Morning All

Weather eh!

Notices:

Competition Schedule for 2026 – 2027:
I’ve attached the competition schedule for our 5 internal competitions for next season, 2026/27.
So, just to remind everyone:

The first column is the competition name.
The second is the description of images allowed; please read these carefully to make sure all your entries comply with these descriptions – if in doubt ASK!
The third indicates the last date to take your prints to ‘Sharon’ for mounting if you are using Garstang Fine Arts, Church Street, Garstang.
The fourth is the last date to entry for the competitions.
The final column is the actual competition date.

If you have any questions, please email me or ring me on 07340 314408

Message from Frank:
We have secured Wyrebank, Events Centre, The Moorings, Church St, Garstang, for a portrait and still life session on Sunday 26th April.
The cost is £25.00 per photographer for the session.
The session is 9.30am until 3.00pm, and we will be setting up a number of stations so there will be plenty of time for people to try different settings.
No formal tuition, but Dom said he would be happy to advise.
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis by emailing me on fjharvey@btinternet.com
Many thanks to Frank.

Coffee morning:
The camera club is bravely (and hungrily) hosting a coffee morning, again, at the Arts Centre on Saturday 11th April.
As tradition demands — and because we all enjoy eating far too much — we’re calling on your baking talents (or experiments) to stock the table. We’re expecting a good crowd, so it’s time to dust off those recipe books, rummage through the cupboards, question whether that flour is still in date, and fire up the oven like you’re on a baking show (minus the judgmental judges… mostly).
Cakes, biscuits, mysterious-but-delicious creations — all are welcome, as long as they’re technically edible.
Please let Mike know what culinary masterpiece (or chaos) you’re planning to bring, so we don’t end up with 47 identical Victoria sponges… or worse, none at all.
Happy baking — and may your cakes rise better than our camera club Battles!

Peter Frankish: Reminder!
Peter raises money for a local hospice and says: “I thought you would be interested to hear that we have been invited to exhibit at the Arts Centre in July.”
I’m wondering if the Club would like to donate images for us to feature alongside our wide range of other product. The general rule of thumb is that our mainstream audience would want to put it on their wall at home! Given you are the local club we would limit other photographic content and could think of as many as say ten from yourselves.
Subject matter – Landscapes, particularly of the Lake District, but also locally and wildlife (garden birds especially) plus anything you may think suitable – but no portraits please. The basic ‘rule-of-thumb’ – any image that you would mount, frame and put up on your wall at home!
Please send to me (that’s Mike) any digital images that you may think would ‘fit-the-bill’ by Sunday 19th April. I will then send them all to Peter who will select the ones he thinks will sell, probably any number between 8 – 15. He will select them NOT me!

Coffee duty this Wednesday:
Coffee and tea duty for this coming Wednesday is Ian and Dave – many thanks in advance!

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 1^st April – Ade Gidney, ‘Live’ – Ade says “I think we agreed a talk about landscapes your members might be able to visit. So, it will be Landscapes of the North, Lake District, North Wales, Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland.
I may or may not include parts of Scotland (depends how many suitable images I have covering the other areas.) As well as showing the Landscapes I will try and include some hints and tips to get better Landscape photographs.”

Wednesday 8^th April – A talk by Rene, via zoom, titled ‘Blowing Hot and Cold.’
Rene says “This is a presentation and covers my nature photography travels in winter to Scandinavia and my spring and summer trips to Spain.
Scandinavia in winter is a very special place and i take you on a journey that cover bird and landscape photography along the Finnish-Russian border around Kuusamo and to the Varangerfjord.
Spain in spring, summer and autumn is a superb place to be for bird photography. I take you on a journey to some of the most special places in Spain where I photograph birds from hides and hydro hides.”

Wednesday 15^th April – The judging of our final internal competition, ‘Anything Goes.’ The judge is Paul Dunmall – yes, that chap from the other week!

Wednesday 22^nd April – Members Evening. We have 2 talks this evening; one from Stan titled ‘Sports photography with unintended outcomes’ and for the second part of the evening a talk by Lewis titled “A journey to…….”

Many thanks to both Stan and Lewis for putting together their respective talks!

That’s all folks and see you Wednesday!

Mike

Morning All

Introducing: The Dispatch of Dubious Importance!
I’ve pondered on and thought about Paul’s discussion from last Wednesday, all about do we need titles, and given this weekly communiqué a new title! Did it need it – answers on a postcard please! 
Hey ho, back to normal!

Notices:

Events Cup
Attached is the summer schedule for the Events Cup. This will be our first internal competition for the ‘new’ season; this will be judged on 14^th October 2026.
As you will see the Events Cup is over 5 months – April, May, June, July and August, all with different destinations. You can go to all the various destinations or pick the ones that appeal; you don’t have to do all 5!
So, just to remind everyone, you can only go to each destination once, that is on one of the specified dates.  
Example: April, destination is Martin Mere Wetland Centre which is 35 miles away and will take approximately 56 mins by car.
The 2 dates available are Monday April 13th OR Saturday April 18^th. You must choose one or the other – you can’t go on both days!
You can go on your own or team up with other members, it’s up to you!
Details will be given out in a newsletter nearer the date.
If you have any questions, just email or ring me on 07340 314408 – ta.

