Morning All

This weekend’s newsletter is being sent early so that you can all read it first before the BIG final – The Lionesses v Spain!

Who’s going to win? I haven’t a clue, having, perhaps to my shame, not watched any of the games so far, let alone Spanish ladies! And, I have no Union Jack flying proudly outside the house; though I do hope they win! If you believe the BBC, it’s their ‘destiny;’ Eh, oh, ¡vamos – Hey Ho in Spanish!

I can remember watching the 1966 world cup final with my late father and being extremely excited and I had no doubt that we would win. Some goals will forever remain controversial. England were on the right side of one such dubious effort in this final against West Germany, as I’m sure many of you will remember. A certain Tofiq Bahramov was the infamous linesman and there was no way he was going to disallow the third goal – to German fans, Bahramov was the villain, who had fought against them in World War II; and to the world, a linesman who effectively decided the outcome of a World Cup final. All I can say it’s a good job there was no VAR!

Anyway, back to photography!

Oaklands

Today we are at Oaklands Care Home, Dimples Lane – it’s their open day. We have a stand in the gardens promoting the camera club, weather permitting, if it’s raining, we will be inside, so fingers crossed! It is open from 1.30pm – 5pm. Please join us if you can and come and say hello. There is usually a lot going on plus music – all in a good cause.

Sheron Hall

If you cast your minds back a few weeks Lewis asked members to send in some images for a Sheron Hall from Bowgreave Care Home. Lewis sent a great selection and Sheron replied:

“Hi Lewis, thank you for the selection of photos on the USB stick. We think they are a fabulous selection and will work very well in the home.

Both our residents and staff team have so enjoyed selecting their favourites. I think originally, we were looking at 6 prints, but there are 21 that have been chosen!”

Lewis and I think it’s so good we can be of help and it can only be great publicity for us. Thanks Lewis.

Bob Sapey

Sometime back Bob gave a great presentation, to the club, about astrophotography and took some of us to Pilling Sands for a crack at it. Well, Bob has emailed in and the message is below:

“I’ve been checking conditions for Milky Way photography and my Nightshift App forecasts the first 3 weeks of September as good, starting about 10pm and gradually getting a bit later.

However, it also depends on the weather.

We will be aiming to take photos with a wide angle lens (16-24 FF) with a 20-30 second exposure at an ISO of about 3200, so tripod is essential.

We talked about going to Ribblehead Viaduct so I guess we’d be leaving Garstang about 9pm.

I’ll start to keep an eye on conditions and in contact with you.”

Thanks Bob.

So, if you’re still interested in trying some Milky Way photography – let us know and we will keep you on a circulation list. Don’t forget it will probably mean a bit ‘last minute dot com’!

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday August 23rd – No meeting as there is a committee meeting at 7pm.

Wednesday August 30th – No meeting.

Thursday August 31st – Trip to Heysham and area with Morecambe Camera Club (MCC), 7.30 – 9pm. If you remember MCC ‘visited’ us, in Garstang, back in May and this is a return get-together.

We will split into groups of 2/3 and MCC will show us around Heysham and area for the best photographic vistas! Results will be shown and discussed on Thursday 28th September at their club-house.

Please email in to us so that we can begin to arrange car sharing, if required, and let MCC know numbers.

Saturday September 2nd – ‘Paint Garstang’. This is the 2nd ‘Plein Air’ open Art Competition organised by the Arts Centre. ‘Painting’ begins at 9am until 4pm and the judging and presentation of prizes is 4pm – 5pm.

They have asked us, at the camera club, to capture the day’s events as part of the occasion. We would really appreciate members to take part, even if only for a couple of hours! Considering the current weather conditions, it may give a whole new meaning to the term ‘Water’ colours!’

If you are willing to partake in this venture, please just let us know – cheers!

Wednesday September 6th – First meeting of the new ‘season.’ We have several ideas/thoughts for our first meeting, however, if anyone has any ideas that they think should be incorporated into the meeting please email in – any suggestions considered! Last call!

That’s all folks, and enjoy THE match, if you can!

Mike and Lewis

Good morning all,

Just a couple of things to mention this week.

Firstly a message from Stan.

Derian House have charity Skydiving events at Black Knights, Cockerham on Friday morning 18^th August and all day Sunday 20^th August.

Would any of our members like to photograph the event? If so they can contact me on 01772 864120 or stanley.pearson@talktalk.net

Secondly we have a trip to Rheged on Wednesday to view the Wildlife Photographer of the year competition. If anyone else is interested in joining please let us know by tonight, by email or by phoning Lewis, so that he can sort out how many cars we will need. We have plenty of people willing to drive so no problems with numbers.

