At first sight

A group of older folk, resting during the monthly Greenhead Farmers' Market. The sun is shining and the light conditions are almost too contrasty to work with.

Look a bit harder. First we have R. He is 91 and spends most days at Whistle Art Stop in Haltwhistle where he paints. He looked after his daughter, who suffered from schizophrenia, until she died. The Art project is his lifeline. He was on Look North on TV last week along with others who go to Whistle Art Stop.

Next is Marjorie (yes, another one). She used to sing in the Singing for Pleasure group I conducted for the U3A. She has a lot of pain from arthritis, but, this morning, she had determinedly walked to the market from her home, no mean feat. She sings with the Hadrian Singers in Haltwhistle these days and plays the piano.

Then we meet Wendy, who people call Mrs Greenhead. She is one of the movers and shakers in this world who GET THINGS DONE. Her current campaign is to make sure we stay in Europe, but a book could be written about her activities.

Finally, is Alison who is the artist who runs Whistle Art Stop. She works tirelessly to provide art activities for all ages in the shed that is her headquarters. Her current project is to take supplies to the migrants in Calais, including art supplies so that people who wish to can pursue their artistic bent.

Oh yes, I musn't forget the person standing, who most of you will recognise as my Mum. It was good to go to the market together and support the stall holders. (She will probably say that the photograph makes her look older and smaller than she is. It's a trick of the wide angle lens, Mum!)