Evening All,

This Wednesday presents us with not one, but two major events of national importance.
First – and arguably the more exciting, depending on where your loyalties lie – we have the third instalment of our Camera Photography Course at the Arts Centre, kicking off at 7pm.
Secondly, there’s apparently some football match taking place… England v Argentina. (No comments about the Falklands, please – we’re a photography club, not the Foreign Office!)
So, how do we keep both the photographers and the football fans happy?
After consulting as many members as I could corner, the general consensus is this: we’ll begin with Stan’s presentation on Long Exposure and Freezing the Action – Being Creative with Shutter Speed. Rather fitting, really, as he’ll be explaining how to freeze the action just before 22 people spend 90 or more minutes trying to avoid doing exactly that.
Once Stan has finished, at around 7.40pm, we’ll aim to show the match from 8pm. Those wanting to head out on the practical sessions can do so, while anyone wishing to cheer, groan, or loudly question the referee’s eyesight can stay and watch the game.
As for how we’ll show the match… I’m currently working on that minor technical detail! But with a bit of luck solved!
Hopefully this strikes a good balance – or at least it’s the best idea we’ve come up with so far.

Cheers,

Mike

Morning All

Many thanks, again, to all who helped out with our ‘guests’ for the second, of four, of our camera course. For the record we ‘lost’ two, but gained 2; so, quite comfortable with that!
Stan’s talk next Wednesday is ‘Long Exposure and freezing the action; being creative with shutter speed.’ 
If possible, please bring tripods and ND filters and adapter ring, so that, if necessary, we could lend them, very temporarily, to our ‘guests.’ Ta!
We have for photo opportunities: A bubble machine, hula-hoop, football and dog with ball!

Notices:

Last reminder – Events Cup:
Our 4^th visit for the Events Cup is Wycoller Country Park, about an hours’ drive – 44 miles, is on either Monday 13^th July OR Sunday 19^th July.
Just a reminder you can only pick one of those dates/days.
Lots of details in last week’s newsletter.

Email from Maddy – Arts Centre:
Good afternoon, all.
I hope you’re well.
We thought we’d make you aware of an upcoming charity event. Although it’s external from the Arts Centre, it’s for such a wonderful cause and the lovely lady Pip Flegel, who will be dressed as Dolly Parton, running the event asked if we could spread the word to any musically inclined people we know.
It’s a 24-Hour Sing-a-thonin aid of CancerHelp and WRACA. Held in Cherestanc Square next to Booths on the 16th, 17th, and 18th July 10am – 6pm.
You may have seen the posters around with more information. Volunteers wanted to join her and take part with singing and instruments please get in touch with her at pipflegel2009@gmail.com or 0737509532
Best wishes and have a lovely weekend,
Madeline

Up and coming programme of events:

Monday 13^th July – Events Cup: Possible visit to Wycoller Country Park.

Wednesday 15^th July – Camera course: the third of 4 weeks.

Sunday 19^th July – Events Cup: Possible visit to Wycoller Country Park

Wednesday 22^nd July – Camera course: the fourth of 4 weeks.

Wednesday 29^th July – Club outing to Sunderland Point.

Wednesday 5^th August – Club outing to the Crook o’ Lune

That’s all folks!

Mike

Morning All
Well, the camera course, week one, of four, we can safely say, was a great success; we had 22 ‘guests’ out of a possible 24 who attended – and those 2 sent their apologies!
Huge thank you to all members who specifically accompanied and engaged with small groups of ‘guests.’
And, thanks to Sue, Adrian and Freda.
I’ve had 3 emails thanking us: quotes….
“Thank you so much for last night’s session. I loved it!”
“Great night last night and learnt plenty!”
“Super first night of the course and really looking forward to the next 3!”
The members and ‘guests’ created a real genuine buzz in the club, always reassuring and proof that photographers will happily point expensive cameras/iPhones at almost anything if given half a chance! And, I think there was lots of enthusiasm amongst our ‘guests’ who seemed to be soaking up the information!
The only slight hitch was the rain deciding to make an early guest appearance. Clearly, even the weather wanted to be part of the course… it just arrived a little too enthusiastically. Still, no real complaint – it wouldn’t be Britain without a bit of liquid sunshine!
Next Wednesday’s BBC’s weather forecast looks good – fingers crossed!
So, thanks again to everyone involved and if nothing else it put the camera club on-the-Garstang-map!

