News
Please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Committee if you have any questions regarding a news article, or if you wish to make an announcement.
Last Updated - 7th April 2011
Practical Evening
7th July 2011
This evening we were able to photograph Owls and Birds of Prey from the Ebbw Vale Owl Sanctury.
 © Pradip Kotecha |
 © chriswaite.com |
 © chriswaite.com |
 © chriswaite.com |
Blists Hill
Sunday 26th June 2011
It was our first trip with Gwent photographic society, we had a great time. First we caught the bus at Crosskeys then we picked more people up from Newport. Then we made our way Shropshire.
 |
 |
We had 3 hour coach ride until we arrived at the Iron Bridge, we spent 30 minutes to take pictures of the Iron Bridge and its surroundings, then we proceeded to the Museum of the Gorge. We then spent 1 hour there then made our way to Blists hill where we spent the rest of the day.
We had a fantastic time there as there were many things to see and do.
 |
 |
The weather made it a better journey as it was lovely and warm.
 |
 |
 |
This trip was very joyful and we can’t wait until the next trip!
Photos and Report by Gemma Chambers & Grace Collins
Cross Keys Fete – 8 Members
Saturday 21st May 2011
We all met up at 9.00am at McDonalds for a much needed Bacon Roll and Coffee.
We then went in convoy to the Sports Ground where we unloaded our cars before the deadline of 10am when all vehicles had to be off the grounds.
We then went in convoy to the Sports Ground where we unloaded our cars before the deadline of 10am when all vehicles had to be off the grounds.
Our allocated space was a bit meagre to say the least, and with a bit of persuasion from Debbie we managed to swap ours for a corner position.
It took a while to set up our displays, laptops, printers etc but we managed.
It took a while to set up our displays, laptops, printers etc but we managed.
Where's the Power ??
However, it was not all smooth running………we didn’t have any power.
But not to worry…….The On-Site Electrictians came to our aid and run us up a lead………..which didn’t work.
They run us up another lead……….which didn’t work.
….and another, and another, and another……finally they got one that worked and we were in business !!
But not to worry…….The On-Site Electrictians came to our aid and run us up a lead………..which didn’t work.
They run us up another lead……….which didn’t work.
….and another, and another, and another……finally they got one that worked and we were in business !!
We still needed more room and with a bit more persuasion, we blagged the organisers into moving the ‘rest area’ into the middle of the marquee.This gave us the extra space needed to display more of our work.
There was also rumour the the people weren’t coming on the table to the right of ours, so as the clock clicked to 11am, we moved their tables and utilised their space for our ‘studio’ setting.
We were good to go.
It seemed like from the very start, we were in demand for our photos. Alan and Mark were like the Paparazzi, even taking photos of the Mayor Vera Jenkins and her Consort Robert Jenkins ,and some of Gwents finest.
Team with Mayor
Steve and myself were runnng the printers flat out, while Debbie and Pat collected the money, and Karen manned the Print stall, while Jan assisted the photographers with our demanding sitters.
Demanding Sitters !!!!!
Ian turned up and helped out while some of us had a well deserved break, then it was ‘back on our heads’.
Simon And Nina popped in to gve their support, which was well received.
By 4.00pm it seemed that most of the visitors were leaving, so we decided to call it a day.
A big thank you to the members who gave their time and effort for putting on the display and representing our Society, and we raised over £200 towards our funds.
For some of us, the day was still not over, as we were later forced to meet in Wetherspoons, drink loads of beer, and go for a Thai Curry afterwards.
by Chris Waite
Nash Point – 11 Members
Monday 2nd May 2011
A few of us met at Debbie & Marks House, and all jumped in PK’s & Ted’s cars for an evening out to Nash Point.
It was good to see Ted out and about, and looking so well.
When we got there it was bitterly cold and windy, but being the hardy type, we set off for a jaunt to the lighthouse.
The light was against us, but with the howling wind, we thought the clouds would go, and we would be in luck with a good sunset.