Otherwise there are no changes to the upcoming events from last week’s newsletter.

Best wishes,

Lewis and Mike

Morning All

Garstang Show? Well….!

It was wet, cool and muddy! However, despite the weather conditions and although numbers were obviously down, we thought we had a good day.

We would like to thank Freda, Maurice, and Robin for their unwavering support and to Adrain for dropping in, keeping us company and holding the ‘fort’ whilst we went out and about trying to get some ‘Event Cup’ shoots. Cheers all!

Was it worth the effort? Well, who knows; overall we had 9 possible individuals inquiring about the club and, of course, we gave them all our prepared leaflets. They are all possible/probably/maybe’s – the proof of the pudding will be on Wednesday September 6^th at our first meeting. But, hey-ho, largely, an enjoyable day despite the adverse conditions.

Last, but certainly not least, we had great success in the photography competitions. Maurice and Robin won some sections but Lewis won the main cup – for most points collected in all his images – well done Lewis, another cup to polish!

Calendar

The 2024 calendar is now on sale featuring the camera club photographs we submitted back in the spring and it all looks very professional and eye-catching. If you pop into the Arts Centre, you can purchase one there; price is £8.50.

Reminder from Lewis

Wednesday August 16th day trip.

An exhibition of 100 of the winning entries from the wildlife photographer of the year competition is being shown at Rheged near Penrith. We plan to organise a trip to visit this.

Journey time is about 1 hour so we aim to leave at 9.00 am. Entry fee is £5 plus a contribution for fuel costs to the driver.

If time and weather allow, we can spend the afternoon doing some landscape photography so bring your cameras.

Rheged does have a cafe and also picnic tables so you can bring your own food or buy it there.

Please let us know if you would like to come along so that we can organise who will be driving.

Thanks to those who have contacted us, but….

This is the last chance – PLEASE email in if you are interested

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday August 9^th – Meet in the Arts Centre. PLEASE bring your cameras and whatever accessories you may need. We will draw different themes from a ‘hat’ and the idea is you go around Garstang and take photographs that mirror your theme. Then back to the Arts Centre for a brew and possible showing or discussion! Plus, some more images to show!

Wednesday August 16^th – Rheged near Penrith. See above for details from Lewis.

Sunday August 20th – Oaklands Care Home, Dimples Lane – open day. We have a stand in the gardens promoting the camera club, weather permitting! If it’s raining, we will be inside, so fingers crossed! It is open from 1pm – 5pm; please join us if you can and come and say hello. There is usually a lot going on plus music – all in a good cause.

Wednesday August 23^rd – No meeting as there is a committee meeting at 7pm.

Tuesday August 29^th – Ride the Lights – see last weeks newsletter.

Wednesday August 30^th – No meeting.

Thursday August 31^st – Trip to Heysham and area with Morecambe Camera Club (MCC), 7.30 – 9pm. If you remember MCC ‘visited’ us, in Garstang, back in May and this is a return get-together. We will split into groups of 2/3 and MCC will show us around Heysham and area for the best photographic vistas! We can arrange possible car-sharing nearer the time. Results will be shown and discussed on Thursday 28th September at their club-house. We do hope that as many members will take part as possible; we need a good turnout please!

Saturday September 2^nd – ‘Paint Garstang’. This is the 2nd ‘Plein Air’ open Art Competition organised by the Arts Centre. ‘Painting’ begins at 9am until 4pm and the judging and presentation of prizes is 4pm – 5pm. They have asked us, at the camera club, to capture the day’s events as part of the occasion. We would really appreciate members to take part, even if only for a couple of hours! Considering the current weather conditions, it may give a whole new meaning to the term ‘Water’ colours!’ If you are willing to partake in this venture, please just let us know – cheers!

Wednesday September 6^th – First meeting of the new ‘season.’ We have several ideas/thoughts for our first meeting, however, if anyone has any ideas that they think should be incorporated into the meeting please email in – any suggestions considered!

That’s all folks, and enjoy the improving weather!

Mike and Lewis

Morning All

Short and sweet this morning – visiting grandchildren is the cause!

Message from Lewis

Wednesday August 19th day trip.

An exhibition of 100 of the winning entries from the wildlife photographer of the year competition is being shown at Rheged near Penrith. We plan to organise a trip to visit this.

