Tag: summer events

Articles, photographs or discussion related to summer events the GDMK Images art stall will be appearing at

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GDMK Images – Covid 19 Latest

Covid 19 Update – 29/04/2020

Online Orders Now Being Processed Again

Hi everyone, first things first, I hope you and your loved ones are doing ok in these testing times.

As the Covid 19 situation has evolved, I just wanted you to be aware of what we are up to and how it affects your orders.
As of today, we will be resuming full online order fulfilment. All outstanding orders are being processed and will be despatched in the next 4 or 5 days.

What’s In This Update?

There is a lot going on so here is a summary of what you can learn in this update

  • GDMK Images 2020 Show Season
  • New Flash Sales
  • Loco Data Panel Designs Revised and Updated
  • More Classic Military Aircraft Embroidered Designs
  • New Classic Military Vehicle Embroidered Clothing Range
  • Lots of New Pictures Added
  • Big Editorial Stock Image Update
  • 8th Stitch Creations

2020 Show Season

With the social distancing requirements looking like they may well extend into the summer, I am not sure when we will be resuming attendance at events around the country. There is an underlying health issue in the family which requires careful managing in relation to Covid 19, which adds to the considerations of resuming attendance at public events.

For the foreseeable future, we will remain online only.

This is a real shame as we have some fantastic new ranges to launch, several of which haven’t been seen before on the enthusiast circuit. We were very much looking forward to taking these new products out on the road this year!

Details of the new products will be revealed over the coming weeks and will be available online.

So What Else is New From GDMK Images?

The enforced lockdown has been challenging as I am sure it has been for you guys n gals as well.

The time has been well used by undertaking some necessary, and tedious, website maintenance.

I have spent a lot of time creating new designs and developing product ideas which will be launched over the coming weeks. There is an awful lot for all you railway, aviation and military vehicle enthusiasts to look forward to!!

In addition to this, I have taken been going over customer reviews and feedback and been refining and improving some of our designs.

** Flash Sales **

Keep an eye out for our flash sales on Facebook, Instagram and our email newsletters.

A couple of times a week I will be grabbing some random items of stock we made up for the ‘not now happening’ show season and putting them up for grabs at knockdown prices!!

Each flash sale will include one railway and one aviation item up for grabs at a great price. Sometimes each social channel will feature different items so each sale gives you a choice of several items!

1st to claim an item gets it – simple as that!

Loco Data Panel Designs Fine Tuned

Our loco data panel designs have been updated. The first big change is that I have been guided by feedback and discontinued the square 200mm x 200mm sizes. All designs are now 290mm x 200mm with a much requested larger size of 400mm x 305mm added to the range. Most locomotive livery designs have had slight tweaks and improvements.

More classes will be added now that the most popular loco classes are available online.

I will be starting a new series of limited edition loco specific data plates. These will feature some of the unique loco colour schemes and depot special variations that have graced the railways over the years.

More Classic Military Aircraft Clothing Designs

I have been very busy designing new aircraft for the extremely popular Classic Military Aircraft clothing range.

Again, following feedback and suggestions, we have a great range of new aircraft ready to take off and join our clothing range!

Just a few of the famous aircraft coming soon include –

Theres loads more classic military aircraft coming as well …. !!

New Classic Military Vehicle Clothing Range

One of our most exciting developments for this year, was to have been the launch of our Classic Military Vehicle clothing range at Wicksteed at War in June.

Events have overtaken us, so for now, the release will be online only!

We have had a huge amount of requests for a military vehicle range of clothing. Your call has been answered and we will be launching sometime soon, a Classic Military Vehicle range starting with some classic favourites including –

  • Willys Jeep
  • GMC Deuce and a Half
  • Dodge WC-54 Ambulance
  • Sherman Tank

There will be a load more classic military vehicles added as the year progresses!

These military vehicle embroidered designs will be available on the full range of clothing as per our other embroidered designs!

New Pictures For Gift Products

One of the benefits of the lockdown has been having time to go over my photo archive and select new images to be processed. These will see the light of day on everything from wall art through to coasters, with the original intention having been a whole new library of images for this years show season.

These new images will slowly be added to the website as products over the coming weeks.

GDMK Images Editorial Portfolio Updated on Alamy

I have also done a long overdue refresh on my Alamy editorial stock portfolio.

This has involved a big review and overhaul of keywords and captions to make searching easier for image buyers.

I have also added a huge number of new images covering pretty much every genre including –

  • railways
  • aircraft and aviation themes
  • everday scenes
  • construction industry
  • night and low light scenes
  • abstract and concept themed ideas

8th Stitch Creations

Those who have met us on the stall will know my wife Dawn.

