Morning All

Short and sweet today!

We hope that those who ventured to Lunt Meadows managed to take some interesting images.

Next Events Cup outing is on Sunday July 17^th to Holker Hall – more info nearer the time.

Reminder of June dates:

June 22^nd – Wednesday – members evening. Please bring your cameras ‘cos this week we are going around Garstang. Stan’s idea is ‘Then and Now’.

In a nutshell I’ll be giving out, to each member, an old image of Garstang. The idea is that you find the location and replicate the composition of the image; Latest weather info – sunny and little chance of rain.

You will then need to edit your ‘new’ image and present it on the following week, comparing it to the ‘old’ image.

Please, also bring any images that you ‘shot’ on the last members evening (down by the river) to show; you can edit them ‘live’ if you haven’t already.

June 29^th – Wednesday – members evening, part 2 – see above.

If any members have further ideas for members evening, PLEASE let us know.

That’s all folks

Mike and Lewis

Morning All

The ‘stand’ in Booths is going well with a few prospective members interested; in theory!

Dates to remember:

June 14^th – Tuesday – our third Events Cup destination at Lunt Meadows, details below.

June 22^nd – Wednesday – members evening. Please bring your cameras ‘cos this week we are going around Garstang. Stan’s idea is ‘Then and Now’. In a nutshell I’ll be giving out, to each member, an old image of Garstang. The idea is that you find the location and replicate the composition of the image; if it’s raining, bring a coat! You will then need to edit your ‘new’ image and present it on the following week, comparing it to the ‘old’ image.

Please, also bring any images that you ‘shot’ on the last members evening (down by the river) to show; you can edit them ‘live’ if you haven’t already.

June 29^th – Wednesday – members evening, part 2 – see above.

If nay members have further ideas for members evening, PLEASE let us know.

Events Cup

Lunt Meadows Nature Reserve,
Lunt Road
Lunt Village

Near Maghull

Merseyside

L29 8YA

Journey: Via M6 and M58 56 min (44.9 miles)

Size

77 hectares

Parking information

Free car park. Donations welcome. Opening hours are 9:30am – 5:00pm. Vehicles left in the car park outside of opening hours will be locked in.

Walking trails

A number of paths run around the reserve. These are unsurfaced and can be rough underfoot, with a number of narrow kissing gates, so aren’t suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. They are in the process of upgrading the access network so that wheelchair-users and those with limited ability can enjoy the site

Access

Visitors can access the site outside car park opening hours but will need to park in the layby opposite the entrance gate and walk onto the site from there. If the gate is locked visitors are requested not to park in surrounding lanes to access the reserve. Please do not park in front of the gate as 24-hour access is required for emergency and other large vehicles.

Lots more information on Lunt Meadows Nature Reserve website.

Lewis and I are both on holiday so obviously won’t be there. If any members wish to car share or meet up at lunchtime, please arrange between yourselves. Have a nice time!

That’s all folks

Mike and Lewis

Morning All

I hope you are all enjoying the ‘Platinum Jubilee’ and various events and the associated weather! In fairness it has kept relatively dry and warmish though not sure about today!

Potential Photography Opportunities

Carrying on from last week’s newsletter, more possible events have been identified including:

The 2022 Lancaster Grand Prix

The Lancaster Grand Prix will return to Williamson Park on Sunday 17th July.

This year we have added a women’s race which will be run in the morning with the men’s event following in the afternoon.

Both races will start and finish at Williamson Park and take place over a 14.5km circuit through the beautiful countryside of the Lancaster district.

The women’s event will start at 9am and take place over six laps, with the men’s event taking place over 10 laps starting at 2pm.

I took some images from this race last year with varying degrees of success – most deleted! They do move fast!

The ‘profile’ of this race has been raised considerably from last year and I believe it will be ‘live’ on Youtube. The organisers are hopeful Sky will cover next year.

From Greg: Thanks!

Appleby Horse Fair starts Thursday 9 June 2022

RAF Cosford Air show Sunday 12th June 2022 near Stafford
Although slightly outside our local area I thought this show worth a mention for several reasons:
1. It’s the only RAF Air show left in the UK + Jubilee event.
2. Apart from the flying display this & Hendon form the official RAF museum sites with rare exhibits like TSR2, V bombers etc – much bigger site (custom designed) than you might think and well worth a day out any time of year.
3 The show also has very strong ground exhibits, including their Vintage Village manned by “in costume” personnel, period vehicles, jeeps, trucks etc Good atmosphere.

Blackpool Dog Show Inskip Friday, Saturday and Sunday 24th, 25th & 26th June 2022

Fylde Vintage and Farm Show – Sat 2^nd – Sun 3^rd July; the Showfield, Salwick Road, Wharles, Kirkham, Lancs, PR4 3SN

Southport Air Show, 9th & 10th July 2022

Great Ecclestone Show 16th & 17th July 2022

Blackpool Air show 2022 Dates: 13th & 14th August 2022

So, if you see anything interesting, please email in!

