Film Hub Midlands support people to watch, show, and make films in the Midlands. Screen Northants receives on-going support from Northampton Filmhouse and also the Grosvenor Centre where they are based. To find out more visit the festival website or find @NNFilmFestival or http://www.facebook.com/NorthamptonFilmFestivalUK on social media.

Getting ahead of the game at Northampton College’s new Digital Academy

Nene Quirer
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Getting ahead of the game at Northampton College’s new Digital Academy

A multi-million-pound ‘Digital Academy’ at Northampton College is set to give students the chance to showcase their skills in one of the region’s first dedicated Esports Arenas.

With competitive gaming one the UK’s fastest growing industries, and potentially lucrative deals awaiting for elite players, digital savvy students can make the most of the state-of-the-art facility to get themselves ahead of the game.

Partly funded by the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership’s Local Growth Fund, the £6.3million Digital Academy at Booth Lane also includes a TV studio, digital workshops, a Mac suite and a digital design studio plus a whole range of specialist facilities and equipment.

Peter Horrocks of SEMLEP opening the new Digital Academy with Northampton College principal Pat Brennan-Barrett

Speaking at the official opening on Tuesday, November 23, Principal of Northampton College, Pat Brennan-Barrett, said: “Our Digital Academy is far more than classrooms and computer screens – it is a place where the future will be created before our very eyes.

“We live in a world where the rapid development of technology allows us to be smarter, more connected and more ambitious than ever before, and our new Digital Academy is fully equipped to train the next generation of digital experts.

“Our courses and apprenticeships allow individuals to explore digital careers and progress through a pathway of qualifications leading to higher education, apprenticeships and employment. By working closely with industry professionals to develop each of our programmes, these courses will lead to real-life job opportunities for our students.”

Peter Horrocks with students in the Esports Arena

Flagship programmes to be run in the multi-million-pound Digital Academy include Esports and Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality, alongside the college’s already-popular Games Design courses.

The fully equipped Esports arena will allow students to take part in competitive gaming against other colleges across the country.

Jake Zelkowicz, Assistant Principal for the school of Arts, Digital and Creative Industries at Northampton College, said: “Gaming is no longer a hobby – it’s a genuine career choice with potentially significant rewards, and Northampton College students will be at the forefront of this growing industry. 

“They have access to a state-of-the-art learning environment which perfectly prepares them for 21st century working life, sparking their imaginations to produce a new generation of digital pioneers that will shape our futures.”

Peter Horrocks during a demonstration of virtual reality headsets being used for digital learning at Northampton College

The Digital Academy was officially opened by Chair of SEMLEP, Peter Horrocks CBE, who said: “We know from talking to businesses that there is a real lack of digital skills out there so when the college came to us with their proposal we moved quickly to make the funding available and start building and equipping this incredible facility.

“It really is very impressive and students have all the facilities they need to make their mark in a sector that is now worth more than the Hollywood film industry and offers a wide range of potential careers.”

Guests were also able to see a demonstration from the team behind the network of Starship delivery robots currently taking Northampton by storm and enjoyed a performance from college music students before watching games design students take part in a online ‘Valorant’ tournament in the Esports Arena complete with live ‘shoutcasting’ and production in the purpose-built control room.

For more information on the Digital Academy at Northampton College, visit https://www.northamptoncollege.ac.uk/facilities/the-digital-academy

Copy supplied by Northampton College

Some of the outstanding moments from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue service this year

Nene Quirer
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Some of the outstanding moments from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue service this year

Northamptonshire firefighters who helped two distressed women in separate incidents – and saved their lives in the process – are among those to have been given commendations for their incredible work.

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service held an Awards Ceremony at the County Ground to honour staff members who went above and beyond in the line of duty.

Chief Fire Officer Darren Dovey was on hand to present five commendations where the actions of individuals or teams led directly to the saving of a life or delivered an outstanding service to the public under extreme pressure.