Journey time is about 1 hour so we aim to leave at 9.00 am. Entry fee is £5 plus a contribution for fuel costs to the driver.

If time and weather allow, we can spend the afternoon doing some landscape photography so bring your cameras.

Rheged does have a cafe and also picnic tables so you can bring your own food or buy it there.

Please let us know if you would like to come along so that we can organise who will be driving.

Message from Si

Blackpool Illuminations: Ride the Lights on 29 August 2023

As Si says: it’s a great night. Slow light trails all night.

Enjoy the Lights and promenade from Starr Gate to Bispham – while it’s closed to traffic for one night only. Come along on your push bike or on foot for an evening of fun in the Lights!

Literally tens of thousands of people turn up, dressed in all kinds of trimmings, lights, costumes and fancy dress (or maybe not!) for an evening of great family fun on the sea front. Further details: Blackpool Illuminations website.

Project

If you can cask your minds back to last August, we set up a 12 month project to members (thanks Rhona!), to photograph a subject once a month (if possible) over the 12 month period. This period was from September 2022 to August 2023 inclusive. Now, we are planning our first meeting – Wednesday 6th September – so, could all members who are participating in this project please email in (just to let us know) so that we can plan the timing of our first meeting – cheers.

Thanks to all who have responded to the above – anyone else?

Up and coming programme of events:

• August 2nd – No meeting
• August 5^th – Saturday. Garstang Show: Please don’t forget we will have a stand at the show and we look forward to welcoming you all throughout the day! AND, The Garstang Show is the FINAL Events Cup Destination.
• August 9^th – Meet in the Arts Centre. PLEASE bring your cameras and whatever accessories you may need. We will draw different themes from a ‘hat’ and the idea is you go around Garstang and take photographs that mirror your theme. Then back to the Arts Centre for a brew and possible showing or discussion!
• August 16th – Rheged near Penrith. See above for details from Lewis.
• August 23rd – No meeting as there is a committee meeting at 7pm.
• August 29^th (Tuesday) – Ride the Lights – see above from Si.
• August 30th – No meeting.
• August 31^st (Thursday) – Trip to Heysham and area with Morecambe Camera Club (MCC), 7.30 – 9pm. If you remember MCC ‘visited’ us, in Garstang, back in May and this is a return get-together. We will split into groups of 2/3 and MCC will show us around Heysham and area for the best photographic vistas! We can arrange possible car-sharing nearer the time. Results will be shown and discussed on Thursday 28^th September at their club-house. We do hope that as many members will take part as possible; we need a good turnout please!
• September 2^nd (Saturday) – ‘Paint Garstang’. This is the 2nd ‘Plein Air’ open Art Competition organised by the Arts Centre. ‘Painting’ begins at 9am until 4pm and the judging and presentation of prizes is 4pm – 5pm. They have asked us, at the camera club, to capture the day’s events as part of the occasion. We would really appreciate members to take part, even if only for a couple of hours! Considering the current weather conditions, it may give a whole new meaning to the term ‘Water’ colours!’ If you are willing to partake in this venture, please just let us know – cheers!
• September 6th – First meeting of the new ‘season.’ We have several ideas/thoughts for our first meeting, however, if anyone has any ideas that they think should be incorporated into the meeting please email in – any suggestions considered!

That’s all folks, and try and enjoy the weather!

Mike and Lewis

Morning All

Rain, rain go away, come again another day! I don’t think I’ve ever seen our garden such a deep green in mid-July! Anyone else noticed such a scarcity of butterflies? Bees ok and wasps appearing, but butterflies? I’ve seen a few Red Admirals and Commas and 1 Peacock; climate change, eh?

Message from Stan

I have some analogue videos on VHS tape. Does any club member know how I could convert this it digital and put it on a DVD or memory stick?

Project

If you can cask your minds back to last August/September, we set up a 12 month project to members (thanks Rhona!), to photograph a subject once a month (if possible) over the 12 month period. This period was from September 2022 to August 2023 inclusive. Now, we are planning our first meeting – Wednesday 6^th September – so, could all members who are participating in this project please email in (just to let us know) so that we can plan the timing of our first meeting – cheers.

Reminder

As we are sure you are aware we will have our usual ‘stand’ at Garstang Show on Saturday 5th August. If any member would like us to display their prints please bring them to the Arts Centre on Wednesday 26th July – 2 or 3 per member would be great – cheers!

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 26th July: Presentation and images from Stan and Mike about an outing planned on Thursday 13th July at Southport Hillside Golf Club plus images from the Lancaster Grand Prix and also a presentation about The Environmental Photographer of the Year 2023, winners and shortlisted images. Some crackers here and all with a back-story!