Having got bored with too many trains and planes, she has taken the plunge and set up her own business called 8th Stitch Creations to make things more akin to her interests.

She will still be the backbone of all our in house embroidery, so don’t panic!

8th Stitch Creations allows her creative freedom to make things close to her heart including a very exciting fundraising project for the NHS!!

She is also specialising in unique memory and keepsake products such as memory blankets and so on.

You can find 8th Stitch creations on Facebook so please check out her page and see what she gets up to!!

Thats All For Now – Stay Safe Everyone

There is so much more I could go on about, but I think that’s enough for now!

Please stay safe everyone and I look forward to seeing you again at a show somewhere once this all blows over.

In the meantime, I will do my best to keep you entertained and supplied in railway, aviation and military vehicle goodies!!

All the best for now and stay safe!!!

Gary, Dawn and Kay

GDMK Images is established as a leading supplier of gifts for aviation, railway and military vehicle enthusiasts, check out our unique gifts below …

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GDMK IMages Coronavirus Update

GDMK Images Stall at the Works Outing

See Our Latest Covid 19 Status – Click Here 

Coronavirus Update – 25/03/2020

In light of the developing Coronavirus situation, we will not be fulfilling any orders until further notice. 

We will be in touch with customers with outstanding orders to discuss the status of their orders.

The reasons for this are several –

  1. Several of our key suppliers are not supplying any blank printing materials or clothing until further notice
  2. Likewise, it seems the right thing to do by not posting orders which removes the potential of us inadvertently infecting others
  3. A member of our family has a prescribed underlying condition where 3 months of self isolation is being recommended

We are obviously disappointed, but remain realistic in an evolving situation, the like of which has not been seen in many generations.

We can still take orders, but they will remain pending until such time as our suppliers restart supplying blanks. Please bear this in mind if you place any orders.

We were extremely excited by our new range of designs, which we were looking forward to releasing at upcoming events.

Keeping things in perspective, there are more pressing matters of concern to everyone at the moment.

We will, therefore, announce the new designs online over the next few days and weeks.

In the meantime, we will endeavour to find snippets of relevant topics to keep you entertained on here as blog posts and on our social media channels.

Our very best wishes to our loyal customers, friends, societies and organisations. Heres hoping this thing settles down over the summer and we can get back to normal!

Stay safe everyone and see you again once this all blows over!!

All the best

Gary, Dawn & Kay

GDMK Images is established as a leading supplier of gifts for aviation, railway and military vehicle enthusiasts, check out our unique gifts below ….

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GDMK Images End of Summer 2019 Update

GDMK Images End of Summer 2019 Update

Great Summer Shows

Hi everyone, heres the GDMK Images end of Summer 2019 Update. Who can believe the summer is almost over? Summer 2019 has flown by and we had the pleasure of being at some great shows including –
  • Daks Over Duxford
  • Crewe Open Day
  • Cosford Airshow
  • Flying Legends
  • DRS Carlisle Open Day
  • East Kirkby Airshow
  • Biggin Hill Airshow
  • Military Odyssey

Upcoming Autumn Events

Although the summer was a brilliant adventure, we still have some great shows to look forward to including –
  • Victory Show
  • Jetfest
  • Severn Valley Railway Steam Gala
  • Severn Valley Railway Diesel Gala
  • Mansfield Christmas Market

New Products & Designs

New Designs

Our new personalised railway gifts, especially the replica loco panels, have gone down an absolute storm as have our Classic Military Aircraft Clothing Range. Thanks for the great feedback on these products!

New Messenger Bags

Over the summer, we road tested a couple of new bags. Firstly we updated our Messenger Bags to a much more classier product. These new messenger bags are made from a canvas material and are more rugged and stylish. The bags have zipped internal and external pockets and have received great feedback from customers. Both printed and embroidered designs are available.

Canvas Rucksacks

We have been repeatedly asked for rucksacks and have finally sourced a quality rucksack. The rucksacks are similar to the new messenger bags in that they are canvas and have a metal clasp. Again they are available with printed and embroidered designs. Currently the rucksacks are only available from the stall but will be added to the online shop over the coming weeks.

Personalised Gift service

Our personalised gift service has been extrememly well received both online and at events. The backbone of this service features the Stuart Black artwork collaboration and the Loco Data Panel Signs .

Stuart Black Collaboration

The Stuart Black collaboration goes from strength to strength with many new loco types and liveries added to the collection. We now have virtually every loco type and livery available for you to personalise on any of our products. Many people have chosen to make use of the optional text boxes and record life events or family best wishes, whereas others have left them blank and just chosen the loco of their choice. They are your personalised gifts so you have total freedom on the design!

