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

Morning All

Bank Holiday Monday and a heat wave in the same sentence? I genuinely thought one of those was a typo! Usually, Bank Holidays come with a complimentary yellow weather warning and at least one barbecue sheltering under a gazebo.
Naturally, the cynic in me now assumes we’re approximately 2 weeks away from a nationwide hosepipe ban and headlines about reservoirs running dry.
Ah well… enjoy the sunshine while Britain still permits it!

Presentation Evening!
The Garstang Camera Club Presentation Evening at the Arts Centre proved once again that photographers can, in fact, emerge from behind their cameras long enough to eat buffet food and applaud each other enthusiastically.
Congratulations to all members who bravely submitted images for judging in our five competitions and scored sufficient marks to be included. Entering your work for public scrutiny takes courage, strong nerves, and occasionally a large cup of tea. Hats off to all the worthy winners who proudly collected certificates, trophies, and, most importantly, bragging rights for the next twelve months.
Special congratulations go to Stan, who walked away with the hard-fought and highly prestigious title of *Photographer of the Year*. Stan has spent the season quietly hoovering up competition wins with alarming consistency, so nobody was entirely surprised — although several members are now reportedly studying his camera settings in secret.
A huge thank you to Freda and Robin for their sterling assistance to Betty and her excellent catering crew. The buffet on Wednesday evening was nothing short of a military operation in efficiency. By all accounts, the food was superb, the puddings vanished at record speed, and second helpings were pursued with the determination usually reserved for wildlife photographers stalking rare birds.
The evening was not only about trophies and certificates but also highlighted the wonderfully social side of the club. Thanks to the 35 members who managed to prise themselves away from busy schedules, television remotes, and editing software to attend. Everyone was warmly welcomed — even the very late arrivals. Ian, we accept your excuse… this time.
The atmosphere throughout the evening was lively and cheerful, helped in no small part by the occasional appearance of certain alcoholic refreshments. It is remarkable how much more artistic everyone becomes after half a glass of wine.
Many thanks to our distinguished guests, the Lady Mayor and Tony, for attending, with the Lady Mayor kindly presenting the awards to our delighted winners. Rumour has it some members practiced their “surprised winner” faces in advance.
Finally, enormous thanks to Lewis, our indefatigable Competition Secretary, whose meticulous record-keeping throughout the season ensured the evening ran smoother than a freshly cleaned camera lens. Organising photographers is no small achievement and deserves a medal in itself.
Don’t forget to check the club website to see Maurice’s photographs from the evening — proof that photographers do occasionally allow themselves to be photographed.
And last but certainly not least, the raffle raised an excellent £120 thanks to the wonderfully generous prizes donated by members and the enthusiastic purchasing of raffle tickets. This welcome boost to club funds may even stretch to booking a speaker or two… though perhaps not David Bailey just yet.

Stan:
Huge congratulations to Stan on winning Photographer of the Year on Wednesday at the camera club’s annual presentation evening.
Stan, now a proud nine-time POTY champion, has announced he is retiring at the very top of his game, and while he’s still ahead — and quite right too, or at least before the trophy starts asking for membership fees.
He’s decided to hang up his metaphorical trophy cabinet and pour all his energy into supporting the club. Very gracious, very modest, and just so legendary.
As the 41-year-old tennis player Stan Wawrinka reportedly said this morning, perhaps referring to Stan? “I have squeezed the last drop from the lemon.”

Notices:
Calendar Photographs:
Many thanks to all members you managed to submit images for the voting that took place after the AGM.
The scores are in!
From the 73 entered I’ve sent, to the Arts Centre committee, 38 which were the highest scoring – see attached for the titles.
The Arts Centre committee will now meet and reduce this number to either 12 (one for each month) or maybe 14, to include a front and back page to the calendar.
As soon as I know the picked images I’ll let you all know via a regular newsletter.

Peter Frankish:
Just to remind: Peter raises money for St. Catherine’s Hospice and we gave him 20 prints for him to mount and frame and sell to raise these much-needed funds.
I’ve attached a ‘flyer’ which he has sent me which explains the context in which they will be shown.
If you read the flyer, you will see there is an invitation to attend a preview on Sunday 28^th June from 2pm – 4pm. All members are cordially invited to pop along and see the exhibition.

Summer Programme
Just to confirm: as per the ‘Summer’ programme we are out and about for the next 4 weeks, this means we are NOT meeting at the Arts Centre.
Any images taken on these next 4 outings can be shown on the 24^th June in the Arts centre.

