Morning All
 
Inclement weather, eh? Photographing flowers in the rain! 
Many thanks to everyone who came to last Wednesday’s meeting; a summary of what we chatted about recapped below:
 
We talked about various topics that we could organise through the summer calendar, and these suggestions were, in no particular order:
 
Practicing portrait photography and then long exposure and using fast shutter speed to capture and freeze the action – see below in ‘Up and coming programme of events’:
 
A presentation by Sarah on her travels to and from Morrocco; possible date Wednesday 31st July.
 
Possible re-visit to the BMX track in Preston; photographing a cricket match at Goosnargh and/or Forton.
 
Photography opportunities could include:
 
International Cycling event in July, out of Lancaster
Visit to the 3 sisters race track, Wigan
Motorcross, BMX and Whippet racing
This weekend’s Childrens Festival
Great Eccleston, Tractor Pulling, August
 
Informal photographic walks to: Cockersand Abbey and Plover Scar Lighthouse, Morecambe Bay, Sunderland Point, South Walney Nature Reserve, Barnard castle, The Wirral Peninsula.
 
Visit to Haybridge Nature Reserve. Perhaps days out in Keswick and/or Coniston and/or Wastwater.
 
‘In House’ – possible short talk/demonstration on Lightroom and Photoshop.
 
Obviously, all or any of the above will need to be organised and advertised. This is where the WhatsApp, described below, will come in to its own!
 
I will send any details out in the weekly newsletter but some of the above might be arranged quite quickly as they are weather dependant; ‘spur-of-the-moment’ stuff really, and we all know what our weather is like at the moment – climate change eh!
 
So, to be included, please join the WhatsApp!
 
Notices 
WhatsApp – as recently discussed, the other day, we have a WhatsApp group for what we would call ‘outings.’ 
This group is open to all members and to join please contact Adrian on adrianwhitaker@btinternet.com 
or phone on: 0771 331 0555.
 
Calendar images: Still waiting the choice of the final 12 from the Arts Centre Committee.
 
Events Cup 2024 
An advanced warning of the 2 possible dates for the Events Cup 3rd destination of Eycott Hill Nature Reserve. Just to remind everyone you must chose only one of the days!
 
Up and coming programme of events:
 
Wednesday May 29th: Bring your camera! Stan will give a short talk on Portrait photography, then we can ‘team-up’ and practice in the Arts Centre and weather permitting go down by the river area and practice more there with better backgrounds.
 
Wednesday June 5th: Bring your camera AND your tripod! Stan will give a short talk, this time, on Long Exposure. Again, maybe initial practice in the Arts Centre then down to the river area.
 
Wednesday June 12th: The first ‘Back to Basics – Getting off Auto’ presentation by Stan and Mike.
 
Monday 17th June: First possible day for the Events Cup 3rd destination at Eycott Hill Nature Reserve.
 
Wednesday June 19th: Feedback, discussion and further support, if needed, from the first ‘Back to Basics – Getting off Auto’ presentation and ‘show and tell’, the good, the bad and the indifferent!
 
Saturday 22nd June: Second possible day for the Events Cup 3rd destination at Eycott Hill Nature Reserve.
 
That’s all folks and please if you have suggestions/thoughts just email in! 
Enjoy the warm rain! 
Cheers
 
Mike

Morning All
 
Short and sweet today!
 
Many thanks to all members who managed to come to the presentation evening last Wednesday and big congratulations to all our winners, well deserved! 
We thought Allan did a great job of presenting the trophies with a bit of banter thrown in and thanks to Maurice for taking the photographs: all in all, in our opinion, the evening was a great success including the catering! Thanks, Freda, for organising Jean and her team.
 
Notices 
WhatsApp – as recently discussed, the other day, we have a WhatsApp group for what we would call ‘outings.’ 
This group is open to all members and to join please contact Adrian on adrianwhitaker@btinternet.com  or phone on: 0771 331 0555. 
Please, everyone, this group is only for informing members that you are going out and about with your camera and would anyone else like to join you. It’s not for general chit-chat!
 
