Events in 2022
29th September
22nd September
Films that have not won any competition was tonights theme. Everyone has films which have never won in any club competition , the standard being as good as the winner or runner up, but left to the personal choice of the judge.
The films shown tonight proved that point. Films showing an air display, a documentary on preparing greyhounds for racing. A film of paragliding off Ingleborough Hill in 90 seconds. Another film of Wetherby was well made and researched. Another film shown was the oldest made in 1978. This was made on Standard 8 film with a soundtrack originally made on quarter inch tape. This was transferred to dvd some years ago. Alan Abbott thanked members who brought in their films. He then reminded everyone of the upcoming Gledhill Film Competition on 27th October.
The films shown tonight proved that point. Films showing an air display, a documentary on preparing greyhounds for racing. A film of paragliding off Ingleborough Hill in 90 seconds. Another film of Wetherby was well made and researched. Another film shown was the oldest made in 1978. This was made on Standard 8 film with a soundtrack originally made on quarter inch tape. This was transferred to dvd some years ago. Alan Abbott thanked members who brought in their films. He then reminded everyone of the upcoming Gledhill Film Competition on 27th October.
15th September
.Tonight for the first half of the evening,members tried their hand at interviewing. Peter Strickland was on camera ,Dave Morton asked a set of prepared questions to various members. Bob Rudd gave us his career in computers, interviewed by Peter Yates. A member tried his new radio microphone set, which seemed to work well on the first try.
After the break we saw a documentary on the making of a famous film,which took us to the end of the evening
After the break we saw a documentary on the making of a famous film,which took us to the end of the evening
8th September
Bob Rowley took charge of tonights meeting, this being a club auction of equipment left by Gladys Ealey, in aid of club funds .
Bob went through the lots trying to get the best price for all the lots, including some items donated by members.He should of known Yorkshire Folk have short arms and deep pockets when It comes to parting with cash . Anyway Bob raised over £200 for club funds, the star lot being a 43" 4k tv that went for just under £100.
Bob was thanked for his auction skills. He is now laying down in a darkened room to recover!!!!!!
Bob went through the lots trying to get the best price for all the lots, including some items donated by members.He should of known Yorkshire Folk have short arms and deep pockets when It comes to parting with cash . Anyway Bob raised over £200 for club funds, the star lot being a 43" 4k tv that went for just under £100.
Bob was thanked for his auction skills. He is now laying down in a darkened room to recover!!!!!!
1st September
Tonight we viewed an episode of Claude Friese Greene's film "The Open Road" .He was a pioneer for filming in colour. By todays hi definition film it seems very crude , but it worked. The episode concentrated on the west country recreating places and people , with clips of the original film.interviews were conducted with people who knew who was in the film. Rest of the film will be shown at a later date.
After the break we saw a 20's cricket match between a team of writers and a local village side. If anyone has played village cricket then this will bring back fond memories.
After the break we saw a 20's cricket match between a team of writers and a local village side. If anyone has played village cricket then this will bring back fond memories.
25th August
18th August
Tonight we met at the Wetherby .Whaler at White Cross for a fish and chip supper. This was a bequest in the will of Gladys Ealey who passed away earlier in the year. This entitled one member and a partner to have their meals paid for, by the bequest. We had a nice relaxed meal, and all members enjoyed it. Secretary Bob Rowley thanked Glady's family for providing the meal. a few speeches followed one stating it was a tradition at Mercury Movie Makers to have a Fish and Chip supper every August. Members were the invited fo go to the Ings Pub for a drink and a quiz.
11th August
GLADYS EALEY MEMORIAL NIGHT
Our secretary Bob Rowley organised tonights meeting. Instead of just paying tribute to one member , he paid tribute to all members who are no longer with us. He explained that if we did a tribute to every member we would be viewing films for the next three months. Instead he went through the archives of Mercury Movie Makers and put together two one hour programmes of films from the past.
Bob found examples from cine films to the modern digital format films.They say a" picture paints a thousand words", films bring the past to life as it takes you back to another time
Our members were remembering missed and well loved members. There seemed to enjoy club outings especially the barbecues. The sun was allways shining on those days.
Mercury are very lucky to have a vast archive of films which will be enjoyed by future members.
Gladys daughter thanked Bob for putting on a great night, which the members endorsed.