Loco Data Panel Signs

The classic loco class data panel designs have been going a storm over the summer. We now have almost every class online ready to be configured in the railway colour scheme of your choice. All that is left to add to the online store are the early electrics which will be going online very shortly We have now added the loco class data panel metal signs, coasters, mugs, phone cases and mouse mats online with wallets being added shortly. The flame cut and weathered versions have been really popular. This brings you pretty much up to date on where we are at the moment. A huge thanks to you all for your support and encouragement over the summer, its very much appreciated! Hopefully we will see some of you at the Victory Show. If we dont see you there, hopefully we will see you at another event before Christmas! Thanks for reading and all the best Gary, Dawn & Kay

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GDMK Images Summer 2019 Update

GDMK Images Summer 2019 Update

Spring Shows

We have had a great spring show season, having the pleasure of visiting some fantastic railway and aviation events including –
  • Swanage Spring Diesel Gala
  • Epping and Ongar Diesel Gala
  • KWVR Diesel Gala
  • Severn Valley Railway Spring Diesel Gala
  • East Kirkby Lancs n Tanks
  • Daks Over Duxford
  • Crewe Open Day
  • Cosford Airshow

New Products

Our new personalised railway gifts, especially the replica loco panels, have gone down an absolute storm as have our D-Day 75 Commemorative gifts. Thanks for the great feedback on these products!

Bumps in the Road

We have been quiet recently following a health scare for our embroidery partner. All is well now, but it had a knock on effect to orders, so apologies if any of you have been affected. As a result we have decided to invest in a second embroidery machine which will allow us to increase our capacity whilst our partner can take it a bit easier. Our new embroidered railway and aviation designs were well recieved at recent shows but we havent been able to get them online. I am intending to add them this week! We have had a couple of weeks off the show circuit whilst we get on top of everything, especially getting to grips with the new embroidery software.

Upcoming Shows

We will be out again for the Armed Forces Day in Mansfield on 30th June so if you are in the area drop by and say hi! The following weeks looks like this
  • Flying Legends
  • DRS Carlisle Open Day
  • Marham Families Day
  • East Kirkby Airshow
  • Military Odyssey
If you are planning to visit any of these shows come and say hello!

Society and Fund Raising

We have been busy with supplying various Societies with merchandise for their fund raising stalls and are delighted to have added several new societies. We are extremely pleased to have been asked to supply the BBMF, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, with printed and embroidered merchandise. The Western Loco Association, Woodhead Railway Group and 466th Bomb Group at Attlebridge have also kindly ordered various fund raising items. There is also an interesting job involving 50008 in development! Our regulars including the Network Southeast Society, Southern Electric Group, Class 37 Loco Group, Lincolnshire Lancaster Association, The Spitfire Society and the Class 45/1 Society have been busy filling their stalls with our products so if you see these groups out and about, make sure you drop by and buy something to help them raise much needed funds!

Alamy Editorial Portfolio

Time has been precious this last few months and unfortunately I havent added any new editorial images to my Alamy Portfolio, but nevertheless licences have been good. If you need editorial pictures for your publication then check out my Alamy portfolio – there is a wide range of image subject matter and styles as can be seen below. These images have recently been generating enquiries and licences. This brings you pretty much up to date on where we are at the moment. We would like to thank you all very much for your support over the last few months. We are very much looking forward to getting back on the road again, starting with a home town event in the shape of Mansfields Armed Forces Day on 30th June. If we dont see you there, hopefully we will see you at another event this summer! Thanks for reading and all the best Gary, Dawn & Kay

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Fund Raising Merchandise Ideas For The New Season

Fund Raising Merchandise Ideas For The New Season

As the new show season starts to take shape, we have some great fund raising merchandise ideas for the new season. Is it time you looked at your fund raising merchandise? GDMK Images offers a full range of gifts that are perfect for your fund raising needs, just ask any of the organisations we helped last year –
  • Network South East Railway Society
  • Class 37 Loco Group
  • The Spitfire Society
  • Class 45/1 Preservation Group
  • Southern Electric Group
  • North Weald RAFA

Your Merchandise – Your Design.

We can use your own organisations artwork and designs.
Simply supply your designs and we will print them on whatever products you choose.
This includes

Keyrings

Magnets

Mugs

Phone cases

Printed and Embroidered Clothing – from baby grows to adult sizes

Bags

Wallets and Purses

Cuddly Toys

Need A Design?

Not a problem, we can do limited design work for you!

