Morning All
Despite the sun shining it’s a brisk easterly here this morning in Forton; I think my camera will stay in its bag today!

Notices:
Message from a Nicola Atanassova, Audience Partnerships & Projects.
Dear Colleague
We are working with internationally acclaimed photographer Sean Conboy to bring a series of photographic sessions called Architectural Lens: A Year of Exploration to the Fylde Coast and would be delighted if you are able to share this information with your members and fellow photographers.
This exhilarating photography series will offer both enthusiasts and professionals a rare opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business. Prepare to embark on an extraordinary visual journey through the architectural gems of the North West with Architectural Lens: A Year of Exploration from January 2025 through to January 2026, led by none other than the critically acclaimed photographer Sean Conboy and hosted by the iconic Blackpool Grand Theatre.
Each of the eight workshops on offer are designed to be fully hands-on, with participants not only receiving technical advice from Sean, but also being encouraged to see these extraordinary venues in new ways giving you exclusive access to these amazing venues. Whether attending a single session or booking the entire series of eight workshops, participants will leave with more than just stunning images – they’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the relationship between architecture and photography.
Each session in this series focuses on a unique architectural theme, offering participants the chance to unlock their creativity and capture history as they master a variety of techniques.
Here’s is a full list of the sessions through the year you can book for:

Wed 26 Feb – The Imperial Hotel: (Theme: Space & Scale)
Fri 14 Mar – Blackpool Tower Ballroom: (Theme: Entertainment History & Heritage)
Thurs 15 May – Lytham Hall: (Theme: Light & Shadow)
Tues 8 July – Blackpool Promenade: (Theme: People & Places)
Tues 30 Sept – Blackpool Pleasure Beach: (Theme: Art Deco & Fascinating Structures)
Mon 24 Nov – Blackpool Town Hall: (Theme: Modern Architecture & Sustainable Design)
January 2026 – Blackpool Grand Theatre (date tbc): (Theme: Details & Patterns)

Sean Conboy’s remarkable portfolio boasts over 30 years of capturing architectural wonders for illustrious clients like The Royal Opera House and The Savoy Hotel. Known for his ability to highlight the intricate beauty of both modern and historic buildings, Conboy’s unique style marries technical brilliance with a passion for storytelling through images – making him the ideal mentor for this highly anticipated series.
Each session is priced at £125 per person, with limited participants per session. Transport to each venue and lunch are not included. BOOK NOW here as places are limited.

Nicola Atanassova
Audience Partnerships & Projects
M: 07796 994544
W: blackpoolgrand.co.uk
Please note: Work days – Tues, Wed & Thurs

If you are interested please contact directly; or you may wish to ‘buddy-up’ with other member(s)?

Calendar 2026
Just to repeat our conversation, last Wednesday, about the calendar.
The calendar used to be Garstang only; however, following on with conversations with Muriel she has now stated that images could not only encompass Garstang but now the surrounding areas to a radius of 5 to 10 miles, maximum; so, this means that the scope has now widened! Please get out and about, in the fullness of time, so that we can offer her a great selection towards the end of April/ beginning of May.

Further to the email below from Anne Marie at the Arts Centre
Please can you note the following:
The Charles Flatt Quiz and the 200 Club draw will be held on Saturday 26th April @ 7.30pm.We do hope you will support this event and put in at least one team. The suggestion is 2 teams; if you are interested, please put ‘your’ team on the ‘quiz notice’ on the door into the music room.
The AGM, of the Garstang & District Arts Society, will be held on Saturday 12th April at 2pm.Everyone is invited. If your group cannot be represented then please let me know. Sue has kindly offered to attend and represent the club – thanks Sue!
Can you also send me a report of your Group’s activities over the last year please. (Done).
If you have any issues to bring up, please let me have them in advance of the meeting. Thank you. Any issues? Email me.

Don’t forget the new Challenge!
‘Above and Below.’
This is a show-and-tell for 19^th March. The idea here is an ‘open’ challenge – any subject, colour or monochrome – where you have taken the photographs NOT at eye level. So, down low or up high!

Coffee Duty:
Coffee and tea duty for this coming Wednesday is Claire and Alan – so, many thanks in advance!

Up and coming programme of events:
Wednesday 12^th February: 4 Way ‘Battle’ competition between: Garstang Camera Club, Arnside and Silverdale Photography Club (formally known as J36), Morecambe Camera Club and Lancaster Photographic Society. This ‘Battle’ has now been christened ‘GLAM.’
The actual judging will be via Zoom to the Arts Centre. Yvonne from Arnside and Silverdale Photography Club will be hosting the event from the Arts Centre and we are expecting a few guests from the 3 clubs – so could be busy! Unofficially, we may have upwards of 15/20 guests from the other clubs.
There will be no charge for coffee/tea and biscuits but we will be running a raffle so, any donations will be very gratefully received – please bring along any time – ta!

Wednesday 19^th February: Michael Berkeley, Via Zoom, on ‘Sport Photography.’

Wednesday 26th February: NZ Battle at 7.30am; bacon butties and fizz, all via zoom and live from NZ, in theory; watch this space!

In the evening: A talk by Tim, “A Trail of Two Oceans.” – A train journey across Africa.

Wednesday 5^th March: Tesni Ward: Via Zoom, British Wildlife.