Lancashire and Cheshire Photographic Union (L&CPU):
Attached from Freda:
The Annual Individual Print & Projected Image Competition on 9th & 10th May 2026 – Rules and Guidelines
All the relevant rules etc. are there for you if you wish to enter. This competition is not guided by the club so you must make sure you follow everything to the letter! We can, hopefully, answer any questions to help but as I said the onus is on individual members.

Members Presentation Evening: Reminder!
Wednesday 20^th May – Members Presentation Evening. Presentation of certificates and trophies.
Freda now taking bookings! This did prove very successful last year so please support the club (partners of any persuasion all welcome!).
The cost this year is £20 per member, this includes a tip to the caterers.
This is our end of season social and presentation get together with catering from ‘Betty’ and her team.
Menu: two cold meats, quiches, coleslaw and salads, rolls and butter and hot new potatoes plus a choice of 3 desserts; meringue nests, fruit salad and café Renoir.
Bring your own beverages!
Please speak to Freda who is taking reservations.

Coffee duty this Wednesday:
Coffee and tea duty for this coming Wednesday is Claire and Paul S. – many thanks in advance!

Up and coming programme of events:
Wednesday 25^th March – Members evening: A talk by Tim tilted ‘- “A Journey Through Six Countries of South-East Asia”

Wednesday 1^st April – Ade Gidney, ‘Live’ – Ade says “I think we agreed a talk about landscapes your members might be able to visit. So, it will be Landscapes of the North, Lake District, North Wales, Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland.
I may or may not include parts of Scotland (depends how many suitable images I have covering the other areas.) As well as showing the Landscapes I will try and include some hints and tips to get better Landscape photographs.”

Wednesday 8^th April – A talk by Rene, via zoom, titled ‘Blowing Hot and Cold.’
Rene says “This is a presentation and covers my nature photography travels in winter to Scandinavia and my spring and summer trips to Spain.
Scandinavia in winter is a very special place and i take you on a journey that cover bird and landscape photography along the Finnish-Russian border around Kuusamo and to the Varangerfjord.
Spain in spring, summer and autumn is a superb place to be for bird photography. I take you on a journey to some of the most special places in Spain where I photograph birds from hides and hydro hides.”

Wednesday 15^th April – The judging of our final internal competition, Anything Goes. The judge is Paul Dunmall – yes, that chap from last week!

That’s all folks and see you Wednesday!

Mike

Morning All

Humanity Cup Competition:
Many thanks to all members who managed to submit images for the above competition. I thought Daryl was a tough judge but fair which is all we can hope for! However, great commentary and positive feedback about each image which was good and I think it all proved very successful.
HUGE congratulations to Dom for his portrait image ‘Waterboy’ which Daryl named as ‘best image of the evening.’ Well done, Dom!

Notices:

L&CPU Results: Annual Club PDI Competition 2026
I’ve attached is a list of scores for the submitted images – thanks to Lewis.

Out of 39 clubs:
OPEN Section: – points awarded below: included are our Battle competitors!
1^st Southport 206 points
5 Lytham St Annes 186
9 Poulton Le Fylde 181
14 North Fylde 178
16 Lancaster 175
29 Morecambe 163
37 Garstang 152

NATURE Section:
1^st  Chorley 109
2 Poulton Le Fylde 105
10 Lytham St Annes 94
13 North Fylde 92
20 Morecambe 89
24 Lancaster 86
34 Garstang 80

OVERALL:
1^st CHORLEY 308
4 Poulton Le Fylde 286
6 Lytham St Annes 280 
14 North Fylde 270
20 Lancaster 261
27 Morecambe 252
35 Garstang 232

It’s the taking part that counts!

Message from Frank:
WW2 THEMED PHOTOSHOOT  2026
Location: Hangar 42 Spitfire Visitor Centre, Squires Gate, Blackpool FY4 2QY
Date: Friday May 29th
Morning and Afternoon sessions: 9 to 12 noon and 1 to 4pm,
£90 per session
Mike P., Paul S. and myself (Frank) are doing the above photoshoot mentioned last night.
There are 20 places and ‘four set ups’ so photographers are split into groups of five.
I thought it would be good if we could get a group of 5 GCC members together for the shoot.
Here’s the link if you’re interested. https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/spitfire-visitor-centre-blackpool-airport/ww2-themed-photoshoot-with-spitfire-aircraft-military-vehicles/e-xpegpb
If you wish to join Frank, Mike and Paul email me on info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk or ring me on 07340 314408 and I’ll organise accordingly!