The Red Watch crew at The Mounts were commended for saving the life of a woman who was in a dangerous position on a bridge over the M1. The crew acted quickly to park their fire engine on the motorway underneath the woman, with firefighters then climbing the ladder to rescue her and bring her down to safety. The crew consisted of Watch Manager Ian Grant, Crew Manager Aaron Childs and firefighters Ben Muddle and Chris Evans.

The White Watch crew in Mereway also came to the aid of a distressed woman in the same month, noticing her by the side of the busy A45 on the way back from attending a previous incident. Having turned around to come to her aid, the crew safeguarded her while keeping her away from the busy carriageway. Firefighter Natasha Dorrill also built a rapport with the woman and helped to keep her calm until she was taken to safety. As well as Firefighter Dorrill, the crew included firefighters Steven Pateman and James Woodfield, under the command of Watch Manager David Ingham.

Another crew at Mereway, Blue Watch, received a commendation for the dignified way in which they dealt with the tricky operation of removing the body of a man in July who had sadly died on the fourth floor of a building in Northampton. The members of Blue Watch were Watch Manager Aidy Donald and firefighters Christian Martin, Benjamin Jordan and Harry Osborne.

Two individual members of staff also received commendations from the Chief. Joanne Garner works in the Fire Control centre in Daventry fielding 999 calls from members of the public and was commended for the calm and professional way in which she managed a distressing call from a person who was witnessing a serious fire back in February.

There was also recognition for the recently retired Shaun Johnson after 47 years of dedicated service to the residents of Northamptonshire. Although a police employee, Shaun was considered just as much a part of the fire family having served in the joint police and fire Arson Task Force, playing a pivotal role in protecting those at risk from threats of arson relating to domestic abuse, hate crimes and honour-based violence. Before that, he had championed the Northamptonshire County Schools Challenge, which offered a platform for young people to share ideas on tackling arson, crime and anti-social behaviour.

As well as the Chief Fire Officer’s Commendations, awards were given to the Rothwell Station on-call crew for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic in helping East Midlands Ambulance Service by driving ambulances and delivering prescriptions to vulnerable people. They also provided support at the temporary mortuary in Wollaston.

And Towcester Fire Station was recognised for being the on-call station providing the best availability, with the crew working hard to maximise the pump’s run time and holding successful recruitment events to boost the crew from five people to 13.

And finally, 18 members of operational staff received Long Service and Good Conduct Medals – presented by Lord-Lieutenant James Saunders Watson – marking 20 years of service while five members of staff also received 20 Year Long Service Awards.

Chief Fire Officer Darren Dovey said: “The last 20 months or so have been tough for all of us and it makes the fact that we are able to bring people together for the first time in two years extra special.

“While the pandemic has been difficult, it has also shown the best of what the Fire Service can do in a crisis. Unlike many other occupations, firefighters and many other frontline staff could not work from home and as such continued to come into work and serve the public.

“The Fire Service continues to be held in high regard by the community and this is due, in no small part, to the efforts of the people who have been commended. Their unselfish commitment to the safety of our community is worthy of being recognised and we are extremely proud of them.”

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold, who helped to present some of the long service awards, added: “Being able to recognise people who go above and beyond is one of the best things I get to do as the Commissioner.

“It is important to me that we value the contribution that everyone makes to Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service and the safety of people in this county, whatever their role.”

Katie and Clare thank dance show for the loudest moment of silence

Nene Quirer
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Katie and Clare thank dance show for the loudest moment of silence

A Northampton College student has hailed the impact of an emotional Strictly Come Dancing routine which highlighted the day-to-day reality of living with deafness.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the Strictly studio after Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice delivered a very special routine to pay respect and raise awareness for members of the deaf community. The EastEnders star and her dance partner continued to dance in silence when the music was cut part way through their spellbinding routine.

