Afternoon All
 A huge thank you to Stan for organising, running and giving a short talk and presentation to the winners of the ‘The Garstang Photographic Competition;’ it was very well received and we had the top 5 winners at last Wednesday’s meeting – so thanks again Stan! 
Also, thanks to the 19 members who managed to enter the inaugural ‘Opening Night Competition’; the votes have been counted and the average scores calculated and the winner, with image, will be announced during next Wednesday’s meeting. 
Finally, many thanks to those members who managed a few minutes/hours photographing the ‘Plein Air Competition;’ there were 24 artists dotted around Garstang, and the weather was warm bordering on hot, that’s nice change, though one or two of the artists complained their paint was drying too quick, can’t please everyone! 
Images? Well, I’m collating them all and then first of all they will then get sent to Adrian, who, together with Sue, is producing an Audio Video (AV) production for the Arts Centre. 
Secondly, following a chat with Shiela, who is the main organiser, I may select, say, 20 images, get them printed and mounted and these will then be shown in an exhibition, together with the artist’s work, from 21st September in the Arts Centre café. Our contribution has yet to be confirmed.
 
Notices
 
From Adrian 
If anyone has a ‘sunrise-over-the canal’ image, not necessarily a competition winner, could they please send it to him on adrianwhitaker@btinternet.com he needs it for the AV, thanks.
 
From Peter Frankish
 This is the chap who organised ‘In the Frame,’ the collection of Lake District images we sent to him for him to mount and frame and sell on behalf of St Catherines Hospice Care. He has been in touch and is very happy with the images we sent. He is asking if anyone would like to help next Thursday, 12th September at Calder Vale WI. If you are interested, please email him on peter.frankish@outlook.com for further details.
 
Advance notice! 
The camera club is hosting a coffee morning, in the Arts Centre, on Saturday 28th September. This will coincide with our print exhibition, the ‘The Garstang Photographic Competition,’ a slide show of our latest digital images and the ‘Plein Air Competition’ (see above). So, lots going on! 
As usual, we are looking for cakes etc to sell on the morning, it’s going to be busy, so, please contribute something edible and let Mike know so we can organise accordingly – ta! 
Also, if anyone would like to help out, please contact Mike, we could do with 1 or 2 members to help serve – it’s really easy – honest!
 
Owls 
I’ve been in touch with Steve (Owls) and said the consensus of the members is to photograph the owls in flight, not just on a perch. I’m awaiting a reply but I think this will probably be in a few months’ time – I’ll keep everyone updated.
 
Badgers, from Dave 
The link, below, looks good (plenty of info) re Badger photography from hide in Haweswater for small groups run by RSPB – https://events.rspb.org.uk/browse?filter%5Bschedule%5D=3160 
I would definitely be interested. The only dates left for this year are Thursday 12th and Wednesday 13th September and in October 22nd and 24th. 
Event scheduled to run between 18.00 and 2300 but says in info generally active after sunset which I have found is 19.30 in September and 17.56 in October. 
Doesn’t run November through to March but hopefully will restart in April as they have in previous years if this is all too short notice. 
They let you know best time to arrive when you book and I think it would make a good group outing. 
I appreciate people may think badger on some grass is a bit like bird on a stick so may not be many if any takers but I certainly fancy going as I think Badgers are beautiful creatures and have never seen a real one in the wild. 
Thanks, Dave, for this info and I think, maybe, in October but April sounds promising. If anyone is interested get in touch with me on our usual address, info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk and I’ll start a list!
 
Club Exhibition: 
I think Maurice has all the prints, so thanks to all members for bringing them in.

 
Calendar: 
The Art Centre calendar is now on sale and Adrian will have some ready for you to buy, on Wednesday, at only £8.50.
 
Events Cup: 
A reminder! The last date for entry is Wednesday 18th September – 10 days!
 
Wednesday 25th September, image critique session by John. 
Again, thanks to members who have already sent images in but don’t forget the closing date for images is Saturday 14th September. 
So, please send in up to 4 images, one or two would be ok, anytime from now onwards to avoid disappointment. 
Just to remind: 
All images to be sent to Mike on info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk   
ALL images will be sent to John anonymously, so no names shown!
 
Up and coming programme of events 
Wednesday September 11th: Our first ‘live’ talk: Alan and Julie Walker: ‘Getting the best photographically from your Travels’: 
An illustrated talk about the planning and execution of successful photographic trips. How to come back with competition images rather than holiday snaps!

 
Wednesday September 18th: Justin Garner: ‘Live.’ Macro workshop; set ups include watches, flowers and others! Plus, focus stacking. This session/talk is linked to the Members Evening on 30th October – ‘Show and Tell’. 
I’ve been in touch with Justin and it looks like an exciting evening, not too be missed!
 
Wednesday 25th September: Members Evening with John Moxham, on image critiques.
 
Saturday 28th September: Camera Club coffee morning – see above!
 
Phew, that’s all for now folks,
 
Cheers
 
Mike