Wednesday 12^th March: Humanity Cup judging by Nicki Ellis-Greenwood

That’s all folks….

Cheers

Mike

Morning All
Many thanks to all members who managed to enter some images for the latest challenge – non edited images – and I’m sure we all got something from them!

Latest challenge? See below!

Notices:
Email below from Anne Marie at the Arts Centre.
Hello All,
I attach for your information a copy of the Minutes of the last Exec meeting of the Arts Centre.
Please can you note the following:
The Charles Flatt Quiz and the 200 Club draw will be held on Saturday 26th April @ 7.30pm.We do hope you will support this event and put in at least one team. Team(s) anyone?
The AGM, (agenda attached), of the Garstang & District Arts Society will be held on Saturday 12th April at 2pm.Everyone is invited.If your group cannot be represented then please let me know. Anyone interested?
Can you also send me a report of your Group’s activities over the last year please. (Mike will do).
If you have any issues to bring up, please let me have them in advance of the meeting. Thank you. Any issues? Email me.
There will be another Easter Hamper raffle and donations to fill this are needed please.
Can you ask your members if they are able to volunteer to help in the cafe with serving and washing up on Tuesdays and Thursdays.If they could see Vanessa or Maddy and leave their contact details so that Vanessa can call them when help is needed.

New Challenge!
‘Above and Below.’
This is a show-and-tell for 19^th March. The idea here is an ‘open’ challenge – any subject, colour or monochrome – where you have taken the photographs NOT at eye level. So, down low or up high!

Badgers
Here are the names of the members who have expressed an interest in photographing the badgers at Wild Haweswater:
Lewis, Robin, Freda, Mike (J), Dave, Anne, Maurice and Shelly.
If I’ve missed you off this list, please contact me ASAP! Or you are interested.
The deadline for interest will be Friday 7^th February ‘cos I’ll need to book the hide(s).
Just to remind you:
Although the hide isn’t specifically set up for photography, it has 4 camera ports in it (two horizontal for use sitting down and two vertical for use standing up), so 4 is the optimum for photographers.
All available dates up to the end of June are on our website here: https://events.rspb.org.uk/haweswater (July dates will be released in February, August dates in March and so on, through to the final month of the season being October – dates released in May).
Cost: £141 is the full non-member price, RSPB members receive a 20% discount, £113. so, 4 members it would equal £35 each.

The Events Cup Competition
As I mentioned last week, I’m inviting submissions for the 2025 Events cup which will commence in April 2025.
PLEASE email me at info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk for any destination you may think will ‘fit-the-bill.’

Humanity Cup Competition; Our 4^th internal competition:
Image description: People in all environments, activities and emotions. People or people-related connections must be the focal point. More than one person may be included.
Details are on our website but just to remind you: last date for entry is 5^th February; that’s this coming Wednesday! The judging is on Wednesday 12^th March by Nicki Ellis-Greenwood.

L&CPU – last call!
Lancashire and Cheshire Photographic Union, (L&CPU), Annual Club Print & Projected Image Competitions: 1st & 2nd March 2025
Many thanks to those members who have already submitted images to Lewis.
We must have a minimum of 5 members to participate.
We are entering ONLY the PDI NOT entering prints.
PDI’s: there are two categories in this section – Open (which includes colour and monochrome) and Nature.
I attached the rules and guidelines for you to read in last week’s newsletter
If you wish to enter any PDI’s please send them to the usual email address, info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk for the attention of Lewis. Many thanks.
Deadline for submissions is FRIDAY 7^th February.

Display
Just to remind everyone; the display currently showing in the Arts Centre is coming down next week to be replaced by a group exhibition.
From the Arts Centre committee:
This next exhibition in the Music Room is going to be the Group Exhibitions. This is a chance to showcase yourselves and advertise to potential new members.
The idea is to get as creative as possible, to hang some beautiful embroidery, paintings, performance photographs, programmes, etc.
We’ve got A3 posters for each group ready.
Hanging would be done after the take down of the Open Exhibition, which is on Saturday 8th February, so Sunday 9th, Monday 10th, Tuesday 11th you may hang your fabulous display’s.
If you have any A5 prints we could put alongside ‘our’ exhibition please bring them along on Wednesday – cheers.

Coffee Duty:
Coffee and tea duty for this coming Wednesday is Mervyn and Freda – so, many thanks in advance!

Up and coming programme of events:
Wednesday 5^th February: Boyd Harris: ‘Live’ with a talk titled A Photographic Journey through History.

Wednesday 12^th February: 4 Way ‘Battle’ competition between: Garstang Camera Club, Arnside and Silverdale Photography Club (formally known as J36), Morecambe Camera Club and Lancaster Photographic Society. This ‘Battle’ has now been christened ‘GLAM’ I’ll leave you to work it out – any complaints to be directed to Stan!
The actual judging will be via Zoom to the Arts Centre. Yvonne from Arnside and Silverdale Photography Club will be hosting the event from the Arts Centre and we are expecting a few guests from the 3 clubs – so could be busy!
There will be no charge for coffee/tea and biscuits but we will be running a raffle so, any donations will be very gratefully received – please bring along any time – ta!

Wednesday 19^th February: Michael Berkeley, Via Zoom on ‘Sport Photography.’

