Recent Club Meetings

Lack of space in the March Focus squeezed out reports on four excellent and well received presentations.

On 22nd January Grahame Johnstone, in his "Long and winding Road", gave us a resume of his development and philosphy as a photographer. He learnt early on the importance of the KISS (keep it simple , stupid!).

On 29th January Harry Bosworth, in his "Photoshop forum", shared with us many useful tips on using Photoshop. Harry generously provided 18 pages of notes of his presentation, available by email, or on paper (for the cost of the duplicating) from Bill Chadband.

On 19th February Fred and Sheila Edwards continued their theme of "More tales from Dorset". Was Fred speaking to Sheila's collection of slides, or was Sheila illustrating, by slide, Fred's talk? Either way we had a fascinating look at Dorset and its history and customs. Fred showed his versatility as a speaker by remaining unphased as Sheila shuffled the order of presentation of the slides. We understand that they are still living together!

On 26th February Tony Redford gave another of his superb 3-projector AV presentations. He explained how an earlier presentation had impressed a local travel agent, as a result of which further holidays to North America materialized, some of the results of which he was presenting to us.

On 5th March the L&CPU Monochrome Print Folio was presented. But where was our NCPS commentary on it? It transpired that there were two print Folios doing the rounds and we were sent the other one! We got our own back by turning off the commentary provided, and providing our own new commentary on the new Folio. This went so well that we are considering dispensing with future commentaries and providing our own each time!

On 19th March Anthony Pioli put "Nature in Focus" for us. We were treated to a great variety of excellent shots of Birds, Toads, and Insects from around the world. We were not at all surprised that many of the slides had featured in National and International competitions.

Altrincham & Hale Inter-Club Slide Competition

On Friday 22nd March a small but perfectly formed contingent of NCPS supporters arrived at a new and impressive venue in good time to hand in our entry of five slides. They settled down to enjoy the viewing of 100 competitive submissions from the total of 20 clubs taking part.The organising club elected to delay the start for some 20 minutes to give extra time for a late arrival (who didn't actually show up at all). Whilst some considered this a thoughtful thing to do others, particularly those who had rushed over from a fair distance in order to be on time, wondered why they had bothered to rush. The late start might have influenced the judge's approach. He turned out to be a man of few words. As slides were eliminated round by round, the great majority were awarded the same constructive comment " this is an interesting slide but there are better ones, so this one is out". The redeeming feature was that despite everything (including various delays due to computer-scoring problems) the proceedings actually finished ahead of schedule though the results printout failed to materialise due to the aforementioned computer problems.

And the result?

NCPS finished a very close SECOND out of the 20 competing clubs. The winners by two points were South Manchester C.C. Our most successful slide reached in the final round with three others and was placed 2nd overall. This was " Winter Walk" by Dorothy Redford. Another of our more successful entries was " Truckers Wheel" which almost made it to the end. This was particularly pleasing as it was the first (of many, hopefully) submitted by one of our new members, Mark Cokayne. Brian Turnbull's "Fruitseller" and George Beaumont's " Picnic at Petra" also earned their place, but Tony Redford's "Barrier Pattern" which has done well in the past, was eliminated in the first round (which is probably why he took a jaundiced view of the whole affair!)

Tony Redford

50th Anniversary Luncheon

Adlington Caterers did us proud at our anniversary luncheon on Sunday 3rd March 2002. All went according to plan with guests seated at 1.00pm, "grace" said, and the starter course promptly served. The food was deliciously cooked and presented, in the right quantity, with the minimum of fuss and with a smile. NCPS past president Frank Hutchinson welcomed our guests and introduced L&CPU president John Dougherty, who praised the progress of the club and proposed the toast "The NCPS". Bill Chadband, the current president of NCPS thanked John for his good wishes, and invited Tony Redford to comment upon the replies Tony had received in response to his letter of invitation to members present and past.

71 people attended the luncheon, including 22 past members (or spouses or partners) honorary life members Patrick Black and Trevor Harrison and L&CPU guests John Dougherty, Ian Stewart and Bob Dennis. Tony read out sections of the letters received from past members who were unable to attend but who sent their greetings.