The top 36 calendar images, voted on last week, were shown on Wednesday and these have now been sent to the Arts Centre Committee for consideration for the 2025 calendar. When their choice has been made the final 12 images will be shown on a Wednesday evening when we meet up.
 
Events Cup 2024 
Below is an advanced warning of the 2 possible dates for the Events Cup 3rd destination of Eycott Hill Nature Reserve. Just to remind everyone you must chose only one of the days!
 
Up and coming programme of events:
 
Wednesday May 22nd – a general get-together meeting to set the plan for the summer months until September.
 
Wednesday June 12th – The first ‘Back to Basics – Getting off Auto’ presentation by Stan and Mike.
 
Monday 17th June – First possible day for the Events Cup 3rd destination of Eycott Hill Nature Reserve.
 
Wednesday June 19th – Feedback, discussion and further support, if needed, from the first ‘Back to Basics – Getting off Auto’ presentation and ‘show and tell’, the good, the bad and the indifferent!
 
Saturday 22nd June – Second possible day for the Events Cup 3rd destination of Eycott Hill Nature Reserve.
 
That’s all folks and please if you have suggestions/thoughts just email in!
 
Enjoy the warm sunny weather whilst it lasts!
 
Cheers
 
Mike and Lewis

Morning All
 
We had quite a busy (and warm!) coffee morning yesterday and raised £106 plus £20 in donations; all contributing to the coffers! 
Many thanks to all that donated edible cakes, and they were, and gave up their Saturday morning to help, it really is appreciated. 
Did anyone capture a photograph of the Northern Lights? Expectations were high, so I waited until 12.30 Saturday evening/Sunday morning but to no avail! As I was retiring to bed the internet told me that ‘just as darkness fell, geomagnetic levels fell below the threshold’ which left me rather disappointed, to say the least! Actually, the clue could have been that I couldn’t see the moon! But, heyho – tonight? 
As for the Eurovision contest – don’t get me started; on reflection, I must be approaching old age!
 
Notices
 
AGM: Below is the committee as proposed and voted on for the 2024/25 season:
 
Chairperson – Mike
 
Vice chairperson – Freda
 
Competition Secretary – Lewis
 
Treasurer – Robin
 
Secretary – Freda
 
Programme Secretary – vacant
 
Publicity – Maurice
 
Facebook – Rhona
 
Committee members – Sue, Claire and Elaine
 
Also, thanks went to Tim for his excellent work looking after our website – thanks Tim. 
We would like to thanks everyone who has contributed their time over the last year to help with the smooth running of our camera club – no committee = no club! 
Big thanks go to Stan for his continued support and for his frequent emails with his thoughts and suggestions – keeping typing, Stan! 
At this point I would like to say a huge thanks to Lewis for all the time and trouble he has put into the club over these last 4 years. We have met up on numerous occasions to discuss various aspects and thoughts about the club as well as the challenges, especially during covid! As Lewis said, he has been on the committee for over 40 years and now is the time to step back a little. Lewis is still Competitions Secretary, so we haven’t seen the last of him! 
Also, I know he is going away for at least 2 long holidays so I can feel some presentations coming on! 
So, thanks again Lewis for all your hard work, it really is valued.
 
John’s proposal: I would like to propose that our members review the scoring system for club competitions. 
This proposal was carried so from now on we will not be judging images on a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, HC and C scoring system basis. We will be adopting a Points out of Twenty system. So, each image, when judged, will be given a score of, probably, anywhere between 20 points to 12 points. 
The nitty-gritty details/changes will be discussed between John, Lewis and myself in the coming weeks and will be posted on our website and detailed in a newsletter.
 
Proposal from Mike and Lewis: We would like to propose that the maximum number of images submitted by each member for the 5 internal competitions is reduced from 9 to 7. This proposal was also carried. Again, further details will follow soon.
 
You will also have noticed that the position of Programme Secretary is still vacant; so, if anyone is interested, PLEASE email in – training will be given!
 