Brockholes Nature Reserve. This Wednesday. Map of reserve attached.
I suggest we meet at Kirkland Memorial Hall, The Avenue, Churchtown, Garstang, PR3 0HR at 6.30 and car share where appropriate. If we leave soon after, say 6.35 it is a 25 mins drive so we should be there by 7pm.
If you can’t make this time, you can obviously make your own way there and meet up with us.
As you can see below the car park shuts at 9pm SHARP! So that will give us 2 hours.
If you park ‘outside’ the car park entrance you can stay in the reserve as long as you want – sunset is at 21.25.
You can see where to park ‘outside’ ‘cos as you approach the entrance there will be quite a few cars parked. It takes about 15 mins to walk to the reserve.

Reserve opening hours:
Car Park: Open 6am – 9pm: £6 per car

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 27^th May – Club outing to Brockholes Nature Reserve.

Wednesday 3^rd June – Club outing to the Fleetwood wrecks

Wednesday 10^th June – Club outing to Lytham

Thursday 11^th June – Possible Events Cup visit to Appleby

Saturday 13^th June – Possible Events Cup visit to Appleby

Wednesday 17^th June – Club outing to Skippool Creek

That’s all folks and see you Wednesday at Brockholes Nature Reserve!

Mike

Morning All

Many thanks to all the members (25) who managed to attend this year’s AGM instead of basking in this lovely warm spring weather! Ha!

AGM – summary:
Finance:
A comprehensive treasurers’ report from Robin including:
The Balance sheet, Profit and Loss account and the Budget for 2026/27.
Robin also confirmed that the fees for 2026 – 2027 will remain at £60 per person.

Chair:
Discussion on Competition statistics – number of entries in the last 3 years and competition statistics – prints only.
Report on the last 12 months.

Re-election of the committee members.

AOB.
Slide show  by Stan: highlighting membership stats over the past several years and the reasons for change.
2 discussion points from Dom:
1. How do we increase knowledge sharing across the members – Skills workshops (like the Frank session)? or practice events?
2. How do we entice younger members to the club? Have we considered a youth section of the club? I would be more than happy to teach kids / young adults that are interested.

Chair’s choice of image – result next Wednesday.

Summer Season Programme shown and discussed.

The main programme for 2026 – 2027 shown and discussed.

The Challenges and dates for Show-and-tell (SAT) for next season also shown.

Voting on the Calendar images. Images chosen sent to The Arts Centre committee.

8 Documents attached; these include:
Balance Sheet with the Profit and Loss account, Budget for 2026/27, two competition stats, the list of the committee members, the Summer Programme for 2026, The Main Programme for 2026- 2027 and the Challenges and dates for Show-and-tell (SAT) for next season.

The Show and Tell (SAT)
These ‘challenges’ are incorporated into the main programme throughout 2026 – 2027.
This is to try and encourage members to take part and get involved in the club and of course to use your mobile phones, iPads and cameras!
You don’t have to take part! And it’s NOT a competition. However, please do have a go if poss!
Showing your images?
Bring the images in on a USB ‘Stick’ and chat about them from the front.
Bring the images in on a USB ‘Stick’, chat about them but remain seated.
Bring the images in on a USB ‘Stick’ and these will be shown anonymously.
Send the images to me and I’ll show them in a PowerPoint presentation on the appropriate date; kept anonymous.
You can take any of these challenge images at any time but they are to be shown on specific dates shown in the programme.

For example:
The first SAT is any image that has Red and/or yellow in it and must be taken by mobile phone or iPad only; no camera!
If you look at the main programme the date to show this challenge is Wednesday 23^rd September.
NB. The challenges in red, (see attachment), for example – * Landscapes (30.09.26) – follow on from a talk by a speaker – just to get you enthused!
If you have any questions please just get in touch – it’s no problem!

Raffle:
As usual we will be running a raffle on Wednesday 20^th May (presentation evening) so, if anyone would like to donate a prize, it would be very appreciative!

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 20^th May – Our final social gathering together of the ‘main season’ with the presentation of the certificates and the trophies.
We will be having the usual excellent buffet from ‘Betty’ and her team and this will be served just after 7.30pm.
Drinks: please bring along your own drinks for the evening and there are glasses in the kitchen.
Many thanks to Freda for liasing with ‘Betty’ and arranging everything else that goes with the catering side.
Many thanks also go to Lewis for organising the presentation, trophies and certificates – not an easy task.

Wednesday 27^th May – Club outing to Brockholes Nature Reserve.

Wednesday 3^rd June – Club outing to the Fleetwood wrecks

Wednesday 10^th June – Club outing to Lytham

Thursday 11^th June – Possible Events Cup visit to Appleby

Saturday 13^th June – Possible Events Cup visit to Appleby

That’s all folks and see you Wednesday!

Mike

Morning All

Short(ish) and sweet this morning; the sun has its hat on….etc!