She reminded members of her mothers wish to treat Mercury members and their partners
to a fish and chip supper the following week.
Our secretary Bob Rowley organised tonights meeting. Instead of just paying tribute to one member , he paid tribute to all members who are no longer with us. He explained that if we did a tribute to every member we would be viewing films for the next three months. Instead he went through the archives of Mercury Movie Makers and put together two one hour programmes of films from the past.
Bob found examples from cine films to the modern digital format films.They say a" picture paints a thousand words", films bring the past to life as it takes you back to another time
Our members were remembering missed and well loved members. There seemed to enjoy club outings especially the barbecues. The sun was allways shining on those days.
Mercury are very lucky to have a vast archive of films which will be enjoyed by future members.
Gladys daughter thanked Bob for putting on a great night, which the members endorsed.
She reminded members of her mothers wish to treat Mercury members and their partners
to a fish and chip supper the following week.
4th August
Tonight our 4th competition of the year took place, being the"Out and About" for films taken anywhere in the UK with a time limit of 10 minutes.
11 Films were entered and judged by Roger and Maureen Parnell from Huddersfield Movie Makers.
The films entered in showing order were:-
APPLE JUICING- A FAMILY AFFAIR
A WORK OF ART
THE BRONTE CONNECTION
SALTBURN A VICTORIAN GEM
KNARESBOROUGH
BORDER COUNTRY
TEMPLE NEWSAM
BEAMISH DAY OUT
CINEMA'S AND THEATRES
MENSTON VILLAGE
AN ARTISTS PARADISE
Roger summed up after the final film, he commented on the high standard of films entered and what a difficult job to pick out two films.
He awarded the runner up certificate to Mike Breeze for his film CINEMA'S AND THEATRES
The winner of the OUT AND ABOUT 2022 competition was awarded to Vince Herke for his film BEAMISH DAY OUT which reminded Roger of his childhood.
Alan Abbott thanked Roger and Maureen for judging a hard competition, this was endorsed by a large applause from the members.
11 Films were entered and judged by Roger and Maureen Parnell from Huddersfield Movie Makers.
The films entered in showing order were:-
APPLE JUICING- A FAMILY AFFAIR
A WORK OF ART
THE BRONTE CONNECTION
SALTBURN A VICTORIAN GEM
KNARESBOROUGH
BORDER COUNTRY
TEMPLE NEWSAM
BEAMISH DAY OUT
CINEMA'S AND THEATRES
MENSTON VILLAGE
AN ARTISTS PARADISE
Roger summed up after the final film, he commented on the high standard of films entered and what a difficult job to pick out two films.
He awarded the runner up certificate to Mike Breeze for his film CINEMA'S AND THEATRES
The winner of the OUT AND ABOUT 2022 competition was awarded to Vince Herke for his film BEAMISH DAY OUT which reminded Roger of his childhood.
Alan Abbott thanked Roger and Maureen for judging a hard competition, this was endorsed by a large applause from the members.
28th July
Harry Nicholls entertained us tonight on how to choose music for your films.
He showed a selection of his films, and how he chose music to fit the subject. He had films about a horse drawn canal barge at Hebden Bridge. then foliowed a film taken at a 40s event in Haworth. Then taken to London to see the sights and sounds, then across the pond to New York in all it's glory. Finishing up in Bruges to take us to the break.
In the second half Harry showed some clips from films that inspired him, when he was younger.
It was a very entertaining evening and was thanked by the members.
He showed a selection of his films, and how he chose music to fit the subject. He had films about a horse drawn canal barge at Hebden Bridge. then foliowed a film taken at a 40s event in Haworth. Then taken to London to see the sights and sounds, then across the pond to New York in all it's glory. Finishing up in Bruges to take us to the break.
In the second half Harry showed some clips from films that inspired him, when he was younger.
It was a very entertaining evening and was thanked by the members.
21st July
Tonight our Programme Secretary Dave Morton hosted the meeting.
He had an idea for making a film in one evening in the club . Without giving too much away his script was about a competitive bingo game but with a twist at the end. Members then put their thoughts into the idea. One problem we have not enough lady members, and we will have to borrow some of the club staff for extras. Dave will report back when the script is finalised. A film about special effects finished off the evening.