Bill Chadband invited those present to cast their minds back 50 years to some incident which might have occurred to them then. To start the ball rolling he related the saga of the new Art master who arrived at his school during that year. Years of high marks under the History master, acting as Art master (when drawing black lines around the subjects to highlight them was praised) were replaced by years of low marks under this new creature. To general acclaim Bill pleaded that it was he who had first conceived the "find the edges filter" so common in digital work, but that an ignorance of patent law at that age had prevented him from making his fortune.

Bill noted that the L&CPU "lecturers and judges" booklet had saved his bacon when he took on the job of club competitions secretary but knew no judges. He proposed a toast "The Lancashire and Cheshire Union of Photographic societies". Ian Stewart responded to this toast and bemoaned the fact that during his term of office no 50th anniversaries had taken place. Ian noted that most guests still had a half-full glass of wine and therefore proposed another toast to NCPS.

Toastmaster Frank then introduced Bob Dennis. Bob rubbed salt in Ian's wounds by noting that he had attended at least 15 such events during his term of office as president of L&CPU. Bob likened the present NCPS president to a Robin (cocky???) and then proceeded to show his age by listing the many significant events which had occurred nationally 50 years ago.

Those present then assembled at the bottom of the hall for the group photographs. Don Stafford had agreed to take the photographs, ably assisted by Geoff Robinson. This year's president (in the 50th year) had his photograph taken with Trevor Harrison (the president for the 25th anniversary year).

Past members who came expressed their general delight with the proceedings and the organisers went home well content.

Bill Chadband

AGM of L&CPU

On Saturday 23rd February Joyce Streets and Bill Chadband represented NCPS at the AGM of the Lancashire & Cheshire Photographic Union. The AGM is the time when officers and committee members report back on their efforts over the year and answer questions as to their responsibilities. To many members AGM's are a bore, but in fact they are vital to the democratic running of an organisation. In short, if you can't be bothered to turn up to an AGM then don't complain if events are not run in the way you would wish them to be, or decisions made which are not to your liking.

The Union treasurer recapped on the finances of L&CPU over the years. He noted that in refusing to make modest increases to sub-scriptions to keep up with inflation the Union had run into financial difficulties in the past; and stated that he thought the Union's finances were now on an even keel. He drew attention to the fact that Executive members often did not claim expenses due, and that he had recorded this non-claimed part as donations from the executive (£1335). Elsewhere secretary Bob Vince had noted that the full complement of executive members was 19 but that only 16 (reduced during the year to 15) actually served this session. The treasurer did not want prospective EC members to be deterred by being out of pocket at the end of the session. They gave their time willingly, but could not be expected to give money as well. The treasurer noted that the "State of the Union" costs had been donated by an outside organisation and thus didn't figure in the accounts. There were 102 clubs in the Union producing 3195 members. This was a reduction from 3338 members last session. There had been a gradual reduction in member totals over the years. Based on a membership of 3050 and estimated expenditure of a little over £10.5K a subscription rate of £3.50 was suggested. Assuming EC members continued to donate back as before this would reduce to about £3.16. He proposed therefore that L&CPU subs for the coming session should be £3.20 per member for clubs with over 10 members. For clubs with 10 or fewer members the club subscription should be £30 (a reduction from the previous (£42). This was agreed nem con by the meeting. The hon auditor A.J. Dalton A.C.I.BLRPS wished to relinquish his post, so another suitably qualified auditor was being sought. The treasurer noted that the costs of paying a professional auditor would exceed £1000. The question of who subsidised whom arose on several occasions. The EC subsidised the Administration of the Union; Lecturers and judges often subsidised clubs by not claiming full and proper expenses. Bob Dennis made a plea that clubs should proffer the money to such people without them having to wait around after a club event hoping it would be available. He had heard of several instances where the treasurer had gone home immediately after a club meeting leaving the guest speaker, or judge with no money at all. Such behaviour made his task of keeping a good L&CPU lecturers and judges list all the harder. Bob noted that there were 78 lecturers presently on the list (gained 5, lost 7) and there were 63 judges (gained 8, lost 9). The Union needed more good speakers and judges. Clubs should tell him about possible new speakers: the Union was running courses to train new judges.