Notices:

Arts Society:
I’ve attached, for your perusal and information, the Minutes from the AGM of Garstang & District Arts Society held on 18th April 2026.
If you have any comments, please let me know.

Message from Vicki Bettaney:
I hope you don’t mind me messaging you. I’m a member of the Garstang Camera Club Facebook page and I’m asking if there is someone to help me to learn how to use my camera.
I was kindly invited to come to a meeting on a Wednesday evening. Unfortunately, that isn’t something I’m able to do due to how I’m affected by a mental health condition.
For me to be able to learn how to use my camera, I would need it to be guided by someone on a one-to-one basis. I also find learning easier if it’s done by in person demonstration and not by watching something online.
So, please can I ask, is there anyone in the camera club that would be interested in doing this? I’m more than happy to pay for someone’s time and knowledge.
The camera I have is a Panasonic LUMIX FZ82D.
If you feel you can help Vicki please email me and I’ll send her your email address and you can take it from there. Ta.

Events Cup:
Don’t forget – the second Events Cup ‘round’ is upon us.
The destination is Blackpool and the 2 dates to choose from are Tuesday 12^th May OR Sunday 17^th May.
Just to reiterate and remind everyone, you must choose only one date to visit and take photographs.

AGM:
Hopefully you will have noticed that the AGM is to be held next Wednesday, 13^th May!
I’ve attached:

• The AGM minutes for 30.04.25, and
• This Wednesday’s agenda.

Want to join the committee? Anyone is more than welcome. You wouldn’t have to take an active role, just gives us your considered opinion! We only meet twice a year!
Many thanks to, as you know, Ian, Dom and Frank for joining.

Raffle:
As usual we will be running a raffle on Wednesday 20^th May (presentation evening) so, if anyone would like to donate a prize, it would be very appreciative! Please bring along anytime, not necessarily on the evening.

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

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 13^th May – Our AGM! See above. The AGM will be in the first half of the evening followed, in the second half, by announcements by Mike, including, Chair’s choice, the new ‘main’ programme, the summer programme, various images and voting on the submitted calendar photographs; not necessarily in that order!

Wednesday 20^th May – Our final social gathering together of the ‘main season’ with the presentation of the certificates and the trophies.
We will be having the usual excellent buffet from ‘Betty’ and her team and this will be served just after 7.30pm.
Drinks: please bring along your own drinks for the evening and there are glasses in the kitchen.
Many thanks to Freda for liasing with ‘Betty’ and arranging everything else that goes with the catering side. Many thanks also go to Lewis for organising the presentation, trophies and certificates – not an easy task.

Wednesday 27^th May – The summer programme commences – more info at the AGM!

That’s all folks and see you Wednesday!

Mike

Morning All

Infrared Photography eh, phew!

On Wednesday evening things got… a little heated. Not in the dramatic, stormy sense – more in the invisible-light-spectrum, “we’re now photographing things our eyes can’t even see” kind of way.
The evening’s speaker, Tom Lee, arrived armed with a topic that sounded vaguely like science fiction but turned out to be very real: infrared photography. Within minutes, perfectly sensible photographers – people who normally argue about aperture and tea biscuits and cake – were contemplating spending £300 or more to convert their beloved cameras into something that can essentially see heat signatures.
Tom explained that there are two main paths into this mysterious world. Option one: send your camera off for a professional infrared conversion, which costs roughly the same as a weekend away but results in a camera that sees the world in an entirely new way.
Option two: the slightly less wallet-threatening R72 filter, which screws onto your lens and blocks most visible light, letting infrared wavelengths sneak through. The catch? You’ll need patience, a tripod, and possibly the temperament of a saint, because exposure times can stretch longer than the club’s tea break queue.
What followed was a fascinating deep dive into a photographic realm where the rules politely excuse themselves and leave the room. We learnt that in infrared photography, foliage doesn’t just look green – it glows bright white, turning ordinary trees into something that looks like it belongs in a dream sequence (Lucy in the Sky comes to mind, remember? You have to be ‘of a certain age’), or a slightly unsettling Christmas card. Skies, meanwhile, go dramatically dark, giving images that punchy, otherworldly contrast that makes viewers say, “Hang on… what am I looking at?”
Tom also touched on the technical quirks that make infrared photography both intriguing and ‘mildly’ infuriating. White balance goes completely rogue and often needs custom setting (or heroic rescue in post-processing). And yes – post-processing becomes less of a tweak and more of an adventure, often involving channel swapping (reds, yellows, blue and greens – what?) to produce those surreal blue skies and golden foliage looks you may have seen online.
Before halftime we were treated to a video showcasing stunning infrared images. Trees shimmered like frost-covered sculptures, landscapes looked like alien planets, and familiar scenes suddenly became unfamiliar in the best possible way. It was the kind of visual experience that makes you reconsider everything you thought you knew about photography – and possibly your bank balance.
Of course, Tom didn’t pretend it was easy. Infrared photography comes with a learning curve that could politely be described as “steep” and more accurately as “a bit of a climb without proper footwear.”
But that’s also part of the appeal?
In a world where digital photography can sometimes feel a bit too predictable, infrared offers a chance to experiment, to get things gloriously wrong, and occasionally to create something genuinely unique. Over to you, judge!
By the end of the evening, there was a definite ‘quiet’ in the room and members trying to remembering where ‘things’ went way-over heads!
As Tom said – if photography is about seeing the world differently, then infrared photography doesn’t just nudge that idea – it throws it into an entirely different spectrum.
Happy days – you learn something every day!