He had an idea for making a film in one evening in the club . Without giving too much away his script was about a competitive bingo game but with a twist at the end. Members then put their thoughts into the idea. One problem we have not enough lady members, and we will have to borrow some of the club staff for extras. Dave will report back when the script is finalised. A film about special effects finished off the evening.
14th July
Dave hosted tonights meeting he called time shift going back in time. First was a film about a famous british traveller who globe trotted for over 40 years. The next film was about ocean liners. The evening finished with a couple of members films.
7th July
30th June
Tonight it was Bob Rowley's turn to entertain us,he did not disapoint with his programme.
First off was a film made at the 60th anniversary of Mercury Movie Makers which formed 29th July 1959 60 years on the same date 29th July 2019 the event was held at the Ings Pub in Guiseley, where a barbecue was held. Members past and present were invited along with members of other clubs. In the film Bob gave a quick history of the club up to the present day. Everyone who attended had a good time.
He then showed a film of a drone flight over some Yorkshire sites,made as a promo film. Next was" Starter , Main, And Not So Sweet" , about a double date that goes very wrong. Next a video of Bass Jazz.
After the break" Wind in My Sails" was shown a film about Bob&Martin sailing round the Greek Islands.
A couple of short films were then shown, followed by a film taken of the aftermath of an earthquake in Chistchurch, New Zealand in a recent visit by Bob.
The final film"Modern Love"A tale about a couple on a blind date, not knowing how to break the ice, due to shyness, I think we have all been there.
Bob then thanked by all the members for putting on an entertaining evening.
First off was a film made at the 60th anniversary of Mercury Movie Makers which formed 29th July 1959 60 years on the same date 29th July 2019 the event was held at the Ings Pub in Guiseley, where a barbecue was held. Members past and present were invited along with members of other clubs. In the film Bob gave a quick history of the club up to the present day. Everyone who attended had a good time.
He then showed a film of a drone flight over some Yorkshire sites,made as a promo film. Next was" Starter , Main, And Not So Sweet" , about a double date that goes very wrong. Next a video of Bass Jazz.
After the break" Wind in My Sails" was shown a film about Bob&Martin sailing round the Greek Islands.
A couple of short films were then shown, followed by a film taken of the aftermath of an earthquake in Chistchurch, New Zealand in a recent visit by Bob.
The final film"Modern Love"A tale about a couple on a blind date, not knowing how to break the ice, due to shyness, I think we have all been there.
Bob then thanked by all the members for putting on an entertaining evening.
23rd June
16th June
Tonight we went down memory lane remembering old tv programmes.Vince our publicity secretary showed some of his collection of dvd's which he has collected over the years .Some were very familiar but others very obscure not been shown for many years. Were the programmes better than todays offerings,or do memories play tricks on us. It's amazing what shows from yesteryear are available on the dvd and Bluray format. What other gems are still in the vaults
The evening was enjoyed by all. Dave thanked Vince for an entertaining evening
The evening was enjoyed by all. Dave thanked Vince for an entertaining evening
9th June
Tonight was our first set of club competitions for over two years. This being the One Minute, Five Minute, Film To Music. The 20 films entered for all three competitions was judged by Andrew Cockerill from Bradford Movie Makers. What a job he had to decide the winners and runner up for each category. Peter our projectionist had the difficult job of projecting the films in the right order from discs and memory sticks.
ONE MINUTE COMPETITION
Moonscape Over Greenhow
Sunset Over Saltburn Winner Vince Herke
Old Man
The Secret Runner Up Martin Sunderland
Cueumber
Filming With Dave Morton.
5 MINUTE COMPETITION
Grandad Tom's Special Suprise
Woodland Harvest Winner Roy & Jean Vickers
Too Close For Comfort
Lille
The Times They Are A Changing
Misty Morning At Northgate Staircase Runner Up Mike Breeze
FILM TO MUSIC COMPETITION
Scenes From Lake Windermere
Rodeo Winner Bob Rowley
Daddy's Taking Us To The Zoo Tomorrow
Black And White
Bure Valley Light Railway--Puffing Billy
Island Girl
Come Wander
The Duel Runner Up Richard Bray
Bye Bye Love
After the winners and Runner up presentation's. Dave Morton thanked Andrew for judging 20 films and giving honest comments on all the films which is no mean feat.
