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

Morning All

Underwater photography anyone?
Having just returned from a few days in North Norfolk, I can say, with some conviction, it’s warm up here! I’ve rarely been so cold and so blown away, not metaphorically either! One high point was a visit to a new reserve, The Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve run by the Hawk and Owl Trust.
Very well set out and very helpful people running it. It’s home to 200 acres of diverse habitat that runs alongside the river Wensum. Great hides, 8 in all, and each had a bird almanack for identification.
Many very large bird feeders which, of course, attracted the usual ‘bunch’ of suspects but also included Nuthatch, Treecreeper, Marsh Tit, Willow Tit and Bull Finch amongst others. Of course, I ended up with photographs of ‘birds on a stick’ but hey ho, you have to grab what you can!
If you are in the area well worth a visit.

Notices:

Garstang Arts Centre up-date:
I’ve attached an email from Madeline McLean – assistant Curator:

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.

Christmas Tree:
Items needed! Please bring along any items you think would be appropriate as soon as poss and pass them on to Freda. Our ‘tree’ will be in position in St. Thomas’s Church for Thursday 5^th December, 10 days’ time, with the festival on the Friday 6^th & Saturday 7^th.

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.

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 18th December:
Last reminder! Last orders! We are having a change this year; instead of a hot pot supper we are Pies, Peas and Puddings Supper at only £10 pp.
We are having Hamlets pies – a choice of either Meat & Potato Pie, Cheese and Onion Pie or Butter Pie. Served with beetroot, mushy pies and pickles; also available will be cherry tomatoes, and salad.
Puddings will be a mixture of party type desserts, for example profiteroles, mini tarts and cheesecakes.
Freda is now coordinating and is collecting names! Open to all members and their respective wives/husbands/partners etc – please support the club and there will be a quiz with prizes!
Please note: If you are coming you will need to order your pie selection when you book. Freda will need this info ASAP.
Also, we will need, please, some prizes for the raffle – any donations will be very gratefully received! Please bring in prizes from Wednesday 27^th November – ta!

From Stan:
One member asked for “anything to do with colour theory and colour balance “
So, I’ve attached, from Stan, a couple of items on the ‘colour wheel’ which may be of interest to all members – thanks Stan.

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 27th November: Environment Cup judging by Will Stead.

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.

That’s all folks and see you on Wednesday.

Cheers

Mike

Morning All

Another grey week and rain this morning; looks like it’s going to brighten up though.

Notices:
Programme 2025/26
I’ve attached the results of the programme survey for you to have a look at. Many thanks to all members who managed to vote.

18th December:
It’s beginning to feel a lot like………. sorry!
I think Christmas began in Aldi on September 7^th; there is so much ‘stuff’ on the shelves that they have hardly any room for their Easter Eggs!
However, if you have been looking at the programme lately you will see that 5 weeks on Wednesday, we are having our Christmas social meeting/quiz. Oh no I hear you cry!
We are having a change this year; instead of a hot pot supper we are Pies, Peas and Puddings Supper at only £10 pp.
We are having Hamlets pies – a choice of either Meat & Potato Pie, Cheese and Onion Pie or Butter Pie. Served with beetroot, mushy pies and pickles; also available will be cherry tomatoes, and salad.
Puddings will be a mixture of party type desserts, for example profiteroles, mini tarts and cheesecakes.
Freda is now coordinating and beginning to collect names! Open to all members and their respective wives/husbands/partners etc – please support the club and there will be a quiz with prizes!
Please note: If you are coming you will need to order your pie selection when you book. Freda will need this info ASAP.
Also, we will need, please, some prizes for the raffle – any donations will be very gratefully received!

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.
Cameras ready? This is a great opportunity to get out and about and hone your skills in a busy, loud and dark environment! This is exactly the type of photography that could be submitted for the 2026 calendar – if we go ahead!
Also, I thought it might be an idea to show any images on our members evening on the 11^th December; the good, bad and indifferent!