Those of us who braved it till the end were justly rewarded.
It was good to see Ted out and about, and looking so well.
When we got there it was bitterly cold and windy, but being the hardy type, we set off for a jaunt to the lighthouse.
The light was against us, but with the howling wind, we thought the clouds would go, and we would be in luck with a good sunset.
Those of us who braved it till the end were justly rewarded.
Nash Point Sunset
By Chris Waite
Caerleon Ampitheatre & Barracks – 11 Members
28th April 2011
We decided to make this evenings trip a little closer to home.
Meeting up in the car park, we marched into the Ampitheatre like a Legion of our own. (Well, we didn’t really, more of a trundle)
We had good weather and strong lighting.
Meeting up in the car park, we marched into the Ampitheatre like a Legion of our own. (Well, we didn’t really, more of a trundle)
We had good weather and strong lighting.
Caerleon Ampitheatre
John
When we had all taken our pics, we headed off to the site of the Barracks. It is an amazing place, and looking at the size of the rooms, we decided that it must have been quite cramped for them.
Neil
Caerleon Barracks
With our photography done, a few of us went in search of some light refreshments and a bite to eat, and ended up at the Hanbury Arms. A very nice pub, with pleasant staff, however, the menu was getting shorter and shorter by the minute and we just managed to get our orders in before they ran out of food!!
By Chris Waite
Dunraven Bay – 16 Members
21st April 2011
As the club was closed for Easter, a few of us decided to have a few hours at Dunraven Bay.
We all met up just off the motorway, and travelled in convoy to the Bay. It was refreshing to see some of the newer members turning up.
We all met up just off the motorway, and travelled in convoy to the Bay. It was refreshing to see some of the newer members turning up.
Dunraven Bay Sunset
We all split up to find some good vantage points, and while realising that the tide was coming in, I didn’t realise it was coming in THAT fast. ! – wish I’d brought my wellies.
It turned out to be a good exercise in camera control.
It turned out to be a good exercise in camera control.
Chris Getting Close
Maximising Depth-of-Field for the sunset shots, and Slow shutter speeds for capturing movement in the waves.
As the tide got higher, we were forced to make a retreat, and pack up the cameras.
Dunraven Lemmings
A few of us then went on to a local Hostelry, to be supplied with food and drinks.
A good evening was had by all.
A good evening was had by all.
By Chris Waite
Bowling & Chinese
9th April 2011
Saturday’s bowling day started off with a few of us travelling by train from Newport. We tried to get a rail ticket to include the cost of the bendy bus to Cardiff bay, but the ticket operator told us that the free bus service had been stopped, and we would have to get a train to Cardiff Central, change trains to Cardiff Queen Street, then Change train to Cardiff Bay. !!
We were having none of it !!
We got off at Central, hopped on the bendy bus and pleaded with the driver. He wasn’t having any of it…….we had to pay 
Still, not put off by this we arrived at the Bowling and decided some sustainance was required beforehand.
Still, not put off by this we arrived at the Bowling and decided some sustainance was required beforehand.
There was lashings of Ice-cream for everyone.
Deb, obviously couldn’t decide which one she wanted.
Deb, obviously couldn’t decide which one she wanted.
Suitably Chilled out, it was on to the bowling, where we were met by Ian.
The Hustlers
Now, there could only be one winner, and not being one to brag…………. it was ME.
Though Nina came second………..and she wasn’t even there !!!!
I’m sure my performance was enhanced by the copious amounts of cider consumed during the game.
Though Nina came second………..and she wasn’t even there !!!!
I’m sure my performance was enhanced by the copious amounts of cider consumed during the game.
Top Gun
After loads of fun, we headed out for a little stroll , where we were met by Stewart & Julie and headed to the pub where we were met by Simon & Nina.
6.30pm arrived and off we headed to the Cosmo Restaurant.
What a place. !!
All you can eat for £14.00.