Anything Goes Cup Competition: Any image on any theme.
This is our 5^th and final internal competition of the season.
Last date for entry: 18^th March – that’s this coming Wednesday!
Competition date: 15^th April

Members Presentation Evening: Early Reminder!
Wednesday 20^th May – Members Presentation Evening. Presentation of certificates and trophies.
Freda now taking bookings!This did prove very successful last year so please support the club (partners of any persuasion all welcome!).
The cost this year is £20 per member, this includes a tip to the caterers.
This is our end of season social and presentation get together with catering from ‘Betty’ and her team.
Menu: two cold meats, quiches, coleslaw and salads, rolls and butter and hot new potatoes plus a choice of 3 desserts; meringue nests, fruit salad and café Renoir. Please speak to Freda who is taking reservations.

Message from Paul Dunmall – ‘live’ speaker on 18^th March, next Wednesday! an interactive night, Titles Why do we have them?
So please, if poss, take part! We need your images!
Max of 15/20 images, this allows time for any statement to be read out, the image to be appraised and then a short discussion with the photographer/group if required.
Email them to me and I’ll include them on a PowerPoint.

Reminder 1 – Peter Frankish:
Peter raises money for a local hospice and says: “I thought you would be interested to hear that we have been invited to exhibit at the Arts Centre in July.”
I’m wondering if the Club would like to donate images for us to feature alongside our wide range of other product. The general rule of thumb is that our mainstream audience would want to put it on their wall at home! Given you are the local club we would limit other photographic content and could think of as many as say ten from yourselves.
Subject matter – Landscapes, particularly of the Lake District, but also locally and wildlife (garden birds especially) plus anything you may think suitable – but no portraits please. The basic ‘rule-of-thumb’ – any image that you would mount, frame and put up on your wall at home!
Please send to me (that’s Mike) any digital images that you may think would ‘fit-the-bill’ by Sunday 19th April. I will then send them all to Peter who will select the ones he thinks will sell, probably any number between 8 – 15. He will select them NOT me!

Reminder 2 – Calendar Images:
As already mentioned, we have been tasked, again, to produce images for the 2027 calendar!
Boundaries: Focused where possible on Garstang and immediate surroundings; however, any images considered between Lancaster in the north, Preston in the south, Blackpool in the west and Abbeystead/Bleasdale in the east. This should give us plenty of opportunity, so please start thinking and snapping!
So, this means that the scope has now widened! Please get out and about, in the fullness of time, so that we can offer a great selection to the Arts Centre committee. All images submitted will be shown and voted upon on Wednesday 13th May and the selected top 36 will be sent to the Arts Centre committee for their final selection of 12 to 14 images for the calendar.

Coffee duty this Wednesday:
Coffee and tea duty for this coming Wednesday is Tammii and Frank – many thanks in advance!

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 18^th March – Paul Dunmall, Live:
A talk titled ‘Titles: Why do we have them.’ See above!

Wednesday 25^th March – Members evening: A talk by Tim tilted ‘- “A Journey Through Six Countries of South-East Asia”

Wednesday 1^st April – Ade Gidney, ‘Live’ – Ade says “I think we agreed a talk about landscapes your members might be able to visit. So, it will be Landscapes of the North, Lake District, North Wales, Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland.
I may or may not include parts of Scotland (depends how many suitable images I have covering the other areas.) As well as showing the Landscapes I will try and include some hints and tips to get better Landscape photographs.”

Wednesday 8^th April – A talk by Rene, via zoom, titled ‘Blowing Hot and Cold.’
Rene says “This is a presentation and covers my nature photography travels in winter to Scandinavia and my spring and summer trips to Spain.
Scandinavia in winter is a very special place and I take you on a journey that covers bird and landscape photography along the Finnish-Russian border around Kuusamo and to the Varangerfjord.
Spain in spring, summer and autumn is a superb place to be for bird photography. I take you on a journey to some of the most special places in Spain where I photograph birds from hides and hydro hides.”
That’s all folks and see you Wednesday!

Mike

Morning All

I hope you all enjoyed the talk last Wednesday from Kevin, great commentary and fantastic images – well, I thought so!

Notices:

April Exhibition: Reminder!
Attached is a document with the prints that are needed – if poss! Please have a look!
This exhibition of prints is open to all members who wish to submit prints to be shown in the Arts Centre.  
These prints are ones that have NOT scored 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20 points in any of our competitions.
You can submit any other prints that have not been entered in any competition as well.
If you have what I call ‘postcard’ size prints please bring these in as well ‘cos we will be devoting an area on the wall to these type of prints.
The deadline for prints is Wednesday 11^th March, that’s this coming Wednesday!
Maurice is coordinating all of this and he has asked that all prints have, on the back, your name and a title.Many thanks to Maurice for his co-ordination and efforts!

Anything Goes Cup Competition: Any image on any theme
This is our 5^th and final internal competition of the season.
Last date for entry: 18^th March
Competition date: 15^th April

Members Presentation Evening: Early Reminder!
Wednesday 20^th May – Members Presentation Evening. Presentation of certificates and trophies.
Freda now taking bookings!This did prove very successful last year so please support the club (partners of any persuasion all welcome!).
The cost this year is £20 per member, this includes a tip to the caterers.
This is our end of season social and presentation get together with catering from ‘Betty’ and her team.
Menu: two cold meats, quiches, coleslaw and salads, rolls and butter and hot new potatoes plus a choice of 3 desserts; meringue nests, fruit salad and café Renoir. Please speak to Freda who is taking reservations.

