I’ve had to pause this photo-diary of Cambridge over recent days, put my camera down and restrict what I do until I can feel safe. The CamDiary photo project which evolved out of a published written diary over 13 years ago is being halted. 
Over 11 thousand Cambridge photos with over 13 million views since 2007 - flickr.com/photos/camdiar…
Before I consider completely ending this photo project (I would prefer to continue it) and contemplate my future in Cambridge I am #breakingthesilence for the sake of my children and grandchildren. I have never discussed these painful topics before.
Life is too precious and beautiful to focus on ugliness. I have tried to photograph and share the beauty of Cambridge over the years. I took up photography as a therapeutic and documentary exercise to soothe the pains that life throws at you.
I go out alone on regular walks to discover myself and the beauty around me in Cambridge. Sometimes I make photos. However, it’s come to a stage where family members are insisting on accompanying me for safety. “Dad, I am going with you!”
This wasn’t a diary about me but the city I have been grateful to call home since the Michaelmas term of 1981. I value my privacy (“Sir Cam” is an old pen name from my writing days and is how many know me) and family life but this issue has now sadly affected that.
I have been called to explain the hurt I feel when I find words themselves painful. It’s partly why I gave up the written diary in favour of this minimalist photo-diary : “Cambridge, time, date”.
So, we are where we are. How can one deal with such a personal matter without a personal narrative? I am sorry I now feel I have no alternative but to #BreakTheSilence. Respectful silence and carrying on as normal haven’t worked.