All you can eat for £14.00.
One of the best restaurants around. Food was delicious, and they even cooked some dishes for you to order.
By the time we had to leave, everyone was filled to the brim. Top marks for Debbie for finding this little gem.
By the time we had to leave, everyone was filled to the brim. Top marks for Debbie for finding this little gem.
The Foodies
A good day out was had by all, and look forward to the next one.
by Chris Waite
Practical Evening
31st March 2011
The model for this evenings event was Rev Chris Wood. Chris is an American Civil War enthusiast, who came with a variety of outfits, which were made using authentic designs and materials to the originals.
Before each shoot, Chris gave a brief talk on the different styles of outfit from the North and South Armies.
Only one light was used throughout the shoot, trying to recreate the style of photography from the 1860′s.
by Chris Waite
St Davids Weekend – 12 Members
25 – 28 March 2011
After a postponed start, we finally departed at around 12 pm. The weather was fine and we were away.
The journey was uneventful but pleasant. We stopped at Morrisons for supplies, mainly liquid refreshments, and then we took the coast road to Porthgain.
The 12 of us shared two cottages. The accommodation was first class and very comfortable. We arrived at around 4 pm, unpacked, sorted out where we were all going live. With that sorted we took the opportunity to go and have a little explore as the sun set on a perfect day.
We all went to the Sloop Inn for food and beer, with bellies full and whistles wetted we headed back to the cottages to partake of some more beer and the serious business of JENGA. Debbie and Pat didn’t do too well, but we’ll skip over that quickly, (too much beer I think). After copious amounts alcohol the sacks were finally hit at 11′ish.
Saturday
Early morning rise for some of us, namely Stewart and Julie, Mark and Deb, Pat, and myself, we got up at the crack of dawn, about 5 am to some tea and toast, then out into the dawn, which wasn’t as cold as we anticipated, to wait for the sunrise. The others were disappointed, the cloud, covering their sunrise, but mine was less disappointing due to the brilliant red sun as it rose over the horizon. Although my battery ran out at the crucial moment, but with some quick changes I was able to capture some half decent shots.
After the sun had lost its initial glow, we returned to the cottages for breakfast.
Once everyone was assembled we had a FULL ENGISH, which although was very satisfying didn’t include Julie. The cooks forgot about her and she was left with porridge, poor Julie.
Once everyone was assembled we had a FULL ENGISH, which although was very satisfying didn’t include Julie. The cooks forgot about her and she was left with porridge, poor Julie.
The majority of us decided to go on a Grand Tour, Stewart and Julie however opted for a quiet day walking on the coastal path. With cameras and tripods loaded we headed for our first stop, the Blue Lagoon. As with the whole weekend, there were photo opportunities galore, the water was crystal clear and the most beautiful blue/green, the rocks were barren, wild and very dramatic, needless to say the sound of cameras shutters being clicked, could be easily heard over the roar of the waves.
After reluctantly prising ourselves from this absolutely stunning place, we headed for the smallest city in the world St David’s. Being so early in the year the tourist attractions hadn’t opened and as a consequence the city offered us little in the way of photo opportunities, the Cathedral however was a different matter. This ancient monument was breathtaking, both in it’s scale and attention to detail, the craftsmanship was world class. Although a charge of £10 was levied for the use of tripods the light was fantastic so we were able to hand hold our cameras quite easily. After a couple of hours snapping in and around the cathedral, we moved on to Solva. The tidal river was at low tide so we walked along the path as far as we could but disappointingly it wasn’t very photogenic. We went from there to Abercastell; the coast was very dramatic if inaccessible, which meant long distance wide-angle shots. There were a group of people in kayaks, paddling along the coast so we took the opportunity to get our long lenses out and get some close ups of them.
With the sun sinking we decided to make our way back to the cottages, we made one final stop at the standing stones at Carteg Samson with lovely long shadows and the golden rays of the setting sun, we photographed the stones and a group photo for the website.