Wednesday 26th February: NZ Battle at 7.30am; bacon butties and fizz, all via zoom and live from NZ, in theory; watch this space!

In the evening: A talk by Tim, “A Trail of Two Oceans.” – A train journey across Africa.

That’s all folks….

Cheers

Mike

Morning All
I thought Gordon Watson did a great job of judging our Creatures and Plants of the World Cup competition last Wednesday; he was very fair and gave his interpretation of each image, the positives and where each image could be improved.
So, thanks to all members who sent in images and I hope you got the feedback you needed!
And, finally, congratulations to John for being awarded the best image of the evening for the Wren in Flight print; beautifully captured.

Notices:
Lancashire and Cheshire Photographic Union
Annual Club Print & Projected Image Competitions: 1st & 2nd March 2025
As Lewis mentioned on Wednesday, we are entering the above competition as long as we have enough members interested.  
As Lewis said:

• We must have a minimum of 5 members to participate.
• We are entering ONLY the PDI NOT prints.
• PDI’s: there are two categories in this section – Open (which includes colour and monochrome) and Nature.

I have attached the rules and Guidelines for you to read through carefully and digest! We will answer any questions during our next meeting – this coming Wednesday, 29^th January.
If you wish to enter any PDI’s please send them to the usual email address, info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk  for the attention of Lewis. Many thanks.

Badgers, thanks here to Dave:
Hi Mike
Seeing badger picture last night reminded me of an evening badger viewing opportunity.
I sent info on last year which is running again this year starting from April.
Cost is £141 for exclusive use of hide for up to 8 people but cheaper if anyone is RSPB member. It is at the RSPB Badger Hide at Wild Haweswater.
If we can find 8 people wanting to go (all on the same evening could be difficult!!) it would be just under £18 each. The issue will be trying to agree on a date. So, if we knock out Wednesdays the following dates are available in April currently: April 1st, 3rd, 15th, 17th, 22nd, 24th and 29th.
However, when looking at dates last year they tend to get booked up, so any dates may have vanished before we can get a date agreed. All a bit difficult!
https://events.rspb.org.uk/events/97006#about
This is a link to Badger viewing: best to look at all frequently asked questions to understand the evening and how it works.
I’m in the process of inquiring about the above idea and will report back this Wednesday evening. In the meantime, if you are interested, please have a read.

The Events Cup Competition
As I mentioned last week, I’m inviting submissions for the 2025 Events cup which will commence in April 2025.
PLEASE email me at info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk for any destination you may think will ‘fit-the-bill.’
I have attached a list of the destinations that have been suggested so far, so thanks to everyone for their thoughts!
When I have these destinations, I will send them out to all members to vote on their favourites and the top 5 will be those chosen for 2025. Ta!
If there are any questions just email me or speak to me at the next meeting.
Just to remind everyone, images submitted for this cup competition are taken on the clubs 5 outings; 1 outing in each of the months of April, May, June, July and August.
As last year there will be 2 dates for each destination; one during the week and one at the weekend.

For this coming Members Evening on January 29^th.
Don’t forget the challenge!
The idea here is to take and show photographs; that is, an open category, colour or monochrome, of your choice.
However, you are NOT ALLOWED to edit your images in any editing suit. For example, no cropping.
You can show as many images as you like, within reason, of course!
Also, on this members evening, Stan will be showing, the 15 images we are submitting for the 4 way Battle on Wednesday 12^th February and the 30 images we are submitting for the New Zealand ‘Battle’.

Humanity Cup Competition; Our 4^th internal competition:
Image description: People in all environments, activities and emotions. People or people-related connections must be the focal point. More than one person may be included.
Details are on our website but just to remind you: last date for entry is 5^th February that’s 10 days away! The judging is on Wednesday 12^th March by Nicki Ellis-Greenwood.

Coffee Duty:
Coffee and tea duty for this coming Wednesday is Lewis and Brenda – so, may thanks in advance!

Up and coming programme of events:
Wednesday 29^th January: The 4 way Battle images, (15), and the New Zealand ‘Battle’ images, (30), shown by Stan and ‘show-and-tell’ challenge images – see above! Plus, I have some Wildlife Photographs of the year and a selection of some closeup images, ‘Wonders of the World,’ which you may find interesting!

Wednesday 5^th February: Boyd Harris: ‘Live’ with a talk titled ‘A Photographic Journey through History.’

Wednesday 12^th February: 4 Way ‘Battle’ competition between: Garstang, Arnside and Silverdale Photography Club (formally known as J36), Morecambe Camera Club and Lancaster Photographic Society. This ‘Battle’ has now been christened ‘GLAM’ I’ll leave you to work it out – any complaints to be directed to Stan!
Final details yet to be sorted but the actual judging will be via Zoom to the Arts Centre.

Wednesday 19^th February: Michael Berkeley, Via Zoom on ‘Sport Photography.’

That’s all folks….
Cheers

Mike

Morning All
Another cold and damp week ahead but don’t forget the ‘Alphabet’ challenge, get those cameras out, you never know when an opportunity will come!

Notices:
Steve Pendrill:
Below is an email from Steve, which, I think, is self-explanatory. For those with a long memory or the name might ring a bell, he gave a talk, to the club, back on  May 6^th 2015 titled ’30 years behind the lens.’