ONE MINUTE COMPETITION
Moonscape Over Greenhow
Sunset Over Saltburn Winner Vince Herke
Old Man
The Secret Runner Up Martin Sunderland
Cueumber
Filming With Dave Morton.
5 MINUTE COMPETITION
Grandad Tom's Special Suprise
Woodland Harvest Winner Roy & Jean Vickers
Too Close For Comfort
Lille
The Times They Are A Changing
Misty Morning At Northgate Staircase Runner Up Mike Breeze
FILM TO MUSIC COMPETITION
Scenes From Lake Windermere
Rodeo Winner Bob Rowley
Daddy's Taking Us To The Zoo Tomorrow
Black And White
Bure Valley Light Railway--Puffing Billy
Island Girl
Come Wander
The Duel Runner Up Richard Bray
Bye Bye Love
After the winners and Runner up presentation's. Dave Morton thanked Andrew for judging 20 films and giving honest comments on all the films which is no mean feat.
2nd June
No Meeting Queens Jubilee
26th May
19th May
12th May
5th May
Tonight Peter Strictland with the help of Richard and Vince showed how green screen is done. After setting up the lights and the green screen , Peter asked for members to be filmed in front of the screen, enter Roy and John. After a few takes and setting different camera angles that part of the process was finished.There followed a question and answer session about the best lighting positions to get rid of unwanted shadows.
After break Peter showed how to edit the clips on his laptop projecting on a large screen via the clubs projector. On the time line he put a still picture of Kirkstall Abbey , and a picture of a coastal scene showing plenty of sky.
He then took out the green background using special effects on his software program, this left Roy and John only with faint green on their outline. By using more of the effects in the menu Roy and John were standing in front of Kirkstall Abbbey even they had not been there. More Q&A followed until the close of the meeting Peter was thanked for an entertaining evening along with Richard and Vince.
Will we see more films made with green screen , only time will tell.
After break Peter showed how to edit the clips on his laptop projecting on a large screen via the clubs projector. On the time line he put a still picture of Kirkstall Abbey , and a picture of a coastal scene showing plenty of sky.
He then took out the green background using special effects on his software program, this left Roy and John only with faint green on their outline. By using more of the effects in the menu Roy and John were standing in front of Kirkstall Abbbey even they had not been there. More Q&A followed until the close of the meeting Peter was thanked for an entertaining evening along with Richard and Vince.
Will we see more films made with green screen , only time will tell.
28th April
Tonight Alan Abbott our competition secretary chaired the meeting about the up coming film competitions for Mercury members. Since it's two years since competitions due to Covid restrictions. He went on to explain rules of the various competitions. Martin had a list of films made by past and present members, for the 1 minute,5, minute, and film to music which are the next competitions to be held. These were shown to inspire members to make films and enter them for the June event. Everone must have clips taken over the last two years which can be made into films. Let's hope we have a good entry.
21st April
MEETING CANCELLED
14th April
7th April
31st March
Tonight's meeting was split into two halves. For the first half we discussed ideas for making a five minute club film to be shot in the club. Dave Morton and Richard Bray came up with a couple of ideas for the film. Dave went first with about ladies cheating at bingo ,but having a lack of lady members in the club the idea was not taken any further. Richard was next up he had prepared script with backing music from a well known film. He had already recruited some members to act out the parts. It went very well,not giving anything away it's a variation of a card game. Will it work out only time will tell?
After the break ,a couple of old films made on club nights were shown. In the meantime Richard and Peter Strickland tried to assemble a green screen to shoot some test footage. The screem got stuck in the carrier tube and refused to come out however hard they tried to pull it out.In the end they decided to leave it as they did not want to damage the screen.
Dave Morton thanked eveyone for coming out on such a wet cold evening.
After the break ,a couple of old films made on club nights were shown. In the meantime Richard and Peter Strickland tried to assemble a green screen to shoot some test footage. The screem got stuck in the carrier tube and refused to come out however hard they tried to pull it out.In the end they decided to leave it as they did not want to damage the screen.
Dave Morton thanked eveyone for coming out on such a wet cold evening.
24th March
Tonight we delved into television history. Starting with a video on the history of recording ,from wire recorders to how video recorders work, showing the difference between a broadcast machine and a domestic one. How things have changed in last few years,today we can get broadcast quality in the most basic cameras and recorders. We were then treated to some clips from vintage tv programs,some have never been repeated which took us up to the break.