Back to the house to freshen up and ready ourselves for the evening meal in the Shed. I must mention The Shed is a local fish bistro, it uses locally caught fish. We arrived and noisily made our presence felt, as we always do wherever we go. After being ushered upstairs out of the way drinks were served and food ordered. A census of opinion was reached that The Shed served the best fish dishes we all had in a very long time.
Back to base for more alcohol and the all-important Jenga, how 12 adults can have so much fun with a pile of wood is a mystery. Everyone celebrated the onset of summer by putting their clocks and watches forward before bed.
Sunday
We all decided not to get up for the sunrise and as it turned out it was a good decision as it was very foggy and over cast. The now traditional full English was served at 9, Julie was first in line to make sure she wasn’t forgotten. With that out of the way it was Deb, Mark, Alan, Jan, Stewart, Julie, Glyn, Pat and Karen who went south of St Davids to Dale. We had a few people doing different things today Chris stayed home and baby sat the cat with man flu.
Michelle and Steve stayed behind and explored the surrounding areas and the rest of us went to Dale, Martin Haven and sampled the local coffee. We moved onto Little Haven and Broad Haven, ending with a local ice cream and a stroll across the beach, avoiding the papparatsie. We then headed home to catch the sunset. Good Times !!
Chris was full up with Man Flu so he was stuck to the sofa with a glass of Beechams. Michelle and I decided to take the coastal path to the beach and on to Porthgain.
After starting off with the sun hiding behind the clouds it made an appearance before we had gone a mile it’s rays warm and welcome. The mist was far out to sea and the coast was stunning.
Both of us had some really good photos, we went down to the beach took a few pics but mainly did some long over due sun worshipping. We went paddling and although the water was freezing it was great fun. Back up on top more photos of great scenery. At Porthgain we went in the Sloop Inn for mackerel pate and a pint, then back to the cottage to spruce up for the evening meal, which was back down in the Sloop Inn. Appetites sated it was back for Jenga and more alcohol can you see a pattern emerging here.
by Steve Hone
WELSH SALON
2011
This year’s acceptances have just been announced and two of our members have digital images selected to be displayed in the Salon for this year.
Mark Richards with two acceptances:- Clevedon Pier and Monmouth Sunrise
 Clevedon Pier |
 Monmouth Sunrise |
Pradip Kotecha (PK) has one image:- Early Morning Rays
Early Morning Rays
Well done to both of them, it’s a good achievement for themselves, but also for the club.
L.R.P.S. Success
Congratulations to our own SIMON KING on obtaining his L.R.P.S. distinction at the Focus on Imaging show, 6th March 2011. The Royal Photographic Society held a distinction’s adjudication at the show and Simon entered a panel of 10 prints and was successful.
Well done.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
To see the individual images, click here.
Photography and the Law – by Tim Foreshaw
3rd March 2011
This evenings lecture was prepared and presented by our own Tim Foreshaw. The topic “Photography and the Law” is not the most interesting of topics to sit down and listen to but Tim had other ideas.
His presentation was professional, interesting, informative and funny. It was obvious that Tim had put an enourmous amount of effort and research into preparing the lecture. It lasted for the two hours with a short break for tea/coffee and everyone sat there taking it all in. Tim’s presentation skills are wonderful, keeping everyone interested with what he was saying. We all learned an enormous amount about the subject.
There was good interaction from the floor with good questions asked of Tim being rewarded with bars of chocolate!!
I feel that this is a lecture that all clubs would benefit from.
Our thanks go out to Tim for a great evening.
The Ace of Clubs Competition
Saturday 19th February 2011
We hosted the Ace of Clubs competition at our club for the first time in our clubs history. It turned out to be a really great day for the competing clubs, the Welsh Photographic Federation and of course ourselves. Here are a few images of the day.
A full report follows……
A full report follows……
 Ace Hall 1 |
 Ace Hall 2 |
 The Catering Team |
|
 Food Layout |
|
 The Selectors |
|
 Team Work |
|
2011 has arrived and with it our first news item of the year.