An animated discussion arose from the proposal that in 2003 all prints for L&CPU (and PAGB) competitions should be mounted on 40cm by 50cm board (20 by 16 inches approx.). Smaller mounting boards for smaller prints were causing damage in boxes in transit. One member was getting annoyed that a proportion of his prints always came back embossed with the imprint of a smaller mount. Suggestions by some members, that small prints on big mounts looked silly, were countered by several experienced members who argued the reverse. Exhibitions where all mounts were the same standard size were an improvement on the alternative. Competition Secretary Ian Stewart noted that only 28 of the 102 clubs had responded to his plea for contact names to whom he could forward competition data. To save time and money L&CPU were endeavouring to use email wherever possible. Entry forms were no longer being sent out; formatted discs or emailed files were being introduced.

Events officer Keith Suddaby noted that the Big Day at Lancaster had gone very well; attendance had exceeded expectations and a small profit had resulted. He gave details of the next Big Day on Sunday 17th March 2002. John Smith noted that 450 copies of "Focal Points" were produced 3 times a year. Individual members were urged to take out subscriptions in order to keep up to date of L&CPU events. He noted that the "chat" page on the WEB, which had been dormant for so long now showed a frenzy of activity; which he encouraged.

The 15x15 battle with Leek CC

Tradition has been established that we challenge the winners of the North Cheshire Challenge trophy from our Exhibition week. This year it was Leek Camera Club and the battle took place at Poynton on 26th March. The NCPS President had warned the club that numbers counted and the club with the greatest number of supporters on the night would win. Someone must have informed Leek club of this elementary fact for they turned up in force, ahead of our members, easily outnumbering our own club members, with the inevitable result. The judge was John Smith from Rochdale club. In his introduction the NCPS president noted that as a judge John was an unknown, but as the editor of Focal Points his fame had preceded him. John was warmly welcomed and warned that anything he said might be taken down and used in Focus. John was concerned that pictures should have a firm base, not relying upon the mount to serve this function. He was perplexed by a pigeon but entranced by a kingfisher. At half-time, after the print contest NCPS were in the lead by 5 points. But Leek were clearly strong on Slides; much stronger that the arithmetic prowess of the scorers who failed to agree on the final mark. They did agree, however, that Leek had at least a 10 point lead in the slide section, making them the overall winners. We thanked Leek club for coming and congratulated them on their win. To show there were no hard feelings we took the judge for a drink afterwards. It was a most enjoyable, good-natured evening, due in no small measure to the affability and openness of the judge.

NCPS PRINTS
1. Foot Prints in the Sand, Bill Chadband - 15
2. Canary Wharf Development, Tony Redford - 15
3. Okavango Delta, Steph Clack - 16
4. Paris Artist, Dorothy Redford - 19
5. American Mural, Brian Turnbull - 14
6. Pastoral Scene, Gordon Robson - 14
7. Lavatorium Gloucester Cath, Gerald Hallworth - 19
8. Polar Bears, Steph Clack - 19
9. Winter Walk, Dorothy Redford - 17
10. Lyme Landscape, Brian Turnbull - 16
11. Bridges Of Paris, Tony Redford - 15
12. G, Colin Pickles -14
13. Rocky Mountain Lake, George Beaumont - 18
14. Pigeon, Bill Chadband - 13
15. Scruffy Pals, Dorothy Redford - 18