Notices:

Message from Frank.
Possible trip to a family run, Photography Business in Otterbourne, Hampshire called Otterbourne Hides!
Here’s a link to their website, https://www.petewhieldonphotography.co.uk/
Frank knows these people and the set-up very well and it all comes very highly recommended.
Frank emailed them and said:
“I was speaking to a couple of members from my camera club and they are interested in spending a day with the owls etc.
There would probably be five of us in total.  Please can you advise on costs and available dates. Given the distance we have to travel, would it be possible to do an afternoon session followed by a morning session?
We are thinking of travelling down the first morning and then travelling back the following afternoon.
They replied:
Yes, our Owl Workshops are usually aimed at 5/6 people so that would be great.  It’s usually £150pp for a 3-hour session but if you booked as a group and could get at least 5 people, I could do for £100pp.
I would be happy to do an afternoon session for you, maybe say 1-4PM?
The next morning, depending on when you came, you could use the Kingfisher hide maybe? As this could accommodate up to 5/6 people also.
I could do £50pp for half day Kingfishers. We re-open these hides in August.
So, costs per person:
Owl hide = £100 + Kingfisher hide = £50, total = £150
Plus, overnight accommodation perhaps £100. Frank is researching possible Pub with rooms including breakfast.
5 members in 2 cars, therefore sharing fuel costs.
Obviously, it would be an early set-off on day 1 ‘cos we would need to be in Hampshire for latest 12 noon ish.
And setting back, after the Kingfisher hide, between 12 noon and 1pm ish. Getting back about 6.30pm.
Travelling time would be approx. 5 to 5 and half hours each way.
Interested? This trip is open to 5 members only – so, it is a first come first served basis!
If you are interested email mike on info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk ASAP to reserve a spot. Chat to Frank on Wednesday if you need further details.
Huge thanks to Frank for putting this trip forward!

Events Cup: Map attached.
Our 4^th visit for the Events Cup is Wycoller Country Park, about an hours’ drive – 44 miles, is on either Monday 13^th July OR Sunday 19^th July.
Just a reminder you can only pick one of those dates/days.
Wycoller Country Park, Trawden is one of the prettiest country parks in Lancashire. The area is famous for its association with the Brontë sisters who referred to many of the nearby landmarks in books such as Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre.
Wycoller Country Park is a mixture of woodland and farmland and has many footpaths leading to local beauty spots which include Bank House and Wycoller Beck.
There are toilets and a picnic area at the site.
Parking
There are 2 car parks: one at Trawden Road and one at Howarth Road. To prevent traffic congestion in the village, cars are not permitted beyond the car parks (unless driven by a registered disabled person).
The car parks are pay and display. The charge is £1 per day and payment is by card or phone
GR: SD 933 391
Postcode: BB8 8SU
Ancient Bridges and Architecture
Wycoller is home to several ancient bridges, showcasing medieval architecture and craftsmanship. The Clam Bridge, the Pack Horse Bridge, and the Clapper Bridge are significant features of the park. The Clam Bridge, estimated to be over 1,000 years old, is particularly noteworthy. These ancient structures emphasize the historical depth and cultural significance of the area.
Visitor Centre
The Wycoller Country Park visitor centre serves as an essential hub for information and services. Here, visitors can learn about the park’s history, flora, and fauna, and obtain maps and guides. The visitor centre also houses a quaint café, where you can enjoy light refreshments while taking in the scenic views.
The Village of Wycoller
Charming Village Atmosphere
The small village of Wycoller, nestled within the country park, adds to the area’s enchanting allure. Cobbled streets, traditional stone cottages, and historic farm buildings create a charming and timeless atmosphere. It’s easy to lose oneself in the serene beauty and quiet charm of this picturesque village.

