The ‘stand’ in Booths is going well with a few prospective members interested; in theory!
Dates to remember:
June 14th – Tuesday – our third Events Cup destination at Lunt Meadows, details below.
June 22nd – Wednesday – members evening. Please bring your cameras ‘cos this week we are going around Garstang. Stan’s idea is ‘Then and Now’. In a nutshell I’ll be giving out, to each member, an old image of Garstang. The idea is that you find the location and replicate the composition of the image; if it’s raining, bring a coat! You will then need to edit your ‘new’ image and present it on the following week, comparing it to the ‘old’ image.
Please, also bring any images that you ‘shot’ on the last members evening (down by the river) to show; you can edit them ‘live’ if you haven’t already.
June 29th – Wednesday – members evening, part 2 – see above.
If nay members have further ideas for members evening, PLEASE let us know.
Events Cup
Lunt Meadows Nature Reserve, Lunt Road Lunt Village
Near Maghull
Merseyside
L29 8YA
Journey: Via M6 and M58 56 min (44.9 miles)
Size
77 hectares
Parking information
Free car park. Donations welcome. Opening hours are 9:30am – 5:00pm. Vehicles left in the car park outside of opening hours will be locked in.
Walking trails
A number of paths run around the reserve. These are unsurfaced and can be rough underfoot, with a number of narrow kissing gates, so aren’t suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. They are in the process of upgrading the access network so that wheelchair-users and those with limited ability can enjoy the site
Access
Visitors can access the site outside car park opening hours but will need to park in the layby opposite the entrance gate and walk onto the site from there. If the gate is locked visitors are requested not to park in surrounding lanes to access the reserve. Please do not park in front of the gate as 24-hour access is required for emergency and other large vehicles.
Lots more information on Lunt Meadows Nature Reserve website.
Lewis and I are both on holiday so obviously won’t be there. If any members wish to car share or meet up at lunchtime, please arrange between yourselves. Have a nice time!
I hope you are all enjoying the ‘Platinum Jubilee’ and various events and the associated weather! In fairness it has kept relatively dry and warmish though not sure about today!
Potential Photography Opportunities
Carrying on from last week’s newsletter, more possible events have been identified including:
The 2022 Lancaster Grand Prix
The Lancaster Grand Prix will return to Williamson Park on Sunday 17th July.
This year we have added a women’s race which will be run in the morning with the men’s event following in the afternoon.
Both races will start and finish at Williamson Park and take place over a 14.5km circuit through the beautiful countryside of the Lancaster district.
The women’s event will start at 9am and take place over six laps, with the men’s event taking place over 10 laps starting at 2pm.
I took some images from this race last year with varying degrees of success – most deleted! They do move fast!
The ‘profile’ of this race has been raised considerably from last year and I believe it will be ‘live’ on Youtube. The organisers are hopeful Sky will cover next year.
From Greg: Thanks!
Appleby Horse Fair starts Thursday 9 June 2022
RAF Cosford Air show Sunday 12th June 2022 near Stafford Although slightly outside our local area I thought this show worth a mention for several reasons: 1. It’s the only RAF Air show left in the UK + Jubilee event. 2. Apart from the flying display this & Hendon form the official RAF museum sites with rare exhibits like TSR2, V bombers etc – much bigger site (custom designed) than you might think and well worth a day out any time of year. 3 The show also has very strong ground exhibits, including their Vintage Village manned by “in costume” personnel, period vehicles, jeeps, trucks etc Good atmosphere.
Blackpool Dog Show Inskip Friday, Saturday and Sunday 24th, 25th & 26th June 2022
Fylde Vintage and Farm Show – Sat 2nd – Sun 3rd July; the Showfield, Salwick Road, Wharles, Kirkham, Lancs, PR4 3SN
Southport Air Show, 9th & 10th July 2022
Great Ecclestone Show 16th & 17th July 2022
Blackpool Air show 2022 Dates: 13th & 14th August 2022
So, if you see anything interesting, please email in!