Hi Steve Pendrill here
I’m a professional Lancaster based photographer (formerly of the Garstang Courier) who is in the process of retiring. I’m sure I have actually given a talk to your members in the past, so my name may be familiar.
I am selling off my modest selection of studio equipment and was wondering if anyone there might be interested?
Without going into too much detail at this point, we’re talking… four working studio lights and accompanying reflectors/diffusers, stands, a large wheeled case (a nice one), a free standing 6’x7′ white backdrop (for rear lighting).
Stating the obvious here, but as a full working kit it would be ideal for someone wanting to take up studio portrait work.
For slightly more serious photography I also have a 4m wide white fabric backdrop and stand, ideal for groups/event work.
Camera-wise, have rather old nowadays but still working Nikon D200 (digital) and a slightly more modern Nikon D7100. Finally, I have a product shooting table, a monopod and one or two lenses to sell.
I look forward to hearing from you if you have any interest or suggestions and thanks for your time.
All the best
Steve

Now, if anyone is interested, please email me and I will send contact details for you to chat to Steve directly.

Message from Stan about Brian Bamber:
Brian Bamber was an active member of the club many years ago. Sadly, he died suddenly from a heart attack.
I know his daughter and she would like to donate a piece of kit to the club or any member.
The kit consists of Interfit EX 150 Mk11 Home studio flash kit. It is like new and in its original box.
We have decided to accept this donation and Stan will bring the studio flash kit in on Wednesday night so that we can all have a look at it. This kit will be available, as a loan, to any member to borrow.

Thoughts are now turning to The Events Cup Competition:
Just to remind everyone, images submitted for this cup competition are taken on the clubs 5 outings; 1 outing in each of the months of April, May, June, July and August.
As last year there will be 2 dates for each destination; one in the week and one at the weekend.
Last year members sent in 14 possible destinations and around late February/early March we voted on them and the top 5 were chosen for the Events Cup 2024. These 5 were Arnside and Silverdale to include Gait Burrow, Chester Zoo, Leighton Moss, Eycott Hill Nature Reserve and finally Skipton and Settle.
So, we need now ideas/thoughts/suggestions for the coming season and I’m inviting submissions for the 2025 Events cup which will commence in April 2025.
PLEASE email me at info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk for any destination you may think will ‘fit-the-bill.’  
When I have these destinations, I will send them out to all members to vote on their favourites and the top 5 will be those chosen for 2025. Ta!
If there are any questions just email me or speak to me at the next meeting.

For Members Evening January 29^th.
Don’t forget this new challenge!
The idea here is to take and show photographs; that is, an open category, colour or monochrome, of your choice.
However, you are NOT ALLOWED to edit your images in any editing suit. For example, no cropping.
You could take your photographs in JPEG format or RAW format.
I appreciate that JPEG images, straight from camera, are edited to a certain degree, however RAW images can be submitted. You could, if you wish show the same image in JPEG and RAW to show the difference but again NO editing!
You can show as many images as you like, within reason, of course!
It’s a bit of fun so, dust off that camera and PLEASE have a go now that the weather is more moderate. You can send your images to me and I’ll include them on a PowerPoint presentation so that they could be anonymous or bring them in on a USB stick so that they could be shown that way.
Also, on this members evening, Stan will be showing, with comments, the 30 images we are submitting for the New Zealand ‘Battle’.
This ‘Battle’ will, hopefully, be shown ‘live’ in the Arts Centre on February 26^th at 7.30 in the morning – Freda is threating bacon butties and I’m sure there will be something fizzy to drink! More info when we get it.

Humanity Cup Competition; Our 4^th internal competition:
Image description: People in all environments, activities and emotions. People or people-related connections must be the focal point. More than one person may be included.

Details are on our website but just to remind you: last date for entry is 5^th February that’s 17 days away! And the judging is on Wednesday 12^th March by Nicki Ellis-Greenwood.

Coffee Duty:

Coffee and tea duty for this coming Wednesday is Claire and Ian – may thanks in advance!

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 22^nd January: Our 3^rd internal competition, Creatures and Plants of the World Cup, judged by Gordon Watson. We have 70 images to be judged.

Wednesday 29^th January: New Zealand ‘Battle’ images shown by Stan and ‘show-and-tell’ images – see above!

Wednesday 5^th February: Boyd Harris: ‘Live’ with a talk titled A Photographic Journey through History.

Wednesday 12^th February: 4 Way ‘Battle’ competition between: Garstang, Arnside and Silverdale Photography Club (formally known as J36), Morecambe Camera Club and Lancaster Photographic Society. Final details yet to be sorted but the actual judging will be via Zoom to the Arts Centre.

That’s all folks….

Cheers

Mike

Morning All
Well, the thaw has set in; I do like cold and frosty mornings but it got just a little too cold! Still, we now have the opportunity moan about the rain/drizzle that’s about to arrive!

Notices:
Adjustment to the 2024/25 programme.
We have had to make a few small adjustments for the second half of the programme due to various reasons and I’ve attached an up to date copy. It has also been altered on are website – big thanks here to Tim for his technical skills!

Peter Frankish.
In case you can’t remember Peter is the gentleman who does a lot of work raising money for the St Catherines Hospice and, if you recall, not so long ago, we sent 19 prints of various Lake District photographs to him for sale to raise funds.
Anyway, I have received an email below, which, I think, is self-explanatory. If anyone can help, please get in touch with me – ta.