Quiz Teams: Saturday 11^th April, 7pm at The Arts Centre
Still time to enter your name to join a team for the Charles Flatt intergroup quiz.
If you would like to be part of the team, PLEASE let me know via our website on  info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk or chat to me next Wednesday. Ta.

Message from Paul Dunmall – ‘live’ speaker on 18^th March; an interactive night, Titles Why do we have them?
So please, if poss, take part! We need your images!
Max of 15/20 images, this allows time for any statement to be read out, the image to be appraised and then a short discussion with the photographer/group if required.
The idea is to have more people share their work that they would not normally put into club competition because “the judge won’t get it,” or they just don’t enter because some/much of the comments are negative.
It is also to help photographers who are looking to improve their images, but not under the spotlight of a judged competition night.
This is not a competition but an interactive night of appraisal and discussion, between the appraiser (judge) and the photographer/group.
It will also allow for the images to not just have title, but could have a short statement of intent, or no title at all whichever the photographer prefers.

The Format:
1^st half: A short talk about image titles and what effect they have or not when being judged.
2^nd half: What I am looking for is some images that people feel need more than just a title – an artist statement, max of 30 words. We will need about a max of 15-20 images for the second part of the evening.

Coffee duty this Wednesday:
Coffee and tea duty for this coming Wednesday is Barry and Brenda – many thanks in advance!

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 11^th March – Our 4^th internal competition The Humanity Cup; judged ‘live’ by Daryl Giles. We have 81 entries so a full evening!

Wednesday 18^th March – Paul Dunmall, Live: A talk titled ‘Titles: Why do we have them.’ See above for details.

Wednesday 25^th March – Members evening: A talk by Tim tilted ‘A Journey Through Six Countries of South-East Asia.

Wednesday 1^st April –Ade Gidney, ‘Live’ –
Ade says – “It’s a talk about landscapes your members might be able to visit. So it will be Landscapes of the North, Lake District, North Wales, Peak District, Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland. I may or may not include parts of Scotland (depends how many suitable images I have covering the other areas.) As well as showing the Landscapes I will try and include some hints and tips to get better Landscape photographs.”

That’s all folks and see you Wednesday!

Mike

Morning All

For those members who couldn’t get to our meeting last Wednesday, unfortunately, our New Zealand friends, The Rangiora Photographic Society, won the ‘Battle.’ The final score was Garstang 501 Rangiora 517.
The consensus of opinion was that the judge, Ken Rowlatt, was very fair and New Zealand, on balance, just deserved to win.
So, that’s it for ‘Battles’ this season so upwards and onwards to the 3 ‘Battles’ for season 2027!

Notices:

L&CPU – Annual Club Competition 2026, Chorley:
Attached is a poster giving all the information you need if you wish to attend the competitions and view the judging. There is no charge to attend!

Jane Goodall:
If you recall Jane Goodall gave us an excellent talk, via zoom, on 18^th February titled ‘Family Photoshoots’ and she said she would send the club some information on the top 10 tips for a successful shoot.
So, attached, from Jane, is the Top 10 photography shoot hacks for the family; a good and educational and informational read!

Message from Paul Dunmall – ‘live’ speaker on 18^th March; an interactive night, so please, if poss, take part! Titles Why do we have them?
The idea is to have more people share their work that they would not normally put into club competition because “the judge won’t get it,” or they just don’t enter because some much of the comments are negative.
It is also to help photographers who are looking to improve their images, but not under the spotlight of a judged competition night.
This is not a competition but an interactive night of appraisal and discussion, between the appraiser (judge) and the photographer/group.
It will also allow for the images to not just have a title, but could have a short statement of intent, or no title at all whichever the photographer prefers.

The Format:
1^st half: A short talk about image titles and what effect they have or not when being judged.
2^nd half: What I am looking for is some images that people feel need more than just a title – an artist statement, max of 30 words. We will need about a max of 15-20 images for the second part of the evening.
This allows time for any statement to be read out, the image to be appraised and then a short discussion with the photographer/group if required. If a statement is used then max of 30 words, but can also not have a title.

Example image, (attached), and statement below.
Ice Man: I was taken by the shapes created by the ice over the rocks and where the dark patches created skulls.
So, as Paul says this is an interactive evening so, please folks, I need to submit some images – anonymously if you want, (send to me and I’ll submit them on a PowerPoint slide), with or without a title or as Paul says, a short statement of intent, in other words a little more than just a title to possibly explain the image.

April Exhibition: Reminder!
This exhibition of prints is open to all members who wish to submit prints to be shown in the Arts Centre.  
These prints are ones that have NOT scored 18, 19 or 20 points in any of our competitions. You can submit any other prints that have not been entered in any competition as well. Please bring in your prints ‘cos we need about 60 to fill the walls in the Arts Centre!
If you have what I call ‘postcard’ size prints please bring these in as well ‘cos we will be devoting an area on the wall to these type of prints.
The deadline for prints is Wednesday 11^th March although you can bring them in on any Wednesday from now on.
The ‘hanging’ of the prints will be on Saturday 4^th April and the exhibition will be open from Tuesday 7^th April until Thursday 30^th April.
Maurice is coordinating all of this and he has asked that all prints have, on the back, your name and a title.Many thanks to Maurice for his co-ordination and efforts!