A warm and sunny day, at last; too nice to be inside!
First of all: Just in case you no longer wish to receive the newsletters please just email to (info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk) and let us know – sorry no unsubscribe!
Many thanks to all members who managed to attend the recent software and editing session on Wednesday 25th May. Judged, we thought, to be a success.
These ‘get-togethers’ will now be called Members Evenings. As discussed, Lewis and I would like the members to come up with an itinerary/agenda for these ‘evenings’; many thanks to those members who have already emailed in with their thoughts and suggestions! These will mainly be around skills and techniques and, where possible, going out with cameras! If you couldn’t make the last evening but would like to contribute some ideas, please email in using info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk.
Further members evenings have been ‘pencilled’ in for: June 22nd and June 29th
July 13th and July 20th
August 10th and August 17th
Arts Centre at 7.30pm
One of the ideas discussed last Wednesday was a way of notifying members of any events they may wish to attend for photographic reasons! So, if you have any suggestions email them in and I’ll include them in the newsletter. Tim will also open a new page on our website and add them periodically to the website – probably monthly. This new page will have a link from the Information page. This will then ‘build-up’ a historical list of events throughout the year, so we could re-visit in 2023.
So, from Maurice: This Sunday, 29th May, Preston Caribbean Carnival, from 12 noon. The route will begin at Moor Park, down Deepdale Road, towards the city centre, left into Meadow Street, St Paul’s Road, Sedgewick Street, and return to the park via North Road and the Garstang Road entrance. And it’s free!
Gresgarth Hall: Garden created by Lady Arabella Lennox-Boyd and winner of Historic Houses Garden of the Year: Judges’ Choice Award 2020.
Caton, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA2 9NB
Open February to November on the second Sunday of the month. it’s a great place for various aspects of photography from landscapes to macro with seasonal interest throughout the year.
Greg says: it’s worth making the point that what we’re after are events with “photo opportunities” they’ve spotted as distinct from events we might be going to – if you catch my meaning. For example, the steam events I spotted were on roadside bill boards. I might not go but another member might be interested.
So…. “Keep your eyes open for events that might be of interest to the membership.”
Thanks Greg!
Attached to this newsletter are 3 items:
A reminder of the new competition rules
The new ‘season’ programme for 2022/23
The Competition Table for 2022/23
All these 3 are also on our website – many thanks here to Tim. Check out the new ‘screen image’, the Chairmen’s choice of Stan’s image.
New competition rules: these apply to rule 3 and rule 4 as discussed at the AGM. They are, we think, self-explanatory but if in doubt just be in touch.
The new ‘season’ programme: as you will see this is from September 7th through to May 17th 2023. Amongst these dates there are many interesting presentations/talks, the judging of competitions, ‘Battles’ (new one from New Zealand – we are now international!) and 8 members evenings and 3 workshops. Many thanks again to John for putting this together. Just to remind everyone John has retires from the committee so we are still looking for a Programme Secretary – training and lots of help will be given so don’t be shy to apply!
The Competition Table: again, we think self-explanatory, but email if you have any questions. Please note: Last dates for entry. If you are thinking of entering any prints and you are considering using Garstang Fine Arts for mounting them, please be aware that Sharon (from Fine Arts) needs 2 weeks’ notice. So, for example, if you are entering a print for The Environment Cup, last date for entry is 9th November, so the print will need to be with Sharon by Wednesday 26th October. (I’m sure if you are a couple of days late, she will make every effort to complete the task).
However please note! EVENTS CUP. The last destination is Blackpool Zoo on September 25th. PRINTS from Blackpool Zoo; Unless you print your own image(s) and mount them yourself, it will be too late to take them to Sharon for the ‘last entry’ of 28th September.
Mounting cost: I’ve been to chat with Sharon about the price. As with everything, all prices have increased! Prices for a 40 x 50 mount will be £6.50 and a mount for a 40 x 40 will be £5.85; these prices reflect a 11% rise (just for the club). so, not too bad, considering! Anyway, it’s the best I could do!