Peter’s email: I have just received a specific request from one of my co-volunteers at Brockholes Nature Reserve for a panoramic view of the Forrest of Bowland. Is this something that you may be able to help us with? I don’t have a timeframe as yet but please just consider the possibility.

Members Evening January 29^th.
A new challenge!
The idea here is to take and show photographs; that is, an open category, colour or monochrome, of your choice.
However, you are NOT ALLOWED to edit your images in any editing suit. For example, no cropping.
You could take your photographs in JPEG format or RAW format.
I appreciate that JPEG images, straight from camera, are edited to a certain degree, however RAW images can be submitted. You could, if you wish show the same image in JPEG and RAW to show the difference but again NO editing!
You can show as many images as you like, within reason, of course!
It’s a bit of fun so, dust off that camera and PLEASE have a go now that the weather is more moderate. You can send your images to me and I’ll include them on a PowerPoint presentation so that they could be anonymous or bring them in on a USB stick so that they could be shown that way.
Also, on this members evening, Stan will be showing, with comments, the 30 images we are submitting for the New Zealand ‘Battle’.
This ‘Battle’ will, hopefully, be shown ‘live’ in the Arts Centre on February 26^th at 7.30 in the morning – Freda is threating bacon butties and I’m sure there will be something fizzy to drink! More info when we get it.

Up and coming programme of events:
Wednesday 15^th January: Via Zoom, Geoff Reader, ‘An Evening with Geoff.’
My first section is Sport and has wild water, canoeing and paragliders amongst 7 sports. My landscapes use light to show mountains, ruins, Autumn Scenes, Seascapes etc to their best advantage. A short Misc section breaks up the first half. I am not a Nature Photographer but to complete my portfolio I include some of my favourite images.
After the break I cover my varied ‘People’ shots with some amusing stories of how I got the shot or suffered the consequences!

Wednesday 22^nd January: Our 3^rd internal competition, Creatures and Plants of the World Cup, judged by Gordon Watson. We have 70 images to be judged.

Wednesday 29^th January: New Zealand ‘Battle’ images and ‘show-and-tell’ images – see above!

Wednesday 5^th February: Boyd Harris: ‘Live’ with a talk titled A Photographic Journey through History.

That’s all folks….

Cheers

Mike

Morning All and a very happy, healthy and prosperous new year!

Not a lot of snow here in Forton but a keen east wind; did anyone get out and about in Garstang to get some snowy photographs for the 2026 calendar?

Notice:
Andy Stewart:
If you don’t know him, this is the guy who photographs amazing images of hares.
Andy is giving a viewing, an exhibition, at the Arts Centre, of his photographs in the new year, from the beginning of January 2025.
We, at the club, are, I believe, invited to a pre-showing on Sunday 5^th January;
However, I have rung him and left messages about this pre-showing but unfortunately, he hasn’t got back to me with any definite details. However, it is on from Tuesday 7^th January.

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 8th January: Via Zoom, Ruth Grindrod: Colour, Tones & Textures.
This presentation explores how colour, tone and texture are all interrelated in landscape photography. The talk explores how to apply the theory to practice and shows a range of her work from around the UK and further afield. This talk is more technical than the others but remains audience-friendly and caters for a wide audience.

Wednesday 15^th January: Via Zoom, Geoff Reader, ‘An Evening with Geoff.’
My first section is Sport and has wild water, canoeing and paragliders amongst 7 sports. My landscapes use light to show mountains, ruins, Autumn Scenes, Seascapes etc to their best advantage. A short Misc section breaks up the first half. I am not a Nature Photographer but to complete my portfolio I include some of my favourite images.
After the break I cover my varied ‘People’ shots with some amusing stories of how I got the shot or suffered the consequences!

Wednesday 22^nd January: Our 3^rd internal competition, Creatures and Plants of the World Cup, judged by Gordon Watson.

Wednesday 29^th January: Members Evening. Various activities are being organised; more info next week!

That’s all folks….

Cheers

Mike

Afternoon All

Well, that’s got rid of the shortest day so more light to look forward to from now on!
No excuse now not to go out with that camera and start looking for those alphabet photos!
Alphabet photos? Just to remind you:
NEW Challenge! Huge thanks here to Adrian for this idea!
It’s called ‘The Alphabet’ challenge.
The idea is to take photographs depicting all the letters of the alphabet.
You can take photographs of anything except actual letters! In theory, you could end up with 26 images!
So, for example, you could take a photograph of a farm/field gate and within that could be the letter ‘Z,’ or a picture of a hole in a hedge and this could be the letter ‘O.’ Having given you these 2 examples, you can’t use them now!
What you can’t do is take a photography of the Aldi sign and say that covers ‘A,’ ‘L,’ ‘D’ and ‘I’ – sorry!
This runs from now until the ‘show-and-tell’ which will be on the members evening on 19th November 2025, so plenty of time!