Congratulations go to our Vice Chairman, Simon King, for taking 4th place in the tenth round of the Amateur Photographer of the Year competition. well done Simon.
Our Chairman of many years is standing down.
The Chairman of a club is the figurehead, someone to look up to, someone to get advice from, someone to emulate. The chairman keeps the club together and keeps it moving on. Ted is all of the above, and more, but after at least, 12 years in office, he now feels it’s time to stand down and let someone else take over the reins.We as a club owe Ted a great debt of gratitude for all he has done for us, in both physical help and advice. He’s always first there at a meeting, putting out the chairs, setting up the lights, etc., and always last to leave, putting the chairs and lights away.He’s a loyal friend and we will miss him in office, but will look forward to having him as a member who will have the responsibilities of office, lifted off his shoulders.
We don’t want him to forget, that all he has done for us and the club, has been noted and really appreciated. This is not the end of his membership with the club, but a new beginning where he will have the freedom to do as, HE, wishes.
We wish him well.
by Alan Weybourne (Secretary)
Practical Evening
4th November 2010
We had a good model session on Thursday with Tara.
This time the lighting was set up for dark atmospheric pictures by only using one key light and a reflector where necessary.
Tara proved to be an able model, and offered a variety of poses, but also took direction when asked.
 |
 |
We had a variety of outfit changes and finished off with some ‘Film Noir’ type shoots
The session was a huge success, and we look forward to working with Tara again.
by Chris Waite
Devon Trip – 9 members
15th October 2010 – 18th October 2010
Devon Experience
On 15th October, the club again set off for their bi-annual trip. Destination this time – Totnes in the heart of Devon.
Meeting up at McDonalds at the Coldra, for breakfast and coffee, we then divided ourselves between three cars, complete with walkie-talkies, so that we could keep in touch with each other.
En route, we took the opportunity to visit Buckfast Abbey. This monastery, founded nearly 1,000years ago, had stood here for 500 years before its closure by Henry VIII. The abbey was rebuilt and lovingly restored by the monks in 1882. The Abbey and its innovative stained glass, gave us a wonderful opportunity to take photographs both inside and out. Before leaving we had to sample the first of many cream teas!
We arrived at our accommodation later that evening, and, after selecting our rooms and unloading our gear, it was time to stock up on supplies to sustain us for the weekend. I don’t think Stewart could get his head round the fact that we had calculated 81 rashers of bacon, two dozen eggs and how many slices in a roll of black pudding. Oh yes and how many beans each, Deb? There didn’t seem to any problems calculating the liquid refreshments!
Apologies to Morrison’s, Totnes, on descending upon them as we did. Last report of the young lad at the checkout is that he is responding well to therapy and councelling and even looking forward to going back to the fish counter.
Larder stocked, the Royal Seven Stars Hotel nearby, provided us with our evening meal. Here we were shown to our own private dining room. Our reputation must have preceded us!!!
Our weekend retreat was a large, expansive, converted cow barn and by the sounds of the cows nearby, I think they wanted it back. (Deb knows how to pick them!!).
Saturday morning, we were all awake at 06.00hrs, and by 06.30hrs, complete with tripod and cameras, set off to Dartmouth Castle, where we witnessed a glorious sunrise over the sea and over the castle.
Back to base, we were welcomed by the aroma of bacon and hot steaming tea prepared by Glyn and Karen. Chris – well he did open the door!
The weather looked promising, so we set off to Coleton Fishacre in Kingswear, Devon, the holiday home of the D’Oyly Carte family. This beautiful building is imbued with 1920 elegance. On a tour of the magical 30 acre garden and viewpoints out to sea, took us past ponds and tender plants from the Mediterranean, South Africa and New Zealand, which seem to thrive in the moist sheltered valley.