During the break members looked at a large collection of dvd's of tv programs of yesteryear belonging to Vince our publicity secretary showing a fraction which you can buy now.
After the break we finished the evening with a comedy episode of a well know tv series."Listen wery carefully I will say this only once"you know what it is.
It went down really well,it's amazing viewing with other members how funnier it is.
Dave Morton our president thanked Vince for an entertaining evening. He then asked members for ideas to make a 5 minute film ror the next meeting.
During the break members looked at a large collection of dvd's of tv programs of yesteryear belonging to Vince our publicity secretary showing a fraction which you can buy now.
After the break we finished the evening with a comedy episode of a well know tv series."Listen wery carefully I will say this only once"you know what it is.
It went down really well,it's amazing viewing with other members how funnier it is.
Dave Morton our president thanked Vince for an entertaining evening. He then asked members for ideas to make a 5 minute film ror the next meeting.
17th March
10th March
3rd March
24th February
17th February
10th February
To warm us up on a cold winters evening,members were asked to bring films of summer holidays,what a selection we had.
First going to New Zealand to see a eco holiday camp in the North Island. Then to Maderia to join their annual wine festival. A trip to Germany and Poland with a visit to Coldiz Castle,then off to suuny Spain.A visit to Lanzarote marveling the volcanic landscape.
We then had a visit to Jersey Zoo, to see their wildlife conservation programme..Another film was a ski trip which was fast and furious.
After Tea and coffee we commenced the second half with a film on the South of France, then on To Cornwall then another visit to Jersey.
The final film was a visit to Bruges.
President Dave Morton thanked everyone who brought a film to make a successful evening, and Peter Strickland for projecting.
To warm us up on a cold winters evening,members were asked to bring films of summer holidays,what a selection we had.
First going to New Zealand to see a eco holiday camp in the North Island. Then to Maderia to join their annual wine festival. A trip to Germany and Poland with a visit to Coldiz Castle,then off to suuny Spain.A visit to Lanzarote marveling the volcanic landscape.
We then had a visit to Jersey Zoo, to see their wildlife conservation programme..Another film was a ski trip which was fast and furious.
After Tea and coffee we commenced the second half with a film on the South of France, then on To Cornwall then another visit to Jersey.
The final film was a visit to Bruges.
President Dave Morton thanked everyone who brought a film to make a successful evening, and Peter Strickland for projecting.
3rdFebruary
Jean & Norman Goodwin films
Jean & Norman Goodwin films
27th January
Sping Park Filmakers Showreel
Sping Park Filmakers Showreel
20th January
Club film show and discussions about a club film
Club film show and discussions about a club film
13th January
Club film show and discussions about a club film
Club film show and discussions about a club film
6th January - Mercury Movie Makers AGM
Reports were heard from the 2019 Officers of the club.
Nominations for the positions of Office for the year 2022
Club members present voted unanimously to accept those officers proposed.
These are:-
President: - Dave Morton
Vice President: - Allan Abbott
Club Secretary: - Bob Rowley
Treasurer: - Martin Sunderland
Publicity Secretary: - Vince Herke
Social Secretary: - Bob Rowley
Competition Secretary: - Allan Abbott
External Competition Secretary: - Dave Morton
Program Secretary: - Dave Morton
Projectionist:Peter Strickland
General Committee Members: - Ash Mahmood, Roy Vickers, Richard Bray, Mick Varley, Alan Vanston, Peter Strickland
Reports were heard from the 2019 Officers of the club.
Nominations for the positions of Office for the year 2022
Club members present voted unanimously to accept those officers proposed.
These are:-
President: - Dave Morton
Vice President: - Allan Abbott
Club Secretary: - Bob Rowley
Treasurer: - Martin Sunderland
Publicity Secretary: - Vince Herke
Social Secretary: - Bob Rowley
Competition Secretary: - Allan Abbott
External Competition Secretary: - Dave Morton
Program Secretary: - Dave Morton
Projectionist:Peter Strickland
General Committee Members: - Ash Mahmood, Roy Vickers, Richard Bray, Mick Varley, Alan Vanston, Peter Strickland