Pies, Peas and Puddings:
A big thanks here to Elaine, Lewis, Rhona and Robin for helping to set up the Arts Centre on Wednesday afternoon and thanks to all members who managed to spare the time to enjoy the food, quiz and the raffle and, of course, of the convivial atmosphere! 
Big apologises here to Frank who despite buying raffle tickets failed to secure a prize!
However, a huge thank you to Freda for organising the whole ‘operation’ from A to Z, so to speak, and making sure that all ran very successfully and smoothly and making sure those pies were hot! Thanks Freda!
In conjunction with the above – On Wednesday night we made the following:
Donation £5, Raffle £57 and monies of £70 (profit from the ticket sales) which gave a grand and very respectful total of £132. This money all contributes to the coffers of our club which helps pay for, amongst other things, our speakers!
So, again, big thanks to all!

Notice:
Andy Stewart:
If you don’t know him, this is the guy who photographs amazing images of hares; a message from Barry.
Andy is giving viewing, an exhibition, at the Arts Centre, of his photographs in the new year, from the beginning of January 2025. We, at the club, are, I believe, invited to a pre-showing on Sunday 5^th January. Further information in the next newsletter, so watch this space!

Message from the L&CPU (The Lancashire and Cheshire Photographic Union):
The L&CPU Annual Club Competition 2025 is planned for the weekend of 1 & 2 March and will be held at Elm Bank Conference Centre in Eccles.
Attached are the rules for the competition
The Competition will open for entries on Saturday 18 January 2025 and will be open for 4 weeks.
This timing will allow a review of the entries to confirm they comply with the rules.
Please have a careful read if you are interested.

Up and coming programme of events:
Wednesday 25th December: No meeting.

Wednesday 1st January: No meeting.

Wednesday 8th January: Via Zoom, Ruth Grindrod: Colour, Tones & Textures.
This presentation explores how colour, tone and texture are all interrelated in landscape photography. The talk explores how to apply the theory to practice and shows a range of her work from around the UK and further afield. This talk is more technical than the others but remains audience-friendly and caters for a wide audience.

Wednesday 15^th January: Via Zoom, Geoff Reader, ‘An Evening with Geoff.’
My first section is Sport and has wild water, canoeing and paragliders amongst 7 sports. My landscapes use light to show mountains, ruins, Autumn Scenes, Seascapes etc to their best advantage. A short Misc section breaks up the first half. I am not a Nature Photographer but to complete my portfolio I include some of my favourite images.
After the break I cover my varied ‘People’ shots with some amusing stories of how I got the shot or suffered the consequences!

That’s all folks….
As the year draws to a close, I want to say thank you for being a member of our club and your continued support and I wish you all a Merry Christmas and health, wealth and happiness, and great photography, in 2025.

Cheers

Mike

Morning All

Many thanks to all members who managed, in this busy time of year, to deliver some very edible sustenance for our coffee morning at the Arts Centre yesterday! Thanks also to Freda, Robin, Sue and Rhona for giving up their time to help out in the café and behind the scenes.
We were quite busy until about 11.15 then things quietened down; still, we managed to take £85.10 (not sure where to 10p came from), to add to our ‘coffers’, which all helps to fund the club.

Notices:

Message from Barry; gardening and photography combined?
Garstang Gardening Club: the club is organising a coach trip to:
Winton Park Gardens, Kirby Stephen: The five acres of farm land have been transformed into a garden which enshrines long herbaceous borders, a rose garden, rhododendrons and azaleas, spring and autumn flowering heathers, acers, hostas, ferns, pines, clipped hornbeams, statuary, pillars, several ponds and a waterfall.
The varying aspects of the garden are linked by a series of paths which culminate with the bridge over the stream on the highest part of the garden giving spectacular views of Wild Boar Fell and Mallerstang Edge.
An added bonus is the variety of wildlife attracted. Several red squirrels have taken up permanent residence, kingfishers are occasional visitors and each year Oyster Catchers nest within the boundaries of the garden.
PLUS:
Eggleston Hall, Nursery and garden, Barnard Castle: The walled garden specialises in rare and unusual species with an emphasis on hardy herbaceous stock, which thrive in the climate of the northern dales. The surrounding wall is home to a variety of fruit trees and an alphabetical apple walk has recently been planted.
The ruins of the old village church can be visited with some fine stone carving. There is a large sales area as well as wonderful borders, glasshouses and mature trees.
The above is planned for Thursday 29^th May 2025 and is at a very competitive price of only £42.50pp including lunch.
If you are interested, please contact: Janet Sharp 01524 793225

Wednesday 18th December: Creatures and Plants of the World Cup:
Please don’t forget – this is the last date for entry.
Any real creature or plant that was alive or was once alive. No toys, sculptures, nothing artificial and no people.

Peter Frankish:
Just to remind you, this is the gentleman to whom we sent 19 Lake District landscape images, some while back, which he mounts and frames and then sells them to raise funds for St. Catherines Hospice.
Email below, which I think is self-explanatory.