Back to Basics – Getting off Auto. These are sessions, presented by Stan, to help members with the fundamental aspects of how a camera works and how to use ‘aperture,’ ‘shutter speed’ and ‘ISO.’ To produce that ‘perfect’ exposure! 
You will need to bring a camera, so that, following Stan’s talk you can practice in the Arts Centre and then, weather permitting, we will go outside, to the river and playing fields. The following week, Stan will invite feedback on the session and will ask everyone to ‘show and tell.’ their photographs and how they got on. 
These talks will be advertised on the local Facebook pages and via posters around Garstang to hopefully encourage non-members to attend and maybe join the club. 
If anyone has any thoughts, suggestions or ideas PLEASE email in and get involved! 
The Three dates are – 12th June, 17th July and 7th August.
 
WhatsApp – as recently discussed, the other day, we have a WhatsApp group for what we would call ‘outings.’ 
This group is open to all members and to join please contact Adrian on adrianwhitaker@btinternet.com or phone on: 0771 331 0555. 
Please, everyone, this group is only for informing members that you are going out and about with your camera and does anyone else like to join you. It’s not for general chit-chat!

 
The 52 calendar images were shown on Wednesday and voted on by the members who were present. The final 36, to be sent to the Arts Centre committee for consideration for the 2025 calendar, will be shown next Wednesday just before the presentations.
 
Up and coming programme of events:
 
May 15th – Member’s Presentation Evening with the Presentation of Certificates and trophies. Usual start time of 7.30pm.
 
May 22nd – a general get-together meeting to set the plan for the summer months until September.
 
That’s all folks and please if you have suggestions/thoughts just email in!
 
Cheers
 
Mike and Lewis
 
PS Just looked on Facebook and people have posted Northern Lights images from 2.30am onwards!

Morning All
 
Many thanks go to Stan and Robin for their 2 presentations last week – ‘Local Sports part 2’ and ‘Excursion to Chile’ respectively. 
I know that a lot of time and trouble goes into these presentations and it’s not easy getting the timing right and commentating! So, thanks again, it’s very much appreciated. 
Also, many thanks go to Rhona and Tim for putting the ‘Anything Goes’ competition winners on Facebook and our website respectively.
 
Notices:
 
Attached is a copy of the agenda for Wednesday’s AGM; please have a read so that you are up to speed!
 
2025 Calendar. Just to reminder everyone the deadline to submit images is Sunday May 5th, that’s today! We will take very late entry images up to and including Monday evening, so you still have time!
 
Message from Linda Seed: Linda asks if anyone would like some free carousels for both Kodak and Gaf 600 slide projectors plus, the projectors. 
If you are interested, please email me, Mike, on info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk and I’ll send you the contact details.
 
Events Cup, second visit, details below; just to remind everyone you must chose only one of the days!
 
Up and coming programme of events:
May 7th (Tuesday) – possible visit to Leighton Moss to take part in the second Events Cup.
May 8th – AGM
May 11th (Saturday) – Our final coffee morning for this ‘season’ at the Arts Centre. As usual, if anyone would like to bring along anything edible, PLEASE do so!
May 12th (Sunday) – possible visit to Leighton Moss to take part in the second Events Cup
May 15th – Member’s Presentation Evening with the Presentation of Certificates and trophies. Please don’t forget to book a place! The cost this year is £16 per member. Please book with Freda as soon as poss – cheers. LAST chance!

That’s all folks!
 
Mike and Lewis

Morning All
 
Quiz: I’m sure you will all be pleased to know that the Charles Flatt intergroup quiz competing for the Charles Flatt Trophy went very well on Saturday night. There were 13 teams, including our own – thanks to Elaine, Jenny, Claire, Barry and Rhona for putting their names down and having a go! Unfortunately, they didn’t trouble the eventual winners, The Song Birds, who now have the enviable(?) task of organising and compiling next year’s quiz! 
Many thanks go to Sue, Adrian and Freda for all their invaluable help before, during and after the quiz night in making it a very successful evening. 
The 200 club draw was also held and you will be disappointed to learn that we failed to win any prize! Sorry, Robin!
 
Anything Goes Cup: Attached are two documents, one showing the winning images and the other showing the highly commended and the commended images. 
Thank you to all members who managed to enter the competition and also a big thank you goes to Alan Walker, our judge for the evening; many of you have commented that Alan did an excellent ‘judgment’ and he was, by far, the best this year – I’m sure we can ask him again!
 