NCPS SLIDES
1. Word in your Ear, Brian Turnbull - 15
2. Rainbow in the Dales, Ted Wilson -15
3. Winter Tree, Bill Chadband -16
4. Top View, Tony Redford -14
5. The Dentist, George Beaumont -15
6. Truckers Wheel, Mark Cokayne - 19
7. Take three Gulls, Tony Redford -13
8. The Execution, Brian Turnbull - 16
9. Venetian Gold, Gordon Robson -13
10.Fruit Seller, Brian Turnbull - 14
11. The Crucifixion, George Beaumont - 15
12. Tribal Life Thailand, Gordon Robson - 14
13. Masai Women And Child, George Beaumont -13
14. Water Buffalo, Brian Turnbull -14
15. Picnic at Petra, George Beaumont - 14

Effortless Digital

At the 3rd Quarterly competition I was more than a little surprised to hear from the judge that I had produced, at no extra effort (or expense!) a digital print. Mind you, the judge did not give it an award, finding the image too simple, possibly due to lack of manipulation. As more and more judges come to have less and less knowledge of so-called traditional, or classic, photography, so it will become more and more unfair to keep both types of process in the same section; without an indication to the judge of the method used. It is clear that judges are already finding it difficult to tell the difference by simply examining the print. To save the judges more red faces perhaps the committee could address this problem and bring forward a simple solution. A similar situation arises in comparing monochrome prints taken from black and white negatives with de-saturated computer manipulated images from colour prints or slides. One might question whether black and white negatives need to be produced at all now that the colour material is near perfect (though I think there will always be a place for black and white images which can bring extra atmosphere or impact to a scene). And of course some subjects are effectively monochrome by their very nature. We saw an example recently of a pure white clematis (Marie Boisselet) against a dark back-ground. Surely it would not have been improved by giving it an un-natural colour tint.

Graham McIntosh

L&CPU Inter-club Slide Challenge

On Saturday 6th April Brian Turnbull, Dorothy and Tony Redford, Gordon and Joyce Robson, and Bill Chadband met at Ormskirk to represent NCPS and do battle with 10 other clubs in this unusual competition. We were allowed a bank of 35 slides, 8 of which were sent off in advance to represent us in the 1st round. The Judges from the Midlands were Peter Gennard, Paul Gomery and Malcom Kus.

Our 1st round scores were:
Rainbow in the Dales (Ted Wilson) 12
The Execution (Brian Turnbull) 8
Tribal Life Thailand (Gordon Robson) 12
Winter Walk (Dorothy Redford) 11
Barrier Pattern (Tony Redford) 9
Frosty tree (Brian Turnbull) 10
Stavros (Gordon Robson) 9
Picnic at Petra (George Beaumont) 9

At this stage NCPS were 9th with 80 points. Rochdale (74) and S. Liverpool(79) were below us but Bury and Heswell, Lytham St Annes and Southport were in the 90's. For our 2nd round, the following eight slides were offered:
Winter Tree (Bill Chadband) 11
Truckers Wheel (Mark Cockayne) 10
Fruit Seller (Brian Turnbull) 12
Blue Tulip (Tony Redford) 9
Descent (Dorothy Redford) 12
Stadium of Colour (Ted Wilson) 11
White Rhino with Calf (Steph Clack) 12
Polar Bears Fighting (Dave Clack) 13

This score of 90 brought our total to 170, making us 8th above Birkenhead (166), Rochdale (154), & S. Liverpool (153). However only the top six were allowed to proceed to the final round. They were Bebbington (174), S. Manchester (175), Heswell (177), Lytham St Annes (177), Southport (188), and Wigan 10 (189). 20 slides were allowed in the final round, at least 10 new ones from the Bank, with a maximum of 4 Natural History slides, and a maximum of four from any one worker. Southport were the overall winners beating S. Manchester to 2nd place and Wigan 10 to third place.