And for second year student Katie Flynn – who is deaf in one ear and has profound learning difficulties having been born with a rare genetic disorder called Sotos syndrome – it was a particularly emotional moment.

The 19-year-old’s mum Clare Wood said: “It was a very powerful moment. I’d never really thought about it before but it made me realise what life must be like for Katie. We’re both huge Strictly fans so for them to show that dance means the world.

“It shows that just because you’re deaf it doesn’t stop you from doing anything.”

Immediately after the pair’s dance to the song Symphony by Clean Bandit featuring Zara Larsson, Clare tweeted a message of thanks that was spotted by researchers at BBC Radio 5 Live, who then called for her an interview the following day. On the back of that, Clare and Katie then appeared on BBC Breakfast, giving their reaction live on TV via Zoom from their home in Kingsthorpe.

Clare added: “It’s all been a bit of a whirlwind few days. It’s just so good to see the impact the dance has had. Katie feels like she’s finally being recognised for who she is as a person, rather than for her disability – which is massive for her.

“She loves the college and has had fantastic support. Katie’s into her second year now and has only known it in COVID times so I think she’s really keen to experience how it would operate in ‘normal’ circumstances. It’s been fantastic for her.”

For more information on supported learning facilities available at Northampton College, visit www.northamptoncollege.ac.uk/courses

Pictures from the march where Northampton added its voice to the clamour for action on the climate

Steve
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Pictures from the march where Northampton added its voice to the clamour for action on the climate

While government and business leaders tried to hammer out a credible response to the looming climate disaster facing the planet at Cop26 Northampton’s activists took to the streets to call for change.

The Umbrella Pavilion on the Racecourse was the starting point for the march which was organised by Exctinction Rebellion. They processed to the Guildhall and made speeches on November 6 in concert with a day of protests against inadequate government measures to avert climate change.

Karin Johnstone took the following images.

From Exctinction Rebellion’s Facebook page:

Young Saints so close to thrilling comeback win as league takes a break for Premiership Cup

Steve
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Young Saints so close to thrilling comeback win as league takes a break for Premiership Cup

With no A league running this season Saints have been deprived of the Wanderers as a window into the future so the Premiership Cup is a timely insight into developing talent.

While some of the big names are away for internationals Saints hauled players back from Bedford and put together a team bristling with young talent for the visit of Irish.

A busy first half saw Irish accumulate a 19 point lead over Saints one converted try but the feel of the game was much more even than the scoreline suggested.

The second half saw Saints get more back for their efforts in terms of points with the youthful nature of the contest serving up a spectacle full of brilliance and errors.

The stand out moment for the home side was probably Tom Litchfield’s burst of pace that left two Irish defenders grabbing for air as he crossed the whitewash.

In a sense Saints were righting a wrong from the derby and where they had previously failed to take full advantage of yellow cards against Leicester to get back in the game, here they were profiting from the absence of Benhard von Rensburg to get back on terms.

However once von Rensburg returned he found a way through to the line again and his converted try plus another penalty gave the final score a gloss for the Exiles that did not tell the whole story.

You don’t have to send your sausage dog to the landfill site

Nene Quirer
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You don’t have to send your sausage dog to the landfill site

A large, stripey, stuffed sausage dog and a bag of beautiful, unworn, designer jackets were some of the more unexpected items donated to Age UK Northamptonshire at their static donations collection in Nether Heyford. 

Shops Coordinator Yvette Prior says the morning session in the village hall car park was the third the charity has held this year and the most successful so far.  “Everyone told us how pleased they were to see us there on Friday 22nd October, and they’d been wanting to donate their items for months.  It’s not always easy for people living in rural villages to get to a charity shop, especially if you don’t have a car.  We would like to thank everyone who helped make this collection such a success.  We arrived at the car park in Nether Heyford at 10am and by 1pm the van was nearly full,” said Yvette.