Events Cup: We hope that some of you managed to get to Silverdale and Arnside last Thursday or Saturday. The weather was really against us but, hey ho, you never know!
 
Media City: We had a very successful visit, with Lee, to Media City on Tuesday. Get location, Lee extremely helpful and importantly the weather behaved itself, though got a little chilly about 9.30pm! Lee will be organising further trips for the club, hopefully, in the near future.
 
Notices.
 
AGM. Any agenda items? 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!
 
2025 Calendar. Just to reminder everyone the deadline to submit images is Sunday May 5th, 2 weeks from today. Many thanks to members who have already submitted their photographs. Need help? Just email in.
 
Up and coming programme of events:
 
April 24th – No meeting
 
May 1st – 2 members presentations: Presentation one is by Stan titled ‘Local Sports part 2; the second is by Robin titled ‘Excursion to Chile’. Many thanks to both members for their individual time and trouble to put these talks together.
 
May 7th (Tuesday) – possible visit to Leighton Moss to take part in the second Events Cup destination.
 
May 8th – AGM
 
May 11th (Saturday) – Our final coffee morning for this ‘season’ at the Arts Centre. As usual, if anyone would like to bring along anything edible, PLEASE do so!
 
May 12th (Sunday) – possible visit to Leighton Moss to take part in the second Events Cup destination.
 
May 15th – Member’s Presentation Evening with the Presentation of Certificates and trophies. Please don’t forget to book a place! The cost this year is £16 per member. Please book with Freda as soon as poss – cheers.
 
That’s all folks!
 
Mike and Lewis

Afternoon All
 
Notices 
Coffee morning. Our final coffee morning for this ‘season’ at the Arts Centre is on Saturday 11th May. As usual, if anyone would like to bring along anything edible, PLEASE do so! We had a cracking coffee morning last time and we would like to repeat the process – don’t forget this helps us to raise funds for the coffers which in turn helps with the overall finances. Ta!

 
Events Cup. The first Events Cup ‘round’ is upon us! The destination is Arnside and Silverdale to include Gait Burrow and the 2 dates to chose from are Thursday 18th April OR Saturday 20th April. Just to reiterate, you must choose only one date to take photographs. Attached is a map showing the boundaries for the visit.
 
2025 Calendar. Just to reminder everyone the deadline to submit images is Sunday May 5th, 3 weeks from today. 
Maximum of 5 images, per member, these images can be historical. We really do need, if possible, as many members to have a go and submit their images so that the Arts Centre committee have a great choice to choose from for the final 12.
Images of? Well, restricted to Garstang and the town boundary. We just need to use our common sense and judgment on the extent of the boundary!
Images to be in colour, sRGB, within or maximum of 1600 x 1200, ratio of 3:2, and landscape and please add a title.
Please send them in to info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk
When all the images are in Mike will present them on Wednesday 8th May (that’s also AGM evening), in a random order, with no names, and all members present will have a chance to vote.
Each image can be scored out of a maximum of 20.
The top 36 will be sent to the Arts Centre committee and they will pick the 12 they want for the 2025 calendar.
If you need any help/information PLEASE just ask – it’s no problem!
 
Presentation night. We will be having a raffle during the evening so, if anyone would like to donate a prize, it would be very appreciative. Please bring along anytime, not necessarily on the evening.
 
Gardens. We have attached a copy of a gardening club trip, from the Art Centre group. They are all open to non-members. It’s about the York Gate and Grange trip. Not only does it sound an interesting trip, it may inspire the photographer in you! Well, it’s just a thought and it is something different.
 
AGM. Hopefully you will have noticed that the AGM is to be held soon! 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!
 
Arts Centre AGM 2024 – Minutes from last Wednesdays meeting are attached for you to peruse.
 
Up and coming programme of events:
 
April 17th – Anything Goes Competition judged by Alan Walker MPAGB ARPS MPSA EFIAP BPE5* – last internal competition.
 