Peter Frankish:
Peter has chosen 20 images from the ones we submitted and I’m sending them off to get printed – DS Colour Labs – and send them to Peter. He will mount and frame these and put them on display in July at The Arts Centre. I don’t expect all will go out together, probably 6 – 8 at a time. Sale proceeds go to the Hospice.

Calendar:
Just a strong reminder about images for the 2027 calendar. Time and tide…..!
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, so that we can offer a great selection to the Arts Centre committee.
All images submitted, anonymously, will be shown and voted upon on by you the members on Wednesday 13th May (our AGM evening, amongst other things going on), and the selected top 36 will be sent to the Arts Centre committee for their final selection of 12/14 for the calendar.
So, PLEASE send in your entries over the next few days to me on the usual email address of info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk
Images will need to be with me by the latest on MONDAY 11^th May, that’s only 8 days away!

Events Cup:
The second Events Cup ‘round’ is upon us, already!!
The destination is Blackpool and the 2 dates to choose from are Tuesday 12^th May OR Sunday 17^th May.
Just to reiterate and remind everyone, you must choose only one date to visit and take photographs.

AGM – reminder!
Hopefully you will have noticed that the AGM is to be held soon! Wednesday 13^th May. 
This gives you, the members, an opportunity to put forward any ideas or thoughts you may have with regard to the running of your club.
If you have any suggestions please email in ( info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk) and we can put it on the agenda.
This is your chance to influence the direction of our club to hopefully change and/or improve what we offer!
Want to join the committee? Anyone is more than welcome. You wouldn’t have to take an active role, just gives us your considered opinion! We only meet twice a year!
Many thanks to, as you know, Ian and Dom for joining and I’m very pleased to announce that Frank has stepped forward!
Finally,I would like to say that the current committee has been in post for several years and over the coming next year, or certainly two, new members will have to come forward to take some responsibility.
The present incumbents will need replacing eventually and I’m sure we would all agree that the club will need new blood to help establish the camera club for the future. This isn’t tidings of bad news but just to state the obvious!

Raffle:
As usual we will be running a raffle on Wednesday 20^th May (presentation evening) so, if anyone would like to donate a prize, it would be very appreciative! Please bring along anytime, not necessarily on the evening.

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

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 6th May – A talk by Terry Hewitt ‘live’ at the Arts Centre. The title is ‘An imperfect Safari.’
Terry writes: A presentation about my two-week trip for a safari in South Africa. I cover all aspects of the trip and the lecture includes photographs of the whole range of birds and animals I saw.

Wednesday 13^th May – Our AGM! See above. The AGM will be in the first half of the evening followed by announcements by Mike, including, the new programme, the summer programme, various images and voting on the submitted calendar photographs.

Wednesday 20^th May – Our final social gathering together of the ‘main season’ with the presentation of the certificates and the trophies. Many thanks go to Lewis for organising this!

Wednesday 27^th May – The summer programme commences – more later!

That’s all folks and see you Wednesday!

Mike

Morning All

Well, someone’s turned the tap off and we are suddenly into late spring, early summer! Hope you are getting out and about with that camera for calendar images – see below!

Talks:
Many thanks go to Stan and Lewis for their 2 presentations last Wednesday – Stan’s titled ‘Sports photography with unintended outcome’ and Lewis’s, after the break, titled “A journey to Brazil.”
I know that a lot of time and trouble goes into these talks and it’s not easy getting the timing right and commentating! So, thanks again Stan and Lewis, it was very much appreciated by us all.

Notices:

Prints:
The current exhibition, at the Arts Centre, will need to be taken down this coming Wednesday, 29^th April, probably after our talk by Tom Lee. Any help would be very much appreciated and could members who have prints ‘on the wall’ please take them home, cheers!