Time to move on to find a suitable place for the best Sunset location. Bigbury on Sea was selected. We were not disappointed. The sky was aglow for ages after the sun had set. Supper time found us in the nearby Royal Oak Hotel, where a fish and chip meal, concluded a lovely day. Sunday . Enjoyed a leisurely brunch, before taking advantages of the many sporting activities that were made available on this farm. Heated swimming pool, Squash court, Billiards even a trampoline!! We all selected the gentler form of golf. Montgomery needn’t bother to interview us for the Ryder Cup, we are all too busy. The winners were the Labrador and his caddy, the springer spaniel.
Energy released, we took off and made brief visits to Kingsbridge Estuary, Brixham and picturesque Salcombe, eventually finishing at Torcross Bay. We suppered at the Start Bay Inn. All good things must come to an end and on Monday after breakfast, we thought we would finalise our trip with a visit to the Otter and Butterfly Park in Buckfast. Here we were fortunate to be taken around by the otter keeper and witnessed the feeding of these creatures. This also gave us plenty of opportunity to take some good shots of these playful, wicked animals.
The weekend was splendid; the weather couldn’t have been better; the company convivial.
Once more many thanks to Debbie and Mark for arranging the trip. Well done.
by our roving reporter – Pat Wilks
Torquay and Eden Project – 11 members
Saturday 28th August 2010
We all met at Newport bus station for 7.45am where we were picked up and taken to a garden centre in Brean for a breakfast.
We had onboard entertainment lots of quizzes and crosswords and good answers from Debbie.
 |
 |
 |
 |
We then made our way down to Torquay and enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the promenade and harbour. Jan, Alan, Mark and myself had a liquid lunch in a lovely bar and we were lucky to be serenaded by two singers who even sang a request for us of Ol Man river. Chris and Karen were posh they had a Cornish cream tea. We were then picked up and taken to the Ashley Court hotel where we would be wined and dined and spend the night. We had entertainment and bingo and Alan was £15.00 richer at the end of the night. Mark was able to show off his butterfly stroke swimming skills to the club but he was not good enough for the Olympics. We then had a tournament. The poolians were Mark, Stewart, Chris, Karen and Julie and the dartsters were Alan, Jan, Deb Nigel and Carol. Mark was the champion at pool and Alan at the darts.
Sunday 29th We made our way to the Eden Project and spent the rest of the day there. The weather was brilliant and we all took some great pictures. We were then picked up and headed for home too frightened to go to sleep incase the paparazzi got you. Unfortunately Chris, Nigel and Jan failed to stay awake.
by Debbie Richards
Bowling and Chinese at Cardiff Bay – 13 members
Friday 6th August 2010
This was another trip for our members to participate in. We met at Newport train station and made our way to Cardiff Bay. We all had matching shoes on and everyone was in winning mode. ( I think Alan has been practicing secretly, as he won). We then enjoyed a lovely meal in the Oriental Gardens followed by strawberries and Marshmallows covered in chocolate from the chocolate fountain. YUM YUM.
by Debbie Richards
Trip to Kew Gardens
27th June 2010
This was a joint camera club trip with Western Valley Camera Club. The Kew Gardens trip was organised by Glyn of Western Valley and our Debbie. The weather was absolutely glorious which was arranged by Debbie!!We arrived at Kew for 11:30am and spent a lovely day looking around in the baking hot sun. Chris lost 2 stone in weight in the greenhouses!!!! Pat and Chris had a memorable experience in the massage chairs which was well worth a look. The day was enjoyed by everyone on the bus as well as the bingo and raffle. We managed to raise £33 from the raffle that was split between the two clubs. Many thanks to Western Valley for allowing us to join them on their trip.
by Mark Richards
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Hello. Back in June 2011 you came to Blists Hill Victorian Town and took some photographs. We believe you took some photos of us in the Bakery. We were wondering if you could email us a copy of them please, if you still have them. Many Thanks
Ron and Suzy (Baker and Victorian Lady)