Competitive Prices

Your products are added to our existing print runs, therefore prices are extremely competitive! And the best part – there is no minimum order! you can order as much or as little as you like. For embroidered items, we prefer your initial order to consist of at least 4 or 5 garments. This helps us keep the postage of the base garments as low as possible which in turn makes the price to you cheaper.

Product Mock Ups

In the run up to production we provide you with graphic mock ups of your products displaying your chosen pictures.

Embroidery Designs

We will jointly go through a process of review and fine tuning of all your designs prior to signing off on a finalised design. We also send you hi-res pictures of test runs of your design for you to review.

Drop Shipping

We also offer the ability to dropship on your behalf. This is useful for phones, wallets and mugs. Invariably someone will come to buy a phone case and you have no Samsung ‘whatever’ case or they want a mug you have just sold out of. All you need to do is take an order from the customer and submit their details to us. We will produce that item for you and despatch it directly to the customer on your behalf. Get more details on our main Fund Raising Merchandise Page or fill in the form below.

Get full details when you subscribe to our Introduction to Fund Raising Merchandise Emails

The Introduction to Fund Raising Merchandise Services will guide you in detail about the fantastic range of products we can supply for your society or organisation. Read at your leisure how we work with you to take your fund raising merchandise to a whole new level! Remember to select the Merchandise for your Society as well as the subject areas of interest on the subscribe form below. If you have any questions just give me a shout Cheers for reading All the best Gary, Dawn & Kay
Why not share this information with a group or society that might be interested? …. Thanks!
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2016 What A Year For GDMK Images

Ted helping out with photographing a stunning sunset at Morrow Bay

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2016 What A Year For GDMK Images

Wow, what a year 2016 was! Personally and professionally, 2016 was a year to remember.

Personally, several ‘bucket list’ items were ticked off as we traveled across the US and The Caribbean during the spring.

Professionally we made great strides in solidifying the GDMK Images brand as a quality source of creative and unique artwork and photography. 2016 was our first full year taking our art stall around the country and was a great success. Its really satisfying so many people show their appreciation for our work.

It’s easy to bulk buy mass produced products at a low price point and resell them. We are not about selling for the sake of selling. We are about creating something different – something a little special that can’t be bought elsewhere.

I am passionate about the subjects in my work and I hope that comes through in my unique art style.

We made some great friends and met some really cool people along the way. Its not all about selling you know!

Below is a quick video summary of GDMK Images in 2016. The first video shows a taster of what you will see in our #tedontourusa trip blog posts. Part 1 of the Ted on Tour USA blog series is already available.

The second video is the soundtrack of our summer events, a soundtrack dominated by English Electric, Merlins, Napier, a bit of sizzling steam and a few other oddities thrown in![/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Preview Video of Ted on Tour USA

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GDMK Images Soundtrack of 2016

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Looking Forward To 2017 

We are proud of our achievements of 2016 and are really looking forward to 2017. Our event list is being finalised and will be posted shortly. You will be able to come and say hi at many railway, aviation, classic vehicle and military shows in 2017. Remember to subscribe to the GDMK Images newsletter to keep up with our latest news and events or alternatively keep an eye on the Where to Find GDMK Images Page

What Can You Expect From GDMK Images in 2017?

We have lots planned for 2017 including –

  • blog posts about our 2016 Tedontourusa trip including travel and photography tips
  • a new railway digital art series called ‘End of the Line’
  • a new range of gifts available exclusively from our art stall
  • new military digital art starting with ‘The Home Guard’ and ‘An Officer and a Lady’
  • digital art featuring RAF Lancasters ‘Over Enemy Country’ and Dakotas ‘One Day in June’

Thanks for your support over the last 12 months, heres looking forward to 2017!

All the best

Gary

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Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway 2016 Diesel Gala

Ted on the GDMK Images stall inside the diesel shed at Toddington on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

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Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway 2016 Diesel Gala

We had the pleasure of attending the recent diesel gala at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway.

Our stall was located inside the diesel shed at Toddington which created a great atmosphere for the event surrounded by locos under restoration and all the associated engineering equipment.

In the shed was D1693 (47105) undergoing a thorough restoration by its owners the Brush Type 4 Fund. The class 47 loco was used extensively on all sorts of freight and express passenger duties all over the UK network and a small number are still in use today. Over 500 of these locos were built and several are preserved or under restoration on preserved railways around the UK.

The groups other Class 47 loco, 47367, was in use during the diesel gala and is painted in Railfreight grey Freightliner colours as carried in the 90s.