Message from John:
I made contact with Pat Hansell last week as it was Bill’s anniversary.
She has asked me to dispose of a few more items of kit.
There is a Nisi Filter box containing a 10 stop ND filter and frame.
An LED light that can be attached to a camera by the hot shoe and another Portable Multifunctional LED Light.
Lewis and I thought Wednesday’s presentation evening went really well; great company, cracking food (no washing up!), and a very smooth presentation of the certificates, trophies and plate.
A big thanks to all who made the evening ‘happen’ and to all members who managed to participate – 30 in all.
Sue sent a thankyou note to the mayor (on behalf of the club) and we got a lovely reply:
‘Thank you so much for a great evening with the Camera Club. You all made me feel so welcome. Would you please pass my thanks on to Mike and Lewis.
It was a pleasure being involved and I feel as if I know Stan and John so well having given them so many awards. It was also great to see Barry and Marlene looking so well. As I mentioned I have known them both for it must be getting on for 30 years.
It’s evenings like yours that become highlights of the mayor’s year.’
Brock Bottom, Thursday, was a lovely day; I hope you all got the images you deserved! I managed a couple, though not sure they are winners!
Wednesday 25th May: software editing, photography chit chat and bring your camera. We’ll also organise some dates throughout the summer for further sessions.
Just a reminder we are still looking for a ‘Programme secretary’and a first-reserve competition secretary. Training, as they say, will be given!
If you are interested or want a chat about these roles, just email in or ring and chat to Lewis or I, it’s no problem, honest!
It just remains for Lewis and I to say many thanks to you all for supporting the club throughout the year, enjoy the ‘closed season’ and we are already looking forward to the first Wednesday in September – the 7th.
Located about ten miles north of Preston and on the very western edge of the Forest of Bowland. The picnic site and nature trail (sometimes mistakenly called ‘Brock Bottoms’) is a beauty spot along the river.
There is a reasonably sized car park, perhaps space for around 20 cars, but it can get busy.
Much of the river is very shallow and if you head off along the paths you eventually come to the mill ruins. Built around 1790 the site housed about 20 cottages for the workers at the cotton spinning mill. It eventually fell into ruins around the 1930’s but in its heyday, it had a dance room and café! Not open now!
There are some longer walks from the car park. You could follow the river downstream, which meanders to the west, and head towards Lancaster Canal. Or if you follow the river upstream it makes for an interesting walk in a north-easterly direction, taking in Boggy Wood and Snape Rake Lane. You can then come back over Beacon Fell, making it an enjoyable 7.5-mile ramble; if you are that keen!
So, the parameters are ‘walking distance from the car park’.
• May 14th: Coffee morning at The Arts Centre; come along and have a brew, a piece of cake and a chat!
• May 18th: Presentation Evening
• May 19th: Second Events Cup outing: Brock Bottoms
• May 25th: Software editing/photographic chit-chat/bring your camera! Add to the agenda – converse with Mike or Lewis to add to the ideas; any thoughts welcome!
AGM
We have attached 3 items for your perusal; please read and inwardly digest!
AGM minutes from last year
Financial overview and recommendations from Robin; 3 docs
AGM agenda for this year
Coffee morning
Please come along and support the club. we are in great need of something edible to sell. All donations very gratefully received!
Presentation evening
Many thanks to all the members who have booked a seat! We have 32 places reserved – great support, it is really appreciated. Don’t forget 7pm arrival and the meal served at 7.15. Raffle: donations please!
Second Events Cup
Details will be sent out in the next newsletter
Software editing/photographic chit-chat
Stan has promised another ‘short’ presentation – that has to be an incentive to come along!
Print Exhibition
April’s print exhibition came down this Friday so thoughts now turn to the next exhibition starting in September. This exhibition is for all prints (colour and monochrome) of winners (1st, 2nd and 3rd), highly commended and commended.
PLEASE bring them in this Wednesday, 11th May, so that Maurice can begin to organise the display in good time; he promises to look after them!