Message from Peter Frankish:
Peter gave us a short talk last Wednesday night and below is a summary of the presentation and ‘how it all works.’

Peter raises money for St Catherine’s Hospice; St Catherine’s cares for patients and families across Chorley, Preston and South Ribble who are affected by life-shortening conditions like cancer, motor neurone disease and heart failure.

• Peter is fund raising by displaying works of art at the Arts Centre from 27^th June until 25^th July.
• Part of this display will show some of our photographs which, when printed, he will mount and frame and then sell to visitors, thus raising money for the hospice.
• Subject matter – Landscapes, particularly of the Lake District, but also locally and wildlife (garden birds especially) plus anything you may think suitable – but no portraits please. The basic ‘rule-of-thumb’ – any image that you would mount, frame and put up on your wall at home!
• Please send to me any digital images that you may think would ‘fit-the-bill’ by Sunday 19^th April. I will then send them all to Peter who will select the ones he thinks will sell, probably any number between 8 – 15. He will select them NOT me!
• When Peter has selected the images, he will send them back to me and I will have them printed to the size he requires. The cost of this printing will be borne by the club – it is our way of donating.
• When I receive the images back from the printer, I will pass them back to Peter and he and his team will then mount and frame them. These will then be displayed in the Arts Centre on the dates above, and hopefully be sold.
• If you already have any images already printed and mounted, I will also send them to Peter who may or may not accept them.

PHEW! I think that’s it! Any questions please email me on info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk or ring on 07340 314408. Many thanks for reading all the above!

Anything Goes Cup Competition: Any image on any theme.
This is our 5^th and final internal competition of the season.
Last date for entry: 18^th March
Competition date: 15^th April

Coffee duty this Wednesday:
Coffee and tea duty for this coming Wednesday is Maurice and Elaine – many thanks in advance!

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 4^th March – Kevin Pigney, via zoom: A talk titled: A passion for wildlife – updated.
Kevin writes: I share some of my favourite images but more importantly I share the story behind them including locations, camera settings, how I sent up a project, fieldcraft etc. 

Wednesday 11^th March – Our 4^th internal competition The Humanity Cup; judged ‘live’ by Daryl Giles.

Wednesday 18^th March – Paul Dunmall, Live:
A talk titled ‘Titles: Why do we have them.’ See above for details.

Wednesday 25^th March – Members evening: A talk by Tim tilted ‘A Journet through six countries of south-east Asia.

That’s all folks and see you Wednesday!

Mike

Morning All

Many thanks to Rhona and Tim who have put the winning images, on our Facebook page and on our website respectively, from the Creatures and Plants of the World Cup.

Notices:

2026 – 2027 Season: 10 – in – 10 – in – 10! Can you do it!
This is one of the challenges for next season on 11^th November 2026. Basically, I’m asking for 10 members to show 10 photographs in 10 minutes.
It can be any image, colour and/or monochrome – your choice.
You could chat about the ‘where’ the ‘when’ the ‘why’ and the ‘how.’ Perhaps show the same image cropped, to show a change or different aspect or maybe raw then edited. HOWEVER, you must show 10 different images.
I have had some ‘volunteers’ already but if you are ready to have a go chat to me on Wednesday or ring or email.

Message from Adrian: Gardening trip:

GARSTANG AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB: WEDNESDAY 8TH JULY
Full day coach trip, 8.30am start from opposite the library, 6.30pm return

NEWBY HALL:
Famous for its double herbaceous borders and drifts of flowering perennials; this is probably the largest collection of New World Salvias in the north together with a woodland garden and rock garden.
Included in the price is Yorkshire afternoon tea (sandwiches, homemade cakes and scones, tea or coffee).

YORKE HOUSE AND WHITE ROSE COTTAGE
A “Yellow Book” Garden this award winning 2 acre English country garden includes ornamental gardens and a pond and stream.
Tea and cake is included.

Cost per person £60
Please see Adrian if you wish to go on this trip.

April Exhibition:
This exhibition of prints is open to all members who wish to submit prints to be shown in the Arts Centre.  
These prints are ones that have NOT scored 18, 19 or 20 points in any of our competitions.
You can submit any other prints that have not been entered in any competition as well. Please bring in your prints ‘cos we need about 60 to fill the walls in the Arts Centre!
If you have what I call ‘postcard’ size prints please bring these in as well ‘cos we will be devoting an area on the wall to these type of prints.
The deadline for prints is Wednesday 11^th March although you can bring them in on any Wednesday from now on.
The ‘hanging’ of the prints will be on Saturday 4^th April and the exhibition will be open from Tuesday 7^th April until Thursday 30^th April..
Maurice is coordinating all of this and he has asked that all prints have on the back your name and a title.Many thanks to Maurice for his co-ordination and efforts!