Christmas Tree:
We have been asked to set up a Christmas tree in St. Thomas’s Church for Thursday 5^th December with the festival on the Friday & Saturday and I have a wooden one about 100cm tall which Maurice has very kindly agreed to ‘spruce’ up and make presentable! Thanks Maurice.
Freda has volunteered(!) to co-ordinate this venture and we’re thinking along the lines of old camera items which were used perhaps 30/40 years ago to decorate said tree! Plus, any other items you can think of.
Please bring along any items you think would be appropriate as soon as poss then we can start to organise!

Members Evening, next Wednesday, 13^th;
various topics, including:
Images for the Arts Centre website.
Programme 2025/26 update.
Calendar 2026?

Members evening 11th December.
Christmas meeting.
Xmas tree.
Bird photographer of the year 2024.
The 2024 Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
Plus, others!

4 Way Battle: Thursday 14th November:
The address is:
The Well Church Hall, 96 St Albans Road, St Annes, FY8 1UZ.
There is a small car park next to the hall (St Albans Road Car Park) or on street parking around the area. Please don’t park inside the fenced area of the hall.
It starts at 7:30 and doors will be open from about 7pm.
The judge is Colin Douglas from St Helens.
It is 19 miles and takes about 35 mins from Kirkland Memorial Hall.
If you are going and want to car-share I suggest we meet up at Kirkland Memorial Hall, Churchtown at 6.20pm to leave at 6.30pm. If you are going to meet up here, please let me know so I know who’s coming – cheers.
If you are going under your own steam, so to speak, that’s absolutely fine but please let me know ‘cos I can then give the organiser some expected numbers going from our club – many thanks.

Coffee/tea duty:
Freda and Robin are on the rota for next Wednesday – thanks in advance!

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 13th November: Members evening. See above.

Thursday 14th November: 4 Way Battle. See above.

Wednesday 20th November: Muriel Binnie ‘Live’ with a talk titled ‘ICM and Me.’
She writes: A lifelong interest in enjoying art, design and architecture lead me back to photography and I would now describe myself as an abstract landscape photographer. I use intentional camera movement (ICM) and sometimes multiple exposures to create an impression of a scene and my response to it. But I want to leave space for the viewer to pause and make their own interpretation. Favourite subjects are seascapes and landscapes – especially mountains, though I find them a challenging subject.

Wednesday 27th November: Environment Cup judging by Will Stead.

Wednesday 4^th December: Paul Mitchell: Via Zoom. Woodland Walks.

That’s all folks, see you Wednesday

Cheers

Mike

Morning All

Still too overcast and foggy for those owls! I’ll be in touch soon, hopefully!

Notices:

Programme 2025/26
If you didn’t make last Wednesday’s meeting, I’ve attached a form listing possible genres ideas for speakers. If you have time, please complete the form. Or just send me a list in an email.

For the form please follow the instructions below:
√ tick the genres you would particularly like to see.
X the genres you aren’t keen on.
Leave blank those genres you are neither for or against.
Other comments: possible thoughts/suggestions.
Other hobbies you may have that a speaker could enhance.
Please email to: info@garstangcameraclub.co.ukas soon as possible please! Ta.

Wednesday 13th November:
We have a members evening on the above date: at the moment some things are planned but not enough to ‘fill’ the evening! Does anyone what to see/do anything specific? All suggestions considered! PLEASE let me know any ideas! – thanks.

Bispham Photographic Society:
If you remember I reported that Bispham PS had folded due to insufficient members and they had some equipment to get rid of. So, Stan and I visited Ian White, acting chair, and collected an array of gear which may be of use for any members to borrow. Many thanks here to Ian for working out how the ‘new’ lamps etc work!
Once I have listed and photographed the gear (and perhaps in a future members evening demonstrated it) I will let everyone know.

Christmas Tree:
We have been asked to set up a Christmas tree for a local church. I have a wooden one about 100cm tall. The setting up will probably be Thursday 5th of December with the festival on the Friday & Saturday. So, we’re thinking along the lines of old camera items which were used perhaps 30/40 years ago to decorate said tree! Plus, any other items you can think of. Please bring along any items you think would be appropriate as soon as poss then we can start to organise!

