The Northern Audio Visual Group

For example, the next time you drive to Snods Edge and admire the scenery, why not challenge yourself to see it through fresh eyes—and perhaps begin shaping a script in your head, just as Kath and Harry Gilbert might?

The Alarm Went Off by Kath & Harry Gilbert

The alarm went off...It was early...still dark.   Yes...It's Snods Edge today.  Need to check ...Have we got everything?  Enough milk?  Coffee....Biscuits....Tea towels.   All into the car...It's just getting light.  The forecast seemed to be good.

Right ,,,I think that's it.  Off we go.   

Not much traffic.  Soon onto the A69. Travelling West. Some dramatic grey clouds in the sky.  The animals in the fields look as though they're just waking up.  No sign of anyone walking along Hadrian's wall ...we must be early.

Brockbushes roundabout turn left...over the River Tyne flowing peacefully below.   Now we start to climb.  The sun's just starting to come through the clouds casting long shadows on the undulating fields.  We read the forbidding sign.  Sudden crests.   Hidden hollows.  Danger.  There's a blast of sunlight across the road then we're plunged into darkness as tall conifers tower either side of us.  Wonder how our AV will be received.  Malcolm Imhoff is our guest today.  He's come up from Sutton Coldfield to do a presentation and to give us some helpful criticisms.

Wow....We're back in the sunlight.... shining straight into our car from the east.  I pull the visor down but it's not much use. The light is too low.  I try to shield the light for Harry, but the visor isn't low enough.  He's concentrating

hard, watching out for oncoming vehicles.  Copper, gold, cadmium yellow....the colours of the autumn trees blare out in the bright sunlight like a fanfare.   Still climbing...not much oncoming traffic thank goodness.  Isolated farmhouses dot the hillsides.  A hawthorn hedge sidesteps along the contours of the rising fields, its black branches knit together in a complicated crochet pattern...then wow....a slight turn in the road and we're into the full blare of light.  A lone tree stands in the centre of a field, with the spotlight full on.

'I think we've missed it...the turning...Where can I turn round?  Harry said tremulously 

'Here, is this layby any good?'   We manage to turn and we're now safely on the road to Snods Edge.   Drama over.  And the day ready to commence.  

Bright sunshine greeted twenty-four members at St John’s Hall, Snods Edge, on 17 October 2026. Inside, the room was chilly—but the programme promised plenty of warmth: - our AGM, fourteen members’ audio-visual programmes and the welcome return of guest speaker Malcolm Imhoff FRPS FACI(M) AV-EFIAP. Once the thermostat and technology were mastered, Pat Johnston soon had the equipment ready to begin.

The AGM brought heartfelt thanks to four of our seven committee members who were stepping down. Kath and Harry Gilbert’s coffee capers will be much missed, although everyone hopes their classic scripts and delicate voice-overs will continue. Val Johnston stepping down as Chairperson, agreed to remain on the committee, while Howard Wilson recalled how he and Ron Henry had proposed each other for committee posts back in 2013.

Electing new officers proved harder. Secretary David Niman is willing to become Chairman, but nobody volunteered to replace him as Secretary. Members agreed that one person should not carry both roles, so the post remains open. Allan Snape was elected to the committee. (Allan Subsequently volunteered to take up the role of Secretary which leaves David free to become Chairman)

Members agreed to continue the group website at www.thenorthernavgroup.co.uk. Ron Henry will act as webmaster for now, and contributions are warmly invited at thenorthernaudiovisualgroup@gmail.com.

With the AGM kept close to schedule, coffee time arrived shortly after 10:30 and the members’ showcase began.

The morning programme carried us from the Gilberts’ Dubrovnik’s Walls and Ron Henry’s Drone Take Off to Gerry Stephens’ nostalgic Coal Train Memories. Carol Cook brought us Amsterdam’s tulips, Ian Gregory revealed the unusual world of Medieval Bridge Chapels, and David Niman floated us Down the River Tees. Pat Johnston rounded off the session with a Great Day Out at Kynren. Malcolm’s generous comments added insight and encouragement throughout.