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Class 47 47105 Under Restoration

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Rare Class 20 

Next to this was a very rare class 20 loco. This loco, currently numbered 2001, was part of the CFD fleet which worked in connection with the construction of a high speed rail link in France. In British Rail service the loco was numbered 20035. 20035 went to France in around 1992 but was never very reliable in service for its French operator. It spent a long time out of service following mechanical breakdowns and eventually returned to the UK in 2005. It is in a very poor condition and is being used as a source of spares for the other class 20 loco on the railway D8137 (20137) and the owners other class 20 (20228) based at Barry. Once component recovery is completed the shell will most likely be scrapped.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”18050″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Growler Groups Stunning Restoration of 37248

One of the highlights of the diesel gala was the use of English electric Class 37 D6948 (37248) which is looking absolutely immaculate following a thorough rebuild and looks as good as the day it entered service in 1964.

This loco is owned by the Growler Group which is based on the railway with its stablemate 37215.

37215 has been restored into BR Blue colours as it would have looked in the 1970s and 1980s whilst D6948 carries its original BR Green colours in which it was delivered to British Rail.

The Growler Group had their publicity stand in the diesel shed with us and several other stall holders. Ted took the opportunity to join the Growler Group as he was very impressed with their locos.

Below are two short videos of their Class 37s. The first shows the stunning quality of 37248s restoration into as built condition. The second shows 37215 departing Toddington with a train.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/bZJLjPfAPjQ” title=”Class 37 37248″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/973N4pFxRtA” align=”center” src=”“https://www.youtube.com/embed/973N4pFxRtA“” width=”“560“” height=”“315“” frameborder=”“0“” title=”Class 37 37215″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Ted Gets to Grips With a Class 47

Following Teds recent flights in the C-47 Skytrain and B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B, Ted jumped at the chance to get to grips with a main line diesel loco. Class 47 D1693 (47105) was open to inspect so Ted dived at the chance to sit in the driver’s seat of this 95 mph main line mixed traffic loco.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ess_grid alias=”ted-drives-a-class-47″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway History

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway runs through the stunningly beautiful Cotswold countryside. The heritage railway was originally part of the Great Western Railway’s main line from Birmingham to Cheltenham, via Stratford-upon-Avon. Work started in 1900 and was completed by 1906.

The line was closed to Passenger traffic in March 1960. The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway was formed in 1981 with the intention to re-open the line from Stratford Race Course to Cheltenham Racecourse. The line was originally double tracked throughout but now consists of a single line with passing loops at stations.

The railways operating base was established at Toddington. The railway restored 1/4 of a mile in 1984 and the first trains operated in the same year. There is now just over 12 miles of track from Laverton to Cheltenham Race Course with an almost complete northern extension to Broadway.

The railway predominantly runs steam hauled trains with regular turns for its diesel loco fleet.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Preserved Locomotives Based on the GWSR

The GWSR has a wide range of locomotives and their associated owning and support groups based on the railway. Below is a listing of steam and diesel locos based at the time of the 2016 diesel gala. I have included links to their owning groups. Please take time to have a look at the groups pages as you will find much of interest about the respective groups locomotives. Each of these groups are to be applauded for the excellent restorations of their locos which are a tribute to their hard work.

Steam locos based on the GWSR

Diesel locos based on the GWSR

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The gala featured most of the home diesel loco fleet plus class 33 D6575 (33057) visiting from the West Somerset Railway.

Crowds seemed healthy enough, with trains seemingly well loaded with happy punters, so hopefully the railway will make sufficient profit to ensure many more of these great events can be run.

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Locos Taking Part in the GWSR Diesel Gala

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Railway Photography Tips – Abstract Pictures

Railway Galas quite often provide us with quiet periods after each train has departed. Apart from allowing us to take a breath from selling and answering questions about my art style, I like to hunt out abstract picture opportunities.

There are photo opportunities everywhere and many times I like to look for abstract scenes that would look good in black and white or subjected to various colour treatments.

Railways are full of picture opportunities. Of course everyone wants to get the standard shots of the ‘big’ attractions, but for the following week, social media is awash with similar pictures of locos all looking sort of well …. similar. ‘Record shots’ are everywhere, don’t fall into becoming a ‘record shot’ photographer.

Push yourself to break the mould and look for different opportunities. Low angle, ground level, high vantage points, close-up and abstract picture opportunities are all around you. Challenge the inner photographer in you and find something different. Many pictures might well turn out pants, but some will be a little bit special. Many more efforts will let you know you are on to something different and next time you will know to get a little higher, a little lower, a bit closer or indeed further away.

Do something different. Your eye will develop and you will create your own style. Become a railway photographer rather than someone who takes pictures of trains.