That’s all folks

Mike and Lewis

Good Afternoon

A warm and sunny day, at last; too nice to be inside!

First of all: Just in case you no longer wish to receive the newsletters please just email to (info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk) and let us know – sorry no unsubscribe!

Many thanks to all members who managed to attend the recent software and editing session on Wednesday 25^th May. Judged, we thought, to be a success.

These ‘get-togethers’ will now be called Members Evenings. As discussed, Lewis and I would like the members to come up with an itinerary/agenda for these ‘evenings’; many thanks to those members who have already emailed in with their thoughts and suggestions! These will mainly be around skills and techniques and, where possible, going out with cameras! If you couldn’t make the last evening but would like to contribute some ideas, please email in using info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk.

Further members evenings have been ‘pencilled’ in for:
June 22^nd and June 29^th

July 13^th and July 20^th

August 10^th and August 17^th

Arts Centre at 7.30pm

One of the ideas discussed last Wednesday was a way of notifying members of any events they may wish to attend for photographic reasons! So, if you have any suggestions email them in and I’ll include them in the newsletter. Tim will also open a new page on our website and add them periodically to the website – probably monthly. This new page will have a link from the Information page. This will then ‘build-up’ a historical list of events throughout the year, so we could re-visit in 2023.

So, from Maurice: This Sunday, 29^th May, Preston Caribbean Carnival, from 12 noon. The route will begin at Moor Park, down Deepdale Road, towards the city centre, left into Meadow Street, St Paul’s Road, Sedgewick Street, and return to the park via North Road and the Garstang Road entrance. And it’s free!

From Greg:

Cartmel Races – https://cartmel-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/

Stock car Club – http://www.wartonscc.co.uk/

Steam Fair – https://www.steamheritage.co.uk/steam-rallies-and-events/region/north-west

World Fireworks Championship Blackpool – https://www.visitblackpool.com/things-to-do/events/world-fireworks-championship-blackpool/

Gresgarth Hall: Garden created by Lady Arabella Lennox-Boyd and winner of Historic Houses Garden of the Year: Judges’ Choice Award 2020.

Caton, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA2 9NB

Open February to November on the second Sunday of the month. it’s a great place for various aspects of photography from landscapes to macro with seasonal interest throughout the year.

Greg says: it’s worth making the point that what we’re after are events with “photo opportunities” they’ve spotted as distinct from events we might be going to – if you catch my meaning. For example, the steam events I spotted were on roadside bill boards. I might not go but another member might be interested.

So…. “Keep your eyes open for events that might be of interest to the membership.”

Thanks Greg!

Attached to this newsletter are 3 items:

• A reminder of the new competition rules
• The new ‘season’ programme for 2022/23
• The Competition Table for 2022/23

All these 3 are also on our website – many thanks here to Tim. Check out the new ‘screen image’, the Chairmen’s choice of Stan’s image.

New competition rules: these apply to rule 3 and rule 4 as discussed at the AGM. They are, we think, self-explanatory but if in doubt just be in touch.

The new ‘season’ programme: as you will see this is from September 7^th through to May 17^th 2023. Amongst these dates there are many interesting presentations/talks, the judging of competitions, ‘Battles’ (new one from New Zealand – we are now international!) and 8 members evenings and 3 workshops. Many thanks again to John for putting this together. Just to remind everyone John has retires from the committee so we are still looking for a Programme Secretary – training and lots of help will be given so don’t be shy to apply!  

The Competition Table: again, we think self-explanatory, but email if you have any questions. Please note: Last dates for entry. If you are thinking of entering any prints and you are considering using Garstang Fine Arts for mounting them, please be aware that Sharon (from Fine Arts) needs 2 weeks’ notice. So, for example, if you are entering a print for The Environment Cup, last date for entry is 9th November, so the print will need to be with Sharon by Wednesday 26^th October. (I’m sure if you are a couple of days late, she will make every effort to complete the task).

However please note! EVENTS CUP. The last destination is Blackpool Zoo on September 25^th. PRINTS from Blackpool Zoo; Unless you print your own image(s) and mount them yourself, it will be too late to take them to Sharon for the ‘last entry’ of 28^th September.

Mounting cost: I’ve been to chat with Sharon about the price. As with everything, all prices have increased! Prices for a 40 x 50 mount will be £6.50 and a mount for a 40 x 40 will be £5.85; these prices reflect a 11% rise (just for the club). so, not too bad, considering! Anyway, it’s the best I could do!

Message from John:

I made contact with Pat Hansell last week as it was Bill’s anniversary.

She has asked me to dispose of a few more items of kit.

There is a Nisi Filter box containing a 10 stop ND filter and frame.

An LED light that can be attached to a camera by the hot shoe and another Portable Multifunctional LED Light.