Portraiture by Don Stafford

On 2nd April Don introduced his bodiless friend, the head on the stick, with a hat! With the aid of his single spot-light Don proceeded to demonstrate the various pitfalls into which the amateur portrait taker could fall. The value of a roll of white paper was emphasised. It was valuable for scattering the light to produce a softly illuminated subject; and depending upon the relative distances light to subject and light to background, could produce a background varying from white, through greys to very dark when used as background. Coloured lights and patterned lights could give an infinite variety of backgrounds in this way. The appropriate "butterfly" shadow beneath the nose, the best angle for the face, highlights in the eyes and shadows on the neck or the wall behind, the position of the hands were all suitable subjects for discussion. But the problem often is to decide which is the most appropriate pose for an individual, or grouping of several people. To help here Don showed examples of his own work and of several famous American portrait photographers; mostly of people but including a fair sprinkling of dogs! The small room was the appropriate venue for this talk; the intimate atmosphere helped the flow of ideas. A well received talk; Thank you Don

Bill Chadband

The 3rd Quarterly Competition

The 3rd Quarterly Competition was judged by Mr David Graham on Tuesday 12th March 2002. David was presented with just over 100 prints and slides from a total of 16 contributors and was able to give constructive comments on each submission and still finish at the allotted time; quite an achievement for which we thank him. It was pleasing to see a number of our newer members having a go, and very encouraging to find their names amongst the awards.

Results Table

Well done to everyone taking part, and particularly to the award winners. The final Quarterly Competition (4th Quarterly) is scheduled for Tuesday 30th April and will be judged by J Alfred Brown from South Manchester. Make a note of the Handing-in date - Tuesday 16th April 2002. This will be the final opportunity to add to your Clubman of the Year tally. (A full breakdown of individual scores from each qualifying competition is held on my files and available for scrutiny if required!)

Tony Redford (Competition Sec)

From the Lancashire & Cheshire Photographic Union

Dear Club Secretary

At the recent AGM of the L&CPU an announcement was made with regard a change in the requirements to Print mount size for the 2003 Annual Competition. At a recent executive meeting the matter was reconsidered as a result of the comments made at the meeting and the subsequent representations to members of the executive. As a result the following proposal was put forward and agreed: From 2003:-

1. Prints will continue to be accepted under the present mount size rules.
2. Because of the risk of damage to prints in folios, Exhibition and Folio selection will be restricted to prints on mount sizes between 40 x 50 cm and 40.5 x 50.8 (20 x 16 inch equivalent).

Please bring this to the attention of your members and Exhibition Secretary.

PAGB Interclub Print Championship 2002

The above competition will be held on 26th October 2002, and will more than likely be held at the same excellent venue in Deeside as it was last year. In order for the L&CPU to be represented by two clubs/societies you are requested to submit a bank of 30 prints Colour or Black & White together with your entry for the 2002 Annual Competition. Closing date FRIDAY 26th APRIL 2002. You are requested to place them in separate and marked packaging i.e. PAGB Interclub Print Selection . There is no time limit on the prints, but prints must not have been entered in a previous PAGB Inter Club Championship. The two club\societies with the strongest panels of work will be invited to represent the L&CPU at the event in Deeside in October 2002, also two reserves will be chosen should the offer be declined. The entries will be considered by Mr David Marsh & Mr Bob Dennis our PAGB entry selectors. It is envisaged that next year (2003) the L&CPU will hold an Inter Club Print Challenge on similar lines to the slide event held in the Spring each year. I look forward to clubs participation in this selection process.

Regards.

Ian Stewart (ARPS DPAGB)

www.ncps.org.uk

Have you checked out the NCPS website recently? It is well worth doing so because it is regularly updated and re-designed to make it ever-more compelling viewing, not only for our members, but for anyone who checks the site, whether they live in Poynton, Cheshire - or Poynton, Australia. We have now had well over 1000 hits, some of which will have undoubtedly benefited the club directly. We have been complimented on the appeal of the site from surfers by near and far.

Here are a few interesting aspects of which you may still be unaware:

1) Member' s pictures enhance the visual appeal. There are currently well over 150 different images in the "Gallery" section. Have a look and see what you think. (Please have a word with me about the required format if you wish to submit your work)

2) Historic records have been conscientiously inputted and are faithfully maintained. For example, not only is every result of the North Cheshire Challenge Trophy recorded - since it's inception in 1984 but each participating club's performance in each of the rounds is also there to inspect! (The same applies to the more recently established Inter-club Digital Print Competition of course.) This demonstrates, (not least to those clubs who consider taking part), just how serious we are in doing the job properly. So why not check out the "Results Service" You' ll be amazed at the detail hiding behind those headings. And remember, our own Quarterly results and "Clubman" tables are updated within a few days of the competition. It is a true "Results SERVICE".