A return visit to John (Moxham’s) beautiful garden:
Last year John and Susan very kindly ‘opened’ their garden up for club members to ‘hone’ their skills on photographing flowers, birds and butterflies, amongst other things.
Now, some camera club members were asking if it was possible for a return visit this spring.
John has very kindly suggested Thursday April 30th at 9.30 for a couple of hours with a limit of 8 members.
So, this is a first come first served opportunity – the first 8 members to email me on info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk will have this chance to visit and practice their photography.
Many thanks to John and Susan.

Peter Frankish:
Many thanks to all members who managed to submit some images for Peter’s consideration. We sent him 87 and he is yet to reply – good or bad news? Answers on a postcard!

Calendar:
Just a strong reminder about images for the 2027 calendar. Time and tide…..!
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, so that we can offer a great selection to the Arts Centre committee.
All images submitted, anonymously, will be shown and voted upon on by you the members on Wednesday 13th May (our AGM evening, amongst other things going on), and the selected top 36 will be sent to the Arts Centre committee for their final selection of 12/14 for the calendar.
So, PLEASE send in your entries over the next few days to me on the usual email address of info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk
Images will need to be with me by the latest on MONDAY 11^th May, that’s only 15 days away!

Events Cup:
The second Events Cup ‘round’ is upon us, already!!
The destination is Blackpool and I have attached, (thanks Stan), a map showing the boundary, in which, you are allowed to photograph.
The 2 dates to choose from are Tuesday 12^th May OR Sunday 17^th May.
Just to reiterate and remind everyone, you must choose only one date to visit and take photographs.

AGM
Hopefully you will have noticed that the AGM is to be held soon! Wednesday 13^th May. 
This gives you, the members, an opportunity to put forward any ideas or thoughts you may have with regard to the running of your club.
If you have any suggestions please email in ( info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk) and we can put it on the agenda.
This is your chance to influence the direction of our club to hopefully change and/or improve what we offer!
Want to join the committee? Anyone is more than welcome. You wouldn’t have to take an active role, just gives us your considered opinion! We only meet twice a year!
Finally,I would like to say that the current committee has been in post for several years and over the coming next year, or certainly two, new members will have to come forward to take some responsibility.
The present incumbents will need replacing eventually and I’m sure we would all agree that the club will need new blood to help establish the camera club for the future. This isn’t tidings of bad news but just to state the obvious!
Many thanks to Ian (Taylor) who has recently joined.

Raffle:
As usual we will be running a raffle on Wednesday 20^th May (presentation evening) so, if anyone would like to donate a prize, it would be very appreciative! Please bring along anytime, not necessarily on the evening.

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

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 29th April – A talk by Tom Lee ‘live’ at the Arts Centre. The title is ‘Infrared Photography.’
Tom says:
I’ll give a brief introduction covering:
What is Infrared, Types of IR Photography, Filters vs Camera Conversion, Subjects, Workflow and Pseudo IR conversion.
All sections will be coved by examples to show what can be expected. A short video showing my photography with infrared. After the break I will work through a few examples in front of the attendees.

Wednesday 6th May – A talk by Terry Hewitt ‘live’ at the Arts Centre. The title is ‘An imperfect Safari.’
Terry writes: A presentation about my two-week trip for a safari in South Africa. I cover all aspects of the trip and the lecture includes photographs of the whole range of birds and animals I saw.

Wednesday 13^th May – Our AGM! See above. The AGM will be in the first half of the evening followed by announcements by Mike, including, the new programme, the summer programme, various images and voting on the submitted calendar photographs.

Wednesday 20^th May – Our final social gathering together of the ‘main season’ with the presentation of the certificates and the trophies.

That’s all folks and see you Wednesday!

Mike

Morning All

Last minute.com
Well, if there was an award for dramatic timing, Wednesday night would’ve taken gold.
We had everything lined up perfectly: Paul Dunmall booked to judge our grand “Anything Goes” final internal competition. What could possibly go wrong? Enter: reality.
Cue a phone call from Paul to the Arts Centre, sounding like a man who’d just remembered he left the oven on… three days ago. Between profuse apologies and general chaos at home, he’d completely forgotten he was supposed to be judging for us. Not ideal.
So, there we were — Lewis and I — doing our best impression of two headless chickens. Options were floated:
Draft in a member? Bit awkward (and possibly grounds for lifelong grudges).
Make everyone score everything with pen and paper? Cue confusion, rebellion, and probably a spreadsheet-induced meltdown.
Just as we were contemplating abandoning ship and living off-grid, Lewis had a stroke of genius. He rang Mike Tempan — local legend, former member, past chairman (1994 – 1997, believe it or not), and, crucially, someone who actually knows how to judge things.
Miraculously, Mike said yes. Even more miraculously, he turned up at the Arts Centre in about 25 minutes. I’ve had takeaways take longer!
After a very brief “you’re our hero” introduction, Mike calmly stepped in and proceeded to judge all 100 images like he’d been planning it for weeks. Absolute pro. Insightful commentary, constructive feedback, praise where it was due — he nailed it.
So, disaster averted, evening saved, and Mike gets a well-deserved 10/10. Honestly, we might “accidentally” forget to book anyone else next time…