PLEASE pick up any of your prints that were shown in April’s ‘show’. Many thanks.
We will send out a list of all print winners shortly – so there is no excuse!
May 4th: Live in the Arts Centre; Paul Williamson will give a digital slide presentation on “The Islands of the Caribbean”.
May 11th: AGM
May 14th: Coffee morning at The Arts Centre; come along and have a brew, a piece of cake and a chat!
May 18th: Presentation Evening; places still available – speak to Mike or Freda – please support the club! The absolute last chance to reserve a place will be this Wednesday, 4th May
May 19th: Second Events Cup outing: Brock Bottoms
May 25th: Software editing/photographic chit-chat/bring your camera! Add to the agenda – converse with Mike to add to the ideas; any thoughts welcome!
Raffle:
During the Presentation Evening on Wednesday 18th we will be having a raffle; any donations very gratefully received! Please bring along contributions on the AGM meeting or on the evening itself – many thanks!
Zoom invite:
Lewis Thompson is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Garstang Camera Club. Islands of the Caribbean with Paul Williamson Time: May 4, 2022 07:00 PM London
Thanks to all who made it to Skippool Creek yesterday – windy? Almost blowing a gale! C’est la vie! At least it didn’t rain.
The next Events Cup date is May 19th at Brock Bottoms.
A reminder of future dates for the diary:
April 27th: Software editing session; please bring along some, preferably RAW, images to process. Bracketing shots?
May 4th: NEW – Live in the Arts Centre; Paul Williamson will give a digital slide presentation on “The Islands of the Caribbean”. Huge thanks to John for being extremely proactive in finding a replacement speaker!
May 11th: AGM
May 14th: Coffee morning
May 18th: Presentation Evening; places still available – speak to Mike or Freda – please support the club!
Light stands and light
A lady very kindly donated 7 light stands and they are like new.
HPUSN B5 Collapsible 210cm Light Stand 6.9ft Metal Portable Foldable Tripod 5 section Boom Arm for Studio Flash Light Load 3KG
Plus: A Blackbezt Luxpando P120D – see image
Blackbezt Luxpando P120D bi-colour studio LED video light
90W output, 3000K-6000K colour temperature; and a soft box.
If you want to know more: go to Youtube; BlackBezt P120DT Bi-Colour LED Light Review: Is This $700 Light Worth It? By Eric Rossi. All fully explained.Cost today is $500!
These items are available to all members to borrow; just let us know.
What a cracking weekend, so far, and I’ve been privileged to see 4 ‘local’ hares; far too quick, however, for a photograph!
A reminder of some up-and-coming dates:
April 20th. Steve Proctor, presentation entitled “Talk to Me”.
April 23rd The first Events Cup outing to Skippool Creek – see below
April 27th. Software editing session; please bring along some, preferably RAW, images to process. Bracketing?
May 4th George Franks, presentation on ‘Flash Photography’
May 11th AGM
May 14th Coffee morning
May 18th Presentation Evening; places still available.
Details
Arrive at 7.00pm for the meal at 7.15pm
Menu: Ham, Turkey and vegetarian quiches; Green salad, tomato salad, eggs, coleslaw and hot potatoes.
Desserts: Choice of Meringue Pavlova – Raspberry, Coffee Renoir or Fresh Fruit Salad; all with pouring cream.
Quiz and a raffle; any raffle prizes to donate? Most welcome!
Garstang mayor will be joining us and has promised to ‘do’ the presentations.
All for the princely sum of just £12 per member. If you wish to bring a guest that will be great.
Please book your tickets either via the usual email address or speak to Freda, Mike or Lewis at the next meeting on Wednesday. All reservations will be on a first come first booked basis ‘cos the Arts Centre will only hold so many.
Deadline will be the 1st May ‘cos we will have to notify the caterers.
By the way, no washing up – all sorted! Also, bring your own drinks.
They are donating £30,000 to 3 small animal welfare charities, one for cats, one for dogs and one for all rescue animals.