April 24th – No meeting
 
May 1st – 2 members presentations: Presentation one is by Stan titled ‘Local Sports part 2; the second is by Robin titled ‘Excursion to Chile’. Many thanks to both members for their individual time and trouble to put these talks together.
 
May 8th – AGM
 
May 15th – Member’s Presentation Evening with the Presentation of Certificates and trophies. Please don’t forget to book a place! The cost this year is £16 per member. Please book with Freda as soon as poss – cheers.
 
That’s all folks!
 
Mike and Lewis

Afternoon All
 
The April print exhibition was displayed very successfully on Saturday morning so all ready for viewing from now until 2nd May. 
Huge thank you to Maurice for all the organisation and resources and also to Robin for his invaluable help on Saturday morning helping with the display.
 
Attachments 
There are the following attachments to this email:
L&CPU Annual Individual Print & Projected image competition 18th and 19th May 2024, Rules and Guidelines.
These rules were attached last week but for some reason were not complete so here they are again – thanks John.
Events Cup schedule for 2024, covering the 5 months of April, May, June, July and August. As you will see in the right hand column there are 2 dates for each destination (for example – Arnside and Silverdale to include Gait Burrow, Thurs 18th April OR Sat 20th April). You must pick only one date to take images for the Event Cup. Any questions – just email in.
Next season’s programme, 2024/25. If you have any comments and/or questions please email or chat during the next meeting.
As you will see in the right hand column we have included the cost for each week; this is to give you an idea of how much everything costs, the total being £1098. 
So, next year’s fees will be £58pp. Last year was £52 so that equates to an increase of £6. This is due to the cost of speakers and judges and also reflects the £5 increase the Art Centre fee. Our finances are sound and a full report will be given in the AGM.
Up for discussion – ideas and thoughts. Please make time to read!

Notices:
Summer events programme – an idea! It is proposed that we run some basic photographic classes during ‘our’ closed season, that is, during June – August inclusive. Perhaps called ‘Get Off Auto.’
Suggested ‘topics’ could/may include – Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO. (Exposure), Focusing and Focus Stacking, HDR, Panorama, Lenes and using a Tripod/monopod.
Each ‘topic’ would be proceeded by ‘How a Camera Works’ delivered by Stan, say 20 mins.
All bring cameras and practice the ‘topic’ either in the room or outside by the river/sports area, Garstang etc.
Advertise via local Facebook pages and via leaflets to encourage non-members and free to all.
This idea is very much in the development stage at the moment and any input or opinions by any members would be truly helpful. We are currently planning the above and if you wish to get involved, please just email, chat or call us!
 
May 15th – Member’s Presentation Evening. The cost this year is £16 per member. Please book with Freda as soon as poss – cheers.
 
Up and coming programme of events:
 
April 10th – Alan Cameron, ‘live’ – Costa Rica from sea to sea. 
Alan writes: A short trip in Costa Rica in 2019 saw me travelling the country from Capital City, San Jose, to the jungles of the Atlantic Coast, into the mountains for volcanos and cloud forest before a final stay on the Pacific Coast. 
The talk includes birds and wildlife, the wonders of the cloud forest and its humming birds and finally the lush vegetation and mangroves of the Pacific Coast.
 
April 17th – Anything Goes Competition judged by Alan Walker MPAGB ARPS MPSA EFIAP BPE5* – last internal competition.
 
April 24th – No meeting
 
May 1st – 2 members presentations: Presentation one is by Stan titled ‘Local Sports part 2; the second is by Robin titled ‘Excursion to Chile’. Many thanks to both members for their individual time and trouble to put these talks together.
 
That’s all folks!
 
Mike and Lewis

Afternoon All
 
Gardening today ‘cos the rain arrives Monday onwards! “Quelle surprise”, “c’est la même chose”.
 
Notices
 
Wednesday 24th April – there will be NO meeting on this Wednesday ‘cos Mike, Lewis and Robin are all away – sorry!
 
Vacancies – would you like to join the committee? – we are currently looking for a vice chair and a programme secretary, help and guidance will always be given! 
If you are interested why not have a chat with Mike or Lewis at the next meeting.
 