Garstang Show:
We are having a stand at Garstang Show – Saturday 1^st August
Part of our stand consists of 2 boards onto which we ‘stick’ prints to illustrate the camera club images and what we do.
I need some help transporting these boards to the show ground – can you help?
They will need to be transported Friday morning 11ish to the showground and moved off the show ground Saturday about 5.30pm.
The boards are one and half inches thick (40mm), 6 foot high (1,830mm) and 3 feet wide (920mm). Please get in touch with Mike on info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk or ring 07340 314408 if you can help – ta!

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 8^th July – Camera course: the second of 4 weeks.

Monday 13^th July – Events Cup: Possible visit to Wycoller Country Park.

Wednesday 15^th July – Camera course: the third of 4 weeks.

Sunday 19^th July – Events Cup: Possible visit to Wycoller Country Park

Wednesday 22^nd July – Camera course: the fourth of 4 weeks.

Wednesday 29^th July – Club outing to Sunderland Point.

That’s all folks!

Mike

Morning All

A big thanks to Freda for overseeing the visit to Skippool Creek a couple of Wednesdays ago and for running the show-and-tell meeting last Wednesday. Thanks Freda!

Notices:

Today, Sunday 28^th June:
An invitation to attend a preview of an exhibition shown by Peter Frankish who, if you remember, raises money for St. Catherines Hospice.
This is on from 2pm – 4pm at the Arts Centre. All members are cordially invited to pop along and see this exhibition.

Camera Course – details:
As a reminder we are running our Camera Course, ‘From Auto to Awesome: A 4 – week Camera Course.’ from July 1^st until July 22^nd inclusive, starting at 7pm NOT 7.30.
The theme for the first week is: Camera Controls – How a camera works, ‘Stops,’ Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO and using manual not auto.
This talk will be delivered by Stan.

Events Cup:
Our 4^th visit for the Events Cup is Wycoller Country Park, about an hours’ drive – 44 miles, is on either Monday 13^th July OR Sunday 19^th July.
Just a reminder you can only pick one of those dates/days.
Further details will follow in the next newsletter.

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 1^st July – Camera course: the first of 4 weeks.

Wednesday 8^th July – Camera course: the second of 4 weeks.

Monday 13^th July – Events Cup: Wycoller Country Park

Wednesday 15^th July – Camera course: the third of 4 weeks.

Sunday 19^th July – Events Cup: Wycoller Country Park

Wednesday 22^nd July – Camera course: the fourth of weeks.

That’s all folks!

Mike

Morning All

Fleetwood Wrecks? More Like Fleetwood Success!
Well, this outing turned out to be a considerable improvement on Lytham – although, to be fair, the bar wasn’t exactly set at Olympic high-jump level! It really couldn’t have gone much worse than last time.
The weather was surprisingly well-behaved for a change. No rain, which in itself felt like a minor miracle, although it was a bit chilly with occasional sunny spells thrown in to keep us guessing.
A hardy band of 13 photographers spent the evening tramping around with cameras at the ready, photographing wildlife and, of course, the five famous wrecks. The only disappointment was the tide. I’d been dreaming of artistic long-exposure shots with seawater swirling dramatically around the wrecks. Unfortunately, while it was high tide, it was also a ‘low’ high tide – if that makes any sense at all. The sea clearly hadn’t read the script.
Still, you can’t have everything. If photographers had perfect conditions every week, we’d have nothing to moan about!
Next week we’re off to Skippool Creek. More details will follow later in the newsletter – assuming the tide, weather, and general laws of nature decide to cooperate.

Notices:

Holiday:
I’m away on hols from Tuesday 16^th June until Wednesday 24^th June inclusive. Freda is the contact point on info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk if you need any info.
So, therefore, there will be no newsletter on Sunday 21^st June!
I know you will be really disappointed but don’t get withdrawal symptoms ‘cos it will resume again on the following Sunday, 28^th June!

Summer outing:
Skippool Creek next Wednesday 17^th June.
Wyre Road, Thornton-Cleveleys FY5 5LG; 10 miles and about 17 minutes.
I suggest you meet at Kirkland Memorial Hall, The Avenue, Churchtown, Garstang, PR3 0HR at 6.30pm and car share where appropriate.
If we leave at, say 6.40pm, we’ll be there for 7pm.
If you can’t make this time, you can obviously make your own way there and meet up with us.
It could well be muddy/wet so I suggest suitable footwear!

