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12th May 2009
Ne'er cast a clout 'til May is out.
- News and views by Christine Hodgson
Those who were lulled into a false sense of security by the smattering of sunny days at Eastertime, will have had to dig deep into their wardrobes again for those winter woolies and gloves to stave off hypothermia of late. Could have been fooled into thinking in the last couple of weeks, we were in February or March, it's been so wintery! However, the silver lining has been some dramatic and magnificent coastal displays of turbulent and powerful seas, that is if you could bear to be out in it!
Oh! for the warmth of the sun again
Well, summer will come and hopefully with it, some warmer climes.
What's been happening lately?
Southern California Council of Camera Clubs ( a lot of C's in that title, and I bet it's warmer there) asked the group for a repeat performance of last years judging of best mono image. Jan, Steve and Tony performed this service and other members were invited along to do some have-a-go judging themselves for their own award.
The group were also asked to judge some April pictures sent to BBC N.E. for their weather slot. The television crew came over to Whitehaven, and the pictures already hung in West Cumbria Hospital by our group, were used as a backdrop for the recording. Kate, Tony and Tom did the honors on our behalf, and between them selected the best picture. As is usually the case, it isn't always easy to choose 'the one'. The pictures were varied and contained some very intersesting ones. It's hoped that being involved in this and the judging being televised will get the group more widely known. Am noting that Tom has done a fair amount of judging of late, and making quite a name for himself!
Most enthusiasts will already be aware that FIAP have relaxed/changed some of the requirements for their awards. Great news for those of us ready to apply and not relishing the long 3 year waiting time for an AFIAP. Hard luck to those who have just been awarded their qualifications with the associated time scales.
A varied and busy few months ahead :-
I've included the programme for the summer months for those of you who perhaps like me occasionally have a blitz on their emails and end up deleting stuff which should have been kept.
The summer splash begins with:-
June 13th: Location photo shoot. (Perfect light, and kind weather please) Location to be announced.
June 18th: Usual meeting, supper with Christine Widdal.
June 25th: Picture Quest, when we will be looking at our new pictures.
July 3rd : Star Gazers again, getting our pictures ready.
July 9th : Another location shoot, supper for those interested.
July 16th:Usual meeting, look at our themed pictures. The themes are pictures of - Trees, A hard path to follow, and All tied up.
July 26th: Photo shoot on location.
July 30th: Picture Quest??? More info will be made available.
Aug 6th : Star Gazers meeting, providing there has been no permanent galactic vision damage.
Aug 16th: Edinburgh Festival trip. A must for those who enjoy things slightly 'off the wall'.
Aug 20th: Meeting titled 'Improvement Needed'. Gosh! Reminds me of headmasters office. Do we stand in line for our hands rapped with the ruler I wonder?
Sept 3rd: Star Gazers meeting.
What happens after this, well who knows, but maybe that's enough to digest for the moment!
A correction to the last news page: The article about 12 year old Will Lee and his interest in photography should have read 'Will is taking his GCSE O level in photography 3 years earlier than is usual, and is predicted to achieve an A*'. Apologies to Will, and continued best wishes with your snapping.
The title: Ne'er cast a clout....is an old Cumbrian saying meaning not to start stripping off those layers of clothes until May is out and the weather warmer. Some say it is when the month of May has gone, and others when the May flower is in bloom. I think it's the former this year!