Things are not necessarily the way the BBC leads us to expect — Today I awoke to radio warnings of major disruption — most generalised and widespread strikes for many years. Looking for excitement I set off with my camera to record this mass political action in an East Midlands post-industrial town. Firefighters, health workers, railway workers and teachers — all out?

Fire Station — Fire engines having a lie in — No picket line, no muscly men and athletic young women gathered round a brazier… Disappointing

Railway station quiet — should have pictured it for my friend Steve it as it is a fine example. Next stop — General Hospital…

Very quiet — no picket line — I walked all the way round — I saw 4 ambulances waiting peacefully to be deployed (both crew in the cab and not looking after patients in the back).

Sorry everyone — not very exciting. But wait! What have we here?

Two friendly lads in disconcerting ski masks practicing to be stunt men… That’s better! Sorry boys I should have got your names and asked if your teachers were on strike!