Hi Mike
Our year effectively came to a successful end at Penwortham Street market last night.
We sold Stan’s big winter scene over Skiddaw and your Castlerigg Stones was the raffle prize choice from about fifty options on display.
We also delivered the second ‘View of Catbells’ last night. That makes thirteen successes so far, raising £601 for the Hospice. From a standing start that is an excellent contribution to our overall totals of over 500 pictures and over £20k for the year.
I hope you are all proud of that achievement and that we can continue to collaborate. I’m always happy to consider any thoughts you might have regarding your ongoing support.
I hope you have a really enjoyable end to the year.
Best wishes
Peter

NEW Challenge! Huge thanks here to Adrian for this idea!
It’s called ‘The Alphabet’ challenge.
The idea is to take photographs depicting all the letters of the alphabet.
You can take photographs of anything except actual letters! In theory, you could end up with 26 images!
So, for example, you could take a photograph of a farm/field gate and within that could be the letter ‘Z,’ or a picture of a hole in a hedge and this could be the letter ‘O.’ Having given you these 2 examples, you can’t use them now!
What you can’t do is take a photography of the Aldi sign and say that covers ‘A,’ ‘L,’ ‘D’ and ‘I’ – sorry!
This runs from now until the ‘show-and-tell’ which will be on the members evening on 19th November 2025, so plenty of time!

Just out of interest, we will be running more ‘shorter’ challenges in the new year to be completed for various members evenings in 2025, watch this space, as they say!

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 18th December: Christmas meeting/quiz; social evening.

Wednesday 25th December: No meeting.

Wednesday 1st January: No meeting.

Wednesday 8th January: Via Zoom, Ruth Grindrod: Colour, Tones & Textures.
This presentation explores how colour, tone and texture are all interrelated in landscape photography. The talk explores how to apply the theory to practice and shows a range of her work from around the UK and further afield. This talk is more technical than the others but remains audience-friendly and caters for a wide audience.

Wednesday 15^th January: Via Zoom, Geoff Reader, ‘An Evening with Geoff.’
My first section is Sport and has wild water, canoeing and paragliders amongst 7 sports. My landscapes use light to show mountains, ruins, Autumn Scenes, Seascapes etc to their best advantage. A short Misc section breaks up the first half. I am not a Nature Photographer but to complete my portfolio I include some of my favourite images.
After the break I cover my varied ‘People’ shots with some amusing stories of how I got the shot or suffered the consequences!

That’s all for now folks and see you on Wednesday for the PPP!
Cheers

Mike

Morning All

Well, that was a drafty weekend; good job it wasn’t like this over the Victoria Festival last Monday and Tuesday.
Thanks to members who braved the elements and the crowds for the above! I’ll show a selection of photographs next Wednesday along with a few other images which, hopefully, will be of interest to everyone.

Notices:

Paul Mitchell:
Thanks to Paul for the ‘Woodland Walks’ talk last Wednesday, via zoom. I thought it was very interesting and certainly got away from the saying ‘Wood from the trees!’
I’ve attached his Photoshop and Lightroom notes as promised.

Garstang Victoria Christmas Festival:
I sent our photographs to Julie Holden and she emailed:

Hi Mike,
As I’ve just flicked through the photos, they have captured the festival perfectly! So, a big thank you to the photographers. Please pass on our gratitude.
We use the photos for our social media sites and also to promote Garstang Camera club as we have done for a few years now.
Please can you provide me with the names of the photographers and we can give them a mention too?
Many thanks as always
Julie

I did send her the names.

Christmas Tree:
A big thanks here to Freda and Maurice for organising ‘our’ tree at St. Thomas’s Church for last Friday and Saturday. For those who didn’t manage to visit I’ve attached a couple of photos to give you an idea of the time and work that went into ‘dressing’ it.
Apparently, it was a super tree ‘festival’ and I’m sure you will be disappointed to learn we didn’t win the vote for the best tree – I asked for a recount but that fell on deaf ears! It’s the taking part that counts – where have I heard that before!

Environment Cup:
Many thanks to Rhona and Tim who have put the top images from the competition on our Facebook page and on our website respectively – take a look if you didn’t manage to join us at the club for the judging.

The Arts Centre website:
New images are needed, from members, to put on the Arts Centre website.
So please, submit up to 6 images of your own you would like to display and I’ll co-ordinate them and send them to Vanessa. Please send any images in now.
Many thanks to those members who have managed to find the time!

Wednesday 11th December: Members Evening.
Please bring your camera and tripod!
Photographing Garstang Christmas lights and long exposure images.
We’ll be out and about taking images of the great Christmas lights display in and around Garstang; another photo opportunity for the 2026 calendar?
Stan has very kindly agreed to do a short talk, before we venture forth on:
Long Exposure – Traffic Light Trails, how I do it, and taking images of the Christmas Lights
Thanks Stan!
I anticipate going out in teams of 2 or 3, but individually if you want. I’m sure members with the most experience will be willing to help others with only a little/no knowledge of photographing in subdued lighting!

Saturday 14th December:
Coffee morning! This is the last coffee morning of the year and let’s hope it is without incident! Please bring along anything edible – it all helps to add funds to our coffers!
It would be greatly appreciated if you could email me if you are providing some nourishment so that I can organise the provisions! Ta.

Wednesday 18^th December:
Creatures and Plants of the World Cup:
Last date for entry is 18^th December.
Any real creature or plant that was alive or was once alive. No toys, sculptures, nothing artificial and no people.

Coffee/tea duty:
Sorry, can’t remember who is on the rota for next Wednesday – but, thanks in advance!

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 11^th December: Members Evening – Photographing Garstang Christmas lights and long exposure images. See above.