‘Sweet’ opportunity? Something different!
I’ve been in touch recently with a man called Marc Saysell who is a Beekeeper or Apiarist and lives in Scorton. He keeps honey bees in beehives, and was wondering if any club members would like to photograph the bees?
The best time is between May and August, you could stay as long as you want – presumably within reason! – it’s free and you don’t have to get too close!
Dress code? Normal attire is ok especially if you go along with a telephoto lens! However, he will provide protective suits to prevent injuries! Obviously, he won’t except any liabilities!
I thought this may be a great opportunity to photograph bees in flight as well as possible swarming! And, even the inside of a hive buzzing with bees and their honey.
Anyway, as usual, if you want to ‘express an interest’ or are keen or perhaps slightly keen, email me or chat on Wednesday and I’ll arrange accordingly.

Notices:

Message from Frank: last chance! Join us?
Frank says: Please come and have a go and practice; all informal, experimental with a laugh or two on the way; just have a good time with no pressure – honest!

Hi All,
Hope you are looking forward to our Studio /Portrait session on Sunday 26th April, only a week away.
The venue is: Wyrebank Banqueting Suite, The Moorings, Church St, Garstang, Preston PR3 1PG
Timings: 9.00am to 3.00pm
Tea/coffee and biscuits will be provided on the day; however, you will need make your own lunch arrangements.
The objective of the day is to get some experience/practice of using studio/flash lighting, expand your skills and more importantly have some fun.
If you feel you are brave enough to be a model on the day, may be bring a couple of changes of clothes/outfits. (We have a designated changing area).
Anyone whose family or friends wish to come along on the day for a shoot, they are more than welcome, but please let Frank know, so as to avoid people having to hang about and getting bored, he will allocate time slots, but the more the merrier.
Frank’s contacted details: Email: fjharvey@btinternet.com            Mobile: 07936 663233
Sorry but the venue has a no pets policy.

Equipment suggestions:~
Camera – always good to have with you if you plan on taking some pictures!
Fully charged battery and possibly a spare or two
A selection of lenses
Empty memory card(s)
A flash if you have one, that way you can try it in a studio setting
Hotshoe adaptor, if you need one for your camera
Tripod
Note book to record your settings/set up
An open mind

Set-ups:
We will have three or four back drops set up, each with studio lights/flash.
A still life/macro set up with constant lighting.
Weather permitting, we also have access to the garden and canal basin, if you want to take some outdoor shots.
Models/subjects: Mike P’s granddaughter and some of her friends have, (been), volunteered to be our guinea pigs for the day.
Each other
If you wish you can bring an object/plant for the still life set up, then please do.

See you all on 26th. 📸 and Happy snapping!

Peter Frankish:
Reminder! However, many thanks to those members who have already sent me images for Peter to consider.
Last Chance!
Peter raises money for a local hospice.
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!
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, that’s NOW, today, Sunday.
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 Freda and Barry – many thanks in advance!

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 22nd April – Members Evening. We have 2 talks this evening;
One from Stan titled ‘Sports photography with unintended outcomes’ and the second part of the evening a talk by Lewis titled “A journey to Brazil”
Many thanks to both Stan and Lewis for putting together their respective talks!

Wednesday 29th April – A talk by Tom Lee ‘live’ at the Arts Centre. The title is ‘Infrared Photography.’
Tom says:
I’ll give a brief introduction covering:
What is Infrared, Types of IR Photography, Filters vs Camera Conversion, Subjects, Workflow and Pseudo IR conversion.
All sections will be coved by examples to show what can be expected. A short video showing my photography with infrared. After the break I will work through a few examples in front of the attendees.

Wednesday 6th May – A talk by Terry Hewitt ‘live’ at the Arts Centre. The title is ‘An imperfect Safari.’
Terry writes: A presentation about my two-week trip for a safari in South Africa. I cover all aspects of the trip and the lecture includes photographs of the whole range of birds and animals I saw.

Wednesday 13^th May – Our AGM! More information next newsletter! But not to be missed!

That’s all folks and see you Wednesday!