“People tell us they had a large clearout during the first lockdown but with charity shops being closed for so long, and the coronavirus still not over, they’ve not found it easy to get to a High Street charity shop,” added Yvette.  “By bringing our large van to the village we like to think we have saved many good quality items from ending up in landfill.  Donating saleable items to us is an excellent way of helping to improve life for older people in your community,” added Yvette.

Age UK Northamptonshire’s seven shops raised over £85,000 in the financial year 2019/2020 on a turnover of donated goods of over £485,000.  This was down £20,000 because of the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, and the effects of the closures are expected to have a detrimental effect on the charity’s income in the financial year 2020/2021.  Money raised by the generous donations is vital and enables the charity to provide support and services to over 15,000 older people and their families every year.

Don’t miss Age UK Northamptonshire’s next static donations collection which will be on Monday 15th November at Brodie Lodge Playing Field in Flore.  To find out more about the services and support provided by Age UK Northamptonshire, or to get involved with fundraising activities, please visit www.ageuk.org.uk/northamptonshire or call 01604 611200.

Copy supplied by Age UK Northants

The embarrassing behaviour of some men with their camera phones around breastfeeding women

Steve
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The embarrassing behaviour of some men with their camera phones around breastfeeding women

There is an anti voyeur law working its way through Parliament at the moment and one of the problems it is attempting to solve is men taking pictures of breastfeeding women in public without their permission.

It follows a case in which an understandably upset mum reported it to the police and was told that because she was in a public place there was no law to protect her from this unwanted attention.

This has emboldened that kind of man who is keen to assert his sense of entitlement over a woman the moment she allows herself to be vulnerable and there now appears to be a problem with self-righteous breastfeeding photography going on.

We are all so familiar with the kind of man and the kind of things he would like to do, we hardly even need it to be a genuine problem. The idea of it is ugly enough to legislate against.

However as an instinctive liberal in the area of censorship I often find myself hand wringing in these situations.

To make it a criminal act to photograph the world as it actually is, especially in a public place, no matter what the unprovable intentions of the photographer are, seems like flawed lawmaking. 

To stop the anti-social behaviour you need to make it illegal to take the picture so claiming that you were going to ask permission afterwards or even adjust the picture later so no embarrassment or intrusion was caused could not be a defence.

Accidentally or unwittingly capturing a breastfeeder in a wider image would also seem to be something that will criminalise you, no matter what the original purpose of the picture was.

I would have to give any celebrity that went out with an anti-paparazzi bodyguard of six breastfeeding women my grudging admiration.

Is that where my liberal morals lead me though? Am I defender in chief of the trouser rubbing sleaze bags? It’s everyone’s right to take pictures of beautiful natural acts happening in public places?

Not really. This is not just about the eternal wrestling match between morality and freedom. This is also a problem that is particular to this moment in time.

It’s a problem made possible and real by the marvels of digital photography and handheld communication devices. It’s a problem that exists because the same advanced society that brought us those devices also gave us the privilege of a society where it is generally safe for a woman to breastfeed in public.

But what is also being overlooked by those eager to exercise their natural right to get a lenseful is that they are also taking advantage of the fact that a few decades ago a close knit community would not have tolerated such nakedly predatory behaviour.

It’s wrong for friends, brothers, husbands, fathers and uncles, even cousins, to go and dish out kickings (let’s not exclude mothers and sisters from that list either) but once upon a barbaric time those kind of repercussions would have been part of the risk assessment for the average pervert on a mission.

In real terms this enthusiasm for exercising their photographic rights is an opportunistic exploitation of young mums who don’t need this kind of crap. They are advised to breastfeed if they can, encouraged to get on with it when they need too and can be in pain when they don’t. Give them a break.

It’s frankly embarrassing we have to make this law (which of course does not rule out consensual photography). When the future insect overlords of Earth look back on the brief interlude of humanity’s existence I hope they don’t home in on this moment as an example of how well we used our mastery of technology.