Wednesday 18^th December: Christmas meeting/quiz; social evening

Wednesday 25^th December: No meeting

Wednesday 1^st January: No meeting

Wednesday 8^th January: Via Zoom, Ruth Grindrod: Colour, Tones & Textures

Phew!
That’s all folks and see you on Wednesday.
Cheers
Mike

Morning All

Many thanks to everyone who managed to enter our 2^nd internal competition, The Environment Cup, judged last Wednesday by Will Stead.
I am sure we all enjoyed the evening, and learnt from it, and appreciated Will’s time and trouble appraising of each image. He described each photograph giving positive feedback as well as how, in his opinion it could be improved.

Notices:

Our Christmas tree
Our ‘tree’ will be in position in St. Thomas’s Church on Thursday 5^th December, ready for the festival on the Friday 6^th & Saturday 7^th.
Huge thanks here to Freda and Maurice for all their hard work in putting this together.
Please, if poss, visit the church during the 2 days and take a look and post a picture to Freda!

35mm film Camera Equipment looking for new home.
The info below from Mandy Knot, who emailed our Facebook page: Images attached.
This all belonged to my late uncle who died at the age of 95 earlier this year. He was a keen amateur photographer and I understand most of this was popular when released on to the market.
I do not think it is worth much and would really like it to go to someone who can use it and will appreciate it.
I can provide more photos and description if anyone is interested in any of it.
Mandy says: I am in Lancaster. Please DM me via Facebook Messenger to discuss. If you can’t do this email me and I’ll pass on your interest!

• Camera (35mm) – Canon AE-1 Program
• Lens in case – Canon 35mm 1984 Olympic Games edition FD 50mm 1:18
• Lens in case – Canon Zoom FD 70-210mm 1:4
• Lens in case – Hoya HMC Wide-Auto f=28mm
• Camera flashgun – Vivitar Zoom Thyristor 3500
• Filter – Hoya 52mm PL-CIR
• Lens Hood – Hoya Multi Lens Hood 58.0s
• Lens Hood – Hoya Multi Lens Hood 52.0s
• Filter holder screw fitting – BDB 46/44mm Filter Yellow X244mm

From Claire:
25% off with coupon code TEN.
It is now ten years since the publication of the first fotoVUE title, Photographing the Lake District by Stuart Holmes, and despite a very difficult time for publishers we are still here.
To mark this occasion, all books can be bought with a 25% discount using the coupon code TEN at the checkout.
Please share this coupon code with friends. This is good until the 10th December. Just search for the fotoVUE shop online.

The Garstang Victorian Christmas Festival:
The Garstang Victorian Christmas Festival will take place on Monday, December 2 and Tuesday, December 3, 2024 from 6–9 PM. Photo opportunity especially for the 2026 calendar.
As mentioned last Wednesday Julie Holden has asked if we could submit images to her as she would like to use them for advertising the event as well as images for the record.
If you want, PLEASE submit any images to me, as soon as poss, preferably by Wednesday 4^th December, on info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk and I will collate them and send to Julie. Many thanks.
PLUS: I’ll show the images during members evening on 11^th December. If you want them to be shown anonymously just let me know, it’s no problem.

The Arts Centre website:
New images are needed, from members, to put on the Arts Centre website.
If you look at the website there are images there but they are out of date.
So please, submit up to 6 images of your own you would like to display and I’ll co-ordinate them and send them to Vanessa. Please send any images in now.
Many thanks to those members who have managed to find the time!

Wednesday 11th December: Members Evening.
Please bring your camera and tripod!
Photographing Garstang Christmas lights and long exposure images.
We’ll be out and about taking images of the great Christmas lights display in and around Garstang; another photo opportunity for the 2026 calendar!
I anticipate going out in teams of 2 or 3, but individually if you want. I’m sure members with the most experience will be willing to help others with only a little/no knowledge of photographing in subdued lighting! If it’s raining so much the better – I think!

Saturday 14th December:
Coffee morning! This is the last coffee morning of the year and let’s hope it is without incident! Please bring along anything edible – it all helps to add funds to our coffers!

Wednesday 18^th December:
Creatures and Plants of the World Cup:
Last date for entry is 18^th December.
Any real creature or plant that was alive or was once alive. No toys, sculptures, nothing artificial and no people.

Wednesday 18^th December:
Christmas meeting/quiz; social evening. LAST ORDERS! Email today if you want to join us – bookings close at midnight!
Many thanks to everyone who has booked with Freda and looking forward to the PPP event!
If you have the chance a raffle prize would be most welcome and many thanks to members who have already donated!

Coffee/tea duty:
Sorry, can’t remember who is on the rota for next Wednesday – but, thanks in advance!

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 4th December: Paul Mitchell: Via Zoom. Woodland Walks.
Paul writes: ‘Woodland Ways’ This talk centres around some of Paul’s favourite woodland locations including Burnham Beeches, Savernake Forest and various locations throughout the UK. Paul’s talk is fully illustrated with digitally projected images and prints made throughout the four seasons.

Wednesday 11^th December: Members Evening – Photographing Garstang Christmas lights and long exposure images. See above.

Wednesday 18^th December: Christmas meeting/quiz; social evening

Wednesday 25^th December: No meeting

Wednesday 1^st January: No meeting

Wednesday 8^th January: Via Zoom, Ruth Grindrod: Colour, Tones & Textures

Phew!
That’s all folks and see you on Wednesday.
Cheers

Mike