Mike

Morning All

Coffee Morning Chronicles – Financial Report (or: How We Became Mildly Wealthier)
At this morning’s caffeine-fuelled extravaganza, we heroically raked in and raised an impressive grand total of £148 – proof that ‘The Cake’ is indeed a powerful economic driver.
After the Arts Centre took its perfectly reasonable (but emotionally painful) 20% cut of £29.60, the Camera Club was left clutching a very respectable £118.40.
But wait, there’s more – in a dazzling display of generosity, donations added another £10, bringing the Camera Club’s mighty treasure chest to a whopping and proud £128.40.
In practical terms, this means we can now afford to fund approximately one and a half guest speakers next season! Robin is very pleased!
Huge thanks go to Rhona, Elaine, Freda, and Robin, who generously gave up their Saturday morning to keep the tea and coffee flowing and the cakes circulating – true heroes of the camera club’s hospitality world.
A big shoutout as well to everyone who baked delicious treats and temptations (we see you, secret star bakers) and to all members who popped in, said hello, and bravely sacrificed themselves in the name of cake consumption. Legends, everyone!
All in all, a splendid effort – and a fine boost to the Camera Club coffers. Until the next coffee-fuelled fundraiser, in September!

Quiz: The Charles Flatt intergroup quiz; Hosted at the Arts Centre
We, in a moment of either confidence or mild delusion, entered not one but two teams out of the 13 competing for this most prestigious of quiz-night honours.
Representing sharpness (in theory) was The Snappers: Adrian, Sue, Barry, Lewis and Anne (Lewis’s wife). Meanwhile, embracing a more… interpretive approach to knowledge, The Out Of Focus team featured Freda, Elaine, Robin, myself, and my wife Jill.
Our carefully considered objectives were as follows:
Not to finish first (as the winners have to host next year’s quiz – a responsibility we bravely dodged). ✔️ Achieved!
To come a close second – well… let’s just say we admired that position from a respectful distance.
In the end, both teams settled comfortably into mid-table territory – a perfectly respectable outcome, especially given that some of the questions appeared to have been set by people with access to encyclopaedias and far too much free time.
Top honours went to the Knit Wits with 67 points, followed by the Hanging-On with 63.
And us?
The Snappers snapped up a very decent 58 points
The Out Of Focus brought things into a comfortable soft focus with 52 points.
So, no silverware this time, but crucially, no disgrace either. We live to fight another day… or at least another quiz night.
More importantly, it was a cracking evening: plenty of chuckles, the occasional proper laugh-out-loud moment, a generous supply of snacks, especially salted peanuts, and drinks; absolutely no tears (publicly, at least), and a genuinely terrific atmosphere.
All in all, a resounding success – even if our general knowledge remains… artistically interpreted.

Notices:

Events Cup: Just to repeat! The first Events Cup ‘round’ is upon us.
The destination is Martin Mere Wetland Centre and the 2 dates to choose from are Monday 13^th April OR Saturday 18^th April.
Just to reiterate and remind everyone, you must choose only one date to visit and take photographs.
If you ‘Google’ the destination there is lots of information available and will take about an hour in the car. I would advise to book your ticket on-line ‘cos it’s cheaper!
Now, I’m going on the Monday 13^th April (tomorrow) and will park my car at Kirkland and Catterall Memorial Hall car park at 8.45am and leave at 9am.
If any other members are considering the same date we could meet there and car share where appropriate – considering the cost of fuel at the moment!
If not, I’ll see you there, probably!

Message from Frank: Possible last chance!
We (Mike P and I) 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.
Please come and have a go and practice; all informal, experimental with a laugh or two on the way; just have a good time with no pressure – honest!
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 and Mike.

Peter Frankish: Reminder!
However, many thanks to those members who have already sent me images for Peter to consider.
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, that’s next Sunday, a week today!
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 Robin and Paul H. – many thanks in advance!

Up and coming programme of events:

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 – yes, him chatting about ‘titles.’

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

Wednesday 29^th April – A talk by Tom Lee ‘live’ at the Arts Centre. The title is ‘Infrared Photography.’
Tom says:
I’ll give a brief introduction covering:
What is Infrared, Types of IR Photography, Filters vs Camera Conversion, Subjects, Workflow and Pseudo IR conversion.
All sections will be coved by examples to show what can be expected. A short video showing my photography with infrared. After the break I will work through a few examples in front of the attendees.

Wednesday 6^th May – A talk by Terry Hewitt ‘live’ at the Arts Centre. The title is ‘An imperfect Safari.’
Terry writes: A presentation about my two-week trip for a safari in South Africa. I cover all aspects of the trip and the lecture includes photographs of the whole range of birds and animals I saw.

Phew! That’s all folks and see you Wednesday!

Mike

Morning All

Exhibition:
Hanging completed — no ladders or chairs were harmed (much) in the process, our print exhibition is officially OPEN!
A massive shoutout to Elaine, Freda, Maurice, Robin, and Lewis, who bravely battled drawing pins, nails, hooks, and the mysterious “extra screw” on Saturday morning. Thanks to their heroic efforts (and at least one “does this look straight to you?” moment), everything is now up and looking fabulous.
Come admire the results — our images will be on display at the Arts Centre for the next 4 weeks. Go on, pretend you know about photographic art!

