Blog, what blog?

When it comes to taking on a new role, there are always one or two things that get forgotten.

So it’s probably best that I start this blog with an apology for not updating over the last month. And a promise to update every week if future… if I remember!

So that’s wrists slapped - time to share with you all the joys of my second month as a video journalist.

One of the best parts of working in Shropshire is the way people are so willing to share their experiences.

The most memorable experience so far must be that of Chelsie Griffiths, from Telford. As an active little girl, it is hard to imagine that she has a condition like Cystic Fybrosis and the fundraising event in Shifnal was a credit to Chelsie, her parents and even the footballers taking part.

That event also proved that it really is a small world - I discovered on the day of the shoot that she is one of my old neighbours!

I also discovered that those Blue Peter presenters were correct when they said ‘never work with animals’. As cute as they are, the lambs at Park Hall just would not stay still for the camera.

But that hardest part of the job so far has been coping with all that new-fangled technology. Well, trying not to look stupid.

Most people will know that water and cameras do not mix. One of my latest shoots in Edgmond nearly ended in disaster when the heavens opened… just as the firewalk was due to start.

Although the walkers may have been relieved to get some much-needed water on their tootsies, I was less impressed.

So, in a move that should definitely NOT be tried at home, I decided the best option would be to film with a bin bag over may head and camera. The heathy & safety manual, wasn’t so much dropped on the floor as lobbed in the fire and poked with a stick.

It worked, but I don’t think I’ll be trying that again. There has, of course, also been time for my inexperience to show.

At the ice speedway event, I spent most of the afternoon chasing the organisers for an interview. Having grabbed the top man for a five-minute chat, I spent the rest of the afternoon chasing him again… and trying to think of feeble excuse about why I forget to press record.

Interviewing celebrities has also become a large part of my job. From last month’s chat with Status Quo, I moved onto Ruth Badger (from the Apprentice) and the Hamiltons.

Ruth, as you would expect, was entirely professional and nattered away like the businesswoman that she is. The Hamiltons, on the other hand, were a slightly different kettle of fish.

Although Neil seemed to be a little distant during our interview, Christine was about as welcoming as you could get. Indeed, it felt very much like I was talking to an aunt or a cousin I hadn’t met for years.

She seemed genuinely interested in what I do… even if I didn’t buy one of her books!

So, have there been any low points? Apart from the inevitable low batteries and lack of tape space, only my encounter with Chris Barrie at the Movie/Comic Expo in Telford would could as a slight negative.

Granted, I hadn’t organised the interview beforehand, but I was still left a little miffed when he said ‘no’ to a two-minute chat. Still, I wasn’t too bothered. I always preferred a bit of Bully on Sunday nights… or the Crystal Maze on a weeknight.

• James Shaw is the Video Journalist at the Shropshire Star.
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