Malcolm then picked up where his visit last March had ended. Stepping Out, photographed to storyboarded song lyrics, was a masterclass in timing. His celebrated Soul Music paired striking images with different versions of “How Great Thou Art”, while Descent of Mont Blanc and Watch Where You’re Putting Your Feet—the story of Alfred Wainwright—showed his remarkable range.

Lunch from a new caterer was plentiful, if some sandwich fillings were a lucky dip, and gave everyone time to chat with old friends and new acquaintances. Even the heating returned for the afternoon.

The afternoon showcase was equally varied: Howard Wilson’s poignant portrait of photographer Chris Killip; Andrew Hardie’s Exotic Redcar; Val Johnston’s moving journey through Krakow; and Alan Snape’s surprise The King—a king penguin, not a crooner. Peter Reynolds brought his outstanding photography to the North Pennines, Ray Macmillan added personal touches to a Durham Walkabout, and Gerry Stephens’ Kevin Keegan Tributes moved almost everyone—except Malcolm, who had never heard of Kevin Keegan, prompting a sharp intake of breath from the hall!

After coffee, self-styled “Mountain Man” Malcolm took us through the Alps in The Stain in the Snow, ending with an ascent of the 4,099-metre Mönch. He then revealed how he builds soundtracks tune by tune before sharing several engaging one-minute programmes. Their pace and discipline may well inspire a future NAVGroup challenge. The day closed with his moving In Lonely Places—a fitting end to an inspiring and educational programme.

David Niman’s vote of thanks captured the mood: appreciation for Val, Pat, the committee and our expert guest. The room may have been tepid, but the friendship, creativity and enthusiasm were anything but. If you enjoy photography, storytelling, music or simply good company, come along next time—you do not need to be an expert to feel welcome or leave inspired.

Join us on Zoom in January, then at Snods Edge on 20^th March 2027. For Expert Exchanges We would love to see you there.

PS - With heartfelt thanks to Val Johnston — Although Val’s departure as Chairperson was not formally marked during the AGM, probably due to a new Chairman not being ratified at the time. we want to place on record our profound gratitude for everything she has done for the Northern Audio-Visual Group. When the Group needed renewed direction some five years ago, Val stepped forward with energy, expertise and determination. Through her leadership, warmth and unstinting commitment, she helped revive the NAVGroup and guided it into a stronger, more welcoming future. Val has generously agreed to remain on the committee, and we are delighted that her experience and friendship and use of her home as a meeting place! will continue to enrich the Group. On behalf of every member, thank you, Val, for your remarkable service as Chairperson. You did far more than steady the ship: you restored our confidence, brought us together and set us firmly on course for the years ahead.

Most of us have wanted to add a route line to a map in an audio-visual production. A still line is easy; an animated one is trickier. As Pictures to Exe doesn’t facilitate an animated map, I’ve been using DaVinci Resolve which, with a few new skills and plenty of patience, works well. But here is an easier and better way.

I’ve now found a much easier, better, and what's more, a free way to animate a route. Robert Baldinger has created a browser-based programme, so there’s nothing to buy, no subscription to pay, no divulging vital information. Just log-in, choose which part of his map applies to your creation, draw the route, pick the line style, choose your method of transport and its speed, draw your route, then download a short MP4 video ready for your PTE project. Simple!

Visit his YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CGv25f8JsA&t=71s  to get started. The instructions are explained but take a little getting used to, however, you can revisit your route, make corrections, and add pop-up signposts as you go. Downloading seems to clear the online map, so later changes may mean starting again—but hey, it’s free.

I have used this animated map a couple of times now and I’m delighted with the results, but I am passing on the information without any warranty. You must make up your own mind.

One last thing: Robert Baldinger has made this programme free to use, but there’s an option to donate. It’s not compulsory or even necessary but if you find it useful, buy him a coffee—it’s well worth it.