“The male ape people kept doing what?” says the Queen Bee “This is what happens when you don’t keep men busy.”

Cheese, meats and preserves: Steve Reid’s triple whammy for the Northamptonshire food scene

Nene Quirer
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Cheese, meats and preserves: Steve Reid’s triple whammy for the Northamptonshire food scene

Friars Farm is opening a shop at Phipps NBC in Kingswell Street on Fridays. The award winning preserve maker is using the opening to unveil two new businesses to the world: The Northampton Cheese Company and The Northampton Charcuterie Company.

Deputy Lord Lieutenant Rachel Mallows will be carrying out the opening at 11am on November 13.

Steve Reid of Friars Farm said the idea of moving into cheese production first emerged two years ago.

“It was something we discussed with Christine, [formerly from Neneview Dairy] when she was looking at retiring however, due to COVID, it wasn’t able to materialise at that time. When things got a bit better, we looked at it further and realised it would be ideal for us so we went ahead with it. 

“We also thought it was important to bring the names and styles of cheese back that she used to do, such as Togglers, a style of Lancashire cheese, and Skyver, a double Gloucester style. However, we are now using organic local pasteurised cows’ milk in order to make it different to anyone else in the local area.

“Charcuterie has always been a hobby of mine, and when I saw how businesses were struggling to get certain products due to Brexit, for example, I knew that there was a market there and decided to expand that way.”

Steve is using Park End Farming at Crick for their free-range pork, another local farm for their organic pasteurised cows’ milk, and fridges from Angel Refrigeration at Pottersbury, to continue his buy local theme.

Steve, a former Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards Local Food Hero winner, believes that supporting as many local businesses with his new ventures is really important for his future success.

Not only have their new products been a hit, Friars Farm are also double gold winners in the Artisan Product of the Year category of the Weetabix Northamptonshire Food and Drink Awards 2021/2022, with their Friars Farm ‘Blueberry Jam’ and Jeyes of Earls Barton’s ‘Northamptonshire Jeyes Sauce’ which Steve helped to recreate. Friars Farm ‘Chili Jam’ is also a bronze winner in the Vegetarian/Vegan category; some incredible achievements following a tough 18 months.

Steve has been developing his business with the support of the FEAST2 project, making the most of the services available, to enhance business success. This project is led by the Food & Drink Forum, in partnership with The Mallows Company. It is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and offers a range of useful services to food and drink manufacturers including grant funding, business mentoring, industry events and technical support. 

When asked how business had been in the previous 18 months he said: “In March when COVID hit, it was really hard as the leisure and hospitality industry shut down – it affected us massively. We changed our business models with the help of FEAST2 and MIN, which has helped enormously.  We created a better online presence and with the launch of the Jeyes Northamptonshire Sauce, business has improved massively. 

“When setting up the new businesses, the FEAST2 team have been so helpful with the grant for the equipment we needed and mentoring. When you take the step from one business to three businesses, you really need that support and guidance, and I found it extremely beneficial.

“The FEAST2 project helped us a lot with technical support, which is what we have found the most useful. They have given us guidance with regard to new legislation that has recently been implemented.  I would absolutely recommend FEAST2 to other food and drink manufacturers. One piece of advice is that producers need to really look into what is on offer to them, as it isn’t just financial- there are so many other forms of support available they just need to pick up the phone and ask. It will be worth it!”

When asked if he has any more future plans for the business, Steve laughed and said “we have three businesses now and we want to focus on making them as successful as they can be, but it isn’t stopping us creating new partnerships to grow our market.”

A motto that Steve stands by is to ‘never give up’. “Taking the business from where it was originally, to where it is now, I can say that you are always going to have people who dismiss what you are doing, but if you believe in your own work then that is all that matters, stick to it!”For more details of FEAST2, including registering your business for the free support on offer, please contact Amanda Askew at The Mallows Company on 01933 664437 or email amanda@themallowscompany.com

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