Morning All
Well, the camera course, week one, of four, we can safely say, was a great success; we had 22 ‘guests’ out of a possible 24 who attended – and those 2 sent their apologies!
Huge thank you to all members who specifically accompanied and engaged with small groups of ‘guests.’
And, thanks to Sue, Adrian and Freda.
I’ve had 3 emails thanking us: quotes….
“Thank you so much for last night’s session. I loved it!”
“Great night last night and learnt plenty!”
“Super first night of the course and really looking forward to the next 3!”
The members and ‘guests’ created a real genuine buzz in the club, always reassuring and proof that photographers will happily point expensive cameras/iPhones at almost anything if given half a chance! And, I think there was lots of enthusiasm amongst our ‘guests’ who seemed to be soaking up the information!
The only slight hitch was the rain deciding to make an early guest appearance. Clearly, even the weather wanted to be part of the course… it just arrived a little too enthusiastically. Still, no real complaint – it wouldn’t be Britain without a bit of liquid sunshine!
Next Wednesday’s BBC’s weather forecast looks good – fingers crossed!
So, thanks again to everyone involved and if nothing else it put the camera club on-the-Garstang-map!
Notices:
Message from Frank.
Possible trip to a family run, Photography Business in Otterbourne, Hampshire called Otterbourne Hides!
Here’s a link to their website, https://www.petewhieldonphotography.co.uk/
Frank knows these people and the set-up very well and it all comes very highly recommended.
Frank emailed them and said:
“I was speaking to a couple of members from my camera club and they are interested in spending a day with the owls etc.
There would probably be five of us in total. Please can you advise on costs and available dates. Given the distance we have to travel, would it be possible to do an afternoon session followed by a morning session?
We are thinking of travelling down the first morning and then travelling back the following afternoon.
They replied:
Yes, our Owl Workshops are usually aimed at 5/6 people so that would be great. It’s usually £150pp for a 3-hour session but if you booked as a group and could get at least 5 people, I could do for £100pp.
I would be happy to do an afternoon session for you, maybe say 1-4PM?
The next morning, depending on when you came, you could use the Kingfisher hide maybe? As this could accommodate up to 5/6 people also.
I could do £50pp for half day Kingfishers. We re-open these hides in August.
So, costs per person:
Owl hide = £100 + Kingfisher hide = £50, total = £150
Plus, overnight accommodation perhaps £100. Frank is researching possible Pub with rooms including breakfast.
5 members in 2 cars, therefore sharing fuel costs.
Obviously, it would be an early set-off on day 1 ‘cos we would need to be in Hampshire for latest 12 noon ish.
And setting back, after the Kingfisher hide, between 12 noon and 1pm ish. Getting back about 6.30pm.
Travelling time would be approx. 5 to 5 and half hours each way.
Interested? This trip is open to 5 members only – so, it is a first come first served basis!
If you are interested email mike on info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk ASAP to reserve a spot. Chat to Frank on Wednesday if you need further details.
Huge thanks to Frank for putting this trip forward!
Events Cup: Map attached.
Our 4th visit for the Events Cup is Wycoller Country Park, about an hours’ drive – 44 miles, is on either Monday 13th July OR Sunday 19th July.
Just a reminder you can only pick one of those dates/days.
Wycoller Country Park, Trawden is one of the prettiest country parks in Lancashire. The area is famous for its association with the Brontë sisters who referred to many of the nearby landmarks in books such as Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre.
Wycoller Country Park is a mixture of woodland and farmland and has many footpaths leading to local beauty spots which include Bank House and Wycoller Beck.
There are toilets and a picnic area at the site.
Parking
There are 2 car parks: one at Trawden Road and one at Howarth Road. To prevent traffic congestion in the village, cars are not permitted beyond the car parks (unless driven by a registered disabled person).
The car parks are pay and display. The charge is £1 per day and payment is by card or phone
GR: SD 933 391
Postcode: BB8 8SU
Ancient Bridges and Architecture
Wycoller is home to several ancient bridges, showcasing medieval architecture and craftsmanship. The Clam Bridge, the Pack Horse Bridge, and the Clapper Bridge are significant features of the park. The Clam Bridge, estimated to be over 1,000 years old, is particularly noteworthy. These ancient structures emphasize the historical depth and cultural significance of the area.
Visitor Centre
The Wycoller Country Park visitor centre serves as an essential hub for information and services. Here, visitors can learn about the park’s history, flora, and fauna, and obtain maps and guides. The visitor centre also houses a quaint café, where you can enjoy light refreshments while taking in the scenic views.
The Village of Wycoller
Charming Village Atmosphere
The small village of Wycoller, nestled within the country park, adds to the area’s enchanting allure. Cobbled streets, traditional stone cottages, and historic farm buildings create a charming and timeless atmosphere. It’s easy to lose oneself in the serene beauty and quiet charm of this picturesque village.
Garstang Show:
We are having a stand at Garstang Show – Saturday 1st August
Part of our stand consists of 2 boards onto which we ‘stick’ prints to illustrate the camera club images and what we do.
I need some help transporting these boards to the show ground – can you help?
They will need to be transported Friday morning 11ish to the showground and moved off the show ground Saturday about 5.30pm.
The boards are one and half inches thick (40mm), 6 foot high (1,830mm) and 3 feet wide (920mm). Please get in touch with Mike on info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk or ring 07340 314408 if you can help – ta!
Up and coming programme of events:
Wednesday 8th July – Camera course: the second of 4 weeks.
Monday 13th July – Events Cup: Possible visit to Wycoller Country Park.
Wednesday 15th July – Camera course: the third of 4 weeks.
Sunday 19th July – Events Cup: Possible visit to Wycoller Country Park
Wednesday 22nd July – Camera course: the fourth of 4 weeks.
Wednesday 29th July – Club outing to Sunderland Point.
That’s all folks!
Mike
Garstang Camera Club 