Bettakultcha 2

Our friend Phil Kirby is much better at writing about this event than we ever could be, still this is something we have to tell people about.
The Test Space team met up once again for another unusual event we had heard about; Betta Kultcha. Outside Temple Works we looked at the beautiful entrance way, it is a fantastic place in an industrial estate just south of the Train Station (through the dark arches, past the car park, turn right, past the cross keys, left after the Tesco and just walk on a bit), we shuffled off to the side entrance and were welcomed by the buzz nervous people organising and happy people already drinking. You bring your own booze to these events. We waited for the start of the fun, for the hush and lights out. With our first bottles open it began.
It is a simple concept; somebody has a passion, an idea, an obsession or need to rant. They pick 20 images to prove their point and five minutes to tell an audience about it. Get about 8 or 9 of these people together, a laptop and projector, let people drink and you have yourself one great evening.
The audience settled down, an introduction to the events was given and we were off. We won't be telling you all of the talks given, its just too much. But a few highlights can be described.
Bangsandabun (Muireann) was up first and not one to be shy gave a rousing talk about a successful stalking of some guy from the 'Wire' series. The other half of Test Space certainly agreed with much of what she spoke about. If you check out her website I'm sure she will give you many more of her opinions.
DJBogtrotter (Noel Curry) was up next and spoke all about his love of web comics. It was great stuff, Test Space loves comics, so to learn more about what is going online kept interest high. He has been so inspired he now creates his own. Any recommendations for us of online comics will be gratefully be received. Cheers.
Leeds Hack Space was another great topic, Jonathan @squiggle the champion for this group spoke well. Held in the childhood stomping group one half of Test Space, Holbeck, Leeds now has its own Hack space. Mad geniuses and demented scientists creating robots, genetic monstrosities and anything their tiny budget allows. This group is funded by donations and each other, they work together, supporting and improving the creations they come-up with. We will be giving them a visit. We want to see what they are up to.
I think we have to speak a little about the Leeds Savages Rob and Maria. They had a lot to say about this re-invention of a Victorian group, Phil Kirby has more to say about them than we will, he is a Savage himself and he does not believe a word of what they say. Much of what they spoke about rang well with us, Leeds deserves more, much more than Leeds Live it, Love it. We deserve genuine culture and creatively.
Much more went on a talk about tips for travel, two guys speaking about giving life your all and one about Betta Kultcha. The talks ended and we spilled out into the pub next door. Slowly more and more of the people from the event filled up the place and the discussions continued until they were thrown out. We, beered up to the eye balls rolled out and to our homes.
We will be there for the next Betta Kultcha 3 and we have plans for our own little rant.