3) Did you know that you could scroll through every issue of "Focus" in its entirety (as from and including March 1999 a total of 20 issues to date). So you can still enjoy a fascinating read, even if your hard copy has long gone. Check it out under "Newsletter".

4) And who hasn't made use of our " Links" page? We have instant contact to many relevant sites ranging from " Poynton Show" (for which we are official photographers) to L & CPU for example, who in turn put us in direct contact with the websites of all our fellow Photographic Societies in the North West. And there's more, much more! So please make use of, and advertise as often as possible, this excellent facility which has been designed and put at our disposal by Peter Redford. We want to keep ahead and go from strength to strength into the 21st Century!

Tony Redford

Travels with a Camera

On 9th April Ray Brightman travelled from Sheffield and presented us with several slide sequences; visits to his ancestral home, visits to his daughter in Vancouver, and visits to the Lake district. His presentation had several ends: his last slide said The End, but his initial slides evoked comments on Water End, Green End and suchlike, places of his youth. This allowed our President to reminisce on his youth when he used to cycle to Green End, Fillongley (near Coventry) to visit his old grandfather.

Ray's slide record of Vancouver complemented Gordon Robson's earlier presentation which included a visit to Vancouver; a different photographer's different view of this famous City. Likewise Ray's excellent images from the Lakes opened the eyes of our seasoned travellers to views they had so far missed.

Bill Chadband

The Committee Meeting 10th April 2002

The 50th Anniversary luncheon was reviewed. Comments received had all been favourable. Don had passed over to Bill Chadband the ten 6x6cm negatives of photographs taken. Agreed that we should get a print-out of each one and decide the suitable print to send to each participant. Jon Allanson had scanned the photos to CD on his flatbed scanner. Agreed that participants could have a CD copy of all the images as an alternative, since this would not cost the club any more. Tony Redford would do a large format print to show club members. Patrick Black had photographed each table of participants and given the negatives to Bill, for use and safekeeping.

Frank noted that we had agreed to participate in the Poynton Queen's Jubilee celebrations though he had heard nothing more, as yet.

Colin reported on the imminent Bruges trip. We were now travelling by British Airways. A circular to participants was being prepared.

Gordon noted that next year's Annual Exhibition would be Wed 5th to Fri 7th Feb 2003. We were investigating the possibility of being open to the public for free on Saturday 8th Feb.

Consideration of nominations for the committee next session revealed that Joyce Streets had been active in sounding out members.

Following discussion the following nominations were made by the committee. It was emphasised that this did not preclude members making other nominations, in which case voting would take place, but Bill emphasised that the present committee had a duty to ensure that committee positions next year would all be filled.

President - Joyce Streets
Past President - Bill Chadband
Secretary - Joyce Robson
Treasurer - David Sharp
Syllabus Sec - Sheila Edwards (assisted by Richard Scaife)
Competition Sec - Tony Redford (assisted by John Coles)
Exhibition Sec - Gordon Robson
Publicity Sec - Frank Hutchinson
Focus Editor - Bill Chadband
Equipment Officer - John Ade
Chair of selection Committee - Bill Chadband (assisted by John Dixon)
With shadow portfolios - Richard Scaife, John Coles, John Dixon.
Selection committee: Gordon Robson, Brian Turnbull, John Dixon, Richard Scaife; ex officio President and Competitions Sec.

AGM on 14th May - Joyce was keen to give new member's opportunities on the committee but recognised that, being new member's, some might feel reticent about jumping straight into job's. The notion of assistants (deputies?) to officers seemed a good solution to this perceived obstacle. Please note that other nominations must be received by the Secretary at least two days before the AGM, accompanied by Seconder and Statement from the nominee that they are willing to serve, if elected. Motions to be discussed at the AGM must be received and exhibited on the notice board two weeks before the AGM.