Members Presentation Evening: Very Early Reminder!
Wednesday 20^th May – Members Presentation Evening. Presentation of certificates and trophies.This did prove very successful last year so please support the club (partners of any persuasion all welcome!); so, please speak to Freda!
The cost this year is £20 per member, this includes a tip to the caterers.
This is our end of season social and presentation get together with catering from ‘Betty’ and her team.
Menu: two cold meats, quiches, coleslaw and salads, rolls and butter and hot new potatoes plus a choice of 3 desserts; meringue nests, fruit salad and café Renoir. Please speak to Freda who is taking reservations.

Quiz Teams: Saturday 11^th April, 7pm at The Arts Centre
Still time to enter your name to join a team for the Charles Flatt intergroup quiz.
If you would like to be part of the team, PLEASE let me know via our website on info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk  or chat to me next Wednesday. Ta.

Coffee duty this Wednesday:
Coffee and tea duty for this coming Wednesday is Freda and Rhona – many thanks in advance!

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 25^th February – A short talk by Peter Frankish, 10 minutes!
Peter raises money for a local hospice and says:
Thought you would be interested to hear that we have been invited to exhibit at the Arts Centre in July.
I’m wondering if the Club would like to donate images for us to feature alongside our wide range of other product. The general rule of thumb is that our mainstream audience would want to put it on their wall at home! Given you are the local club we would limit other photographic content and could think of as many as say ten from yourselves.

PLUS: Garstang Camera Club v Rangiora Photographic Society Battle. Plus: Paul (Hurley) is giving a talk on “Hot rocks and hot water”, exploring the volcanic scenery of South West Iceland and the golden triangle.

Followed by ‘Show and Tell’ challenge: Winter scenery. A busy evening!

Wednesday 4^th March – Kevin Pigney, via zoom: A talk titled: A passion for wildlife – updated.
Kevin writes: I share some of my favourite images but more importantly I share the story behind them including locations, camera settings, how I sent up a project, fieldcraft etc. 

Wednesday 11^th March – Humanity Cup competition; judged by Daryl Giles 

Wednesday 18^th March – Paul Dunmall, Live: A talk titled ‘Titles: Why do we have them.’
Paul writes: Titles Why Do We have Them? An interactive evening of appraisal and discussion.
The idea is to have more people share their work that they would not normally put into club competition because “the judge won’t get it,” or they just don’t enter because some much of the comments are negative.
It is also to help photographers who are looking to improve their images, but not under the spotlight of a judged competition night.
This is not a competition but an interactive night of appraisal and discussion, between the appraiser (judge) and the photographer/group.
It will also allow for the images to not just have title, but could have a short statement of intent, or no title at all whichever the photographer prefers.
So, as Paul says this is an interactive evening so please I need folk to submit some images – anonymously if you want, (send to me and I’ll submit them on a PowerPoint slide), with or without a title or as Paul says, a short statement of intent in other words a little more than just a title to possibly explain the image.

That’s all folks and see you Wednesday!

Mike

Morning All

Glam ‘Battle’ Report
Now, with Slightly More Drama Than Strictly Necessary!
First of all, a heroic round of applause to all members who bravely battled the four seasons in one afternoon/evening’s weather to make it to Morecambe. Truly, waterproofs were the real winners on the day.
Our hosts were absolutely top-notch — organised, welcoming, and so well prepared I suspect they’d rehearsed smiling in the mirror. They displayed their hosting skills with such finesse that we almost forgot we were there to compete. Almost.
And what a nail-biter it was! When they say you could throw a handkerchief over the results, they’re not exaggerating — though given the weather, that handkerchief would’ve needed to be waterproof and wind-resistant. It was that close!
Huge congratulations to Lancaster for clinching the win — very well done indeed. And an especially big cheer for Janet from Morecambe, whose ‘Best in Show’ image clearly dazzled the judge. Sadly, I don’t have a copy to share, so you’ll just have to imagine something breathtakingly artistic and vaguely mysterious.
Now, as we all know, judging is wonderfully subjective. On the whole, I nodded wisely and agreed with the judge… apart from a couple of our images, where I nodded wisely but disagreed internally. But hey-ho — such is life in the glamorous world of competitive photography!

The Officially Very Close Results:
Lancaster: 257
Garstang: 251
Arnside: 250
Morecambe: 248

9 points covering the four clubs and only 3 points separating second, third and fourth — basically the competitive equivalent of a photo finish, minus, of course, the actual finish line.
Well done everyone — same time next year? I’ll bring the industrial-strength umbrella!
The list of individual members scores is attached; well done to Tim!
Lancaster PS are hosting next year – a little nearer, a positive start!

Notices:
Last Wednesday:
A big thanks here to John for his talk last week on Lightroom Classic and Photoshop. Lots of information covered, tips given and questions answered; all round a really entertaining and educational talk and demonstration!

Speakers for 2026 – 2027:
I’ve attached a list of the 16 speakers booked and confirmed for next season – September 2026 – May 2027. The speakers highlighted in red are via zoom the rest are ‘live’ at the Arts Centre.
A big thank you here to Elaine, Freda and Stan for their combined thoughts, ideas and suggestions, which, I think, is reflected in the variety of themes. We have tried to please everyone as best we could to give this variability of subjects.