Camera Course details:
As a reminder we are running our Camera Course,
‘From Auto to Awesome: A 4 – week Camera Course.’
from July 1^st until July 22^nd inclusive, starting at 7pm NOT 7.30.
I need to emphasise that the camera course is open to ALL MEMBERS, not just those who have asked to join the course.
Last year we had a range of cameras that our ‘guests’ brought in, these included, in no particular order, Nikon, Samsung, Canon, Kodak, Lumix, Panasonic, Olympus and of course, iPhones!
So, I’m asking, very kindly, of course, if any member would be willing to help up to 2/3/4 people with their camera during the ‘practical sessions.’
These practical sessions will last up to about an hour to an hour and a quarter. Obviously, I would like to match their camera make to a member who has a similar camera make.
By help I don’t mean a ‘deep dive’ into their camera! However, I think it is really important that the people go away with a new skill and a slightly better understanding of their camera – even if it is a few images taken in ‘auto!’
Also, it would be great to show the social and the companionship side of our club and you never know they may join! Joining, though, isn’t the ‘end-product’ it is getting our name out there in the local area and helping folk.
If you are able to help with the above, please email me on info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk so that I can begin to coordinate members to people and remind me what make of camera you have, thanks.
If on the other hand you want to help out in any other way still email in, please, ‘cos you may have some great ideas that we haven’t thought of!
Thanks for reading the above and I know it may be a big ask but any assistance will support a smoother operation!
I’ve attached a basic ‘course content’ for you confirming dates and times; this I will send to all the people who contact me.

Wednesday 24^th June:
As mentioned below, this evening at the Arts Centre, is for members to SAT (Show and Tell), their images from the 4 previous summers ‘outings’ that is, Brockholes, Lytham (!), Fleetwood and Skippool Creek. Please be free, also, to SAT any other images that you may have taken over the previous 4 weeks. There is no set plan for this Wednesday’s get together – it is an open type meeting.

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 17th June – Club outing to Skippool Creek

Wednesday 24th June – Show and Tell. An opportunity for members to show their images taken from the 4 outings since Wednesday 27th May.

Sunday 28^th June – An invitation to attend a preview of an exhibition shown by Peter Frankish who, if you remember, raises money for St. Catherines Hospice This is on from 2pm – 4pm at the Arts Centre. All members are cordially invited to pop along and see this exhibition.

Wednesday 1^st July – Camera course: the first of 4 weeks.

Wednesday 8^th July – Camera course: the second of 4 weeks.

That’s all folks!

Mike

Morning All

Lytham!
Well, Mike (Hollinate) and I bravely seized the opportunity for an evening shoot in Lytham, only to discover that autumn had apparently arrived several months ahead of schedule. The weather treated us to a delightful combination of wind, cold, and the occasional icy shower – just enough to remind us why sofas were invented.
Undeterred, we managed to capture some wonderfully dramatic skies, with brief appearances from the sun that seemed to last about as long as our Prime Minister’s promises! I even resorted to black and white photography, partly for artistic reasons and partly because colour seemed to have packed up and gone home.
In a desperate search for signs of life, we took a drive around town, but Lytham appeared to have been abandoned. Whether everyone was indoors keeping warm or had simply migrated south for the winter remains unclear.
We did encounter Stan, who had ventured down the slipway, possibly in pursuit of some long-exposure masterpieces. However, after assessing the conditions, he declared it was far too cold and announced he was heading home, in his car, for a piece of toast. Frankly, that may have been the highlight of the evening.
Those who wisely chose to stay at home in front of the television, with a hot drink and functioning central heating, probably made the better decision.
Still, photographers are an optimistic bunch. Onwards and upwards – and hopefully warmer and drier – to the Fleetwood Wrecks next Wednesday!

Notices:

The next Events Cup destination – Appleby. 53 miles – 1 hour and 6 minutes
Dates either Thursday 11^th June OR Saturday 13^th June
Unique Event!
Appleby Horse Fair: Held annually, 6^th June until the 10^th June, this historic gypsy and traveller gathering features horse parades, river bathing, and a vibrant market. It attracts thousands of visitors and is one of Europe’s largest horse fairs.
For the reason above I’m going on the Saturday – it may be quieter!
Parking: Broad Close Car Park, Appleby-in-Westmorland CA16 6QR, UK. Takes cash or Payby Phone app. I think no contactless!
Boundary map attached. Good luck!