Below is a selection of picture scenes I hunted out.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ess_grid alias=”abstract-pictures-at-gwsr”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1498680345351{margin-top: 5px !important;margin-right: 5px !important;margin-bottom: 5px !important;margin-left: 5px !important;border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 1px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;border-left-color: #0098da !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #0098da !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #0098da !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #0098da !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”]

See All Railway Pictures

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1582632738734{margin-top: 5px !important;margin-right: 5px !important;margin-bottom: 5px !important;margin-left: 5px !important;border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 1px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;border-left-color: #0098da !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #0098da !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #0098da !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #0098da !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”]

Licence Railway Pictures

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I hope you have enjoyed the photos and my overview of the diesel gala, please feel free to leave any comments below

All the best for now

Gary[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”sky” el_width=”80″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Subscribe to GDMK Images” txt_align=”center” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Sign me up!” btn_custom_background=”#0098da” btn_custom_text=”#fffffd” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fstaging.gdmkimages.co.uk%2Fsubscribe-gdmk-images-newsletters%2F|title:Subscribe%20never%20miss%20an%20update!||”]Subscribe and never miss an update![/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

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GDMK Images at War and Peace Revival Show 2016

Dodge WC-54 ambulance at the War and Peace Revival Show

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GDMK Images at War and Peace Revival Show 2016

The biggest military vehicle show of the year on our calendar saw us visiting the 5 day War and Peace Revival show at Folkestone racecourse.

We were all looking forward to the opportunity to get up close to so many iconic military vehicles.

The War and Peace Revival has a mixed history but has been running under various guises for over 20 years. It is reputed to be THE event for re-enactors, vehicle owners and related associations to get together and put on a show of hardware and live action.

Because of its close location to Europe, many rare and prized foreign vehicles make their only UK appearances. This alone makes the show a must see in the eyes of many fans and enthusiasts.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

So Wheres Our Pitch Then?????

With excitement levels high for this mighty show, I have to say our first impressions were not brilliant. The marshals seemed to be none existent upon arrival. At reception there was no guidance on how to get to our stall pitch. We had the privilege of doing two full circuits of the site before we found a trader who could point us in the right direction. Don’t get me wrong, we had great views of the display areas and vehicles on show, but after a 4 hour drive we just wanted to get to our pitch. The marshals were wearing white ‘war and peace’ t-shirts which is not much use when you are looking for the usual yellow/green hiviz clothing normally associated with event officials.

Anyway we did find our pitch about an hour after arriving![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Punter and Trader Personas Clash

The War and Peace Revival Show, all in all, was a real mixed event. The show caused some inner (and vented) exasperation to both my punter and trader personas.

As a punter, it was fantastic to walk around and chat with the other traders, re-enactors and vehicle owners. Unfortunately, this caused significant conflict with my trader persona as I had far too much time to do the above. The organisation of, and footfall through, the trading area is a serious problem for the long-term health of this show. As a trader, at one of the biggest militaria events in the UK, you should expect to be fully occupied with your business, not sitting around with other traders and participants waiting for the crowds to arrive.

The main cause for this, in my opinion, was the sheer distance of the car park from the trading area. For a fit and able person, you needed around 30 – 40 mins to cover this distance. Add in temperatures in the high 20s/low 30s and this becomes quite an issue.

Furthermore, add in there were virtually zero facilities for the infirm or disabled and you have yourself an issue.

The punters would walk from the car park, through the re-enactment and living history areas and eventually come across the trading area tucked about as far away from the car park as physically possible.

My daughter and I walked several times through the vehicle displays to and from the trading area. It was A LONG WAY!!! Especially walking back at the end of an evening’s photography!

There was a ‘shuttle’ service, consisting of a tractor and trailer, moving people around the site. Judging by visitors comments it was running an irregular pattern. I overheard many complaints of long waits for the shuttle.

With my punters head on, if I were a visitor, I would probably not have bothered with the trading area unless there was something specific I wanted to buy. Which is pretty much exactly what happened. People were only buying what they needed.

There were very few people generally browsing any of the stalls, be it camo clothing traders, toy traders, general militaria traders and so on.

This was a real shame as it was our first visit of which we were very much looking forward to.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Should a Trader Be Able to Expect More?

By day 3 the reality had sunk in that there was a serious issue with the layout affecting many traders. Many were extremely unhappy at the lack of footfall. We take each show as it comes. We arrive with an open mind as you never know how a show is going to pan out, but it was disheartening to see regular traders so unhappy with the situation.