Challenges:
I also chatted, on Wednesday evening, about the challenges (x eight) which will be given out throughout the season and asking members to partake as much as possible. I really appreciate that not everyone will be keen but please consider the ideas and if possible, have a go!
You won’t have to stand up at the front if you find it intimidating – there are ways around that; more of these ideas later.
When the programme has had all the T’s crossed and the I’s dotted, I’ll include it in a newsletter in the future.

10 – in – 10 – in – 10! Can you do it!
This is one of the challenges mentioned above. Basically, I’m asking for 10 members to show 10 photographs in 10 minutes.
It can be any image, colour and/or monochrome – your choice.
You could chat about the ‘where’ the ‘when’ the ‘why’ and the ‘how.’ Perhaps show the same image cropped, to show a change or different aspect or maybe raw then edited. HOWEVER, you must show 10 different images.
I have had some ‘volunteers’ already but if you are ready to have a go chat to me on Wednesday of ring or email.

Events Cup:
We have had quite a few suggestions for the Events Cup which is held during the months of April, May, June, July and August.
The destinations are now being considered and a final list of these together with date will be sent out in approximately a months’ time.

Coffee morning:
First of all, a big thanks to Maurice and Eileen; they came up with the idea of a ‘Valentines’ coffee morning and adorned the room with red love-hearts and fresh roses – a great idea and many thanks for decorating the room accordingly!
Also, thanks to Freda, Rhona and Robin for giving up their time and for their sterling efforts of getting in despite the frost and for serving all our customers!
Many thanks to those members who managed to pop in a have a cake and coffee/tea and after a slowish start we had quite a few late comers and finished up taking the sum of £111.10 – not sure where the 10p came from – questions to the treasurer!

April Exhibition:
This exhibition of prints is open to all members who wish to submit prints to be shown in the Arts Centre.  
These prints are ones that have NOT scored 18, 19 or 20 points in any of our competitions. You can submit any other prints that have not been entered in any competition as well. Please bring in your prints ‘cos we need about 60 to fill the walls in the Arts Centre!
The deadline for prints is Wednesday 11^th March although you can bring them in on any Wednesday from now on.
The ‘hanging’ of the prints will be on Saturday 4^th April and the exhibition will be open from Tuesday 7^th April until Thursday 30^th April..
Maurice is coordinating all of this and he has asked that all prints have on the back your name and a title.Many thanks to Maurice for his co-ordination and efforts!

Coffee duty this Wednesday:
Coffee and tea duty for this coming Wednesday is Freda and someone else! – many thanks in advance!

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 18^th February – Jane Goodall, via zoom, on ‘Family Photoshoots.’ Jane writes:
This presentation is packed with practical hints, tips, and real-world advice on photographing families on location in every season — from bright summer days to crisp winter light.
I’ll cover how to work with natural light, handle shy or reluctant children, keep dads engaged, and make sure everyone stays happy, relaxed, and fully charged throughout the shoot.
We’ll look at the dos and don’ts of family clothing choices, how to get the most out of your time on location, and how I tell a visual story that results in a meaningful book for the family.I’ll also dive into the technical nitty-gritty behind creating strong
images and share the key secrets that turn a good family photoshoot into a truly successful one.

Wednesday 25^th February – A short talk by Peter Frankish, 10 minutes!
Peter raises money for a local hospice and says: thought you would be interested to hear that we have been invited to exhibit at the Arts Centre in July.
I’m wondering if the Club would like to donate images for us to feature alongside our wide range of other product. The general rule of thumb is that our mainstream audience would want to put it on their wall at home! Given you are the local club we would limit other photographic content and could think of as many as say ten from yourselves.
PLUS: Garstang Camera Club v Rangiora Photographic Society Battle. Followed by ‘Show and Tell’ challenge: Winter scenery. Plus, other items – a busy meeting!

Wednesday 4^th March – Kevin Pigney, via zoom: A talk titled: A passion for wildlife – updated.
Kevin writes: I share some of my favourite images but more importantly I share the story behind them including locations, camera settings, how I sent up a project, fieldcraft etc. 

Wednesday 11^th March – Humanity Cup; judged by Daryl Giles

Phew!

That’s all folks and see you Wednesday!

Mike

Morning All

A huge thank you to both Sue and Adrian for their excellent AV collections they showed us on Wednesday evening, and also to John for another wonderful selection of 1950’s – 1970’s photographs; a big tribute to the time and trouble taken to make these talks successful! A great members evening!

Notices:

Message from Sheila Giles – the lady who recently judged our Creatures and Plants of the world competition:
As promised, attached are details of an event that I hope will be of interest to your members.