4 Way Battle:
Thursday 14th November:
The correct address is:
The Well Church Hall, 96 St Albans Road, St Annes, FY8 1UZ.
There is a small car park next to the hall (St Albans Road Car Park) or on street parking around the area. Please don’t park inside the fenced area of the hall.
It starts at 7:30 and doors will be open from about 7pm.
The judge is Colin Douglas from St Helens.
It is 19 miles and takes about 35 mins from Kirkland Memorial Hall.
If you are going and want to car-share I suggest we meet up at Kirkland Memorial Hall, Churchtown at 6.20pm to leave at 6.30pm. If you are going to meet up here, please let me know so I know who’s coming – cheers.
If you are going under your own steam, so to speak, that’s absolutely fine but please let me know ‘cos I can then give the organiser some expected numbers going from our club – many thanks.

Alan Cameron:
I’ve attached some images that Alan has sent for his talk next Wednesday – ‘‘Travels in Southern India.”

Coffee/tea duty:
Maurice and Sharon are on the rota for next Wednesday – thanks in advance!

Up and coming programme of events:

Wednesday 13th November: Members evening. See above.

Thursday 14th November: 4 Way Battle. See above.

Wednesday 20th November: Muriel Binnie ‘Live’ with a talk titled ‘ICM and Me.’

Wednesday 27th November: Environment Cup judging by Will Stead.

That’s all folks, see you Wednesday

Cheers

Mike

Morning All
Autumn colours appearing – get out with that camera!

Notices
Owls:
Stan and I visited Steve and the following is on offer:
Optimum group size per visit – 4/5
Weekdays and/or weekends visits available.
Cost £45 per person; cash is preferred but will accept cheque or pay by banker’s order.
Up to 90 mins
It will be very much last-minute.com! the weather has to play ball! Preferably no rain and little wind and fairly bright – not easy weather to forecast!
Steve has 7 owls, all of which will be sitting on posts and 3 or 4 will be flying; moulting has just about finished so should be in good nick! The Snowy Owl looked particularly splendid!
The sitting owls will be in his large back garden for us to photograph but the flying will take place in a large field adjoining his house. He will put up very realistic fences/posts and the owls will fly FREE of tassels and jesses – so no awkward photoshop editing. The background isn’t too bad and the owls tend to fly at head height or below.
Steve seems a genuine guy and will do his very best to ensure all have the images they want – well in theory!
The following members have expressed an interest – if your name is not listed below, please contact me asap so that I can organise trips. If you have changed your mind just let me know, it’s no problem. If you didn’t put your name forward but would like to please get in touch, again asap. Ta.
– Anne, Stan, Michael, Freda, Sharon, Dave, Elaine A. Sue, Adrian, Robin, Paul H. Mike.

When I firm up bookings, I will send out maps. Steve lives almost opposite Billy Bobs on the A6 – 10 mins from Garstang.

Exhibition Prints:
We will be taking down the prints on this Wednesday, 16^th, so if you have had any prints on display, please bring in something to take them home – ta.

Anyone help? A message from Dianne:
I received the following email the other day.

Hello,
I’m still using film – have a Minolta dynax 500SI bought 25 years ago usually with a 28-105mm lens.I’ve had some great pix over the years.
but… just got back from a trip to Central Asia the pix were universally terrible. Was using Fuji and Kodak films, the Fuji ones were all sepia, the kodak ones were less sepia, but with a bluish / greenish tinge.
They all were in date, but had been through multiple hand luggage airport screenings, possibly occasional exposure to higher temperatures (but nothing extreme). Nothing different to how previous trips.
Any suggestions? I can’t see how this could be due to the camera – the films were developed and printed at the same time.
Dianne

If you have any thoughts/suggestions or could help please email in to me – info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk – and I will forward them on – cheers.

Battles voting:
All the 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed images, from our 5 internal competitions, will be put forward automatically for selection. Any member can submit up to 3 further image(s) to be included. Many thanks to those who already have.
The deadline for this is Sunday the 13th October – that’s today, midnight!
Voting takes place next Wednesday, 16th October. This voting will be anonymous and voting slips will be provided – please bring along a pen/pencil, it will help – cheers.
The top 20 will cover the first 2 Battles and the top 30 will cover the NZ Battle.

