Summer Outings 2024
Summer 2023
Weds 30th August, we went to Hackpen Hill to photograph the Blue Supermoon, and were fortunate in that the weather improved during the afternoon with only partial cloud affecting our sighting of the moon as it rose above the visible horizon. We were also fortunate in having Graham Light with us, to guide our positioning to see the moon and to assist with camera settings – some of his lovely images are linked to this report – many thanks Graham!
As the Summer break comes to an end, we had a great visit to the Hawk Conservancy Centre near Andover on 23rd August……a major venue for worldwide raptor breeding, welfare, and conservation.
We saw 3 different flying displays, at 3 different locations, across the vast site during the day – all offering excellent displays with good shooting opportunities, once we had mastered suitable camera settings for the varying light conditions and the flight lines of the various birds!
On Tuesday 15th August, we set off late [8.45pm] to photograph the Milky Way at Wilton Windmill. The windmill looked spectacular as we arrived with its’ sails colourfully floodlit. Fortunately, the floodlights were turned off at 10.25pm so we could see the top section of the Milky Way appear parallel with the sails. The Milky Way was above the horizon from 10.30pm until 12.30 am – but the Core was not visible due to low lying cloud formations. Still, we got some reasonable shots of the Milky Way for our first attempt at this location! Anyone interested in trying again next March, when the Core should be more visible higher in the night sky and should form an arch above the Windmill ?….only issue is that we need to be there between 1.30am and 04.00am to see it!!
On Sunday 13th August we set off early [5.00am]to photograph the Bristol Air Balloon Fiesta mass launch at 6.00am. Weather forecasts suggested we might be lucky, but the wind speed was marginal. Having positioned ourselves next to the Clifton Observatory, we had the perfect view of the Clifton Bridge and the gorge. However, we only saw 4 balloons take off, before the Flight Director declared it too windy for any further take offs! Still, we did get some images, albeit not of mass balloons flying over the bridge.
Week commencing Monday 7th August was full on in terms of outings – Prescott Hillclimb, Glebe Farm Sunflowers, Perseiad meteors, Steam train at Crofton, and Bristol Balloon Fiesta…..sample images of some of these events are shown.
Separately – if anyone is interested in butterflies and dragonflies – visit Lower Moor/Clattinger Farm nature reserve while the current mating season is ongoing.
Coffee and cake at the Dragonfly Cafe whilst shooting the dragonflies from the terrace is quite appealing!
Thursday 3rd August an excellent trip last night to Weston Super Mare allowed us to photograph the walkway and the wrecked Birnbeck Pier at high tide, as the sun set over the horizon – sample images hopefully give a flavour.
July
Tuesday 25th July I paid another visit to Crofton to shoot the steam engine “Bahamas” on her way to Bristol – this time she was showing decent smoke!
Tuesday 25th July this week’s outing was the postponed trip to Batsford Arboretum and the Cotswold Falconry Centre. Fortunately the weather was dry and pleasant for our day out, and both venues were thoroughly worthwhile visiting. The falconry displays included two bonuses in the form of two 6 week old Eagle Owl chicks, and three juvenile Kites just about ready to take wing. The arboretum had several bushes covered in butterflies [at last!] and photogenic “bridge and stream” scenes.
After abandoning our trip to Batsford last week, we took advantage of reasonable weather this Friday 21st July to visit Cotswold Lavender at Snowshill and Broadway Tower.
Arriving just before opening time at Snowshill, meant we got the lavender to ourselves plus 4 other photographers, so plenty of opportunity to get some early shots with no people in the way! The lavender was in full bloom and full of bees and butterflies, plus the other fields had mixed blooms and yellow daisies. Weather was mixed but some nice cloud formations, so fingers crossed some decent final images will emerge!
After a coffee and lavender flapjack late morning break, we moved on to Broadway Tower – just down the road. Again helped by interesting clouds, we got some good images [we hope!] with few people around to interrupt our views of the Tower and the resident deer.
On Thursday 6th July we visited North Meadow in Cricklade for a session led by Graham Light, where we shot the night sky. Attendance was the highest yet this summer with 10 members enjoying a clear night with plenty of stars visible. We may return in mid August to shoot the Pleiades Meteor Showers.
On Tues 4th July we visited Clevedon Pier – despite the constant rain our brave bunch of 4 managed to see a lovely sunset, although the pier itself was sadly impacted by scaffolding around a couple of the stanchions.
June
Friday 30th June was going to be our excursion to the Fifield Poppy field, but parking and shooting location problems, plus an adverse weather forecast, meant this trip was cancelled. Anyone wanting directions to see the field please let me know! The image attached was taken from a distance and shows the rear section of the field featuring poppies – the rest of this part of the field is covered with wheat. The main poppy crop is only visible from the main road and has nowhere to park in order to get a decent shot!
Tuesday 27th June saw us visit Slimbridge Wetland Wildlife centre and the Purton Barges Graveyard nearby.
Slimbridge was really worthwhile now they have overcome the avian bird flu epidemic, with flocks of migratory wild birds and many regular sightings. Of particular interest was the solo Bluethroat seen for the 3rd year running – images are small/indistinct I’m afraid, even with a 600mm lens!
Purton Barges graveyard was an interesting visit to see how the banks of the Severn were protected by running dozens of old barges into the riverbank to provide a haven for sediment, to prevent further erosion.
Wednesday 21st June morning we visited Crofton to photograph Flying Scotsman on its day tour to Salisbury, shooting from the bridge, with the railtrack and Kennet canal in view. The only disappointment was a distinct lack of steam visible from the engine’s smoke stack!! We think she may have be relying on the diesel engine pushing from the back of the carriages?
Wednesday 21st evening we visited Avebury [Summer Solstice seemed an appropriate day to us!]. More shots probably taken of people, rather than ancient rocks , although a little bit of late colour in the sky was a bonus. Free pub music entertainment at the Red Lion accompanied post sunset drinks!
On Saturday 17th June we visited Thruxton Motor Racing circuit, for the first day of the Historics meeting. An interesting mix of races featured 1950s sports and saloon cars, 1960 – 80s Ferraris, Formula 2/3/Atlantic single seaters, Mighty Minis, and Formula Ford single seaters. Vintage F1 racing cars, Racing Trucks, and a rolling parade lap display of classic cars filled the lunch hour break. Hectic racing throughout allowed us to practice our panning shots, and even take some grab shots of a flying Ferrari catching fire [no one hurt!]
Photos taken on Wednesday 14th June – evening/sunset shoot visiting Rockley Church near Marlborough, roadside poppies, and Hackpen Hill, by Chris Pocock:
Following Chris Pocock’s images shown from our visit to Rockley and Hackpen Hill last week, here is more info on our latest excursions, together with some sample images.
