Tony Wallis

Friends of Castleford Library (FOCAL) are showing a set of photographs of prominent buildings in the town centre. What makes the pictures interesting is not only were they not taken with a digital camera or even one with a lens. They were taken by amateur photographers on pinhole cameras made from baby milk cans. The FOCAL project began with volunteers sealing the cans so the only light entering was from a pinhole made at a strategic point in the can. After photographic paper was inserted, each camera was taken outside and pointed at a building. Makeshift shutter open and after a predetermined duration was closed. The timing is crucial. Too short and not enough light to make an image, too long and it picks up changes such as people passing by. The results were mostly splendid and the developed photographs are on display.  At the launch people were fascinated and Intrigued. Building like the Mechanics Institute, Queen’s Mill and even the library itself are clearly identified. So thr...

  COUNCILLOR WALLIS REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2024 First, sadly, Councillor Graham Isherwood has passed away. He was a charismatic character who worked hard for his beliefs and was vocal in his support not just for the people of Featherstone but for the district as a whole. His presence, in memory, will still be there with us. One of his campaigns was to get the train companies to allow mobility scooters on board. These are classed as motorised vehicles not mobility aids, but to accomplish this will improve the lives of several passengers with poor mobility. As reported, my colleagues and I have decided to freeze our allowance this year to show our recognition of the hardship many of our residents are facing after years of Tory austerity. The Labour government cannot turn this around quickly and the council faces very tough spending decisions. This decision will not prevent us from championing decent pay rises for workers, honouring any independent recommendation for them and cam...