Summer outing: The Fleetwood Wrecks: Next Wednesday, 10^th June
34 minutes, 18 miles. FY7 6FN
I suggest we meet at Kirkland Memorial Hall, The Avenue, Churchtown, Garstang, PR3 0HR at 6.30pm and car share where appropriate.
If we leave at, say 6.40pm, we’ll be there for 7.15/20pm.
If you can’t make this time, you can obviously make your own way there and meet up with us.
There is a high tide at 7.50pm.
Weather: light rain showers and a moderate breeze; so, another warm summer evening then eh!
Mainly due to the weather forecast and a high tide I shall be wearing wellies! I thought I would let you know.
In addition to the wrecks there is the Fleetwood Marsh Nature Reserve – possible wildlife images?

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 10th June – Club outing to the Fleetwood wrecks

Thursday 11th June – Possible Events Cup visit to Appleby

Saturday 13th June – Possible Events Cup visit to Appleby

Wednesday 17th June – Club outing to Skippool Creek, details next week.

Wednesday 24th June – Show and Tell. An opportunity for members to show their images taken from the 4 outings since Wednesday 27th May.

Sunday 28^th June – An invitation to attend a preview of an exhibition shown by Peter Frankish who, if you remember, raises money for St. Catherines Hospice. This is on from 2pm – 4pm at the Arts Centre. All members are cordially invited to pop along and see this exhibition.

Wednesday 1^st July – Camera course: the first of 4 weeks, more details in the next newsletter.

Short and sweet today, eh!
That’s all folks and see you Wednesday at The Fleetwood wrecks!

Mike

Morning All

Well done to all members who managed the time to get to Brockholes NR last Wednesday evening.
Very pleasant evening with quite a lot of wildlife including several sightings of Deer.

Notices:

Great news part 1:
Many thanks to Ian for his diligent skills this morning, Saturday, in removing the projector down from the ceiling, taking it apart, giving it a really good clean, putting it back together, (no screws left over), putting back on the ceiling and re-aligning it! Not an easy task, I can assure you!
So, when the new computer is ready, we will test it out for colour accuracy.

Great news part 2:
Ian has volunteered to become the new club Programme Secretary. Many thanks Ian! He and I will work together to produce the 2027 – 2028 programme and then Ian will take over.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to Ian for committing his time to supporting this important part of the club.

Outings:

Important: Change in the summer programme
I’ve made a management decision!
Next week’s outing was going to be The Fleetwood Wrecks.
However, I’ve swopped it for Lytham. For two reasons.
Firstly, the weather looks poor and we will be able to get shelter in Lytham; there’s no shelter where we go near Fleetwood!
And, secondly, on Wednesday 10^th June, for the Fleetwood outing, there is a high tide at 7.55pm giving much better chances of good photographs with the tide in and not out!
So, this coming Wednesday we will be going to Lytham.
Lytham outing: NOT St. Annes!
I suggest we meet at Kirkland Memorial Hall, The Avenue, Churchtown, Garstang, PR3 0HR at 6.30pm and car share where appropriate.
If we leave at, say 6.40pm, it is a 30 mins drive so we should be there just after 7pm.
If you can’t make this time, you can obviously make your own way there and meet up with us.
Park at: Bath Street Pay & Display Car Park: FY8 5LB
Or
There should be room for on-street parking.

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 3rd June – Club outing to Lytham

Wednesday 10th June – Club outing to the Fleetwood wrecks

Thursday 11th June – Possible Events Cup visit to Appleby

Saturday 13th June – Possible Events Cup visit to Appleby

Wednesday 17th June – Club outing to Skippool Creek

Wednesday 24^th June – Show and Tell. An opportunity for members to show their images taken from the 4 outings since Wednesday 27^th May.

Short and sweet eh!
That’s all folks and see you Wednesday at Lytham.

Mike