Ade Gidney:
I’m fairly certain Ade’s talk last Wednesday has now been officially promoted to “one of the best I’ve ever listened to” (a fiercely competitive category, I assure you).
His tour of the Lake District, Peak District, and North Wales was packed with brilliant tips, clever tricks, and photographs so good they almost made the rest of us consider taking up knitting instead. That said, the only thing better than the images was Ade’s commentary — equal parts insight, wit, and the occasional “how does he even find these places?” moment.
The good news: Ade says he’ll be back in a couple of years with more stunning pictures. The bad news: that only gives the rest of us a couple of years to up our game… or perfect our knitting!
On Ade’s website there are 3 workshops; Valley’s, Wild Camping and Mountain.
Anyone fancy partaking? Probably ‘Valleys!’
I had a chat to Ade after his talk and if we got together a small group of say 4 – 6 he will offer us a good deal for half a day, probably 4 hours around Keswick and Derwentwater for instance.
I would say the cost would be around £50/75 each. If this is something that you are keen on, please email/chat to me; at this stage you would only ‘express an interest’ and then we could go from there.

Notices: 
A message from Bob Bonner:
Dear Garstang Camera Club
Some years ago, I used to be an enthusiastic photographer but now seem to only take easy shots of my grandchildren and some holiday snaps on my phone.
I have a Canon EOS 650 SLR 35mm film camera with several accessories – do you think this would be of interest to anyone in your club?  If so, I can provide more details.
I get the impression that using 35mm film (rather than going all digital) is coming back into fashion so thought I’d ask.
Here are all the details:

Canon EOS 650 SLR 35mm film camera with original 35-70mm lens
Original Manual
SIGMA 28-200mm Zoom lens with Hoya UV filter
Flash extension bar
Canon Remote Shutter Switch 60 T3
Canon GR20 Grip – which allows connection of the Remote Shutter Switch
5 Cokin Filters with holder and brochure – Circular Pola A; Spot incolor 2; Blue; Gradual T2; Star 8 – great for some special effects
Camera bag – large enough to take camera with zoom lens attached
Camera/Accessories bag
Travelling telescopic tripod – 27cm collapsed; 105cm extended
Canon Speedlite 300EZ flash with case (takes 4 x AA batteries, not included) – there might be problem with this as I cannot get it to work so I’ll include it for free

Many thanks, best regards, Bob Bonner
If you are interested, please contact Bob directly onbob.bonner77@gmail.com Ta. I think Bob is asking about £70 for the lot.

Events Cup:
The first Events Cup ‘round’ is upon us, what already I hear you say!
The destination is Martin Mere Wetland Centre and the 2 dates to choose from are Monday 13^th April OR Saturday 18^th April.
Just to reiterate and remind everyone, you must choose only one date to visit and take photographs.
If you ‘Google’ the destination there is lots of information available and will take about an hour in the car. I would advise to book your ticket on-line ‘cos it’s cheaper!
Now, I’m going on the Monday 13^th April and will park my car at Kirkland and Catterall Memorial Hall car park at 8.45am and leave at 9am.
If any other members are considering the same date we could meet there and car share where appropriate – considering the cost of fuel at the moment!
So, if you are thinking the same, please get in touch via email or ring/text on 07340 314408 or chat next Wednesday so that I have an idea whom to expect!
If not, I’ll see you there, probably!

Calendar:
Just a gentle reminder about images for the 2027 calendar. Time is ticking on!
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, so that we can offer a great selection to the Arts Centre committee.
All images submitted, anonymously, will be shown and voted upon on by you the members on Wednesday 13th May (our AGM evening, amongst other things going on), and the selected top 36 will be sent to the Arts Centre committee for their final selection of 12/14 for the calendar.
So, PLEASE send in your entries, as many as you wish, over the next few weeks to me on the usual email address of info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk
Images will need to be with me by the latest on MONDAY 11^th May, that’s only about 5 weeks away!

Coffee morning:
The camera club is bravely (and hungrily) hosting a coffee morning at the Arts Centre on this coming Saturday 11th April.
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!

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

Up and coming programme of events:

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

Wednesday 29^th April – A talk by Tom Lee ‘live’ at the Arts Centre. The title is ‘Infrared Photography.’
Tom says:
I’ll give a brief introduction covering:
What is Infrared
Types of IR Photography
Filters vs Camera Conversion
Subjects
Workflow
Pseudo IR conversion
All sections will be coved by examples to show what can be expected. A short video showing my photography with infrared. After the break I will work through a few examples in front of the attendees.

That’s all folks and see you Wednesday!

Mike