Also, don’t forget, if you went to Brockholes and would like to show some/any images please bring them along to ‘show and tell.’ Same applies to last Wednesday’s Scorton visit, again ‘show and tell.’ We have had a few of these ‘show and tell’ presentations lately and they are proving very successful, entertaining and valuable for members.

Wednesday 2nd August: Details to follow.

Saturday 5th August – Garstang Show. Please don’t forget we will have a stand at the show and we look forward to welcoming you all throughout the day! AND, The Garstang Show is the FINAL Events Cup Destination.

That’s all folks

Mike and Lewis

Afternoon All

Late today ‘cos Dave and I have been out photographing the Lancaster Cycling Grand Prix in rural Lancashire – sunny and warm it wasn’t! best described as autumnal, we nearly had to wear gloves. Of course, this afternoon, since we left, the sun has come out and it is almost warm! Hey ho!

Message from Stan

A friend of a neighbour is selling a Leica camera.

He’s called Russ and his number is 07788866634 and he’s looking for £240.

I do not know Russ and hence I cannot vouch for him or the camera.

See attached images. If you are interested, please contact Russ directly – cheers.

Bowgreave Care Home

If you remember, we asked members to submit images which the care home may like. Lewis sent 51 images to Sheron (Hall, Service Officer). Sheron replied saying ‘What a great response from the camera club.’ She will make the photograph decisions and let us know – thanks to all.

Message from Ian Mulroy (Exhibition Coordinator, Lytham St Annes Photographic Society).

Photoshow 2023

The Lytham St Annes Photographic Society is celebrating its 75th year of which the annual Photoshow is an integral part.

Photoshow is one of, if not ‘the’, largest photographic exhibitions in the Northwest of England and features 300 large prints and a continuous projection of 328 digital images.

Entrance is FREE and there’s plenty of FREE parking around the church hall and in neighbouring streets.

Opening times are Monday to Friday 10am to 7pm; Saturdays 10am to 5pm; Closed on Sundays.

Photoshow opens on Saturday 5th August and closes on Saturday 19th August at 2pm.

The venue is the Drive Methodist Church Hall which is situated at the junction of Clifton Drive South and East Bank Road, St Annes. FY8 1ND.

It’s a 5 minute walk to St Annes Square and a 1 minute walk to the Promenade from the exhibition.

We look forward to seeing you. See attached flyer.

Message from Sarah Keast

Lewis, I blame you! Oh, and what lenses do you have please, struggling to decide.

I am seriously looking into selling my Canon set up, 7D mk2, 100-400, 24-105, 180 macro, 11-20ish wide, tubes n extender, etc etc. Drop me a line if interested; sarah-keast@hotmail.com

Looking at the Olympus OM DE1 mk3, think I got the letters right, still pondering lenses. So many options! Anyone got any recommendations or input?

Or other recommendations for lighter weight, not too expensive kit?

If interested please contact Sarah directly – cheers.

Message from Si

Soap Box Derby – Longridge. Sunday 17th September, Start Time 10am

Anyone going or thinking of going? If so, Si would like to come along and join in. Please email in and let me know and we will see what we can organise – cheers.

Garstang Show

As we are sure you are all aware we will have our usual ‘stand’ at Garstang Show on Saturday 5th August. If any member would like us to display their prints please bring them to the Arts Centre on Wednesday 26th July – 2 or 3 per member would be great – cheers!

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 19th July: Club outing to Scorton; Park in Scorton and meet outside the Priory Café at 7.30pm. Plenty to ‘take’ in and around plus later possible light trial photography from the M6 bridge – long exposure photography – sun sets at 9.30pm.

Wednesday 26th July: Presentation and images from Stan and Mike about an outing on Thursday 13th July at Southport Hillside Golf Club plus other items scheduled; Also, if you went to Brockholes and would like to show some/any images please bring them along to ‘show and tell.’ Same applies to next Wednesday’s Scorton visit, again ‘show and tell.’ We have had a few of these ‘show and tell’ presentations lately and they are proving very successful, entertaining and valuable for members. Don’t be shy, have a go!

Wednesday 2nd August: Details to follow.

Saturday 5th August – Garstang Show. Please don’t forget we will have a stand at the show and we look forward to welcoming you all throughout the day! AND, The Garstang Show is the FINAL Events Cup Destination. More details will follow later.

That’s all folks

Mike and Lewis