This irked my trader persona as we can accept low sales as a result of people choosing not to buy our products. To have your sales potential restricted by poor organisation is something different. As traders, we pay handsomely for our pitches. In return we expect the organisers to make reasonable efforts to ensure the maximum footfall is circulated equitably around the trade area.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ess_grid alias=”war-and-peace-revival-show-2016-1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Heroes of The Show

A somewhat unexpected side effect of this situation allowed my punter persona to make the most of the event by walking around the re-enactment and living history areas.

The time made available by quiet trading allowed me to visit many of the re-enactment groups and vehicles.

This is where things brighten up considerably. I have to say the living history, re-enactment groups and vehicle owners were the true heroes of the War and Peace Revival. I take my hat off to the guys n gals who present stunning vehicles and realistic encampments.

It is important to remember these military shows are not a glorification of war. They are not men playing with big boys toys either (well not all the time anyway!). The various groups and vehicle owners are keen to keep everything as accurate as possible in respect to the men and women who lived and died in the uniforms on show. The huge learning opportunity to the generations who never had to fight for freedom cannot be underestimated.

There is always a certain air about these events. You could feel the sense of pride in people when talking to them about their vehicle or group. Everyone had such a passion towards ensuring the authenticity of their respective roles. People were in awe of those who did it all for real and felt a responsibility to make sure their contribution portrayed the story in a respectful way.

Indeed, my own emotions were tugged at when I came across a Japanese soldier in the trade area wearing full combat dress.

My Grandfather fought the Japanese in Burma and he told me a few tales. Most tales were about his escapades when on leave but ocassionally he dropped in a snippet about his combat experiences. Seeing this representation of what he had dealt with momentarily stopped me in my tracks.

This was confirmation to me about the huge educational value of such shows. It is vitally important we never forget the sacrifices made by generations of our forebears. It is more important that we learn what causes such conflict and hatred between people and find ways to deal with differences before blood is spilt. Unfortunately we have a very long way to go …………..

I like to think I know my way around the history of most of the 20th Century Wars and conflicts. Talking with these men and women opened my eyes to so many gaps in my knowledge.

We are all familiar with the big battles and events, but there is so much that is glossed over by the media. I feel priveliged to have learnt so much from dedicated individuals representing all factions involved in 20th Century conflicts.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Summing Up The War and Peace Revival Show 2016

Being a ‘newbie’ to the show,  it didnt take long to pick up vibes when talking to the public, traders, vehicle owners and re-enactment groups around the showground. There were frequent references to some angst in the build up to the show between various parties. It seems the result was fewer vehicles, fewer re-enactment groups and lower takings by many traders. A real shame for me personally, as my trader and punter personas were really looking forward to the show!

Although sales were low, interest in my unique art style was very high. I am extremely grateful to have been asked by several vehicle owners and groups to undertake commissions to create art work for their them. I also received several requests to undertake photoshoots which combined with the commissions, will help offset the lack of sales. Many thanks to those involved for asking me if you are reading this!

So on with a few more photos taken at the show.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ess_grid alias=”war-and-peace-revival-show-2016-2″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

We will be visiting the Combined Ops Airshow and Military Vehicle Show show in a couple of weeks which, although smaller in scale, we hope will be a more positive experience.

It is true – bigger isn’t always better!

Thanks for reading and feel free to leave your views on my below

Cheers for now

Gary[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”sky” el_width=”80″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Subscribe to GDMK Images” txt_align=”center” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Sign me up!” btn_custom_background=”#0098da” btn_custom_text=”#fffffd” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fstaging.gdmkimages.co.uk%2Fsubscribe-gdmk-images-newsletters%2F|title:Subscribe%20and%20never%20miss%20an%20update!||”]Subscribe and never miss an update![/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

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Ted Has A Date With Sally B At Flying Legends

Ted gets to grips at the business end with Sally B at Flying Legends

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Ted Has A Date With Sally B At Flying Legends

So we are back home recovering from a long three days at the Flying Legends airshow. All the orders we took have been processed and will be with their respective buyers early next week. Thanks again guys n gals, your trade and support is much appreciated!

Ted had a great time at the Flying Legends with his personal highlight being a date with B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B!! That bear gets around, last visit to Duxford he gets a flight in a C-47 Skytrain!

Many thanks to Andrew and Geraldine for arranging this![/vc_column_text][ess_grid alias=”teds-date-with-sally-b-at-flying-legends”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Great Flying Display

As usual, the flying display was pretty good, although the weather did prevent a couple of displays. My personal favourite aircraft were the Avenger and Sea Fury – both very impressive. The famous Duxford ‘Tail Chases’ were a little thin on the ground. I’m not sure if this was to do the changes imposed by the CAA in response to Shoreham or simply there being insufficient aircraft?