If anyone is interested, please contact me by email. Thanks. john@johnmoxham.co.uk

Well, that’s all folks and don’t forget email in with any ideas.

Cheers

Mike and Lewis

Morning All

Lewis and I thought Wednesday’s presentation evening went really well; great company, cracking food (no washing up!), and a very smooth presentation of the certificates, trophies and plate.

A big thanks to all who made the evening ‘happen’ and to all members who managed to participate – 30 in all.

Sue sent a thankyou note to the mayor (on behalf of the club) and we got a lovely reply:

‘Thank you so much for a great evening with the Camera Club. You all made me feel so welcome. Would you please pass my thanks on to Mike and Lewis.

It was a pleasure being involved and I feel as if I know Stan and John so well having given them so many awards. It was also great to see Barry and Marlene looking so well. As I mentioned I have known them both for it must be getting on for 30 years.

It’s evenings like yours that become highlights of the mayor’s year.’

Brock Bottom, Thursday, was a lovely day; I hope you all got the images you deserved! I managed a couple, though not sure they are winners!

Wednesday 25^th May: software editing, photography chit chat and bring your camera. We’ll also organise some dates throughout the summer for further sessions.

Just a reminder we are still looking for a ‘Programme secretary’ and a first-reserve competition secretary. Training, as they say, will be given!

If you are interested or want a chat about these roles, just email in or ring and chat to Lewis or I, it’s no problem, honest!

It just remains for Lewis and I to say many thanks to you all for supporting the club throughout the year, enjoy the ‘closed season’ and we are already looking forward to the first Wednesday in September – the 7^th.

That’s all folks

Mike and Lewis

Morning All

Many thanks to all those members that came to the coffee morning yesterday; it was very successful and we even had customers sitting outside!

And, many thanks to those that helped out and supplied food – it is greatly appreciated.

Dates for the diary – getting less now!

• May 18th Presentation Evening; Raffle and quiz; please don’t forget 7pm arrival for 7.15 meal
• May 19th Second Events Cup outing: Brock Bottoms, details below.
• May 25th Software editing/photographic chit-chat/bring your camera!

Brock Bottom: Address: Brock Mill Ln, Claughton, Preston PR3 0PP

Car Park: Free

Map attached

Located about ten miles north of Preston and on the very western edge of the Forest of Bowland. The picnic site and nature trail (sometimes mistakenly called ‘Brock Bottoms’) is a beauty spot along the river.

There is a reasonably sized car park, perhaps space for around 20 cars, but it can get busy.

Much of the river is very shallow and if you head off along the paths you eventually come to the mill ruins.   Built around 1790 the site housed about 20 cottages for the workers at the cotton spinning mill.  It eventually fell into ruins around the 1930’s but in its heyday, it had a dance room and café! Not open now!

There are some longer walks from the car park.  You could follow the river downstream, which meanders to the west, and head towards Lancaster Canal.  Or if you follow the river upstream it makes for an interesting walk in a north-easterly direction, taking in Boggy Wood and Snape Rake Lane.  You can then come back over Beacon Fell, making it an enjoyable 7.5-mile ramble; if you are that keen!

So, the parameters are ‘walking distance from the car park’.

That’s all folks!

Mike and Lewis

Morning All

A reminder of future dates for your diary:

• May 11th: AGM

• May 14th: Coffee morning at The Arts Centre; come along and have a brew, a piece of cake and a chat!

• May 18th: Presentation Evening

• May 19th: Second Events Cup outing: Brock Bottoms

• May 25th: Software editing/photographic chit-chat/bring your camera! Add to the agenda – converse with Mike or Lewis to add to the ideas; any thoughts welcome!

AGM

We have attached 3 items for your perusal; please read and inwardly digest!

1. AGM minutes from last year
2. Financial overview and recommendations from Robin; 3 docs
3. AGM agenda for this year

Coffee morning

Please come along and support the club. we are in great need of something edible to sell. All donations very gratefully received!

Presentation evening

Many thanks to all the members who have booked a seat! We have 32 places reserved – great support, it is really appreciated. Don’t forget 7pm arrival and the meal served at 7.15. Raffle: donations please!

Second Events Cup

Details will be sent out in the next newsletter

Software editing/photographic chit-chat

Stan has promised another ‘short’ presentation – that has to be an incentive to come along!

Print Exhibition

April’s print exhibition came down this Friday so thoughts now turn to the next exhibition starting in September. This exhibition is for all prints (colour and monochrome) of winners (1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd), highly commended and commended.

PLEASE bring them in this Wednesday, 11^th May, so that Maurice can begin to organise the display in good time; he promises to look after them!

PLEASE pick up any of your prints that were shown in April’s ‘show’. Many thanks.

We will send out a list of all print winners shortly – so there is no excuse!

That’s all folks

Mike and Lewis