Lancashire & Cheshire Photographic Union
 
We attached the Annual Individuals Competition 2024 for Saturday 18th May & Sunday 19th May the other week. 
The full rules & guidelines for the competition are now attached. 
Please enter individually and if you need help, please contact Lewis, as competition secretary, on info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk, or chat during any meeting.
 
May 15th – Member’s Presentation Evening; This did prove very successful last year so please support the club (partners of any persuasion all welcome!); so, speak to Freda! The cost this year is £16 per member; just £1 more than last year. 
This is our end of season social and presentation get together with catering from ‘Betty’ and her team. 
Menu: two cold meats, quiches, Coleslaw and salads, rolls and butter and hot new potatoes plus a choice of 3 desserts; meringue nests, fruit salad and café Renoir. If you are interested, please speak to Freda who is taking reservations. 
The main event is, of course, the presentation of certificates and trophies
 
Up and coming programme of events:
 
Wednesday April 3rd – Members evening – various announcements, programme for 2024/25, Events Cup destinations and dates, summer schedule ideas and thoughts, and future discussions for 2024/25 plus ……
Wednesday 3rd April – Show and Tell – please bring your images in on a USB ‘stick’ or send them to our usual email address – info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk – and we will put them on the PowerPoint presentation. You are more than welcome to chat about your images from the front of the room however, if you prefer comment from where you are sat – it’s no problem!
April 10th – Alan Cameron, ‘live’ – Costa Rica from sea to sea.
April 17th – Anything Goes Competition judged by Alan Walker MPAGB ARPS MPSA EFIAP BPE5* – last internal competition.
April 24th – No meeting
May 1st – 2 members presentations: Presentation one is by Stan titled ‘Local Sports part 2; the second is by Robin titled ‘Excursion to Chile’. Many thanks to both members for their individual time and trouble to put these talks together.

That’s all folks
 
Mike and Lewis

Morning All
 
A fine sunny day, make the most of it ‘cos more rain on its way! Climate change, eh?
 
Notices
 
Reminder, next Wednesday, 27thMarch, no meeting.
 
April 3rd – Members evening – various announcements, programme for 2024/25, Events Cup destinations and dates, summer schedule ideas and thoughts, and future discussions for 2024/25 plus show and tell.
 
Show and Tell – Wednesday 3rd April – please bring your images in on a USB ‘stick’ or send them to our usual email address – info@garstangcameraclub.co.uk – and we will put them on the PowerPoint presentation. You are more than welcome to chat about your images from the front of the room however, if you prefer comment from where you are sat – it’s no problem!
 
A separate email is being sent to all those members who were interested in the ‘Media City’ event with Lee Metcalf. We have the list of members and if you are on it and DO NOT receive the email get in touch ASAP. Email will be sent later on today, Sunday.
 
May 15th – Member’s Presentation Evening; This did prove very successful last year so please support the club (partners of any persuasion all welcome!); so, speak to Freda! The cost this year is £16 per member; just £1 more than last year.
 
This is our end of season social and presentation get together with catering from ‘Betty’ and her team.
 
Menu: two cold meats, quiches, Coleslaw and salads, rolls and butter and hot new potatoes plus a choice of 3 desserts; meringue nests, fruit salad and café Renoir. If you are interested, please speak to Freda who is taking the reservations.
 
The main event is, of course, the presentation of certificates and trophies.
 
Up and coming programme of events:
 
March 27th – No meeting – Committee meeting.
April 3rd – Members evening – various announcements etc – see above.
April 10th – Alan Cameron, ‘live’ – Costa Rica from sea to sea.
Alan writes: A short trip in Costa Rica in 2019 saw me travelling the country from Capital City, San Jose, to the jungles of the Atlantic Coast, into the mountains for volcanos and cloud forest before a final stay on the Pacific Coast.
 
The talk includes birds and wildlife, the wonders of the cloud forest and its humming birds and finally the lush vegetation and mangroves of the Pacific Coast.
 
April 17th – Anything Goes Competition judged by Alan Walker MPAGB ARPS MPSA EFIAP BPE5*
April 24th – Members evening
That’s all folks
 
Mike and Lewis