Unusually for the Flying Legends, a modern fighter made an appearance in the shape of the USAF  F-22 Raptor. The Raptor flew with a P-51 in the USAF Heritage flight display. I have seen many F-22 aircraft at Nellis but this was the first display I have seen and it was pretty impressive.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Crowds A Little Thin

From our viewpoint, although sales were healthy, the crowds did seem thin on the ground. I suppose this was to be expected as the event clashed with RIAT at Fairford, the British Grand Prix and some funny game with yellow balls in South London.

Hopefully there will be a nice healthy crowd when we return in September!

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Image Theft

Here is an interesting discussion point. What are your thoughts on image theft by people taking photos of artwork? I am getting increasing numbers of people innocently walking into the stall and covertly taking pictures. This activity was rife at Flying Legends.

I don’t know why people would do that as much better quality images can be had from this site and even better quality pictures can be bought there and then! I stop most people and they seem annoyed I intervene and prevent them taking photos. I wouldn’t mind so much if they were up front and said ‘great picture I want to share it on social media’ and gave us a mention.

Is it theft? Would people expect to walk into an art museum or exhibition and snap away unchallenged?

I am always on the lookout for image infringement and people who use my pictures illegally. To a certain extent it is part and parcel of the online world, but surely it is something more sinister in the physical world?

What really annoys me is this increasing clandestine photography of my artwork.

What are your thoughts? Is it acceptable or is there a limit to what can be ‘had for free’?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Next Up – War and Peace Revival

So, after that mini-rant, it’s time to look forward to next weeks War and Peace Revival Show. 5 solid days of the best military vehicles, living history and battle re-enactments to be found. We are very much looking forward to this show, which will be our first time attending. If you are at the show then drop by our stall located at C21 and say hi![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”17845″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://warandpeacerevival.com/”][vc_column_text]Thanks for reading, please leave your thoughts on the image theft issues I discussed and see you at War and Peace!

Cheers

Gary[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1470836675125{margin-top: 5px !important;margin-right: 5px !important;margin-bottom: 5px !important;margin-left: 5px !important;border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 1px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;border-left-color: #0098da !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #0098da !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #0098da !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #0098da !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”]

See All Airplane Pictures

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Licence Airplane Pictures

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Phone Cases For The Latest Smartphones Added

Hall class 4-6-0 Witherslack Hall steam train heading through the snowy Leicestershire countryside on the Great Central Railway mobile phone case

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Phone Cases For The Latest Smartphones Added

I have just updated the shop and added phone cases for the latest smartphones. Pouches for 36 new smartphones and just over 20 new hard cases are now available.

Pouches and Hard Cases available for these new Smartphones

A few of the new smartphones we have covers and pouches for –

  • Samsung S7
  • Samsung S7 Edge
  • Samsung J5
  • Sony Xperia XA
  • Sony Xperia X
  • Sony Xperia X Performance
  • Huawei P9
  • iPhone SE

Smartphone Pouches and Flip Cases are priced at £24.95 with Hard Cases priced at £19.95.

Remember, any picture for sale in the galleries can be put on a phone case.

If you have your own special picture then contact me for details of how to order your personalised phone case.[/vc_column_text][ess_grid alias=”phone-cases-for-latest-smartphones”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1468495004852{margin-top: 5px !important;margin-right: 5px !important;margin-bottom: 5px !important;margin-left: 5px !important;border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 1px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;border-left-color: #0098da !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #0098da !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #0098da !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #0098da !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-radius: 4px !important;}”]

See All Mobile Phone Cases

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Save on Postage at Our Art Stall

We have a wide selection of pouches, hardcases and flip cases for all the popular phones available from our art stall. If you buy or order a phone case directly from the stall you will get FREE P&P saving you £4!!

We are attending many of the big aviation and railway shows over the summer so drop by, say hi and get a cool cover for your phone. Any picture you see on this website could be adorning your phone within a couple of days of ordering. Sure beats going to to your nearest high street phone shop and paying £20+ for a plain phone cover!

See where we are this summer via our Where to Find GDMK Images page[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Come and see our stall at any of these events and get yourself a cool phone case!

Thanks for reading, all the best for now

Gary[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”sky” el_width=”80″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Subscribe to GDMK Images” txt_align=”center” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Sign me up!” btn_custom_background=”#0098da” btn_custom_text=”#fffffd” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fstaging.gdmkimages.co.uk%2Fsubscribe-gdmk-images-newsletters%2F|title:Subscribe%20and%20and%20never%20miss%20an%20update%20or%20offer!||” btn_add_icon=”true” btn_custom_onclick=”true”]Subscribe and never miss an update or offer![/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

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