George Hoole, photographer, has decided to hang up his cameras after 34 years. He started his career in the 1960’s and documented life in and around London for various publications before joining the Advertiser. George suffered a serious stroke 30 years ago but continued his career becoming the Croydon Advertiser archivist. George has been offering us his opinions on the news and our photography for many years. Both a friend and a mentor, he spoke to me about some of his memories and favorite images. Happy retirement George.







Photographs by: David Berman

George Hoole Bio. The shoot. from Sitbonzo on Vimeo.

More like barred! OK, so my scientific survey into the correct use of baby Jesus dollies wasn’t strictly speaking all that scientific. I just got bored asking the teachers if it was a boy or a girl doll.

The ‘Are you a good sheep or a baaad sheep?’ gag just started to sound like some cack laden and overplayed advert in my head. A bit like that anoying Des O’Connor advert for Tesco that plagues every TV viewing I make at the moment.

With just 2 more nativities to go, a sub editor asking when I can rush the pics back to make sure they make it into the supplement these kids tomorrow are only going to get one take at ‘away in a manger’ Blimey, its worse than XFactor. if a bit more of a crush at times.

It’s been a production nightmare with two schools discovering that they didn’t have permission for a child to be either in the paper or on the web site. This meant scrapping one show all together and remaking 2, removing said child from the running order. Its all done now touch wood and come Wednesday I can get onto the serious business of worrying about budgets and how to get a gallon out of a pint glass.

Sitbonzo *1 had her Christmas music concert on Saturday. The regular cello club had their 5 mins of fame and followed close behind the frankly strangled cat like violins.

Christmas Cello concert. from Sitbonzo on Vimeo.