General Information
During the year 2000 D J Clark built a visual record of the Lancaster &
Morecambe district using photographs and information submitted by those that
feature in the pictures. The project was conducted in association with Lancaster
Museum and has been archived for future generations to look back at the district
at the turn of the new Millennium. For more information on the project visit
the information page. If you find a caption is
wrong or there is a fault with the page please e-mail D
J Clark.
Date:
April 21st 2000
Location: Dalton Square to
Williamson Park
Photographer's Diary
21st April - Good Friday
Stuck between two events, I went for the traditional people at the foot of the cross to mark the death of Christ. It threw it down, maybe I should have expected it. Like sheep about 100 people squashed together at the Town Hall, trying to evade the worst of the downpour, as a dripping priest led an ecumenical service in the rain.
They then began a march up the hill to a beating drum, following three cross bearing volunteers. The mood was quiet, though the odd giggle did slip as people slipped and splashed through the water that gushed down the hill. At the park the congregation gathered once again as another down poor started. "When I survey the wondrous cross" just about got out as the people looked up at a rather shabby looking scaffold cross.
I went home wet but hoping there was something good there. Water and cameras do not mix, but with an umbrella stuffed down my shirt and trousers I was able to capture something different.
Sunday 23rd April - Easter Day
If you believe there is a God and only he controls the weather it couldn't have been organised better. In stark contrast to the misery of Good Friday, Easter morning was bright and beautiful. At 6.30 AM Maggie and I arrived at the park to celebrate with the growing crowd. The service was short but to the point most of the group were to go on to other services that morning. I moved around grabbing some simple shots, occasionally being distracted into photographing Lancaster and the Bay that lit up in the morning light. I was a bit apprehensive of looks people were giving me and made excuses trying to avoid having to go for Coffee and (cold) toast afterwards. They did not work and I was quizzed, but fortunately came out the better for it.
While at the park I met one of Maggie's sisters whose house I invited myself back to. Not only because I knew bacon sandwiches were a great possibility but also her children were to open their Easter eggs and I wanted that picture. It worked on both counts !