Subscriptions: After receiving the treasurer's report the committee felt we need not increase the subscriptions this year. It was felt that inflation could be catered for by increasing the contributions on the night from 20p to 30p. Instances had arisen when visitors came and, though happy to contribute, did not know what was required of them. A decision had already been taken that such casual visitors be requested to pay £1.50 for the evening. It was agreed that the attendance book should have two columns Members(30p) and Visitors(£1.50). A prominent notice is to be produced, (after ratification at the AGM!) to this effect. Visitors, attending to support their clubs on competition nights would not be expected to pay the casual visitor charge.

Summer Programme: Gordon and Brian had undertaken to consider an appropriate programme. They have proposed the following. Discussion since by some members has suggested that a visit to the environs of the new Manchester Stadium for the Commonwealth Games could be considered, either as a separate day, or instead of eg the Lyme Park meeting. Members reactions are sought: please contact Gordon or Brian.

Summer Programme

Tuesday 28th May

Lowry Centre followed by fish and chips at Harry Ramsdens for those interested.
Meet outside the main entrance of the Lowry Centre at 7.00pm.
Transport : Suggest train from Disley at18.03, Hazel Grove 18.10, arriving Piccadilly 18.31 and Metro Link from Piccadilly to Lowry Centre. Return trains from Piccadilly to Hazel Grove and Disley at 21.47 and 22.59.
Alternatively : Share car transport - contact Gordon Robson (483-4228).

Tuesday 11th June

Castleton A walk is being organised from Castleton to the Cheshire Cheese at Hope (approx.500yds along the road to Edale) via the Training and Conference Centre and Losehill Hall, Spring House farm and Killhill Bridge. Distance is about 2.5mls along scenic footpaths (do not forget your camera!). Return to Castleton by attractive field paths on the south side of the A625.Total distance 4 - 4.5mls easy walking.
Transport : Share transport if required, contact Gordon Robson (483-4228)
Non Walkers : Castleton is photogenic with interesting shops cafes pubs etc. Non walkers can meet the rest of the party 8.00 to 8.30pm.Excellent food at the Cheshire Cheese!.
Meet at the main car park in Castleton at 7.00pm

Tuesday 25th June

Castlefields Great potential photographically. Meet later at Dukes 97 for refreshment!
Meet outside the Science Museum at 7.00pm.
Transport : Suggest same trains as for the Lowry Centre visit but take the train as far as Deansgate.

Sunday 30th June

Chatsworth Park There are many beautiful walks varying from 1-2mls up to 5mls around Chatsworth and for non walkers Chatsworth House and Gardens are very photogenic and well worth visiting. Refreshments are available in the café or at a pub in nearby Beeley.
Meet by the quadrangle fountain outside the café at 11.00am.
Transport : Please contact Gordon Robson if you wish to share transport (483-4228).

Tuesday 9th July

Lyme Park A walk is being organised from Disley via Green Lane, East Gate and back through Lyme Park. Total distance is about 3.5mls of undulating walking followed by refreshment at the Rams Head or the White Horse Inn.
Meet outside the Rams Head at 7.00pm.
Transport : Please contact Gordon Robson if transport is required.

Sunday July

Llanberis : Brian Turnbull has suggested a visit to Llanberis which
(date to be decided) can include visits to the Slate Works, the Hydro Electric Scheme inside the mountain, a narrow gauge railway along the lake, the Snowdon Railway and for the energetic a walk to the Snowdon summit.
Transport : Shared transport or possibly a Mini Bus depending on the support,date and availability.

Looking forward to your support for the Summer Programme and good photo opportunities.
Gordon Robson

Discussion since by some members has suggested that a visit to the environs of the new Manchester Stadium for the Commonwealth Games could be considered, either as a separate day, or instead of eg the Lyme Park meeting. Members reactions are sought: please contact Gordon or Brian.