Environment Cup:
Description of images: Landscapes, architecture, dereliction, sculptures, street art, environmental issues and transport. People and animals must show scale or add to; not focal point.
If you are submitting prints and need them mounting, the ideal deadline for Sharon, Fine Arts, Garstang is 16^th October. However, as I have said before if you are ‘behind schedule’ I’m sure she will do her best!
Last date for entry is Wednesday 30^th October.
If any member needs help/advice on anything to do with competition entries please email me on the usual address – info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk – it’s no problem, honest!

Members Evening – 30^th October:
Members showing macro and/or close-up images using techniques, if poss, from Justin’s practical macro workshop last week. Please take part showing the good, bad and the average.

Up and coming programme of events

Wednesday 16th October: Events Cup judging, ‘Live’. Our first internal competition, The Events Cup, judged by Harry Emmet. We have 44 entries in total. Plus, voting on the images submitted for the 4 Way Battles and the 2 Way Battle – see above.

Wednesday 23rd October: Bernard Rose: ‘Live.’ “1970’s and beyond”.

Wednesday 30th October: Members evening; The selected images for the 4 Way Battles and the 2 Way Battle revealed, and, show and tell your macro shots, plus other items!

Wednesday 6th November: Alan Cameron: ‘Live.’ Talk titled ‘‘Travels in Southern India.’

That’s all folks, see you Wednesday

Mike

Afternoon All
The images attached are from Steve Walker, our next speaker, to give you a flavour of his talk.

Notices:
Programme 2025 – 2026:
We have formed a sub-committee to discuss the next seasons programme to start to put together a plan.
Interested?
Meetings? Yes, there will be some, usually in Booth’s café! It will involve chatting about the content and the types and subjects of talks and presentations. It will not involve email and organising speakers, but it will give you the opportunity to voice your opinion.
If you are interested, please email in on info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk thanks.

Battles:
The first (4 Way) Battle is being organised; between Lytham, North Fylde and Poulton and us. For this first Battle, our entry must consist of 20 images with no more than 3 images from any one member.

How the selection process works.
All the 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed images, from our 5 internal competitions, will be put forward automatically for selection. Any member can further submit image(s) to be included.
When submitting images for the Battles please: –
1. Give the image a title
2. Do not include your competition number
3. Do not include the image number
4. Do not include any images used in previous Battles
5. Images to be jpeg, in sRGB colour space with a maximum image size of 1600 pixels (wide) x 1200 pixels (high), maximum file size 2 MB
6. Submit a maximum of 3 images
7. Send by email to info@gcccamera8.Include your name in the email
8 .Do not send by WeTransfer
9. The deadline for this is Sunday the 13th October

If any member needs any help just get in contact via email or speak to us during next Wednesday’s meeting – it’s no problem.
On Wednesday 16th October, after the Events Cup judging, all images will be shown and all members present will have the opportunity to vote on each image – scoring between 12 – 20 marks. Voting will be anonymous. The top 20 chosen will be submitted as our entry into the Battles.
The 20 chosen selected images will be shown on Wednesday 30th October.

30th October – members evening:
Members showing macro and/or close-up images using techniques, if poss, from Justin’s practical macro workshop last week. Please take part showing the good, bad and the average.

Coffee/tea duty:
Michael and John G. are on the rota for next Wednesday – thanks in advance!

Up and coming programme of events:
Wednesday 9^th October: Steve Walker: ‘Live.’ My personal account and experiences of paid photoshoots. It covers a number of genres including nature, portraiture, steam trains, dance, architecture and others.

Wednesday 16^th October: Events Cup judging, ‘Live’. Our first internal competition, The Events Cup, judged by Harry Emmet. We have 44 entries in total. Plus, voting on the images submitted for the 4 Way Battles and the 2 Way Battle.

Wednesday 23^rd October: Bernard Rose: ‘Live.’ “1970’s and beyond”.

Wednesday 30^th October: Members evening; The selected images for the 4 Way Battle revealed, show and tell that is your macro shots, plus other items!

That’s all folks, see you Wednesday

Cheers

Mike