WW2 THEMED PHOTOSHOOT  2026
A unique opportunity to photograph authentic scenes from World War 2
Location:
Hangar 42 Spitfire Visitor Centre, Squires Gate, Blackpool FY4 2QY
Dates:
May 29th and September 25th 2026
Morning and Afternoon sessions: 9 to 12 noon and 1 to 4pm,
£90 per session
Payable online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/lancashire/hangar-42-spitfire-visitor-centre
5 different locations, indoors and out (subject to weather)
Up to 15 photographic models in authentic uniforms and you will have a unique opportunity to photograph numerous WW2 themes not normally available.
Small groups of photographers to allow plenty of space to compose winning images and help is at hand with studio lighting if required!     
Suitable for competent amateur photographers with a DSLR or mirrorless camera.

Print workshop:
You may also remember Daryl talked about a ‘Print-Day,’ well Sheila writes – arrangements are in progress for the Printing Workshop, but no final details yet.  We will be back in touch soon. 

Message from Ruth Lochrie – Lancaster Photographic Society:
We have another professional local female photographer, Leah Hennessy, coming on 2nd March, in person. She will be talking about Astro photography and Landscape. Her work is incredible! Please let me know if any of your members would like to attend.
I’ve attached 5 images for you.

GLAM Battle: Thursday 12^th February – details under ‘Up and coming programme of events,’ see below.

Coffee morning:
The camera club is hosting a coffee morning, in the Arts Centre, on Saturday 14^th February – St. Valentines Day!
As usual, we are looking for cakes etc. to sell on the morning, it’s going to be busy, so, whilst you are writing those cards, please get baking/cooking and contribute something edible!
Please let Mike know so we can organise accordingly – ta!

Next internal competition: The Humanity Cup
Description of images: People in all environments, activities and emotions. People or people-related connections must be the focal point. More than one person may be included.
Last date for entry: This Wednesday – 11.02.26
Date of competition: 11.03.26
Coffee duty this Wednesday:
Coffee and tea duty for this coming Wednesday is Anita and Robin – many thanks in advance!

Up and coming programme of events:
Wednesday 11^th February – First half of the evening is a talk by John on using some aspects of Lightroom Classic and Photoshop and, following the coffee break, Paul is giving a talk on “Hot rocks and hot water”, exploring the volcanic scenery of South West Iceland and the golden triangle.

THURSDAY 12^th February:
4-Way ‘GLAM’ Battle; Judge: James Hardy CPAGB, LRPS, DPAGB, AFIAP, LRPS;
Competition between Garstang, Lancaster Photographic Society, Arnside and Silverdale Photography Club and Morecambe Camera Club.
Graham, from Morecambe, writes:
Information about the competition meeting at Heysham Library, starting at 7:15 pm on Thursday 12th February.

• Main library doors on Heysham Road will be open until 7pm – after that time, please use the door at the right hand side of the building.
• The side door will probably be locked after the start of the meeting (there have been issues with unwanted visitors using the door).
• We will be serving tea/coffee & biscuits on arrival, rather than half way through the meeting.
• There will be a very short comfort break part way through the meeting.
• There will be a raffle (to be drawn at the comfort break).
• Plenty of on-street parking on Heysham Road and Knowlys Road (Strawberry Garden pub on corner).

The date of the battle is Thursday 12th February, commencing at 7:15pm in Heysham Library, Heysham Road, LA3 2BJ.
I shall be going and I have still got 2 spare seats! If you are interested, please get in touch ASAP!
Graham has also sent me the following, if you are interested:
Your members are welcome to join via Zoom, if unable to attend in person; invite below:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89376045302?pwd=I5yzcX5SZ3Yaa3BZfiauw2CzwcMNDI.1

Meeting ID: 893 7604 5302
Passcode: 428288

Wednesday 18^th February – Jane Goodall, via zoom, on ‘Family Photoshoots.’
Jane writes:
This presentation is packed with practical hints, tips, and real-world advice on photographing families on location in every season — from bright summer days to crisp winter light.
I’ll cover how to work with natural light, handle shy or reluctant children, keep dads engaged, and make sure everyone stays happy, relaxed, and fully charged throughout the shoot.
We’ll look at the dos and don’ts of family clothing choices, how to get the most out of your time on location, and how I tell a visual story that results in a meaningful book for the family.
I’ll also dive into the technical nitty-gritty behind creating strong images and share the key secrets that turn a good family photoshoot into a truly successful one.

Wednesday 25^th February – A short talk by Peter Frankish, 10 minutes!
Peter raises money for a local hospice and says: thought you would be interested to hear that we have been invited to exhibit at the Arts Centre in July.
I’m wondering if the Club would like to donate images for us to feature alongside our wide range of other products. The general rule of thumb is that our mainstream audience would want to put it on their wall at home! Given you are the local club we would limit other photographic content and could think of as many as say ten from yourselves.
PLUS: Garstang Camera Club v Rangiora Photographic Society Battle. Followed by ‘Show and Tell’ challenge: Winter scenery. Plus, other items – a busy meeting!

Wednesday 4^th March – Kevin Pigney, via zoom: A talk titled: ‘A passion for wildlife’ – updated. 
Kevin writes: I share some of my favourite images but more importantly I share the story behind them including locations, camera settings, how I sent up a project, fieldcraft etc.  

That’s all folks and see you Wednesday!

Mike