Entry is via the website, for both images and videos. Closing date is 1st July 2022
The winning photo entry receives £2000 cash, plus a trophy and they get to choose a charity to donate £5000. The winning video entry receives £1000 cash and all category winners will receive a fabulous goodie bag!
There are 7 categories – Dog, Cat, Horse, All Other Animals, Pets who look like someone famous or owners, Video and Junior (16 or under)
Entry fee – £1.95 for 1 entry, £5 for 5 and £10 for 15 entries.
Sorry, but the Zoom invite for Wednesday will follow in a later email
For hundreds of years Skippool Creek was a major trading port, along with Wardleys Creek at the other side of the river Wyre. It was in constant use by sea going vessels from the end of the Medieval period, well before the 1600’s.
Goods arrived here from all around the world. Traders plied their goods further inland at Poulton, with goods unloaded at Skippool.
It had been the location of a small port for Poulton for centuries. But in 1590 it began to grow. Brothers William and James Blackburne, along with William Jenkinson – all from Thistleton – began landing their trade goods of flax and tallow from Russia.
Round the World Trade
Once a bustling port, ships arriving from as far away as Russia, Barbados and North America would unload their cargoes. Timber came from across the Atlantic, sugar and tobacco from the Americas and tallow from Russia. Flax arrived here, imported from Ireland and the Baltic. Stone was imported from the Lake District, along with other cargos of imported wine, rum, sugar, cotton and tobacco.
1806-08 records show limestone and oats being imported from Ulverston, and coal which arrived via Preston. By return, salt and locally made cheese was exported to other coastal ports via Skippool. Regular markets were being held in nearby Poulton by the 18th century.
After Marton Moss was drained from 1731, the river inlet at Skippool was widened and deepened. With the banks strengthened it provided better wharfage.
Tides Times and Depth
Skippool Creek
Tides
Times
Depth
High tide
04.57
7.4m
Low tide
11.20
1.8m
High tide
17.41
7.0m
Low tide
23.54
2.4m
Sun rise: 05.52
Sun set: 20.29
The nearest postcode to Skippool Creek to use with Satnav is FY5 5LF – which is Wyre Road.
Turn off the A585 at the River Wyre pub at Skippool Road, and head as if to Thornton.
Not very many yards along the road, turn right onto Wyre Road, before you reach the Thornton Lodge pub. Be careful, it’s very narrow at the beginning.
Wyre Road follows the creeks and widens out slightly.
There is a free car park a little further along where you can leave your car to explore on foot. The car park can hold about 20 cars.
I will probably be going there for mid-morning so I suggest that if you are there, we could socialise and have a sandwich get together in the car park.
April 13th. “Wildlife – Sea shore to mountain top” a talk by Peter Smith
April 20th. Steve Proctor, presentation entitled “Talk to Me”.
April 27th. Software editing session; please bring along some, preferably RAW, images to process.
Events Cup
Aide-memoire!
The first Events Cup destination is on Saturday 23rd April at Skippool Creek; 2 weeks yesterday! Details will be sent out nearer the date, but this is just to make sure you don’t forget!
Exhibition
67 images carefully assembled on the walls of the Arts Centre on Friday. Big thanks to all involved, especially Maurice, and completed in 45 minutes.
Obviously, you can view on club evenings but if you can’t wait the Arts centre is open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Presentation evening – May 18th
Please support the club and book your place with Freda, Mike or Lewis. Details were sent out last week and repeated on Wednesday’s club night, but, if you have forgotten or lost the specifics just ask or email in – no problem!
Garstang Agricultural Show
Garstang show this year is on Saturday 6th August and the club will be having a stand on the day. If you are visiting the show please pop in and have a chat!
Zoom invite for those who can’t attend next week:
Lewis Thompson is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Garstang Camera Club. Wildlife-Seashore to mountain top with Peter Smith Time: Apr 13, 2022 07:00 PM London
Garstang Camera Club 